Layout for a vehicle coupling including a support, a ball joint and fastening means.

Abstract

Layout for a vehicle coupling including a support, a ball joint and fastening means. The invention relates to an arrangement for a vehicle coupling, the arrangement comprising a support (10) intended to be fixed to such a coupling, the support (10) comprising two upper holes (11), two lower holes (12) provided below the two upper holes (11) in the vertical direction, the two upper holes (11) coming tangent to the two lower holes (12), or even the two upper holes (11) opening partially into the two lower holes (12), a ball joint (20) comprising two holes (21) adapted to come opposite the two upper holes (11) or opposite the two lower holes (12), two fastening means for fixing the ball joint (20) to the support (10), the two fastening means passing through the two holes (21) of the ball joint (20) and fitting at least partially into the two upper holes (11) or into the two lower holes (12).Abbreviated figure: fig. 3.

Description

Title of the invention: Arrangement for a vehicle coupling comprising a support, a ball joint and fixing means. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for a vehicle hitch comprising a support, a ball joint and fixing means. The invention also relates to a hitch comprising such an arrangement. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such an arrangement or such a hitch. State of the prior art

[0002] A vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, generally comprises a hitch intended to allow a towed element to be towed, such as a trailer, a caravan, a van, or even a machine arranged on at least one axle such as a concrete mixer for example. This is particularly the case for so-called utility vehicles. For this, a hitch generally comprises a ball joint, also called a "hitch ball" intended to be inserted into a corresponding part of the towed element. In general, a hitch comprises a support on which such a ball joint is fixed.

[0003] For cost optimization purposes in particular, it is preferable to have only a few models of couplings for several types of vehicles. However, different vehicles, in particular utility vehicles such as vans, dump trucks or others, have different characteristics in particular in terms of attitude when loaded and unloaded, and / or in terms of ground clearance, and / or depending on the presence of rear door(s) or not. This results in a need to standardize such a coupling despite the characteristics specific to the different vehicles to be equipped. Presentation of the invention

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide an arrangement which overcomes the above drawbacks. In particular, the invention proposes an arrangement for a coupling offering two separate mountings of the ball joint relative to the coupling support, the two mountings being very close to each other. Summary of the invention

[0005] To achieve this objective, the invention relates to an arrangement for a vehicle hitch, the arrangement comprising: - a support intended to be fixed to such a coupling, the support comprising two upper holes, the support comprising two lower holes, the two lower holes being arranged under the two upper holes in the vertical direction, the two upper holes being tangent to the two lower holes, or even the two upper holes partially opening into the lower holes, - a ball joint comprising two holes capable of coming opposite the two upper holes or opposite the two lower holes, - two fixing means for fixing the ball joint to the support, the two fixing means passing through the two holes in the ball joint and being housed at least partially in the two upper holes or in the two lower holes in the support.

[0006] The two fixing means may be two bolts, the screws of the bolts being able to pass through the holes of the ball joint and the two upper holes or the two lower holes of the support.

[0007] The two upper holes and the two lower holes and the two holes of the ball joint may have identical or substantially identical diameters, the axes of the two upper holes being able to be distant from the axes of the two lower holes by a distance in the vertical direction of a value less than the value of the diameter of the holes, or even less than half the diameter of the holes.

[0008] The arrangement may comprise a base, the base being able to comprise two projections coming at least partially within the two lower holes of the support in the case of fixing the ball joint to the support by the two upper holes of the support.

[0009] The base can be shaped in the form of a plate extending mainly in the vertical and transverse directions.

[0010] The base may include through holes for the fixing means.

[0011] The base may comprise a contact face from which the two projections, the support being able to comprise a receiving face, the contact face of the base being able to come into contact with the receiving face of the support.

[0012] The bracket may be sandwiched between the base and the ball joint, or the base may be sandwiched between the bracket and the ball joint.

[0013] The support may comprise a pair of holes above the two upper holes for fixing the ball joint, or a pair of holes below the two lower holes for fixing the ball joint, and the base may comprise a pair of centering devices intended to come within the pair of holes so as to fill the pair of holes and ensure centering of the base relative to the support.

[0014] The invention also relates to a hitch for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, in particular of the utility type, comprising an arrangement as defined above.

