Operating handle for a trailer coupling with preparation for a lock

Abstract

An operating handle for a trailer coupling (17) of a vehicle trailer, the operating handle (1) comprising two handle shell halves (2, 3), between which, in the assembled state, a movable part of the coupling mechanism (23), in particular a pawl (24) and / or a holder (32) fixedly connected to the coupling housing (18) is arranged, and a locking opening (26, 25) is provided in the movable part of the coupling mechanism (23) and / or in the holder (32), and a receiving opening (4) is provided in one handle shell half (2), characterized in that the receiving opening (4) is provided with a collar (5), a carrier sleeve (6) for receiving a lock (9) being arranged in the receiving opening, said carrier sleeve having a radially projecting collar (7) at its inner end, which bears positively against the collar (5) of the receiving opening (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an operating handle for a trailer coupling of a vehicle trailer with an integrated preparation for a lock.

[0002] In practice, towbars with locks are common. In previous towbars, the locks are either permanently integrated into the operating handle and installed by the manufacturer, or they are loosely inserted into openings in the towbar housing and held in place by the lock's pawl. This means that an unlocked lock must be removed from the operating handle to prevent it from getting lost while driving.

[0003] DE 20 2012 103 133 U1 discloses a trailer coupling with a coupling housing. The lock is accommodated in the elongated holes of the shells joined together at the sides.

[0004] EP 1 031 443 A1 discloses a ball head coupling for a trailer, which has a locking part with which pivoting of the handle can be blocked when the ball socket is in the closed position.

[0005] DE 26 10 534 A1 discloses a ball coupling which is provided with a plug lock which, in the closed position of the coupling, engages in the movement path of the movable member of the locking mechanism.

[0006] DE 23 44 976 A discloses a lockable anti-theft device for a vehicle trailer coupling, which prevents theft by sliding a cover onto the coupling head. The cover is secured by a key-operated lock.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved operating handle for a trailer coupling and a correspondingly equipped trailer coupling, as well as a matching trailer coupling lock. The invention achieves this object with the features in the independent claims.

[0008] The operating handle according to the present disclosure is particularly cost-effective and can be manufactured as an identical part with or without a lock. It provides preparation for the tool-free installation of a trailer coupling lock. The trailer coupling lock is fastened in a support sleeve that is firmly connected to the operating handle. The support sleeve is designed to be vandal-proof, meaning it is mechanically particularly stable and offers a high level of security against forced unlocking or breaking open. It is also protected against various forms of mechanical force. The trailer coupling lock according to the present disclosure, in combination with the proposed operating handle, offers positive support of the locking body relative to the operating handle, which is essentially independent of the other lock mechanics.Destruction of the lock mechanism, for example by drilling or breaking, does not automatically result in the locking effect on the operating lever being cancelled.

[0009] The operating handle comprises two handle shell halves, which are preferably made of sheet metal, in particular through a cold-forming process such as stamping, forging, or deep drawing. A movable part of the clutch mechanism can be accommodated between the handle shell halves, which must be moved to move the operating handle and in particular to open the clutch. This can in particular be a pawl that prevents the operating handle from moving from a "closed" position to an "open" position.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally, a holder fixedly connected to the clutch housing can be arranged in the operating handle, relative to which the operating handle must be moved to open the clutch.

[0011] In a side wall of the operating handle, in particular in one of the handle shell halves, a preferably circular receiving opening with a preferably inward-facing collar is provided. The collar forms a hollow cylindrical wall section as a radial boundary of the receiving opening and is integrally connected to the handle shell half or is part of the handle shell half. A carrier sleeve into which a lock can be inserted is arranged in the receiving opening. The carrier sleeve is inserted into the receiving opening from the inside of the side wall / handle shell half and is preferably pressed in. It has a radially projecting collar at its inner end, which comes into contact with the collar of the receiving opening. By supporting the carrier sleeve via the collar on the collar, a particularly stable fastening is created, which offers a high level of security against the application of leverage forces or the carrier sleeve being knocked out.

