Trailer coupler

Abstract

A trailer coupler, comprising a mounting frame (100), a towing hook (200), a driving component, a first actuating member (310) and a second actuating member (320). The mounting frame is provided with a sleeve tube (110), and the towing hook is sleeved on the exterior of the sleeve tube. The first actuating member is provided in the sleeve tube, and is driven by the driving component to rotate. A rotation-stopping member (400) is provided between the first actuating member and the towing hook, and rotational movement of the first actuating member causes the rotation-stopping member to generate radial motion on the sleeve tube for locking or unlocking the towing hook. One of the second actuating member and the towing hook is provided with a transmission protrusion (210), and the other is provided with a spiral guide section (3211, 3213) and a transmission portion (333). The unlocking process of the towing hook follows axial displacement and rotation of the second actuating member, and causes the transmission protrusion to move toward the transmission portion along the spiral guiding portion. After the towing hook is completely unlocked, the transmission portion acts on the transmission protrusion to drive the towing hook to rotate. The described trailer coupler solves the problem in existing trailer couplers of a structure being too complex; moreover, operation is simple, convenient and reliable.

Description

trailer coupler

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automobile technology, in particular to a trailer coupler. [Background Technology]

[0002] A tow hook is a vehicle accessory used for vehicle recovery. For example, if a damaged vehicle cannot be started, the tow hook can be used to tow the vehicle. Existing tow hooks include manual tow hooks and electric tow hooks. Manual tow hooks can be removed from the vehicle when not in use, while electric tow hooks remain installed and are controlled by a motor, switching between an extended and stowed position.

[0003] When the electric tow hook is in the deployed or stowed position, it needs to be locked to restrict its rotation. Therefore, when switching positions, the tow hook needs to be unlocked first, then driven to rotate, and then re-locked after the tow hook is rotated into place. Existing electric tow hooks generally include a locking mechanism for locking the tow hook to restrict its rotation and a driving mechanism for driving the tow hook to rotate after the tow hook is unlocked. Because the actions of the locking mechanism and the driving mechanism must be sequential and cannot interfere with each other, a complex transmission mechanism is required to allow the driving mechanism to intermittently transmit power to the tow hook, and only transmit power to the tow hook after the tow hook is unlocked. Alternatively, a complex transmission mechanism is required to allow the motor power to be intermittently transmitted to the driving mechanism, and only transmit power to the driving mechanism after the tow hook is unlocked.

[0004] For example, the towing connection device disclosed in application number CN115703315A discloses two transmission mechanisms, one of which is a planetary gear mechanism. The planetary gear is difficult to design and assemble, resulting in an overly complex overall structure of the electric trailer hook.

[0005] [Summary of the invention]

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and propose a trailer coupler, thereby solving the problem that the existing trailer coupler has an overly complex structure.

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0008] The trailer coupler includes a mounting frame, a towing hook, a driving component, a first actuator and a second actuator, the mounting frame is provided with a sleeve, the towing hook is sleeved on the outside of the sleeve, the first actuator is provided in the sleeve and is driven to rotate by the driving component, a stop member is provided between the first actuator and the towing hook, the rotational movement of the first actuator causes the stop member to generate radial movement on the sleeve for locking or unlocking the towing hook, one of the second actuator and the towing hook is provided with a transmission protrusion, and the other is provided with a spiral guide section and a transmission part, the unlocking process of the towing hook is accompanied by axial displacement and rotation of the second actuator, and the transmission protrusion moves along the spiral guide part toward the transmission part, and the transmission part acts on the transmission protrusion after the towing hook is unlocked to drive the towing hook to rotate.

[0009] Based on the above solution, the driving unit transmits torque to the second actuating member through the first actuating member.

[0010] Based on the above solution, one end of the first actuator is in transmission cooperation with the drive unit, the other end of the first actuator has an assembly cavity, and the second actuator is assembled into the assembly cavity; or, one end of the first actuator is in transmission cooperation with the drive unit, and the other end of the first actuator is connected to the second actuator.

[0011] Based on the above solution, a first transmission member is provided on the sleeve, and a second transmission member is provided on the actuating unit. The first transmission member cooperates with the second transmission member to convert the rotational motion of the second transmission member into an axial displacement of the second actuating member.

[0012] Based on the above solution, one of the first transmission member and the second transmission member is a slider, and the other is a spiral groove cooperating with the slider. When the actuating unit rotates, the slider and the spiral groove slide and rotate relative to each other.

[0013] Based on the above solution, the spiral groove includes a first locking segment, a second locking segment and a transmission segment connected therebetween. During the unlocking process of the tow hook, the slider moves along the first locking segment or the second locking segment toward the transmission segment, and the slider moves along the transmission segment after the tow hook is unlocked.

[0014] Based on the above solution, the helix angle of the transmission segment is different from the helix angle of the first locking segment, and the helix angle of the transmission segment is different from the helix angle of the second locking segment.

[0015] On the basis of the above solution, the second actuating member is fixedly connected to the first actuating member, and the first transmission member is provided on the first actuating member or the second actuating member.

[0016] Based on the above solution, the second actuating member is spline-matched with the first actuating member, the first transmission member is provided on the second actuating member, and the second actuating member is axially displaced relative to the first actuating member during the synchronous rotation with the first actuating member.

[0017] On the basis of the above scheme, the first actuator includes a guide part, which drives the axial displacement of the anti-rotation part during rotation to switch between a locked position that restricts the rotation of the towing hook and an unlocked position that allows the towing hook to rotate. The guide part includes a first locking part, a second locking part and an unlocking part connected therebetween. The first locking part and the second locking part are used to keep the anti-rotation part in the locked position, and the unlocking part is used to keep the anti-rotation part in the unlocked position.

