Towing device

Abstract

Towing device (1) for attaching to a trailer coupling of a motor vehicle for transporting a motor vehicle to be towed, comprising a cross member (2) having a coupling connection (6, 7) which is oriented perpendicular to the direction of travel, and comprising two hydraulically pivotable wheel suspensions (4) arranged on the cross member (2), each of which has a wheel (18) attached, characterized in that the connection between the cross member (2) and the coupling connection (6, 7) is detachable, so that the coupling connection (6, 7) is interchangeable depending on the operating state of the towing device (1), wherein the towing device (1) has a coupling connection (6) for an operating position which is positively connected to the cross member (2), and wherein the towing device (1) has a clamp coupling connection (7) for a transport position which is connected to the cross member (2) by means of a pivot bearing (8).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a towing device having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Vehicles that have become inoperable on the road constitute an obstruction. There is a particularly high risk of accidents on highways, even if the disabled vehicle is on the hard shoulder. Such vehicles should be moved to a safe location as soon as possible. Ideally, a repair vehicle can tow the disabled vehicle out of the danger zone, eliminating the need to wait at the breakdown site for a specially equipped tow truck.

[0003] While disabled vehicles can sometimes be repaired on-site by qualified automotive technicians, for example at the roadside, it may also happen that a satisfactory repair at the roadside is not possible and the vehicle must be towed to the nearest garage. The disabled vehicle can be towed by another vehicle using a chain, rope, tow bar, or tow axle.

[0004] Unlike tow ropes and tow bars, a tow axle does not require the brakes or steering of the vehicle being towed to be functional. Tow axles are designed to replace the function of one axle on a multi-axle vehicle being towed. A rotatable crossmember is mounted centrally above the axle, with its ends shaped (e.g., by recesses or a rectangular tube) to serve as a mounting point and secure the wheels of the vehicle being towed.

[0005] It is known to equip workshop vehicles in such a way that they can accommodate a tow trailer which can be stowed in the van when not in use, and which can be extended out of the rear of the van for use.

[0006] DE-A-4011620 reveals a transporter with a rigid tow trailer that can be stowed inside and moved outwards into an extended position via a rear door.

[0007] From DE 603 ​​12 435 T2, a towing device is known which has a tow trailer that is arranged in a stowed position in a workshop vehicle. The tow trailer includes a pivoting arm which is designed to move around its joint so that the trailer can be positioned outside the vehicle for use.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a foldable towing device which, in its folded state, can be transported on the motor vehicle and allows for one-man operation.

[0009] This problem is solved by a towing device having the features of claim 1.

[0010] A towing device for attaching to a trailer hitch of a motor vehicle for transporting a motor vehicle to be towed is provided, comprising a cross member with a coupling connection, oriented transversely to the direction of travel, and two hydraulically pivotable wheel suspensions arranged on the cross member, each with a wheel attached, wherein the connection between the cross member and the coupling connection is detachable, so that the coupling connection is interchangeable depending on the operating state of the towing device, wherein the towing device optionally has a drawbar coupling connection for a usage position, which is positively connected to the cross member, and wherein the towing device has a clamp coupling connection for a transport or standby position, which is connected to the cross member by means of a pivot bearing.This design allows the towing device to be attached to the towing vehicle's trailer hitch for both use and transport. The swivel bearing enables the towing device to be transported in its folded position on the vehicle.

[0011] Preferably, the towing device can be folded in the direction of travel for transport using the swivel bearing, so that the entire weight of the towing device rests on the trailer hitch. In this position, the wheels of the towing device are lifted off the road surface, and the towing device takes up relatively little space when folded.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the crossbeam has two wheel carriers telescopically mounted in a central section of the crossbeam, each with a hydraulically pivotable wheel suspension. The telescopic system of the crossbeam is particularly suitable because, for reasons of weight and strength, the crossbeam must be constructed of profiles. This allows the interior space of the central crossbeam to be used, at least partially, to accommodate the outer wheel carriers.

