Towing device, motor vehicle, trailer and carrier system

Abstract

Trailer device (2) comprising a coupling body (6) for forming a motor vehicle trailer coupling, wherein the coupling body (6) has an electromagnet (16) for generating a magnetic holding force as a safeguard against accidental or unauthorized disconnection of the motor vehicle trailer coupling, characterized in that a control unit (18) is provided which is configured to monitor the charge level of an accumulator (26) for supplying the electromagnet (16) with electrical power, at least when the electromagnet (16) is activated.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a trailer hitch comprising a coupling body for forming a motor vehicle trailer coupling, wherein the coupling body includes an electromagnet for generating a magnetic holding force as a safeguard against accidental or unauthorized disconnection of the motor vehicle trailer coupling. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a trailer hitch, a trailer comprising a trailer hitch, and a carrier system comprising a trailer hitch.

[0002] Various trailer hitches are available for motor vehicles, serving to create a coupling between a towing vehicle and a trailer. These hitches are therefore also called trailer couplings. In the passenger car sector, ball-type couplings are particularly common.

[0003] DE 10 2017 215 175 A1 discloses a coupling arrangement for coupling a motor vehicle to a trailer. This coupling arrangement has a ball head on the vehicle-side coupling part and a ball socket on the trailer side. Additionally, an electromagnetic device comprising at least one electromagnet is provided on the first coupling part, which, when engaged, can generate a magnetic holding force that secures the second coupling part. A control device regulates the operation of this electromagnetic locking device.

[0004] DE 10 2019 003 818 A1 describes a coupling device in which a coupling bolt is provided, movable by means of an electromagnet. This bolt can be moved from a disengaged position to a engaged position, in which it passes through an opening in a coupling part and engages in a bolt receptacle. A displacement force is generated by the electromagnet to move the coupling bolt, which is the actual locking element, into the mechanically locked position, in which it passes through the coupling part and is inserted into the bolt receptacle.

[0005] US Patent 4,065,149 A discloses a truck coupling in which electromagnets are provided that are supplied via a voltage control. They serve to magnetically clamp a rotatable coupling plate against a fixed surface to prevent rotation or to allow it against a restoring force.

[0006] German patent application DE 10 2019 208 052 A1 describes a vehicle with an automatic towing device. This towing device is in the form of a bar that can be extended rearward from a towing vehicle. A coupling assembly is attached to this towing device, allowing a vehicle to be coupled to it. This coupling assembly can be electromagnetic. This vehicle can be a battery-powered, i.e., electrically driven, vehicle. In this case, the towing vehicle checks the state of charge of the battery of the second, battery-powered vehicle being towed. If this check determines that the battery needs recharging, a charging signal is sent to the towing vehicle, which then initiates an energy transfer from an energy storage device in the towing vehicle to the battery of the disabled vehicle.This energy transfer can take place when the battery's charge level falls below a certain threshold.

[0007] Finally, DE 10 2009 027 036 A1 discloses a coupling lock for a trailer coupling, comprising a receptacle into which a coupling element is inserted or can be inserted, an angle measuring device connected to the receptacle (9) by means of which a rotation of the receptacle relative to the coupling element about an axis of rotation is or can be detected, and an elastically connected magnetic holding body which magnetically adheres or can adhere to the coupling element and actuates or can actuate the angle measuring device.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide an advantageously designed trailer coupling device that offers an improved possibility for the operation of the electromagnet. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an advantageously designed motor vehicle, an advantageously designed trailer, and an advantageously designed support system.

[0009] This problem is solved by a trailer hitch with the features of claim 1, by a motor vehicle with the features of claim 6, by a trailer with the features of claim 8, and by a carrier system with the features of claim 9. The advantages and preferred embodiments mentioned with regard to the trailer hitch are mutatis mutandis transferable to the other devices, i.e., the motor vehicle, the trailer, and the carrier system, and vice versa. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0010] The trailer hitch according to the invention is intended for use with motor vehicles and has a coupling body for forming a motor vehicle-trailer coupling. For the purposes of this application, the term "motor vehicle-trailer coupling" refers to a coupling between a motor vehicle on the one hand and a trailer or carrier system, such as a bicycle carrier, on the other. The trailer hitch is therefore preferably not used exclusively to connect a towing vehicle to a trailer. Rather, depending on the embodiment, the trailer hitch is designed to alternatively or additionally attach the aforementioned carrier system to a motor vehicle. In particular, the design of the trailer hitch allows, as required, either the attachment of a carrier system to a motor vehicle or the connection of a towing vehicle to a trailer.

