Trailer coupling for a vehicle with a locking device having a swiveling locking element

Abstract

Towbar for a vehicle, with - a pivoting element (1) on which a ball neck (10) is provided and which is externally actuated between a first pivoting position, which is assigned to a use position of the ball neck (10), and a second pivoting position, which is assigned to a non-use position of the ball neck (10), relative to a holder part (H) of the trailer coupling (K) about a pivot axis (D), - a locking device (V) by which the pivoting element (1) can be fixed with respect to the holder part (H) after assuming the operating position by the ball neck (10), characterized in that the locking device (V) for fixing the pivoting element (1) with respect to the holder part (H) comprises at least one locking element (7A, 7B, 7C) which can be pivoted with respect to the holder part (H) from an unlocking position to a locking position and which in its locking position is brought into a fixing engagement with a coupling section (12) of the pivoting element (1).

Description

[0001] The proposed solution concerns a trailer hitch for a vehicle.

[0002] A trailer coupling known, for example, from EP 2 567 836 A1, comprises a swivel element on which a ball neck is provided and which, by external force, can be pivoted about a rotational axis between a first swivel position, which corresponds to the operating position of the ball neck, and a second swivel position, which corresponds to the non-operating position of the ball neck. In the operating position of the ball neck, with the trailer coupling properly mounted on the vehicle, it is then possible, for example, to couple a trailer to the vehicle or to attach a bicycle carrier to the trailer coupling. In the non-operating position of the ball neck, the ball neck is retracted, so that the ball neck and its ball head do not protrude from the rear of the vehicle.

[0003] By allowing the swivel element supporting the ball neck (which can also be called a swivel arm) to pivot between the first and second swivel positions using external power, a user can fully extend and retract the ball neck electronically. This typically requires a drive unit with at least one electric motor.

[0004] Particularly in the operating position of the ball neck, it must be ensured in every case that the swivel element cannot be improperly or uncontrollably adjusted towards the non-operating position. Rather, the operating position of the ball neck must be mechanically secured. For this purpose, a locking device is known in particular from EP 2 567 836 A1, by means of which the swivel element is fixed after the ball neck has assumed its operating position.In this context, EP 2 567 836 A1 proposes, to reduce the complexity of the locking device and potentially lower costs, to move a pivoting element from its first pivot position, in which the pivoting element with the ball neck can still be freely displaced towards the second pivot position, axially parallel to the axis of rotation into a locking position. In this position, positive locking areas provided at the base of the pivoting element are engaged with a retaining part that is fixed to the vehicle body when the trailer coupling is properly mounted. Thus, the pivoting element switches directly from an unlocked to a locked state. Conversely, the pivoting element is immediately released again with an axial displacement and can therefore pivot towards the second pivot position when the ball neck is to be moved into its non-use position.

[0005] Against this background, there is still a need for a trailer hitch with an improved locking device.

[0006] A proposed trailer coupling for a vehicle comprises a swivel element to which a ball neck (with ball head) is attached. This swivel element is externally actuated and pivots relative to a mounting part of the trailer coupling about a rotational axis between a first swivel position, corresponding to the operating position of the ball neck, and a second swivel position, corresponding to the non-operating position of the ball neck. The first swivel position of the swivel element does not necessarily have to correspond to the operating position of the ball neck. Likewise, the second swivel position does not necessarily have to coincide with the non-operating position of the ball neck. While both are theoretically possible, this is not the primary consideration.However, it is not excluded that, for example, starting from the respective first or second swivel position, an additional adjustment of the swivel element, for example axial, is required so that the ball neck is in the operating or non-operating position.

[0007] To fix the pivot element relative to the holder, the locking device comprises at least one locking element that is adjustable from an unlocked position to a locked position. In its locked position, the at least one locking element engages with a coupling section of the pivot element in a fixing manner. The at least one locking element can engage with a coupling section of the pivot element in a positive-locking and / or force-locking manner via a movement component extending radially with respect to the axis of rotation. For example, in its locked position, the at least one locking element engages in a locking receptacle on the coupling section of the pivot element. Such a locking receptacle is designed, for example, as a recess, trough, opening, or a groove circumferentially around the axis of rotation on the coupling section.

[0008] To fix the pivot element via the at least one locking element, the at least one locking element can be adjustable from its unlocked position to its locked position with a movement component that extends radially to the axis of rotation. The at least one locking element is thus, for example, displaced radially inwards at least partially with respect to the axis of rotation and thereby brought into engagement with a coupling section of the pivot element, so that the pivot element, without adjusting the at least one locking element to its unlocked position, is neither axially adjustable with respect to the axis of rotation nor circumferentially adjustable around the axis of rotation. For example, the at least one locking element can be designed with a pivotably mounted (locking) lever or a (locking) ball.A pivotable bearing of the lever of the at least one locking element can be provided on the holder part or on an adjusting element of the locking device that is adjustable relative to it.

[0009] In one embodiment, the at least one locking element has an engagement section and a bearing section spaced circumferentially around the axis of rotation from the engagement section. The engagement section is designed to engage with the locking receptacle of the coupling section on the pivoting element side. At least one locking element is pivotably mounted on the bearing section.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one locking element can be rotatably mounted on a bearing opening via a pin-shaped or pin-shaped bearing element, in particular a bearing element of the aforementioned bearing section, which allows displacement of the bearing element with respect to the axis of rotation in a radial direction. Such a bearing opening for the rotatable mounting of the at least one locking element can, for example, have an elongated cross-section and thus provide radial play at a bearing point for the locking element, thereby achieving an additional degree of displacement of the locking element in the radial direction. This can, for example, ensure that an engagement section of the locking element bears fully against the locking receptacle of the coupling section when the locking element is in the locked position.This improves the fixation via the locking element, especially if the locking device comprises several locking elements that are each pivotable and mounted with radial play.

[0011] In principle, at least one locking element can be pivotably mounted on the holder part or on a component rigidly connected to the holder part.

[0012] By using several (at least two) locking elements, each pivotable between the locked and unlocked positions, the fixation of the pivoting element in the operating position can be made more robust. The locking elements are preferably arranged evenly distributed along a circumferential direction around the coupling section, i.e., in particular, equidistant from each other around the circumference.

[0013] For controlling the adjustment movements of the at least one locking element, the locking device can include an adjustable adjustment element. This adjustment element is externally actuated to move the at least one locking element from its locked position to its unlocked position and / or from its unlocked position to its locked position. Thus, the adjustment element of the locking device can be externally actuated to adjust the at least one locking element and thereby release and / or bring about a locking of the pivot element via the at least one locking element.

[0014] For example, one design variant may provide that the adjusting element is externally actuated (i.e., driven in particular by a motorized drive unit) and is adjustable relative to the holding part via a drive element. In this case, the locking element, which is in its unlocked position, can be moved into its locked position via the adjusting element when the adjusting element is moved into the actuating position. For example, the adjusting element can be moved from a rest position to an actuating position, for instance, via a drive element coupled to the drive unit, which also allows the released pivoting element to pivot between the pivoting positions.

[0015] In the previously mentioned other case, where the adjusting element, in its actuating position, moves the at least one locking element into its locked position, a movement of the at least one locking element into its unlocked position is permitted when the adjusting element is moved back to its rest position. This movement of the at least one locking element into its unlocked position can occur automatically, for example, driven by at least one pre-tensioned spring element, such as at least one tension spring. If the at least one locking element is not forced into the locked position by the adjusting element, it will consequently move into its unlocked position automatically under the action of the at least one pre-tensioned spring element.The at least one pre-tensioned spring element can, for example, axially load the pivoting element. When the adjusting element is in its rest position, and the pivoting element undergoes an axial adjustment (with respect to the axis of rotation) caused by the action of the at least one spring element, the at least one locking element is driven or forced into its unlocked position. Thus, a force can be applied to the at least one locking element via the axial adjustment of the pivoting element, resulting in a radially outward movement of the at least one locking element into the unlocked position. In the rest position of the adjusting element, the at least one locking element is no longer prevented from moving into the unlocked position by the adjusting element.

[0016] To move the at least one locking element from its unlocked position to its locked position, or vice versa, the adjusting element can be rotatable about the axis of rotation. In this context, the adjusting element can be designed to act on the at least one locking element, moving it into its locked position by rotating the adjusting element along the circumferential direction about the axis of rotation along which an engagement section of the locking element is spaced from a bearing section of the locking element. It has been shown that such a configuration facilitates full-surface contact of the engagement section with a locking receptacle of the coupling section on the pivot element side, which in turn enables the transmission of high forces under load to the pivot element.It can also be observed that the wear and tear of the engagement section when engaging the locking receptacle is reduced. Adjustment into the locking position is therefore smoother and reliably jam-free, since the force exerted by the adjusting element on the locking element to move it into its locking position never points towards a rotational axis (and thus a dead center) of the pivoting locking element.

[0017] In an embodiment with a rotatable adjusting element, it can additionally be provided that the adjusting element can act on the at least one locking element both when rotating along a first circumferential direction about the axis of rotation and when rotating along a second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction about the axis of rotation, in order to move the at least one locking element into its locking position. Such a configuration is advantageous, for example, to be able to immediately re-engage the locking mechanism via the at least one locking element in the event of a faulty unlocking of the locking device. For example, one embodiment provides that the adjusting element continues to rotate in a circumferential direction and is not decoupled from a drive element if a load, e.g., a weight, is still present on the ball head of the swivel element.This is due to the action of a coupled trailer or bicycle carrier. In this case, rotating the locking element in a (first) direction of rotation, and thus along a (first) circumferential direction around the axis of rotation, initially causes at least one locking element to move into its unlocked position. However, if the swivel element is under load – due to the faulty release – the adjusting element is not stopped but continues to rotate, causing the at least one locking element to be moved back into the locked position by the adjusting element. In contrast, if the unlocking mechanism is not faulty and thus during normal operation with an unloaded swivel element, the adjusting element would rotate along the first circumferential direction and then stop, while the swivel element is moved towards its unused position.For subsequent locking of the pivoting element using the at least one locking element, the adjusting element would, in normal operation, be rotated along the opposite second circumferential direction. However, in the embodiment described above, the rotatable adjusting element can also move the at least one locking element into its locking position during a further rotation along the first circumferential direction.

[0018] Regardless of the operating principle of the adjusting element, one embodiment may provide that the locking device includes a drive element which is coupled to a motorized drive unit of the trailer coupling for the externally actuated pivoting of the pivoting element into its first pivoting position, and that a transmission mechanism is provided via which the adjusting element can be externally actuated by the drive element. The drive element for transmitting a drive torque to the adjusting element via the transmission mechanism may be the same drive element by which the at least one locking component is also adjustable.

[0019] The transmission mechanism can comprise one or more adjustable transmission elements for the mechanical transmission of an adjustment torque from the drive element to the adjustment element and for at least temporary coupling of the drive element to the adjustment element. This enables the mechanical control of an adjustment of the at least one locking element during an adjustment phase, either when locking the ball neck in its operating position or when pivoting the ball neck from its operating position towards the non-operating position, using the drive element, the transmission mechanism, and the adjustment element. For this purpose, the transmission mechanism can comprise at least one rotatably mounted gear or at least one drive element rotatable about the axis of rotation as a transmission element mechanically coupled to the drive element. The at least one gear can be rotatable about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation.The drive element can, for example, be designed with a rotating ring.

[0020] In one embodiment, the locking device comprises at least one locking component by which the pivoting element, assuming the first pivot position, can be locked against pivoting about the axis of rotation relative to the holder part. The at least one locking component can be axially adjustable between a first axial position and a second axial position with respect to the axis of rotation (D), wherein in the first axial position the at least one locking component locks the pivoting element against rotation about the axis of rotation and in the second axial position can be pivoted about the axis of rotation together with the pivoting element by a drive element of the locking device.

