Trailer hitch

Abstract

A receiver hitch for a tow vehicle includes a tubular receiver centrally located in the receiver hitch having a receiver opening facing outwardly of the tow vehicle. Coupling pin openings are located in opposing side walls of the tubular receiver having a common axis and configured to receive a coupling pin. A detection device for detecting the coupling pin is located about an exterior of the tubular receiver and includes a coupling pin opening located in an opposing side wall and having a common axis with the coupling pin opening in the tubular receiver. Electrical contacts at the coupling pin opening in the detection device are in communication with an electrical circuit of the tow vehicle. The coupling pin operates to close the electrical circuit when inserted into the openings in the detection device and the tubular receiver and in contact with the electrical contacts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a towing coupling device for pulling a trailer behind a tractor, and more specifically, to a device for detecting the presence of a coupling pin in the receiver tube of the towing coupling device. Background Technology

[0002] Towing couplings are typically mounted on vehicles for towing trailers and supporting numerous accessories, such as bicycle racks and storage systems. A commonly used trailer coupling design is a receiver trailer coupling (receiver coupling) utilizing a receiver tube configured to receive and support the tow bar and / or mounting bar of the items just described. When installed in the receiver tube, a locking pin or coupling pin passes through openings in the receiver tube and the tow bar to lock the tow bar in place. A simple and reliable device and system are desired for determining the presence of the coupling pin in the towing coupling. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one exemplary embodiment, a receiver coupling device for a tractor unit includes a tubular receiver located at the center of the receiver coupling device and having a receiver opening facing the outside of the tractor unit. A coupling pin opening is located in opposite sidewalls of the tubular receiver, having a common axis, and is configured to receive a coupling pin therein. A detection device for detecting the coupling pin is located around the outside of the tubular receiver and includes a coupling pin opening in opposite sidewalls, having a common axis with the coupling pin opening in the tubular receiver. An electrical contact at the coupling pin opening in the detection device is in communication with the circuitry of the tractor unit. The coupling pin is operable to close a circuit when inserted into the openings in the detection device and the tubular receiver and in contact with the electrical contacts, wherein the circuit operates upon closure of the coupling pin to indicate the presence or absence of the coupling pin in the receiver coupling device.

[0004] In addition to one or more features described herein, the detection device is constructed as a sleeve member, which is tubularly configured to be located around the outside of the tubular receiver.

[0005] In addition to one or more features described herein, the sleeve member has an embedded electrical conductor that is mechanically and electrically isolated from the tubular receiver when mounted on it.

[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, a polymer injection process is used to encapsulate the electrically conductive material formed therein to construct the sheathing component.

[0007] In addition to one or more features described herein, an electrical conductor includes an electrical contact and an electrical connector communicating with the electrical contact.

[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, the electrical connector is connected to the circuitry of the tractor unit.

[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, the circuit is connected to the passenger alarm system of the tractor unit.

[0010] In addition to one or more features described herein, the receiver connector includes a tubular pull rod adapted to slidably engage with a tubular receiver through a receiver opening. The tubular pull rod includes a pull rod lifter terminating at a connecting ball support. A central hole extends through the connecting ball support, receiving a connecting ball and a locking nut therein. Connecting pin openings in opposite sidewalls of the tubular pull rod have a common axis and are positioned therein to receive a connecting pin. When assembled into the tubular receiver, the tubular pull rod is axially adjusted until the axis of the connecting pin opening in the pull rod aligns with the axis of the connecting pin opening in the receiver tube, allowing the connecting pin to be inserted through the tubular pull rod, the detection device, and the tubular receiver to lock the tubular pull rod into engagement with the tubular receiver of the receiver connector and to close the circuit by contact with electrical contacts when inserted into the openings in the detection device, the tubular pull rod, and the tubular receiver.