[0011] Independently of this, the coupling body has at least one electromagnet, which is preferably integrated into the coupling body. This electromagnet is expediently part of, or constitutes, an electrical component of the trailer hitch. When required, the electromagnet serves to generate a magnetic holding force to secure the vehicle trailer coupling against accidental and / or unauthorized disconnection. In other words, the magnetic holding force is designed to prevent accidental and / or unauthorized disconnection of the vehicle trailer coupling.

[0012] Preferably, the trailer hitch is designed such that the magnetic holding force is only intended and / or usable as a safety device of the aforementioned type. This means that the magnetic holding force is preferably not required to use the vehicle-trailer coupling for road traffic. For this purpose, the trailer hitch instead preferably has a design that enables a sufficiently stable and secure mechanical connection when the vehicle-trailer coupling is installed. This preferably applies regardless of whether the coupling connects a vehicle to a trailer or a vehicle to a carrier system.

[0013] It is also advantageous if the trailer hitch has at least one control element by which the electromagnet can be activated and / or deactivated. This control element is then part of the trailer hitch's electrical system and is, for example, a switch or push button.

[0014] Preferably, at least one control element is positioned in such a way that it is protected against unauthorized access, for example, by being located behind a lockable flap. If the trailer hitch is part of a motor vehicle, the corresponding control element is preferably located in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, for example, in the area of ​​a center console or on the inside of a vehicle door. According to an alternative embodiment, the corresponding control element is positioned behind a fuel filler flap. If the trailer hitch is part of a trailer, the at least one control element is preferably located in the interior of the trailer, particularly if the trailer is a caravan or camper trailer.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, the trailer hitch is configured such that the electromagnet, or at least one electromagnet, can be activated by radio signals from a transmitter. For this purpose, the electrical system of the trailer hitch includes a receiver designed to receive the corresponding radio signals. The transmitter is typically part of a control unit, which may be designed, for example, as a type of remote control, such as a garage door opener, a car key, or a smartphone with a specific operating app installed.

[0016] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the trailer hitch, and in particular the electrical system, has at least one indicator element, such as a light-emitting diode. This indicator element then serves to show when the electromagnet is activated, i.e., when it is receiving electrical power. A preferred variant is one in which the indicator element is located on or integrated into the coupling body.

[0017] If the electromagnet, as described above, can be activated and deactivated by radio signals, then the towing device, and in particular the electrical system, preferably comprises not only a receiving unit but also a transmitting and receiving unit. In this case, the electrical system of the towing device is typically configured such that a radio signal is transmitted when the electromagnet is activated, confirming the activation. Advantageously, the electrical system of the towing device is also configured such that a radio signal is transmitted when the electromagnet is deactivated, confirming the deactivation.

[0018] A further advantage is a trailer hitch design specifically for passenger cars. In this case, the hitch is typically a ball-type trailer coupling, with the coupling body usually resembling a ball – a body whose outer surface closely approximates a sphere. If an electromagnet is integrated into the hitch, it is typically located within the interior of the ball.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment, the coupling body also has a boom that supports the ball head. Preferably, a previously described indicator element is integrated into the boom, or a corresponding indicator element is positioned on the boom.

[0020] Independently of this, at least one electromagnet is preferably arranged and aligned in such a way that the magnetic holding force acts at least predominantly in a vertical direction with respect to the earth system.

[0021] To supply at least one electromagnet with electrical power, the trailer hitch, and in particular its electrical system, typically includes a battery. Alternatively, the trailer hitch, and in particular its electrical system, includes at least one interface through which electrical power can be supplied, so that at least one electromagnet can be powered via this interface.