[0021] For the pivoting and thus rotating of the at least one locking component together with the pivoting element, the locking component can, for example, be positively connected to a coupling section of the pivoting element and furthermore be designed to transmit a torque generated by the drive unit (hereinafter also referred to as drive torque) from the drive element to the pivoting element for pivoting the pivoting element. In such an embodiment, the at least one locking component is therefore also designed to transmit a torque generated by the drive unit to the pivoting element and thus ensures a force flow into the pivoting element, at least if there is no locking mechanism via the at least one locking component with respect to the holder part.The at least one locking component on the coupling section can be axially adjustable, and in particular slidably mounted, between a first axial position and a second axial position with respect to the axis of rotation. In the first axial position, the pivoting element is then locked against rotation about the axis of rotation, while in the second axial position, the pivoting element can be pivoted about the axis of rotation by the drive element into the at least one locking component with the pivoting element.

[0022] In its first axial position, the at least one locking component is fixed, for example, to a pre-locking part of the trailer coupling, e.g., positively connected to it. The pre-locking part is formed on the holder part or rigidly connected to it in order to lock the pivoting element against pivoting (about the axis of rotation) relative to the holder part by fixing the at least one locking component to it.

[0023] To allow, as mentioned above, the adjustment of the at least one locking component from the second axial position to the first axial position only in the first and second pivot positions of the pivot element, one embodiment blocks such adjustment in a rotational position between the first and second pivot positions of the pivot element. Therefore, if the pivot element is neither in the first pivot position nor in the second leg position, the at least one locking component cannot be adjusted from its second axial position to its first axial position.Such a blocking action can be achieved, for example, by the pre-locking part, which only in the first pivot position and / or the second pivot position allows adjustment of the at least one locking component to the first axial position on the coupling section, in which the at least one locking component is brought into a locking, in particular positive locking, engagement with the pre-locking part.

[0024] In one embodiment, the at least one locking component is axially preloaded towards the drive element with respect to the axis of rotation. This preloading can be achieved, for example, magnetically and / or elastically, particularly by means of a spring, such as via at least one tension spring.Due to the axial preload of the at least one locking component towards the drive element, the drive element and the at least one locking component are automatically brought into engagement under the effect of the preload when the drive element – ​​with the ball neck in the operating position and for pivoting the swivel element into the second swivel position – is first adjusted relative to the still stationary locking component until the drive element assumes a predetermined relative position with respect to the at least one locking component, in which the (axially adjustable) locking component is coupled to the drive element under the effect of the preload. In this way, it is possible to ensure that the drive element and the at least one locking component can be automatically coupled to each other in order to transmit a drive torque to the swivel element for rotation between the first and second swivel positions.On the other hand, the at least one locking component can also be decoupled from the drive element (contrary to the axial preload force) in order to achieve a pre-locking of the pivoting element, so that the pivoting element can be locked against rotation about the axis of rotation at least in its first pivoting position by the at least one locking component before an (additional) fixing of the pivoting element takes place via the at least one locking element.

[0025] For example, the at least one locking component is designed with a rotating ring that is provided on a pin-shaped coupling section of the pivoting element and is positively locked and axially displaceable to the coupling section via at least one connecting section of the rotating ring. For this purpose, the rotating ring has, for example, at least one connecting section provided radially inside the rotating ring, which engages in a positive-locking area of ​​the coupling section designed as a recess and is held axially displaceable therein. In this way, the rotating ring always remains positively locked to the pivoting element at the coupling section, but is displaceable along the axis of rotation between the first axial position (the engagement position) and the second axial position (the release position).

[0026] In one embodiment, the at least one locking component and the pivoting element are preloaded against each other. This includes, in particular, an embodiment in which at least one spring element, for example in the form of a compression spring acting as a tension spring, is supported on one side by the pivoting element and on the other side by the locking component, and the at least one locking component is thereby preloaded with respect to the pivoting element. It can be provided, in particular, that by preloading the at least one locking component and the pivoting element against each other, the at least one locking component is preloaded in the direction of the drive element, namely when the at least one locking component is arranged along the axis of rotation between the drive element and a section of the pivoting element against which the at least one spring element is supported.The at least one locking component is therefore pre-tensioned in the direction of the drive element via the at least one spring element which is supported on the pivoting element on one side and the at least one heavy component on the other, and the at least one locking component is arranged between the drive element and a section of the pivoting element which supports the locking component.

[0027] Furthermore, in one embodiment, a proposed trailer coupling may include a locking device by which the swivel element can be fixed relative to the mounting bracket by the ball neck after it has assumed the operating position. This locking device is designed for at least two-stage locking, by - the locking device comprises at least one locking component by which the pivoting element assuming the first pivoting position can initially be locked against pivoting about the axis of rotation with respect to the holder part, and - via the at least one locking element, the swivel element, which is already locked against pivoting around the axis of rotation, can be fixed with respect to the holder part.

[0028] In this design variant, the at least one locking component of the locking device thus achieves a kind of pre-locking before the pivot element is finally fixed. This ensures that the pivot element is no longer freely rotatable even before it is finally fixed by the at least one locking element. The at least one locking component provides a mechanical lock for the pivot element in its first pivot position before the at least one locking element provides additional fixation of the pivot element relative to the mounting part.

[0029] The at least one locking component can be positively locked to a holder-part fixed element for the pre-locking provided here, for example. A holder-part fixed element is understood to be, for example, an element formed on the holder part or a component rigidly connected to the holder part.

[0030] Both the at least one locking component and the at least one locking element provide a mechanical fix to the mounting part, so that in the operating position of the ball neck, at least a double mechanical lock is provided, which blocks the ball neck against unwanted displacement towards the non-operating position. Thus, in one embodiment of such a trailer coupling, both the fixation via the at least one locking element and the locking mechanism via the at least one locking component must be released before the swivel element with the ball neck can be pivoted around the pivot axis into the second pivot position.

[0031] In one embodiment, the locking device comprises a drive element that is coupled to a motorized drive unit of the trailer coupling for the externally actuated pivoting of the pivoting element in its first pivot position. Furthermore, it is designed to successively adjust the at least one locking component and the at least one locking element after the pivoting element has been pivoted into its first pivot position via the drive element. Consequently, the drive element is not only intended for pivoting the pivoting element, but also for actuating at least a two-stage locking mechanism of the locking device, which is provided by the at least one locking component and the at least one locking element.The single drive element thus performs several functions within the locking device. Using this drive element, the at least one locking component for pre-locking is actuated to engage and fix the ball neck in the operating position, followed by the at least one locking element for additional fixation to the holder. The successive actuation of the at least one locking component and the at least one locking element occurs, for example, by rotating the drive element in a first direction of rotation, along which the drive element can also be rotated by the drive unit, in order to move the pivoting element from its second pivot position to the first pivot position.

[0032] The control of the adjustment movement of the at least one locking element, as well as the adjustment of the at least one locking component and the adjustment of the pivoting element between the first and second pivot positions, can be carried out by a single drive unit, in particular a single electromechanical drive unit. A single drive unit can thus apply a drive torque which, with the aid of the locking device, a) when moving the ball neck into its operating position to pivot the pivoting element into its first pivoting position, a pre-locking via which at least one locking component and a subsequent actuation of the at least one locking element can be implemented, and / or, b) when the ball neck is in its operating position, first a fixation can be released via the at least one locking element, then the lock can be released via the at least one locking component, and then the pivoting element can be pivoted from its first pivoting position towards its second pivoting position.

[0033] In a two-stage locking mechanism, it can be provided that, with the ball neck in the operating position, the at least one locking element must first be adjusted to release the fixation with respect to the holder part, and then the lock against rotation about the axis of rotation must be released by adjusting the at least one locking component before the swivel element can be moved into its second swivel position. The release of the locking element and the subsequent release of the lock via the at least one locking component occur, for example, by further rotation of the drive element in a second direction of rotation, which is opposite to a first direction of rotation along which the drive element can be rotated, in order to move the swivel element (back) into its first swivel position.

[0034] In this context, it can also be provided that, during adjustment of the pivot element from the second leg position to the first pivot position, or vice versa, the drive element and the at least one locking component are rotatable together about the axis of rotation. Thus, after the release of the pre-lock provided by it (for moving the pivot element into its second pivot position) or until the pre-lock provided by it (when returning the pivot element to its first pivot position) is engaged, the at least one locking component is rotatable together about the axis of rotation by the drive element. In such an embodiment, the at least one locking component therefore does not prevent rotation of the pivot element as long as the pivot element has not assumed either the first or the second pivot position.This ensures that the swivel element and thus the ball neck cannot be locked arbitrarily, but only in defined swivel positions, preferably only in the first and second swivel positions, each of which defines an end position of an approved adjustment range around the axis of rotation.

[0035] In one embodiment, after pivoting from the second pivot position to the first pivot position, the swivel element can be axially adjusted to a locking position relative to the axis of rotation to define the operating position of the ball neck. In this embodiment, the ball neck is therefore only brought into its operating position and then fixed in this position by an axial adjustment of the swivel element that occurs either after or superimposed on the pivoting movement of the swivel element. The axial adjustment of the swivel element can have the particular advantage that the swivel element can also be positively locked to the mounting part. Thus, by axially adjusting the swivel element, a base of the swivel element can be positively locked to the mounting part in the locking position.A corresponding positive locking mechanism thus provides additional security against unwanted or unauthorized displacement of the ball neck from its operating position.

[0036] In such a design variant, the at least one locking component can also be designed to lock the pivot element against rotation about the axis of rotation during axial adjustment into the locking position. Consequently, once the pivot element has assumed its first pivot position, it is locked against rotation about the axis of rotation by the at least one locking component and remains locked even during axial adjustment of the pivot element into its locking position.

[0037] Additionally, it can be provided that the pivot element is adjustable in the direction of the locking position by adjusting the at least one locking element into its locking position. The locking device is therefore configured to axially adjust the pivot element in the direction of its locking position after the pivot element has assumed its first pivot position, specifically by adjusting the at least one locking element into its locking position. The locking element, adjusted into its locking position (for example, by external force and controlled via an adjusting element), applies an adjusting force to the pivot element, resulting in an axial adjustment of the pivot element in the direction of its locking position.

[0038] In one embodiment, the pivoting element (for example, on the coupling section) has an additional adjusting element which, when the pivoting element is pivoted towards the first pivot position, in conjunction with a fixed section of the holder, causes an axial displacement of the pivoting element into a pre-locking position. In this pre-locking position, the pivoting element is thus, on the one hand, in its first pivot position with respect to a rotational position about the axis of rotation, but is simultaneously already at least slightly axially displaced into a pre-locking position in which the pivoting element is already blocked against displacement into the second pivot position and from which the pivoting element can be adjusted axially (further) into the locking position.For example, it is intended that the axial adjustment using the additional adjusting element brings the swivel element, in the pre-locking position, at least slightly into engagement with positive locking areas on the holder part. This means the swivel element is no longer freely pivotable, but must first be axially adjusted in the opposite direction, i.e., extended, before free pivoting of the swivel element relative to the holder part is possible again.In the pre-locking position, the lock can also act via the at least one locking component, so that the pivoting element is already doubly and thus redundantly secured against free pivoting about the axis of rotation before, after further axial displacement of the pivoting element into the locking position, the pivoting element with the ball neck is fixed both via the at least one locking element which has been moved into its locking position and via at least a positive locking connection between the pivoting element and the holder part.

