Suspension device, motor vehicle, trailer and load-bearing system

Abstract

The invention relates to a suspension device (2) having a coupling body (6) for forming a motor vehicle trailer coupling, the coupling body (6) having an electromagnet (16) for generating a magnetic holding force as a safety measure for preventing an unintentional or unauthorized separation of the motor vehicle trailer coupling, a control unit (18) being provided for controlling the coupling body (6), the control unit is designed to monitor the state of charge of the battery (26) for supplying the electromagnet (16) with electrical power at least when the electromagnet (16) is activated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a suspension device. In addition, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle, a trailer and a load-bearing system. Background Art

[0002] In the automotive sector, various suspension devices are available, which are used to form a coupling between a tractor and a trailer. Therefore, the corresponding suspension devices are also called trailer couplings. In the passenger car sector, so-called ball couplings are particularly widely used. Summary of the invention

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide an advantageously designed suspension arrangement. It is also the object of the invention to provide an advantageously designed motor vehicle, an advantageously designed trailer and an advantageously designed support system.

[0004] This object is achieved by a suspension device having the features of claim 1, by a motor vehicle having the features of claim 6, by a trailer having the features of claim 8 and by a support system having the features of claim 9. The advantages and preferred embodiments listed with respect to the suspension device can also be transferred to the remaining devices, i.e. to the motor vehicle, the trailer and the support system, and vice versa. Advantageous embodiments with suitable developments of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

[0005] The suspension device according to the invention is hereby provided for use in the motor vehicle sector, in particular for battery-driven (partially electric (hybrid) or fully electric) motor vehicles, and has a coupling body for forming a motor vehicle-trailer coupling. Here, the term "motor vehicle-trailer coupling" in the sense of the present application denotes a coupling between a motor vehicle and a trailer or a load-bearing system, for example a so-called bicycle rack. The suspension device is therefore preferably not only used to connect a tractor to a trailer. Instead, according to an embodiment variant, the suspension device is alternatively or additionally designed for fastening the aforementioned load-bearing system to the motor vehicle. In particular, the design of the suspension device allows, as required, the load-bearing system to be fastened to the motor vehicle or the tractor to be connected to the trailer.

[0006] Independently of this, the coupling body has at least one electromagnet, which is preferably integrated into the coupling body. Each electromagnet is advantageously part of an electrical system of the suspension device or forms such an electrical system. The electromagnet is used to generate a magnetic holding force, if necessary, in order to protect or secure the vehicle-trailer coupling against unintentional and / or unauthorized separation. In other words, the magnetic holding force is provided to prevent unintentional and / or unauthorized separation of the vehicle-trailer coupling.

[0007] The suspension device is preferably designed in this case such that a magnetic holding force is provided and / or can be used only as a safety measure of the aforementioned type. In other words, a magnetic holding force is preferably not required for the use of the motor vehicle-trailer coupling in road traffic. For this purpose, the suspension device instead preferably has a design that enables a sufficiently stable and reliable mechanical connection when constructing the motor vehicle-trailer coupling. This is preferably independent of whether the coupling connects the motor vehicle to a trailer or to a load-bearing system.

[0008] It is also expedient if the suspension device has at least one operating element, by actuating which the electromagnet can be activated and / or deactivated. The corresponding operating element is part of the electrical device of the suspension device and is formed, for example, by a switch or a button.

[0009] It is further preferred that at least one operating element is positioned so that it is protected from unauthorized use, for example by being arranged behind a lockable flap. If the suspension device is part of a motor vehicle, the corresponding operating element is preferably arranged in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, i.e., for example, in the area of ​​the front console or on the inside of a door of the motor vehicle. According to an alternative embodiment variant, the corresponding operating element is positioned behind a so-called tank cover. If the suspension device is part of a trailer, at least one operating element is preferably positioned in the interior area of ​​the trailer, in particular when the respective trailer is designed as a so-called camper or travel trailer.

[0010] As an alternative or in addition to this, the suspension device is configured such that the electromagnet, that is, at least one electromagnet, can be activated and can be activated by a radio signal from a transmitting unit. For this purpose, the electrical device of the suspension device has a receiving unit, which is designed to receive the corresponding radio signal. The transmitting unit is then typically part of an operating unit, which is designed, for example, as a remote control, that is, in particular in the manner of a garage opener, as a vehicle key or a smartphone, which is typically equipped with a special operating application.

[0011] It is also advantageous if the suspension device and in particular the electrical device has at least one indicator element, i.e. a light emitting diode, for example. The corresponding indicator element is advantageously used to indicate when the electromagnet is activated, i.e. supplied with electrical power. A variant is preferably provided in which the corresponding indicator element is arranged on the coupling body or integrated into the coupling body.

[0012] If the electromagnet can be activated and deactivated by radio signals as described above, it is further preferred that the suspension device and in particular the electrical device have not only a receiving unit but also a transceiver unit. In this case, the electrical device of the suspension device is usually configured such that during activation of the electromagnet a radio signal is emitted for confirmation of activation. Advantageously, the electrical device of the suspension device is also configured such that during deactivation of the electromagnet a radio signal is also emitted for confirmation of deactivation.

