Trailer coupling arrangement for a vehicle and method for operating such a trailer coupling arrangement

Abstract

Trailer coupling arrangement (1) for a vehicle, comprising a trailer coupling (3) adjustable between a storage position and an operating position, an evaluation and control unit (10), a drive (5) configured to perform a corresponding adjustment of the trailer coupling (3) in response to a control signal from the evaluation and control unit (10), and at least one sensor unit (12) configured to acquire information about the current position of the trailer coupling (3) and about an upcoming operating mode of the vehicle and to output this information to the evaluation and control unit (10), wherein the evaluation and control unit (10) is configuredto evaluate the received information and, based on the evaluation of the received information, to either not adjust the trailer coupling (3) or, by actuating the drive (5), to adjust the trailer coupling (3) from the stowed position to the operating position or from the operating position to the stowed position, wherein the evaluation and control unit (10) is further configured to move the trailer coupling (3) via the drive (5) from the stowed position to the operating position when the evaluation of the information shows that the trailer coupling (3) is in the stowed position and trailer operation is imminent as the operating mode of the vehicle.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a trailer coupling assembly for a vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a trailer coupling assembly for a vehicle.

[0002] Trailer coupling arrangements for vehicles with a trailer coupling that can be adjusted between a storage position and an operating position are known in numerous variations. Such trailer couplings typically serve to mechanically couple a trailer to a towing vehicle, for example, a motorized vehicle. When coupled, the towing vehicle and trailer form a vehicle combination.

[0003] Trailer couplings that are pivotably mounted on the motor vehicle are known from the prior art. Such a pivoting arrangement allows the trailer coupling to be pivoted into its operating position when in use to tow a trailer. If the trailer coupling is not required and the vehicle is not being used for towing a trailer, it can be pivoted into its non-use or storage position, which can also be referred to as the rest position. Trailer couplings that can be pivoted fully automatically by means of a drive are known from the prior art. When the drive is actuated by the user, the trailer coupling pivots from its rest position to the operating position and vice versa without any further action from the user. Such fully automatic pivoting is particularly advantageous for reasons of simplified handling and ease of use.A trailer hitch that is swung out but not used for its intended purpose poses an increased risk of damage in the event of an accident. It is therefore advisable to always operate the trailer hitch in the swung-in storage position as long as the vehicle is not being used with a trailer. However, it can happen that the trailer hitch is forgotten to be swung in after use, and the vehicle is therefore constantly driven with the trailer hitch swung out. The protruding ball with its small impact surface increases the force that impacts the other vehicle at specific points. Depending on the angle and location of the impact, significant damage can occur even at low speeds, such as dented fenders, defective radiators and grilles, and warped frames.Because in a collision between two vehicles without the trailer hitch deployed, the bumpers collide, which also absorb impact energy, the consequences of the impact at low speeds are significantly less severe than when the trailer hitch is deployed.

[0004] DE 10 2008 023 887 A1 discloses a trailer coupling assembly for a vehicle with a detachable trailer coupling. When the vehicle is started, sensors on the detachable trailer coupling or sensors of a parking assistance system determine whether the trailer coupling is installed and no trailer is coupled to the coupling. In this case, a visual and / or acoustic warning is given to the driver to remove the trailer coupling.

[0005] DE 102 31 222 A1 discloses a trailer coupling for motor vehicles that can be moved from a working position to a rest position and vice versa. Movement of this trailer coupling is only permitted when the vehicle speed is less than or equal to 5 km / h, when the rear end is open, and when no trailer is attached to the coupling. Furthermore, movement is stopped when the torque of the drive motor exceeds a predefined reference value.

[0006] DE 100 27 573 A1 discloses a trailer coupling for motor vehicles. The coupling coupling comprises a ball neck secured to a vehicle-mounted receptacle, which carries a coupling ball at its end facing away from the receptacle, and a locking device that can be activated to lock the ball neck in the working position and deactivated to release the locking device. The trailer coupling is equipped with a sensor for detecting an object engaging the coupling ball.

