Coupling unit

Abstract

The present invention relates to a coupling unit for a vehicle, comprising: a cross beam to be mounted on a rear region of a vehicle body by a vehicle body mount attachable to the rear region of the vehicle body; the invention relates to a cross-member for a vehicle body, comprising a cross-member, and a connecting element fixed to the cross-member and adapted to carry a coupling element for coupling a trailer or a load carrier to the vehicle body in order to achieve improved stability, the cross-member comprising two load-bearing elements, the two load-bearing elements extend between the body mounts and are arranged one behind the other in the X-direction of the coupling unit in order to support the connecting element via their central portions, and the load-bearing elements have a cross-section extending in the Z-direction of the coupling unit, the extension is equal to at least five times, preferably at least ten times, of the extension of the cross-section of the carrier element in the X-direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a coupling unit for a vehicle, comprising a crossbeam which is mounted on a rear region of a vehicle body by means of a vehicle body mount which is attachable to the rear region of the vehicle body, and a connection element which is fixed to the crossbeam and is suitable for carrying a coupling element for coupling a trailer or a load carrier to the vehicle body. BACKGROUND

[0002] Coupling units of this type are known from the prior art. SUMMARY

[0003] For such a coupling unit, the object is always to provide a coupling unit which has a simple design concept which combines a vehicle body mount and a crossbeam with sufficient rigidity and stability in order to withstand the expected loads acting on the coupling element.

[0004] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a crossbeam which comprises two carrier elements which extend between the vehicle body mounts and are arranged one behind the other relative to one another in the X direction of the coupling unit in order to support the connection element by means of their central portions, and which have a cross section which extends in the Z direction of the coupling unit which is at least five times, preferably at least ten times, as great as the extension of the cross section of the carrier elements in the X direction.

[0005] The advantage of the invention is that the design of the carrier elements is simple on the one hand and sufficiently stable due to the extension in the Z direction to withstand the expected loads acting on the coupling element, and on the other hand, due to the limited extension of the carrier elements in the X direction, this design is able to adapt to the small space available under the rear bumper unit of the vehicle.

[0006] In order to reduce the space necessary for the crossbeam in the X direction of the coupling unit, a preferred design provides that at least one of the carrier elements is a flat bar and the flat bar is provided with at least one flat surface which extends essentially in the Z direction of the coupling unit, so that the cross-sectional dimension of the flat bar in the X direction is smaller than in the case of the use of tube material or other elements.

[0007] It is further advantageous if both carrier elements are made of flat bars, the flat surfaces of both carrier elements extending essentially in the Z direction of the coupling unit.

[0008] According to the previous definition of the shape of the carrier elements, it is possible for both carrier elements to be provided with flat surfaces, while the opposite surfaces of the flat elements can differ from flat surfaces, for example being curved in cross section or being provided with a bead or corrugation or crimping.

[0009] In order to provide a very simple design, it is advantageous if the two flat bars have flat surfaces on their opposite sides.

[0010] However, the flat surfaces on the opposite sides can extend at an angle deviating from parallel to each other.

[0011] Thus, the simplest design provides that the flat surfaces of the two flat bars extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0012] The aforementioned limitation of the shape of the flat bars also includes that the flat surface of one of the flat bars can extend at an angle greater than 0° with respect to the flat surface of the other flat bar.

[0013] However, if each of the two flat bars has a flat surface extending at an angle of less than 20° with respect to the flat surface of the other flat bar, the space required for the crossbeam can be reduced.

[0014] It is further advantageous if the flat surfaces of the flat bars extend substantially parallel to the Z-direction of the coupling unit.

[0015] The term "substantially" used in the limitations given in this application is intended to include all deviations from the parallel orientation to an angle of less than 15°, even better to an angle of less than 10°.

[0016] According to the application, the design of the flat bars provides that each flat bar is provided with at least one flat surface which extends transversely to its longitudinal direction over a distance greater than 10 times the thickness of the flat bar.

[0017] In particular, the flat bars are solid components having a thickness of at least 3 mm.

[0018] In order to provide a simple connection to the body mount, the carrier element is provided with a mounting portion which is fixed to the body mount.