[0012] The grip shell halves are preferably joined together by electrical resistance welding and feature contact zones provided for this purpose. If necessary, the carrier sleeve can also be connected to the corresponding grip shell half by welding. The welding of the carrier sleeve can be done alternatively or in addition to pressing it into the receiving opening or collar.

[0013] A deployable trailer coupling lock is preferably equipped with a locking body that can be displaced in the axial direction of the carrier sleeve. An opening is arranged in the movable part of the coupling mechanism and / or in the holder such that, when the operating handle is in the "closed" position, it is axially aligned next to the locking body. The locking body can penetrate this opening(s) when locking the trailer coupling lock and prevent relative movement between the operating handle and the holder and / or the movable part of the coupling mechanism.

[0014] The insertable trailer coupling lock has a support body that can be inserted into the support sleeve and on which the other parts of the lock, in particular the locking body, are mounted. On the radial outer side of the support body, there is a locking lug that is movably mounted in the radial direction of the support body and elastically preloaded outwards. When the lock is inserted into the support sleeve, the locking lug engages in a retaining groove on the radial inner wall of the support sleeve. When the lock is in the unlocked position, the locking lug can be pressed in against the preload, which is done, for example, when inserting the lock into the support sleeve during initial assembly. When the lock is in the locked position, however, the locking lug is positively supported on the inside by a part of the lock mechanism, in particular the locking cylinder, so that the locking lug cannot be pressed in.This ensures that the lock cannot be removed from the carrier sleeve when in the locked position.

[0015] On the other hand, when the lock is in the locked position, the detent can prevent the locking cylinder from being pulled out. The locking cylinder directly or indirectly supports the bolt body in the axial direction of the lock. The locking of the locking cylinder thus simultaneously locks the bolt body in the retracted position. This ensures that the detent and bolt body are supported on the carrier sleeve via a positive connection. This support can be independent of the rest of the lock mechanism. Thus, even destruction or tampering with the external parts of the lock mechanism cannot cause the bolt body to be pulled out of the pawl and / or the holder, as long as the detent and the part of the lock carrier connected to it are intact.

[0016] The operating handle preferably has an additional cover, in particular a plastic cover composed of two shell-shaped cover halves. On one cover half, a sleeve-like projection with a hollow inner contour is formed. When the operating handle is fully assembled, the inner contour covers the support sleeve. The projection thus forms a protective cover for the support sleeve.

[0017] The extension features a one-piece end cap at the outer end. The end cap forms a liquid-tight shield for the carrier sleeve and the internal coupling mechanism when no lock is installed on the operating handle.

[0018] To install a lock, the cover can be separated from the recess at a desired separation point, such as a thinned material or partial perforation. This opens access to the carrier sleeve and allows the lock to be inserted.

[0019] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims and the following description of the drawings.

[0020] The invention is illustrated schematically and by way of example in the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1: A tow bar with an operating handle and a preparation for inserting a tow bar lock in a partially sectioned oblique view, as well as an associated tow bar lock; Fig. 2: the trailer coupling according to Fig. 1 without lock inserted; Fig. 3: a side view of the towbar with a lock inserted; Fig. 4: a sectional view of the trailer coupling of Fig. 3 according to section contour IV-IV and a sectional view of an insertable lock; Fig. 5 and Fig. 6: Sectional views of the trailer coupling according to Fig. 4 with a lock inserted in an unlocked and a locked position; Fig. 7: a detailed view of a pawl for inclusion in the operating handle; Fig. 8: a detailed view of a lock mechanism of the trailer coupling lock with an elastically pre-tensioned locking lug.

[0021] An operating handle (1) according to a preferred embodiment of the invention and a trailer coupling (17) equipped therewith are shown in the Fig. 1 to 6. The trailer coupling (17) has a coupling housing (18) that can be permanently attached, for example, to a drawbar of a vehicle trailer. A coupling socket (19) for receiving a ball head is arranged on the coupling housing (18) at the front end, i.e., the end facing a towing vehicle. A drawbar receptacle (34) is provided at the opposite rear end, into which a drawbar of the trailer chassis can be inserted.