[0011] In another exemplary embodiment, a detection device for detecting a connecting pin in a tubular receiver of a receiver connection device includes a sleeve member configured for external engagement around the tubular receiver and including a connecting pin opening located in opposite sidewalls of the sleeve member and having a common axis. An electrical conductor is embedded in the sleeve member and is mechanically and electrically isolated from the tubular receiver when mounted on it. An electrical contact located at the connecting pin opening communicates with the electrical conductor, and an electrical connector communicates with the electrical contact via the electrical conductor, wherein inserting the connecting pin into the connecting pin opening closes the circuit defined by the electrical conductor.

[0012] In addition to one or more features described herein, a polymer injection process is used to encapsulate the electrically conductive material formed therein to construct the sheathing component.

[0013] In yet another exemplary embodiment, a tractor unit includes a receiver coupling device mounted on the tractor unit, the receiver coupling device comprising: a tubular receiver located at the center of the receiver coupling device; a receiver opening in the tubular receiver facing outwards from the tractor unit; and a coupling pin opening located in opposite sidewalls of the tubular receiver, having a common axis and configured to receive a coupling pin therein. A detection device for detecting the coupling pin is located around the outside of the tubular receiver and includes a coupling pin opening in opposite sidewalls, having a common axis with the coupling pin opening in the tubular receiver. An electrical contact at the coupling pin opening in the detection device is in communication with the circuitry of the tractor unit. The coupling pin is operable to close a circuit when inserted into the coupling pin opening in the detection device and the tubular receiver and in contact with the electrical contact, wherein the circuit, when closed by the coupling pin, is operable to indicate the presence or absence of the coupling pin in the receiver coupling device.

[0014] In addition to one or more features described herein, the detection device is constructed as a sleeve member, which is tubularly configured to be located around the outside of the tubular receiver.

[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, the sleeve member has an embedded electrical conductor that is mechanically and electrically isolated from the tubular receiver when mounted on it.

[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, a polymer injection process is used to encapsulate the electrically conductive material formed therein to construct the sheathing component.

[0017] In addition to one or more features described herein, an electrical conductor includes an electrical contact and an electrical connector communicating with the electrical contact.

[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, the electrical connector is connected to the circuitry of the tractor unit.

[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, the circuit is also connected to the passenger alarm system of the tractor unit.

[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, the tractor unit includes a tubular tie rod adapted to slidably engage with a tubular receiver through a receiver opening. The tubular tie rod includes a tie rod lifter terminating at a connecting ball support. A central bore extends through the connecting ball support, receiving a connecting ball and a locking nut therein. Connecting pin openings in opposite sidewalls of the tubular tie rod have a common axis and are positioned therein to receive a connecting pin. When assembled into the tubular receiver, the tubular tie rod is axially adjusted until the axis of the connecting pin opening in the tie rod aligns with the axis of the connecting pin opening in the receiver tube, allowing the connecting pin to be inserted through the tubular tie rod, the detection device, and the tubular receiver to lock the tubular tie rod into engagement with the tubular receiver of the receiver connection device, and to close the circuit by contact with electrical contacts when inserted into the openings in the detection device, the tubular tie rod, and the tubular receiver.

[0021] The above-described features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages, of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Other features, advantages, and details appear only by way of example in the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a partial perspective rear view of the tractor unit, showing the installation location of the traction coupling device;

[0024] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle and a trailer connected using the traction coupling device disclosed herein;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the traction coupling device embodying the features of this disclosure;

[0026] Figure 4 This embodies the characteristics of this disclosure. Figure 3 A perspective view of the receiver tube of the traction connection device;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a semi-transparent perspective view of the connecting pin sensor embodying the features of this disclosure; and

[0028] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of a circuit diagram that embodies the features of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following description is exemplary in nature only and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. It should be understood that in all the figures, corresponding reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts and features. As used herein, the term module refers to processing circuitry, which may include application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and electronic circuitry, processors (shared, dedicated, or grouped) and memories executing one or more software and / or firmware programs, combinational logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.

