Trailer coupling for two- or three-track micro-vehicles

Abstract

Semi-trailer ball coupling for two- or three-track micro-vehicles, characterized in that, contrary to the state of the art, the trailer load and loading volume are optimized many times over by different positioning of the components (ball head and modified ball coupling) (see drawing).

Description

[0001] Standard trailers behind small vehicles are coupled to the rear of the vehicle, i.e., behind the rear axle, using a ball-and-socket coupling. The prerequisite is that the permissible nose weight (b) of the towing vehicle and the trailer must match.

[0002] For small vehicles, the permissible nose weight (b) is very low (25-40 kg), and therefore the permissible total weight of the trailer can also be very low. Therefore, only a very small payload is possible. If the trailer is longer and larger (with more load volume), the nose weight (b) increases proportionally and is therefore not permitted for small vehicles.

[0003] Trailer couplings for semi-trailer trucks and mini-trailer trucks already exist. However, these are completely oversized for small (electric) vehicles and therefore not suitable for use.

[0004] This problem is the basis of the invention defined in claim 1 and is solved by the features mentioned therein.

[0005] The invention achieves, in contrast to the prior art, that the towing load and the loading volume are optimized many times over by different positioning of the components (ball head and modified tow ball coupling) (see drawing).

[0006] By repositioning the components, the low support load (b) is converted into a significantly higher contact load (a). The contact load can correspond to the permissible axle load of the towing vehicle (manufacturer's specifications). The operating handle for opening and closing the tow ball coupling is relocated downwards (2) so that the trailer's loading area capacity is not reduced. The trailer rests directly on the tow ball coupling.

[0007] The support (1) for the ball head must be designed so that the operating handle for the tow ball coupling is not impaired. The center of the ball must be in front of the center of the rear axle (3) of the towing vehicle. This creates the conversion described in . This also results in an extremely tight turning circle, and the front axle is not relieved of load.

[0008] When used with electric vehicles, additional batteries can be positioned under the loading area of ​​the trailer to increase the vehicle's range. List of reference symbols a bearing load b Support load 1 carrier with ball head 2 modified tow ball couplings 3 Distance from center of ball to center of rear axle

Claims

[1] Trailer coupling for two- or three-track micro-vehicles, characterized by that, contrary to the state of the art, the different positioning of the components (ball head and modified tow ball coupling) results in an optimization of the trailer load and the loading volume many times over (see drawing). [2] Semi-trailer coupling head according to claim 1, characterized by that due to the different positioning of the components, the support load (b) is converted into a load on the support (a) which is many times higher. [3] Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by The operating handle for opening and closing the coupling head is relocated downwards (2) so that the trailer's loading area capacity is not reduced. The trailer rests directly on the coupling head. [4] Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byThe carrier (1) for the ball head must be designed in such a way that the function of the operating handle for the tow ball coupling is not impaired. The center of the ball must be located in front of the center of the rear axle (3). This results in the conversion described in claim 2. Furthermore, this results in an extremely small turning circle, and the front axle is not relieved of load. [5] Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that when used with electric vehicles, additional batteries can be positioned under the loading area of ​​the trailer to increase the range of the vehicle.

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