[0039] The additional adjusting element can, for example, project radially from the coupling section with respect to the axis of rotation, perhaps in the form of a pin. The section fixed to the holder, which together with the additional adjusting element causes the axial displacement of the pivoting element into the pre-locking position, can in turn be designed with a ramp-shaped approach surface. This approach surface runs at an inclination to the axis of rotation, so that the additional adjusting element, which slides along the approach surface when the pivoting element rotates towards its first pivot position, experiences an axially acting adjusting force.As the radially projecting additional adjusting element runs onto the running surface, an axial movement component is forced upon the additional adjusting element, and thus upon the pivoting element to which the additional adjusting element is rigidly connected, in the direction of the locking position, until the pivoting element assumes the pre-locking position. From this pre-locking position, the pivoting element can then be further adjusted into the locking position, as explained above, for example, by further motor-controlled rotation of the drive element in the same direction of rotation.

[0040] The proposed solution also concerns a vehicle with a variant design of a proposed trailer hitch.

[0041] The attached figures illustrate possible implementation variants of the solution in question.

[0042] This shows: Fig. Figures 1A-1B in various perspective views show a variant design of a proposed trailer coupling in which several locking levers pivotably mounted on a bracket part are used as locking elements; Fig. 2 the holder part with positive locking elements provided for a fixing locking with the base of a swivel element and the swivel element with a view to a coupling section and its base in an unassembled state; Fig. 3A enlarged scale and side view of the pivoting element during a pivoting movement in the direction of a first pivot position; Fig. 3B in with the Fig. 3A according to concurring opinion the swivel element with a ball neck in the operating position, wherein the coupling section of the swivel element is locked to the holder part via the locking levers which are each clamped into their locking position and in addition the base of the swivel element is locked to the holder part at least positively; Fig. 4A in rear view the pivoting element with an adjusting element designed as a rotating ring and the locking levers distributed around the circumference in the unlocked position of the locking levers; Fig. 4B in with the Fig. 4A according to the concurring view, the swivel element with the ball neck in the operating position and the locking levers each in their locking position; Fig. 5 in perspective view and detail view a locking lever of the trailer coupling of the Fig. 1A to 4B; Fig. 6A in perspective view another embodiment of a proposed trailer coupling with the ball neck in the operating position, wherein a transmission mechanism for adjusting the rotating ring is designed with a drive element in the form of a rotating ring rotatable about the axis of rotation; Fig. 6B the trailer hitch of the Fig. 6A when releasing the positive locking mechanism between the base of the pivot element and the holder part as a result of an axial displacement of the pivot element in response to an adjustment of the locking levers into their respective unlocking position; Fig. 6C the trailer hitch of the Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B with the rotating ring in a second axial position (release position) to be moved axially onto the drive element, into which the rotating ring is taken by the rotating ring provided as a locking component, which is moved axially to release a lock of the pivoting element against rotation relative to the holder part; Fig. 6D the trailer hitch of the Fig. 6A to 6C during the pivoting of the pivoting element towards its second pivot position; Fig. 6E the trailer hitch of the Fig. 6A to 6D with the swivel element reset to the first swivel position before pre-locking by the rotary ring; Fig. 7A the trailer hitch of the Fig. 6A to 6E in side view with the ball neck in the operating position and without depiction of a pre-locking part and the rotating ring; Fig. 7B in with the Fig. 7A according to the concurring opinion, the trailer coupling with the swivel element already axially displaced outwards and still existing pre-locking or locking via the rotating ring; Fig. 7C in with the Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B according to the concurring opinion, the trailer coupling during the pivoting of the swivel element in the direction of the second pivot position; Fig. 7D in with the Fig. 7A to 7C, according to the concurring view, the trailer coupling with the swivel element swung back into the first swivel position, with pre-locking already having taken place via the rotary ring and with positive locking between the base of the swivel element and the holder part; Fig. 8 in cutaway view of the rotating ring and the radially outer rotating ring of the trailer coupling of the Fig. 6A to 7D illustrating the engagement of a radially outwardly projecting coupling pin of the rotating ring in a circumferential inner groove of the rotating ring; Fig. 9A in the direction of view along the axis of rotation, the pre-locking part and the rotating ring of the trailer coupling which engages positively in the pre-locking position Fig. 6A to 7D, with the locking levers in their locked position; Fig. 9B in with the Fig. 9A according to the concurring view, the pre-locking part and the rotating ring with the locking levers in their respective unlocked positions with a positive connection still existing between the rotating ring and the pre-locking part; Fig. 9C in with the Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B according to concurring opinion the pre-locking part and the rotating ring with the locking levers remaining in the unlocked position during a rotation of the rotating ring to pivot the pivoting element towards its second pivot position; Fig. 9D in with the Fig. 9A to 9C, according to the concurring view, the pre-locking part and the rotating ring engage in a positive-locking manner with each other to pre-lock the reset pivoting element before the locking levers are moved into their respective unlocking positions; Fig. 10. Enlarged scale, a section of a sectional view of the trailer coupling of the Fig. 6A to 9D with regard to an additional adjusting element projecting radially outwards on the coupling section of the pivoting element in the form of a pre-locking pin, which, when the pivoting element is rotated in the direction of its first pivot position, runs up against a ramp-shaped run-up surface of the pre-locking part, thereby displacing the pivoting element axially inwards; Fig. 11A in a partially perspective view the bracket part of the trailer hitch Fig. 6A to 10, with the swivel element fixed here in the operating position of the ball neck; Fig. 11B in with the Fig. 11A According to the concurring view, the pivoting element is in the axially outwardly displaced position of the first pivot position, after the locking levers have each assumed an unlocked position; Fig. 11C in with the Fig. 11A and Fig. 11B according to concurring opinion the retaining part with the locking levers and the swivel element, during an adjustment of the swivel element towards its second swivel position; Fig. 11D in with the Fig. 11A to 11C, according to the concurring view, the holder part and the swivel element swung back into the first swivel position before being fixed via the locking levers; Fig. 12A the retaining part with the rotating ring rotatably fixed thereto and several locking levers in their respective locking positions, wherein, in contrast to the design variant of the trailer coupling, the Fig. 6A to 11D the locking levers are not mounted on the holder part, but pivotably mounted on the rotating ring; Fig. 12B in with the Fig. 12A According to the concurring view, the retaining part with the rotating ring and the locking levers in their unlocked position; Fig. 13 Another variant of a proposed trailer coupling in perspective view, with a swivel element in its first swivel position; Fig. 14 the trailer hitch of the Fig. 13 in exploded view; Fig. 15A-15B the trailer hitch of the Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 in corresponding views with the swivel element on one side in the first swivel position ( Fig. 15A) and a second swivel position ( Fig. 15B); Fig. 16A-16G different phases during an adjustment of the swivel element between the first swivel position and the second swivel position, each without a representation of a motor drive unit and a housing formed by a connecting component for the locking device of the trailer coupling; Fig. 17A-17C different phases during the unlocking of the trailer coupling and a pivoting of the swivel element towards its second pivot position, each without a representation of the Fig. 16 A to 16G still visible drive element in the form of a rotating ring; Fig. 18A-18B in enlarged scale and section showing the inside of the bracket part, the trailer coupling of the Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 with the locking elements designed as locking levers on the one hand in a locking position ( Fig. 18A) and on the other hand in an unlocked position ( Fig. 18B); Fig. 19A-19B with a view along the axis of rotation of the swivel element and, on an enlarged scale, a coupling section of the swivel element with the locking levers in their unlocked position ( Fig. 19A) and in their locked position ( Fig. 19B); Fig. 20 on an enlarged scale the front face of the coupling section with a locking lever engaging positively to it, which is in its locking position; Fig. 21 in single view an adjusting element in the form of an adjusting ring of the trailer coupling of the Fig. 16A to 16G and 17A to 17C; Fig. 22A-22B various perspective views of a locking lever of the version of the Fig. 13 to 20.

[0043] The Fig. Figures 1A to 5, 6A to 11D, 12A to 12B, and 13 to 22B illustrate various design variants of a trailer coupling K according to the proposed solution, each comprising pivotable locking elements in the form of locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C as part of a locking device V. The trailer coupling K has a pivoting element 1 with a ball neck 10. A ball head is formed on the ball neck 10, via which, for example, a trailer can be connected to a vehicle equipped with the trailer coupling K, or to which a bicycle carrier can be attached.

[0044] In the perspective representations of the Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows the ball neck 10 in a working position in which the ball neck 10 can be used for a corresponding function on the vehicle. To secure the working position 10, the locking device V is provided, by means of which the pivoting element 1 forming the ball neck 10 is locked in the position shown in the Fig. 1A and Fig. The position shown in Figure 1B is fixed. This fixation is achieved with respect to a retaining part H, which, in the intended state of the trailer coupling K being mounted to the vehicle body, is fixed in place. The pivoting element 1 is pivotably mounted on the retaining part H via a pin-shaped coupling section 12 (see in particular Figure 1B). Fig. 2).

[0045] The swivel element 1, and thus the ball neck 10, can be removed from the into the Fig. 1A and Fig. The ball neck 10, as shown in Figure 1B, can be pivoted about an axis of rotation D into a position where it is retracted onto the vehicle and therefore does not protrude from the rear. The ball neck 10 is then in a non-use position, for which the pivoting element 1 must be pivoted into a second pivoting position about the axis of rotation D. An electric motor drive unit A of the trailer coupling K is provided for the externally operated adjustment between the use and non-use positions of the ball neck 10. This drive unit A also interacts with the locking device V to release the fixation of the pivoting element 1 relative to the retaining part 1 under external force and to re-establish this fixation both after the ball neck 10 has been moved into the non-use position and when it has been moved into the use position.

[0046] The drive unit A is fixed to an inner side of the mounting bracket H via a motor mount P. In the illustrated embodiments, the motor mount P is designed as a plate-shaped component. The locking device V is arranged between the motor mount P and the mounting bracket H along the axis of rotation D.

[0047] In each illustrated embodiment, a base 11 of the pivoting element 1 rests against an outer surface of the holder part H in the operating position of the ball neck 10. From this base 11, the coupling section 12 extends in a pin-like manner through the holder part H into the locking device V.

[0048] The drive unit A is coupled to a drive element in the form of a drive disc 2. For this purpose, a drive shaft of the drive unit A engages in a pinion receptacle of the drive disc 2. By rotating the drive disc 2 about the axis of rotation D, the locking device V can be actuated, and in particular, the locking mechanism provided by it can be released or activated. When the locking mechanism is released, the rotation of the drive disc 2 about the axis of rotation D also allows the pivoting element 1 to rotate. Accordingly, the single motorized drive unit A can control both the locking unit V and the pivoting movement of the pivoting element 1.

[0049] Part of the locking device V is a locking component in the form of a rotating ring 3. The rotating ring 3 is arranged adjacent to the axis of rotation D of the drive disc 2 and is located between the drive disc 2 and an annular pre-locking section 43 of a pre-locking part 4 of the locking device V, which is located in the Fig. 9A to 9D for the design variants of Fig. 1A to 5, 6A to 11D and 12A to 12B are designed as housing parts and in the version variant of the Fig. 13 to 22B is designed as a ring-shaped component which is fixed to the holder part H in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0050] The rotating ring 3 is elastically preloaded against the coupling section 12 in each of the illustrated embodiments, in this case by several – here three – tension springs 8. This elastic preload of the rotating ring 3 axially preloads it towards the drive disk 2, with respect to the axis of rotation D, as will be explained in more detail below. The tension springs are supported on one side by the coupling section 12, specifically by a spring receptacle of a positive-locking area 128 of the coupling section, and on the other side by a radially inner connecting section 38 of the rotating ring 3, which also forms a spring receptacle 380. The rotating ring 3 is also positively connected to the coupling section 12 of the pivoting element 1 via a radially inwardly projecting connecting section 38 (see Figure 1). Fig. 9A to 9D). Thus, each connecting section 38 engages in an associated positive-locking area 128 of the coupling section 12 in a positive-locking but axially displaceable manner. The rotating ring 3 can therefore be moved along the coupling section 12 between at least a first axial position (engagement position) and a second axial position (release position), but always remains positively locked to the coupling section 12 and thus rotationally fixed.