[0018] Based on the above solution, the sleeve is provided with a through hole for the extension and retraction of the anti-rotation member, and the towing hook is provided with a positioning groove. When the anti-rotation member is in the locked position, it is located in the through hole and inserted into the positioning groove and abuts against the side wall of the positioning groove to limit the rotation of the towing hook.

[0019] On the basis of the above solution, the side portion of the first actuating member is recessed in the radial direction to form the guide portion, and the rotation-stopping member retracts into the sleeve and switches to an unlocked position to disengage from the plug-in fit with the positioning groove.

[0020] Based on the above scheme, the first actuator generates axial displacement during rotation, and the first locking part, the unlocking part and the second locking part are arranged along the axial direction of the first actuator. The first actuator is axially displaced so that the first locking part, the unlocking part and the second locking part pass through the anti-rotation part in sequence.

[0021] On the basis of the above solution, the spiral guide segment includes a first spiral guide segment and a second spiral guide segment, and the first spiral guide segment, the transmission portion and the second spiral guide segment are sequentially arranged along the axial direction of the second actuator.

[0022] On the basis of the above solution, the first spiral guide segment and the second spiral guide segment are axially spiral around the axis of the second actuating member, so as to be able to idle relative to the transmission protrusion during the rotation of the second actuating member.

[0023] On the basis of the above solution, one of the second actuating member and the towing hook includes a bearing bushing, and two ends of the bearing bushing in the circumferential direction form the spiral guide section and the transmission portion.

[0024] On the basis of the above solution, the bearing bushes are arranged in pairs, and a guide groove adapted to the transmission protrusion is formed between the two opposite ones of the bearing bushes.

[0025] On the basis of the above scheme, the tow hook includes a body and an end cover, the body is rotatably mounted on the sleeve, the sleeve is provided with a positioning portion for axially positioning the tow hook, the end cover is located on the front side of the sleeve and forms a cavity with the sleeve to avoid the second actuator, the end cover is provided with a connecting shaft extending into the cavity, and the connecting shaft is in transmission cooperation with the second actuator.

[0026] Based on the above solution, a first seal is provided between the positioning portion and the body, a second seal is provided between the body and the mounting bracket, and an elastic member that applies pressure to the body is provided between at least one of the positioning portion and the body or between the body and the mounting bracket.

[0027] On the basis of the above scheme, the drive unit includes a motor and a transmission component, the motor includes an output shaft, the transmission component includes a transmission shaft and a transmission disk, the transmission disk includes a disk body, and the disk body is provided with a first transmission push block and a second transmission push block, one of the transmission shaft and the output shaft is provided with a first transmission protrusion, and the other is provided with a second transmission protrusion, the first transmission protrusion and one of the first transmission push blocks are arranged in pairs to form a first transmission groove, and the other is arranged in the first transmission groove and is clearance-matched with the inner wall of the first transmission groove when the tow hook is locked, so as to interrupt the circumferential force transmitted to the motor by relative rotation when the tow hook is under load, and the second transmission protrusion is circumferentially abutted with the second transmission push block and is clearance-matched with the axial direction of the disk body.

[0028] On the basis of the above scheme, the drive unit includes a housing, a motor and a transmission component that cooperates with the motor to transmit the motor torque to the actuating unit. The housing is equipped with a mounting plate for axially positioning the transmission component. The motor and the transmission part are respectively located on both sides of the mounting plate. A mounting column is provided between the mounting plate and the mounting frame. One end of the mounting column is a first assembly part assembled with the mounting frame, and the other end of the mounting column is a second assembly part assembled with the mounting plate. The mounting column is supported between the two to form an assembly gap.

[0029] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0030] The trailer coupler disclosed in this application includes a drive unit, an actuating unit, a stopper, and a tow hook. The drive unit generates power and outputs torque to the actuating unit to drive the actuating unit to rotate. The actuating unit rotates the tow hook to stow or deploy the tow hook. The stopper can lock the tow hook to restrict its rotation or unlock it to allow rotation. When the tow hook is locked, it prevents external forces from rotating the tow hook and changing its position.

[0031] The actuating unit includes a first actuating member and a second actuating member. The torque output by the driving unit can simultaneously drive the first and second actuating members to rotate. When the first actuating member rotates, it can guide the radial displacement of the anti-rotation member to switch between a position capable of locking and unlocking the tow hook. When the second actuating member rotates, it can simultaneously generate axial movement, causing it to move relative to the tow hook, thereby generating relative sliding between the spiral guide section, the transmission part, and the transmission protrusion. When the tow hook is locked, the spiral guide section corresponds to the transmission protrusion, and the spiral guide section and the transmission protrusion rotate relative to each other, while simultaneously moving axially relative to each other. At this time, the second actuating member is in an idle state. As the second actuating member axially displaces, the transmission protrusion moves along the spiral guide section until it corresponds to the transmission part. The tow hook is now unlocked and can rotate. The rotational movement of the transmission protrusion drives the transmission part to rotate synchronously, allowing the tow hook to rotate on the sleeve.

[0032] In the prior art, to separately unlock, lock, and rotate the tow hook, the motor's power is transmitted through two transmission mechanisms: one for unlocking and locking the tow hook, and the other for rotating the tow hook when unlocked. One of the two transmission mechanisms requires a planetary gear. Compared to the prior art, in the present application, the second actuator can maintain rotation under the torque output by the drive unit. By adjusting its relative position to the tow hook through axial displacement during rotation, the torque on the second actuator can be intermittently transmitted to the tow hook, thereby simplifying and optimizing the structure of the trailer coupler.

[0033] Furthermore, the drive unit transmits torque to the second actuator via the first actuator. The first and second actuators are coupled together to allow for synchronous rotation or a constant transmission ratio, facilitating design. Furthermore, no additional transmission structure is required between the drive unit and the second actuator.