[0022] The trailer coupling (17) essentially comprises a known coupling mechanism (23). This can be moved from a "closed" position to an "open" position by manually moving the operating handle (1). In the "open" position, a ball head can be inserted into the coupling socket (19). In the "closed" position, the ball head is clamped in the coupling socket (19). To open the coupling mechanism (23), the operating handle (1) must be pivoted relative to the coupling housing (18). For this purpose, the operating handle (1) is inserted into a handle insert opening (20) on the top side of the coupling housing (18) and secured via a bearing pin (22).

[0023] The part of the operating handle (1) that extends into the handle insert opening (20) is called the shaft. The other end of the operating handle (1) is called the gripping body.

[0024] The operating handle (1) comprises two handle shell halves (2, 3). The handle shell halves (2, 3) are each made of a metal sheet, in particular a steel sheet. When assembled, a cavity is formed between the handle shell halves (2, 3), into which parts of the coupling mechanism (23) can be accommodated.

[0025] The operating handle is angled between the shaft and the gripping body. When assembled, the shaft and gripping body are arranged in a horizontal plane that is aligned parallel to the trailer's drawbar, i.e., in which the center of the coupling socket (19) and the center of the drawbar receptacle (34) also lie. This plane is referred to as the longitudinal center plane of the trailer coupling. Preferably, the contact area between the handle shell halves (2, 3) of the operating handle (1) also lies in this longitudinal center plane. In other words, the longitudinal center plane forms the dividing plane of the handle shell halves (2, 3).

[0026] In the example shown, a locking pawl (24) is arranged between the handle shell halves (2, 3), particularly in the area of the shaft. The locking pawl (24) has a bearing opening (25) through which it is pivotably mounted in the actuating handle (1) by means of a bearing pin. The bearing pin is arranged essentially in the bend area between the shaft and the gripping body and is oriented transversely to the longitudinal center plane. Fig. 7 shows a detailed view of the pawl (24).

[0027] The operating handle (1) is shown in the figures in the "closed" position. In order for the operating handle (1) to be moved into the "open" position, the locking pawl (24) must be retracted inwards, ie, specifically into the shaft. During retraction, a locking lug (40) arranged on the front side of the locking pawl (24) plunges into the shaft and thus into the handle insert opening (20) (cf. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2). A finger rest is arranged on the pawl, via which a manual force can be applied to move the pawl (24). The pawl (24) is elastically preloaded in the operating handle (1), so that the locking lug (40) remains in the extended position as long as the finger rest is not under load.

[0028] When the locking lug is in the extended position, it engages the area of a shoulder (21) on the clutch housing (18) when the operating handle (1) is moved, preventing further movement. This prevents the operating handle from being moved to the "open" position.

[0029] In the first handle shell half (2), in the region of the shaft, in the horizontal direction next to the pawl (24), a preferably circular receiving opening (4) is provided. The receiving opening (4) is delimited by a collar (5) directed inwards, i.e. towards the hollow space between the handle shell halves (2, 3). The collar forms an essentially hollow-cylindrical material region which is integrally connected to the handle shell half. It can preferably be produced by stamping or forging. A carrier sleeve (6) is inserted into the receiving opening (4), in which carrier sleeve a trailer coupling lock (9) in the form of a pressure cylinder lock can be received.

[0030] The carrier sleeve (6) has a substantially hollow-cylindrical basic shape with an inner end that, in the assembled state, points toward the cavity between the handle shell halves (2, 3), and an opposite outer end. The radial inner diameter at the inner end of the carrier sleeve is preferably tapered and forms a contact surface for the insertable lock. Alternatively or additionally, steps in the cross-sectional profile can be provided at other locations in the region of the radial inner wall of the carrier sleeve (6) to form contact surfaces.

[0031] At the inner end of the carrier sleeve (6) there is a collar (7) that projects outwards in the radial direction. A knurl (37) is preferably provided on the radial outer surface of the carrier sleeve (6) next to the collar (7). During assembly, the carrier sleeve (6) is pushed from the inside through the receiving opening (4) and pressed into the handle shell half (2). The radial outer surface of the carrier sleeve can taper from the inner to the outer end to assist insertion into the receiving opening (4).