[0013] Furthermore, embodiments of the suspension device are advantageous which are designed for use in the passenger car sector, in particular for battery-operated (partially electric (hybrid) or fully electric) motor vehicles. In this case in particular, the suspension device is then designed in the form of a ball-trailer coupling, and the coupling body usually has a ball head, i.e. a body whose outer surface is at least very close to a spherical surface. If at least one electromagnet is integrated into the suspension device, the electromagnet is typically arranged in the interior of the ball head.

[0014] In an advantageous improvement, the coupling body also has a cantilever / bracket supporting the ball head. Here, preferably the indicator element described above is integrated into the cantilever, or the corresponding indicator element is positioned on the cantilever.

[0015] Independently of this, the at least one electromagnet is preferably arranged and oriented in such a way that the magnetic holding force, referred to the ground system, acts at least predominantly in the vertical direction.

[0016] In order to supply electrical power to the at least one electromagnet, the suspension device and in particular the electrical device of the suspension device typically has a battery. As an alternative, the suspension device and in particular the electrical device of the suspension device has at least one interface through which electrical power can be supplied, so that electrical power can be supplied to the at least one electromagnet through the interface.

[0017] Furthermore, a design is preferably provided in which the electromagnet is designed for operation with an AC voltage. In this case, the support device and in particular the electrical device of the support device preferably has an inverter for converting a DC voltage into an AC voltage for the at least one electromagnet. Alternatively, the electromagnet is designed for operation with a DC voltage. In this case, the support device and in particular the electrical device of the support device preferably has a DC voltage converter.

[0018] If the support device is part of a motor vehicle, the electrical system of the support device is advantageously part of the onboard power system of the motor vehicle, for example a battery-operated (partially electric or fully electric) motor vehicle. In this case, the at least one electromagnet is then supplied with electrical power via the onboard power system of the motor vehicle. In this case, the battery of the motor vehicle is typically used as the energy source for the electromagnet and in particular as the energy source for the entire electrical system of the support device. Depending on the embodiment variant, the battery is a so-called high-voltage battery (HV battery) or a so-called low-voltage battery (NV battery). In some applications, the battery is then an additional battery that is additionally designed to supply electrical power to the at least one electromagnet and in particular to the entire electrical system of the support device.

[0019] If the support device is part of a trailer, the electrical system of the support device is advantageously part of the onboard power system of the trailer. In this case, the at least one electromagnet is then supplied with electrical power via the onboard power system of the trailer. Typically, the battery of the trailer then serves as the energy source for the electromagnet and in particular for the entire electrical system of the support device.

[0020] In an advantageous development, the suspension device and in particular the electrical device of the suspension device then has a control unit which is designed to monitor the charge state of the battery at least when the electromagnet is in operation, i.e. when the electromagnet is activated. If the suspension device is part of a motor vehicle, preferably at least the motor vehicle has a control unit provided for this purpose.

[0021] Furthermore, the control unit is preferably configured to determine a measured value representing the state of charge at least when the electromagnet is activated, a threshold value, namely a first threshold value, being generally predetermined or predeterminable independently of the operating state of the electromagnet, and to automatically carry out a number of actions at least when the electromagnet is activated if the measured value falls below the first threshold value. It is particularly advantageous if the suspension system is part of a motor vehicle.

[0022] The aforementioned certain number of actions more preferably includes at least one of the following actions:

[0023] - send notifications to receivers,

[0024] - reducing the electrical power supplied to the electromagnet,

[0025] - Deactivation of the electromagnet and thus termination of the supply of electrical power.

[0026] In this case, the control unit described above is then expediently configured to automatically carry out a certain number of actions or at least to initiate the carrying out of a certain number of actions.

[0027] If the action is to send a notification, the notification is typically sent by means of the aforementioned transceiver unit via a radio signal, i.e., for example, as a message to a smartphone. If a reduction in electrical power is provided for supplying power to at least one electromagnet, the adaptation is typically carried out in stages. That is, at least two supply stages are provided, which differ in voltage value and / or current intensity.

[0028] According to another embodiment variant, a smaller or lower second threshold value is predetermined or can be predetermined for the action, i.e. deactivation of the electromagnet, so that the action is automatically carried out only when the second threshold value is fallen below. Independently of this, the advantage of such an action is in particular that the battery is part of the onboard electrical system of the motor vehicle and is not only used to supply power to the electromagnet and the electrical devices of the suspension system.

[0029] In an advantageous development, the first threshold value and / or the second threshold value can be predefined by the above-mentioned operating unit, ie, for example, by the above-mentioned operating application on the smartphone, or by an onboard computer of the motor vehicle.

[0030] As at least already described above, according to an embodiment variant, the suspension device is part of a motor vehicle, in particular a battery-operated and partially or fully electric vehicle, part of a trailer or part of a load-bearing system, ie, for example, a so-called bicycle carrier.