[0013] Preferably, the telescopically mounted wheel carriers are adjustable between a wide operating position and a narrow transport position, so that the widths specified by the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) can be maintained for both states.

[0014] The wheel carriers are preferably tubes that have a non-round, especially square, profile.

[0015] Preferably, two wheel mounts are provided, designed to accommodate the front wheels of a vehicle being towed, and each of which can be attached to a wheel carrier in the operating position for use of the towing device. The wheel mounts can thus be removed for transporting the towing device, saving weight and installation space.

[0016] Advantageously, the hydraulically pivotable wheel suspension includes a hydraulic cylinder, a fastening element, a wheel swing arm, and an axle stub arranged on the wheel swing arm for attaching the wheel.

[0017] It is preferred if the wheel suspension forms a kind of three-point linkage that can raise and lower the wheels relative to the cross member even when loaded.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, a mechanical locking mechanism is arranged next to the hydraulic cylinder of a wheel suspension to support the hydraulic cylinder during use or transport. The mechanical locking mechanism must be released to move the hydraulic cylinder.

[0019] Preferably, the swivel bearing has a swivel locking mechanism. This swivel locking mechanism preferably comprises several positions, so that the cross member can be arranged at a vehicle-dependent distance from the rear of the towing vehicle.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, the distance in the direction of travel from a coupling to the wheel contact points is between 10 and 20 times greater than the distance from the wheel contact points to the wheel mounts.

[0021] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Identical or functionally equivalent components are identified by the same reference numerals in all figures. The figures show:

[0022] Fig. 1: A spatial view of a towing device according to the invention with a coupling mount without wheels,

[0023] Fig. 2: a perspective view of the towing device made of Fig. 1 in a transport position,

[0024] Fig. 3: An enlarged view of the towing device in the area of ​​a wheel mount,

[0025] Fig. 4: an enlarged view of a wheel suspension,

[0026] Fig. 5: A spatial view of a swing arm with a hydraulic cylinder and a mechanical locking mechanism,

[0027] Fig. 6: a perspective view of a crossbeam mounted on a clamp coupling receptacle,

[0028] Fig. 7: a spatial representation of the crossbeam made of Fig. 6, as well as

[0029] Fig. 8: a spatial view of the clamping coupling mount Fig. 6.

[0030] The in Fig. 1 Towing device shown 1 features a telescopic crossbeam 2 , two removable wheel mounts 3 , two wheel suspensions 4 and a tow bar 5 up. The tow bar 5 is with a pipe 6 connected to a tow coupling connection, to which a tow coupling (not shown) is attached. The tow bar 5 and the pipe 6 can be used against a clamp coupling connection 7The coupling, designed to accommodate a clamp coupling, will be replaced. Clamp couplings are known from the prior art, for example from bicycle carriers. The couplings connect the towing device. 1 with a motor vehicle's trailer hitch. The two hitches can be exchanged via a swap system depending on the operating condition, so that during transport only the weight of one hitch acts on the trailer hitch. The other hitch can be carried in the trunk.

[0031] The couplings are connected via a swivel bearing 8 of the crossbeam 2 connected to this. Since a pivoting bearing is provided for the clamping coupling in order to fold up the entire device, next to the pivot bearing 8 one of the crossbeams 2 and the tow bar 5 penetrating bolt 9Provided for swivel locking. The longitudinal beam of the drawbar coupling, featuring the drawbar coupling connection. 6 and the tow bar 5 , has no anti-rotation device, as the square profile is positively locked into the crossbeam 2 is inserted. The longitudinal movement of the longitudinal beam is controlled by the bolts. 9 , 10 secured.

