Trailer connector

Abstract

This application relates to a trailer connector, comprising: a connecting body having a spherical chamber; a locking assembly including a locking rod, a connector, a handle rotatably connected to the top of the locking rod, a retaining block, and a retaining buckle, the retaining buckle including a force-applying part, a retaining part, and a torsion spring; the locking rod has a first state and a second state, the force-applying part is compressed by an external force to the torsion spring, the retaining window disengages from the retaining block, and the locking rod switches from the first state to the second state; when the external force on the force-applying part is removed, the torsion spring retains the retaining window and the retaining block, and the locking rod switches from the second state to the first state; the handle has a flat state and a raised state, when in the flat state, the handle is lower than or flush with the connector in the height direction, thereby reducing the overall height of the connector and effectively reducing the space occupied by the connector; on the other hand, the operator can hold the handle while using their thumb to press the force-applying part of the retaining buckle, so that the operator can unlock or lock the trailer ball with one hand.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle technology, specifically to a trailer connector. Background Technology

[0002] As a key component, the trailer connector plays a crucial role in connecting the trailer and the towed vehicle during the towing process. However, in existing technologies, the handle design of the trailer connector results in a less compact structure and a larger footprint. Furthermore, in existing technologies, connecting or disconnecting the trailer connector from the vehicle's trailer ball typically requires the user to hold the handle with one hand while operating the unlocking mechanism with the other. This is extremely inconvenient for users in emergency situations or during rapid operations. Additionally, unlocking requires significant external force, making it difficult and risky for users with limited physical strength.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to improve the existing technology to overcome the aforementioned defects. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a trailer connector to solve at least one problem existing in the prior art, comprising: The connecting body has a first end and a second end that are arranged opposite to each other. The first end has a spherical cavity adapted to the trailer ball and a through hole that is inclined from top to bottom. The locking assembly includes a locking rod extending into the through hole, a connector fixedly connected to the top end of the locking rod, a handle passing through the connector and rotatably connected to the top end of the locking rod, and a retaining block disposed on the connecting body and a retaining buckle connected to the connector. The retaining buckle includes a force-applying part and a retaining part rotatably connected to the connector. The retaining part is provided with a retaining window through which the retaining buckle passes. The force-applying part and the connector are provided with a torsion spring, and the torsion spring is configured to abut the connector and the force-applying part at its two ends respectively. The locking lever has a first state in which the trailer ball is confined in the spherical cavity and a second state in which it is separated from the trailer ball. When the force-applying part is compressed by an external force, the abutting window disengages from the abutting block, and the locking lever switches from the first state to the second state. When the external force of the force-applying part is removed, the torsion spring abuts against the abutting window and the abutting block, and the locking lever switches from the second state to the first state. The handle has a flat state and a raised state. When it is in the flat state, the handle is lower than or flush with the connector in the height direction.

[0005] Optionally, in the above-mentioned trailer connector, the connector includes a connecting portion and an extension portion extending in a horizontal direction, the handle is rotatably connected to the connecting portion, and the retaining buckle is connected to the extension portion via the torsion spring.

[0006] Optionally, in the aforementioned trailer connector, the handle is provided with an adaptable concave-convex surface.

[0007] Optionally, the trailer connector described above further includes a handbrake and a positioning fork rotatably connected to the second end of the connecting body. The second end of the connecting body is also provided with positioning teeth. One end of the positioning fork is rotatably connected to the middle of the handbrake, and the other end abuts against the positioning teeth.

[0008] Optionally, in the aforementioned trailer connector, the handbrake is arc-shaped, and the arc of the handbrake bends towards the connecting body.

[0009] Optionally, in the above-described trailer connector, the handbrake includes a connecting section connected to the connecting body and an extension section connected to the connecting section. In the height direction, the extension section is lower than or flush with the connector.

[0010] Optionally, the aforementioned trailer connector may also have anti-slip stripes on the force-applying part.

[0011] Optionally, in the above-mentioned trailer connector, there is an angle between the central axis of the through hole and the central axis of the spherical cavity, the angle being 30°-60°.

[0012] Optionally, in the aforementioned trailer connector, the end of the locking lever is further provided with an arc-shaped abutment surface adapted to the trailer ball.

