A trailer coupling device

By designing a multi-stage connection structure and a damper reset system, combined with a hinge structure and clamping blocks, the loosening and safety hazards of existing trailer connection devices under impact forces have been solved, thus improving stability and safety.

CN224375254UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-19CHINA AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO LTD TIANJIN BRANCH

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
CHINA AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO LTD TIANJIN BRANCH
Filing Date
2025-07-17
Publication Date
2026-06-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing trailer coupling devices lack buffering, shock absorption, and reset functions, resulting in significant impact forces during vehicle operation. This can easily lead to loose connections and metal fatigue, posing safety hazards.

Method used

A multi-stage connection structure including a rear panel, a buffer plate, and a rotating plate was designed. Combined with dampers and return springs arranged symmetrically in the upper and lower directions, it can achieve buffering and energy absorption and automatic reset in the front and rear directions. The hinge structure and arc-shaped dampers enhance the adaptability to the swaying and steering of the trailer. At the same time, clamping blocks and fixing nuts are set to improve the connection safety.

Benefits of technology

It significantly improves the stability and impact resistance of trailer connections, extends service life, and enhances the safety and versatility of attachment, preventing detachment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of automobile parts, especially a trailer connecting device, including backplate, buffer board and rotating plate, the both sides of backplate evenly are provided with bolt hole for fixed installation uses, one side swing mounting of backplate has buffer board, the other side rotating installation of buffer board has rotating plate for adapting rotation, one side mounting of rotating plate has the cross plate for supporting connection, the trailer hook is installed on the cross plate upside, in the utility model, through setting backplate, buffer board and rotating plate's multistage connection structure, realized the buffer energy absorption and automatic reset of front -back direction in the process of hanging, and the hinge structure is connected between rotating plate and buffer board, and the second damper and second reset spring of arc arrangement are supplemented, further strengthened the adaptability of device to trailer left and right swing and turning movement, effectively relieve structure stress concentration simultaneously, prolong the life.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive parts technology, specifically a trailer connection device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, some passenger cars are often used to tow small trailers, RVs, bicycle racks and other tools. However, most existing trailer coupling devices have simple structures, mainly using rigid fixed ball joints or hook-type connections, which lack buffering, shock absorption and reset functions. As a result, during vehicle operation, especially when starting, braking or driving on bumpy roads, the towing connection is prone to large impact forces. Long-term use can easily cause the connection to loosen and metal fatigue, and also pose potential safety hazards. Therefore, a trailer coupling device is proposed to address the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a trailer connection device to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0005] A trailer connection device includes a rear panel, a buffer plate, and a rotating plate. Bolt holes for fixed installation are evenly provided on both sides of the rear panel. The buffer plate is movably installed on one side of the rear panel, and a rotating plate for adapting to rotation is rotatably installed on the other side of the buffer plate. A cross plate for supporting the connection is installed on one side of the rotating plate, and a trailer hook is installed on the upper side of the cross plate.

[0006] Preferably, a first damper for buffering is installed between the back plate and the buffer plate. There are two first dampers, which are symmetrically arranged vertically and installed in the middle of the back plate and the buffer plate. A first return spring for driving the buffer plate to reset is installed on the outside of the first damper.

[0007] Preferably, the buffer plate is equipped with limiting frames on the left and right sides for auxiliary limiting of the buffer plate, and the other end of the limiting frame is installed on one side of the back plate. The cross-section of the limiting frame is L-shaped.

[0008] Preferably, a limiting ring for limiting the first return spring is installed on one side of the back plate and one side of the buffer plate, and the diameter of the limiting ring is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the first return spring. The limiting ring is installed on both sides of the first return spring.

[0009] Preferably, a hinge structure for rotatable connection is installed between the rotating plate and the buffer plate, and a second damper is installed on both the left and right sides of the hinge structure in an up-down arrangement, and a second return spring is installed on the outer side of the second damper.

[0010] Preferably, both the second damper and the second return spring are arranged in an arc shape, and the center of the axis of the second damper and the second return spring is on the axis of the hinge structure.