[0007] EP 3 072 709 B1 discloses a trailer coupling assembly for a vehicle. During a parking maneuver, the assembly uses environmental sensors, e.g., position sensors or image sensors, to determine the available space and whether a retractable trailer coupling is deployed and not coupled to a trailer or carrier. In this case, if a lack of space is detected, the trailer coupling is automatically retracted. Alternatively, the driver is prompted to operate a control element that causes the trailer coupling to retract.

[0008] DE 10 2004 044 295 A1 discloses a control system for driving a trailer coupling that is movable between an operating position and a rest position and is driven by at least one electric motor. The control system comprises control electronics for controlling the motor, which includes electronic control logic and an output stage, in particular for closing a switching element in a drive circuit of the motor, and an operating unit. At least two independent events must be triggered to control the motor.

[0009] The invention is based on the object of providing a trailer coupling arrangement for a vehicle, with a trailer coupling that can be adjusted between a storage position and an operating position, as well as a method for operating such a trailer coupling arrangement for a vehicle, which enables a simple adaptation of a current position of the trailer coupling to an upcoming operating mode of the vehicle and improves the ease of use of the trailer coupling arrangement for a vehicle.

[0010] This object is achieved by a trailer coupling arrangement for a vehicle having the features of patent claim 1 and by a method for operating such a trailer coupling arrangement for a vehicle having the features of patent claim 10. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims.

[0011] In order to provide a trailer coupling arrangement for a vehicle which enables a current position of the trailer coupling, which can be adjusted between a storage position and an operating position, to be easily adapted to an impending operating state of the vehicle and which improves the ease of use of the trailer coupling arrangement for a vehicle, the trailer coupling arrangement comprises an evaluation and control unit, a drive which is designed to carry out a corresponding adjustment of the trailer coupling in response to control by the evaluation and control unit, and at least one sensor unit which is designed to detect information about a current position of the trailer coupling and about an impending operating mode of the vehicle and to output this information to the evaluation and control unit.The evaluation and control unit is designed to evaluate the received information and, based on the evaluation of the received information, to not cause any adjustment of the trailer coupling or, by controlling the drive, to cause the trailer coupling to be adjusted from the storage position to the operating position or from the operating position to the storage position. The evaluation and control unit is further designed to move the trailer coupling from the storage position to the operating position via a drive if the evaluation of the information shows that the trailer coupling is in the storage position and trailer operation is the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle. If the trailer coupling is already in the operating position, the trailer coupling is not adjusted.

[0012] Furthermore, a method for operating such a trailer coupling arrangement is proposed, which detects and evaluates information about the current position of a trailer coupling that can be adjusted between a storage position and an operating position, and about an upcoming operating mode of the vehicle. Based on the evaluation, the current position of the trailer coupling and the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle are determined. Based on the determined current position of the trailer coupling and the determined upcoming operating mode of the vehicle, no adjustment of the trailer coupling or an adjustment of the trailer coupling from the storage position to the operating position or from the operating position to the storage position is effected.

[0013] Embodiments of the invention enable the trailer coupling, which is automatically adjustable between the storage position and the operating position, to always be in the storage position when the vehicle is not being towed when the trailer is not being towed, in order to prevent the disadvantages mentioned above. In addition, when the adjustable trailer coupling is used when the vehicle is towing a trailer, the trailer coupling is automatically moved into the operating position in order to improve the ease of use of the trailer coupling arrangement. By detecting the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle, it is provided to decide whether the trailer coupling should automatically move into the operating position or the storage position, or whether it can remain in its current position. Detection can be carried out using an existing camera system, for example one used as a rear-view camera, or a separate camera system.The evaluation and control unit can process the optical data or image data provided by the at least one optical sensor or the camera system and, using a pattern recognition method, detect a trailer in the area of ​​the trailer coupling. If a trailer is detected in the area of ​​the trailer coupling, it can be concluded that the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle is trailer operation. Embodiments of the invention then enable the trailer coupling to move independently from the storage position to the operating position, in which the trailer can be coupled to the trailer coupling. Additionally or alternatively, a sensor integrated in the ball head of the trailer coupling can be designed to detect whether a trailer is coupled or not.The sensor for detecting a coupled trailer can, for example, be a mechanically distinctive contact sensor, such as a spring-operated pushbutton switch, or an electrical sensor, such as an infrared sensor or an electromechanical sensor. If a trailer coupled to the trailer coupling is detected, it can be concluded that the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle is trailer operation. In addition, a combination of different sensor principles can minimize or, in the best case, prevent misdetection or misuse. If no trailer is detected in the area of ​​the trailer coupling or no trailer is coupled to the trailer coupling, it can be concluded that the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle is non-trailer operation. Embodiments of the invention then enable the trailer coupling to move independently from the operating position to the storage position.This can happen, for example, when starting a journey or when a specified speed threshold is exceeded.