[0034] Furthermore, one end of the first actuator is in transmission engagement with the drive unit, and the other end of the first actuator has an assembly cavity, into which the second actuator is assembled; or, one end of the first actuator is in transmission engagement with the drive unit, and the other end of the first actuator is connected to the second actuator. If an assembly cavity is provided on the first actuator, at least a portion of the second actuator is assembled into the assembly cavity, so that the first actuator can transmit torque to the second actuator. Such a design can shorten the axial dimension of the actuator unit. If the first and second actuators are axially docked to transmit torque, the radial dimensions of the first and second actuators can be prevented from being excessively large.

[0035] Furthermore, the sleeve is provided with a first transmission member, and the actuating unit is provided with a second transmission member. The first transmission member and the second transmission member cooperate to convert the rotational motion of the second transmission member into axial displacement of the second actuating member. The second transmission member can rotate synchronously with the rotation of the actuating unit. The second transmission member cooperates with the first transmission member so that the second transmission member simultaneously moves axially during its rotation relative to the first transmission member, thereby causing axial displacement of the second actuating member.

[0036] Furthermore, one of the first and second transmission members is a slider, and the other is a spiral groove that cooperates with the slider. When the actuating unit rotates, the slider and the spiral groove slide and rotate relative to each other. When the slider and the spiral groove rotate relative to each other, the slider can slide along the spiral groove, thereby continuously moving axially during the process of rotation relative to the spiral groove, thereby enabling the second transmission member to simultaneously move axially during the rotation process.

[0037] Furthermore, the spiral groove includes a first locking segment, a second locking segment, and a transmission segment connected therebetween. During the unlocking process of the tow hook, the slider moves along the first locking segment or the second locking segment toward the transmission segment. After the tow hook is unlocked, the slider moves along the transmission segment. The slider can sequentially pass through the first locking segment, the transmission segment, and the second locking segment along the spiral groove, causing the second actuator to produce axial displacement, and the tow hook sequentially undergoes the three processes of locking, rotation, and locking. When the slider moves along the first locking segment or the second locking segment toward the transmission segment, the locking member moves toward the position of unlocking the tow hook. At this time, the transmission protrusion moves along the spiral guide toward the transmission portion. When the slider moves along the transmission segment, the tow hook is in an unlocked state. At this time, the transmission portion acts on the transmission protrusion to drive the tow hook to rotate. The helix angle of the spiral groove is associated with the axial displacement speed of the second actuator. When the rotational speed of the second actuator remains unchanged, the greater the helix angle, the faster the axial displacement speed of the second actuator. Therefore, by designing the helix angle of the transmission section, the rotation angle of the tow hook can be adjusted without changing other structures, thereby improving the adaptability of the trailer coupler of this application and the difficulty of adapting it to different vehicle models. For example, when the helix angle of the transmission section is θ1, the second actuator rotates 150° to disengage the transmission protrusion and the spiral guide. When the helix angle of the transmission section is θ2, θ2 < θ1, and the second actuator needs to rotate 180° to disengage the transmission protrusion and the spiral guide.

[0038] Furthermore, the helix angle of the transmission section is different from the helix angle of the first locking section, and the helix angle of the transmission section is different from the helix angle of the second locking section. By designing different helix angles for the transmission section, the first locking section, and the second locking section, the locking and unlocking speeds and the rotation angle of the tow hook can be tailored to the actual operating environment of the trailer coupler.

[0039] Furthermore, the second actuator is fixedly connected to the first actuator, and the first transmission member is provided on the first actuator or the second actuator. The second actuator rotates synchronously with the first actuator by being fixedly connected to the first actuator. If the first transmission member is provided on the first actuator, the first actuator can generate axial displacement during rotation and drive the second actuator to synchronously displace axially; if the first transmission member is provided on the second actuator, the second actuator can generate axial displacement during rotation and drive the first actuator to synchronously displace axially.

[0040] Furthermore, the second actuator is spline-engaged with the first actuator, and the first transmission member is provided on the second actuator. The second actuator is axially displaced relative to the first actuator during synchronous rotation with the first actuator. The first transmission member is provided on the second actuator to cause the second actuator to generate axial displacement during rotation. Since the second actuator is spline-engaged with the first actuator, the second actuator is axially displaced relative to the first actuator while rotating synchronously with the first actuator.

[0041] Furthermore, the first actuator includes a guide portion, which, during rotation, drives the stopper to axially displace, thereby switching between a locked position that restricts rotation of the towing hook and an unlocked position that allows rotation of the towing hook. The guide portion includes a first locking portion, a second locking portion, and an unlocking portion connected therebetween. The first locking portion and the second locking portion are used to maintain the stopper in the locked position, and the unlocking portion is used to maintain the stopper in the unlocked position. As the first actuator rotates, the stopper may sequentially pass through the first locking portion, the unlocking portion, and the second locking portion, thereby switching the stopper from the locked position to the unlocked position, and then from the unlocked position to the locked position. When the stopper is in the locked position, during rotation of the first actuator, the first locking portion or the second locking portion can move relative to the stopper, but the stopper remains in the locked position, thereby maintaining the lock on the towing hook. As the first actuator continues to rotate, the portion cooperating with the stopper switches to the unlocking portion, maintaining the stopper in the unlocked position and allowing rotation of the towing hook. The position of the guide portion relative to the stop member can change with the rotation of the first actuating member, thereby switching the position of the stop member. No additional transmission structure is required between the first actuating member and the stop member to control the movement of the stop member.

[0042] Furthermore, the sleeve is provided with a through hole for the extension and retraction of the stopper, and the towing hook is provided with a positioning groove. When in the locked position, the stopper is located in the through hole and inserted into the positioning groove and abuts against the side wall of the positioning groove to limit the rotation of the towing hook. During the rotation process, the first actuator can drive the stopper to extend and retract relative to the through hole via the guide portion, thereby switching the stopper between the locked position and the unlocked position. The insertion of the stopper into the positioning groove and abutment against the side wall of the positioning groove can keep the stopper and the towing hook relatively fixed. However, since the through hole has a positioning effect on the stopper, the circumferential rotation of the stopper around the first actuator can be limited. Therefore, when the stopper is in the locked position, the rotation of the towing hook can be limited.