[0032] When the carrier sleeve (6) is pressed into the collar (5), the knurl (37) digs into the radial inner contour of the collar (5). The collar (7) comes into positive contact with the inner, annular end face of the collar (5).

[0033] An annular groove (36) is preferably provided on the radial outer surface of the portion of the support sleeve (6) that projects outward beyond the handle shell half (2). This groove (36) serves as a supporting or carrying contour for an attachable cover, in particular a plastic cover (27).

[0034] In the illustrated examples, the plastic cover (27) consists of two composable cover halves (28, 29). The dividing plane between the cover halves (28, 29) is preferably aligned with the dividing plane between the handle shell halves (2, 3) and, in particular, is preferably located in the longitudinal center plane.

[0035] A laterally projecting projection (30) is formed on the plastic cover (27), here on the first cover half (28). The projection (30) is integrally connected to the first cover half (28) and forms a protective cover for the carrier sleeve (6). The projection (30) has a substantially cylindrical inner contour that can be pushed at least partially over the cylindrical outer contour of the carrier sleeve (6). A bead (41) is preferably formed on the radial inner wall of the projection (30), which engages in the annular circumferential groove (36) when assembled. The carrier sleeve (6) thus forms a bearing for attaching the first cover half (28) to the actuating handle (1). The engagement of the bead (41) in the groove (36) allows a positive and simultaneously liquid-tight connection to be created.

[0036] At least one retaining groove (8) for receiving a locking lug (12) of an insertable lock (9) is provided on the radial inner wall of the support sleeve (6). The retaining groove is preferably recessed into the wall of the support sleeve (6). Alternatively, it can completely penetrate the wall.

[0037] A preferred embodiment of a trailer coupling lock (9) is shown in Fig. 1 in an oblique view next to the carrier sleeve (6). The lock (9) has a support body (10) in which a locking cylinder (38) and a bolt body (11) mounted so as to be displaceable in the axial direction are held. In the example shown, the locking lug (12) is inserted into a slot-shaped recess on the radial outer contour of the support body (10) and projects beyond this outer contour. When the lock (9) is inserted into the carrier sleeve (6), the locking lug (12) is pressed inwards manually or by means of a bevel on the locking lug (12) or an outer end of the carrier sleeve (6). As soon as the locking lug (12) overlaps with the retaining groove (8) in the carrier sleeve (6), the locking lug (12) snaps into the retaining groove (8) so that the lock (9) is firmly held in the carrier sleeve (6). The locking lug (12) together with the retaining groove (8) can form an anti-twist device for the lock (9).Alternatively or additionally, a separate anti-twist device (16) can be arranged, for example in the form of a combination of guide groove and pin on the corresponding wall surfaces of the lock (9) and the carrier sleeve (6).

[0038] Fig. Figure 2 shows an operating handle (1) and a trailer coupling (17) in the assembled state, but without a lock inserted. In this state, the trailer coupling (17) can be delivered with a preparation for the subsequent installation of a lock (9). At the outer end of the extension (30), which covers the support sleeve (6), there is an end cover (31) integrally connected to the extension (30). This end cover (31) protects the internal mechanism of the operating handle (1) from the ingress of liquids and dirt, as well as from tampering with or disruption of the coupling mechanism (23). The end cover (31) is preferably connected to the hollow cylindrical part of the extension (30) via a predetermined separation point. The predetermined separation point can be created, for example, by a thinning of the material or a partial perforation. To install a lock (9), the end cover (31) can be separated, thus allowing access to the support sleeve (6).The separation can be performed, for example, with a screwdriver or a knife. Alternatively, a front cover (31) can be designed as a separate closure capsule.

