Hitching device, motor vehicle, trailer, and carrier system

Abstract

The invention relates to a hitching device (2) having a coupling body (6) for forming a motor-vehicle-to-trailer coupling, wherein the coupling body (6) has an electromagnet (16) for generating a magnetic holding force to prevent accidental or unauthorized disconnection of the motor-vehicle-to-trailer coupling, and wherein a control unit (18) is provided, which is designed such that a state of charge of a storage battery (26) for supplying the electromagnetic (16) with electrical power is monitored at least when the electromagnet (16) is in an activated state.

Description

[0001] Tow bar, motor vehicle, trailer and carrier system

[0002] DESCRIPTION:

[0003] The invention relates to a trailer coupling. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle, a trailer, and a carrier system.

[0004] For the automotive sector, various tow bars are available that serve to create a coupling between a towing vehicle and a trailer. These tow bars are therefore also referred to as trailer couplings. In the passenger car sector, so-called ball-head couplings are particularly common.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an advantageously designed trailer coupling. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide an advantageously designed motor vehicle, an advantageously designed trailer, and an advantageously designed carrier system.

[0006] This object is achieved by a towing device having the features of patent claim 1, by a motor vehicle having the features of patent claim 6, by a trailer having the features of patent claim 8 and by a carrier system having the features of patent claim 9. The advantages and preferred embodiments cited with regard to the towing device can also be transferred mutatis mutandis to the other devices, i.e. the motor vehicle, the trailer and the carrier system, and vice versa. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims. The towing device according to the invention is intended for the motor vehicle sector, in particular for battery-powered motor vehicles (partially electric (hybrid) or fully electric), and has a coupling body for forming a motor vehicle-trailer coupling.For the purposes of this application, the term "motor vehicle-trailer coupling" refers to a coupling between a motor vehicle, on the one hand, and a trailer or carrier system, such as a so-called bicycle rack, on the other. The towing device is therefore preferably not used exclusively to connect a towing vehicle to a trailer. Rather, depending on the design variant, the towing device is alternatively or additionally designed to attach a carrier system mentioned above to a motor vehicle. In particular, the design of the towing device allows a carrier system to be attached to a motor vehicle or to connect a towing vehicle to a trailer, as required.

[0007] Independently of this, the coupling body has at least one electromagnet, which is preferably integrated into the coupling body. This electromagnet is expediently part of an electrical device of the trailer hitch or constitutes such a device. The electromagnet serves, when required, to generate a magnetic holding force to secure or safeguard the motor vehicle trailer coupling against accidental and / or unauthorized separation. This means that the magnetic holding force is intended to prevent accidental and / or unauthorized separation of the motor vehicle trailer coupling.

[0008] The trailer coupling is preferably designed such that the magnetic holding force is intended and / or usable only as a securing device of the aforementioned type. This means that the magnetic holding force is preferably not required to use the motor vehicle-trailer coupling for use in road traffic. For this purpose, the trailer coupling preferably has a design that enables a sufficiently stable and secure mechanical connection when the motor vehicle-trailer coupling is formed. This preferably applies regardless of whether the coupling connects a motor vehicle to a trailer or a motor vehicle to a carrier system.

[0009] It is also useful if the trailer coupling has at least one control element, the actuation of which can activate and / or deactivate the electromagnet. The corresponding control element is then part of the electrical system of the trailer coupling and can be implemented, for example, as a switch or button.

[0010] Further preferably, the at least one operating element is positioned such that it is protected against unauthorized access, for example by arranging the operating element behind a lockable flap. If the trailer hitch is part of a motor vehicle, the corresponding operating element is preferably arranged in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, for example in the area of ​​a center console or on the inside of a vehicle door of the motor vehicle. According to an alternative embodiment, the corresponding operating element is positioned behind a so-called fuel filler flap. If the trailer hitch is part of a trailer, the at least one operating element is preferably positioned in the area of ​​an interior of the trailer, in particular if the corresponding trailer is designed as a so-called caravan or camper trailer.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, the towing device is configured such that the electromagnet, i.e., the at least one electromagnet, can be activated by radio signals from a transmitting unit. For this purpose, the electrical device of the towing device then has a receiving unit configured to receive corresponding radio signals. The transmitting unit is then typically part of an operating unit, which is configured, for example, as a type of remote control, i.e., in particular, in the manner of a garage opener, as a vehicle key, or as a smartphone, on which a specific operating app is typically installed.

[0012] Furthermore, it is expedient if the trailer coupling, and in particular the electrical device, has at least one indicator element, for example, an LED. The corresponding indicator element then conveniently serves to indicate when the electromagnet is activated, i.e., when it is supplied with electrical power. A preferred variant is one in which a corresponding indicator element is arranged on the coupling body or integrated into the coupling body.