[0019] It is particularly advantageous if the mounting portion of the carrier element is fixed to the body mount by a screw connection.

[0020] This screw connection makes it possible for the carrier element to be easily mounted to the body mount and, in particular, to be easily connected to the body mount during the installation of the coupling unit on the vehicle, so that the coupling unit can be sold to the customer without the body mount being connected to the carrier element.

[0021] In order to simplify the mounting of the mounting portions of the carrier elements to the body mount, it is provided that the body mount comprises a fixing portion which extends in the Y direction of the coupling unit, so that the carrier elements which also extend in the Y direction of the coupling unit can be easily fixed, in particular by means of their flat surfaces abutting on the fixing portion.

[0022] In order to provide for a simple assembly of the coupling unit according to the application, it is provided that the carrier elements are fixed to the connecting elements, in particular by means of a screw connection.

[0023] In order to increase the stability of the crossbeam, an advantageous solution provides that the carrier elements are provided with central portions which extend at a distance from one another in order to accommodate connecting elements therebetween.

[0024] This solution has the advantage that, on the one hand, connecting elements can be fixed to two carrier elements and, on the other hand, the carrier elements are provided with a rigid and stable connection to one another within their central portions, so that the stability of the crossbeam formed by the two carrier elements is improved.

[0025] In order to further increase the stability of the two carrier elements, it is provided that the two carrier elements extend between the body mounts, wherein the distance between the carrier elements increases from each body mount towards the central portions of the carrier elements, so that the greatest distance between the carrier elements exists at the central portions of the carrier elements and the smallest distance between the carrier elements exists at the body mounts, in particular at the mounting portions of the carrier elements which are connected to the body mounts.

[0026] A more advantageous solution provides that the two carrier elements define a free space between them with their flat surfaces, wherein in particular the free space extends between the central portions and beyond the central portions in the direction towards the mounting portions.

[0027] The design according to the application also has the advantage that the free space is at least open towards the road surface in the Z direction of the coupling unit, so that the connecting unit can be mounted between the carrier elements, which feature also facilitates the assembly of the coupling unit when it is mounted to the vehicle.

[0028] It is particularly advantageous that the free space between the carrier elements is designed in such a way that the connecting elements can be inserted therefrom at least one open side of the free space.

[0029] It is particularly advantageous that the connecting elements, together with the coupling elements, in particular together with the bearing units mounted thereon, can be inserted therefrom at least one open side of the free space.

[0030] It is further advantageous, in particular, that the at least one open side formed between the carrier elements extends in the Y direction of the coupling unit.

[0031] In order to further increase the stability of the cross member, it is also provided that the carrier elements are connected to one another in their lateral portions extending between the body mount and the central portion by means of support elements connecting the carrier elements.

[0032] In particular, the support elements are connected to the carrier elements by means of a screw connection, which also facilitates the assembly of the coupling unit, in particular by a user when it is mounted on the vehicle.

[0033] According to the invention, different designs exist with regard to the connection of the coupling element to the connection element.

[0034] For example, one design provides that the connection element, which carries the coupling element, carries a housing with a socket in order to accommodate a removable mounting portion of the coupling element, and also provides a locking system for fixing the removable mounting portion to the housing, which can be provided in the housing or in the removable mounting portion of the coupling element.

[0035] Another advantageous solution provides that the connection element carries a bearing unit for the coupling element, which is fixed to the connection element and enables the coupling element to be moved between an operating position, in which the coupling element extends substantially parallel to the X direction, and a rest position, in which the coupling element extends transversely to the X direction and the Z direction.

[0036] A more advantageous solution provides that the coupling element in the rest position is accommodated in a free space between the carrier elements, so that the free space enables the coupling element to be arranged in a rest position that is not visible from behind the vehicle and the coupling unit to be arranged in an optimally space-saving position.

[0037] With regard to the movement of the coupling element between the operating position and the rest position, no further details have been given to date.

[0038] One advantageous solution provides that a bearing unit enables the coupling element to be rotated relative to the connection element about at least one pivot axis.

[0039] In the presently described embodiments, no details of an advantageous design of the connection element have been given to date.

[0040] One such design comprises a flange element, which adjoins and is fixed to the central portion of the carrier element.