[0013] Optionally, in the aforementioned trailer connector, the arc-shaped abutment surface is covered with a deformation structure.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following beneficial effects: By rotating the handle and the connector together, and having a flat and a raised state, when the locking lever switches from the first state to the second state, the operator manually switches the handle from the flat state to the raised state to facilitate the application of force. When the locking lever switches from the second state to the first state, the handle switches from the raised state to the flat state. When the handle is in the flat state, it is lower than or flush with the connector, thereby reducing the overall height of the connector and effectively reducing the space occupied by the connector, making it more convenient for storage or transportation. More importantly, the reduced height facilitates the fit with vehicle components. On the other hand, by providing a retaining buckle on one side of the connector, the retaining buckle includes a force-applying part and a retaining part that are rotatably connected to the connector, and a torsion spring is provided between the force-applying part and the connector, so that when the locking lever is switched from the first state to the second state, the operator can hold the handle while pressing the force-applying part of the retaining buckle with their thumb, enabling the operator to unlock or lock the trailer ball with one hand. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the trailer connector shown in this embodiment; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A structural diagram from another direction; Figure 3 This is a partial schematic diagram of the trailer connector shown in this embodiment.

[0016] Figure descriptions: 1-Connecting body, 11-First end, 12-Second end, 13-Spherical chamber, 2-Locking assembly, 21-Locking rod, 22-Connector, 221-Connecting part, 222-Extension part, 23-Handle, 24-Abutting block, 25-Abutting buckle, 251-Force application part, 252-Abutting part, 2521-Abutting window, 253-Torsion spring, 3-Handbrake, 31-Connecting section, 32-Extension section, 4-Positioning fork. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The exemplary embodiments disclosed in this application will now be described in more detail. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a more thorough understanding of this application. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this application can be implemented without one or more of these details. In other instances, to avoid confusion with this application, some technical features well-known in the art have not been described; that is, not all features of actual embodiments are described herein, nor are well-known functions and structures described in detail.

[0018] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as "on," "adjacent to," "connected to," or "coupled to" other elements or layers, it may be directly on, adjacent to, connected to, or coupled to other elements or layers, or there may be intervening elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as "directly on," "directly adjacent to," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" other elements or layers, there are no intervening elements or layers. It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe various elements, components, areas, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, areas, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, area, layer, or portion from another element, component, area, layer, or portion. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of this application, the first element, component, area, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, area, layer, or portion. And the discussion of a second element, component, area, layer, or portion does not imply that the first element, component, area, layer, or portion necessarily exists in this application.

[0019] Spatial relation terms such as “below,” “under,” “below,” “under,” “above,” “above,” etc., are used here for convenience to describe the relationship between one element or feature shown in the figure and other elements or features. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the figure, spatial relation terms are intended to also include different orientations of devices in use and operation.

[0020] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. When used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “ / the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “compose” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, identify the presence of features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups. When used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items.

[0021] To fully understand this application, detailed steps and structures will be presented in the following description to illustrate the technical solution of this application. Preferred embodiments of this application are described in detail below; however, in addition to these detailed descriptions, this application may have other implementation methods.

[0022] Please refer to Figures 1-3As shown in the preferred embodiment of this application, a trailer connector includes a connecting body 1 and a locking assembly 2. The connecting body 1 has a first end 11 and a second end 12 disposed opposite to each other. The first end 11 has a spherical cavity 13 adapted to fit a trailer ball and a through hole inclined downwards. The locking assembly 2 includes a locking rod 21 extending into the through hole, a connector 22 fixedly connected to the top end of the locking rod 21, a handle 23 passing through the connector 22 and rotatably connected to the top end of the locking rod 21, a retaining block 24 disposed on the connecting body 1, and a retaining buckle 25 connected to the connector 22. The retaining buckle 25 includes a force-applying part 251 and a retaining part 252 rotatably connected to the connector 22. The retaining part 252 has a retaining window 2521 for the retaining buckle 25 to pass through. The force-applying part 251 and the connector 22 are connected... A torsion spring 253 is provided, which is configured to abut against the connector 22 and the force-applying part 251 at both ends respectively; the locking lever 21 has a first state that restricts the trailer ball in the spherical chamber 13 and a second state that is separated from the trailer ball. When the force-applying part 251 is compressed by external force, the abutting window 2521 disengages from the abutting block 24, and the locking lever 21 switches from the first state to the second state; when the external force of the force-applying part 251 is removed, the torsion spring 253 abuts against the abutting window 2521 and the abutting block 24, and the locking lever 21 switches from the second state to the first state; the handle 23 has a flat state and a raised state. When it is in the flat state, in the height direction, the handle 23 is lower than the connector 22 or flush with the connector 22.