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in 2, the towing device 1 Folded up for transport. Since the towing device 1 The crossbeam must not exceed the vehicle width when folded up and, according to § 32 StVO, a width of 2.50 m when unfolded. 2 Designed to be telescopic to cover both working positions. The crossbeam 2 features three interlocking square profiles, the crossbeam middle section 11 and two bike racks 12, each located on one side of the crossbeam's central section 11 are arranged horizontally. For transport, the wheel carriers 12 partially into the crossbeam middle section 11 pushed to reduce the overall width of the towing device.

[0033] Between the carriers 11 , 12 Some of the plastic plates, not shown here, are used. These plastic plates can withstand pressure loads very well and also serve as sliding surfaces between the supports. 11 , 12 This prevents wear and tear from direct metal-to-metal contact between the supports, which in turn has a positive effect on the longevity of the towing device. To protect the wheel carriers 12 To keep them in the desired position, they are held in place by a crossbeam center section. 11 and the bike rack 12 penetrating bolt 13 held in a transverse direction. The wheel carrier12 It features two bores to hold the beam in an extended and a retracted position. To prevent load-induced deformation in the area of ​​the bores, the crossbeam's central section is reinforced. 11 Reinforcing plates 14 attached to the drill holes and in the wheel carriers 12 Pipes were inserted into the boreholes.

[0034] So that the charging process of the towing device 1 The towing device is designed to be carried out by a single person. 1 at both ends of the crossbeam 2 one wheel swingarm each 15 with a hydraulic cylinder 16 and an axle stub 17 similar to a three-point steering system, which attaches to the crossmember 2 compared to those on the axle stubs 17 attached wheels 18 lowers or raises.

[0035] Between the crossbeam middle section 11 and the wheel swing arms15 is in the extended position of the crossbeam 2 on the bike racks 12 Each has one wheel mount 3 Attached, suitable for mounting the front wheels of a disabled motor vehicle. The wheel mounts 3 are designed to be removable so that the weight of the wheel mounts 3 In the transport position, it does not need to be carried on the trailer hitch of the support vehicle, but can be stored inside the vehicle.

[0036] In the Fig. 2 is the transport position of the towing device 1 shown. The clamp coupling connection. 7 is designed to be particularly short in order to reduce the center of gravity of the towing device 1 to place it in the transport position close to the coupling ball of the trailer hitch and to do so using the towing device 1to keep the generated torque at the clamping coupling as small as possible. In the working position, however, the towing device 1 mounted freely movable on the trailer hitch so that during the towing process mainly only tensile or compressive loads are transferred to the trailer hitch.

[0037] The towing device is folded up via the swivel bearing. 8 The anti-tip device has two tabs. 19 with holes in the center of the crossbeam 11 up, into which the bolt 9 is inserted, which in turn is connected via the clamp coupling. 7 It works. There are three holes per tab. 19 Designed to allow for various positions. The adjustable transport position allows the towing device to be used. 1 also to be used on vehicles where, in the outermost forward position, there is a risk of collision between the rear of the vehicle and the towing device 1would come. Another advantage of an adjustable transport position is the ability to open the trunk without having to fold down the towing device completely, which significantly increases ease of use.

[0038] Fig. 3 shows in detail one of the two wheel mounts 3 The wheel mounts 3 two longitudinal struts 21 up, which are separated by two crossbeams 22 and a connecting strut arranged parallel to it 23 are connected. The connecting strut 23 is at one end of the longitudinal struts 21 arranged and serves to connect to the wheel carrier 12 The longitudinal struts 21 are wedge-shaped from the wheel carrier 12 designed with a downward slope so that the front wheels of the vehicle being towed rest on the wheel hubs 3 They can simply be rolled up. The crossbars 22are intended, among other things, to ensure that the wheel mount 3 The front wheel with the wheel mount is located 3 to secure it using ratchet straps. This allows the disabled vehicle to be safely towed with the towing device. 1 to be connected. The connecting strut 23 It is designed in a C-shape, so that it fits onto the wheel carrier 12 It can be placed on top. The open side of the C-shaped profile faces the roadway, so that the weight of the towed vehicle acts on the C-profile of the connecting strut. 23 twisted and attached to the profile of the wheel carrier 12 It's stuck. The wheel mounts 3 are additionally secured by two bolts 24 with the bike rack 12 to fix the position in the transverse direction. In a preferred embodiment, the wheel mounts are 3 Made of steel.