[0043] Furthermore, the side portion of the first actuating member is radially recessed to form the guide portion, and the detent member retracts into the sleeve and switches to an unlocked position, thereby disengaging from the positioning groove. The recessed guide portion forms a recessed area between the recessed guide portion and the inner wall of the sleeve, allowing the detent member to retract into the sleeve into this area, where it no longer abuts the side wall of the positioning groove, thereby releasing the lock on the tow hook.

[0044] Furthermore, the first actuator generates axial displacement during rotation, and the first locking portion, the unlocking portion, and the second locking portion are arranged along the axial direction of the first actuator. The first actuator axially displaces so that the first locking portion, the unlocking portion, and the second locking portion sequentially pass through the anti-rotation member. The first actuator generates axial displacement during rotation to adjust the relative positional relationship between the guide portion and the anti-rotation member in the axial direction, thereby switching the anti-rotation member from the locked position to the unlocked position and then from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0045] Furthermore, the helical guide section includes a first helical guide section and a second helical guide section, wherein the first helical guide section, the transmission portion, and the second helical guide section are sequentially arranged along the axial direction of the second actuator. During the axial movement of the second actuator, the transmission protrusion can sequentially pass through the first helical guide section, the transmission portion, and the second helical guide section, so that the towing hook sequentially undergoes the three processes of locking, rotating, and locking.

[0046] Furthermore, the first and second helical guide segments are axially helical about the axis of the second actuator, allowing for free rotation relative to the transmission protrusion during rotation of the second actuator. The helical first and second helical guide segments are able to avoid the transmission protrusion during rotation, thereby preventing the towing hook, which is currently locked by the rotation stop, from interfering with the rotation of the second actuator due to the abutment between the transmission protrusion and the first or second helical guide segments, thereby preventing the trailer coupler from becoming stuck.

[0047] Furthermore, one of the second actuator and the towing hook includes a bearing member, and the helical guide section and the transmission portion are formed at both ends of the bearing member in a circumferential direction. The helical guide section and the transmission portion can be formed at both ends of the bearing member, wherein the helical guide section and the transmission portion at one end can cooperate with the transmission protrusion when the second actuator rotates in a first direction, and the helical guide section and the transmission portion at the other end can cooperate with the transmission protrusion when the second actuator rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0048] Furthermore, the bearings are provided in pairs, with a guide groove adapted to fit the transmission protrusion formed between opposing ends of the two bearings. One of the opposing ends of the two bearings can engage with the transmission protrusion when the second actuator rotates in a first direction, and the other can engage with the transmission protrusion when the second actuator rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Providing two bearings can ensure smoother transmission, and the guide groove formed between the ends of the two bearings to engage with the transmission protrusion can be used to pre-position the second actuator and the tow hook during assembly.

[0049] Furthermore, the tow hook includes a body and an end cap. The body is rotatably mounted on the sleeve. The sleeve is provided with a positioning portion for axially positioning the tow hook. The end cap is located at the front side of the sleeve and forms a cavity between the end cap and the sleeve to avoid the second actuator. The end cap is provided with a connecting shaft extending into the cavity, and the connecting shaft is in transmission engagement with the second actuator. The positioning portion can axially position the tow hook and limit the tow hook on the sleeve to prevent the tow hook from separating from the sleeve during rotation. The end cap is located at the front side of the sleeve and can shield the sleeve and the actuator unit, while also blocking dust and liquid. The cavity formed between the end cap and the sleeve can avoid the second actuator, preventing the axial displacement of the second actuator from being blocked. The second actuator can be in transmission engagement with the connecting shaft connected to the end cap to drive the entire tow hook to rotate.

[0050] Furthermore, a first seal is provided between the positioning portion and the body, a second seal is provided between the body and the mounting bracket, and an elastic member is provided between at least one of the positioning portion and the body or between the body and the mounting bracket to apply pressure to the body. The elastic member acts as a buffer when the tow hook is subjected to axial forces. The first seal and the second seal respectively seal both ends of the tow hook to prevent dust, liquid, etc. from entering between the tow hook and the sleeve, or between the sleeve and the actuator unit, thereby protecting the internal structure from contamination and interference from external factors.

[0051] Furthermore, the drive unit includes a motor and a transmission component, the motor including an output shaft, the transmission component including a drive shaft and a transmission disc, the transmission disc including a disc body, the disc body being provided with a first transmission push block and a second transmission push block, one of the drive shaft and the output shaft being provided with a first transmission protrusion, and the other being provided with a second transmission protrusion, the first transmission protrusion and the first transmission push block being arranged in a pair to form a first transmission groove, the other being disposed in the first transmission groove and having a clearance fit with the inner wall of the first transmission groove when the tow hook is locked, so as to interrupt the circumferential force transmitted to the motor when the tow hook is under load and rotates relative to it, the second transmission protrusion circumferentially abutting the second transmission push block and having an axial clearance fit with the disc body. The first transmission protrusion can circumferentially abut against the first transmission push block to transmit torque, and the second transmission protrusion can circumferentially abut against the second transmission push block to transmit torque, and the output shaft and the transmission disc, and the transmission shaft and the transmission disc, can transmit torque without a fixed connection, thereby facilitating assembly of the transmission component and the motor. The tow hook will bear a large load during use, which will cause the tow hook to have a tendency to rotate and axially displace. The force can be transmitted to the motor through the actuating unit and the transmission component. Since there is an axial clearance fit between the second transmission protrusion and the disc body, the two can eliminate the axial force transmitted to the motor through relative axial displacement. The first transmission protrusion and the first transmission push block can eliminate the circumferential force transmitted to the motor by relative rotation in the circumferential direction.

