Trailer socket

Abstract

Trailer socket (1) comprising sockets (2, 4) of at least two different plug systems, a first socket (2) and a second socket (4). According to the invention, a plug belonging to one of the at least two plug systems can be inserted directly into one of the sockets (2, 4) without the use of an adapter.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a trailer socket comprising sockets of at least two different plug systems, a first and a second socket. A plug belonging to one of the at least two plug systems can be inserted directly into one of the sockets without the use of an adapter.

[0002] The desire to be able to connect a trailer socket to plugs of different plug systems has existed for a long time. Documents DE 10 2012 013 653 A1 and WO 2005 / 124943 A1 describe various adapter systems that can be inserted into a trailer socket to achieve this. A disadvantage is that the adapters, as additional, removable components, can be lost or unavailable for other reasons when needed. Furthermore, their manufacture and procurement involve increased effort. In addition, the extra contacts between the trailer socket and the adapter can impair the reliability of the trailer socket due to increased contact resistance after wear or corrosion.

[0003] Document EP 4 383 480 A1 describes a combined connector system for the electrical connection between a towing vehicle and a trailer. This system comprises a first connector for power supply and low-speed data communication, and a second connector for additional power supply and high-speed data communication. The first connector is designed to be usable independently of the second, thus ensuring mechanical and electrical backward compatibility with conventional systems. The second connector enables data rates from over 1 Mbit / s to over 100 Mbit / s and can be configured, for example, as a coaxial or twisted-pair interface. Protective covers, locking mechanisms, and moisture protection are also provided, ensuring compatibility between combined and conventional connector systems.

[0004] Document CA 2 437 300 A1 discloses an electrical interface device for connecting the master electrical system of a towing vehicle to the slave electrical system of a trailer. The device has two different master connectors (e.g., round and flat) at one end to accommodate various trailer connector types and can be detachably connected to an existing master connector of the vehicle at the other end. An alignment mechanism ensures correct positioning, while a locking mechanism prevents unintentional disconnection. The aim is to enable the electrical connection of different trailer systems without modifying the vehicle's electrical installation.

[0005] Document CN 1 03 875 137 B discloses a rotatable socket for the electrical connection between a vehicle and a trailer. The socket is rotatably coupled to a mounting device via a frame assembly, thus compensating for angular changes between the towing vehicle and the trailer. This reduces tensile and bending forces on cables and connectors, thereby increasing the service life of the electrical connection. Additionally, a housing for the connector, a flap for weather protection, and sealing and bearing elements may be provided.

[0006] Document US 10,414,222 B2 describes a pivoting mounting assembly for a connector, specifically for mounting on a trailer or vehicle. The assembly includes a base bracket for attachment to a structure and a pivoting receptacle for the connector, allowing it to be moved between an operating and a protected position. The pivoting mount provides improved accessibility and protection against damage or contamination. Sealing and fastening elements can also be included to enable a robust and weatherproof installation.

[0007] The current state of the art only provides for a single orientation or a single rotatably mounted socket, insofar as the sockets are rotatable or swiveling.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to offer a trailer socket for various plug systems that does not require an adapter, is reliable and requires little maintenance and is easy to use.

[0009] The problem is solved by a trailer socket comprising sockets for at least two different plug systems, a first and a second socket. A plug belonging to one of the at least two plug systems can be inserted directly into one of the sockets without the use of an adapter. Each of the sockets is electrically connected to the electrical system of the vehicle to which the trailer socket is attached. According to the invention, the first and second sockets have the same orientation with their insertion openings, i.e., at the moment of insertion, of the respective plug. This ensures that the plug can always be inserted in the same direction, regardless of the plug system or socket used.For ease of use, the socket is oriented against the direction of travel, allowing the plug to be inserted from the rear of the vehicle, so that the force applied during insertion is directed towards the vehicle. Furthermore, the axis of rotation is vertically oriented when installed, resulting in a horizontal plane of rotation.

[0010] It has proven advantageous to provide a mounting bracket with a fixed axis extending towards the sockets. The fixed axis creates a mechanical connection between the mounting bracket, which is attached to the vehicle for installing the trailer socket, and the arrangement of sockets. The alignment of the sockets, or changes in their orientation, occur in a plane of rotation perpendicular to a rotation axis of the sockets. By rotating this axis or pivoting the sockets around it, the alignment of the sockets, or changes in their orientation, relative to the fixed axis, are adjusted. Preferably, the fixed axis also serves as the axis of rotation.

[0011] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides for an electrical supply line that is guided to the sockets via a recess within the fixed axis. This protects the supply line and exposes it to only minimal torsion. Furthermore, it does not have to bear any loads and is also protected from wear and damage.

