Trailer coupling

Abstract

The invention relates to a trailer coupling comprising a ball neck which can be moved between a working position and a resting position, which ball neck is connected at a first end to a pivot bearing unit and carries a coupling ball at a second end, by means of which the ball neck can be pivoted between the working position and the resting position, the rotary locking device acts between the guide body of the pivot bearing unit and the pivot bearing body and is provided with at least two rotary locking units, and each rotary locking unit is provided with a rotary locking body. In order to improve the trailer coupling in such a way that the trailer coupling permits easy fixing of the actuating body in the rotationally locked position, it is proposed that a locking device is provided, which is arranged in the rotationally locked position and which can be moved in the guided direction by means of a guide receptacle and which can be moved in the guided direction by means of a pressure-bearing surface provided on the actuating body, in such a way that the actuating body can be fixed in the rotationally locked position by means of a pressure-bearing surface provided on the actuating body. The locking device comprises a locking body which can be brought into a securing position, in which the actuating body is secured in the rotational locking position, and into a ready position, in which the belt is located outside the securing position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a trailer coupling comprising a ball neck movable between a working position and a rest position, the ball neck being connected at a first end to a pivot support unit and carrying a coupling ball at a second end, wherein the ball neck is pivotable between the working position and the rest position by means of the pivot support unit ball neck for pivoting movement about a pivot axis, and having a rotation locking device acting between a guide body and the pivot support body of the pivot support unit, comprising at least two rotation locking units, each having a rotation locking body movably guided in a guiding direction by means of a guide receiving portion of the guide body and movable in that guiding direction by a bearing surface extending transversely to the guiding direction and disposed on an operating body, wherein, by movement of the operating body in the operating direction, the rotation locking bodies of all rotation locking units are movable and loadable in the guiding direction, and wherein the rotation locking bodies of all rotation locking units are in In the working or stationary position, movement in the guide direction can bring the rotary locking body into a rotary locking position, in which each rotary locking body engages with one of the at least two working position receptacles or one of the at least two stationary position receptacles to block pivoting movement of the pivot support and guide relative to each other about the pivot axis. The rotary locking body can be brought into a release position, in which it disengages from the corresponding working or stationary position receptacle and releases pivoting movement between the pivot support and guide. In all the relative pivoting positions provided between the pivot support and guide, except for the working and stationary positions, movement of the operating body in the operating direction is blocked, and thus, force-loaded engagement of the rotary locking body of each rotary locking unit to one of the working or stationary position receptacles is also blocked. Summary of the Invention

[0002] Starting from known solutions, the task of this invention is to optimize their functionality.

[0003] In the case of a trailer coupling of this type, the task is accomplished by providing a locking device, which includes a locking body that can be moved to a safe position that secures the operating body in a rotary locking position and to a ready position that is outside the safe position.

[0004] The advantage of the solution according to the invention is that the manipulator can be easily fixed in the rotationally locked position.

[0005] In particular, the fixation of the manipulator in the rotational locking position is achieved not only in the working position but also in the stationary position.

[0006] It is particularly advantageous here that the locking body is guided on, and especially in, the guide body of the pivot support unit.

[0007] In particular, it is advantageous that the locking body is guided in a guide section arranged on the guide body.

[0008] The arrangement of the guide portion for the locking body on the guide body has not yet been described in detail.

[0009] Therefore, an advantageous solution specifies that the guide portion for the locking body is arranged in the wall region of the guide body adjacent to the operating body.

[0010] In particular, this wall region of the guide body is located on the one hand between the operating bodies and on the other hand on the pivot support, especially in the end flange of the pivot support.

[0011] The movement of the locking body in the guide section can be achieved in the most different forms and ways.

[0012] One particularly advantageous structural solution provides that the locking body in the guide can be moved in a direction approximately parallel to the pivot axis.

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferably specified that the locking body engages in the receiving portion in the operating body in the corresponding safety position, so as to fix the operating body in the rotational locking position.

[0014] Furthermore, no detailed explanation was given regarding the preparatory positions.

[0015] Therefore, an advantageous solution stipulates that the locking body is positioned adjacent to the manipulator in the preparatory position.

[0016] Furthermore, the simplicity of the solution to be implemented proves advantageous, as the locking body, in the safe position, is initiated from and guided by the guide portion and correspondingly engages at one end with the receiving portion of the operating body.

[0017] Furthermore, it has been proven advantageous that the locking body can be secured in a safe position via an operating device.

[0018] Such a control device can be designed in the most different forms and ways.

[0019] One particularly advantageous solution specifies that the operating device includes a slide guide and a slide follower movable through the slide guide, which is connected to a locking body.

[0020] Preferably, the follower in this slide can be moved approximately parallel to the pivot axis via the slide guide.

[0021] Furthermore, it has been proven advantageous that the chute guide can move in a plane transverse to the pivot axis.

[0022] A particular advantage is that the chute guide can be moved by a control device.

[0023] For example, the operating device is constructed such that it includes a body that carries a slide guide and is rotatably movable relative to the slide follower.

[0024] In particular, it is specified here that the chute guide has at least one chute guide rail that acts on the chute follower.

[0025] A particular advantage is that the chute guide has two chute rails that act on and guide the chute follower, thus creating the possibility (if necessary) to always position the chute follower in a defined manner.

[0026] In particular, it is possible that the two slide rails together fix the slide follower in a pre-defined safety position.

[0027] Another advantageous solution specifies that the first slide rail includes a rail section that can move the slide follower from a position that determines a safety position to a position that determines a preparatory position.

[0028] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the second slide rail has a rail section that moves the slide follower from a position corresponding to the preparatory position to a position in which the slide follower is spring-loaded elastically in the direction toward the safety position.

[0029] This means that the follower is elastically loaded by the spring through the guide rail section slide so that (if this is feasible by the position of the operating body) it can be moved to the safe position.

[0030] Furthermore, in the case of two sliding guide rails, it is specified that the first sliding guide rail functions through the movement of the sliding guide in the first rotational direction, while the second sliding guide rail functions through the movement of the sliding guide in the opposite rotational direction.

[0031] Furthermore, it is preferably specified that the operating device can be driven by an operating unit for rotating the locking device, and in particular, the operating device is connected to the operating unit.

[0032] This solution has the following major advantages: the operation of the locking body can be directly connected to the operating unit used for the rotary locking device.

[0033] Specifically, it is specified here that the slide rail is arranged on the rotatable body of the planetary gear transmission mechanism of the operating unit for the rotary locking device.

[0034] In particular, the rotatable body of this planetary gear transmission mechanism is its internal gear, which carries a sliding guide rail on its peripheral side.

[0035] Furthermore, it is preferably specified that the locking device has a sensor for detecting the position of the locking body.

[0036] The sensor is constructed such that it can detect the safety position and the ready position by applying different actions to it.

[0037] In particular, the slide follower is connected to the locking body by means of a transmission element, so that the locking body follows all the movements of the slide follower.

[0038] Furthermore, preferably, the transmission element is connected to a sensor manipulation element that performs the manipulation of the sensor.

[0039] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that a blocking surface extends between the working position receiving portion and the resting position receiving portion, to which the rotary locking body can be placed and from which the working position receiving portion and the resting position receiving portion extend. The rotary locking unit, the working position receiving portion, and the resting position receiving portion are arranged angularly spaced from each other about the pivot axis such that in all the pivot positions provided opposite to each other of the pivot support and guide (except for the working position and the resting position), the rotary locking body of at least one of the rotary locking units is positioned opposite one of the blocking surfaces, and thus these blocking surfaces, especially in the case of force loading of the operating body, prevent the movement of the operating body in the operating direction and thus similarly prevent the engagement of the rotary locking body of each of the rotary locking units with the force loading in one of the working position receiving portions or the resting position receiving portions.

[0040] The advantage of the solution according to the invention is that the fixing of the operating body in the release position can be achieved in a simple and reliable manner by means of the pre-existing rotary locking body, and in addition, significant noise reduction is achieved when the trailer coupling moves from the release position to the rotary locking position of the rotary locking body, since the rotary locking body can be easily slid from the blocking surface into the receiving part.

[0041] Furthermore, in the case of a trailer coupling of a previously described form, the solution according to the invention is alternatively or supplementally implemented relative to the previously described solution in the following manner: the rotary locking unit is arranged at angular intervals around the pivot axis to form a rotary locking configuration; the working position receiving portion and the stationary position receiving portion are arranged at the same angular intervals around the pivot axis to form a receiving portion configuration for the working position and the stationary position, respectively; the rotary locking configuration and the receiving portion configuration of the working position receiving portion in the working position or the receiving portion configuration of the stationary position receiving portion in the stationary position coincide with each other, thereby allowing the rotary locking body to engage in the working position receiving portion or the stationary position receiving portion; and the angular interval between the rotary locking units in the rotary locking configuration and the angular interval between the working position receiving portion or the stationary position receiving portion in the receiving portion configuration are selected such that the rotary locking configuration and the receiving portion configuration coincide with each other only in the working position or the stationary position and therefore only in the working position or the stationary position is the transfer of the operating body from the release position to the rotary locking position possible, while in other pivot positions where the pivot support and the guide are opposite to each other, the transfer of the operating body from the release position to the rotary locking position is not possible.

[0042] Alternatively or supplementally to the previously described solution according to the invention, another advantageous solution specifies that at least one of the rotary locking units is not unequal in angular intervals relative to the rotational direction about the pivot axis and relative to adjacent rotary locking units arranged opposite to that rotational direction, and that in the working position, the working position receiving portion is arranged such that the rotary locking body of each of the rotary locking units can be brought into engagement with each of the working position receiving portions, and in the rest position, the rest position receiving portion is arranged such that the rotary locking body of each of the rotary locking units can be brought into engagement with each of the rest position receiving portions, and in all pivotal positions other than the working and rest positions where the pivot support and guide are opposite each other, the rotary locking body of at least one of the rotary locking units is positioned opposite to a blocking surface located between the working and rest position receiving portions, and these blocking surfaces, in particular, prevent the movement of the operating body from the release position to the rotary locking position when the operating body is force-loaded.

[0043] The unequal angular intervals originate from the same angular interval, for example, at least half of the angular range traversed by each extension in the receiving portion, preferably up to an order of magnitude of the angular range traversed by each extension in the receiving portion, deviating from the same angular interval.

[0044] The advantage of all the above-described solutions according to the invention is that a structurally simple solution is thus available, which allows the manipulator to be held in the release position and can be transferred to the rotary locking position only in the working position and in the rest position, wherein, in particular, the rotary locking body that is already present for the rotary locking device can be used advantageously.

[0045] A particularly advantageous finding associated with the solution according to the invention is that the number of rotary locking units corresponds to the number of working position accommodating portions and the number of stationary position accommodating portions.

[0046] Furthermore, in order to obtain a solution that is compact in space, especially in the direction of the pivot axis, it is advantageous that the rotation locking bodies of all rotation locking units are constructed and arranged symmetrically relative to the geometric plane that extends perpendicular to and intersects with the pivot axis.

[0047] One particularly advantageous solution specifies that the blocking surface extends, in particular, transversely to, and preferably perpendicularly to, the rotary locking body of the rotary locking unit, in the direction of the guide, such that the rotary locking body can be moved across the blocking surface with little or no resistance when it is in contact with the blocking surface.