[0039] In the Fig. 4 is a wheel swingarm 15Shown enlarged. A fastening element 25 includes the wheel carrier 12 It is almost circumferential and is preferably welded to it. The fastening element 25 forms two swivel bearings, a first swivel bearing 26 to record a first end 27 of the hydraulic cylinder 16 and a second swivel bearing 28 for the mounting of the wheel swingarm 15 The wheel swingarm 15 is asymmetrically designed to accommodate the axle stub 17 attached wheel 18 as far into the swing as possible 15 to take in and to determine the maximum permissible width of the towing device 1 to comply. The wheel swingarm 15 It features a third swivel bearing 29 on, in which they with the second end 30 of the hydraulic cylinder 16 is attached. The swivel bearings 26 , 28 , 29form a three-point linkage that, via defined lever arms, controls the wheels 18 the towing device 1 raises.

[0040] Preferably the swing arm 15 Made of steel to withstand the stresses involved. Manufacturing is preferably carried out using laser-cut steel sheets, which are then bent and welded together.

[0041] It may be possible to provide a mechanical locking mechanism. 31 next to the hydraulic cylinder 16 , as in Fig. 5 shown, to arrange the hydraulic cylinder 16 This relieves the load during transport and towing operations. The forces are then not transmitted through the working cylinder. 16 , but via the mechanical locking mechanism 31 transferred. The mechanical lock. 31 It is preferably designed as a laser-cut part to minimize manufacturing costs. The locking mechanism 31is at the third pivot bearing 29 It is mounted in a pivotable manner and is attached to the first pivot bearing. 26 It is swung inwards and locked into place. A locking pin is used for this purpose. 32 at the locking mechanism 31 , which is in a recess 33 of the fastening element 25 engages. Due to an elongated hole in the fastener, the locking bolt 32 There is no load in the hydraulic cylinder direction. The force in the cylinder direction is solely due to the mechanical locking mechanism. 31 and the swivel bearings 26 , 29 transferred. To load or unload a vehicle, the locking pin is first engaged. 32 at the locking mechanism 31 released and the lock 31 swivelled upwards and then the hydraulic cylinder 16 Retracted. So that the locking mechanism... 31 does not fall down and the retraction of the hydraulic cylinder 16 blocked, are on the swingarm 15and at the locking mechanism 31 Mounting hooks or screws (not shown) are attached, to which a soft tension spring or a wire loop can be attached. The tension spring secures the raised position of the lock, but is soft enough to allow the lock to be pushed down and engaged with minimal effort.

[0042] The Fig. Figure 6 shows a preferred embodiment of the crossbeam center 11 in conjunction with a clamp coupling connection 7 in a transport position. The tabs 19 of the crossbeam middle section 11 are designed to be smaller than in the embodiment of the Fig. 1. To ensure more ground clearance. Due to the smaller tabs 19 (cf.) Fig. 7) In addition to the hole for the pivot axis, no further hole can be drilled to secure the assembly in the transport position. In particular, an adjustable locking mechanism using multiple holes, which would allow for an increase in the distance between the rear of the vehicle and the towing device in different positions, is not advantageous to implement on the reduced-size mounting brackets.