[0041] This design makes it possible to improve the stability of the coupling unit comprising two bearing elements.

[0042] A more advantageous solution provides that the connecting element is provided with at least one transverse connector extending between the flange elements.

[0043] In particular, this transverse connector is designed so that it carries the bearing unit, for example by means of a socket arranged in the transverse connector.

[0044] An alternative design provides that the connecting element comprises a transverse body connecting the central portions.

[0045] Advantageously, the transverse body is screwed to the central portions so as to provide easy assembly.

[0046] In particular, the transverse body comprises a bearing flange housing the bearing unit.

[0047] Other embodiments and advantages of the invention are the subject of the following detailed description and of the attached drawings.

[0048] In particular, the advantageous embodiments of the invention comprise a combination of the features defined as follows in the successive numbered embodiments.

[0049] 1. Coupling unit (20) for a vehicle (10), comprising a crossbar (22) mounted on a rear region (14) of a vehicle body (12) by means of a body mount (24) attachable to the rear region (14) of the vehicle body (12), and a connecting element (30) fixed to the crossbar (22) and suitable for carrying a coupling element (40) for coupling a trailer or load carrier to the vehicle body (12), wherein the crossbar (22) comprises two bearing elements (52, 54) extending between the body mount (24) and arranged one behind the other relative to each other in an X direction of the coupling unit (20) so as to support the connecting element (30) by means of a central portion (102, 104) thereof, and the bearing elements (52, 54) have a cross section extending in a Z direction of the coupling unit (20) equal to at least five times, preferably at least ten times, the extension of the cross section of the bearing elements (52, 54) in the X direction.

[0050] 2. Coupling unit (20) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one of the bearing elements (52, 54) is a flat bar and is provided with at least one flat surface (62, 66) extending substantially in the Z direction of the coupling unit (20).

[0051] 3. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 1, wherein the two carrier elements (52, 54) are both made of flat bars, and the flat surfaces (62, 66) of the two carrier elements (52, 54) extend essentially in the Z-direction of the coupling unit (20).

[0052] 4. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the two flat bars (52, 54) have flat surfaces (62, 64, 66, 68) on their opposite sides.

[0053] 5. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 4, wherein the flat surfaces (62, 64, 66, 68) of the two flat bars (52, 54) extend essentially parallel to each other.

[0054] 6. The coupling unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the two flat bars (52, 54) has a flat surface (62, 66) which extends at an angle of less than 20° with respect to the flat surface (62, 66) of the other flat bar (52, 54).

[0055] 7. The coupling unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flat surfaces (62, 64, 66, 68) of the flat bars (52, 54) extend essentially parallel to the Z-direction of the coupling unit (20).

[0056] 8. The coupling unit (20) according to one of claims 3 to 7, wherein each flat bar (52, 54) is provided with at least one flat surface (62, 66) which extends transversely to its longitudinal direction over a distance which is greater than ten times the thickness of the flat bar (52, 54).

[0057] 9. The coupling unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier elements (52, 54) are provided with mounting portions (82, 84, 86, 88) which are fixed to the body mount (24).

[0058] 10. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 9, wherein the mounting portions (82, 84, 86, 88) of the carrier elements (52, 54) are fixed to the body mount (24) by means of a threaded connection (92).

[0059] 11. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 10, wherein the body mount (24) comprises a fixing portion (74) which extends in the Y-direction of the coupling unit (20).

[0060] 12. The coupling unit (20) according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the body mount (24) extends with its mounting portion (72) substantially parallel to the X-direction of the coupling unit (20).

[0061] 13. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the flat bars (52, 54) adjoin with their flat surfaces (64, 66) on the fixed portions (74) of the body mounts (24).

[0062] 14. The coupling unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier elements (52, 54) are fixed to the connection element (30).

[0063] 15. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 14, wherein the carrier elements (52, 54) are fixed to the connection element (30) by means of a threaded connection (156, 158).

[0064] 16. The coupling unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier elements (52, 54) are provided with central portions (102, 104) which extend at a distance from one another in order to accommodate the connection element (30) therebetween.