[0014] In addition, the evaluation and control unit can be further configured to move the trailer coupling from the operating position to the storage position via the drive if the evaluation of the information shows that the trailer coupling is in the operating position and non-trailer operation is the upcoming operating mode for the vehicle. If the trailer coupling is already in the storage position, the trailer coupling will not be adjusted.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment of the trailer coupling assembly, the at least one sensor unit can comprise at least one position sensor designed to detect information about the current position of the trailer coupling. This enables simple and rapid determination of the current position of the trailer coupling.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment of the trailer coupling arrangement, the at least one sensor unit can comprise at least one contact sensor designed to detect information about the presence of a trailer, which can be evaluated to determine the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle. Such a contact sensor enables simple and rapid detection of a trailer coupled to the trailer coupling.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment of the trailer coupling arrangement, the at least one sensor unit can comprise at least one optical sensor designed to detect information about the current position of the trailer coupling and / or information about the presence of a trailer, which can be evaluated to determine the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle. The at least one optical sensor can preferably be designed as a camera system. Such a camera system enables simultaneous detection of the current position of the trailer coupling and a trailer. Based on the detected trailer, the evaluation and control unit can conclude that an upcoming operating mode of the vehicle is trailer operation.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment of the trailer coupling arrangement, the at least one sensor unit can comprise at least one speed sensor, which is designed to detect information about the current speed of the vehicle, which can be evaluated to determine the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle. In addition, the at least one sensor unit can comprise at least one transmission sensor, which is designed to detect information about a current transmission position, which can be evaluated to determine the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle. For example, the evaluation and control unit can be supported in recognizing trailer operation as an upcoming operating mode of the vehicle if the information about the current speed and / or information about the engaged gear is evaluated.If the evaluation and control unit detects a trailer during image processing of the optical data or image data provided by the at least one optical sensor, and if the evaluation of the speed information and the transmission information shows that a currently engaged gear is reverse and the speed of the vehicle during the resulting reversing movement is below a certain threshold, then the evaluation and control unit concludes that trailer operation is the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle. Therefore, as the vehicle approaches the trailer, i.e. before reaching the trailer coupling, the trailer coupling can be automatically moved by the drive from the storage position to the operating position if the trailer coupling is not yet in the operating position. The driver can then conveniently maneuver the vehicle to the trailer with the assistance of the camera system.In poor visibility conditions, such as at dusk or in the dark, a light source located at the rear of the vehicle that is dependent on the ambient brightness can be used to improve visibility. This light source can preferably generate and emit light in the visible light range. Alternatively, the light source can also generate and emit light in the infrared wavelength range, which can be received by an appropriately equipped camera system to avoid dazzling or disturbing other road users.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment of the trailer coupling arrangement, trailer operation or non-trailer operation can be selected as the upcoming operating mode for the vehicle via at least one manual control element. In this case, the evaluation and control unit can be further designed to bring about the position of the trailer coupling corresponding to the selected upcoming operating mode of the vehicle. For example, the trailer coupling can be moved from the storage position to the operating position if trailer operation of the vehicle has been selected as the upcoming operating mode and the trailer coupling is not yet in the operating position. Alternatively, the trailer coupling can be moved from the operating position to the storage position, for example, if non-trailer operation of the vehicle has been selected as the upcoming operating mode and the trailer coupling is not yet in the storage position.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment of the trailer coupling arrangement, the evaluation and control unit can be further configured to output a visual and / or acoustic signal about the current position of the trailer coupling via an output unit. This allows the driver to be informed quickly and easily about the current position of the trailer coupling.