[0051] The locking device V further comprises an adjusting element in the form of an adjusting ring 6R or 6R* rotatably mounted about the axis of rotation D. This adjusting ring 6R, 6R* is arranged radially outside a guide sleeve H7 of the holder part H and rotatably mounted about the axis of rotation D. The guide sleeve H7 is formed by a sleeve-ring-shaped section projecting inwards from the holder part H, which is formed on the holder part H or on a component fixed to the holder part H. As particularly in addition to the perspective representation of the Fig. 1A, Fig. 2B and the individual views of the coupling section 12 and the base 11 of the holder part H of the Fig. 2 in the Fig. As illustrated in 3A-3B, 4A-4B, 9A to 9D and 18A to 19B, the locking levers 7A, 7B, 7C of the trailer coupling K are each distributed around the circumference and mounted on the holder part H or a component fixed thereto.

[0052] The adjusting ring 6R, 6R* extends completely around the circumference of the guide sleeve H7 of the holder part H, at bearing openings H7A, H7B and H7C for the locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C. The inner sleeve section 62R of an adjusting ring 6R of the design variants of Fig. 1A to 5, 6A to 11D and 13 to 22B, the locking levers 7A, 7B, 7C can be pressed radially inwards through their respective bearing openings H7A, H7B, H7C into a circumferential locking groove 1270N of the coupling section 12. The adjusting ring 6R then blocks the locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C in their respective locked positions, preventing them from pivoting out of the locking groove 1270N. This also applies to an adjusting ring 6R* of the version of the Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B is provided. Is the adjusting ring 6R or 6R* therefore located in a position – particularly in the Fig. 4B, Fig. 6A, Fig. 7A, Fig. 12A, Fig. 18A or Fig. In the actuating position shown in 19A, the locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C are radially adjusted inwards towards a locking position in which the locking levers 7A, 7B, 7C engage positively and force-fit into a locking receptacle in the form of the locking groove 1270N circumferentially on the coupling section 12.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiments of the trailer coupling K, the swivel element 1 is mechanically secured against swiveling movement in two ways when the ball neck 10 is in its operating position. In this position, a locking mechanism must first be released via the locking levers 7A, 7B, 7C, followed by an additional (pre-)lock via the rotating ring 3, before the swivel element 1 with the ball neck 10 can be pivoted around the axis of rotation D. The release of the locking mechanism via the locking levers 7A, 7B, 7C and the release of the additional anti-rotation lock via the rotating ring 3 are successively carried out by the drive disc 2 as it is rotated around the axis of rotation D, for example, with the ball neck 10 in its operating position, along a first direction of rotation R1.With the ball neck 10 in the operating position and fixed, if the drive disc 2 is rotated by the motor drive unit A along the first direction of rotation R1, the drive disc 2 initially only acts on the adjusting ring 6R, 6R* and takes it with it.

[0054] During this adjustment phase of the drive disc 2, the drive disc 2 is rotated relative to the still stationary rotating ring 3. As can be seen from the side views of the Fig. As illustrated in Figures 7A to 7D, during this adjustment phase, positive locking projections 210.1, projecting radially towards the rotating ring 3 on the drive disc 2, abut positive locking projections 310.1 of the rotating ring 3, which project onto one of the first end faces 31 of the rotating ring 3 facing the drive disc 2 (see also Fig. 7A to 7D and 8). This prevents the rotating ring 3 from axially displacing onto the drive disc 2 under the action of the tension springs 8.

[0055] However, if the drive disc 2 reaches the position shown in the illustration... Fig. 7B, upon further rotation along the direction of rotation R1 into a relative position to the rotating ring 3, in which the drive-disc-side positive locking projections 210.1 and the positive locking recesses 310.2 of the first end face 31 of the rotating ring 3 are opposite each other, the rotating ring 3 can be displaced axially along the axis of rotation D in an adjustment direction R2 towards the drive disc 2 into a second axial position (the release position) under the action of the tension springs 8. Thus, on the first end face 31 of the rotating ring 3, axially projecting positive locking projections 310.1 and recessed positive locking recesses 310.2 alternate circumferentially, just as the axially projecting positive locking projections 210.1 and positive locking recesses 210.2 alternate on the end face of the drive disc 2 facing the rotating ring 3.

[0056] The positive locking elements 210.1, 210.2 on the drive disc 2 and the positive locking elements 310.1, 310.2 on the rotary ring 3 can be designed asymmetrically to prevent mutual engagement of the drive disc 2 and the rotary ring 3 outside the two pivot positions of the pivot element 1. When the drive disc 2, after adjustment of the locking levers 7A, 7B to its respective unlocked position, assumes a relative position to the rotary ring 3 in which the positive locking projections 210.1 and positive locking recesses 210.2 of the drive disc 2 and the positive locking projections 310.1 and positive locking recesses 310.2 of the rotary ring 3 are no longer prevented from mutual engagement, the rotary ring 3 is axially displaced along the coupling section 12 of the pivot element 1 under the action of the tension springs 8.This disengages axially projecting pre-locking elements in the form of positive-locking pins 330 with pre-locking openings 430.1 on the opposite second end face 33 of the rotating ring 3, which faces the holder part H. These pre-locking elements are formed on the annular pre-locking section 43 of the housing part 4. As a result, the pivoting element 1 is no longer locked relative to the holder part H and can pivot along with the drive disc 2 about the axis of rotation D. The drive disc 2 then engages the pivoting element 1 via the positive locking with the rotating ring 3.

[0057] During rotation of the pivoting element 1 along the direction of rotation R1, all three positive locking pins 330 of the rotating ring 33 are never opposite the pre-locking openings 430.1; they are arranged asymmetrically to each other. Therefore, it is not possible for the rotating ring 3 to be displaced axially towards the holder part H along the coupling section 12.

[0058] When the pivoting element is later rotated back to return the ball neck 10 to its operating position, the rotating ring 3 is axially adjusted against the preload force applied by the tension springs 8 by the drive disc 2, which continues to rotate in the opposite direction -R1. For this purpose, each positive-locking projection 210.1 of the drive disc 2 and each positive-locking recess 310.2 of the rotating ring 3 are designed with circumferentially oriented ramp surfaces. The ramp surfaces of the drive disc 2 and the rotating ring 3 can slide against each other, so that during rotation, the drive disc 2 always tends to move the rotating ring 3 axially away from the drive disc 2 and thus decouple the drive disc 2 from the rotating ring 3.However, a corresponding axial displacement is only possible in the first pivot position (and optionally also in the second pivot position in a further development) of the pivot element 1, in which the rotating ring 3 is (again) axially displaced towards the base 11 of the pivot element 1 and can be positively engaged with a set of pre-locking openings 430.1 of the housing part 4. Once the first pivot position of the pivot element 1 is reached again, the pivot element 1 is consequently first pre-locked via the rotating ring 3, which is axially returned to its first axial position, and thus locked against rotation with respect to the holder part H.

[0059] In views 1A to 1A, 2, 3A to 3B, 6A to 6E, 7A to 7D, 13, 15A to 15B, and 16A to 16E, the outer side of the holder part H with the pivot element 1 and its base 11 is also visible. When the pivot element 1 is in an adjustment position, i.e., a pivot or rotation position about the axis of rotation D, between the two end positions, the base 11 of the pivot element 1 and the holder part H are not positively locked together. The positive-locking projections 111.1 projecting axially from the base 11 therefore do not engage positively with the positive-locking recesses HF.2 on the holder part's outer side. Conversely, the positive-locking projections HF.1 projecting on the outer side of the holder part H also do not engage with the positive-locking recesses 111.2 of the base 11.A corresponding reciprocal engagement of the positive-locking projections and positive-locking recesses, which are formed alternately around the axis of rotation D on the base 11 and the holder part H, occurs only in the operating position of the ball neck 10 (and, if applicable, also in the pivoted state of the non-operating position of the ball neck 10). The necessary axial displacement of the pivoting element 1 is achieved via the locking levers 7A, 7B, 7C, which engage in the locking position on the coupling section 12.

[0060] As in the Fig. As illustrated in Figures 3A to 3B, 11A to 11D and 19A to 19B, when adjusting the locking levers 7A, 7B, 7C radially inwards, an insertion ramp 7110 of an engagement section 711 of the respective locking lever 7A, 7B or 7C is engaged (see also Figure 3A to 3B, 11A to 11D and 19A to 19B). Fig. 5 and 22A to 22B) onto an engagement ramp 1270E at the edge of the locking groove 1270N. By sliding along an engagement section 711 of a locking lever 7A, 7B, 7C on the circumferential engagement ramp 1270E, the coupling section 12 and thus the pivoting element 1 is subjected to an axially acting adjusting force inwards, i.e. along an adjusting direction R2 and thus towards the drive unit A.The locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C, by means of their engagement chamfers 7110 on the engagement chamfer 1270E of the locking groove 1270N of the coupling section 12, ensure that when the locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C are moved from an unlocking position to their respective locking positions, which is driven by moving the adjusting ring 6R, 6R* into its actuating position, the pivoting element 1 is also moved axially inwards again in order to lock the base 11 of the pivoting element 1 positively to the holder part H on its outside.

[0061] The locking position achieved by the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C thus leads to an axial displacement of the pivoting element 1 and consequently its base 11 towards the outside of the holder part H. In the first or second pivoting position of the pivoting element 1, the positive locking projections 111.1 of the base 11 then align with the positive locking recesses HF.2 of the holder part H, and vice versa. This axial displacement of the pivoting element 1 relative to the holder part H, controlled by the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C, results in an additional positive locking of the pivoting element 1 to the holder part H via the base 11.The pivoting element 1, which has already been decoupled from the motor drive unit A via the axially adjusted rotating ring 3, which is positively engaged with the housing part 4, and secured against rotation about the axis of rotation D, is thus not only fixed to the holder part H by the locking levers 7A, 7B, 7C, which engage positively and force-fit in the locking groove 1270N of the coupling section 12, but also additionally by a positive locking of the base 11 on the outside of the holder part H. This also allows for a particularly efficient, backlash-free locking of the pivoting element 1 to the holder part H.

[0062] The design variants of a trailer coupling K of the Fig. 1A to 5, 6A to 11D, 12A to 12B and 13 to 22B each provide functionally identical provisions whereby the swivel element 1, via its coupling section 12 and its interaction with the locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C, is axially displaced after assuming a swivel position defining the end position about the axis of rotation D, in order to specify the operating position for the ball neck 10 and then finally fix the swivel element 1 to the holder part H.

[0063] For unlocking, the adjusting ring 6R is rotated relative to the coupling section 12 into a rest position (e.g., by an angle of rotation of less than 20°), in which a radially outwardly recessed recess 61R faces each of the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C on the inside of the adjusting ring 6R. The free ends of the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C can pivot radially outward into this recess 61R. In other words, in the rest position and the defined rotational position of the adjusting ring 6R, the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C are no longer locked against being moved into the unlock position. However, the coupling section 12, which is axially pre-tensioned outward by the tension springs 8, forces the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C into this unlock position.