[0039] Fig. Figure 4 shows a sectional view through the operating handle (1) at the level of the central axis of the support sleeve (6). A holder (32) can be arranged between the handle shell halves (2, 3) as an alternative or in addition to the movable part of the coupling mechanism (23), here the pawl (24). The holder (32) is preferably rigidly connected to the coupling housing (18). A locking opening (26, 35) is provided in the pawl (24) and / or the holder (32). The locking opening(s) (26, 35) and a through opening at the inner end of the carrier sleeve (6) preferably have an inner contour which corresponds to the outer contour of the locking body (11) on the lock (9), wherein the openings (26, 35) are arranged such that they are aligned coaxially to the central axis of the carrier sleeve (6) in the mounted state of the trailer coupling (17) and in the "closed" position of the operating handle (1).

[0040] The inner diameter of the opening(s) (26, 35) is preferably significantly smaller than the outer diameter of the collar (7) on the carrier sleeve (6). This ensures that the carrier sleeve (6) is locked against inward movement by the material areas of the locking pawl (24) and / or the holder (32) provided next to the opening (26, 25), and thus cannot be driven inwards. On the other hand, access to the carrier sleeve (6) from the opposite side of the actuating handle (1) is prevented by the holder (32) and / or the locking pawl (24).

[0041] Fig. Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the operating handle (1) with an inserted trailer coupling lock (9), wherein the lock (9) is in the unlocked position. In this state, the locking body (11) is axially aligned with the opening (26) in the pawl (24) and, if applicable, with the opening (35) in the holder (32). In the adjacent Fig. Figure 6 shows the lock (9) in the locked position. Here, the locking body (11) is inserted and forms a positive connection between the inner through-hole of the support sleeve (6), the locking opening (26) in the pawl (24), and, if applicable, the locking opening (35) with the holder (32).

[0042] According to an alternative embodiment, the holder (32) can be omitted. It can, alternatively, be designed without an opening (35) and serve as a full-surface rear shield for the locking body (11). In such a case, the holder can prevent access to the locking body (11) from the side of the operating handle (1) opposite the lock (9) (rear side). Accordingly, the locking body (11) can be shorter in the axial direction of the lock (9) or provided with a smaller insertion depth compared to the figures shown.

[0043] Fig. Figure 7 shows a preferred embodiment of the locking pawl (24). When the locking body (11) is inserted into the locking opening (26), pivoting of the locking pawl (24) about the bearing opening (25) is prevented. Accordingly, the locking pawl (24) cannot be pivoted by engaging the finger rest (33) in order to retract the locking lug (40) into the shaft of the operating handle (1) (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 and above).

[0044] Fig.Figure 8 shows a functional diagram illustrating a locking action between the lock mechanism (13) and the locking lug (12). The locking lug (12) is mounted so as to be displaceable in the radial direction of the support body (10) and is elastically preloaded. In the example shown, this is achieved by a spring (14) which is mounted on the one hand on the inward-facing end of the locking lug (12) and on the other hand on a support body (39) inside the lock (9). The support body (39) can be of any design and, for example, be connected to the support body (10) in a rotationally fixed manner. Alternatively, the mounting of the spring (14) can be designed differently.

[0045] In the example shown, a hollow cylinder section is formed on the locking cylinder (38). A locking area in the form of a tangential recess (42) in a side wall is formed on this. This recess engages in a locking area in the form of a corresponding recess (43) on the locking lug (12) when the locking cylinder (38) is pushed in in the axial direction of the lock (9) and rotated in the closing direction, i.e. when the lock is brought into the locked position. By the recesses (42, 43) engaging with each other, on the one hand, the locking lug (12) is secured against being pressed in in the radial direction of the support body (10). On the other hand, the lock mechanism (13), here the inner part of the locking cylinder (38), is secured against being displaced in the axial direction of the support body (10).