[0021] The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments are also to be considered encompassed and disclosed by the invention that are not explicitly shown or explained in the figures, but which emerge and can be produced from the explained embodiments through separate feature combinations.

[0022] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate components or elements that perform the same or similar functions. Herein: Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a trailer coupling arrangement according to the invention for a vehicle; and Fig. 2 a schematic flow diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for operating the trailer coupling arrangement for a vehicle from Fig. 1.

[0023] As from Fig. 1, the illustrated embodiment of a trailer coupling arrangement 1 according to the invention for a vehicle has a trailer coupling 3 which can be adjusted between a storage position and an operating position, an evaluation and control unit 10, a drive 5 which, in response to a control by the evaluation and control unit 10, carries out a corresponding adjustment of the trailer coupling 3, and at least one sensor unit 12 which records information about a current position of the trailer coupling 3 and about an impending operating mode of the vehicle and outputs it to the evaluation and control unit 10.The evaluation and control unit 10 evaluates the received information and, based on the evaluation of the received information, does not cause the trailer coupling 3 to be adjusted or, by controlling the drive 5, causes the trailer coupling 3 to be adjusted from the storage position to the operating position or from the operating position to the storage position.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment of the trailer coupling assembly 1, the evaluation and control unit 10 moves the trailer coupling 3 from the storage position to the operating position via the drive 5 if the evaluation of the information shows that the trailer coupling 3 is in the storage position and that trailer operation is the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle. If the trailer coupling 3 is already in the operating position, the evaluation and control unit 10 does not control the drive, and the trailer coupling 3 remains in the operating position.

[0025] In addition, the evaluation and control unit 10 moves the trailer coupling 3 from the operating position to the storage position via the drive 5 if the evaluation of the information shows that the trailer coupling 3 is in the operating position and non-trailer operation is the upcoming operating mode for the vehicle. If the trailer coupling 3 is already in the storage position, the evaluation and control unit 10 does not control the drive, and the trailer coupling 3 remains in the storage position.

[0026] As from Fig. 1, the at least one sensor unit 12 in the illustrated embodiment of the trailer coupling arrangement 1 comprises a position sensor 12A connected to the evaluation and control unit 10, which detects information about the current position of the trailer coupling 3 and outputs it to the evaluation and control unit 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the position sensor 12A comprises two electromechanical sensor elements, of which a first electromechanical sensor element detects the operating position of the trailer coupling 3 and a second electromechanical sensor element detects the storage position of the trailer coupling 3. Based on the information from the position sensor 12A, the evaluation and control unit 10 detects whether the current position of the trailer coupling 3 is the storage position or the operating position.

[0027] To determine the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle, the at least one sensor unit 12 of the trailer coupling assembly 1 in the illustrated embodiment comprises a contact sensor 12B connected to the evaluation and control unit 10, an optical sensor 12C designed as a camera system and connected to the evaluation and control unit 10, a speed sensor 12D, and a transmission sensor 12E. From the contact sensor 12B, the evaluation and control unit 10 receives information about the presence of a trailer coupled to the trailer coupling 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact sensor 12B is designed as a button, which is actuated by a spring force triggered by a coupled trailer.In the illustrated embodiment, the evaluation and control unit 10 receives information about the current position of the trailer coupling 3 and information about the presence of a trailer from the optical sensor 12C, which is implemented as a camera system. The evaluation and control unit 10 receives information about the current speed of the vehicle from the speed sensor 12D. The evaluation and control unit 10 receives information about the current transmission position from the transmission sensor 12E.

[0028] The evaluation and control unit 10 evaluates the received information to determine whether the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle is trailer operation or non-trailer operation. By evaluating the information from the contact sensor 12B, the evaluation and control unit 10 detects whether a trailer is connected to the trailer coupling 3 or not. If the evaluation and control unit 10 detects a trailer connected to the trailer coupling 3, the evaluation and control unit 10 concludes that trailer operation is the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle. If no trailer connected to the trailer coupling 3 is detected, the evaluation and control unit 10 performs further evaluations to determine the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle.