[0031] If the suspension device is part of a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle is further preferably arranged such that the electromagnet is automatically deactivated when it is activated, i.e. when the electric power supply to the electromagnet is activated, i.e. the power supply is automatically terminated when the vehicle is started, i.e., when the power motor of the motor vehicle is started, for example. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Further advantages, features and details of the invention are apparent from the claims, the following description of preferred embodiments and from the schematic drawings. The drawings show:

[0033] Figure 1 A motor vehicle having a suspension device is shown in a block diagram; and

[0034] Figure 2 The suspension device is shown in a side view.

[0035] Parts that correspond to one another are provided with the same reference symbols in all the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The suspension device 2 described below is exemplarily Figure 12, in particular a battery-operated (partially electric (hybrid) or fully electric) motor vehicle, and having a coupling body 6 for forming a motor vehicle-trailer coupling. The suspension device 2 is designed in the manner of a ball-trailer coupling and has a cantilever arm 8 and a ball head 10 positioned at the end on the cantilever arm 8. In this case, in this embodiment, as shown by Figure 2 It can be seen that a portion of the cantilever 8 is an eyelet for fixing a safety cable or a brake cable.

[0037] The suspension device 2 also has an electrical device 14. Here, an electromagnet 16 is part of the electrical device 14, which is integrated into the ball head 10. The electromagnet 16 is positioned and oriented in such a way that a magnetic holding force can be generated, which acts at least substantially in the vertical direction with respect to the grounding system. The magnetic holding force serves as a safety measure against an unintentional and / or unauthorized separation of the vehicle-trailer coupling.

[0038] Furthermore, the electrical device 14 is part of an onboard electrical system of the motor vehicle 4 and in this case comprises, in this exemplary embodiment, a control unit 18 , an operating element 20 , a transceiver unit 22 , an indicator element 24 and a battery 26 .

[0039] In the present exemplary embodiment, the operating element 20 is designed as a button which is positioned in a manner not shown in detail behind a tank cap of the motor vehicle 4. By actuating the button, the electromagnet 16 can then be activated and deactivated.

[0040] According to this embodiment, the indicator element 24 is designed as a light emitting diode and is positioned on the cantilever 8 of the coupling body 6. Preferably, the light emitting diode is arranged recessed in the cantilever 8 and is therefore integrated into the cantilever 8.

[0041] The control unit 18 is advantageously arranged such that it causes the indicator element 24 to be activated when the electromagnet 16 is activated and to be deactivated when the electromagnet 16 is deactivated.

[0042] Furthermore, control unit 18 is preferably configured to control transceiver unit 22 and to process radio signals received by transceiver unit 22. Motor vehicle 4 is then additionally configured to activate and deactivate electromagnet 16 by radio signals, which are transmitted, for example, by a remote control, a vehicle key or a smartphone.

[0043] Furthermore, the motor vehicle 4 is preferably configured to send status messages by radio signals by means of the transceiver unit 22, in particular each time the electromagnet 16 is activated or deactivated. The status messages are designed in particular such that they can be processed by an operating application on a smartphone.

[0044] Finally, the electrical device 14 and in particular the electromagnet 16 are supplied with power if necessary by means of a battery 26 .

[0045] List of reference numerals:

[0046] 2 Suspension equipment

[0047] 4 Motor Vehicles

[0048] 6 Connector

[0049] 8 Cantilever

[0050] 10 Ball Head

[0051] 12 Eyelets

[0052] 14 Electrical installations

[0053] 16 Electromagnet

[0054] 18 Control Unit

[0055] 20 Operating elements

[0056] 22 Transceiver Unit

[0057] 24 Indicator element

[0058] 26. Battery

Claims

1. A suspension device (2) having a coupling body (6) for forming a motor vehicle-trailer coupling, wherein: The coupling body (6) has an electromagnet (16) for generating a magnetic holding force as a safety measure against an unintentional or unauthorized separation of the motor vehicle-trailer coupling. It is characterized in that A control unit (18) is provided, which is configured to monitor the charge state of a battery (26) for supplying electrical power to the electromagnet (16) at least when the electromagnet (16) is activated.

2. The suspension device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that The coupling body (6) has an indicating element (24) for indicating the operating state of the electromagnet (16).

3. The suspension device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The coupling body (6) has a ball head (10) for forming a ball-trailer coupling.

4. Suspension device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The control unit (18) is configured to determine a measured value representing the state of charge at least when the electromagnet (16) is activated, such that a threshold value is predetermined or can be predetermined and a certain number of actions are automatically carried out when the measured value falls below the threshold value.

5. The suspension device (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that The certain number of actions include one or more of the following actions: - send notifications to receivers, - reducing the electrical power supplied to the electromagnet (16), - Deactivating the electromagnet (16).

6. A motor vehicle (4) having a suspension arrangement (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

7. The motor vehicle (4) according to claim 6, characterized in that The motor vehicle is designed so that when the electromagnet (16) is activated, the electromagnet (16) is automatically deactivated when the vehicle is started.

8. A trailer having a suspension device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. A load-bearing system having a suspension device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images