[0065] 17. The coupling unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two carrier elements (52, 54) extend between the body mounts (24), wherein the distance between the carrier elements (52, 54) increases from each body mount (24) towards the central portions (102, 104) of the carrier elements (52, 54).

[0066] 18. The coupling unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two carrier elements (52, 54) define a free space (120) between them with their flat surfaces (62, 64), wherein in particular the free space (120) extends between the central portions (102, 104) and beyond the central portions (102, 104) in the direction towards the mounting portions (82, 84, 86, 88).

[0067] 19. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 18, wherein the free space (120) is at least open in the Z-direction of the coupling unit (20) towards the road surface.

[0068] 20. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the free space (120) between the carrier elements (52, 54) is designed such that the connection element (30) can be inserted therefrom at least one open side of the free space (120).

[0069] 21. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the connection element (30) together with the coupling element (40), in particular together with the bearing unit (164) mounted thereon, can be inserted therefrom at least one open side of the free space (120).

[0070] 22. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the at least one open side formed by the carrier elements (52, 54) extends in the Y direction of the coupling unit (20).

[0071] 23. The coupling unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier elements (52, 54) are connected to each other in their lateral portions (112, 114, 116, 118) extending between the body mount (24) and the central portion (102, 104) by support elements (182, 184).

[0072] 24. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 23, wherein the support elements (182, 184) are connected to the carrier elements (52, 54) by threaded connections (186, 188).

[0073] 25. The coupling unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection element (30) for carrying the coupling element (40) carries a housing (242) having a socket (244) in order to accommodate a removable mounting portion (246) of the coupling element (40) and further provides a locking system (248) in order to fix the removable mounting portion (246) to the housing (242).

[0074] 26. The coupling unit (20) according to one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the connection element (30) carries a bearing unit (164) for the coupling element (40), the bearing unit (164) being fixed to the connection element (30) and enabling the coupling element (40) to be moved between an operating position, in which the coupling element (40) extends substantially parallel to the X direction, and a rest position, in which the coupling element (40) extends transversely to the X direction and the Z direction.

[0075] 27. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 26, wherein the coupling element (40) in the rest position is accommodated in the free space (120) between the carrier elements (52, 54).

[0076] 28. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 26 or 27, wherein a bearing unit (164) enables the coupling element (40) to rotate relative to the connection element (30) about at least one pivot axis (166).

[0077] 29. The coupling unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection element (30) comprises flange elements (136, 138) which adjoin and are fixed to the central portions (102, 104) of the carrier elements (52, 54).

[0078] 30. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 29, wherein the connection element (30) is provided with at least one cross-connector (142) extending between the flange elements (136, 138).

[0079] 31. The coupling unit (20) according to claims 29 to 30, wherein at least one cross-connector (142) carries the bearing unit (164).

[0080] 32. The coupling unit (20) according to one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the connection element (30") comprises two cross-bodies (192, 194) connecting the central portions (102, 104).

[0081] 33. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 32, wherein the cross-bodies (192, 194) are screwed to the central portions (102, 104).

[0082] 34. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 32 or 33, wherein the cross-bodies (192, 194) comprise bearing flanges (204, 214) accommodating the bearing unit (164). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0083] Figure 1 A side view of a vehicle provided with a coupling unit according to the application is shown;

[0084] Figure 2 A rear lower portion of a vehicle body and a first embodiment of the application mounted thereto are shown;

[0085] Figure 3A perspective view of a coupling unit is shown, which coupling unit comprises a vehicle body mount, a cross beam and a coupling element connected to the cross beam by a connecting element;

[0086] Figure 4 A perspective view of a coupling unit is shown, which coupling unit comprises a vehicle body mount, a cross beam and a coupling element connected to the cross beam by a connecting element; Figure 3 A top view of the coupling unit is shown, wherein the coupling element is in its working position;

[0087] Figure 5 A perspective view of a coupling unit is shown, which coupling unit comprises a vehicle body mount, a cross beam and a coupling element connected to the cross beam by a connecting element;

[0088] Figure 6 A perspective view of a coupling unit is shown, which coupling unit comprises a vehicle body mount, a cross beam and a coupling element connected to the cross beam by a connecting element;