[0048] Of particular advantage is that the blocking surfaces extend around the pivot axis with a defined radius, so that in the case of pivoting motion, the rotational locking bodies abutting against these blocking surfaces do not perform additional radial movement relative to the pivot axis.

[0049] Furthermore, it is advantageously stipulated that the blocking surface extends to and transitions into the opening edges of the working position receiving portion and the resting position receiving portion.

[0050] In particular, it is preferably specified that the opening edges of the working position receiving portion and the resting position receiving portion are at the same radial distance from the pivot axis as the blocking surface, so that the movement of the rotating locking body against the blocking surface across the opening edge into the receiving portion can be achieved without additional motion resistance, as would occur, for example, in the case where the opening edge and the pivot axis are at different distances relative to the blocking surface and the pivot axis.

[0051] In particular, this solution also has the advantage of enabling a simple and resistance-free transition of the pivot support from the working position to the pivot position, since in this case the rotary locking body can also move away from the working position receiving portion and the stationary position receiving portion via the opening edge with virtually no resistance and in the direction of the blocking surface.

[0052] Particularly advantageous is that at least one of the rotary locking bodies of the rotary locking unit abuts against, and particularly against, one of the blocking surfaces during the relative pivoting movement between the pivot support and the guide body toward the working position, especially during the pivoting movement extending from the rest position to the working position, wherein the force loading is achieved, for example, by providing a retraction receiving portion in the operating body for the release position of the rotary locking body, which acts on the rotary locking body with a surface extending transversely to the guiding direction.

[0053] It is particularly advantageous that the rotary locking body is forcefully pressed against the blocking surface before reaching the working position and then forcefully pressed against the opening edge of the receiving part before entering the receiving part, so that the noise characteristics during the transfer of the rotary locking body from the release position to the rotary locking position can be kept as low as possible, in contrast to the case where the rotary locking body first approaches the blocking surface with a gap, is then forcefully placed on the blocking surface and then enters the working position receiving part from the blocking surface, or the case where the rotary locking body moves relative to the blocking surface with a gap to the working position and experiences force loading in the working position in order to enter the working position receiving part.

[0054] A particularly advantageous aspect of the construction of the working position receiving part is that the working position receiving part extends from the blocking surface in the guiding direction, especially with at least one component in the radial direction relative to the pivot axis, so that the rotary locking body never experiences additional turning when entering the working position receiving part while moving in the guiding direction.

[0055] Particularly advantageous is that at least one of the rotary locking bodies of the rotary locking unit abuts against, and particularly against, one of the blocking surfaces during the relative pivoting movement between the pivot support and the guide towards the rest position, especially during the pivoting movement extending from the working position to the rest position, wherein the force loading is achieved, for example, by providing a retraction receiving portion in the control body for the release position of the rotary locking body, which acts on the rotary locking body with a surface extending transversely to the guide direction.

[0056] It is particularly advantageous that the rotary locking body is forcefully pressed against the blocking surface before reaching the stationary position and then forcefully pressed against the opening edge of the stationary position receiving part before entering the stationary position receiving part. This minimizes the noise characteristics during the transfer of the rotary locking body from the released position to the rotary locking position, in contrast to the case where the rotary locking body is first spaced relative to the blocking surface, then forcefully placed on the blocking surface and then enters the stationary position receiving part from the blocking surface, or the case where the rotary locking body moves with a gap relative to the blocking surface to the stationary position and experiences force loading in the stationary position in order to enter the stationary position receiving part.

[0057] A particularly advantageous aspect of the construction of the stationary position receiving part is that the stationary position receiving part extends from the blocking surface in the guiding direction, especially with at least one component in the radial direction relative to the pivot axis, so that the rotary locking body never experiences additional turning when entering the stationary position receiving part while moving in the guiding direction.

[0058] Furthermore, the orientation of the working position receiving part and the stationary position receiving part and the blocking surface relative to the guide sleeve is not described in more detail.

[0059] Therefore, an advantageous solution specifies that the working position receiving part and the stationary position receiving part and the blocking surface are arranged facing the guide sleeve, thereby enabling the rotational locking body to move towards the blocking surface or towards the working position receiving part and the stationary position receiving part without steering.

[0060] Generally, the pivot support and guide can pivot relative to each other about the pivot axis.

[0061] However, a particularly structurally advantageous solution stipulates that the guide body is part of the pivot support unit.

[0062] Furthermore, regarding the construction specifications of the guide body, a guide receiving portion for all rotary locking bodies used in the rotary locking unit is arranged within the guide body.

[0063] Furthermore, it is preferable that the guiding direction extends in at least one component in the radial direction relative to the pivot axis, so that the rotary locking body is moved between the rotary locking position and the release position in at least one component in the radial direction relative to the pivot axis and thus does not achieve a unique movement of the rotary locking body in the direction of the pivot axis, so as to facilitate the movement of these rotary locking bodies between the rotary locking position and the release position.

[0064] A particularly advantageous structural solution specifies that the guide body has a guide sleeve with a guide housing for the rotary locking body for the rotary locking unit, and in particular the rotary locking body is guided by a guide body that is closely attached to the pivot support in the radial direction.

[0065] In connection with the description of the above embodiments, how the pivot support body should be pivotally supported on the pivot support unit is not discussed in more detail.

[0066] For this purpose, for example, the support can be provided on the pivot support unit, which is independent of the guide body.

[0067] However, the guide body is particularly simple in structure, having a pivot support for the pivot support body, that is, a pivot support for the pivot support body or a pivot support for the pivot support body formed by the surface of the guide body itself.

[0068] The movement of the manipulator relative to the guide body was also not described in detail.

[0069] Therefore, an advantageous solution stipulates that the manipulator is movably guided relative to the guide body.

[0070] Here, the manipulator can move between a rotationally locked position and a released position relative to the guide body in the direction of the pivot axis, so as to move the rotationally locked body to the corresponding position. A solution specifically optimized for space requirements specifies that the manipulator is rotatably arranged about the pivot axis and, in particular (preferably in combination with the retraction receiving portion), has a wedge-shaped surface that extends about the pivot axis through a certain angular range and varies in a direction parallel to the guide direction.

[0071] Furthermore, the arrangement of the receiving section and the blocking surface was not described in detail.

[0072] Therefore, an advantageous solution stipulates that the receiving part and the blocking surface are arranged on the pivot support.

[0073] Furthermore, regarding the bearing of forces, the structural solution is particularly advantageous in that the control body is surrounded by the guide body and, in particular, the pivot support surrounds the guide body.

[0074] The arrangement of the rotary locking body relative to the operating body was also not described in detail.

[0075] In principle, the rotation lock body can be arranged such that it is surrounded by the manipulator.

[0076] It is also advantageous for the spatial structure of the trailer coupling according to the invention that the rotary locking body is arranged around the operating body.

[0077] The following demonstrates a particularly advantageous structure: when the pivot support constitutes an outer body that surrounds the guide body, and is arranged immovably relative to the pivot support unit in the direction of the pivot axis, and especially when the pivot support constitutes an outer body that surrounds at least a portion of the rotary locking unit, and is arranged immovably relative to the guide body in the direction of the pivot axis, the pivot support does not perform movement in the direction of the pivot axis during the rotation of the rotary locking body from the rotary locking position to the release position and vice versa, but is arranged immovably in the direction of the pivot axis.

[0078] This arrangement of the pivot support has the advantages of the pivot support unit's own advantageous spatial structure and the relatively simple sealing of the pivot support unit, because the pivot support does not perform movement in the axial direction of the pivot axis.

[0079] Preferably, a seal is provided between the housing of the pivot support unit and at least one end of the outer body, surrounding the pivot axis, to achieve a seal against intrusion of dirt and moisture.

[0080] In one such solution, the pivot support body is simultaneously the outer body that protects and surrounds the pivot support unit, and by arranging the outer body immovably relative to the pivot support unit in the direction of the pivot axis, a simple seal between the outer body and the pivot support unit is achieved.

[0081] The following solution is particularly advantageous in structure, wherein the pivot support forms at least one outer body that externally surrounds a portion of the rotation locking device, and its relative guide is arranged immovably in the direction of the pivot axis.

[0082] Specifically, it is specified that the rotary locking body can be moved from the release position to the rotary locking position by the operating body.

[0083] Preferably, this manipulator is constructed such that it allows the release position of the locking body to be rotated in the release position.

[0084] In particular, another construction scheme for the rotary locking body specifies that it holds the rotary locking body in its rotary locking position.

[0085] To ensure that the rotary locking body is always transferred to its rotary locking position, especially when active manipulation of the manipulator is not achieved, it is preferably specified that the manipulator is loaded in the direction of its rotary locking position by means of an elastic accumulator.

[0086] In order to allow the control body to be moved from the rotationally locked position to the released position at this time, it is preferably specified that the control body can be moved from the rotationally locked position to the released position by the control unit.

[0087] In particular, such movement of the control body is achieved by the control device in reverse through the loading of the accumulator, that is to say, the control unit reacts to the loading through the accumulator and therefore must overcome the force applied by the accumulator.

[0088] In particular, in the case of a rotatable control body, it is preferably specified that the control body is rotated by the control unit in a direction opposite to the rotation caused by the elastic accumulator. Such an elastic accumulator can, in principle, be arranged in multiple positions.

[0089] A particularly advantageous structural feature is that the elastic accumulator is arranged within the pivot support unit.

[0090] Another structurally advantageous solution stipulates that the elastic accumulator is arranged on one side of the control body.

[0091] In this case, the flexible accumulator can be advantageously connected to the control element.

[0092] Various solutions are possible regarding the manipulation of the object.

[0093] Therefore, an advantageous solution specifies that the control unit has a driven element connected to the control body.

[0094] In principle, it is conceivable that the driven element and the control body are rigidly connected to each other.

[0095] However, it is particularly advantageous that the driven element and the operating body are connected to each other via a drive coupling device, which allows relative movement of a limited rotation angle depending on the position of the driven element and the position of the operating body, especially their rotational position.

[0096] Here, the driving and connecting device can be a flexible connecting chain link.

[0097] However, what is particularly simple is that the drive connection device has an idle state and a driven state, that is to say, there is an idle state or a driven state.

[0098] The actuator for the rotary locking device, which allows the rotary locking device to be transferred from at least one rotary locking position to a release position and vice versa, is described only in a general overview in relation to the current solution.

[0099] Furthermore, it is preferably specified that the operating unit for the rotary locking device includes a motor drive unit.

[0100] Here, a motor drive unit may be provided that is only associated with the operating unit used for the rotary locking device.

[0101] Furthermore, it is preferably specified that the speed reduction transmission mechanism is arranged on the side of the operating element of the rotary locking device facing the motor driver.

[0102] For a compact structure, it is particularly necessary that, in the direction of the pivot axis, the speed reduction transmission mechanism is driven by a motor drive unit on one side, while the opposite side has a driven end for the actuating element.

[0103] Therefore, the speed reduction transmission mechanism is preferably arranged between the motor drive unit and the control element when viewed in the direction of the pivot axis.

[0104] Furthermore, the speed reduction transmission mechanism, the elastic accumulator, and the control element are preferably arranged sequentially in the direction of the pivot axis, particularly within the pivot support unit.