[0043] Fig. Figure 8 shows one attached to the crossbeam center section 11 adapted C-shaped clamp coupling connection 7 , which in the folded transport position the crossbeam middle section 11 includes. On one of her thighs 39 The clamp coupling connection 7 a swivel bearing 38 for connection to the crossbeam center section 11 on and around her other thigh 34 is a turning point 35 to accommodate a piece attached to the crossbeam's central section 11 arranged pipe section 36intended. The pipe section 36 is in the Fig. Figure 7 is shown and serves as a receptacle for a pipe to simplify lifting the towing device. 1 One thigh 34 Each has four sides from the incision 35 arranged and lying on a circular arc bores 37 up. To the crossbeam 2 To secure it in the folded-up position, a bolt is used. 40 provided for, which is formed by two corresponding boreholes each 37 grabs and the position of the pipe section 36 in the cut 35 fixed and thus the position of the crossbeam 2 for clamp coupling connection 7 secures. The four boreholes 37 This allows for different positions of the crossbeam. 2 .

[0044] The towing device according to the invention 1It is designed so that it can be transported on a vehicle when folded. Furthermore, its lightweight construction allows for one-person operation. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0045] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0046] DE 4011620 A

[0006] DE 60312435 T2

[0007]

Claims

[1] Towing device ( 1 ) for attaching to a trailer hitch of a motor vehicle for the transport of a motor vehicle to be towed with a coupling connection ( 6 , 7 ) having crossbeams ( 2 ), which is oriented perpendicular to the direction of travel, and with two attached to the crossbeam ( 2 ) arranged hydraulically swiveling wheel suspensions ( 4 ), each with a wheel ( 18 ) is attached, characterized by that the connection between the crossbeam ( 2 ) and the coupling connection ( 6 , 7 ) is detachable, so that the coupling connection ( 6 , 7 ) depending on the operating condition of the towing device ( 1 ) is interchangeable, whereby the towing device ( 1 ) for an operating position a train coupling connection ( 6 ) exhibits which is connected to the crossbeam ( 2) is positively connected, and wherein the towing device ( 1 ) for a transport position a clamp coupling connection ( 7 ) exhibits which is connected to the crossbeam ( 2 ) by means of a swivel bearing ( 8 ) is connected. [2] Towing device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized by that the towing device ( 1 ) for transport using the swivel bearing ( 8 ) folds up in the direction of travel, so that the entire weight of the towing device ( 1 ) is on the tow hitch. [3] Towing device ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the crossbeam ( 2 ) two in a crossbeam center section ( 11 ) telescopically mounted wheel carriers ( 12 ) each featuring a hydraulically swiveling wheel suspension ( 4 ) is arranged. [4] Towing device ( 1 ) according to claim 2, characterized bythat the telescopically mounted wheel carriers ( 12 ) are adjustable between a wide operating position and a narrow transport position. [5] Towing device ( 1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the bike carriers ( 12 ) Pipes are and have a non-circular, in particular square, profile. [6] Towing device ( 1 ) according to claim 4, characterized by that two wheel mounts ( 3 ) are provided, which are designed to accommodate the front wheels of a motor vehicle to be towed and which are each intended for use of the towing device ( 1 ) on a bike carrier ( 12 ) can be attached in the operating position. [7] Towing device ( 1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the hydraulically swiveling wheel suspension ( 4 ) a hydraulic cylinder ( 16 ), a fastening element (25 ), a wheel swingarm ( 15 ), and one on the wheel swingarm ( 15 ) arranged axle stub ( 17 ) for attaching the wheel ( 18 ) includes. [8] Towing device ( 1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the wheel suspension ( 4 ) forms a three-point steering system. [9] Towing device ( 1 ) according to claim 7, characterized by that next to the hydraulic cylinder ( 16 ) a wheel suspension ( 4 ) a mechanical lock ( 31 ) is arranged to hold the hydraulic cylinder ( 16 ) to support during deployment or transport. [10] Towing device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by that the hydraulic cylinders of the towing device are loaded ( 16 ) the crossbeam ( 2 ) opposite the wheels ( 18 ) lowers. [11] Towing device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the swivel bearing ( 8 ) a swivel lock ( 9 , 37 ) exhibits. [12] Towing device ( 1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that in the operating position, the distance in the direction of travel from a coupling to the wheel contact points is between 10 and 20 times greater than the distance from the wheel contact points to the wheel mounts ( 3 ).

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