[0015] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a coupling as defined previously, or an arrangement as defined previously. Presentation of figures

[0016] These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of an embodiment of an arrangement made without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which:

[0017] [Fig.l] is a schematic view of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0018] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of an arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention, a ball joint being in an intermediate position.

[0019] [Fig. 3] is an exploded view of the arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention, the ball joint being in the high position.

[0020] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention, the arrangement comprising a base and the ball joint being in the high position.

[0021] [Fig.5] is an exploded view of the arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention, the arrangement comprising the base.

[0022] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of a support and a base arranged against the support according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0023] [Fig.7] is a partial perspective view of the arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0024] [Fig.8] is a partial exploded view of the base according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0025] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of the base and partial fixing means according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0026] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of the base according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0027] [Fig. 11] is a perspective view of the base according to a variant of the embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0028] The direction in which a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, moves in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction X. By convention, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, located in a plane parallel to the ground, is called the transverse direction Y. The third direction, perpendicular to the other two, is called the vertical direction Z. Thus, a direct XYZ reference frame is used in which X is the longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, therefore directed towards the rear, Y is the transverse direction directed towards the right and Z is the vertical direction directed upwards. The forward direction corresponds to the direction in which the vehicle usually moves in the longitudinal direction and is opposite to the rear direction.

[0029] As illustrated in [Fig.l], a vehicle 1, for example a motor vehicle, comprises a hitch 2. For example, the vehicle 1 comprises a body or chassis 4. The coupling 2 is preferably fixed to the chassis 4. The vehicle 1 is preferably a utility vehicle, for example a van, a minivan, or a dump truck.

[0030] The vehicle 1 and / or the body 4 and / or the coupling 2 comprises an arrangement 3.

[0031] As illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5, the arrangement 3 comprises a support 10. The support 10 is preferably fixed to the coupling 2, in a removable or non-removable manner. For example, the support 10 comprises two U-shaped extensions 16 each extending in a vertical and longitudinal plane (see [Fig. 4] in particular). For example, the interior of the U of each extension 16 fits a bar (not shown) extending transversely from the coupling 2. Advantageously, each extension 16 can be welded to such a transverse bar of the coupling.

[0032] More precisely, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 6 in particular, the support 10 comprises two upper holes or orifices 11. The support 10 further comprises two lower holes or orifices 12. The two lower holes 12 are arranged under, below, the two upper holes 11 in the vertical direction. Each upper hole 11 has an axis A11 extending longitudinally or substantially longitudinally. Each lower hole 12 has an axis A12 extending longitudinally or substantially longitudinally. Thus, the axes A11 of the upper holes 11 are above the axes A12 of the lower holes 12. Preferably, the two axes A11, A12 of two holes 11, 12 arranged on the same side of a median plane M of the vehicle are therefore in the same vertical and longitudinal plane, parallel to a median plane M (see [Fig.2])•

[0033] The two upper holes 11, for example, are tangent to the two lower holes 12. By "tangent", it is meant that a point on the perimeter of an upper hole 11 is common to a point on the perimeter of the lower hole 12 arranged just below. In this case, the two contiguous upper and lower holes 11, 12 have their complete section, preferably circular.

[0034] For example, several points of the perimeter of an upper hole 11 are common to points of the perimeter of the lower hole 12 arranged just below. Preferably, a lower portion of the section of the upper hole 11 is common with, overlaps, a high portion of the section of the lower hole 12 arranged below. In other words, each upper hole 11 of the support 10 partially opens into the lower hole 12 of the support 10 just below, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6.

[0035] As illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7, the arrangement 3 further comprises a ball joint 20. By “ball joint” is meant an assembly comprising a ball or sphere, preferably metallic, and comprising a fixing part 22. The ball joint 20 comprises two holes 21 formed in the fixing part 22. Thus the two holes 21 of the ball joint are able to come opposite, or substantially opposite, the two upper holes 11 of the support 10. The two holes 21 of the ball joint are also able to come opposite, or substantially opposite, the two lower holes 12 of the support 10. Preferably, the center distance in the transverse direction between the two holes 21 is identical, or substantially identical, to the center distance between the two upper holes 11 and to the center distance between the two lower holes 12.

[0036] The arrangement 3 further comprises two fixing means 30 for fixing the ball joint 20 to the support 10, preferably against the support. The two fixing means 30 then pass through the two holes 21 of the ball joint 20 and are housed in the two upper holes 11, or in the two lower holes 12 of the support 10.