[0022] A further preferred embodiment is one in which the electromagnet is designed for operation with alternating current. In this case, the support device, and in particular the electrical components of the support device, preferably includes an inverter for converting a direct current voltage into an alternating current voltage for the at least one electromagnet. Alternatively, the electromagnet is designed for operation with direct current. In this case, the support device, and in particular the electrical components of the support device, preferably includes a DC-DC converter.

[0023] If the carrying device is part of a motor vehicle, its electrical system is expediently integrated into the vehicle's electrical system. In this case, the vehicle's electrical system supplies power to at least one electromagnet. Typically, the vehicle's battery serves as the energy source for the electromagnet and, in particular, for the entire electrical system of the carrying device. Depending on the design, this battery is either a high-voltage (HV) or low-voltage (LV) battery. In some applications, the battery is an additional component specifically installed to supply power to at least one electromagnet and, in particular, to the entire electrical system of the carrying device.

[0024] If the carrying device is part of a trailer, its electrical system is expediently integrated into the trailer's electrical system. In this case, the electrical power supply for at least one electromagnet is provided via the trailer's electrical system. Typically, the trailer's battery serves as the energy source for the electromagnet and, in particular, for the entire electrical system of the carrying device.

[0025] According to the invention, the trailer hitch, and in particular the electrical system of the trailer hitch, comprises a control unit configured to monitor the charge level of the accumulator, at least during operation of the electromagnet, i.e., when the electromagnet is activated. If the trailer hitch is part of a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle preferably has a control unit configured for this purpose.

[0026] Furthermore, the control unit is preferably configured such that, at least when the electromagnet is activated, a measured value representative of the state of charge is determined; that, typically independent of the operating state of the electromagnet, a threshold value, namely a first threshold value, can be preset or is preset; and that, at least when the electromagnet is activated, a number of actions are automatically executed if the measured value falls below the first threshold value. This is particularly advantageous when the trailer hitch is part of a motor vehicle.

[0027] The aforementioned number of actions preferably includes at least one of the following actions: - Sending a message to a recipient, - Reducing the electrical power supplied to the electromagnet, - Deactivation of the electromagnet and thus termination of the supply of electrical power.

[0028] In this case, the control unit described above is appropriately configured to automatically execute the number of actions or at least to initiate their execution.

[0029] If the action involves sending a message, this is typically done via radio signal using the aforementioned transmitter and receiver unit, for example, as a message to a smartphone. If reducing the electrical power supply to at least one electromagnet is required, a staged adjustment is typically implemented. This means that at least two supply stages are provided, differing in voltage and / or current values.

[0030] For the electromagnet deactivation action, a second, lower threshold can be specified or is already predefined according to another implementation variant, so that this action is only executed automatically when the second threshold is undershot. Regardless, this action is particularly advantageous when the battery is part of a vehicle's electrical system and not solely for supplying power to the electromagnet and the electrical components of the trailer hitch.

[0031] In a further advantageous development, the first threshold and / or the second threshold can be specified via the aforementioned control unit, for example via the aforementioned operating app on a smartphone, or via an on-board computer of a motor vehicle.

[0032] As already indicated, depending on the design variant, the trailer hitch is part of a motor vehicle, part of a trailer or part of a carrier system, for example a so-called bicycle carrier.

[0033] If the trailer hitch is part of a motor vehicle, it is preferably designed in such a way that when the electromagnet is activated, i.e., when the electromagnet is supplied with electrical power, the electromagnet is automatically deactivated, i.e., the supply is automatically terminated, when the vehicle is started, for example, when the motor of the motor vehicle is started.

[0034] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the following description of preferred embodiments, and the schematic drawings. These show: Fig. 1 in a block diagram, a motor vehicle with a trailer hitch; and Fig. 2. The trailer hitch is shown in a side view.

[0035] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0036] A trailer hitch 2, described below as an example, is part of a system in Fig. Figure 1 schematically depicts a motor vehicle 2 and has a coupling body 6 for forming a motor vehicle trailer coupling. The trailer coupling device 2 is designed in the manner of a ball-head trailer coupling and has a boom 8 and a ball head 10 positioned at the end of the boom 8. In the exemplary embodiment, part of the boom 8 is an eyelet for attaching a safety cable or brake cable, as shown in Figure 1. Fig. 2 emerges.