[0105] Therefore, the above description of the solution according to the invention particularly includes different combinations of features defined by the following numbered embodiments:

[0106] 1. A trailer coupling comprising a ball neck (10) movable between a working position (A) and a rest position (R), the ball neck being connected at a first end to a pivot support unit (20) and carrying a coupling ball (18) at a second end, wherein the ball neck (10) is pivotable between the working position (A) and the rest position (R) by means of the pivot support unit (20) to perform pivoting movement about a pivot axis (22), and comprising a rotation locking device (50) having at least two rotation locking units (80) acting between a guide (40) of the pivot support unit (20) and a pivot support body (14), each of the rotation locking units being a rotation locking unit. Each unit has a rotary locking body (54) which is movably guided in the guiding direction (58) by means of a guide receiving portion (56) of a guide body (40) and is movable in the guiding direction (58) by a bearing surface (66) provided on an operating body (52) extending transversely to the guiding direction (58). The rotary locking bodies (54) of all rotary locking units (80) are movable and loadable in the guiding direction (58) by the movement of the operating body (52) in the operating direction (72). Furthermore, the rotary locking bodies (54) of all rotary locking units (80) are movable in the guiding direction (58) in either the working position (A) or the rest position (R). The movement on the pivot support (14) can be brought to a rotationally locked position, in which each pivot locking body (54) engages with one of the at least two working position receptacles (60) or one of the at least two stationary position receptacles (60R) respectively, so as to block the pivoting movement of the pivot support (14) and the guide (40) relative to each other about the pivot axis (22), and wherein the pivot locking body (54) can be brought to a release position, in which it disengages from the corresponding working position receptacle (60) or the corresponding stationary position receptacle (60R) and releases the pivoting movement between the pivot support (14) and the guide (40), wherein, in In all the relative pivot positions provided between the pivot support (14) and the guide (40), except for the working position (A) and the rest position (R), the movement of the operating body (52) in the operating direction (72) is blocked, and thus the rotation locking body (54) of each of the rotation locking units (80) is also blocked from force-loaded engagement in one of the working position receiving portion (60A) or the rest position receiving portion (60R), wherein a locking device (270) is provided, which includes a locking body (272) that can be moved to a safe position that secures the operating body (52) in the rotation locking position and to a ready position that is elsewhere outside the safe position.

[0107] 2. The trailer coupling according to embodiment 1, wherein the locking body (272) is guided on the guide body (40) of the pivot support unit (20).

[0108] 3. The trailer coupling according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the locking body (272) is guided in a guide portion (274) arranged on the guide body (40), and in particular the guide portion (274) is arranged in a wall region (104) of the guide body (40) adjacent to the operating body (52), and in particular the wall region (104) is arranged between the operating body (52) and the pivot support body (14).

[0109] 4. The trailer coupling according to embodiment 3, wherein the locking body (272) can be moved in the guide (274) in a direction approximately parallel to the pivot axis (22).

[0110] 5. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the locking body (272) engages in a receiving portion (282) in the operating body (52) in a corresponding safety position.

[0111] 6. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the locking body (272) is positioned adjacent to the operating body (52) in a preparatory position.

[0112] 7. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the guide portion (274) for the locking body (272) is arranged in the wall region (104) of the guide body (40) adjacent to the operating body (52).

[0113] 8. The trailer coupling according to any one of embodiments 3 to 7, wherein the locking body (272) in the safe position is engaged at its end (276) in a corresponding receiving portion (282) of the operating body (52) by the guide portion (274) and guided thereto.

[0114] 9. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the locking body (272) can be secured in a safe position by means of the operating device (280).

[0115] 10. The trailer coupling according to embodiment 9, wherein the operating device (280) includes a slide guide (290) and a slide follower (292) movable through the slide guide, the slide follower being connected to the locking body (272).

[0116] 11. The trailer connector according to embodiment 10, wherein the slide follower (292) can be moved approximately parallel to the pivot axis (22) via the slide guide (290).

[0117] 12. The trailer connector according to embodiment 10 or 11, wherein the chute guide (290) is movable in a plane transverse to the pivot axis (22).

[0118] 13. The trailer coupling according to any one of embodiments 10 to 12, wherein the chute guide (290) is movable by the operating device (280).

[0119] 14. The trailer connector according to embodiment 13, wherein the operating device (280) includes a body (142) that carries the slide guide (290) and is rotatably movable relative to the slide follower (292).

[0120] 15. The trailer coupling according to any one of embodiments 10 to 14, wherein the chute guide (290) has at least one chute guide rail (312, 314) acting on the chute follower (292).

[0121] 16. The trailer coupling according to any one of embodiments 10 to 15, wherein the chute guide (290) has two chute guide rails (312, 314) that act on the chute follower (292) and guide the chute follower therebetween.

[0122] 17. The trailer connector according to embodiment 16, wherein two slide rails (312, 314) together fix the slide follower (292) in a position given a pre-defined safety position.

[0123] 18. The trailer coupling according to any one of embodiments 16 or 17, wherein the first chute guide rail (312) includes a guide rail segment (312b) that moves the chute follower (292) from a position to ...

[0124] 19. The trailer coupling according to any one of embodiments 16 to 18, wherein the second slide rail (314) has a rail section (314b) that moves the slide follower (292) from a position corresponding to a preparatory position to a position in which the slide follower (292) is spring-loaded toward a safety position.

[0125] 20. The trailer connector according to any one of embodiments 16 to 19, wherein the first slide rail (312) functions by the movement of the slide guide (290) in the first rotation direction (322), and the second slide rail (314) functions by the movement of the slide guide (290) in the rotation direction (324) opposite to the first rotation direction (322).

[0126] 21. The trailer coupling according to embodiment 20, wherein the operating device (280) can be driven by the operating unit (180) for rotating the locking device (50).

[0127] 22. The trailer coupling according to embodiment 21, wherein the operating device (280) is connected to the operating unit (180).

[0128] 23. The trailer connector according to embodiment 21 or 22, wherein the slide rail (290) is arranged on the rotatable body (142) of the planetary gear transmission mechanism (130) of the operating unit (180) for the rotary locking device (50).

[0129] 24. The trailer connector according to embodiment 23, wherein the slide rail (290) is arranged on the internal gear (142) of the planetary gear transmission mechanism (130) of the operating unit (180).

[0130] 25. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the locking device (270) has a sensor (300) for detecting the position of the locking body (272).

[0131] 26. The trailer coupling according to embodiment 25, wherein the sensor (300) detects the safety position and the ready position.

[0132] 27. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding embodiments 9 to 26, wherein the chute follower (292) is connected to the locking body (272) by means of a transmission element (294).

[0133] 28. The trailer coupling according to embodiment 27, wherein the transmission element (294) is connected to the sensor control element (296).

[0134] 29. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein a blocking surface (90) extends between the working position receiving portion (60A) and the resting position receiving portion (60R), a rotary locking body (54) is positioned opposite to it and extends from it to the working position receiving portion (60A) and the resting position receiving portion (60R), the rotary locking unit (80), the working position receiving portion (60A) and the resting position receiving portion (60R) are arranged about the pivot axis (22) such that they are angularly spaced (W) from each other at all the pivot positions provided opposite each other on the pivot support (14) and the guide (40). In the middle, except for the working position (A) and the stationary position (R), the rotation locking body (54) of at least one of the rotation locking units (80) is positioned opposite one of the blocking surfaces (90), and thus these blocking surfaces (90) block the movement of the operating body (52) in the operating direction (72) in particular when the operating body (52) is force-loaded in the direction of the operating direction (72), and thus also block the force-loaded engagement of the rotation locking body (54) of each of the rotation locking units (80) to one of the working position receiving portion (60A) or the stationary position receiving portion (60R).

[0135] 30. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the rotary locking unit (80) is arranged around the pivot axis (22) at an angular interval (W) to form a rotary locking configuration, and the working position receiving portion (60A) and the resting position receiving portion (60R) are arranged around the pivot axis (22) at the same angular interval (W) as the rotary locking unit (80) to form a receiving portion for each of the working position (A) and the resting position (R), and the rotary locking configuration is coupled with the working position receiving portion (60A) in the working position (A) or in the resting position (R). The receiving portions of the stationary position receiving portion (60R) in the stationary position (R) are arranged to overlap each other, so that the rotary locking body (54) can be engaged in the working position receiving portion or the stationary position receiving portion. The angular interval (W) between the rotary locking units (80) in the rotary locking configuration and the angular interval between the working position receiving portion (60A) or the stationary position receiving portion (60R) in the receiving portion configuration are selected such that the rotary locking configuration and one of the receiving portion configurations overlap each other only in the working position (A) or the stationary position (R).

[0136] 31. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein at least one of the rotary locking units (80) has unequal angular intervals (W) relative to the rotational direction about the pivot axis (22) and relative to adjacent rotary locking units (80) arranged opposite to the rotational direction; in the working position (A), the working position receiving portion (60A) is arranged such that the rotary locking body (54) of each rotary locking unit (80) can be brought into engagement with one of the working position receiving portions (60A); and in the rest position (R), the rest position receiving portion (60R) is arranged such that the rotary locking unit (80) The rotary locking body (54) of each rotary locking unit in the pivot position can be brought into engagement with one of the rest position receptacles (60R), and the rotary locking body (54) of at least one of the rotary locking units (80) in the pivot position other than the working position (A) or the rest position (R) is opposite to the pivot support (14) and the guide (40) and is positioned opposite to a blocking surface (90) extending between the working position receptacles (60A) and the rest position receptacles (60R), and the blocking surface (90) blocks the movement of the operating body (52) from the release position to the rotary locking position, especially in the case of force loading of the operating body (52).

[0137] 32. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the blocking surface (90) extends toward the rotary locking body (54) of the rotary locking unit (80).

[0138] 33. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the blocking surface (90) extends about the pivot axis (22) with a defined radius.

[0139] 34. The trailer connector according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the blocking surface (90) extends to and transitions into the opening edges (92) of the working position receiving portion (60A) and the resting position receiving portion (60R).

[0140] 35. The trailer coupling according to embodiment 34, wherein the opening edges (92) of the working position receiving portion (60A) and the resting position receiving portion (60R) are at the same radial distance from the pivot axis (22) as the blocking surface (90).

[0141] 36. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein at least one of the rotation locking bodies (54) of the rotation locking unit (80) abuts against one of the blocking surfaces (90) in the case of relative pivoting movement between the pivot support (14) and the guide (40) toward the working position (A), particularly abutting against one of the blocking surfaces (90) by the force of the operating body (52).

[0142] 37. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the rotary locking body (54) is forcefully abutted against the blocking surface (90) before reaching the working position (A) and then forcefully abutted against the opening edge (92) of the working position receiving portion (60A) and enters the working position receiving portion (60A).

[0143] 38. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the working position receiving portion (60A) extends from the blocking surface (90) in the guide direction (58), in particular with at least one component in the radial direction relative to the pivot axis (22).

[0144] 39. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein at least one of the rotation locking bodies (54) of the rotation locking unit (80) abuts against one of the blocking surfaces (90) in the case of relative pivoting movement between the pivot support (14) and the guide (40) toward the rest position (R), particularly abutting against one of the blocking surfaces (90) by the force of the operating body (52).