[0029] Additionally or alternatively, the evaluation and control unit 10 performs image processing during the evaluation using the information received as optical data or image data from the optical sensor 12C, which is designed as a camera system. If the evaluation and control unit 10 does not detect a trailer in the area of ​​the trailer coupling 3 during the evaluation, the evaluation and control unit 10 concludes that non-trailer operation is the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle. If the evaluation and control unit 10 detects a trailer in the area of ​​the trailer coupling 3 during the evaluation, the evaluation and control unit 10 concludes that trailer operation is the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle.By additionally evaluating the information from the speed sensor 12D and the transmission sensor 12E, the current speed of the vehicle and the engaged gear can be determined, thereby supporting the decision of the evaluation and control unit 10 to recognize trailer operation as the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle. If, with a trailer detected in the area of ​​the trailer coupling 3, the currently engaged gear corresponds to a reverse gear and the speed of the vehicle during the resulting reversing is below a certain threshold, then these findings support the evaluation and control unit 10 in deciding that trailer operation is the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle. Therefore, the trailer coupling 3 is automatically moved from the storage position to the operating position by the output 5 as the vehicle approaches the trailer, provided the trailer coupling 3 is not yet in the operating position.

[0030] As from Fig. As can be further seen in Figure 1, the trailer coupling assembly 1 in the illustrated embodiment comprises a manual operating element 18 designed as an actuating switch 18A, via which trailer operation or non-trailer operation can be selected as the upcoming operating mode for the vehicle. Alternatively, the operating element 18 can also be integrated into a mobile device, such as a remote control, a mobile phone, a tablet, etc., so that the upcoming operating mode for the vehicle can also be selected via an app (application). In this case, the evaluation and control unit 10 brings about the position of the trailer coupling 3 corresponding to the selected upcoming operating mode of the vehicle.As already explained above, the evaluation and control unit 10 moves the trailer coupling 3 via the drive 5 from the storage position to the operating position if the evaluation of the information shows that the trailer coupling 3 is in the storage position and trailer operation has been selected as the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle via the manual actuation element 18. If the trailer coupling 3 is already in the operating position, the evaluation and control unit 10 does not control the drive and the trailer coupling 3 remains in the operating position. Alternatively, the evaluation and control unit 10 moves the trailer coupling 3 via the drive 5 from the operating position to the storage position if the evaluation of the information shows that the trailer coupling 3 is in the operating position and non-trailer operation has been selected as the upcoming operating mode for the vehicle via the manual actuation element 18.If the trailer coupling 3 is already in the storage position, the evaluation and control unit 10 does not control the drive and the trailer coupling 3 remains in the storage position.

[0031] As from Fig. 1, the trailer coupling arrangement 1 in the illustrated embodiment comprises an output unit 16. The evaluation and control unit 10 outputs an optical and / or acoustic message about the current position of the trailer coupling 3 via the output unit 16.

[0032] As from Fig.As can be seen from Figure 2, the illustrated method 100 for operating a trailer coupling arrangement 1 for a vehicle described above comprises a step S100, in which information about a current position of a trailer coupling 3 adjustable between a storage position and an operating position is acquired, and a step S110, in which information about an upcoming operating mode of the vehicle is acquired. In a step S120, the acquired information is evaluated. Based on the evaluation, the current position of the trailer coupling 3 is determined in a step S130, and the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle is determined in a step S140.Based on the determined current position of the trailer coupling 3 and on the determined upcoming operating mode of the vehicle, in a step S150 no adjustment of the trailer coupling or an adjustment of the trailer coupling 3 from the storage position to the operating position or from the operating position to the storage position is effected.

[0033] In step S150, the trailer coupling 3 is moved from the storage position to the operating position if the evaluation shows that the trailer coupling 3 is in the storage position and that trailer operation is the upcoming operating mode. If the trailer coupling 3 is already in the operating position, no adjustment of the trailer coupling 3 occurs in step S150.