[0037] The trailer hitch 2 further comprises an electrical device 14. Part of this electrical device 14 is an electromagnet 16, which is integrated into the ball head 10. The electromagnet 16 is positioned and oriented such that it can generate a magnetic holding force which, with respect to the earth system, acts at least substantially in a vertical direction. The magnetic holding force serves as a safeguard against accidental and / or unauthorized disconnection of the vehicle trailer hitch.

[0038] Furthermore, the electrical device 14 is part of an on-board network of the motor vehicle 4 and, in the exemplary embodiment, comprises a control unit 18, an operating element 20, a transmitter and receiver unit 22, a display element 24 and an accumulator 26.

[0039] In the exemplary embodiment, the control element 20 is designed as a push button, which is positioned behind a fuel filler flap of the motor vehicle 4 in a manner not shown in detail. By pressing the push button, the electromagnet 16 can then be activated and deactivated.

[0040] The display element 24 is designed as a light-emitting diode according to the exemplary embodiment and is positioned on the boom 8 of the coupling body 6.

[0041] Preferably, the light-emitting diode is recessed in the boom 8 and thus integrated into the boom 8.

[0042] The control unit 18 is expediently configured to activate the display element 24 when the electromagnet 16 is activated, and to deactivate it when the electromagnet 16 is deactivated.

[0043] Furthermore, the control unit 18 is preferably configured to control the transmitter and receiver unit 22 and to process radio signals received by the transmitter and receiver unit 22. The motor vehicle 4 is then additionally configured to activate and deactivate the electromagnet 16 by means of radio signals transmitted, for example, by a remote control, a car key, or a smartphone.

[0044] Furthermore, the motor vehicle 4 is preferably equipped to transmit status messages via radio signals using the transmitter and receiver unit 22, in particular each time the electromagnet 16 is activated or deactivated. The status messages are designed in such a way that they can be processed by an operating app on a smartphone.

[0045] Finally, the electrical equipment 14 and, in particular, the electromagnet 16 are supplied via the accumulator 26 as needed. REFERENCE MARK LIST: 2 trailer hitches 4 Motor vehicle 6 coupling bodies 8 outriggers 10 ball head 12 eyelets 14 electrical equipment 16 Electromagnet 18 Control unit 20 Control element 22 Transmitting and receiving unit 24 Display element 26 Accumulator

Claims

[1] Trailer coupling device (2) comprising a coupling body (6) for forming a motor vehicle trailer coupling, wherein the coupling body (6) comprises an electromagnet (16) for generating a magnetic holding force as a safeguard against accidental or unauthorized disconnection of the motor vehicle trailer coupling, characterized by , that a control unit (18) is provided which is configured to monitor the charge level of an accumulator (26) for supplying the electromagnet (16) with electrical power, at least when the electromagnet (16) is activated. [2] Trailer device (2) according to claim 1, wherein the coupling body (6) has a display element (24) for indicating the operating state of the electromagnet (16). [3] Trailer coupling device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling body (6) has a ball head (10) to form a ball head trailer coupling. [4] Trailer device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (18) is configured such that, at least when the electromagnet (16) is activated, a measured value representative of the state of charge is determined, a threshold value can be specified or is specified, and a number of actions are automatically performed when the measured value falls below the threshold value. [5] Trailer device (2) according to claim 4, wherein the number of actions includes one or more of the following actions: - Sending a message to a recipient, - Reducing the electrical power supplied to the electromagnet (16), - Deactivation of the electromagnet (16). [6] Motor vehicle (4) comprising a trailer coupling device (2) according to one of the preceding claims. [7] Motor vehicle (4) according to claim 6, wherein it is arranged such that when the electromagnet (16) is activated, the electromagnet (16) is automatically deactivated when the vehicle is started. [8] Trailer comprising a trailer coupling device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. [9] Carrier system comprising a trailer attachment device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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