[0089] Figure 7 A perspective view of a coupling unit is shown, which coupling unit comprises a vehicle body mount, a cross beam and a coupling element connected to the cross beam by a connecting element;

[0090] Figure 8 A perspective view of a coupling unit is shown, which coupling unit comprises a vehicle body mount, a cross beam and a coupling element connected to the cross beam by a connecting element;

[0091] Figure 9 A perspective view of a coupling unit is shown, which coupling unit comprises a vehicle body mount, a cross beam and a coupling element connected to the cross beam by a connecting element;

[0092] Figure 10 A perspective view of a coupling unit is shown, which coupling unit comprises a vehicle body mount, a cross beam and a coupling element connected to the cross beam by a connecting element; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] According to Figure 1 The motor vehicle 10 comprises a vehicle body 12 on which in a rear lower region 14 a coupling unit 20 according to the invention is mounted, which coupling unit comprises a cross beam 22 which is covered by a rear bumper unit 16 of the vehicle 10 and which extends on the rear region 14 transversely to a longitudinal direction 18 of the vehicle body 12 and transversely to a vertical vehicle longitudinal center plane VVP and a vehicle body mount 24 which extends approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction 18 of the vehicle body 12 and is fixed thereto, for example along a vehicle body wall portion 26, and / or which adjoins on the rear region 14, for example by forming a flange, and forms together with the cross beam 22 a carrier unit 28 which is partially covered by the vehicle body 12 and partially covered by the bumper unit 16.

[0094] Disposed on the carrier unit 28 is a connection element 30 to which a coupling element, designated as a whole 40, such as a ball neck, is connected by a first end 42 and extends from the connection element to a second end 44 at which a ball carrier 46, for example with a coupling ball 48, is connected, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 .

[0095] The cross member 22, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 , comprises two carrier elements 52, 54 which are arranged one behind the other relative to each other in the X direction of the coupling unit 20 and extend between the body mounts 24 in the Y direction of the coupling unit 20 and are both fixed to the body mounts 24.

[0096] Each carrier element 52, 54 has an extension in the Z direction which is equal to at least five times, preferably at least ten times, the thickness in the X direction of the coupling unit 20.

[0097] The X direction, Y direction and Z direction of the coupling unit 20 align with the longitudinal direction 18 of the vehicle body 12 and the vehicle longitudinal center plane VVP in the case of the coupling unit 20 being mounted to the vehicle body 12, such that in the case of the vehicle 10 being arranged on a horizontal plane HP representing a road, the X direction extends essentially in the horizontal direction and parallel to the longitudinal direction 18.

[0098] The Y direction extends transversely to the vehicle longitudinal center plane VVP and thus essentially in the horizontal direction transversely to the X direction and parallel to the horizontal plane HP forming the road.

[0099] and the Z direction extends transversely to the X direction and the Y direction and also parallel to the vertical vehicle longitudinal center plane VVP and transversely, in particular vertically, relative to the horizontal plane HP.

[0100] In the preferred embodiment, the carrier elements 52, 54 have the shape of a flat bar, the carrier element 52 having two flat surfaces 62, 64 and the carrier element 54 having flat surfaces 66, 68 which extend essentially parallel to each other and essentially parallel to the Z direction.

[0101] To connect the cross member 28 with the body mount 24, each body mount 24 comprises a mounting portion 72 fixed to the respective body wall portion 26 of the vehicle body 12 and a fixing portion 74 extending transversely to said mounting portion 72 and substantially parallel to the Y direction, such that the carrier elements 52, 54 abut on opposite sides of said fixing portion 74 with their respective mounting portions 82, 84 and 86, 88, respectively, and are connected therewith, for example by means of screw connections 92, which enable the carrier unit 28 and the body mount 24 to be easily assembled.

[0102] As can be best seen in Figure 4 The two carrier elements 52, 54 comprise a central portion 102, 104, respectively, arranged in between the mounting portions 82 and 84 and 86 and 88, which extends substantially parallel to each other.

[0103] In addition, the carrier elements 52, 54 are provided with lateral portions 112, 114 and 116, 118, respectively, which extend from the mounting portions 82, 84 or 86, 88 to the central portions 102, 104 at increasing distances relative to each other, when extending from their mounting portions 82, 84 or 86, 88 and towards the central portions 102, 104, such that a free space 120 is formed between the central portions 102 and 104 and the lateral portions 112, 114 and the lateral portions 116, 118.