[0034] Alternatively, in step S150, the trailer coupling 3 is moved from the operating position to the storage position if the evaluation shows that the trailer coupling 3 is in the operating position and non-trailer operation is the upcoming operating mode. If the trailer coupling 3 is already in the storage position, no adjustment of the trailer coupling 3 occurs in step S150. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 trailer coupling arrangement 3 trailer hitch 5 Drive 10 Evaluation and control unit 12 Sensor unit 12A position sensor 12B Contact sensor 12C optical sensor 12D speed sensor 12E Transmission sensor 16 Output unit 18 Actuating element 18A actuation switch 100 Methods for operating a trailer coupling assembly S100 to S150 process step

Claims

[1] Trailer coupling arrangement (1) for a vehicle, comprising a trailer coupling (3) which is adjustable between a storage position and an operating position, an evaluation and control unit (10), a drive (5) which is designed to carry out a corresponding adjustment of the trailer coupling (3) in response to a control by the evaluation and control unit (10), and at least one sensor unit (12) which is designed to detect information about a current position of the trailer coupling (3) and about an upcoming operating mode of the vehicle and to output it to the evaluation and control unit (10), wherein the evaluation and control unit (10) is designed,to evaluate the received information and, based on the evaluation of the received information, to not adjust the trailer coupling (3) or to adjust the trailer coupling (3) from the storage position to the operating position or from the operating position to the storage position by controlling the drive (5), wherein the evaluation and control unit (10) is further designed to move the trailer coupling (3) from the storage position to the operating position via the drive (5) if the evaluation of the information shows that the trailer coupling (3) is in the storage position and trailer operation is the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle. [2] Trailer coupling arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the evaluation and control unit (10) is further designed to move the trailer coupling (3) via the drive (5) from the operating position into the storage position if the evaluation of the information shows that the trailer coupling (3) is in the operating position and non-trailer operation is the upcoming operating mode for the vehicle. [3] Trailer coupling arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the at least one sensor unit (12) comprises at least one position sensor (12A) which is designed to detect information about the current position of the trailer coupling (3). [4] Trailer coupling arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat the at least one sensor unit (12) comprises at least one contact sensor (12B) which is designed to detect information about the presence of a trailer, which information can be evaluated to determine the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle. [5] Trailer coupling arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the at least one sensor unit (12) comprises at least one optical sensor (12C) which is designed to detect information about the current position of the trailer coupling (3) and / or information about the presence of a trailer, which can be evaluated to determine the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle. [6] Trailer coupling arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized bythat the at least one sensor unit (12) comprises at least one speed sensor (12D) which is designed to detect information about the current speed of the vehicle, which information can be evaluated to determine the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle. [7] Trailer coupling arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the at least one sensor unit (12) comprises at least one transmission sensor (12E) which is designed to detect information about a current transmission position, which information can be evaluated to determine the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle. [8] Trailer coupling arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized bythat a trailer operation or a non-trailer operation can be selected as the upcoming operating mode for the vehicle via at least one manual control element (18), wherein the evaluation and control unit (10) is further designed to bring about the position of the trailer coupling (3) corresponding to the selected upcoming operating mode of the vehicle. [9] Trailer coupling arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the evaluation and control unit (10) is further designed to output an optical and / or acoustic message about the current position of the trailer coupling (3) via an output unit (16). [10] Method (100) for operating a trailer coupling arrangement (1) for a vehicle, which is designed according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein information about a current position of a trailer coupling (3) adjustable between a storage position and an operating position and about an upcoming operating mode of the vehicle are recorded and evaluated, wherein based on the evaluation the current position of the trailer coupling (3) and the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle are determined, wherein based on the determined current position of the trailer coupling (3) and on the determined upcoming operating mode of the vehicle no adjustment of the trailer coupling (3) or an adjustment of the trailer coupling (3) from the storage position to the operating position or from the operating position to the storage position is effected, wherein the trailer coupling (3) is moved from the storage position to the operating position if the evaluation showsthat the trailer coupling (3) is in the storage position and trailer operation is the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle. [11] Method according to claim 10, characterized by that the trailer coupling (3) is moved from the operating position to the storage position if the evaluation shows that the trailer coupling (3) is in the operating position and non-trailer operation is the upcoming operating mode of the vehicle.

Images