[0037] For example, the two upper holes 11, the two lower holes 12 and possibly the two holes 21 of the ball joint 20 have identical or substantially identical diameters. For example, the axes A11 of the two upper holes 11 are distant from the axes A12 of the two lower holes 12 by a distance D in the vertical direction (see Figures 3 and 5) of a value less than the value of the diameter of the holes 11, 12. Alternatively, the distance D is even less than half the diameter of the holes 11, 12.

[0038] Preferably, the two fixing means 30 comprise, or are, two bolts 31. By "bolt" is meant an assembly comprising a screw and a nut capable of being screwed onto the threaded part of this screw. In this case, screws 32 of the bolts 31 pass through the holes 21 of the ball joint 20 and the two upper holes 11 or the two lower holes 12 of the support 10 as illustrated in particular in [Fig. 3]. Nuts 33 of the bolts 31 are preferably arranged in contact with the support 10, that is to say at a receiving face 13 of the support 10. Optionally, each nut 33 comprises a wide bearing surface of the attached washer type. Alternatively, or even in addition, a washer is associated with each nut so as to increase the contact area against the receiving face 13 of the support and thus distribute the tightening forces of the bolt.In the illustrated case, the screws 32 are therefore inserted from the rear to the front of the vehicle, in the longitudinal direction. For example, a washer under the head of each screw 32 is provided (not illustrated) so as to increase the contact area against the ball joint 20 and thus distribute the tightening forces of the bolt.

[0039] Alternatively, the screws of the bolts are inserted from the front to the rear of the vehicle, the screw heads or any washers under the screw heads are then in contact with the receiving face of the support and the nuts, or relevant washers, are then in contact with the ball joint (case not illustrated).

[0040] Advantageously, as illustrated in Figures 4, 5 and 7, the arrangement 3 comprises a base 40. The base 40 comprises two projections, or extensions, or lugs, or protuberances 4L Once the base 40 is assembled on the support 10, as illustrated in [Fig.6], each projection 41 comes, at least partially, within a corresponding lower hole 12 of the support 10. Note that this situation corresponds to the fixing of the ball joint 20 to the support 10 by the two upper holes 11 of the support 10. Indeed, in this case, the two upper holes 11 remain free. By "free" is meant that although each projection 41 extends at least partly into each lower hole 12, the section of each upper hole 11 is not impacted. In other words, there remains sufficient space at each upper hole 11 for the passage of the screws 32 despite the fact that the bore corresponding to each lower hole 12 is at least partially blocked, filled, by a projection 41. Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, the base 40 is shaped in the form of a plate, for example rectangular or square. The plate assembled in the arrangement 3 extends mainly in the vertical and transverse directions, the thickness of the plate extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. As illustrated in particular in [Fig.8], the base 40 comprises two holes 42 for the passage of the fixing means 30. More precisely, the screws 32 are intended to pass through the holes 42 of the base 40. Preferably, the value of the center distance in the transverse direction of the holes 42 is identical, or substantially identical, to the center distance of the holes 21 of the ball joint 20, of the upper holes 11 and of the lower holes 12 of the support 10.

[0041] As illustrated in [Fig.5] in particular, the base 40 comprises a contact or support face 43. The two projections 41 extend for example from this contact face 43. As mentioned previously, preferably, as illustrated in [Fig.7], the support 10 comprises the receiving face 13. Once the base is assembled on the support 10, the contact face 43 of the base 40 comes opposite, preferably in contact, with the receiving face 13 of the support 10.

[0042] In the embodiment illustrated, in particular in [Fig. 7], the support 10 is sandwiched between the base 40 and the fixing part 22 of the ball joint 20. In fact, the contact face 43 of the base 40 is in contact with the receiving face 13 of the support 10 and a rear face 14 of the support 10 is opposite, preferably in contact with, a front face 24 of the fixing part 22 of the ball joint 20. In this case, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, preferably, the nuts 33 or the washers of the nuts 33 are in contact with the base 40 (front face side without projection) and the heads of the screws 32, or the washers under the heads of the screws, are in contact with the ball joint 20.

[0043] Alternatively, in an embodiment not shown, the base is sandwiched between the bracket and the attachment portion of the ball joint. In this case, the projections of the base extend forward so as to come within the lower holes.