[0030] refer to Figure 1 and 2 A towing coupling 10 is shown relative to the tractor unit 12. The towing coupling can be installed as a factory feature or aftermarket accessory and, as discussed, can be used to tow a trailer 13 or for mounting various accessories on the tractor unit. The towing coupling 10 is typically a receiver coupling 14, which can be attached to the structure of the tractor unit 12 by welding or fasteners 15. The receiver coupling 14 has a tubular receiver (receiver) 16 located at its center. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiver 16 is an axially extending square or rectangular tube 18 (other cross-sections are conceivable) having a receiver opening 20 facing the trailer 13. Coupling pin openings 22 are located in opposing sidewalls 26 and 28. The coupling pin openings 22 share a common axis 30 and are positioned therein to receive a coupling pin 32. When inserted into the coupling pin opening 22, the coupling pin 32 extends laterally through the tubular receiver 16.

[0031] like Figure 2As shown, the tubular pull rod 40 is adapted to be slidably engaged with a tubular receiver 16 through a receiver opening 20. The tubular pull rod 40 may include a pull rod lifter 42 terminating at a generally horizontal connecting ball support 44. The connecting ball support 44 has a central hole (not shown separately) extending therethrough, which receives a connecting ball 46 secured by a locking nut 48. In other applications, the tubular pull rod 40 may be a support for an accessory such as a bicycle rack or storage rack (not shown). The tubular pull rod 40 includes a pair of connecting pin openings (not shown) located on opposite sidewalls of the pull rod. The connecting pin openings share a common axis and are positioned therein to receive a connecting pin 32. When inserted into the connecting pin openings, the connecting pin 32 extends laterally through the tubular pull rod 40.

[0032] The connecting pin 32, the connecting pin opening 22 in the tubular receiver 16, and the associated connecting pin opening in the tubular tie rod 40 are safety features of the receiver coupling device 14. When assembled into the axial extension tube 18 of the tubular receiver 16, the tubular tie rod 40 is axially adjusted until the axis of the connecting pin opening of the tubular tie rod 40 is aligned with the common axis 30 of the connecting pin opening 22 in the receiver tube 18. This alignment of the connecting pin openings allows the connecting pin 32 to be simultaneously inserted into the connecting pin openings of both the receiver tube 18 and the tie rod 40, thereby locking the tubular tie rod 40 into engagement with the tubular receiver 16 of the receiver coupling device 14. This now ensures that the trailer 13 is securely attached to the tractor 12.

[0033] Now for reference Figure 3 , 4 And 5, and continue to refer to Figure 1 and 2 A detection device 60 for detecting a connecting pin 32 is disclosed. The detection device 60 is configured as a sleeve member 62, which is tubularly arranged for external engagement around a tubular receiver 16. The sleeve member 62 includes a pair of connecting pin openings 66 located in opposite sidewalls 68 and 70. The connecting pin openings 66 share a common axis 30 of the tubular receiver 16 and are positioned therein to receive the connecting pin 32.

[0034] In one embodiment, the sleeve member 62 is made of a non-conductive polymer material, for example, during injection molding. Other non-conductive materials and manufacturing methods are conceivable. The molding process for constructing the sleeve member 62 includes an overmolding step in which an electrical conductor 74 is embedded within the polymer injection molded part, thereby providing structural mechanical and electrical isolation from the tubular receiver 16. Figure 5 As shown, the electrical conductor 74 has electrical contacts 76 extending from the sleeve member 62 at two connecting pin openings 66. When inserted into the connecting pin openings 66, the connecting pin 32 will contact the electrical contacts 76 of the electrical conductor 74. The electrical conductor 74 also includes an electrical connector 78 communicating with the electrical contacts 76. The electrical connector 78 can be connected to... Figure 6 The circuit 82 is connected to a mating connector (not shown). In one embodiment, the circuit 82 is connected to an alarm system 84 of the tractor 12, which operates to notify the receiver of the presence (or absence) of the coupling pin 32 in the receiver coupling device 14; including when a tow bar or other accessory is present. Figure 6 As shown, the absence of the connecting pin 32 causes the circuit 82 to disconnect, and an information message can be displayed to the operator, for example, via the driver interface 90. Conversely, inserting the connecting pin 32 into the aligned connecting pin openings 22, 66 to contact the electrical contact 76 of the electrical conductor 74 closes the circuit 82, and notifies the operator, for example, via the driver interface that the connecting pin 32 is in place. In an exemplary embodiment, the presence of the connecting pin can cause the circuit 82 to disable certain functions of the tractor 10, such as opening the vehicle's tailgate.