[0104] In this free space the connection element 30 is arranged, which connects the central portions 102 and 104 of the carrier elements 52, 54 in a manner that they abut on the inner sides 132, 134 of the carrier elements 52, 54 by means of flange elements 136, 138, which are supported relative to each other by means of lateral connectors 142 and 144 and 146.

[0105] In particular, the flange elements 136, 138 are stabilized relative to each other on their outer sides in the Y direction by means of the lateral connectors 142, 144 and 146, in order to provide stabilization of the central portions 102, 104 of the carrier elements 52, 54 on these lateral outer sides.

[0106] In addition, the lateral connectors 142, 144 and 146 are arranged such that they also stabilize the flange elements 136, 138 on their upper and lower sides, when viewed in the Z direction, in order to stabilize the central portions 102 and 104 of the carrier elements 52, 54 on their upper side as well as on their lower side.

[0107] According to a preferred embodiment, the flange elements 136, 138 and the transverse connectors 142, 144, 148 are fixed relative to each other by means of the weld seams 152 in the case of the transverse connector 142 and by means of the weld seams 154 in the case of the transverse connectors 144, 146, such that the flange elements 136, 138 together with the transverse connectors 142, 144, 146 form a rigid connection unit 30 which stably carries the central portions 102 and 104 of the carrier elements 52, 54 relative to each other in all directions X, Y and Z in order to obtain a carrier unit 20 with the necessary stability.

[0108] Preferably, the connection elements 30 are fixed to the central portions 102 and 104 by means of the screw connections 156 and 158 which enable easy assembly of the carrier elements 52, 54 and the connection elements 30, whereas the welded connections of the connection elements 30 between the flange elements 136 and 138 and the transverse elements 142, 144, 146, all connected by means of the weld seams 152, 154, represent pre-shaped parts for assembly with the carrier elements 52, 54 by means of the screw connections 156, 158.

[0109] Preferably, each of the central portions 102 and 104 is connected to the respective flange element 136, 138 by means of at least three screw connections, in this case two screw connections 156, 158 on the upper side and one screw connection 156, 158 on the lower side, respectively.

[0110] In an embodiment according to Figures 3 to 8 , the transverse element 142 extends between the flange elements 136, 138 at an inclined angle and is provided with an opening 162 in order to accommodate a bearing unit 164 which enables the coupling element 40 to be pivoted about a pivot axis 166 between Figure 3 the working position and the rest position shown.

[0111] The bearing unit 164 extends on both sides of the plate-like transverse element 142, for example, with its pivotable body 172 on one side to which the first end 42 of the coupling element 40 is fixed, and with a drive and gear unit 174 on the other side, for example shown in Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 8 , which extends within the accommodation space 120 between the lateral portions 112 and 116 of the carrier elements 52, 54.

[0112] According to this embodiment, the coupling element 140 can be pivoted about the pivot axis 166 from its working position to Figure 8The shown rest position is the position in which the coupling element 40 is arranged within the accommodation portion 120 between the lateral portions 114 and 118, wherein the coupling ball 48 is arranged below the coupling element 40.

[0113] For additional support between the lateral portions 112, 116 and the lateral portions 114 and 118, support elements 182 and 184 extend between the lateral portions 112 and 116 and the lateral portions 114 and 118, which are for example C-shaped and are connected to the lateral portions 112 and 114 by means of screw elements 186 and to the lateral portions 116 and 118 by means of screw elements 188.

[0114] For providing optimized conditions for using the accommodation space 120, the support elements 182 and 184 are arranged at a distance from the connecting element 30 such that they are arranged between the coupling element 40 in the rest position and the gear unit 174.

[0115] Figure 9 The further embodiment shown in Fig. 6 uses the same design of the carrier elements 52 and 54 and the body mount 24, however, for providing a simplified form, the connecting element 30' comprises only two lateral bodies 192, 194.