[0145] 40. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the rotary locking body (54) is forcefully abutted against the blocking surface (90) before reaching the stationary position (R) and then forcefully abutted against the opening edge (92) of the stationary position receiving portion (60R) and enters the stationary position receiving portion (60R).

[0146] 41. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the rest position receiving portion (60R) extends from the blocking surface (90) in the guide direction (58), in particular with at least one component in the radial direction relative to the pivot axis (22).

[0147] 42. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the working position receiving portion (60A), the stationary position receiving portion (60R), and the blocking surface (90) are arranged facing the guide sleeve (40).

[0148] 43. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the guide (40) is part of the pivot support unit (20).

[0149] 44. The trailer connector according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein all guide receptacles (56) for the rotary locking body (54) of the rotary locking unit (80) are arranged in the guide body (40).

[0150] 45. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the guide direction (58) extends in at least one component in the radial direction relative to the pivot axis (22).

[0151] 46. ​​The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the guide body (40) has a guide sleeve (44) with a guide receiving portion (56) for a rotary locking body (54) for a rotary locking unit (80), and in particular the rotary locking body (54) is guided by the guide body (40) which is closely attached to the pivot support body (14) in the radial direction.

[0152] 47. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the guide (40) has a pivot support for the pivot support body (14).

[0153] 48. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the operating body (52) is movably guided relative to the guide body (40).

[0154] 49. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the operating body (52) is rotatably arranged about a pivot axis (22), and particularly preferably has a wedge-shaped surface (66) that extends about the pivot axis (22) through a certain angular range and varies in a direction parallel to the guide direction (58) in combination with the retraction receiving portion (62).

[0155] 50. The trailer connector according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the receiving portion (60) and the blocking surface (90) are arranged on the pivot support body (14).

[0156] 51. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the operating body (52) is surrounded by the guide body (40), and in particular the pivot support body (14) surrounds the guide body (40).

[0157] 52. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the rotary locking body (54) is arranged around the operating body (52).

[0158] 53. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the pivot support body (14) constitutes an outer body surrounding the pivot support unit (20) and is arranged immovably relative to the pivot support unit (20) in the direction of the pivot axis (22), and in particular the pivot support body (14) constitutes an outer body surrounding at least a portion of the rotation locking unit (50) and is arranged immovably relative to the guide body (40) in the direction of the pivot axis (22).

[0159] 54. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the operating body (52) is loaded in the direction of its rotationally locked position by means of the elastic accumulator (114).

[0160] 55. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the operating body (52) can be moved from the rotationally locked position to the released position by the operating unit (180).

[0161] 56. The trailer coupling according to embodiment 54 or 55, wherein the operating body (52) can be moved by the operating unit (180) in reverse by the loading of the accumulator (114).

[0162] 57. The trailer coupling according to any one of embodiments 54 to 56, wherein the operating body (52) of the operating unit (180) can be rotated in the opposite direction (72) to the operating direction acted by the elastic accumulator (114).

[0163] 58. The trailer coupling according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the operating unit (180) has a driven element (142) connected to the operating body (52).

[0164] 59. The trailer coupling according to embodiment 58, wherein the driven element (142) and the operating body (52) are connected to each other via a drive coupling device (156, 158).

[0165] 60. The trailer coupling according to embodiment 59, wherein the driving coupling device (156, 158) has an idle state without driving and a driven state. Attached Figure Description

[0166] Other features and advantages of the present invention are described in the following embodiments and are the subject of the illustrations.

[0167] In the picture:

[0168] Figure 1 A rear view of a motor vehicle equipped with a trailer coupling according to the present invention is shown;

[0169] Figure 2A plan view of a first embodiment of a trailer coupler according to the invention is shown with a line of sight in the direction of travel toward the trailer coupler mounted at the rear of the vehicle, wherein the trailer coupler is in its working position.

[0170] Figure 3 It shows the direction in which it is oriented along the pivot axis. Figure 2 A plan view of the trailer coupling in the middle;

[0171] Figure 4 The trailer coupling in a stationary position is shown according to Figure 2 The view;

[0172] Figure 5 It shows the direction of the pivot axis according to Figure 4 A plan view of the trailer coupling in a stationary position, showing its orientation towards the trailer coupling.

[0173] Figure 6 Showing along Figure 3 A diagram of the cross-section of line 6-6 in the diagram;

[0174] Figure 7 This illustrates the situation where, in the working position, the rotary locking body is rotated and locked by rotation in the rotary locking position. Figure 6 The cross section of line 7-7 in the middle;

[0175] Figure 8 It shows a similar device with a manipulator rotated to the release position and a rotary locking body in the release position. Figure 7 A diagram of the cross-section;

[0176] Figure 9 This illustrates a situation similar to the one where the pivot support pivots slightly out of its working position, with the control body blocked by the torsion spring. Figure 8 The illustration;

[0177] Figure 10 It shows a pivot support that is further rotated toward the rest position, similar to Figure 8 The illustration shows the release position;

[0178] Figure 11 It shows a pivot support that is further rotated toward the rest position, similar to Figure 10 The illustration;

[0179] Figure 12 It shows a pivot support that is further rotated toward the rest position, similar to Figure 11 The illustration;

[0180] Figure 13 Showing a similar effect in a stationary position Figure 7 The illustration;

[0181] Figure 14 Showing a similar effect in a stationary position Figure 8 The illustration;

[0182] Figure 15 Showing the along without support plate and retaining ring Figure 6 The cross section of line 15-15 in the middle;

[0183] Figure 16 A perspective view showing the internal gear and the drive sleeve that meshes with it;

[0184] Figure 17 An exploded perspective view of the pivot support with a cover is shown;

[0185] Figure 18 Displayed according to the work location Figure 6 The enlarged cross section;

[0186] Figure 19 This illustrates a situation similar to a locking body in the released position without locking or safety features. Figure 18 The enlarged cross section;

[0187] Figure 20 shows the initial position;

[0188] Figure 20a The internal gear is shown according to Figure 20b Perspective diagram showing the position of the locking device and its interaction with the rotary locking device.

[0189] Figure 20b A plan view of the internal gear of the planetary gear transmission mechanism is shown, with the side of the drive sleeve facing the gear.

[0190] Figure 20c A perspective diagram showing the manipulation of the sensor is displayed;

[0191] Figure 21 shows that the relative initial position of the internal gear of the locking device is neutralized by a first position rotated without any effect on the rotation locking device;

[0192] Figure 21a The internal gear is shown according to Figure 21b Perspective diagram showing the position of the locking device and its interaction with the rotary locking device.

[0193] Figure 21b A plan view of the internal gear of the planetary gear transmission mechanism is shown, with the side of the drive sleeve facing the gear.

[0194] Figure 21c A perspective diagram showing the manipulation of the sensor is displayed;

[0195] Figure 22 shows the position in which the internal gear is rotated relative to its initial position when the rotary locking device is in the released position.

[0196] Figure 22a The internal gear is shown according to Figure 22b A perspective view showing the position of the device in conjunction with the fixing device and the rotary locking device.

[0197] Figure 22b A plan view of the internal gear of the planetary gear transmission mechanism is shown, with the side of the drive sleeve facing the gear.

[0198] Figure 22c A perspective diagram showing the manipulation of the sensor is displayed;

[0199] Figure 23 shows the position of the internal gear in Figure 22, which is rotated back towards the initial position when the pivot support is in its rest position.

[0200] Figure 23a The internal gear is shown according to Figure 23b A perspective view showing the position of the device in conjunction with the fixing device and the rotary locking device.

[0201] Figure 23b A plan view of the internal gear of the planetary gear transmission mechanism is shown, with the side of the drive sleeve facing the gear.

[0202] Figure 23c A perspective diagram showing the manipulation of the sensor is displayed;

[0203] Figure 24 shows the position in which the internal gear is rotated toward the initial position;

[0204] Figure 24a The internal gear is shown according to Figure 24b A perspective view showing the position of the device in conjunction with the fixing device and the rotary locking device.

[0205] Figure 24b A plan view of the internal gear of the planetary gear transmission mechanism is shown, with the side of the drive sleeve facing the gear.

[0206] Figure 24c A perspective diagram showing the manipulation of the sensor is displayed;

[0207] Figure 25 shows the internal gear being rotated to the initial position according to Figure 20 during the transition from the rotary locking device to the rotary locking position and from the locking device to the safety position.

[0208] Figure 25a The internal gear is shown according to Figure 25b A perspective view showing the position of the device in conjunction with the fixing device and the rotary locking device.

[0209] Figure 25b A plan view of the internal gear of the planetary gear transmission mechanism is shown, with the side of the drive sleeve facing the gear.

[0210] Figure 25c A perspective diagram showing the manipulation of the sensor is displayed. Detailed Implementation

[0211] A first embodiment of the trailer coupling AK according to the present invention for motor vehicles (in...) Figure 1 In 2 and 3, it is shown in work position A and in Figure 4 and 5 (shown in the resting position R) includes a ball neck, which is held at a first end 12 on a pivot support unit 20 and carries a connecting ball, which is held at a second end 16, and the connecting ball receiving portion of the trailer can be fixed at the second end.

[0212] The ball neck 10 is pivotally supported relative to the vehicle by a pivot support unit, indicated as a whole by 20, about a pivot axis 22 and a bracket 24 fixed to the vehicle. The bracket 24 preferably has a support plate 26 holding the pivot support unit 20, which preferably extends in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis 22, and has a vehicle-fixed crossbeam 28, which can be fixed to the rear region H of the vehicle body F in a known manner. More precisely, this positions the pivot support unit 20 and the bracket 24 on the side of the lower edge 30 of the bumper unit 36 ​​facing away from the lane surface FO, and is covered by the bumper unit 36. Figure 3 ).

[0213] exist Figure 1 and 2 In the working position shown, the ball neck 10 covers the lower edge 30 of the bumper unit 36 ​​from below with the segment 32 immediately following the first end 12, so that the second end 16 and the connecting ball 18 together with the socket receiving portion 34 are on the side of the rear bumper unit 36 ​​away from the vehicle body F, while in the stationary position, not only the pivot support unit 20 but also the entire ball neck 10 together with the connecting ball 18 is covered by the rear bumper unit 36 ​​to prevent it from being seen from the rear.

[0214] As in Figures 6 to 9 As shown in the figure, the pivot support unit 20 includes a pivot support body 14 on one hand and a guide body 40 on the other.

[0215] For example, a guide body 40 with flange 42 is securely connected to support plate 26 and has a guide sleeve 44 extending from flange 42 away from support plate 26, and a pivot support 14 is rotatably supported on the guide sleeve about pivot axis 20, wherein ball neck 10 is held on the pivot support.

[0216] Alternatively, it is equally conceivable to securely connect the pivot support 14 to the flange 42 and arrange a ball neck 10 on the guide body 40.

[0217] The guide sleeve 44 includes a cylindrical outer surface 46, on which the pivot support 14 rests with a cylindrical inner surface 48 to facilitate rotational guidance about the pivot axis 22, thereby allowing the pivot support 14 and the guide 40 to rotate relative to each other and thus the ball neck 10 to be pivoted from the working position A to the rest position R and vice versa.