[0052] Furthermore, the drive unit includes a housing, a motor, and a transmission component that cooperates with the motor to transmit the motor torque to the actuator unit. The housing is equipped with a mounting plate for axially positioning the transmission component. The motor and the transmission component are respectively located on either side of the mounting plate. A mounting post is provided between the mounting plate and the mounting frame. One end of the mounting post is a first assembly portion assembled to the mounting frame, and the other end of the mounting post is a second assembly portion assembled to the mounting plate. The mounting post is supported between the two to form an assembly gap. The transmission component is capable of transmitting the torque of the motor to the actuator unit. The mounting plate is used to axially position the transmission component to prevent position changes of the transmission component from causing interruption of power transmission between the motor and the actuator unit. The transmission component has requirements for assembly space. By providing a mounting post between the mounting plate and the mounting frame, a certain distance is maintained between the mounting plate and the mounting frame after fixation to form an assembly gap, thereby providing sufficient assembly space for the transmission component. The two ends of the mounting column can be assembled with the mounting plate and the mounting frame respectively, so there is no need to set a columnar structure connected to the mounting plate on the mounting frame, which reduces the difficulty of manufacturing the mounting frame. The size of the mounting column can be selected according to the size of the transmission component so that the size of the assembly gap meets the installation requirements of the transmission component.

[0053] These features and advantages of the present invention will be disclosed in detail in the following specific embodiments and drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0054] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0055] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing the connection between a trailer coupler and a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a trailer coupler according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] FIG3 is an exploded view of a trailer coupler according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] FIG4 is a front view of a trailer coupler according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view of the section AA in FIG4 ;

[0060] FIG6 is a cross-sectional view at BB in FIG4 ;

[0061] FIG7 is an enlarged schematic diagram of point C in FIG5 ;

[0062] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of the trailer coupler when the anti-rotation member is in the unlocked position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the first actuating member and the anti-rotation member in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a first actuator in a flat circumferential surface state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of an actuating unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 12 is a schematic structural diagram of the end cover in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of a driving unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] FIG14 is a cross-sectional view at DD in FIG13;

[0069] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of a transmission component in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Reference Signs: Mounting frame 100, sleeve 110, through hole 111, first transmission member 120, positioning portion 130; Towing hook 200, transmission protrusion 210, positioning groove 220, body 230, sealing groove 231, end cover 240, connecting shaft 250, locking surface 251; Actuating unit 300, first actuating member 310, guide portion 311, first locking portion 3111, second locking portion 3112, unlocking portion 3113, assembly cavity 312, second actuating member 320, guide unit 321, first spiral guide segment 3211, transmission portion 3212, second spiral guide segment 3213, transmission groove 322, second transmission member 330, first locking segment 331, second locking segment 332, transmission segment 333; Anti-rotation member 400; Cavity 500, assembly gap 510; First seal 600, second seal 610, sealing ring 611, sealing lip 612, elastic member 620; housing 700, motor 710, output shaft 711, second transmission protrusion 7111, transmission component 720, transmission shaft 721, first transmission protrusion 7211, transmission disk 722, disk body 7221, first transmission push block 7222, second transmission push block 7223, mounting plate 730, opening 731, bearing 740, outer ring 741, inner ring 742, bearing mounting seat 750, first transmission groove 760, fan-shaped area 761, second transmission groove 770; mounting column 800, first assembly part 810, second assembly part 820, first assembly hole 820, first step part 830, second assembly hole 840, fastener 850, first thread 860, second thread 870. [Specific implementation method]

[0071] The following is an explanation and description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. However, the following embodiments are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not exhaustive. Based on the embodiments in the implementation manner, other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0072] When used herein, words such as "exemplary" and "some embodiments" mean "serving as an example, embodiment, or illustration." Any embodiment described as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as superior or preferable to other embodiments. Numerous specific details are provided in the following detailed description to better illustrate the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details.

[0073] 1 to 15 , an embodiment of the present application discloses a trailer coupler, comprising a mounting frame 100, a towing hook 200, an actuating unit 300, and a driving unit. The mounting frame 100 is mounted on a vehicle, and the towing hook 200, the actuating unit 300, and the driving unit are all mounted on the mounting frame 100. The driving unit is capable of generating torque and transmitting the torque to the actuating unit 300, which drives the towing hook 200 to switch between a stowed position and a deployed position.

[0074] A stopper 400 is also provided between the actuating unit 300 and the towing hook 200. This stopper 400 locks the towing hook 200 when it is in the stowed or deployed position, restricting its rotation. This prevents the towing hook 200 from accidentally moving during stowage or rotating during use, which could affect its usability. The stopper 400 is driven by the actuating unit 300 and can be switched between a locked and unlocked position. In the locked position, the stopper 400 locks the towing hook 200. In the unlocked position, the stopper 400 releases the lock on the towing hook 200, allowing the towing hook 200 to rotate under the actuating unit 300.

[0075] The actuating unit 300 includes a first actuating member 310 and a second actuating member 320. The torque output by the driving unit can simultaneously drive the first actuating member 310 and the second actuating member 320 to rotate. The first actuating member 310 can drive the anti-rotation member 400 to move under the action of the torque and switch between the locked position and the unlocked position. The second actuating member 320 can generate axial displacement while rotating under the action of the torque and switch between the transmission position and the idle position. When the second actuating member 320 is in the transmission position, the torque on the second actuating member 320 can be transmitted to the tow hook 200 and drive the tow hook 200 to rotate synchronously. When the second actuating member 320 is in the idle position, the torque of the second actuating member 320 cannot be transmitted to the tow hook 200 and idles relative to the tow hook 200.