[0013] If the electromagnet, as described above, can be activated and deactivated by radio signals, the towing device, and in particular the electrical device, more preferably comprises not only a receiving unit, but also a transmitting and receiving unit. In this case, the electrical device of the towing device is typically configured such that, upon activation of the electromagnet, a radio signal is emitted to confirm the activation. Conveniently, the electrical device of the towing device is also configured such that, upon deactivation of the electromagnet, a radio signal is also emitted to confirm the deactivation.

[0014] A further advantageous embodiment of the trailer coupling is one in which it is designed for passenger cars, particularly for battery-powered (partially electric (hybrid) or fully electric) vehicles. In this case, in particular, the trailer coupling is designed in the manner of a ball-head trailer coupling, and the coupling body usually has a ball head, i.e., a body whose outer surface at least closely approximates the surface of a sphere. If the at least one electromagnet is integrated into the trailer coupling, it is typically arranged in an interior space of the ball head.

[0015] In an advantageous development, the coupling body then also has an extension arm that supports the ball head. A previously described indicator element is preferably integrated into the extension arm, or a corresponding indicator element is positioned on the extension arm. Independently of this, the at least one electromagnet is preferably arranged and aligned such that the magnetic holding force acts at least predominantly in a vertical direction relative to the earth system.

[0016] To supply the at least one electromagnet with electrical power, the towing device and in particular the electrical device of the towing device typically comprises a rechargeable battery. Alternatively, the towing device and in particular the electrical device of the towing device comprises at least one interface via which electrical power can be supplied, so that the at least one electromagnet can be supplied with electrical power via this interface.

[0017] A further preferred embodiment is one in which the electromagnet is designed for operation with alternating voltage. In this case, the support device and in particular the electrical device of the support device preferably comprises an inverter for converting a direct voltage into an alternating voltage for the at least one electromagnet. Alternatively, the electromagnet is designed for operation with direct voltage. In this case, the support device and in particular the electrical device of the support device preferably comprises a DC-DC converter.

[0018] If the carrying device is part of a motor vehicle, the electrical system of the carrying device is expediently part of the vehicle's electrical system, e.g., a battery-operated (partially electric or fully electric) vehicle. In this case, the at least one electromagnet is supplied with electrical power via the vehicle's electrical system. In this case, a battery in the vehicle typically serves as the energy source for the electromagnet and, in particular, the entire electrical system of the carrying device. Depending on the design, this battery is either a high-voltage battery (HV battery) or a low-voltage battery (LV battery).In some applications, the accumulator is an additional accumulator that is additionally installed to supply electrical power to at least one electromagnet and, in particular, to the entire electrical device of the carrying device.

[0019] If the carrying device is part of a trailer, the electrical system of the carrying device is expediently part of the trailer's electrical system. In this case, the at least one electromagnet is supplied with electrical power via the trailer's electrical system. In this case, a battery in the trailer typically serves as the energy source for the electromagnet and, in particular, the entire electrical system of the carrying device.

[0020] In an advantageous development, the trailer coupling, and in particular the electrical device of the trailer coupling, comprises a control unit configured to monitor the charge level of the accumulator, at least during operation of the electromagnet, i.e., when the electromagnet is activated. If the trailer coupling is part of a motor vehicle, preferably at least the motor vehicle comprises a control unit configured for this purpose.

[0021] Furthermore, the control unit is preferably configured such that, at least when the electromagnet is activated, a measured value representative of the charge state is determined; that, typically independent of the operating state of the electromagnet, a threshold value, namely a first threshold value, can be specified or is specified; and that, at least when the electromagnet is activated, a number of actions are automatically executed if the measured value falls below the first threshold value. This is particularly advantageous if the trailer coupling is part of a motor vehicle.

[0022] The aforementioned number of actions further preferably includes at least one of the following actions:

[0023] - Sending a message to a recipient,

[0024] - Reducing the electrical power supplied to the electromagnet, deactivating the electromagnet and thus stopping the supply of electrical power.

[0025] The control unit described above is then expediently configured to execute the number of actions automatically or at least to initiate their execution.

[0026] If the intended action involves sending a message, this is typically transmitted via the aforementioned transmitting and receiving unit via a radio signal, for example, as a message to a smartphone. If a reduction in the electrical power supplying at least one electromagnet is intended, this adjustment is typically implemented in stages. This means that at least two supply stages are provided, which differ in terms of voltage values ​​and / or current strengths.

[0027] According to another design variant, a second, lower or lower threshold value can be specified or is predefined for the electromagnet deactivation action, so that this action is only executed automatically when the second threshold value is exceeded. Regardless, this action is particularly advantageous when the battery is part of a motor vehicle's electrical system and is not used exclusively to supply the electromagnet and the electrical system of the trailer hitch.

[0028] In an advantageous further development, the first threshold value and / or the second threshold value can be specified via the aforementioned operating unit, for example via the aforementioned operating app on a smartphone or via an on-board computer of a motor vehicle.

[0029] As already at least indicated above, depending on the design variant, the towing device is part of a motor vehicle, in particular a battery-operated and partially or fully electric vehicle, part of a trailer or part of a carrier system, for example a so-called bicycle carrier.