[0044] Preferably, as illustrated in particular in Figures 4 and 5, the support 10 comprises a pair of holes 15 below the two lower holes 12. The two holes 15 make it possible to fix the ball joint 20 below the lower holes 12, that is to say in a low position of the ball joint relative to the support 10. Note that if the holes 15 are used to fix the fixing part 22 of the ball joint via the holes 21, the base is preferably not used, as will be explained later.

[0045] Advantageously, the base 40 comprises a pair of centering devices or pins or protrusions or cylinders or projections 45. These centering devices 45 come within the holes 15 during the assembly of the base against the support 10 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6 in particular. Preferably, the diameter of each centering device 45 is less than the diameter of the holes 15 in which they are housed. For example, the diameter of the centering devices 45 is just less than the diameter of the holes 15 so that the insertion of the centering devices 45 into the holes 15 makes it possible to maintain the base 40 in position relative to the support 10 as will be explained later. In addition, the centering devices 45 cooperating within the pair of holes 15 so as to fill the pair of holes 15, ensure centering of the base 40 relative to the support 10.Alternatively, the centering devices 45 are not cylindrical and are, for example, polyhedra, with edges preferably coming into contact with the circumference of each hole 15 so as to ensure their positioning relative to these holes 15.

[0046] Note that when the base has the centering devices 45, the ball joint cannot be mounted in a low position via the holes 15 of the support.

[0047] For example, as illustrated in [Fig.8], the base 40 comprises holes 46 having axes A45. In other words, holes 46 are provided to ensure the fixing of the studs or centerers 45 relative to the base. Thus, the centering devices 45 are preferably intended to be coaxial with the holes 46. In this case, preferably, the centering devices 45 comprise a shoulder of smaller diameter, the shoulder being housed in the holes 46. For example, a point and / or a weld bead is created on the side opposite the contact face 43 of the base at the junction between each hole 46 and each shoulder of each centering device 45. Such a weld then does not interfere with the contact between the face 43 of the base 40 and the receiving face 13 of the support 10. Alternatively, a point of glue is deposited within the holes 46 and / or at the difference in diameters, if any, of each centering device. Alternatively, the centering devices 45 are force-fitted into the holes 46.Other means of fixing the centering devices to the base may also be suitable, possibly without making holes beforehand.

[0048] For example, as illustrated in [Fig.8], the base 40 comprises holes 44 having axes A41. In other words, holes 44 are provided to ensure the fixing of the projections 41 relative to the base. Thus, the projections or lugs 41 are preferably intended to be coaxial with the holes 44. In this case, preferably, the lugs 41 comprise a shoulder of smaller diameter, the shoulder being housed in the holes 44. For example, a spot and / or a weld bead is created on the side opposite the contact face 43 of the base at the junction between each hole 44 and each shoulder of each lug 41. Alternatively, a spot of glue is deposited within holes 44 and / or at the level of the difference in diameter, if applicable, of each projection 41. Alternatively, the projections 41 are force-fitted into the holes 44. Other means of fixing the projections 41 to the base may also be suitable, possibly without providing holes beforehand.

[0049] More precisely, according to a variant, the projections 410 have for example a cylindrical shape as illustrated in [Fig. 10] in particular. In this case, preferably, each axis A41 is positioned so that each tangent cylinder 410 comes to the edge, at the level, flush, with the bottom of the perimeter of the holes 42 of the base. As a reminder, as illustrated in [Fig.9], the holes 42 are intended to receive the screws 32 of the bolts 31. Thus, preferably, the screws 32 rest against, on, in contact with, the cylinders 410.

[0050] As illustrated in Figures 6, 9 and 11, the projections 415 have a half-cylinder shape, that is to say a cut, truncated cylinder, for example along a plane comprising the axis of revolution of the cylinder, the cutting face extending in a transverse and longitudinal plane and oriented upwards. Alternatively, the projections each comprise a flat 416 oriented upwards. Each axis A41 is then positioned so that each flat part or cut or flat, tangent, comes to the edge, at the level, flush, with the bottom of the perimeter of the holes 42 of the base. Thus, preferably, the screws 32 rest against, on, in contact with the cutting face or the flat 416 of the projections in addition to resting within the holes 42 in the base.

[0051] Alternatively, the projections are for example parallelepipedal, for example with a cylindrical extension intended to come within holes 44 so as to facilitate their axial positioning. Other projection shapes are conceivable, preferably so as to comprise a face, at least an edge, extending at the bottom of the perimeter of each hole 42 receiving the screws 32.