[0076] When the tow hook 200 is in motion, switching from the stowed position to the use position, or vice versa, the tow hook 200 needs to be locked in both the stowed position and the use position. During the switching process of the tow hook 200 from the stowed position to the use position, or vice versa, the stopper 400 switches from the locked position to the unlocked position, and then from the unlocked position to the locked position, and the second actuating member 320 switches from the idle position to the transmission position, and then from the transmission position to the idle position. When the first actuating member 310 rotates, the second actuating member 320 also rotates. The position change of the stopper 400 matches the position change of the second actuating member 320. That is, when the stopper 400 switches to the locked position, the second actuating member 320 simultaneously switches to the idle position. When the stopper 400 switches to the unlocked position, the second actuating member 320 simultaneously switches to the transmission position, thereby preventing the movement of the stopper 400 and the movement of the second actuating member 320 from interfering with each other.

[0077] The towing hook 200 includes a transmission protrusion 210, and the second actuating member 320 includes a guide unit 321. When the stopper 400 is in the locked position, the second actuating member 320 is in an idle position, causing the transmission protrusion 210 and the guide unit 321 to slide relative to each other and rotate relative to each other. When the stopper 400 is in the unlocked position, the second actuating member 320 is in the transmission position, causing the transmission protrusion 210 and the guide unit 321 to slide relative to each other and counteract each other for synchronous rotation. The second actuating member can move axially relative to the towing hook 200, causing relative sliding between the guide unit 321 and the transmission protrusion 210. When the second actuating member 320 moves to the transmission position, the guide unit 321 can engage with the transmission protrusion 210 to transmit torque to the towing hook 200. When the second actuating member 320 is in the idle position, the guide unit 321 and the transmission protrusion 210 are axially disengaged and cannot transmit torque. Of course, the transmission protrusion can also be provided on the second actuating member, and the guide unit provided on the towing hook.

[0078] In the prior art, to separately unlock, lock, and rotate the towing hook, the motor's power is transmitted through two separate transmission mechanisms: one for unlocking and locking the towing hook, and the other for rotating the towing hook when unlocked. One of these transmission mechanisms requires a planetary gear. Compared to the prior art, in this application, the second actuator 320 can maintain rotation under the torque output by the drive unit. By adjusting its relative position to the towing hook 200 through axial displacement during rotation, the torque on the second actuator 320 can be intermittently transmitted to the towing hook 200, simplifying the structure of the trailer coupler.

[0079] The first actuator 310 is provided with a guide portion 311 , which can switch the position of the anti-rotation member 400 as the first actuator 310 rotates, so that the anti-rotation member 400 can switch between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0080] The first actuator 310 and the second actuator 320 cooperate to transmit torque to the second actuator 320, allowing them to rotate synchronously or at a constant transmission ratio. This facilitates the design of the second actuator 320 and the stopper 400 to maintain synchronized motion, ensuring that the timing of the stopper 400 switching between the locked and unlocked positions matches the timing of the second actuator 320 switching between the idle position and the transmission position. Furthermore, no additional transmission structure is required between the drive unit and the second actuator 320 to transmit torque to the second actuator 320.

[0081] 5 to 11 , based on the above embodiments, in one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, one end of the first actuator 310 is in transmission cooperation with the drive unit, and the other end of the first actuator 310 has an assembly cavity 312, and at least a portion of the second actuator 320 is assembled into the assembly cavity 312, so that the first actuator 310 can transmit torque to the second actuator 320. Such a design can shorten the axial dimension of the actuator unit 300.

[0082] In addition, one end of the first actuator may be directly connected to the second actuator to maintain power transmission between the two, for example, by welding, screw connection or other assembly methods. Such a design can avoid the radial dimensions of the first actuator and the second actuator being too large.

[0083] Referring to Figures 5 to 11 , based on the above-described embodiments, in one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the first actuator 310 and the second actuator 320 are relatively fixed, and the first actuator 310 generates axial displacement during rotation to drive the second actuator 320 to switch between a driving position and an idle position. A spline fit is formed between the first actuator 310 and the transmission component 720, so that the first actuator 310 can be driven by the transmission component 720 to rotate while also moving axially.

[0084] A sleeve 110 is provided between the towing hook 200 and the actuating unit 300. The sleeve 110 is connected to the mounting frame 100 and can remain relatively fixed with the mounting frame 100. The towing hook 200 is rotatably mounted on the sleeve 110. A first transmission member 120 is provided on the sleeve 110. A second transmission member 330 is provided on the first actuating member 310. When the first actuating member 310 rotates, the second transmission member 330 can rotate relative to the first transmission member 120. The first transmission member 120 and the second transmission member 330 cooperate to convert the rotational motion of the second transmission member 330 into axial displacement of the first actuating member 310.

[0085] Of course, the first transmission member may also be provided on the second actuating member, so that the second actuating member drags the first actuating member to move synchronously when the second actuating member moves axially.

[0086] In addition, the second actuator can also be extended and retracted relative to the first actuator, and the axial position of the first actuator remains unchanged. The second actuator is splined with the first actuator and can move axially relative to the first actuator while rotating. The second transmission member is arranged on the second actuator.

[0087] 5 to 11 , based on the above-mentioned embodiments, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first transmission member 120 is a slider, the second transmission member 330 is a spiral groove, the slider is inserted into the spiral groove, and when the first transmission member 120 rotates, the slider and the spiral groove rotate relative to each other, and the slider can slide relative to each other along the spiral groove, thereby continuously moving relative to each other in the axial direction during the relative rotation of the spiral groove, so that the second transmission member 330 can continuously rotate while moving axially under the drive of the first transmission member 120.

[0088] The spiral groove includes a first locking segment 331, a second locking segment 332, and a transmission segment 333 connected therebetween. The first locking segment 331, transmission segment 333, and second locking segment 332 are arranged axially along the first actuator 310, allowing the slider to sequentially pass through the first locking segment 331, transmission segment 333, and second locking segment 332, causing the towing hook 200 to sequentially undergo the three processes of locking, rotating, and locking. When the slider is in the first locking segment 331 or the second locking segment 332, the second actuator 320 is in an idle position and the stopper 400 is in a locked position. When the slider is in the transmission segment 333, the second actuator 320 is in a transmission position and the stopper 400 is in an unlocked position.