[0046] Modifications to the present invention are possible in various ways. In particular, the described and illustrated features of the individual embodiments can be combined with one another, replaced with one another, supplemented, or omitted in any way. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 operating handle 2 First handle half 3 Second handle half 4 Receiving opening 5 collars 6 carrier sleeve 7th fret 8 Retaining groove 9 Castle 10 supporting bodies 11 locking body 12 locking lug 13 Lock mechanism 14 spring 15 keys 16 Anti-twist device 17 Trailer coupling 18 Clutch housing 19 Ball head mount / ball socket 20 handle insert opening 21 Shoulder attachment 22 bearing bolts for operating handle 23 Clutch mechanism 24 pawl 25 Warehouse opening 26 Latch opening in pawl 27 Plastic cover 28 First cover half 29 Second cover half 30 approach 31 Forehead cover 32 holders 33 Finger rest 34 Drawbar mount 35 Latch opening in holder 36 grooves 37 knurls 38 locking cylinders 39 support bodies 40 locking lug 41 bulge 42 Restricted area / recess 43 Restricted area / recess

Claims

[1] Operating handle for a trailer coupling (17) of a vehicle trailer, wherein the operating handle (1) comprises two handle shell halves (2, 3), between which, in the assembled state, a movable part of the coupling mechanism (23), in particular a pawl (24) and / or a holder (32) fixedly connected to the coupling housing (18) is arranged, and wherein a locking opening (26, 25) is provided in the movable part of the coupling mechanism (23) and / or in the holder (32), and that a receiving opening (4) is provided in one handle shell half (2), characterized by that the receiving opening (4) is provided with a collar (5), wherein a carrier sleeve (6) for receiving a lock (9) is arranged in the receiving opening, which carrier sleeve has a radially projecting collar (7) at the inner end, which rests positively on the collar (5) of the receiving opening (4). [2] Operating handle according to claim 1, characterized bythat a retaining groove (8) for receiving a locking lug (12) of an insertable lock (9) is provided in the radial inner wall of the carrier sleeve (6). [3] Operating handle according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by that the operating handle (1) has a plastic cover (17) with a sleeve-shaped outwardly projecting projection (30) which has a hollow inner contour which, in the assembled state, covers the carrier sleeve (6). [4] Operating handle according to claim 3, characterized by that at the outer end of the extension (30) there is arranged an end cover (31) which is integrally connected to the extension (30), wherein a desired separation point is provided between the end cover (31) and the extension (30). [5] Operating handle according to claim 3 or 4, characterized bythat an annular circumferential groove (36) is provided on the radial outer wall of the carrier sleeve (6), into which an annular circumferential bead (41) on the radial inner wall of the extension (30) engages in the assembled state. [6] Operating handle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the collar (5) forms a hollow cylindrical wall section as a radial boundary of the receiving opening (4). [7] Operating handle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the collar (5) faces the inside of the operating handle (1) and forms a circular end face as a contact contour for the collar (7) of the carrier sleeve (6). [8] Trailer coupling lock for insertion into a carrier sleeve (6) on a trailer coupling (18), the lock (9) comprising a supporting body (10) with a cylindrical outer contour, a locking cylinder (38) movably mounted in the supporting body for receiving a key (15), and a locking body (11) movable by the locking cylinder (38) directly or indirectly in the axial direction of the supporting body (10), characterized by that on the radial outer side of the support body there is arranged an outwardly elastically pre-tensioned locking lug (12), which can be pressed in when the lock (9) is in the unlocked position and which, when the lock (9) is in the locked position, is supported by a part of the lock mechanism (13), in particular the locking cylinder (38), so that the locking lug (12) cannot be pressed in. [9] Trailer coupling lock according to the preceding claim, characterized bythat when the lock (9) is in the locked position, the locking lug (12) positively supports and locks the locking cylinder (38) and / or the locking body (11) in the axial direction of the supporting body (10). [10] Trailer coupling for a vehicle trailer with a coupling housing (18) and a ball head receptacle (19), wherein an actuating handle (1) is movably mounted on the coupling housing (18), which actuating handle can be moved from a "closed" position to an "open" position to actuate the coupling mechanism (23), characterized by that the operating handle is designed according to one of claims 1 to 7. [11] Trailer coupling according to the preceding claim, characterized by that a trailer coupling lock (9) according to one of claims 8 to 9 is inserted into the operating handle (1).

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