[0218] In its fixed assembly, the guide body 40 includes a protrusion 41 extending through a through-hole 27 in the support plate 26, which carries a receiving portion 43 on the side opposite to the flange 42 that follows the protrusion 41 for fixing a retaining ring 45 thereon, such that the guide body 40 passes through the protrusion 41 due to its non-rotationally symmetrical and radially varying outer contour 47 ( Figure 15 It is positioned in the support plate 26 in a form-fitting, torsionally resistive manner in the corresponding shaped opening 27 and is fixed thereto by a flange 45 and a retaining ring 43 abutting against the opposite side of the support plate 26.

[0219] Therefore, the guide body 40, through its robust connection with the support plate 26 and the bracket 24, constitutes a slewing support for vehicle fixation of the pivot support body 14.

[0220] In order to fix the pivot support 14 in the working position A, the pivot support unit 20 is provided with a rotation locking device as an integral part, indicated by 50. Figures 7 to 14 It has an operating body 52 and a plurality of rotary locking bodies 54 that can be loaded through the operating body 52, wherein each rotary locking body is movably guided in a guide receiving portion 56 of a guide sleeve 44 in a guide direction 58 extending generally radially to the pivot axis 22.

[0221] Preferably, at least the rotation locking body 54 and the guide receiving portion 56 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a geometric plane that extends perpendicular to the pivot axis 22 and intersects with the rotation locking body 54, the geometric plane being in... Figures 7 to 14 The middle corresponds to the drawing plane.

[0222] Furthermore, the rotary locking device 50 includes a working position receiving portion 60A extending inwardly from the inner surface 48 of the pivot support 14, particularly in the radial direction relative to the pivot axis 22. The rotary locking body 54 is in the working position A so that it can be brought into engagement. The working position receiving portion 60A has walls that gradually increase in size with decreasing spacing relative to each other in the radial direction relative to the pivot axis 22. In addition to the working position receiving portion 60A, the rotary locking device 50 includes a rest position receiving portion 60R, which in its simplest case is constructed in the same manner as the working position receiving portion 60A.

[0223] As with Figures 7 to 14 As illustrated in the first embodiment, if, for example, the rotary locking device 50 includes a set of three rotary locking bodies 54a, 54b, and 54c, then the guide sleeve 44 has a corresponding set of three guide receptacles 56a, 56b, and 56c, wherein the rotary locking bodies 54a, 54b, and 54c are displaceably guided in a guide direction 58 extending generally radially to the pivot axis 22, and the pivot support 14 is provided with a set of working position receptacles 60Aa, 60Ab, and 60Ac, wherein the rotary locking bodies 54a, 54b, and 54c can be brought into engagement in working position A. Figure 7 It is provided with a set of rest position receiving portions 60Ra, 60Rb and 60Rc, and the rotary locking body 52 can be brought into engagement with it in the rest position R. Figure 13 ).

[0224] For proper movement and positioning of the rotary locking body 54 in the guide direction 58, the operating body 52 is provided with a set (e.g., three in total) of retraction receiving portions 62a, 62b, and 62c corresponding to the number of rotary locking bodies 54, and bearing surfaces 66a, 66b, and 66c adjacent to each retraction receiving portion 62a, 62b, and 62c in the rotation direction 64, which are configured as wedge-shaped surfaces acting radially to the pivot axis 22, wherein the rotary locking body 54 can be immersed in the retraction receiving portions 62a, 62b, and 62c to such an extent in its released position ( Figure 8 This prevents it from extending beyond the outer surface 46 of the guide sleeve 44, and wherein the pressure-bearing surfaces 66a, 66b, 66c extend radially outward relative to the pivot axis 22 in a manner that gradually increases in the direction of rotation 64 from the radially inner starting regions 68a, 68b, and 68c adjacent to their respective retraction receiving portions 62, until the respective radially outer end regions 70a, 70b, and 70c, and thus act as wedge surfaces on the rotary locking body 54 in the case of the rotational movement of the operating body 52, so as to move it into its rotary locking position.

[0225] Preferably, the bearing surface 66 extends relative to the pivot axis 22 as a spiral or involute segment.

[0226] In order to hold the rotary locking body 54 in its rotary locked position or in its released position, or to allow it to be immersed in the retraction receiving portion 62, by loading it onto the bearing surface 66 between the starting region 68 and the end region 70, the operating body 52 is also rotatable about the pivot axis 22, and more precisely, coaxial with the pivot axis, such that the set of retraction receiving portions 62a, 62b and 62c face the rotary locking body 54 and are as if in Figure 8 As shown, in its inactive or released position, it provides the possibility that, in the case of moving to the released position, it is immersed radially into the retraction receiving portion 62 relative to the pivot axis 22, so as to open the corresponding rotary locking body 54 away from the working position receiving portion 60A or the rest position receiving portion 60R and, in view of the possibility of releasing the pivot support 14 by rotation about the pivot axis 22 relative to the guide body 40, thereby allowing the pivot support 14 and the ball neck 10 to rotate freely and unimpeded relative to the guide sleeve 44, as shown in Figure 8 and Figure 14 As shown in the figure, in this case, the rotating locking body 54 does not extend beyond the outer surface 46 of the guide sleeve 44.

[0227] When the operating body 52 is in the case of the rotary locking body 54 in the retraction receiving portion 62, the rotation in the rotation direction 72 opposite to the rotation direction 64 causes the rotary locking body 54 to move out of the retraction receiving portion 62 and first sit on the starting region 68 of the pressure surface 66 in the active position or rotary locking position of the operating body 52. ​​However, it has been immersed in the receiving portion 60 for example and thus the free rotation of the pivot support 14 relative to the guide body 40 is prohibited in its rotary locking position.

[0228] If the operating body 52 continues to rotate in a rotation direction 72 opposite to the rotation direction 64, the radial area of ​​the bearing surface 66 relative to the pivot axis 22 outside always acts further on the rotary locking body 54 and thus gradually presses the rotary locking body 54 into the working position receiving portions 60a, 60b and 60c in the working position A or the rest position R of the ball neck 10. Figure 7 ) or into the resting position receiving parts 60Ra, 60Rb and 60Rc ( Figure 13 This allows for a substantially gapless fixation of the pivot support 14 relative to the guide 40 (in this case, relative to the guide sleeve 44).

[0229] In the rotationally locked position of the rotational locking body 54, the manipulator 52 is in its activated position such that the rotational locking body 54 (as in...) Figure 7 and Figure 13 As shown in the figure, it is located approximately on the middle region 76 between the starting region 68 and the end region 70 of the bearing surface 66 and is loaded thereon.

[0230] To enable the possibility of optimally loading each of the three rotary locking bodies 54 for the operating body 52, the operating body 52 is configured to be centered in the active position according to the position of the rotary locking bodies 54. In particular, the operating body 52 is supported in the guide sleeve 44 such that the operating body 52 can self-align relative to the position of the rotary locking bodies 54 within the guide body 40 due to radial clearance, which is caused by manufacturing tolerances. The self-alignment of the operating body 52 may be slightly offset by the coaxial arrangement relative to the geometric pivot axis 22.

[0231] Due to self-alignment, the rotating locking bodies 54a, 54b and 54c act with approximately the same magnitude of force on the working position receiving portions 60Aa, 60Ab and 60Ac or the stationary position receiving portions 60Ra, 60Rb and 60Rc in the corresponding guide directions 58a, 58b and 58c, thereby making the reaction force acting on the operating body 52 approximately the same magnitude.

[0232] Preferably, the rotation locking body 54 is configured as a ball, which thus abuts against the operating body 52 on one side and against the receiving portion 60 on the other side.

[0233] Therefore, it is only important to realize a rotatable support with clearance for the operating body 52 relative to the pivot axis 22, which is mainly important when the operating body 52 holds the rotary locking body 54 in the released position, in which the rotary locking body 54 is immersed in the retraction receiving portion 62 of the operating body 52.

[0234] In order to ensure that the control body 52 always moves in the rotational direction 72 without external action, wherein the rotation locking body 54 moves toward the rotation locking position, the control body 52 is loaded by the torsion spring 114. Figure 6 The torsion spring acts on the operating body 52 on one hand and is radially externally supported at the guide body 40 on the other hand.

[0235] The torsion spring 114 also causes the following: the operating body 52 presses the rotation locking body 54 forcefully into the working position receiving portion 60A or the resting position receiving portion 60R, and thus the pivot support body 14 is fixed without clearance, wherein the lack of clearance is maintained even in the case of the working position receiving portion 60A or the resting position receiving portion 60R changing geometry due to load during operation by the continued rotation of the operating body 52 in the rotation direction 72.

[0236] For example, three guide housings 56 and rotary locking bodies 54 arranged therein, and correspondingly associated with these rotary locking bodies 54, retraction housings 62 and pressure-bearing surfaces 66 in the operating body 52 adjacent thereto, respectively constitute three rotary locking units 80, which are arranged relative to each other at unequal angular intervals Wab, Wbc, Wca (with respect to the corresponding central axes Ma, Mb, Mc) around the pivot axis 22. Thus, with respect to the pivot axis 22, which is the pivot axis, the rotary locking configuration of the rotary locking units 80 causes the rotary locking units 80 to overlap only when the rotary locking configuration is rotated 360°.

[0237] For example, the angular interval Wab = 120°, the angular interval Wbc = 137° and the angular interval Wca = 103°, which means that the deviation from the same angular interval is 17°.

[0238] In the case of, for example, three rotary locking units, the deviation from the same angular interval can be as high as 30° or more, thus angular intervals such as Wab = 120°, Wbc = 150° and Wca = 90° are possible.

[0239] Similarly, the working position receiving portion 60A and the resting position receiving portion 60R are respectively arranged opposite each other about the pivot axis 22 in a receiving configuration at the same angular interval as the rotation locking unit 80. Their respective receiving configurations overlap only when rotated 360° about the pivot axis 22, so that they coincide with the rotation locking configuration in the working position A or the resting position R. This allows each rotation locking body 54 of one of the rotation locking units 80 to be positioned opposite one of the working position receiving portions 60A or one of the resting position receiving portions 60R in the working position A or the resting position R, and to engage with it in the rotation locking position, as in... Figure 7 and Figure 13 As shown, the pivot support 14 is thus torsionally fixed relative to the pivot support unit 20 only in the working position and in the rest position, respectively. Figure 7 , Figure 13 ).

[0240] However, if the operating body 52 is moved to the release position from the working position A or the resting position R by the force acting on the torsion spring 114, as described below, then each of the rotation locking bodies 54 of the corresponding rotation locking unit 80 has the possibility of being immersed in the retraction receiving portion 62 associated therewith and leaving the corresponding working position receiving portion 60A or resting position receiving portion R, thereby allowing the pivot support body 14 to be pivoted out about the pivot axis 22 in the working position A or the resting position R. Figure 8 , Figure 14 ).