[0089] The helix angle of the transmission section 333 (as shown in FIG6 , which is a schematic diagram of the outer circumference of the first actuator after flattening, with the helix angle being the angle θ) is associated with the axial displacement speed of the second actuator 320. For transmission sections 333 of the same length and a constant rotational speed of the second actuator 320, the larger the helix angle, the faster the axial displacement speed of the second actuator 320. Thus, by designing the helix angle, the rotation angle of the second actuator 320 in the transmission position can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the rotation angle of the tow hook 200 without changing other structures, thereby improving the adaptability of the trailer coupler of the present application and the difficulty of adapting it to different vehicle models. For example, when the helix angle is θ1, the second actuator rotates 150° to disengage the transmission protrusion 210 from the guide unit 321. When the helix angle is θ2, θ2 < θ1, and the second actuator needs to rotate 180° to disengage the transmission protrusion 210 from the guide unit 321. In addition, the rotation angle of the tow hook can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the transmission section without changing the helix angle.

[0090] When adjusting the helix angle, it is also necessary to design the length of the transmission section 333 and the length of the guide unit 321 that can cooperate with the transmission protrusion 210, but the overall size of the first actuator 310, the overall size of the second actuator 320, the size of the towing hook 200, the size of the drive unit, etc. do not need to be adjusted.

[0091] In order to improve the stability of the transmission, two sliders are provided on the sleeve 110 and are opposite to each other. The second actuating member 320 is provided with two spiral grooves arranged at intervals to cooperate with one of the sliders respectively.

[0092] Of course, it is understandable that the above solution can be achieved by arranging the spiral groove on the inner wall of the sleeve and arranging the slider on the first actuating member, and the same technical effect can be achieved.

[0093] 5 to 9 , based on the above embodiments, in one embodiment of the present invention, the guide portion 311 includes a first locking portion 3111, a second locking portion 3112 and an unlocking portion 3113 connected therebetween, the first locking portion 3111 and the second locking portion 3112 being used to maintain the guide portion 311 in a locked position, and the unlocking portion 3113 being used to maintain the guide portion 311 in an unlocked position.

[0094] Because the first actuator 310 simultaneously undergoes axial displacement during rotation, the first locking portion 3111, the unlocking portion 3113, and the second locking portion 3112 are sequentially arranged along the axial direction of the first actuator 310. This allows the stopper 400 to sequentially pass through the first locking portion 3111, the unlocking portion 3113, and the second locking portion 3112 during rotation of the first actuator 310, causing the stopper 400 to switch from the locked position to the unlocked position and then from the unlocked position to the locked position. When the stopper 400 is in the locked position, during rotation of the first actuator 310, the first locking portion 3111 or the second locking portion 3112 can move axially relative to the stopper 400 until the unlocking portion 3113 moves to engage with the stopper 400, at which point the stopper 400 can switch from the locked position to the unlocked position. The position of the guide portion 311 relative to the stop member 400 can change with the rotation of the first actuator 310, thereby switching the position of the stop member 400. No additional transmission structure is required between the first actuator 310 and the stop member 400 to control the movement of the stop member 400.

[0095] If the first actuating member and the second actuating member are spline-fitted and the first actuating member is kept fixed in the axial direction, the first locking portion, the unlocking portion and the second locking portion are sequentially arranged along the circumference of the first actuating member.

[0096] 5 to 9 , based on the above-mentioned embodiments, in one embodiment of the present invention, a through hole 111 is provided on the sleeve 110 for the anti-rotation member 400 to extend and retract, and the guide portion 311 can guide the anti-rotation member 400 to extend and retract relative to the through hole 111. A positioning groove 220 is provided on the tow hook 200. When the anti-rotation member 400 is in the locked position, it is located in the through hole 111 and inserted into the positioning groove 220 and abuts against the side wall of the positioning groove 220. Since the through hole 111 has a positioning effect on the anti-rotation member 400, when the anti-rotation member 400 abuts against the side wall of the positioning groove 220, it can limit the rotation of the tow hook 200.

[0097] In the present application, the side of the first actuator 310 is recessed in the radial direction to form a guide portion 311, and the stop member 400 retracts into the sleeve 110 and switches to the unlocked position. The recessed guide portion 311 can form a recessed area between the inner wall of the sleeve 110, so that the stop member 400 retracts into the sleeve 110 to this area, and the stop member 400 no longer abuts against the side wall of the positioning groove 220 to release the lock on the tow hook.

[0098] The first locking portion 3111, the unlocking portion 3113, and the second locking portion 3112 are respectively three planes of the guide portion 311, wherein the unlocking portion 3113 is a plane arranged along the axial direction of the first actuator 310. The first locking portion 3111 and the second locking portion 3112 are respectively two inclined surfaces connecting the unlocking portion 3113 and the outer periphery of the first actuator 310. The first locking portion 3111 and the second locking portion 3112 can gradually guide the stop member 400 to separate from the positioning groove 220 during the rotation of the first actuator 310, and the unlocking portion 3113 can maintain the stop member 400 in the current position and prevent the stop member 400 from changing its position in the axial direction of the through hole 111. As shown in Figure 9, the stop member indicated by a in the figure is in the locked position, the stop member indicated by b moves along the first locking portion to the unlocked position, the stop member indicated by c moves along the unlocking portion and remains in the unlocked position, and the stop member indicated by d moves along the second locking portion to the locked position. When the stopper moves from position a to position b, the stopper is in the locked position; when the stopper moves from position b to position c, the stopper is in the unlocked position; when the stopper moves from position c to position d, the stopper is in the locked position.