[0011] Preferably, a clamping block for fixing the connecting ring is slidably installed on the upper side of the trailer hook, and a fixing nut for fixing the clamping block is installed on the top of the clamping block, and the fixing nut is screwed to the top of the trailer hook.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0013] 1. In this utility model, by setting up a multi-level connection structure of a rear plate, a buffer plate, and a rotating plate, combined with a first damper and a first return spring arranged symmetrically above and below, buffering energy absorption and automatic reset in the front and rear directions during the hook-up process are realized, which significantly improves the stability and impact resistance of the trailer; the rotating plate and the buffer plate are connected by a hinge structure, and supplemented by an arc-shaped second damper and a second return spring, which further enhances the adaptability of the device to the left and right swing and steering movements of the trailer, while effectively alleviating structural stress concentration and extending service life.

[0014] 2. In this utility model, the clamping block and fixing nut can clamp and fix trailer connecting rings of different specifications. The fixing nut can be manually tightened to lock them, prevent them from falling off, and improve the safety and versatility of the attachment. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 This utility model Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure at point A;

[0017] Figure 3 This utility model Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure at point B;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the trailer hook installation structure of this utility model.

[0019] In the diagram: 1. Rear panel; 2. Buffer plate; 3. Rotating plate; 4. Bolt hole; 5. First damper; 6. First return spring; 7. Limiting frame; 8. Limiting ring; 9. Hinge structure; 10. Second damper; 11. Second return spring; 12. Horizontal plate; 13. Trailer hook; 14. Clamping block; 15. Fixing nut. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0021] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0022] Please see Figure 1-4 This utility model provides a technical solution:

[0023] A trailer connection device includes a rear panel 1, a buffer plate 2, and a rotating plate 3. The rear panel 1 is a rectangular steel plate with bolt holes 4 evenly spaced on both sides for fixed installation. It is reliably connected to the rear structure of a passenger vehicle through the bolt holes 4 to achieve basic fixation of the entire connection device. The buffer plate 2 is movably installed on one side of the rear panel 1. The buffer plate 2 and the rear panel 1 are connected by two sets of first dampers 5. The first dampers 5 are symmetrically arranged between the rear panel 1 and the buffer plate 2 to absorb the longitudinal impact force generated by the trailer during driving and improve the buffering performance of the connection system. A first return spring 6 is fitted on the outer side of the first damper 5. After the impact disappears, it can push the buffer plate 2 back to the initial position to achieve automatic reset function. To prevent the buffer plate 2 from shifting laterally during operation, limit frames 7 are provided on its left and right sides respectively. The other end of the limit frame 7 is fixed to the rear panel 1, and the cross-section is L-shaped, which plays an auxiliary limiting role in the range of motion of the buffer plate 2. A rotating plate 3 is rotatably mounted on the outer side of the buffer plate 2, and the two are hinged together by a hinge structure 9, allowing the rotating plate 3 to swing within a certain range to adapt to the up-and-down rotation of the trailer under complex road conditions. A second damper 10 and a second return spring 11 are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the hinge structure 9, both arranged in an arc shape, with their center lines located on the axis of rotation of the hinge structure 9, to elastically buffer and automatically reset changes in angle caused by rotation. A horizontal plate 12 is fixedly mounted at the end of the rotating plate 3 to form a stable trailer support platform. A trailer hook 13 is mounted above the horizontal plate 12 for connecting to the trailer. To improve connection safety, a clamping block 14 is slidably mounted on the upper side of the trailer hook 13. The top of the clamping block 14 is connected to a fixing nut 15 by a thread, allowing the user to reliably clamp the trailer connecting ring by tightening the fixing nut 15, preventing risks such as disengagement or loosening during connection. Through the above-mentioned structural combination, the entire device realizes multi-level buffering, angle adaptation, limit protection and safety clamping functions from the main vehicle to the trailer. It has a compact structure, high reliability and strong adaptability, and is especially suitable for application needs such as passenger cars towing light trailers, RVs or bicycle racks.