[0241] Once the pivot support 14 leaves the working position A or the stationary position R ( Figure 9 The entire rotary locking unit 80, arranged relative to the pivot axis 22 in the rotary locking configuration, no longer has the possibility of engaging with the entire assembly of the working position receiving portion 60A or the rest position receiving portion 60R arranged in the corresponding receiving configuration in all pivot positions between the working position A and the rest position R. Therefore, when the operating body 54 is loaded in the rotation direction 72, the entire rotary locking body 54 in the retraction receiving portion 62 can no longer engage with the entire assembly of the working position receiving portion 60A or the rest position receiving portion 60R. This is because although the rotary locking body 54 can be loaded toward the pivot support 14 by the operating body 52 loaded in the rotation direction 72 by the torsion spring 114, especially by the curved base surface of the retraction receiving portion 62 that extends in the guide direction 58, the pivot support 14 is not engaged in the rotation direction 72 when it is outside the working position A. In each of the rotational positions, the entire rotational locking body 54 is no longer opposed to the respective receptacles in the entirety of the working position receptacle 60A or the resting position receptacle 60R, and thus at least one of the rotational locking bodies 54 is always blocked by a blocking surface 90, which in the simplest case is formed by the cylindrical inner surface 48 of the pivot support 14, extending between the working position receptacle 60A and the resting position receptacle 60R, and thereby prevents the rotation of the operating body 52 caused by the torsion spring 114 in the rotational direction 72, so that the operating body 52 is thus held in the released position in all pivotal positions other than the working position A and the resting position B even when the torsion spring 114 is acting in the rotational direction 72, and thus can only be transferred back to the rotational locking position when the working position A is reached.

[0242] Preferably, the rotation locking configuration of the rotation locking unit 80 and the receiving configuration of the receiving portion 60 deviate from the symmetrical structure to such a large extent that when one of the rotation locking units 80 is positioned opposite one of the working position receiving portion 60A or the resting position receiving portion 60R, so that the rotation locking body 54 can engage with the working position receiving portion 60A or the resting position receiving portion 60R, at least one, preferably at least two, rotation locking units 80 are offset in the rotational direction relative to the nearest receiving portion of the working position receiving portion 60A or the resting position receiving portion 60R to such an extent that the contact point of the rotation locking body 54 associated with the rotation locking unit 80 is on one of the blocking surfaces 90 and not in the region of one of the receiving portions 60, thereby ensuring reliable blocking of the operating body 52 by the blocking surface 90 acting in the release position, especially when the operating body 52 is loaded in the rotational direction 72 by the torsion spring 114.

[0243] If the actuating body 52 is acted upon in the opposite direction of rotation to the torsion spring 114 and is twisted to the maximum, the rotation locking body 54 is positioned with a gap between the corresponding blocking surface 90 and the retraction receiving portion 62 in all pivoting positions of the pivot support body 14.

[0244] However, when the action of the torsion spring 114 dominates in the rotation direction 72, even in the case of pivoting between the working position A and the rest position R, the same phenomenon exists in the corresponding pivoting position of the pivot support 14. Figures 9 to 12 The situation shown in the figure.

[0245] Figures 9 to 12 As shown below, in each of the pivoting positions of the pivot support 14, the actuating body is held in the released position by at least one, preferably two, rotational locking bodies 54 abutting against one of the blocking surfaces 90, and one of the rotational locking bodies 54 (e.g.) prevents rotation from being engaged. Figure 10 Rotary locking body 54b or Figure 11 The rotating locking body 54a) cannot be engaged with its respective accommodating receiving part 60.

[0246] In any case where the pivoting occurs between the rest position R and the working position A, there exists a basis... Figures 7 to 14 In the case where, by rotating the locking body 54, according to Figures 9 to 12 In the case where the blocking surface 90 is abutting between the rest position R and the working position A, the rotary locking body 54 slides from the blocking surface 90 into the working position receiving portion 60A and the rest position receiving portion 60R via the opening edge 92 directly and especially steplessly abutting thereon, with minimal noise generation, and transfers to according to Figure 7 or Figure 13 In the rotational locking position.

[0247] The guide sleeve 44 preferably extends between the flange 42 and the flange 104 that closes the guide sleeve 44 radially toward the pivot axis 22, with a segment forming a receiving portion 102 for the operating body 52. ​​The flange is preferably molded onto the guide sleeve 44 in one piece and restricts the receiving portion 102 for the operating body 52, so that the operating body 52 is guided radially toward the pivot axis 22 through the receiving portion 102 of the guide sleeve 44 and axially in the direction of the pivot axis 22 by abutment on the inner side 108 of the flange 104.

[0248] In addition, flange 104 also has a receiving portion 106 coaxial with pivot axis 22, in which a bushing 110 through which the fixed shaft 100 is inserted, and in particular screwed in, is located in the receiving portion 106 and the shaft 100 is torsionally fixed relative to guide sleeve 44.

[0249] On the side of the receiving portion 102 for the operating body 52 opposite to the flange 104, the guide sleeve 44 (e.g., with a segment passing through the flange 42) forms a torsion spring receiving portion 112, in which the torsion spring 114 is arranged close to the operating body 52, with its outer end fixed in the torsion spring receiving portion 112 and its inner end connected to the drive sleeve 122, which is torsionally connected to the operating body 52.

[0250] Therefore, drive sleeve 122 is as follows Figure 6 As shown in 7 and 16, for example, a protrusion 124 is provided, which is shaped to fit into the corresponding groove 126 and engages with the operating body 52. Since the torsion spring 114 acts on the drive sleeve 122 which is anti-torsionally engaged with the operating body 52, the operating body 52 is driven in the rotation direction 72 by the action of the torsion spring 114 on the drive sleeve 122. Thus, when the force of the torsion spring 114 on the drive sleeve 122 is not obstructed, the operating body 52 will always be loaded in the rotation direction 72. As a result, the operating body tends to apply force to the rotation locking body in the guide direction 58, causing it to move radially outward away from the pivot axis 22. In all the preset rotation positions of the pivot support 14 (except for the working position A and the rest position R), this movement is blocked by the blocking surface 90. Therefore, only in the working position A and the rest position R is the rotation locking body 54 pressed into the working position receiving portion 60A and the rest position receiving portion 60R. Thus, the pivot support 14 is fixed anti-torsionally and especially without gaps relative to the guide sleeve 44.

[0251] In order for the rotary locking body 54 to be moved to the released position, it is necessary for the operating body 52 to act in the opposite direction of rotation 72 and therefore in the opposite direction of torsion spring 114.

[0252] Therefore, the drive sleeve 122 can be driven by means of a planetary gear transmission mechanism 130, which is indicated as a whole by 130. Figure 6 The transmission mechanism is arranged coaxially with the pivot axis 22 in a transmission mechanism housing 132 of the guide sleeve 44, for example partially arranged in the through 27 of the support plate 26, and preferably extends away from the through 27 of the support plate 26 on the side opposite to the flange 42.

[0253] Planetary gear transmission mechanism 130 ( Figure 15 The device itself includes an internal gear 142, which is guided within the transmission mechanism housing 132 and has internal teeth 144. The planetary gear 146 meshes with the internal teeth with its external teeth 148.

[0254] Here, the planetary gear 146 is rotatably held on the planetary gear carrier 152 and is torsionally connected to the fixed shaft 100.

[0255] In addition, as in Figure 16 As shown, the internal gear 142 includes a flange 154 located between the planetary gear carrier 152 and the torsion spring 114, which also extends in the direction of the shaft 100, surrounds the pivot drive shaft, and is rotatable relative to the pivot drive shaft and constitutes the driven end of the planetary gear transmission mechanism 130 for operating the rotary locking device 50.

[0256] As in Figure 16 As shown, the flange body 154 has arc-shaped drive grooves 156a and 156b arranged annularly around the pivot axis 22, which cooperate with drive fingers 158a and 158b into which the drive sleeve 122 engages. It is designed such that the free travel of the drive sleeve 122 relative to the internal gear 142 can be achieved by the difference between the angular range through which the drive groove 156 extends around the pivot axis 22 and the angular range through which the drive fingers 158 extend around the pivot axis 22, which will be described in more detail below.

[0257] Furthermore, the planetary gear 146 engages with the external teeth 164 of the sun gear 162 of the planetary gear transmission mechanism 130 via its external teeth 148. The sun gear is located on a drive shaft, which is integrally represented by 166. This drive shaft is arranged coaxially with the pivot axis 22 and is supported, for example, by means of a journal 168 that engages with the end side of the fixed shaft 100 through a drilled hole 172, which is coaxially with the pivot drive shaft.

[0258] The drive shaft 166 carries the drive gear 174 (e.g., a bevel gear) at a distance from the planetary gear transmission mechanism 130. The drive gear 174 is driven by the driven gear of the motor drive unit 182, which includes, for example, a drive motor, preferably an electric motor, and a speed reduction transmission mechanism for driving the drive gear.

[0259] The drive unit 182 is held, for example, at the cover 184, which extends from the support plate 126 to cover the drive shaft 166 with the drive gear 174 and the driven gear meshing therewith, and further supports the drive shaft 166 on the side opposite to the journal 168.

[0260] Therefore, the planetary gear transmission mechanism 130 and the drive unit 182 constitute, for example, an operating device 180 for rotating the locking body 50.

[0261] The fixed shaft 100, which is anti-torsionally connected to the planetary gear carrier 152, is anti-torsionally connected to the flange 104 of the guide body 40.

[0262] Here, the end flange 198 of the pivot support 14 crosses the flange 104 of the guide 40 in the outer region 200 and extends to the guide protrusion 202 of the flange 104, wherein the end flange 198 surrounds, for example, the outer cylindrical surface 206 surrounding the guide protrusion 202 with a radially inner cylindrical surface 204, and abuts there, and is thus also additionally guided coaxially with the pivot axis 22 at the guide protrusion 202.

[0263] Furthermore, a thread 212 extends in the receiving portion 106 of the guide protrusion 202, and the bushing 110 is fixed, in particular screwed into the thread. The outer flange 214 portion of the bushing crosses the end flange 198 in the radially inward region, thereby making the end flange 198 of the pivot support 14 axially immovable between the flange 104 and the outer flange 214 of the bushing 110 and thus axially immovable relative to the guide body 40.

[0264] A cover 222 is further torsionally fitted onto the end flange 198, thereby forming a unit rotatable about the pivot axis 22 with the pivot support 14. Figure 17 ).

[0265] Here, the cover 222 is placed on the end flange 198 and is torsionally secured to the end flange 198.

[0266] In the above solution, a working position receiving part 60A is provided for anti-torsional fixation of the pivot support 14 in the working position A, and a static position receiving part 60R is provided for anti-torsional fixation of the pivot support 14 in the static position R.

[0267] For reliable operation of the trailer coupling according to the invention, a locking device, indicated as an integral part by 270, is provided, which includes a locking body 272, which is itself guided in a direction parallel to the pivot axis 22 in a guide portion 274, for example, a hole configured at the flange 104 of the guide sleeve of the guide body 40.

[0268] As in Figure 18 As shown, when the control body is in the rotationally locked position and thus the pivot support 14 and the guide 40 are fixed relative to each other, the locking body 272 can be fixed in such a way that its end 276 facing the control body 52 in the safe position can be engaged from the guide 274 into the receiving portion of the control body 52.

[0269] The actuator 52 occupies the rotary locking position not only in the working position but also in the rest position, so that the actuator 52 is additionally fixed not only in the working position but also in the rest position, although the actuator is already loaded in the direction toward the rotary locking position due to the loading of the torsion spring 114.