[0052] Optionally, several pairs of holes are provided in the support below the holes 15, and / or just above the holes 15, so as to create more possibilities for mounting the ball joint in the vertical direction (not shown).

[0053] Alternatively, or in addition, the pair of holes 15 is provided in the support above the two upper holes 11 for fixing the ball joint (embodiment not shown). For example, the base then comprises a pair of centering pins or protrusions or cylinders coming within such holes provided above the upper holes. Preferably, the diameter of each centering pin is less than the diameter of the holes in which they are housed. For example, the diameter of the centering pins is just less than the diameter of the holes so that the insertion of the centering pins into the holes makes it possible to maintain the base in position relative to the support. The centering pins cooperating within the pair of holes so as to fill the pair of holes ensure centering of the base relative to the support. Finally, the centering pins create a polarity, that is to say that it is not possible to insert screws into the holes once the base equipped with the centering devices is assembled on the support. Note that when the base has the centering devices intended to come into holes in the support above the upper holes, the ball joint cannot be mounted in a high position via these holes. Optionally, several pairs of holes are provided in the support above the upper holes so as to create more possibilities for mounting the ball joint in the vertical direction (not illustrated).

[0054] In summary, the solution relates to a coupling comprising multiple positions, in particular comprising two positions having a small center distance in the vertical direction. Indeed, by adding the base of the closing plate type, a pair of upper holes 11 can be provided near a pair of lower holes 12.

[0055] More precisely, in an intermediate configuration or position ([Fig.2]), the lower pair of holes 12 is used to fix the ball joint 20 to the support 10. The terminology “intermediate configuration or position” is to be associated with a regulation which defines a so-called “low regulatory” position of the ball joint. For this, the screws 32 of the bolts 31 are passed through the holes 21 of the ball joint and the lower holes 12. Thus, the bolts 31 are found to be substantially coaxial with the axes A12 of the lower holes 12 as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. In this intermediate configuration, the base is not used and is not part of the arrangement.

[0056] In a low configuration or position, the pair of holes 15 is used to fix the ball joint 20 against the support 10. To do this, the screws 32 of the bolts 31 are passed through the holes 21 of the ball joint and the holes 15. Thus, the bolts 31 are found to be substantially coaxial with the axes of the holes 15 (low configuration not illustrated). In this low configuration, preferably the base is not used and is not part of the arrangement. The terminology "low configuration or position" is associated with a ball joint positioned vertically below the intermediate configuration or position.

[0057] In a high configuration or position ([Fig.4]), the upper pair of holes 11 is used to fix the ball joint 20 to the support 10. The terminology "high configuration or position" is associated with a ball joint positioned vertically above the intermediate configuration or position. The base 40 is then used as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. For this, the screws 32 of the bolts 31 are passed through the holes 21 of the ball joint and the upper holes 11. In addition, the screws 32 pass through the holes 42 in the base 40. Thus, the bolts 31 are found to be substantially coaxial with the axes A11 of the upper holes 11. In this high configuration, the base is preferably arranged in front of the support 10, as illustrated in [Fig.7]. Alternatively, the base is sandwiched between the support and the ball joint (assembly not shown). The projections 41 of the base then come into the lower holes 12 or in part within these lower holes 12. Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 6, 9 and 11, the shape of the projections 415 includes the flat 416 so as to easily provide reinforcement, a take-up of forces directed in the vertical direction downwards. Thus, although the upper holes 11 are arranged very close, open out, encroach on the lower holes 12, the screws 32 of the fixing means 30 come to bear against the projections, against the flats 416 if necessary. Thus, even in the case of a heavy towed element, for example a trailer transporting heavy materials, and / or crossing sidewalks, speed bumps, or the like, generating very significant downward forces on the ball joint, and consequently at the level of the fixing of the ball joint relative to the support, these forces are supported, taken up by contacts between the screws 32 and the projections 41.Thanks to the projections occupying the space, at least partially, within the lower holes, the screws cannot descend although these downward forces are possibly repeated and / or of the violent jerk type. Simple tightening of the bolts, possibly supplemented by the presence of washers, would tend to loosen. Indeed, in dynamics, when driving, when passing speed bumps, speed bumps or other, the tightening would not be sufficient to ensure the maintenance of the ball joint in the high position in holes of oblong or substantially oblong shape in the support 10 due to the small center distance between the upper holes 11 and the lower holes 12. This avoids the appearance of play and / or loosening over time between the ball joint and the support.Please note that such play and / or loosening could lead to the breakage of at least one fixing means, and / or the fixing part of the ball joint, and / or the support, which would lead to the loss of the towed element and could have dramatic consequences.