[0023] Understandably, by providing a handle 23 that is rotatably connected to the connector 22, and by having a flat state and a raised state, when the handle 23 is in the flat state, the handle 23 is lower than or flush with the connector 22, which can reduce the overall height of the connector, effectively reducing the space occupied by the connector, making it more convenient to store or transport. More importantly, the reduced height makes it easier to match with vehicle components.

[0024] Understandably, by providing a retaining buckle 25 on one side of the connector 22, the retaining buckle 25 includes a force-applying part 251 and a retaining part 252 rotatably connected to the connector 22, and a torsion spring 253 is provided between the force-applying part 251 and the connector 22, so that when the locking lever 21 is switched from the first state to the second state, the operator can hold the handle 23 while pressing the force-applying part 251 of the retaining buckle 25 with their thumb, enabling the operator to unlock or lock the trailer ball with one hand, saving operation time and labor costs. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the force-applying part 251 is also provided with anti-slip stripes (not shown) to increase the friction between the force-applying part and the operator, preventing the operator from slipping when applying force to the force-applying part 251.

[0025] Specifically, the connector 22 includes a connecting portion 221 and an extension portion 222 extending horizontally. The handle 23 is rotatably connected to the connecting portion 221, and the retaining buckle 25 is connected to the extension portion 222 via a torsion spring 253. In this embodiment, the handle 23 is provided with an adaptable concave-convex surface, making the handle 23 more ergonomic and more in line with the contour of the human hand.

[0026] As described above, the through hole has a central axis, and there is an angle between the central axis of the through hole and the central axis of the spherical chamber 13. In this embodiment, the angle ranges from 30° to 60°, so that the locking rod can abut against the trailer ball in the spherical chamber 13 through the inclined through hole, and the abutment at this angle can ensure that the trailer ball is held firmly without affecting the movement of the locking rod 21 along the through hole.

[0027] Furthermore, the end of the locking lever 21 is also provided with an arc-shaped abutment surface that is adapted to the trailer ball, so that the locking lever 21 and the trailer ball can fit tightly together and achieve a better abutment effect.

[0028] Furthermore, the curved abutment surface is covered with a deformation structure, which can be made of materials such as silicone. The advantage of this design is that when the trailer connector is connected to trailer balls of different sizes, for example, when the surface of the trailer ball and the curvature of the curved abutment surface are inconsistent, the compressibility of the deformation structure can be used to compensate for the parts where the trailer ball and the curved abutment surface cannot fit together. This allows the trailer connector to be used with trailer balls of different sizes, improving its versatility.

[0029] In this embodiment, the trailer connector also includes a handbrake 3 and a positioning fork 4 that are rotatably connected to the second end 12 of the connecting body 1. The bottom end of the handbrake 3 is rotatably connected to the connecting body 1 and connected to the brake cable of the trailer. The second end 12 of the connecting body 1 is also provided with positioning teeth. One end of the positioning fork 4 is rotatably connected to the middle of the handbrake 3, and the other end abuts against the positioning teeth.

[0030] When braking is required, the user holds the handbrake 3 so that the handbrake 3 rotates relative to the connecting body 1, thereby tightening the brake cable to brake the trailer. At this time, the positioning fork 4 is inserted into the positioning tooth to limit the handbrake 3 and ensure that the brake cable always remains taut.

[0031] In this embodiment, the handbrake 3 is arranged in an arc shape, and the arc of the handbrake 3 bends towards the connecting body 1.