[0270] Furthermore, the locking body 272 can be moved from the safety position to a ready position, in which the locking body is no longer engaged with the recess 282 of the operating body 52 at its end 276, but is preferably positioned in the recess of the flange 104 in a direction parallel to the pivot axis 22.

[0271] Here, the locking body 272 remains unlocked in the pre-positioned position and is preferably also positioned within the extension of the flange 104, as this is in Figure 19 As shown in the diagram.

[0272] An operating device 280 is provided for the movement of the locking body 272 between the ready position and the safe position, which is connected to the operating unit 180 for rotating the locking device.

[0273] The operating device 280 includes a slide guide 290 as an integral part, wherein the slide guide 290 acts on a slide follower 292, which in turn acts on a transmission element 294 connected to a locking body 272, thereby allowing the locking body 272 to be moved to a safe position and a ready position.

[0274] Preferably, the guide section 290 is arranged on the periphery of the internal gear 142 of the operating unit 180, which is part of the planetary gear transmission mechanism 130, and is used to drive the operating body 52 of the rotary locking device 50 via the drive sleeve 122.

[0275] As shown in Figure 20, especially Figure 20a As shown, the operating body 52 is positioned in the rotational locking position of the rotational locking device 50 such that it loads the rotational locking body 54 in the radial direction relative to the pivot axis 22 and moves the rotational locking body in the guide direction 58 into the provided receiving portion so as to fix the pivot support body 14 torsionally relative to the pivot axis 22, either in the working position A or in the rest position R.

[0276] Therefore, in particular, the pressure-bearing surface 66 of the operating body acts on the rotary locking body 54, in Figure 20a As shown in the image.

[0277] Here, for example, the first end 276 of the locking body 272 engages with the recess 282 therein to fix the rotational position of the operating body 52 between the retraction receiving portion 62 of one of the rotating locking bodies 541 and the pressure bearing surface 66 of the rotating locking body 542 immediately following in the peripheral direction.

[0278] In addition, as in Figure 20aAs shown, the slide guide 290 includes slide rails 312 and 314 arranged facing each other on the periphery side of the internal gear 142. The positioning segments 312a and 314f extend relative to each other in order to position the slide follower 292 in the safe position of the locking body. That is, the slide follower 292 is thus precisely positioned in the safe position between these positioning segments 312a and 314c of the two slide rails 12 and 14 and does not have the possibility of moving, for example, to the ready position in a direction parallel to the pivot axis 22, but remains fixed in the safe position. Thus, by this precisely defined positioning of the slide follower 292, the transmission element 294 immovably positions the locking body 272 in the safe position and thus additionally fixes the operating body 52.

[0279] Furthermore, the transmission element 294, as in Figure 20c As shown, it extends to the sensor manipulation element 296, which manipulates the sensor 300 by means of a position indication element 298 movable relative to the sensor 300 in the case of movement of the transmission element 294, wherein the position indication element 298 has a first detection surface 302 and a second detection surface 304 in the case of the sensor 300 configured as a detector.

[0280] For example, the first detection surface 302 is used to detect the safety position and the second detection surface 304 is used to detect the ready position, wherein the detection surfaces 302 and 304 are used for different intensities of manipulation of the sensor 300.

[0281] Sensor 300 can also be a magnetic field sensor, which detects different magnetized areas of position indicating element 298.

[0282] Such an external Figure 20b As shown, in the initial position of the internal gear 142 of the planetary gear mechanism 130, the drive fingers 158a and 158b engaged in the drive slots 156a and 156b abut against the drive tabs 157a and 157b separating the drive slots 156a and 156b, that is, the drive of the internal gear 142 in the rotational direction 322 does not initially cause the drive fingers 158a and 158b to move, because the internal gear 142 moves in the rotational direction 322, in which the drive tabs 157a and 157b are moved away by the drive fingers 158a and 158b, as in Figure 21b As shown in the diagram.

[0283] This leads to the following, namely, as in Figure 21aAs shown, the slide follower 292 moves along the exit segment 312b of the slide guide 290, which displaces the slide follower 292 toward the locking body 272, and thus removes the locking body 272 from the receiving portion 282 of the operating body 52 at its end 276 and occupies the position when the positioning segment 312c is reached. Figure 21a The preparatory position is shown in the figure.

[0284] Because the locking body 272 cannot be moved out of the pre-position in the guide portion 274 due to the end flange 198 of the pivot support 14, the positioning section 312c, together with the end flange 198, holds the locking body 272 in the pre-position, as in Figure 21a As shown in the diagram.

[0285] In the pre-given position by the positioning segment 312c, the sensor manipulation element 296 is also moved relative to the sensor 300 by the transmission element 294, so that it is loaded by the detection surface 304 and recognizes the arrival of the pre-given position.

[0286] In this preparatory position, the operating body 52 is disengaged, and further rotation of the internal gear 142 at this time results in the following situation: when the drive contacts 157b and 157a cause the drive fingers 158a and 158b to abut against the drive contacts, the following situation occurs: Figure 22b As shown, further rotation of the internal gear 142 in the rotational direction 322 causes the rotational locking position to be released as the operating body 52 is moved from the rotational locking position to the released position against the force of the torsion spring 114.

[0287] Here, the follower 292 of the slide is as follows: Figure 22c As shown, it moves on the positioning segment 312c as always and holds the locking body 272 in the ready position as described, wherein the rotating locking body 54 is in its released position in this case.

[0288] When the rotary locking position has been released for the first time, the ball neck 14 has the possibility of leaving the working position or the stationary position due to gravity and thus pivoting from the working position or the stationary position to the intermediate position in the lane direction. However, due to the arrangement of the working position receiving part 60A and the stationary position receiving part 60R and the rotary locking body 54 which is obstructed when moving from the release position to the rotary locking position in the intermediate position therebetween, the rotary locking body 54 does not have the possibility of leaving the release position before reaching the working position or the stationary position.

[0289] Starting from the working position or the stationary position, it can generally be expected that the user of the trailer coupling will move the ball neck 14 from its position where it is suspended downward in the direction of gravity toward the stationary position or the working position.

[0290] The drive of the operating unit 180 thus changes its rotation direction upon reaching the positioning segment 312c and rotates the internal gear 142 back to such an extent in a rotation direction 324 opposite to the rotation direction 322 that the slide follower 292 is loaded by the spring-elastic removal segment 314b of the slide guide 314, which acts toward the safety position on the guide follower 292. However, the guide follower 292 cannot yet be moved to the safety position because the locking body 272 is hindered from moving to the rotational locking position by the still-existing release position of the operating body 52, as in Figure 23a and 23c As shown in the diagram.

[0291] exist Figures 23a to 23c In the middle, the ball neck 10 is not yet in the set final position, that is, for example, the working position or the rest position, because the rotary locking device 50 is still in the released position and has no opportunity to move to the rotary locking position.

[0292] On the other hand, in this position, the slide follower 292 is spring-loaded toward the safety position by the spring-elastically removed section 314b, but cannot be moved to the safety position yet because the operating body 52 is also in the released position.

[0293] Furthermore, the motor can rotate the internal gear 142 only back to the aforementioned position, because further back rotation of the internal gear 142 in the rotation direction 324 is prevented by the drive fingers 158a and 158b connected to the rotation position of the operating body 52, thus hindering further back rotation toward the initial position.

[0294] Only when the ball neck 14 reaches its rest or working position through a manually introduced pivoting motion, the operating body 52 (loaded by the torsion spring 114) moves from the released position to the rotationally locked position, in which the drive sleeve 122 and drive fingers 158a and 158b are in a position corresponding to the rotationally locked position, as in Figure 24a As shown in the figure, the rotating locking body 54 is loaded by the bearing surface 66 and is therefore displaced radially toward its rotating locking position.

[0295] The rotational locking position of the operating body 52 at this time allows the elastically acting displaced segment 314b to act on the slide follower 292 in such a way that it pushes the locking body 292 into the receiving portion 282 in the operating body 52 at its end 276 and thus fixes the operating body 52 in addition to the torsion spring 114 acting on the operating body 52 in this position.

[0296] This means that at this time, the locked body 272 is in Figure 24a and 24c It starts from the position in the middle and joins to the receiving part 282, and as in Figure 25a The manipulator 52 is fixed in the rotation lock position as shown in the figure.

[0297] In this case, the sensor manipulation element 296 acts on the sensor 300 with the position indication element 298 such that the sensor detects the fixed position of the locking body 272 at this time.

[0298] In this situation, however, as in Figure 25b As shown, the internal gear 142, driven only by the drive motor, is still in a rotational position that has not yet corresponded to the final initial position.

[0299] For this reason, a brief drive signal is triggered by sensor 300 to drive the motor, which causes the motor to be rotated further in direction 324 and thus the slide follower 292 reaches the rotational position shown in FIG. 20 again, in which drive tabs 157a and 157b abut against drive fingers 158a and 158b.

[0300] Furthermore, in this rotational position (such as in Figure 20a and Figure 20c As can be seen in the image, the slide follower 292 is permanently and reliably positioned in a position by means of two positioning segments 312a and 314c, in which the locking body 272 cannot leave the safety position.

Claims

1. A trailer coupling comprising a ball joint (10) movable between a working position (A) and a rest position (R), the ball joint being connected at a first end to a pivot support unit (20) and at a second end to carry a coupling ball (18), wherein, The ball neck (10) of the pivot support unit (20) is pivotable between the working position (A) and the rest position (R) for pivoting movement about the pivot axis (22), and includes a rotation locking device (50) acting between the guide (40) and the pivot support body (14) of the pivot support unit (20) with at least two rotation locking units (80), each of which has a rotation locking body (54) that is movably guided in the guide direction (58) by means of a guide receiving portion (56) of the guide body (40). The rotating locking bodies (54) of all rotating locking units (80) are movable via a pressure-bearing surface (66) extending transversely to the guide direction (58) and disposed on the operating body (52). The rotation of the operating body (52) in the operating direction (72) allows the rotating locking bodies (54) of all rotating locking units (80) to be moved and loaded in the guide direction (58). Furthermore, the rotating locking bodies (54) of all rotating locking units (80) can be brought into a rotating locking position from the working position (A) or the rest position (R) by movement in the guide direction (58), and in the rotating locking position, each rotating locking body (54) is respectively connected to one of the at least two working position receiving portions. One of (60) or one of the at least two rest position receptacles (60R) engages to prevent pivoting movement of the pivot support (14) and the guide (40) relative to each other about the pivot axis (22), and wherein the rotation locking body (54) can be brought to a release position and in this release position disengages from the corresponding working position receptacle (60) or the corresponding rest position receptacle (60R) and releases pivoting movement between the pivot support (14) and the guide (40), wherein all the provided relative pivots between the pivot support (14) and the guide (40) The rotating position, except for the working position (A) and the stationary position (R), prevents the movement of the operating body (52) in the operating direction (72) and thus also prevents the rotation locking body (54) of each of the rotation locking units (80) from engaging with the force-loaded engagement of the rotating locking body (54) in one of the working position receiving portions (60A) or the stationary position receiving portions (60R), is characterized by providing a locking device (270) comprising a locking body (272) movable to a safety position that secures the operating body (52) in the rotating locking position and to a preparatory position elsewhere outside the safety position.