[0058] Thus, the arrangement makes it possible to have two regulatory positions for example (high and intermediate positions described previously, distant from the value D in the vertical direction, that is to say from the center distance between the axes A11 of the upper holes 11 and the axes A12 of the lower holes 12). There is therefore a small difference D in the vertical direction between two positions of an ordinary coupling ball joint, for example a height difference of between 5 mm and 15 mm, without increasing the volume of the coupling. In other words, although this double position, with a small center distance, requires overlapping holes, for example generating oblong screw passages, the solution offers reliable and durable fixing of the ball joint relative to the support for each of the two positions without increasing the size of the coupling fixing area.

[0059] The solution therefore makes it possible to obtain a coupling offering two distinct positions very close in the vertical direction requiring overlapping holes 11, 12. Thus, there is an intermediate position (arrangement whose fixings 30 use the lower holes 12 of the support 10 and without a base for example), and a high position (arrangement in which the fixings 30 use the upper holes 11 with the interposition of the base 40 comprising lugs 41 at least partially occupying the lower holes 12 to ensure a recovery of vertical forces on the fixing means 30).

[0060] It results from the possibility of interposing the base or plate or plate on the coupling, on the one hand to mount a common coupling on different types of vehicles, and on the other hand to adapt a common coupling to the configurations of a given vehicle model, for example having significant load variations, in particular having consequences on the regulatory height of the coupling ball for each of these configurations, in particular with regard to the variations in ground clearance resulting from these configurations (configuration as a van, dump truck, rear platform, etc.).

[0061] Indeed, it becomes possible to mount, if necessary, the base during the assembly of the vehicle in the factory. As a reminder, during the assembly of the base 40, the centering devices 45 provide a function of holding in position, of indexing, relative to the support 10 by preferably inserting themselves just into the holes 15 so as to facilitate the assembly, in particular that of the ball joint which is particularly tedious, and the function of foolproofing by preventing any possibility of insertion of screws 32 into the holes 15 of the support 10 by the operator.

[0062] In other words, during assembly of the arrangement in the factory in particular, once the base 40 is fitted via its two centering devices 45 in the holes 15, the base holds by itself against the support 10. This facilitates assembly, in particular of the fixing of the ball joint 20 which is relatively heavy due to its volume and its material, generally steel.

[0063] According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), the base 40 could be held in position on the support 10 by one or more screws used in place of the centering devices 45. The base can then comprise tapped holes intended to receive the fixing screws.

[0064] As a reminder, when the base 40 is used, the fixing screws of the ball joint bear in Z on the lugs 41; 410; 415, preferably on flats 416, which precisely positions the ball joint in the high position. Such positions help to ensure that the coupling equipped with the arrangement complies with regulations, particularly in terms of safety and / or positioning relative to the ground.

[0065] As a reminder, in particular in the absence of a base, the use of the holes 15 of the support 10 offers a low position for the ball joint. As mentioned previously, one or more other low positions, allowing the ball joint to be positioned in an even lower position, via pairs of holes provided below the holes 15 are conceivable and compatible with the solution described previously. One or more other high positions, via pairs of holes provided above the upper holes 11 are conceivable and compatible with the solution described previously.

[0066] In summary, the solution makes it possible to maintain a volume or size similar to a conventional coupling system, in particular without overflowing, exceeding in terms of ground clearance (vertical direction, downwards) and without interfering with the opening and / or closing kinematics of one or more rear doors, swinging or tilting, that is to say without exceeding a limit in the vertical direction, upwards.

[0067] Advantageously, the positioning of the base 40 inside the often lost volume located in front of the support 10 makes it possible to maintain a longitudinal value (direction of travel of the vehicle) which is always equal whatever the mounting position of the ball joint, in particular the position taken from among the high, intermediate, low or other so-called low positions of the ball joint 20 on the support 10. The lost volume of the support 10 is defined by the conformation of the support 10 itself, in particular by the radii of curves linking the rear face 14 to the extensions 16.