[0064] In the version of the Fig. In sections 1A to 5, the adjusting ring 6R is coupled to the drive disc 2 via a transmission mechanism to move the adjusting ring 6R between a rest position and an actuated position (and vice versa), thereby moving the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C into their locked position. The transmission mechanism comprises two gears 5.1 and 5.2, which are rotationally fixed to each other via a connecting shaft 55. In the illustrated embodiment, one end of the connecting shaft 55 is rotatably mounted on a bearing section H5 of the holder part H, while the other end of the connecting shaft 55 is rotatably mounted on the motor mount P. Between the two gears 5.1 and 5.2, the connecting shaft 55 is additionally supported on a bearing section 45 of a housing part 4, which here again forms a pre-locking element of the locking device V. In the illustrated trailer coupling K, the housing part 4 encloses the adjusting ring 6R.

[0065] A (first) gear 5.1 of the transmission mechanism is rotatable by the drive disc 2 about the shaft axis defined by the connecting shaft 55. For this purpose, a tooth segment 25R, which is formed on the outer circumference of the drive disc 2, can be brought into meshing engagement with the (first) gear 5.1 over a specific angular range of the drive disc 2 about the axis of rotation D. The other (second) gear 5.2, in turn, engages with a segment-shaped slide 6S. This slide 6S is arranged in a slide groove formed over part of the circumference of the adjusting ring R. When the first gear 5.1 is rotated under the influence of the drive disc 2, the second gear 5.2 is also rotated, which meshes with a tooth of the slide 6S, so that the adjusting ring 6R is rotated about the axis of rotation D.

[0066] The slide 6S can be displaced in the slide groove of the adjusting ring 6R by a defined free travel against a restoring force applied by a compression spring. This free travel would therefore have to be bridged when the gears 5.1, 5.2 are rotated before the adjusting ring 6R, which meshes with the second gear 5.2, is moved in the direction of rotation around the axis of rotation D from an actuated position to a rest position, along which the drive disc 2 is also rotated by the drive unit A. This additionally ensures that the locking mechanism provided by the locking levers 7A, 7B, 7C does not release before the drive slide 2 has been rotated a certain distance around the axis of rotation D. Furthermore, this ensures continuous readjustment of the locking mechanism in the operating position, even if, for example, the applied locking force were to decrease due to wear.

[0067] In the locked state of the pivoting element 1, with the ball neck 10 in its operating position, the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C are radially biased inwards via an inner section 62R of the adjusting ring 6R, which is in its actuated position. If the drive disc 2 is now rotated by the drive unit A in the direction of rotation R1, this rotation initially occurs relative to the still stationary rotating ring 3, which is (still) positively engaged with the housing part 4 and thus keeps the pivoting element 1 decoupled from the drive unit A. If one of the possibly several local tooth sections 25R, distributed around the outer circumference of the drive disc 2, engages with the first gear 5.1 of the transmission mechanism, gears 5.1 and 5.2 are rotated as the drive disc 2 continues to rotate.2. The adjusting ring 6R is rotated by the drive slide 2 towards its rest position, at least as long as the toothed section 25R is still meshing with the first gear 5.1. The length of the toothed section 25R on the outer circumference of the drive disc 2 determines the range of rotation and thus the duration for which the adjusting ring 6R is rotated by the rotation of the drive disc 2. In this case, the adjusting ring 6R is rotated until recesses 61R on the inside of the adjusting ring 6R are opposite the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C, which are recessed relative to the inner sleeve sections 62R. This releases the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C from being radially displaced outwards by the locking ring 6R.

[0068] Through the tension springs 8 (see Fig. 18A and Fig. 18B) between the coupling section 12 of the pivot element 1 and the rotating ring 3, however, the pivot element 1 is axially loaded outwards. Consequently, if the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C are no longer prevented from radially adjusting outwards into their respective unlocked positions by the adjusting ring 6R, the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C are each moved into their unlocked positions by axially adjusting the pivot element 1 outwards (along an adjustment direction -R2). With the axial adjustment of the pivot element 1 outwards, the base 11 is again no longer positively locked to the outside of the holder part H.

[0069] If the pivoting element 1, for example for moving the ball neck 10 from a non-use position below a rear bumper of the vehicle to its use position, is pivoted again towards its first pivot position by means of the motorized drive unit A, several successive adjustments of various components of the locking device V are controlled by the drive disc 2. Thus, under the action of the drive disc 2, (a) the rotation of the pivoting element 1 is carried out, (b) the rotation ring 3 is moved axially into its first axial position along the coupling section 12, so that the pivoting element 1 is decoupled from the drive unit A and is locked against rotation about the axis of rotation by means of the positive locking of the rotation ring 3 on the housing part 4, before (c) the adjusting ring 6R is rotated by means of the gears 5.1, 5.2 is rotated so that the locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C are forced radially inwards into the locking groove 1270N, thereby causing an axial displacement of the pivoting element 1, via which the base 11 is positively locked to the outside of the holder part H.

[0070] Regarding the trailer hitches K of the Fig. 6A to 11A and 12A to 12B are again provided with pivotally mounted locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C, which are adjustable by means of an adjusting ring 6R that can be set between an actuating position and a rest position. When moved into their locking position, they cause an axial adjustment of the pivoting element 1 in order to positively lock its base 11 with the retaining part H. In contrast to the previously described embodiment, however, a differently designed transmission mechanism with a drive element in the form of a rotating ring 9 is provided.

[0071] The rotary ring 9 is arranged along the axis of rotation D of the pivoting element 1 between the drive disc 2 and the adjusting ring 6R. The rotary ring 9 is always positively connected to the drive disc 2 by means of radially projecting drive lugs 29 on the drive disc 2 engaging in drive pockets 92 of the rotary ring 9. In the illustrated embodiment, several such drive lugs 29, in this case three, are provided around the circumference of the drive disc 2, each engaging in a corresponding drive pocket 92 of the rotary ring 9. The rotary ring 9 is also axially displaceable, so that – while maintaining the positive connection with the drive disc 2 – the rotary ring 9 can be selectively coupled to the adjusting ring 6R in a rotationally fixed manner or decoupled from the adjusting ring 6R.

[0072] The rotating ring 9 also surrounds the trailer coupling K. Fig. Figures 6A to 11D describe the rotating ring 3 of the locking device V, which functions as a locking component. For the connection between the rotating ring 3 and the rotating ring 9, the rotating ring 3 has at least one coupling element in the form of a coupling pin 39 projecting radially on its outer circumference. In this case, several such coupling pins 39, a total of three, are provided around the circumference of the rotating ring 3. Each coupling pin 39 engages in an internal groove 93 formed on an inner surface of the rotating ring 9. Within the internal groove 93, which extends along a circumferential direction, a coupling pin 39 is guided so as to be slidably circumferential, allowing the rotating ring 9 to be rotated relative to the rotating ring 3. At the same time, a coupling pin 39 projects so far into the inner groove 93 of the rotating ring 9 that, when the rotating ring 3 is axially adjusted, the rotating ring 9 is carried along and thus also axially adjusted.

[0073] When the rotating ring 9 is in a first axial position together with the rotating ring 3, in which the rotating ring 3 is positively locked to the housing part 4, the rotating ring 9 is also coupled to the adjusting ring 6R. In this first axial position, at least one drive element in the form of an axially extending drive pin 69R of the adjusting ring 6R engages in a drive recess 96 of the rotating ring 9, so that when the rotating ring 9 is rotated about the axis of rotation D by the drive disc 2, the adjusting ring 6R is driven along and rotated in the same direction.

[0074] When the rotary ring 9 is moved axially towards its second axial position on the drive disc 2 by the axial displacement of the rotary ring 3, the several drive pins 69R of the adjusting ring 6R, distributed around the circumference, are also disengaged from the rotary ring 9. The axial movement of the rotary ring 3 together with the rotary ring 9 towards the drive disc 2 thus decouples the rotary ring 9 from the adjusting ring 6R. The interaction of the individual components of the locking device V is explained in more detail below. Fig. 6A to 6E, 7A to 7D, 8 and 9A to 9D illustrated.

[0075] The Fig. Figure 6A shows the trailer coupling K with the ball neck 10 of the swivel element 1 in its operating position. In the operating position of the ball neck 10, the base 11 is positively locked to the retaining part H. The locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C are each in their restricted locking position and the rotating ring 3 is positively locked to the (in the Fig. 6A (not shown) housing part 4 defined.

[0076] When the drive disc 2 is rotated around the axis of rotation D in the direction of rotation R1 by the motor drive unit A, the drive disc 2 engages the rotating ring 9, which is fixedly connected to the drive disc 2. The rotating ring 9, in turn, engages the adjusting ring 6R in the direction of rotation R1 via the coupling through the drive pins 69R of the adjusting ring 6R. The resulting rotation of the adjusting ring 6R causes the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C to be positioned opposite each other in the recesses 61R on its inner surface. Under the preload of the tension springs 8, which are supported on the coupling section 12 on one side and on the rotating ring 3 on the other, the pivoting element 1 is then no longer prevented from axially adjusting outwards in the adjustment direction R2, thus disengaging the base 11 from the holder part H. This axial adjustment of the pivoting element 1, which is described in the Fig. As shown in 6B, this further leads (via the interaction of the engagement chamfer 1270E with the engagement chamfers 7110 of the locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C) to the pushing out of the locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C from the locking groove 1270N of the axially displaced coupling section 12.

[0077] In the first pivot position of the pivoting element 1 thus assumed, the following applies: Fig. 6C then, also under the action of the tension springs 8, the rotating ring 3 is adjusted along the coupling section 12 to its second axial position and thus brought into positive engagement with the drive disc 2. In this way, the rotating ring 3, in the rotational position then assumed by the drive disc 2, is no longer prevented from a corresponding axial displacement. During the axial adjustment to the second axial position, the rotating ring 3 assumes the Fig. 6C also the rotating ring 9 along the axially extending adjustment direction R2, since the coupling pins 39 of the rotating ring 3 are in the inner groove 93 of the rotating ring 9 (see also Fig. 8) are only adjustable in the circumferential direction relative to the rotary ring 9. With the axial adjustment along the adjustment direction R2 into the second axial position, the rotary ring 9 is decoupled from the adjusting ring 6R, so that a further rotation of the drive disc A no longer leads to a rotation of the adjusting ring 6R.

[0078] After the spring-driven adjustment of the rotary ring 3 to its second axial position releases the lock of the pivoting element 1 against rotation about the axis of rotation D on the housing part 4, the pivoting element 1 can pivot along the direction of rotation R1 when the drive disc 2 is rotated further. The drive disc 2 then rotates (see corresponding illustration). Fig. 6D not only the rotating ring 9, but also the rotating ring 3 which engages positively in the coupling section 12.

[0079] Is the swivel element 1 adjusted according to the Fig. 6E pivoted back and thus the positive locking pins 330 of the rotating ring 3 are positioned opposite the locking openings 430.1 of the housing component 4, the drive disc rotating in the opposite direction of rotation -R1 can, via the design of the positive locking elements of the drive disc 2 on the one hand (positive locking projections 210.1, positive locking recesses 210.2) and the positive locking elements of the rotating ring 3 on the other hand (positive locking projections 310.1, positive locking recesses 310.2), displace the rotating ring 3 axially back to its first axial position at the coupling section 12.

[0080] The associated axial adjustment of the rotating ring 3 along the adjustment direction -R2 is described in the Fig. Figure 6E shows that the rotating ring 3 also axially engages the rotating ring 9. The axial adjustment of the rotating ring 9, in turn, causes the drive pins 69R of the adjusting ring 6R to engage with the drive recesses 96 of the rotating ring 9.