2. The trailer coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking body (272) is guided on the guide (40) of the pivot support unit (20).

3. The trailer coupling according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The locking body (272) is guided in a guide portion (274) arranged on the guide body (40), and in particular, the guide portion (274) is arranged in a wall region (104) of the guide body (40) adjacent to the operating body (52), and in particular, the wall region (104) is arranged between the operating body (52) and the pivot support (14).

4. The trailer coupling according to claim 3, characterized in that, The locking body (272) can be moved in the guide (274) in a direction approximately parallel to the pivot axis (22).

5. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The locking body (272) engages in the receiving portion (282) in the operating body (52) in the corresponding safety position.

6. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The locking body (272) is positioned adjacent to the manipulator (52) in the preparatory position.

7. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The guide portion (274) for the locking body (272) is arranged in the wall region (104) of the guide body (40) adjacent to the operating body (52).

8. The trailer coupling according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that, The locking body (272) is initiated from and guided by the guide portion (274) in the safe position and correspondingly engaged at its end (276) into the corresponding receiving portion (282) of the operating body (52).

9. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The locking body (272) can be fixed in the safety position by means of the operating device (280).

10. The trailer coupling according to claim 9, characterized in that, The operating device (280) includes a slide guide (290) and a slide follower (292) that can be moved through the slide guide, the slide follower being connected to the locking body (272).

11. The trailer coupling according to claim 10, characterized in that, The chute follower (292) can be moved approximately parallel to the pivot axis (22) via the chute guide (290).

12. The trailer coupling according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The groove guide (290) can move in a plane transverse to the pivot axis (22).

13. The trailer coupling according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The slide guide (290) is movable via the operating device (280).

14. The trailer coupling according to claim 13, characterized in that, The operating device (280) includes a body (142) that carries the slide guide (290) and is rotatably movable relative to the slide follower (292).

15. The trailer coupling according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that, The chute guide (290) has at least one chute guide rail (312, 314) acting on the chute follower (292).

16. The trailer coupling according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that, The chute guide (290) has two chute guide rails (312, 314) that act on the chute follower (292) and guide the chute follower therebetween.

17. The trailer coupling according to claim 16, characterized in that, The two slide rails (312, 314) together fix the slide follower (292) in a pre-defined safety position.

18. The trailer coupling according to any one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that, The first slide rail (312) includes a rail section (312b) that moves the slide follower (292) from the position that determines the safety position to the position that determines the preparatory position.

19. The trailer coupling according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that, The second slide rail (314) has a rail section (314b) that moves the slide follower (292) from a position corresponding to the preparatory position to a position in which the slide follower (292) is spring-loaded toward the safety position.

20. The trailer coupling according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that, The first slide rail (312) functions through the movement of the slide guide (290) in the first rotation direction (322), while the second slide rail (314) functions through the movement of the slide guide (290) in the rotation direction (324) opposite to the first rotation direction (322).

21. The trailer coupling according to claim 20, characterized in that, The operating device (280) can be driven by the operating unit (180) for the rotary locking device (50).

22. The trailer coupling according to claim 21, characterized in that, The control device (280) is connected to the control unit (180).

23. The trailer coupling according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, The slide rail (290) is arranged on the rotatable body (142) of the planetary gear transmission mechanism (130) of the operating unit (180) for the rotary locking device (50).

24. The trailer coupling according to claim 23, characterized in that, The slide rail (290) is arranged on the internal gear (142) of the planetary gear transmission mechanism (130) of the operating unit (180).

25. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The locking device (270) has a sensor (300) for detecting the position of the locking body (272).

26. The trailer coupling according to claim 25, characterized in that, The sensor (300) detects the safety position and the preparatory position.

27. The trailer coupling according to any one of embodiments 9 to 26 above, characterized in that, The slide follower (292) is connected to the locking body (272) by means of a transmission element (294).

28. The trailer coupling according to claim 27, characterized in that, The transmission element (294) is connected to the sensor manipulation element (296).

29. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A blocking surface (90) extends between the working position receiving portion (60A) and the stationary position receiving portion (60R). The rotary locking body (54) is positioned opposite to it, and the working position receiving portion (60A) and the stationary position receiving portion (60R) extend from it. The rotary locking unit (80), the working position receiving portion (60A), and the stationary position receiving portion (60R) are arranged about the pivot axis (22) at an angular interval (W) such that, in all the pivot positions provided opposite to each other on the pivot support (14) and the guide (40), except for the working position (A)... The rotating locking body (54) of at least one of the rotating locking units (80) outside the stationary position (R) is positioned opposite one of the blocking surfaces (90), and thus these blocking surfaces (90) block the movement of the operating body (52) in the operating direction (72) in particular when the operating body (52) is force-loaded in the direction of the operating direction (72), and thus also block the force-loaded engagement of the rotating locking body (54) of each of the rotating locking units (80) to one of the working position receiving portion (60A) or the stationary position receiving portion (60R).

30. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The rotary locking unit (80) is arranged around the pivot axis (22) at an angular interval (W) to form a rotary locking configuration. The working position receiving portion (60A) and the stationary position receiving portion (60R) are arranged around the pivot axis (22) at the same angular interval (W) as the rotary locking unit (80) to form a receiving portion for each of the working position (A) and the stationary position (R). The rotary locking configuration is connected to the working position receiving portion (60A) in the working position (A) or the stationary position receiving portion (60R) in the stationary position (R). The receiving portions of the stop position receiving portion (60R) are arranged to overlap each other, so that the rotary locking body (54) can be engaged in the working position receiving portion or the rest position receiving portion. The angular interval (W) between the rotary locking units (80) of the rotary locking configuration and the angular interval between the working position receiving portion (60A) or the rest position receiving portion (60R) of the receiving portion are selected such that one of the receiving portions of the rotary locking configuration and the receiving portion configuration overlaps with each other only in the working position (A) or the rest position (R).

31. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one of the rotary locking units (80) is not equal in angular interval (W) with respect to the rotational direction about the pivot axis (22) and with respect to the adjacent rotary locking units (80) arranged opposite to the rotational direction. In the working position (A), the working position receiving portion (60A) is arranged such that the rotary locking body (54) of each rotary locking unit (80) can be brought into engagement with one of the working position receiving portions (60A). In the rest position (R), the rest position receiving portion (60R) is arranged such that the rotary locking body (54) of each rotary locking unit (80) is engaged with one of the working position receiving portions (60A). The rotary locking body (54) of at least one of the rotary locking units (80) in the pivot position other than the working position (A) or the static position (R) is brought into engagement with one of the rest position receiving portions (60R) and the pivot support (14) and the guide (40) is opposite to each other. It is positioned opposite to a blocking surface (90) extending between the working position receiving portion (60A) and the rest position receiving portion (60R), and the blocking surface (90) blocks the movement of the operating body (52) from the release position to the rotary locking position, especially in the case of force loading of the operating body (52).

32. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The blocking surface (90) extends towards the rotating locking body (54) of the rotating locking unit (80).

33. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The blocking surface (90) extends around the pivot axis (22) with a defined radius.

34. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The blocking surface (90) extends to the opening edge (92) of the working position receiving portion (60A) and the resting position receiving portion (60R) and transitions into these opening edges.

35. The trailer coupling according to claim 34, characterized in that, The opening edges (92) of the working position receiving portion (60A) and the stationary position receiving portion (60R) are at the same radial distance from the pivot axis (22) as the blocking surface (90).

36. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one of the rotation locking bodies (54) of the rotation locking unit (80) abuts against one of the blocking surfaces (90) during the relative pivoting movement between the pivot support (14) and the guide (40) toward the working position (A), particularly abutting against one of the blocking surfaces (90) by the force of the operating body (52).

37. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The rotary locking body (54) is forcefully abutted against the blocking surface (90) before reaching the working position (A) and then forcefully abutted against the opening edge (92) of the working position receiving part (60A) before entering the working position receiving part (60A).

38. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The working position receiving portion (60A) extends from the blocking surface (90) in the guide direction (58), particularly with at least one component in the radial direction relative to the pivot axis (22).

39. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one of the rotation locking bodies (54) of the rotation locking unit (80) abuts against one of the blocking surfaces (90) in the case of relative pivoting movement between the pivot support (14) and the guide (40) toward the rest position (R), particularly abutting against one of the blocking surfaces (90) by the force of the operating body (52).

40. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The rotating locking body (54) is forcefully abutted against the blocking surface (90) before reaching the stationary position (R) and then forcefully abutted against the opening edge (92) of the stationary position receiving part (60R) before entering the stationary position receiving part (60R).

41. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The stationary position receiving portion (60R) extends from the blocking surface (90) in the guiding direction (58), particularly with at least one component in the radial direction relative to the pivot axis (22).

42. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The working position receiving part (60A), the stationary position receiving part (60R), and the blocking surface (90) are arranged facing the guide sleeve (40).

43. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The guide (40) is part of the pivot support unit (20).

44. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, All guide housings (56) for the rotary locking body (54) of the rotary locking unit (80) are arranged in the guide body (40).

45. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The guiding direction (58) extends in at least one component in the radial direction relative to the pivot axis (22).

46. ​​The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The guide (40) has a guide sleeve (44) with a guide receiving portion (56) for the rotary locking body (54) of the rotary locking unit (80), and in particular the rotary locking body (54) is guided by the guide (40) which is closely attached to the pivot support (14) in the radial direction.

47. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The guide (40) has a pivot support for the pivot support body (14).

48. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The manipulator (52) is movably guided relative to the guide (40).

49. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The manipulator (52) is rotatably arranged about the pivot axis (22), and particularly preferably has a wedge-shaped surface (66) that extends about the pivot axis (22) through a certain angular range and varies in a direction parallel to the guide direction (58) in combination with the retraction receiving portion (62).

50. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The receiving portion (60) and the blocking surface (90) are arranged on the pivot support (14).

51. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The manipulator (52) is surrounded by the guide (40), and in particular the pivot support (14) surrounds the guide (40).

52. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The rotating locking body (54) is arranged around the manipulator (52).

53. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The pivot support (14) forms an outer body that surrounds the pivot support unit (20) and is arranged immovably relative to the pivot support unit (20) in the direction of the pivot axis (22). In particular, the pivot support (14) forms an outer body that surrounds at least a portion of the rotation locking unit (50) and is arranged immovably relative to the guide (40) in the direction of the pivot axis (22).

54. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The manipulator (52) is loaded in the direction of its rotationally locked position via the elastic accumulator (114).

55. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The manipulator (52) can be moved from the rotation lock position to the release position via the manipulator (180).

56. The trailer coupling according to claim 54 or 55, characterized in that, The manipulator (52) can be moved by the manipulator unit (180) in the opposite direction of the loading by the accumulator (114).

57. The trailer coupling according to any one of claims 54 to 56, characterized in that, Using the control unit (180), the control body (52) can be rotated in the opposite direction (72) to the control direction acted by the elastic energy storage device (114).

58. The trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The control unit (180) has a driven element (142) which is connected to the control body (52).

59. The trailer coupling according to claim 58, characterized in that, The driven element (142) and the operating body (52) are connected to each other via a drive coupling device (156, 158).

60. The trailer coupling according to claim 59, characterized in that, The drive connection device (156, 158) has an idle state without drive and a driven state.

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