[0012] It has proven advantageous to include a locking mechanism that engages as soon as one of the intended orientations is reached and prevents further pivoting. In the preferred embodiment, this is the case when the desired socket points towards the rear of the vehicle, i.e., against the direction of travel. This keeps the trailer socket in the desired orientation without uncontrollably and undesirably pivoting around its axis of rotation. The preferred locking mechanism is designed to be manually overridden, allowing a user to change the orientation of the trailer socket as needed without requiring a tool.

[0013] Advantageously, a rotation limiter is included, which prevents continued rotation of the sockets in the same direction. This occurs particularly once one of the intended orientations is reached. This protects the power supply cable from damage.

[0014] In the preferred embodiment, the first plug system of the trailer socket according to the invention is 7-pin and the second plug system is 13-pin. This covers the two plug systems relevant in practice and allows all available trailers to be electrically connected to the vehicle. Preferably, the supply cable is designed for a 13-pin configuration so that the maximum possible functionality can always be used.

[0015] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the description of an exemplary embodiment and its representation in the accompanying drawing. Fig.Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of an embodiment of a trailer socket 1 according to the invention.

[0016] A first slot 2 and a second slot 4 are connected to each other. They pivot together about a vertical axis of rotation 6, resulting in a horizontal plane of rotation or pivoting. The orientation of the respective slot 2, 4 in use is opposite to the direction of travel 8. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the opening 12 of the second slot 4, which is closed by a cover 10, is used. The first slot 2 is also closed by a cover 10, whereby, before the respective slot 2, 4 is used, the cover 10, which is attached to a hinge (not shown here), is folded upwards, revealing the opening 12.

[0017] Where the two sockets 2 and 4 are connected to each other on their side facing away from the opening 12, a fixed axis 16, arranged on a mounting tab 14, engages in the area between the sockets 2 and 4 and forms pivot bearings there. The two sockets 2 and 4 can then pivot around the fixed axis. The mounting tab 14 is used to attach the trailer socket 1 to the vehicle (not shown).

[0018] To ensure that the selected orientation of the respective used slots 2 and 4 remains unchanged, a locking system 18 is provided. This holds slots 2 and 4 in their position until they are moved to a different position by overcoming the locking system 18. Overcoming the locking system 18 is done manually and without the use of tools.

[0019] A rotation limiter 20 prevents the connected slots 2 and 4 from being pivoted or rotated repeatedly in the same direction. To avoid damage, particularly to a supply line 24, the pivoting must be performed alternately in both directions, without allowing multiple rotations in one direction. This is achieved by the rotation limiter 20.

[0020] In the fixed axis 16 and at least partially also in the area of ​​the connection between the sockets 2 and 4, a recess 22 is provided into which the supply line 24 is inserted and fed to the two plug systems 2 and 4. The first plug system is designed with a 7-pin socket, the second plug system 4 with a 13-pin socket, and the supply line 24 is suitable for supplying the 13-pin version. Reference symbol list 1 trailer socket 2 first slot 4 second slot 6 Rotation axis 8 Direction of travel 10 lids 12 Opening 14 Mounting tab 16 Fixed axis 18 locking system 20 Rotation limit 22 Exclusion 24 Supply line

Claims

Trailer socket (1), comprising sockets (2, 4) of at least two different plug systems, a first socket (2) and a second socket (4), wherein a plug belonging to one of the at least two plug systems can be inserted directly into one of the sockets (2, 4) without the use of an adapter, characterized in that the first socket (2) and the second socket (4) have the same orientation with their openings (12) for inserting the associated plug, wherein a change in the orientation of the sockets (2, 4) is adjustable by rotating them together about an axis of rotation (6), and wherein the axis of rotation (6) is vertically oriented in the mounted state. Trailer socket (1) according to claim 1, wherein the socket used (2, 4) is oriented against a direction of travel (8). Trailer socket (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a mounting tab (14) for attaching the trailer socket (1) to a vehicle with a fixed axis (16) arranged thereon is provided, wherein the fixed axis (16) simultaneously forms the axis of rotation (6). Trailer socket (1) according to claim 3, wherein an electrical supply line (24) is guided via a recess (22) within the fixed axis (16) to the sockets (2, 4). Trailer socket according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a locking system (18) is included which blocks the rotation of the sockets (2, 4) once one of the intended orientations has been reached. Trailer socket (1) according to claim 5, wherein the locking system (18) is designed to be manually overridden. Trailer socket (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a rotation limiter (20) is included which prevents the continued rotation of the sockets (2, 4). Trailer socket (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first plug system (2) is 7-pin and the second plug system (4) is 13-pin.

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