[0081] Once the axial adjustment of the rotary ring 3 and the rotary ring 9 is complete, the rotary ring 3 is positively locked to the housing part 4, thus preventing the pivoting element 1 from rotating about the axis of rotation D relative to the holder part H. Furthermore, the pivoting element 1 is decoupled from the motor drive unit A. The rotary ring 9 and the adjusting ring 6R are also connected, so that when the drive disc 2 rotates further along the direction of rotation -R1, the adjusting ring 6R is driven along in the direction of rotation -R1 by the rotary ring 9. This rotation of the adjusting ring 6R then exerts an adjusting force of 1270 N radially inward on the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C into the locking groove, thus axially displacing the pivoting element 1 in the adjustment direction R2 to positively lock the base 11 to the holder part H.Consequently, in this embodiment as well, the drive disc 2, when rotated by the motor drive unit A, leads to a successive adjustment of first the rotation ring 3, in order to pre-lock the pivoting element 1 with respect to the holder part H and decouple it from the motor drive unit A, and then to move the locking elements in the form of the locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C into their locking position, in order to finally fix the pivoting element 1 with respect to the holder part H, here again in addition to the positive and force-locking engagement of the locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C in the locking groove 1270N of the coupling section 12 with additional positive locking of the base 11 on the holder part H.

[0082] The Fig. Figure 7A shows a side view of the trailer coupling K without the motor drive unit A and without the rotary ring 9 in the section with the Fig. 6A corresponding operating position of the ball neck 10. in the Fig. 7A thus shows in particular the first axial position of the rotating ring 3.

[0083] In the Fig. 7B, the locking mechanism is released via the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C by adjusting the adjusting ring 6R. In this case, the adjusting ring 6R—analogous to the previously described embodiments having an adjusting ring 6R—has been rotated by less than 30°, in particular less than 20°, by the drive disc 2. The pivoting element 1 has been adjusted outwards along the axis of rotation D in the adjustment direction -R2. The rotating ring 3, in turn, with its positive locking elements 310.1, 310.2, is positioned opposite the positive locking elements 210.1, 210.2 of the drive disc 2 such that, under the action of the tension springs 8, the rotating ring 3 is adjusted axially towards the drive disc 2 along the adjustment direction R2 and brought into positive engagement with the drive disc 2.

[0084] In the Fig. 7C is in with the Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B, according to the concurring view, the rotation of the swivel element 1 by the motor drive unit A according to the Fig. 7D illustrated.

[0085] The Fig. 7D shows in with the Fig. 7A to 7C, according to the concurring view, the trailer coupling K with the swivelled pivoting element 1 in front of a locking via the locking levers 7A, 7B, 7C.

[0086] The Fig. Figure 8 shows a cutaway view and partial view of the rotary ring 9 with the rotating ring 3, in particular showing a coupling pin 39 guided circumferentially in the inner groove 93. As explained above, the rotary ring 9 can be rotated relative to the rotating ring 3 by means of this coupling pin 39 in order to drive the adjusting ring 6R for locking or unlocking. At the same time, the rotating ring 3 and the rotating ring 9 are axially fixed to each other by this coupling pin 39, so that an axial adjustment of the rotating ring 3 also results in an axial adjustment of the rotating ring 9.

[0087] The Fig. Figure 9A shows, with a view along the axis of rotation D, the housing part 4 for the trailer coupling K. Fig. 6A to 11D with the pre-locking section 43, on which the pre-locking openings 430.1 for the positive locking pins 330 of the rotating ring 3 are formed, together with the rotating ring 3 and the locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C. The Fig. Figure 9A shows an adjustment position of the aforementioned components in the operating position of the ball neck 10. Accordingly, the positive locking pins 330 of the rotating ring 3 engage positively in their respective pre-locking openings 430.1, and the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C are pivoted radially inwards in their respective locking positions. Bearing pins, by means of which a bearing eye 72 of a locking lever 7A, 7B, or 7C is pivotably mounted on the inside of the holder part H, are not shown.

[0088] In the Fig. 9B is in with the Fig. 9A shows the state when the locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C have already been pivoted outwards into their respective unlocked positions by adjusting the adjusting ring 6R and axially adjusting the pivoting element 1.

[0089] In the Fig. 9C has already driven the drive disc 2 and the rotating ring 3 by more than 120° around the axis of rotation D. The locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C remain in their unlocked position.

[0090] In the one with the Fig. In the state illustrated in Figure 9D, the rotating ring 3 is again in the rotational position with respect to the axis of rotation D in which a positive engagement with the pre-locking section 43 of the housing part 4 is possible. With further rotation of the drive disc 2, the adjusting ring 6R is again engaged from the state shown here, thereby forcing the locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C radially inwards into their respective locking positions.

[0091] The Fig. Figures 10 and 11A to 11D show a further detail of the design variant of the trailer coupling K. Fig. 6A to 11D, with which the pivoting element 10 is additionally secured against rotation in an assumed pivot position before the locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C are moved into their locking position. Thus, on the coupling section 12 of the pivoting element 1, two additional adjusting elements in the form of pre-locking pins 124 project radially, axially offset from the guide sleeve H7 of the holder part H. The pre-locking pins 124 are arranged offset from each other by 180° about the axis of rotation D. One additional pre-locking pin 124 is provided for an additional pre-locking for exactly one pivot position of the pivoting element. Consequently, if necessary, only exactly one pre-locking pin 124 could be provided, for example, if an additional pre-locking (i.e.,, a pre-locking mechanism in addition to the pre-locking mechanism provided by the rotary ring 3 fixed in its first axial position on the housing part 4) is desired.

[0092] A (first) pre-locking pin 124, when the pivoting element 1 is moved back to its first pivot position, interacts with a ramped approach surface 42 on an inner side of the pre-locking section 43 facing the drive disc 2. The approach surface 42 extends circumferentially around the axis of rotation D at an inclination to the axis of rotation D, such that when the pre-locking pin 124 runs onto the approach surface 42, it experiences an axially inward adjusting force in the adjustment direction R2. Thus, when the pre-locking pin 124 runs onto the approach surface 42 of the housing part 4, which is rigidly connected to the retaining part H, the pivoting element 1 is subjected to at least a slight axial inward adjustment in the adjustment direction R2, even before the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C are moved into their respective locking positions. This results in the following: the form-fitting projections 111.1 of the base 1 and the positive locking projections HF.1 of the holder part H each engage at least slightly in the associated positive locking recesses HF.2 of the holder part H and the positive locking recesses 111.2 of the base 11 respectively, before further axial adjustment of the pivoting element 1 and elimination of play between the base 11 and the holder part H is effected by adjusting the locking levers 7A, 7B, 7C.

[0093] Therefore, according to the partial sectional view of the Fig. When the pivoting element 1 is pivoted in the direction of rotation R1 towards its first pivot position associated with the operating position of the ball neck 10, the (first) pre-locking pin 124 runs onto the run-up surface 42 of the housing part 4 towards the end of the pivoting movement and thus causes an axial adjustment along the adjustment direction R2 of the pivoting element 1. Thus, the pivoting element 1 is already secured against unrestricted rotation of the pivoting element 1 about the axis of rotation D by means of a positive fit between the base 11 and the holder part H - in addition to the fixing of the rotation ring 3 on the housing part 4 - when the pivoting element 1 is decoupled from the motor drive unit A.

[0094] Under the action of the motorized drive unit A, the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C are then adjusted to their locking position to establish a positive and non-positive connection with the coupling section 12. This further axially displaces the pivoting element 1 along the adjustment direction R2 to eliminate any play between the positive locking elements of the holder part H and the base 11.

[0095] The Fig. Figure 11A shows the holder part H from its inner side, where the coupling section 12 protrudes, guided by the guide sleeve H7. The pivoting element 1 is in the operating position with the ball neck 10. The locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C engage in the circumferential locking groove 1270N of the coupling section 12 through their respective bearing openings H7A, H7B, or H7C of the guide sleeve H7.

[0096] In the Fig. In the state shown in 11B, the locking mechanism is released via the locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C and the pivoting element 1 is already axially displaced outwards along the adjustment direction -R2.

[0097] In the Fig. 11C, the pivoting element 1 is pivoted in the direction of its second pivot position about the axis of rotation D. The non-use position of the ball neck 10 has not yet been reached. Before reaching the non-use position, the other (second) of the two locking pins 124 would move onto a (towards the run-up surface 42 of the Fig. 10 opposing) run-up surface of the housing part 4 to displace the pivoting element 1 at least slightly axially inwards again, before with further rotation of the drive disc 2 along the direction of rotation R1 the rotation ring 3 is successively brought into engagement with the pre-locking section 43 of the housing part 4, the motor drive unit A is decoupled from the pivoting element 1 and the locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C are adjusted in their locking position.

[0098] The Fig. 11D again shows in with the Fig. 11A to 11C, according to the concurring view, the swivel element 1, returned to its first swivel position.

[0099] The Fig. 12A and Fig. Figure 12B shows a possible further development for a trailer coupling K, in which locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C are pivotably mounted between a locking position and an unlocking position, and which includes a differently designed adjusting ring 6R* to control this adjustment. In contrast to the embodiment described above, here the locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C are not pivotably mounted on the inside of the holder part H, but on the adjusting ring 6R*. For this purpose, the adjusting ring 6R* has several pivot bearing areas 67RA, 67RB, 67RC, to each of which a locking lever 7A, 7B, 7C is articulated, for example via a pivot bearing pin. Each locking lever 7A, 7B, 7C is mounted on a recess of the adjusting ring 6R* and, in a locking position, protrudes through an associated bearing opening H7A, H7B or H7C of a guide sleeve H7 of the holder part H.

[0100] The Fig. Figure 12A shows the locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C in a locked position. Fig. Figure 12B shows the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C in their unlocked position when the adjusting ring 6R* has been rotated about the axis of rotation D along a direction of rotation -R1. This rotation of the adjusting ring 6R*, for example, due to a rotation of the rotary ring 9 and its coupling to the adjusting ring 6R* at the drive pins 69R, causes the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C to rotate along in the direction of rotation -R1. During the displacement movement about the axis of rotation D, the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C each slide onto a run-up surface H70 at an edge of an associated bearing opening H7A, H7B, or H7C. This run-up then results in each locking lever 7A, 7B, 7C being subjected to an adjusting force radially outward.The locking levers 7A, 7B, 7C are thus moved into their unlocked position by turning the adjusting ring 6R*, in which a locking lever 7A, 7B or 7C is no longer engaged with the locking groove 1270N of the coupling section 12.

[0101] The Fig. Figures 13 to 22B show a further variant of a proposed trailer coupling K. Identical elements are marked with identical reference symbols.

[0102] Even with the K-type trailer hitch, the Fig. Sections 13 to 22B are locking elements in the form of locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C for fixing the swivel arm 1 with its ball neck 10. The locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C are each pivotally mounted about a pivot axis parallel to the axis of rotation D of the swivel arm 1 between a locked position and an unlocked position. By means of an adjustment from the unlocked position to the locked position controlled by an adjusting ring 6R, the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C can together axially adjust the swivel arm 1 to bring its base 11 into positive engagement with the holder part H.

[0103] In addition to the perspective view of the Fig. Figure 13 illustrates the exploded view of the Fig. 14, that in this embodiment of the trailer coupling K, the pre-locking part 4 is not designed as a housing, but as a ring-shaped component. A separate housing-like connecting part G is provided to enclose the components of the locking device V, in particular the drive disc 2, the rotary ring 9, the rotary ring 3 and the adjusting ring 6R. This connecting part G is arranged between the motor mount P and the inside of the holder part H and is fixed to it.