[0068] The solution is suitable for a hitch intended to tow any type of towed item, for example a trailer, a caravan, a van, or even a machine arranged on at least one axle such as a concrete mixer for example. In particular, the solution is suitable for utility vehicles. More particularly, the different adjustments or positions or heights available for the arrangement according to the solution make it possible to have only one model for several types of vehicles. Thus, different vehicles, in particular utility vehicles such as vans, minivans, dump trucks, or even certain vehicles called "estate" or others, although having different characteristics, for example in terms of attitude when loaded and unloaded, and / or in terms of ground clearance, and / or depending on the presence of rear door(s) or not, can be equipped with this single hitch model while satisfying the regulations.Furthermore, the solution can be used on vehicles with significant ground variations (particularly between the different possible loading cases) and / or with low or even negligible variations, as is generally the case for certain utility vehicles such as large vans. In addition, the solution allows the use of a hitch comprising an associated cross member, for example fixed, to an identical ball support for several vehicles.

[0069] The solution therefore makes it possible to reduce the number of coupling references or models by adapting the same coupling model for several vehicles, via the interposition of the base if necessary, which results in a gain in space at the coupling assembly station in the factory and a saving due to standardization.

[0070] As a remark, the solution therefore achieves the desired objective of optimizing the costs relating to couplings having several positions in the vertical direction, while allowing two positions very close to each other, in particular for motor vehicles, and has the advantages of being able to be used on other types of vehicles, namely trucks, buses, buses, agricultural vehicles, construction machinery lifting and any other machinery.

Claims

Claims

1. Arrangement (3) for a vehicle hitch (2), the arrangement (3) comprising: - a support (10) intended to be fixed to such a hitch (2), the support (10) comprising two upper holes (11), the support (10) comprising two lower holes (12), the two lower holes (12) being arranged under the two upper holes (11) in the vertical direction, the two upper holes (11) being tangent to the two lower holes (12), or even the two upper holes (11) partially opening into the lower holes (12), - a ball joint (20) comprising two holes (21) capable of coming opposite the two upper holes (11) or opposite the two lower holes (12), - two fixing means (30) for fixing the ball joint (20) to the support (10), the two fixing means (30) passing through the two holes (21) of the ball joint (20) and housed at least partially in the two upper holes (11) or in the two lower holes (12) of the support (10).

2. Arrangement (3) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the two fixing means (30) are two bolts (31), the screws (32) of the bolts (31) passing through the holes (21) of the ball joint (20) and the two upper holes (11) or the two lower holes (12) of the support (10).

3. Arrangement (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two upper holes (11) and the two lower holes (12) and the two holes (21) of the ball joint (20) have identical or substantially identical diameters, the axes (A11) of the two upper holes (11) being distant from the axes (A12) of the two lower holes (12) by a distance (D) in the vertical direction of a value less than the value of the diameter of the holes (11; 12; 21), or even less than half the diameter of the holes (11; 12; 21).

4. Arrangement (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement (3) comprises a base (40), the base (40) comprising two projections (41) coming at least partially within the two lower holes (12) of the support (10) in the case of fixing the ball joint (20) to the support (10) by the two upper holes (11) of the support (10).

5. Arrangement (3) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the base (40) is shaped in the form of a plate extending mainly in the vertical and transverse directions.

6. Arrangement (3) according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the base (40) comprises passage holes (42) for the fixing means (30).

7. Arrangement (3) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the base (40) comprises a contact face (43) from which the two projections (41) extend, the support (10) comprising a receiving face (13), the contact face (43) of the base (40) coming into contact with the receiving face (13) of the support (10).

8. Arrangement (3) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the support (10) is sandwiched between the base (40) and the ball joint (20), or in that the base (40) is sandwiched between the support (10) and the ball joint (20).

9. Arrangement (3) according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the support (10) comprises a pair of holes (15) above the two upper holes (11) for fixing the ball joint (20), or a pair of holes (15) below the two lower holes (12) for fixing the ball joint (20), and in that the base (40) comprises a pair of centering devices (45) intended to come within the pair of holes (15) so as to fill the pair of holes (15) and ensure centering of the base (40) relative to the support (10).

10. Coupling (2) for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, in particular of the utility type, characterized in that it comprises an arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims.

11. Vehicle (1), in particular a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a coupling (2) according to the preceding claim, or an arrangement (3) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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