[0024] When using the trailer connection device of this utility model, the rear back plate 1 is first securely installed on the frame or tail beam at the rear of the passenger vehicle using bolts, making it the fixed foundation of the entire connection system; the buffer plate 2 is connected to the rear back plate 1 through two sets of first dampers 5 arranged vertically, and a first return spring 6 is fitted on its outer side. When the trailer is subjected to front and rear drag impact, the buffer plate 2 can generate axial buffer stroke under the action of the dampers to absorb the impact energy. At the same time, after the impact disappears, it is pushed back to its original position by the return spring 6 to ensure connection stability; the limiting brackets 7 on both sides of the buffer plate 2 limit its range of motion to prevent lateral displacement and improve structural alignment and service life; the rotating plate 3 rotatably connected to the outer side of the buffer plate 2 can be adjusted in angle through the hinge structure 9. During the turning process of the trailer, the rotating plate 3 can be adjusted. The device performs slight oscillations to reduce impact and structural stress. During this rotational motion, the arc-shaped second damper 10 and the second return spring 11, located on both sides of the hinge, work synchronously to achieve rotational buffering and automatic angle reset, maintaining the stable posture of the device. The horizontal plate 12 fixed at the lower end of the rotating plate 3 provides a stable support platform for the trailer hook 13. When connecting the trailer, the connecting ring on the trailer is inserted into the trailer hook 13, and then the clamping block 14 is pushed to press the connecting ring, and the fixing nut 15 is tightened to complete the clamping and locking operation, ensuring a reliable and safe connection. Throughout the entire use process, whether starting, braking, or in complex road conditions, this device can effectively absorb impact and stabilize the connection through a multi-stage buffer and limit system, and automatically reset after use, ensuring the reliability of the connection and the safety of the entire vehicle.

[0025] Contents not described in detail in this specification are existing technologies known to those skilled in the art. Standard parts used in this invention can all be purchased commercially, and irregularly shaped parts can be custom-made according to the description and drawings. The specific connection methods for each part all employ conventional methods such as bolts, rivets, and welding, which are already mature technologies. The machinery, parts, and equipment all use conventional models from the prior art, and the circuit connections also employ conventional connection methods from the prior art, which will not be detailed here.

[0026] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A trailer coupling device comprising a back plate (1), a bumper plate (2) and a swivel plate (3), characterized in that: The back panel (1) has bolt holes (4) evenly provided on both sides for fixed installation. A buffer plate (2) is movably installed on one side of the back panel (1). A rotating plate (3) is rotatably installed on the other side of the buffer plate (2) to accommodate rotation. A cross plate (12) for supporting connection is installed on one side of the rotating plate (3). A trailer hook (13) is installed on the upper side of the cross plate (12).

2. A trailer coupling device according to claim 1, characterised in that: A first damper (5) for buffering is installed between the back plate (1) and the buffer plate (2). There are two first dampers (5), and the first dampers (5) are symmetrically arranged in the middle position between the back plate (1) and the buffer plate (2). A first return spring (6) for driving the buffer plate (2) to reset is installed on the outside of the first damper (5).

3. A trailer coupling device according to claim 1, characterised in that: The buffer plate (2) is equipped with a limiting frame (7) for auxiliary limiting of the buffer plate (2) on the left and right sides, and the other end of the limiting frame (7) is installed on one side of the back plate (1). The cross-section of the limiting frame (7) is L-shaped.

4. A trailer connection device according to claim 2, characterised in that: Both the back plate (1) and the buffer plate (2) are equipped with limiting rings (8) for limiting the first return spring (6), and the diameter of the limiting rings (8) is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the first return spring (6). The limiting rings (8) are installed on both sides of the first return spring (6).

5. A trailer connecting device according to claim 1, characterised in that: A hinge structure (9) for rotatable connection is installed between the rotating plate (3) and the buffer plate (2), and a second damper (10) arranged vertically is installed on both the left and right sides of the hinge structure (9), and a second return spring (11) is installed on the outside of the second damper (10).

6. A trailer connection device according to claim 5, characterised in that: The second damper (10) and the second return spring (11) are both arc-shaped, and the center of the axis of the second damper (10) and the second return spring (11) is on the axis of the hinge structure (9).

7. A trailer connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper side of the trailer hook (13) is slidably fitted with a clamping block (14) for fixing the connecting ring. The top of the clamping block (14) is fitted with a fixing nut (15) for fixing the clamping block (14), and the fixing nut (15) is screwed to the top of the trailer hook (13).