[0104] The annular pre-locking element 4 has radially projecting pre-locking sections 43 with locking openings 430.1 for the positive engagement of the positive locking pins 330 of the rotating ring 3. The pre-locking element 4 is arranged here in a rotationally fixed manner relative to the holding element H by being placed onto the sleeve-shaped section of a guide element H7 and rotationally fixed to it by positive locking elements HH76. The guide element H7, with its sleeve-shaped guide section having the positive locking elements H76, extends through the opening in the holding element H and is fixed on its outer side to the holding element H by a circumferential ring. The coupling section 12 of the swivel arm 1 is rotatably mounted in a central through-opening of the guide element H7.

[0105] The Fig. 15A and Fig. Figure 15B shows the execution variant of the Fig. 13 to 22B the swivel arm 1 of the trailer coupling K on the one hand in the first swivel position ( Fig. 15A) and on the other hand in the second swivel position ( Fig. 15B) and thus, on the one hand, the ball neck 10 in its operating position and, on the other hand, in its non-operating position. In the operating position of the Fig. 15A The base 11 of the swivel arm 1 is positively locked to the holder part H. In the non-use position of the Fig. 15 B does not necessarily provide for this in the present case.

[0106] The Fig. Figures 16A to 16G illustrate different phases during an adjustment of the swivel arm 1 of the trailer coupling K. Fig. 13 to 15B between the first swivel position and the second swivel position and back.

[0107] The Fig. Figure 16A shows the swivel arm 1 in its first pivot position and axially displaced towards the holder part H, so that the ball neck 10 of the swivel arm 1 is in its operating position, in which the base 11 of the swivel arm 1 is positively locked to the outside of the holder part H. In order to adjust the swivel arm 1, driven by the motor drive unit A, towards its second pivot position, the drive disc 2 is rotated in the direction of rotation R1 about the axis of rotation D. As explained above, the drive element in the form of the rotary ring 9, which is positively connected to the drive disc 2, engages the adjusting ring 6R. The adjusting ring 6R is thus rotated along the direction of rotation R1. The adjusting ring 6R is thereby moved from an actuating position, in which the locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C are held in positive engagement with the coupling section 12 of the swivel arm 1 via the adjusting ring 6R, to a rest position.

[0108] According to the Fig. 16B, when the release levers 7A, 7B, and 7C are moved into their unlocked position, the axial preload between the base 11 and the rotating ring 3, applied by the tension springs 8, causes an axial displacement of the pivot arm 1 in the adjustment direction R2. This disengages the base 11 from the retaining part H. However, the pre-locking of the pivot arm 1 remains in place, preventing rotation of the pivot arm 1 about the axis of rotation D, as the rotating ring 3 is still in positive engagement with the annular pre-locking component 4.

[0109] Only when the mutual engagement of the positive locking projections 310.1 and positive locking recesses 310.2 of the rotating ring 3 with the positive locking recesses 210.2 and positive locking projections 210.1 of the drive disc 2 is possible, is the rotating ring 3 displaced axially inwards along the adjustment direction R2 towards the drive disc 2. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 16C, the positive locking pins 330 of the rotary ring 3 thereby disengage from the locking openings 430.1 of the pre-locking component 4. In addition, the rotary ring 9 is axially driven by the rotary ring 3, so that the rotary ring 9 is no longer rotationally fixed to the adjusting ring 6R and consequently the adjusting ring 6R is no longer driven during further rotation of the drive disk 2 along the direction of rotation R1.

[0110] As the drive disc 2 continues to rotate along the direction of rotation R1, the following occurs accordingly: Fig. 16D and Fig. 16E by rotating the rotating ring 3 the swivel arm 1 into its second swivel position and thus the ball head 10 into its non-use position.

[0111] When the drive disc 2 is rotated back in the opposite direction of rotation -R1, does the swivel arm 1 return to its first swivel position according to the Fig. 16F, initially, under axial adjustment along the adjustment direction -R2, the rotary ring 3 engages in the locking component 4. The swivel arm 1 is therefore already locked against rotation with respect to the holder part H before, under further rotation of the drive disc 2 in the same direction of rotation -R1, the adjusting ring 6R is driven along by the torque being transmitted from the rotary ring 9 to the adjusting ring 6R via the drive pins 69R.

[0112] The rotation of the adjusting ring 6R along the direction of rotation -R1 leads accordingly to the Fig. 16G causes the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C to pivot radially inwards. This causes the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C to engage in the locking groove 1270N of the coupling section 12. As the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C pivot into the locking position, the leading edges 7110 of each engagement section 711 of a locking lever 7A, 7B, or 7C run against the engagement edge 1270E of the locking groove 1270N, causing the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C to move the pivot arm 1 axially inwards, as shown in Fig. 16G is illustrated.

[0113] Based on the Fig. 17A, Fig. 17B and Fig. Figure 17C illustrates the unlocking of the swivel arm 1 again, without showing the rotating ring 9. According to the Fig. 17A initially rotates the drive disc 2 only the adjusting ring 6R in the direction of rotation R1. Only when the drive disc 2 reaches a certain relative position to the rotating ring 3, so that the axial preload on the rotating ring 3 can engage with each other (see Figure 1). Fig. 17B), the rotating ring 3 – which is thereby disengaged from the pre-locking component 4 – is rotated by the drive disc 2. This also causes the pivot arm 1, which is non-rotatably connected to the rotating ring 3 at its coupling section 12, to rotate about the axis of rotation D in the direction of rotation R1, as shown in Fig. 17 C is shown.

[0114] As shown by the Fig. Figures 18A-18B and 19A-19B, as well as 20, are shown in enlarged scale. The locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C are shown in comparison to the previously explained version of the Fig. Locking levers 1A to 5, 6A to 11D, and 12A to 12B are arranged rotated by 180°. An engagement section 711 of a locking lever 7A, 7B, or 7C is thus spaced circumferentially around the axis of rotation D from a bearing section 73 of the respective locking lever 7A, 7B, or 7C, on which the locking lever 7A, 7B, or 7C is pivotably mounted. This circumferential direction corresponds to the direction of rotation -R1 along which the adjusting ring 6R is to be rotated in order to move (during normal use of the trailer coupling K) the respective locking lever 7A, 7B, or 7C from its unlocked position to its locked position. This allows for a smoother movement sequence without the locking levers 7A, 7B, or 7C jamming when moving towards the locked position.Thus, an adjusting force applied by the adjusting ring 6R to the respective locking lever 7A, 7B, or 7C never points towards a pivot point of the locking lever 7A, 7B, or 7C around which the locking lever 7A, 7B, or 7C can pivot. In other words, the adjusting force applied by the adjusting ring 6R to a locking lever 7A, 7B, or 7C for adjustment into the locking position never points towards a dead center. Furthermore, the rotated arrangement of the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C compared to the previously described embodiments—with otherwise identical movement sequences—supports full-surface contact of the engagement sections 711 of the locking levers 7A, 7C, or 7C with the locking groove 1270N in the locking position.

[0115] While the Fig. 18A and Fig. 18B shows the rotation of the adjusting ring 6R along the direction of rotation R1 to unlock the swivel arm 1, the Fig. 19A and Fig. 19B The adjustment of the adjusting ring 6R in the opposite direction of rotation R1 for locking, in order to move the locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C together into the locked position. It is clearly evident here that each locking lever 7A, 7B, 7C of the illustrated embodiment forms a radially outwardly projecting and, in this case, convex actuating section 74, on which the adjusting ring 6R with inner sleeve sections 62R can act on the respective locking lever 7A, 7B or 7C. On the outer surface of the adjusting ring 6R, recesses 61R are provided, set back from the inner sleeve sections 62R, the number of which corresponds to the number of locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C.

[0116] To unlock the locking device V, a recess 61R is positioned opposite an actuating section 74 by rotating the adjusting ring 6R, allowing the respective locking lever 7A, 7B, and 7C to pivot radially outwards. When the adjusting ring 6R is rotated to lock, the inner sleeve section 62R slides along the actuating section 74. The radially increasing thickness of the inner sleeve section 62R then pushes each locking lever 7A, 7B, and 7C radially inwards into its unlocked position.

[0117] As can also be seen from the front view of the adjusting ring 6R of the Fig. As illustrated in Figure 21, the inner mantle sections 62R between the recesses 61R are symmetrical with respect to the recesses 61R, so that, regardless of the direction of rotation of the adjusting ring 6R, a locking lever 7A, 7B, or 7C, whose actuating section 74 engages in a recess 61R, is moved towards its locking position. That is, a connecting lever 7A, 7B, or 7C, starting from an unlocked position, is always moved (back) towards its locking position by the rotating adjusting ring 6R, regardless of whether the adjusting ring 6R is rotated in one direction or the other (clockwise or counterclockwise).This offers the particular advantage of the illustrated trailer coupling K that, in the event of a potentially faulty triggering of the drive unit A to unlock the swivel arm 1, a locking mechanism via the locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C is maintained or only temporarily lifted.

[0118] For example, if the drive unit A is incorrectly driven to unlock the locking device V, even though a trailer or bicycle carrier is still coupled to the ball neck 10 of the swivel arm 1 in its first pivot position, the rotation of the drive disc 2 initially leads to a rotation of the adjusting ring 6R in the direction of rotation R1, so that the locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C are disengaged from the coupling section 12. However, due to the load acting on the swivel arm 1, the drive disc 3 and the rotating ring 3 coupled to it cannot move the swivel arm 1 in the direction of rotation R1. This is achieved via the ramp sections on the positive locking projections and positive locking recesses 210.1 / 310.2 and 210.2 / 310.The act of the drive disc 2 and the rotating ring 3 then pushes the rotating ring 3 back towards the retaining part H and thus back into its initial axial position, in which the rotating ring 3 is positively engaged with the pre-locking component 4. This causes the adjusting ring 6R to be coupled to the drive disc 2 again. As the drive disc 2 continues to rotate in the direction R1, the adjusting ring 6R is again driven in the same direction of rotation R1 and does not remain in its rest position as intended. Due to the symmetrical design of the inner sleeve sections 62R, the rotation of the adjusting ring 6R causes the locking levers 7A, 7B, and 7C to pivot back into their locking position.The swivel arm 1, which is prevented from rotating around the axis of rotation D by an external load, is thus locked again here by the locking device V, without requiring a reversal of the direction of rotation of the drive disc 2.

[0119] As the front view of the end face of coupling section 12 of the Fig. 20 in combination with the individual views of a locking element 7A, 7B, 7C of the Fig. 22A and Fig. 22B illustrates the execution variant Fig.Figures 13 to 22B provide that a locking lever 7A, 7B, 7C is rotatably mounted via a bearing pin or journal 730 formed on the bearing section 73. The respective bearing pin or journal 730 forms a bearing element that is rotatably mounted in a bearing opening H73 to allow the pivoting of a locking lever 7A, 7B, 7C between the unlocked and locked positions. The bearing opening H73, in the illustrated embodiment formed on an end face of the guide component H7 or alternatively on the inside of the holder part H-, has an elongated cross-section. This allows the bearing pin / journal 730 to move radially within the bearing opening H73 with respect to the axis of rotation D. Therefore, a certain radial play is provided for the rotatable bearing of at least one or all of the locking levers 7A, 7B, 7C.This allows manufacturing tolerances and wear to be compensated for over the service life of the trailer coupling K. A corresponding, even minimal, radial play thus permanently supports full-surface contact of the engagement sections 711 of the locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C in the locking groove 1270N when the locking levers 7A, 7C and 7C are in their locked position.