[0116] The lateral body 192 comprises a connecting flange 202 fixed to the central portion 102 by means of the upper and lower screw connections 156 and a bearing flange 204 extending at an inclined angle with respect to the central portion 102.

[0117] The lateral body 194 comprises a connecting flange 212 screwed to the central portion 104 by means of the upper and lower screw connections 158 and a bearing flange 214 extending at an inclined angle with respect to the central portion 104 and parallel to the bearing flange 204, such that the bearing flanges 204 and 214 abut each other and both accommodate the bearing unit 164 for pivotably mounting the coupling element 40 in the same manner as disclosed in connection with the first embodiment. In particular, the bearing unit 164 can also maintain the bearing flanges 204 and 214 abutting each other when accommodated by the bearing flanges 204 and 214.

[0118] An advantage of this embodiment is that the assembly of the connecting element 30' can be performed at the assembly of all components of the coupling unit 20, for example before mounting it to the vehicle 10.

[0119] According to Figure 10 The further embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the carrier elements 52 and 54 have the same design as explained in connection with the preceding embodiments.

[0120] In particular, the central portions 102 and 104 have the same design as explained before.

[0121] In comparison with the previous embodiments, the coupling element 30" comprises two lateral elements 222, 224 arranged at a distance from each other and extending from the central portion 102 to the central portion 104 and having mounting flanges 232 and 234 and 236 and 238 for their fixing to the central portions 102 and 104 by means of the threaded connections 156 and 158 in order to fix and stabilize the central portions 102 and 104 with respect to each other.

[0122] Furthermore, the lateral elements 222, 224 house a housing 242 arranged between them, which is also threaded to the lateral element 222 as well as to the lateral element 224 and has a socket 244 in which a removable mounting portion 246 of the coupling element 40 can be inserted and fixed, so that the coupling element 40 with its mounting element can be removed from the housing 242 without use, while in use the mounting portion 246 is inserted into the socket 244 and is locked by a locking system 248 provided in said mounting portion 246 or in said housing 242 in order to fix the coupling element 40 with respect to the connecting element 30" to prevent removal and rotation.

[0123] According to this embodiment, the assembly of the components of the coupling element 30" can take place at the time of assembly of all the other components of the coupling unit, for example just before its installation to the vehicle 10.

Claims

1. A coupling unit (20) for a vehicle (10), comprising: A crossbeam (22) is mounted on the rear region (14) of a vehicle body (12) via a vehicle body mounting (24) which is attachable to the rear region (14) of the vehicle body (12); and a connecting element (30) which is fixed to the crossbeam (22) and is suitable for carrying a coupling element (40) for coupling a trailer or a load carrier to the vehicle body (12), characterized in that the crossbeam (22) comprises two carrying elements (52, 54) which extend between the vehicle body mounting (24) and are arranged one behind the other in the X direction of the coupling unit (20) so as to support the connecting element (30) via their central portion (102, 104), and the carrying elements (52, 54) have a cross section extending in the Z direction of the coupling unit (20) which is equal to at least five times, preferably at least ten times, the extension of the cross section of the carrying elements (52, 54) in the X direction.

2. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that At least one of the carrier elements (52, 54) is a flat rod, and the flat rod is provided with at least one flat surface (62, 66) extending substantially in the Z direction of the coupling unit (20).

3. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that Both supporting elements (52, 54) are made of flat bars, and the flat surfaces (62, 66) of the two supporting elements (52, 54) extend substantially in the Z direction of the coupling unit (20).

4. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The two flat bars (52, 54) have flat surfaces (62, 64, 66, 68) on opposite sides thereof.

5. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 4, characterized in that The flat surfaces (62, 64, 66, 68) of the two flat bars (52, 54) extend substantially parallel to each other.

6. Coupling unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Each of the two flat rods (52, 54) has a flat surface (62, 66) that extends at an angle of less than 20° relative to the flat surface (62, 66) of the other flat rod (52, 54).

7. Coupling unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The flat surfaces (62, 64, 66, 68) of the flat rods (52, 54) extend substantially parallel to the Z direction of the coupling unit (20).

8. The coupling unit (20) according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that Each flat rod (52, 54) is provided with at least one flat surface (62, 66) extending transversely to its longitudinal direction over a distance greater than ten times the thickness of said flat rod (52, 54).