[0035] Using the standard connecting pin 32 to close the circuit 82 associated with the passenger alarm system 84 can be used to include the following functions: a) as a safety precaution, notifying the operator of the presence and / or absence of the connecting pin 32; b) preventing damage to the tailgate by preventing the door from being opened when the lever is present in the receiver; and c) enabling the towing mode of the towing vehicle, which depends on, for example, the presence of the installed lever.

[0036] While the foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and equivalents can replace its elements without departing from its scope. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A receiver coupling device for a tractor unit, comprising: A tubular receiver located at the center of the receiver connection device; The receiver opening in the tubular receiver faces the outside of the tractor; The coupling pin opening, located in the opposite sidewalls of the tubular receiver, has a common axis and is configured to receive therein a coupling pin for securely attaching the trailer to the tractor. A detection device for detecting a connecting pin, located around the outside of a tubular receiver and including a connecting pin opening in opposite sidewalls and having a common axis with a connecting pin opening in the tubular receiver; as well as The electrical contact at the opening of the connecting pin in the detection device is connected to the circuit of the tractor. The connecting pin is operable to close the circuit when inserted into the opening of the connecting pin in the detection device and the tubular receiver and in contact with the electrical contact. The circuit operates when the connecting pin is closed to inform the receiver of the presence or absence of the connecting pin in the connecting device.

2. The receiver connection device according to claim 1, wherein, The detection device is constructed as a sleeve member, which is tubularly arranged around the outside of the tubular receiver.

3. The receiver connection device according to claim 2, wherein, The sleeve member has an embedded electrical conductor that is mechanically and electrically isolated from the tubular receiver when mounted on the tubular receiver.

4. The receiver connection device according to claim 3, wherein, The sleeve component is constructed by using a polymer injection process to encapsulate the electrically conductive material formed therein.

5. The receiver connection device according to claim 3, wherein, The electrical conductor includes the electrical contact and an electrical connector communicating with the electrical contact.

6. The receiver connection device according to claim 5, wherein, The electrical connector is connected to the circuit connector of the tractor.

7. The receiver connection device according to claim 1, wherein, The circuit is connected to the passenger alarm system of the tractor.

8. The receiver connection device according to claim 1, further comprising: A tubular pull rod adapted to be slidably engaged with the tubular receiver through the receiver opening, the tubular pull rod comprising: The pull rod lifter terminates at the connecting ball support; Extending through the central hole of the connecting ball support, which receives the connecting ball and the locking nut therein; and The connecting pin openings in opposite sidewalls of the tubular tie rod have a common axis and are positioned therein to receive the connecting pin, wherein... When assembled into the tubular receiver, the tubular tie rod is axially adjusted until the common axis of the connecting pin opening in the tubular tie rod is aligned with the common axis of the connecting pin opening in the tubular receiver, so that the connecting pin can be inserted through the tubular tie rod, the detection device, and the tubular receiver to lock the tubular tie rod into engagement with the tubular receiver of the receiver connection device, and to close the circuit by contacting the electrical contacts when inserted into the openings in the detection device, the tubular tie rod, and the tubular receiver.

9. A detection device for detecting a connecting pin in a tubular receiver of a receiver coupling assembly, the connecting pin being used to securely attach a trailer to a tractor, the detection device comprising: A sleeve member configured for external engagement around a tubular receiver, including a connecting pin opening located in opposite sidewalls of the sleeve member and having a common axis; An electrical conductor embedded in a sleeve component is mechanically and electrically isolated from the tubular receiver when mounted on it. The electrical contact at the opening of the connecting pin is connected to an electrical conductor, and An electrical connector that is connected to electrical contacts via an electrical conductor, wherein a connecting pin is inserted into a connecting pin opening to close a circuit defined by the electrical conductor.

10. The detection device according to claim 9, wherein, The sleeve component is constructed by using a polymer injection process to encapsulate the electrically conductive material formed therein.

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