[0032] The advantages of this design are twofold. First, it better conforms to the contours of the human hand, allowing users to apply force more comfortably and naturally when holding the handbrake 3, reducing hand fatigue and improving the convenience and comfort of operation. This provides a better user experience, especially in situations of long-term parking or frequent braking. Second, the curvature of the handbrake 3 bends towards the connecting body 1, which can also be understood as the handbrake 3 extending towards the handle 23 rather than away from the handle 23.

[0033] In this embodiment, the handbrake 3 includes a connecting section 31 connected to the connecting body 1 and an extension section 32 connected to the connecting section 31. In the height direction, the extension section 32 is lower than or flush with the connector 22, thereby further reducing the space occupied by the trailer connector in the height direction without affecting the operation function of the handbrake 3, making the overall structure more compact and easier to match and install with other vehicle components. It is especially suitable for some vehicle connection scenarios with high space requirements, and improves the versatility and adaptability of the trailer connector.

[0034] In summary, the working process of the trailer connector of this utility model is as follows: the trailer ball is placed in the spherical cavity, and then the external force applied to the force-applying part is removed, so that the locking lever switches from the second state to the first state. The locking lever restricts the trailer ball in the spherical cavity, and the abutment block and the abutment window abut against each other to fix the trailer ball and the connector. At this time, the handle is in the flat state, reducing the height of the entire trailer connector. When the trailer ball is separated from the connector, the handle is held and the thumb presses the force-applying part, so that the handle changes from the flat state to the lifted state. The handle is pulled up, and under the action of the torsion spring, the abutment window and the abutment block are separated, the locking lever switches from the first state to the second state, and the trailer ball can be separated from the connector.

[0035] The above is only one specific implementation of this application, and any other improvements made based on the concept of this application shall be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A trailer connector, characterized in that, include: The connecting body has a first end and a second end that are arranged opposite to each other. The first end has a spherical cavity adapted to the trailer ball and a through hole that is inclined from top to bottom. The locking assembly includes a locking rod extending into the through hole, a connector fixedly connected to the top end of the locking rod, a handle passing through the connector and rotatably connected to the top end of the locking rod, and a retaining block disposed on the connecting body and a retaining buckle connected to the connector. The retaining buckle includes a force-applying part and a retaining part rotatably connected to the connector. The retaining part is provided with a retaining window through which the retaining buckle passes. A torsion spring is disposed between the force-applying part and the connector, and the torsion spring is configured to abut the connector and the force-applying part at its two ends respectively. The locking lever has a first state in which the trailer ball is confined in the spherical cavity and a second state in which it is separated from the trailer ball. When the force-applying part is compressed by an external force, the abutting window disengages from the abutting block, and the locking lever switches from the first state to the second state. When the external force of the force-applying part is removed, the torsion spring abuts against the abutting window and the abutting block, and the locking lever switches from the second state to the first state. The handle has a flat state and a raised state. When it is in the flat state, the handle is lower than or flush with the connector in the height direction.

2. The trailer connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector includes a connecting part and an extension part extending in a horizontal direction. The handle is rotatably connected to the connecting part, and the retaining buckle is connected to the extension part by the torsion spring.

3. The trailer connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The handle is provided with an adaptable concave-convex surface.

4. The trailer connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The trailer connector also includes a handbrake and a positioning fork rotatably connected to the second end of the connecting body. The second end of the connecting body is also provided with positioning teeth. One end of the positioning fork is rotatably connected to the middle of the handbrake, and the other end abuts against the positioning teeth.

5. The trailer connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The handbrake is arc-shaped, and the arc of the handbrake bends towards the connecting body.

6. The trailer connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The handbrake includes a connecting section connected to the connecting body and an extension section connected to the connecting section. In the height direction, the extension section is lower than or flush with the connecting member.

7. The trailer connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The force-applying part is also provided with anti-slip stripes.

8. The trailer connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, There is an angle between the central axis of the through hole and the central axis of the spherical cavity, the angle being 30°-60°.

9. The trailer connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the locking lever is also provided with an arc-shaped abutment surface that is adapted to the trailer ball.

10. The trailer connector according to claim 9, characterized in that, The arc-shaped support surface is covered with a deformation structure.

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