[0030] If the towing device is part of a motor vehicle, it is also preferably designed in such a way that when the electromagnet is activated, i.e. when the electromagnet is supplied with electrical power, the electromagnet is automatically deactivated, i.e. the supply is automatically terminated, when the vehicle is started, for example when a drive motor of the motor vehicle is started.

[0031] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the following description of preferred embodiments, and the schematic drawings. These show:

[0032] Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a motor vehicle with a trailer coupling; and

[0033] Fig. 2 shows the trailer coupling in a side view.

[0034] Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0035] A trailer coupling 2 described below as an example is part of a motor vehicle 2 schematically shown in Fig. 1, in particular a battery-operated (partially electric (hybrid) or fully electric) motor vehicle, and has a coupling body 6 for forming a motor vehicle-trailer coupling. The trailer coupling 2 is designed in the manner of a ball-head trailer coupling and has a boom 8 and a ball head 10 positioned at the end of the boom 8. In the exemplary embodiment, part of the boom 8 is an eyelet for attaching a safety cable or brake cable, as can be seen from Fig. 2.

[0036] The trailer coupling 2 further comprises an electrical device 14. Part of this electrical device 14 is an electromagnet 16, which is integrated into the ball head 10. The electromagnet 16 is positioned and aligned such that a magnetic holding force can be generated that acts at least substantially vertically relative to the earth system. The magnetic holding force serves as a safeguard against accidental and / or unauthorized disconnection of the motor vehicle trailer coupling.

[0037] Furthermore, the electrical device 14 is part of an on-board network of the motor vehicle 4 and, in the exemplary embodiment, comprises a control unit 18, an operating element 20, a transmitting and receiving unit 22, a display element 24 and an accumulator 26.

[0038] In the exemplary embodiment, the operating element 20 is designed as a button, which is positioned behind a fuel tank flap of the motor vehicle 4 in a manner not shown in detail. By actuating the button, the electromagnet 16 can then be activated and deactivated.

[0039] According to the exemplary embodiment, the display element 24 is designed as a light-emitting diode and positioned on the arm 8 of the coupling body 6. Preferably, the light-emitting diode is recessed into the arm 8 and thus integrated into the arm 8.

[0040] The control unit 18 is expediently configured to activate the display element 24 when the electromagnet 16 is activated and to deactivate it when the electromagnet 16 is deactivated.

[0041] Furthermore, the control unit 18 is preferably configured to control the transmitting and receiving unit 22 and to process radio signals received by the transmitting and receiving unit 22. The motor vehicle 4 is then additionally configured to activate and deactivate the electromagnet 16 by radio signals transmitted, for example, by a remote control, a car key, or a smartphone. Furthermore, the motor vehicle 4 is preferably configured to transmit status messages via radio signals using the transmitting and receiving unit 22, in particular each time the electromagnet 16 is activated or deactivated. The status messages are, in particular, configured such that they can be processed by an operating app on a smartphone.

[0042] Finally, the accumulator 26 supplies the electrical device 14 and in particular the electromagnet 16 as required.

[0043] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS:

[0044] 2 Trailer coupling 4 Motor vehicle

[0045] 6 coupling bodies

[0046] 8 booms

[0047] 10 ball head

[0048] 12 eyelet 14 electrical equipment

[0049] 16 Electromagnet

[0050] 18 Control unit

[0051] 20 Control element

[0052] 22 Transmitting and receiving unit 24 Display element

[0053] 26 Accumulator

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS: Trailer hitch (2) comprising a coupling body (6) for forming a motor vehicle trailer coupling, wherein the coupling body (6) comprises an electromagnet (16) for generating a magnetic holding force as a safeguard against accidental or unauthorized disconnection of the motor vehicle trailer coupling, characterized in that a control unit (18) is provided which is configured to monitor the charge level of a battery (26) for supplying the electromagnet (16) with electrical power, at least when the electromagnet (16) is activated. Trailer hitch (2) according to claim 1, wherein the coupling body (6) comprises a display element (24) for indicating the operating status of the electromagnet (16). Trailer hitch (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling body (6) comprises a ball head (10) for forming a ball-head trailer coupling.Trailer hitch (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (18) is configured such that, at least when the electromagnet (16) is activated, a measured value representative of the state of charge is determined, that a threshold value can be preset or is preset, and that a number of actions are automatically executed when the measured value falls below the threshold value. Trailer hitch (2) according to claim 4, wherein the number of actions includes one or more of the following actions: - Sending a message to a recipient, - Reducing the electrical power supplied to the electromagnet (16), - Deactivation of the electromagnet (16).

6. A motor vehicle (4) comprising a trailer hitch (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

7. A motor vehicle (4) according to claim 6, wherein it is configured such that, when the electromagnet (16) is activated, the electromagnet (16) is automatically deactivated when the vehicle is started.

8. A trailer comprising a trailer hitch (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. Carrier system comprising a trailer attachment device (2) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images