[0120] Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the adjusting ring 6R can also be mounted with radial play around the axis of rotation D, so that the adjusting ring 6R can always bear evenly across all locking levers 7A, 7B, 7C on the actuating sections 74. This ensures that all locking levers 7A, 7B and 7C are uniformly loaded into their locking position by the adjusting ring 6R and are then engaged with the coupling section 12. Reference symbol list 1 Swivel arm (swivel element) 10 ball neck 11 Basic 111.1 Form-fit projection 111.2 Form-fit recess 12 Coupling section 124 Pre-locking pins (additional adjustment element) 1270 lateral surface area 1270E Inclination Bevel 1270N locking groove (locking receptacle) 127A, 127B, 127C Swivel bearing pin 128 Positive locking area 2 Drive pulley (drive element) 20 sprocket mount 210.1 Form-fit projection 210.2 Positive locking recess 210A, 210B Ramp area 25R tooth section 29 Drive bridge 3 Rotating ring (locking component) 31 First front 310.1 Form-fit projection 310.2 Form-fit recess 310A, 310B Ramp area 33 Second front 330 Positive locking pins (pre-locking element) 38 Connecting section 380 spring mount 39 coupling pin (coupling element) 3K through-hole 4 Housing part (pre-locking part) G Connecting component 42 Ramp-shaped approach area 43 Pre-locking section 430.1 Pre-locking opening 5.1, 5.2 Gear (transmission element) 61R recess 62R Inner jacket section 67RA, 67RB, 67RC Swivel bearing area 69R Drive pin (drive part) 6R, 6R* Adjustment ring (adjustment element) 6S slider 711, 711A, 711B Intervention section 7110 Inclination angle 71A, 71B Locking arm 72 Bearing eye 7A, 7B, 7C locking element 73 Storage section 730 Position pin / bearing pin (bearing element) 74 Actuation section 8 tension springs 9 Rotating ring (drive element) 92 Carrying bag 93 Inner groove 96 Drive recess A drive unit D axis of rotation H holder part H5 storage section H7 Guide sleeve / guide component H70 ramp H73 bearing opening H76 Positive locking element H7A, H7B, H7C bearing opening HA stop section HF.1 Form-closing advantage HF.2 Positive locking recess K trailer hitch P Motor mount R1 Direction of rotation R2 (axial) adjustment direction R3 (radial) adjustment direction V locking device QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 2 567 836 A1 [0002, 0004]

Claims

[1] Towbar for a vehicle, with - a pivoting element (1) on which a ball neck (10) is provided and which is externally actuated between a first pivoting position, which is assigned to a use position of the ball neck (10), and a second pivoting position, which is assigned to a non-use position of the ball neck (10), relative to a holder part (H) of the trailer coupling (K) about a pivot axis (D), - a locking device (V) by which the pivoting element (1) can be fixed relative to the holder part (H) after assuming the operating position by means of the ball neck (10), characterized by, that the locking device (V) for fixing the pivoting element (1) with respect to the holder part (H) comprises at least one locking element (7A, 7B, 7C) which is pivotable with respect to the holder part (H) from an unlocking position to a locking position and which in its locking position is engaged with a coupling section (12) of the pivoting element (1) in a fixing engagement. [2] Trailer coupling according to claim 1, characterized by , that the at least one locking element (7A, 7B, 7C) can pivot from the unlocked position to the locked position with a movement component that extends radially to the axis of rotation (D). [3] Trailer coupling according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the at least one locking element (7A, 7B, 7C) engages in its locking position in a locking receptacle (1270N) on the coupling section (12). [4] Trailer coupling according to claim 3, characterized by, that at least one locking element (7A, 7B, 7C) has an engagement section (711) and a bearing section (73) spaced in a circumferential direction around the axis of rotation (D) to the engagement section (711), wherein the engagement section (711) is provided for engagement in the locking receptacle (1270N), and the at least one locking element (7A, 7B, 7C) is pivotably mounted on the bearing section (73). [5] Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the at least one locking element (7A, 7B, 7C) is rotatably mounted on a bearing opening (H73) via a pin-shaped or pin-shaped bearing element (730), which allows the bearing element (730) to be displaced in a radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation (D). [6] Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the at least one locking element is designed with a pivotably mounted lever (7A, 7B, 7C). [7] Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the at least one locking element (7A, 7B, 7C) is pivotably mounted on the holder part (H) or on a component (H7) rigidly connected thereto. [8] Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that several locking elements (7A, 7B, 7C) are provided which are evenly distributed along a circumferential direction around the coupling section. [9] Trailer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the locking device (V) comprises an adjustable adjusting element (6R, 6R*) which is adjustable by external force to move the at least one locking element (7A, 7B, 7C) from its locking position to its unlocking position and / or from its unlocking position to its locking position. [10] Trailer coupling according to claim 9, characterized by , that the adjusting element (6R, 6R*) can be adjusted from a rest position to an actuating position by external force, wherein the locking element (7A, 7B, 7C) which is in its unlocking position can be adjusted to its locking position via the adjusting element (6) when the adjusting element (6) is moved in the direction of the actuating position. [11] Trailer coupling according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by , that the adjusting element (6R, 6R*) is rotatable about the axis of rotation (D). [12] Trailer coupling according to claim 4 and claim 11, characterized by , that the adjusting element (6R, 6R*) acts on the at least one locking element (7A, 7B, 7C) to adjust it into its locking position by rotating the adjusting element (6R, 6R*) along the circumferential direction about the axis of rotation (D) along which the engagement section (711) is spaced from the bearing section (73) of the at least one locking element (7A, 7B, 7C). [13] Trailer coupling according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by , that the adjusting element (6R, 6R*) can act on the at least one locking element (7A, 7B, 7C) both when rotating along a first circumferential direction about the axis of rotation (D) and when rotating along a second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction about the axis of rotation (D) in order to adjust the at least one locking element (7A, 7B, 7C) into its locking position. [14] Trailer coupling according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized by , that the locking device (V) comprises a drive element (2) which is coupled to a motor drive unit (A) of the trailer coupling (K) for the externally actuated pivoting of the pivoting element (1) into its first pivoting position, and a transmission mechanism is provided by means of which the adjusting element (6R, 6R*) can be adjusted by external force with the drive element (2). [15] Trailer coupling according to claim 14, characterized by , that the transmission mechanism comprises at least one rotatably mounted gear (5.1, 5.2) or at least one drive element (9) rotatable about the axis of rotation (D). [16] Trailer coupling according to claim 14 or 15, characterized by , that the adjusting element (6R, 6R*) is adjustable via the drive element (2) relative to the holder part (H) by external force. [17] Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the locking device (V) comprises at least one locking component (3) by which the pivoting element (1) assuming the first pivoting position can be locked against pivoting about the axis of rotation (D) with respect to the holder part (H). [18] Trailer coupling according to claim 17, characterized by , that the at least one locking component (3) is axially adjustable with respect to the axis of rotation (D) between a first axial position and a second axial position, wherein the at least one locking component (3) in the first axial position locks the pivoting element (1) against rotation about the axis of rotation (D) and in the second axial position is pivotable with the pivoting element (1) by a drive element (2) of the locking device (V) about the axis of rotation (D). [19] Trailer coupling according to claim 18, characterized by, that the at least one locking component (3) is fixed in its first axial position on a pre-locking part (4) of the trailer coupling (K) which is formed on the holder part (H) or rigidly connected to it. [20] Trailer coupling according to claim 18 or 19, characterized by , that an adjustment of the at least one locking component (3) from the second axial position to the first axial position is blocked between the first pivot position of the pivoting element (1) and the second pivot position of the pivoting element (1). [21] Trailer coupling according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized by , that the at least one locking component (3) is axially preloaded in the direction of the drive element (2). [22] Trailer coupling according to one of claims 18 to 21, characterized by, that the at least one locking component is formed with a rotating ring (3) which is provided on a pin-shaped coupling section (12) of the pivoting element (1) and which is positively locked and axially displaceable connected to the coupling section (12) via at least one connecting section (38) of the rotating ring (3). [23] Trailer coupling according to one of claims 18 to 22, characterized by , that the at least one locking component (3) and the pivoting element (1) are pre-tensioned against each other. [24] Trailer coupling according to one of claims 17 to 23, characterized by , that the locking device (V) is provided for fixing the pivoting element (1) with respect to the holder part (H) for at least two-stage locking, by - via which at least one locking component (3) the pivoting element (1) assuming the first pivoting position can initially be locked against pivoting about the axis of rotation (D) with respect to the holder part (H), and - via the at least one locking element (7A, 7B, 7C) the pivoting element (1) which is already locked against pivoting about the axis of rotation (D) can be fixed with respect to the holder part (H). [25] Trailer coupling according to claim 24, characterized by, that the locking device (V) comprises a drive element (2) which is coupled to a motor drive unit (A) of the trailer coupling (K) for the externally actuated pivoting of the pivoting element (1) into its first pivoting position and via which the at least one locking component (3) for locking and the at least one locking element (7A, 7B, 7C) for fixing are successively adjustable after the pivoting element (1) has been pivoted into its first pivoting position via the drive element (2). [26] Trailer coupling according to claim 25, characterized by, that, with the ball neck (10) in the operating position, first the at least one locking element (7A, 7B, 7C) must be adjusted to release the fixation with respect to the holder part (H) and then the lock against rotation about the axis of rotation (D) must be released by adjusting the at least one locking component (3) before the swivel element (1) can be adjusted into its second swivel position. [27] Trailer coupling according to claim 25 or 26, characterized by , that during an adjustment of the pivoting element (1) from the second pivoting position to the first pivoting position or vice versa from the first pivoting position to the second pivoting position, the drive element (2) and the at least one locking component (3) are jointly rotatable about the axis of rotation (D). [28] Trailer coupling according to claim 27, characterized by, that the at least one locking component (3) is positively connected to the coupling section (12) of the pivoting element (10) and is designed to transmit a torque generated by the drive unit (A) from the drive element (2) to the pivoting element (1) for pivoting the pivoting element (1). [29] Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the pivoting element (1) is axially adjustable to a locking position with respect to the axis of rotation (D) after pivoting from the second pivot position to the first pivot position in order to specify the operating position of the ball neck (10). [30] Trailer coupling according to claim 29, characterized by , that the pivoting element (1) has a base (11) which in the locking position is additionally positively locked to the holder part (H). [31] Trailer coupling according to claim 29 or 30, characterized by, that the pivoting element (1) is locked against rotation about the axis of rotation (D) during axial adjustment into its locking position by means of at least one locking component (3) of the locking device (V). [32] Trailer coupling according to claim 31, characterized by , that the pivoting element (1) can be adjusted in the direction of the locking position by adjusting the at least one locking element (7A, 7B, 7C) into the locking position. [33] Trailer coupling according to one of claims 26 to 32, characterized by, that the pivoting element (1) comprises an additional adjusting element (124) which, when the pivoting element (1) is pivoted in the direction of the first pivot position, in conjunction with a holder-part fixed section (42), causes an axial displacement of the pivoting element (1) into a pre-locking position in which the pivoting element (1) is blocked against displacement into the second pivot position and from which the pivoting element (1) can be axially adjusted into the locking position. [34] Trailer coupling according to claim 33, characterized by , that the additional adjusting element (124) is provided radially projecting on the coupling section (12) with respect to the axis of rotation (D) and the holder-part fixed section is formed with a ramp-shaped run-up surface (42) which runs with an inclination to the axis of rotation (D) and along which the additional adjusting element (124) slides when the pivoting element (1) is rotated in the direction of its first pivot position. [35] Vehicle with a trailer hitch according to one of the preceding claims.

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