9. Coupling unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The carrier element (52, 54) is provided with a mounting portion (82, 84, 86, 88) fixed to the vehicle body mount (24).

10. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 9, characterized in that The mounting portions (82, 84, 86, 88) of the carrier elements (52, 54) are fixed to the vehicle body mounting part (24) by means of a threaded connection (92).

11. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 10, characterized in that The vehicle body mounting member (24) includes a fixing portion (74) extending to the Y direction of the coupling unit (20).

12. Coupling unit (20) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that The body mounting part (24) extends with its mounting portion (72) essentially parallel to the X direction of the coupling unit (20).

13. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that The flat rods (52, 54) abut with their flat surfaces (64, 66) on the fixing portion (74) of the body mount (24).

14. Coupling unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The carrier elements (52, 54) are fixed to the connecting element (30).

15. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 14, characterized in that The carrier elements (52, 54) are fixed to the connecting element (30) by means of screw connections (156, 158).

16. Coupling unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The carrier elements (52, 54) are provided with central portions (102, 104) extending at a distance from each other in order to accommodate the connecting element (30) therebetween.

17. Coupling unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The two load-bearing elements (52, 54) extend between the body mounts (24), wherein the distance between the load-bearing elements (52, 54) increases from each body mount (24) towards a central portion (102, 104) of the load-bearing elements (52, 54).

18. Coupling unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The two carrier elements (52, 54) define a free space (120) between the carrier elements (52, 54) with their flat surfaces (62, 64), wherein, in particular, the free space (120) extends between the central parts (102, 104) and extends beyond the central parts (102, 104) in the direction towards the mounting part (82, 84, 86, 88).

19. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 18, characterized in that The free space (120) is open at least toward the road surface in the Z direction of the coupling unit (20).

20. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that The free space (120) between the carrier elements (52, 54) is designed such that the connecting element (30) can be inserted therein from at least one open side of the free space (120).

21. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that The connecting element (30) together with the coupling element (40), in particular together with the bearing unit (164) mounted thereon, can be inserted into the free space (120) from at least one open side thereof.

22. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that The at least one open side formed by the carrier elements (52, 54) extends in the Y direction of the coupling unit (20).

23. Coupling unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The carrier elements (52, 54) are connected to one another in their lateral sections (112, 114, 116, 118) extending between the body mount (24) and the central section (102, 104) via support elements (182, 184).

24. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 23, characterized in that The support element (182, 184) is connected to the load-bearing element (52, 54) via a threaded connection (186, 188).

25. Coupling unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The connecting element (30) for carrying the coupling element (40) carries a housing (242) having a socket (244) for accommodating a removable mounting portion (246) of the coupling element (40), and also provides a locking system (248) for securing the removable mounting portion (246) to the housing (242).

26. Coupling unit (20) according to one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that The connecting element (30) carries a bearing unit (164) for the coupling element (40), which is fixed to the connecting element (30) and enables the coupling element (40) to be moved between an operating position and a rest position, in which the coupling element (40) extends substantially parallel to the X direction and in which the coupling element (40) extends transversely to the X direction and the Z direction.

27. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 26, characterized in that The coupling element (40) in the rest position is accommodated in the free space (120) between the carrier elements (52, 54).

28. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that A bearing unit (164) enables the coupling element (40) to rotate relative to the connecting element (30) about at least one pivot axis (166).

29. Coupling unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The connecting element (30) includes a flange element (136, 138) that abuts the central portion (102, 104) of the carrier element (52, 54) and is fixed thereto.

30. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 29, characterized in that The connecting element (30) is provided with at least one transverse connector (142) extending between the flange elements (136, 138).

31. The coupling unit (20) according to claims 29 to 30, characterized in that At least one transverse connector (142) carries the bearing unit (164).

32. Coupling unit (20) according to one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that The connecting element (30") comprises two transverse bodies (192, 194) connecting the central portions (102, 104).

33. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 32, characterized in that The transverse body (192, 194) is threadably connected to the central portion (102, 104).

34. The coupling unit (20) according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that The transverse body (192, 194) includes a bearing flange (204, 214) that receives the bearing unit (164).

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