[0099] The stoppers 400 are spherical, with at least three stoppers 400 evenly spaced around the first positioning member. The upper stopper 400 gradually retracts into the sleeve 110 under its own weight as the first actuating member 310 rotates. The lower stopper 400 pushes the stopper 400 back into the sleeve 110 when the second actuating member 320 switches to the transmission position, driving the towing hook 200 to rotate. Correspondingly, the towing hook 200 is evenly spaced with at least three positioning slots 220, with the angle between adjacent positioning slots 220 being the same as the angle between adjacent stoppers 400.

[0100] 5 to 11 , based on the above-mentioned embodiments, in one embodiment of the present invention, the guide unit 321 includes a first spiral guide section 3211, a transmission portion 3212, and a second spiral guide section 3213 arranged along the axial direction of the second actuator 320. The first spiral guide section 3211 and the second spiral guide section 3213 are spirally shaped around the axis of the second actuator 320 in the axial direction, and the transmission portion 3212 is a plane arranged along the axial direction of the second actuator 320.

[0101] During the axial movement of the second actuator 320, the guide unit 321 and the transmission protrusion 210 have an axial relative position change, so that the transmission protrusion 210 can pass through the first spiral guide section 3211, the transmission part 3212 and the second spiral guide section 3213 in sequence. When the transmission protrusion 210 passes through the transmission part 3212, the two abut in the circumferential direction to transmit torque. The tow hook 200 and the second actuator 320 can rotate synchronously until the axial displacement of the second actuator 320 causes the transmission protrusion 210 to separate axially from the transmission part 3212.

[0102] When the transmission protrusion 210 cooperates with the spiral first spiral guide section 3211 or the second spiral guide section 3213 , the transmission protrusion 210 can slide along the first spiral guide section 3211 or the second spiral guide section 3213 to avoid transmitting torque to the towing hook 200 .

[0103] 5 to 11 , based on the above-mentioned embodiments, in one embodiment of the present invention, the second actuator 320 is a bearing member, and guide units 321 are provided at both ends of the bearing member in the circumferential direction. The guide units 321 are surfaces on the bearing member, the first spiral guide section 3211 and the second spiral guide section 3213 are spiral surfaces, and the transmission portion 3212 is a straight surface. One of the guide units 321 can cooperate with the transmission protrusion 210 when the second actuator 320 rotates in a first direction, and the other guide unit 321 can cooperate with the transmission protrusion 210 when the second actuator 320 rotates in a second reverse direction opposite to the first direction.

[0104] The second actuator 320 includes two bearings arranged in pairs, and the two bearings are symmetrically arranged. A guide groove 322 adapted to the transmission protrusion 210 is formed between the guide units 321 of the two bearings. Two guide grooves 322 can be formed between the two bearings. The transmission protrusion 210 is a pin shaft and can extend into the two guide grooves 322 at the same time. The two guide units 321 in the same guide groove 322, one of which can cooperate with the transmission protrusion 210 when the second actuator 320 rotates in a first direction, and the other guide unit 321 can cooperate with the transmission protrusion 210 when the second actuator 320 rotates in a second reverse direction opposite to the first direction. The provision of two bearings can make the transmission smoother, and a guide groove 322 cooperating with the transmission protrusion 210 can be formed between the two guide units 321, which is used for pre-positioning the second actuator 320 and the towing hook 200 to each other during assembly.

[0105] The two bearings are mounted on the inner wall of the assembly cavity 312. Screw holes can be provided on the first actuator 310 to secure the bearings within the assembly cavity 312. Although the guide grooves 322 can be formed directly on the inner wall of the assembly cavity 312, such a design would be difficult to implement due to the extremely high machining requirements and precision. Therefore, forming the guide units 321 with the bearings is the preferred embodiment.

[0106] Referring to Figures 2, 5 to 8, and 12 based on the above embodiments, in one embodiment of the present invention, the tow hook 200 includes a body 230 and an end cover 240. The body 230 is rotatably mounted on the sleeve 110. The end cover 240 is located on the front side of the sleeve 110 and forms a cavity 500 with the sleeve 110 for avoiding the second actuator 320. The end cover 240 is provided with a connecting shaft 250 extending into the cavity 500. The transmission protrusion 210 is provided on the connecting shaft 250. The connecting shaft 250 extends into the assembly cavity 312 and is transmission-coordinated with the second actuator 320.

[0107] The end cover 240 can shield the sleeve 110 and the actuating unit 300 , and can also block dust and liquid. The cavity 500 formed between the end cover 240 and the sleeve 110 can avoid the second actuating member 320 , preventing the axial displacement of the second actuating member 320 from being blocked.

[0108] A locking surface 251 is provided at one end of the connecting shaft 250 connected to the end cover 240, which is used to limit the relative rotation of the connecting shaft 250 and the end cover 240. Under the action of the locking surface 251, the rotation of the connecting shaft 250 relative to the end cover 240 is restricted, thereby being able to drive the end cover 240 and the main body 230 to rotate together while bearing the transmitted torque.

[0109] A positioning portion 130 for axially positioning the towing hook 200 is provided on one end of the sleeve 110 away from the mounting bracket 100. The positioning portion 130 can axially position the towing hook 200 and limit the towing hook 200 on the sleeve 110 to prevent the towing hook 200 from separating from the sleeve 110 during rotation.

[0110] 3 and 5 , based on the above-described embodiments, in one embodiment of the present invention, a first seal 600 is provided between the positioning portion 130 and the body 230, a second seal 610 is provided between the body 230 and the mounting bracket 100, and an elastic member 620 is provided between at least one of the positions between the positioning portion 130 and the body 230 or between the body 230 and the mounting bracket 100 to apply pressure to the body 230. The elastic member 620 acts as a buffer when the towing hook 200 is subjected to axial forces. The first seal 600 and the second seal 610 respectively seal both ends of the towing hook 200 to prevent dust, liquid, etc. from entering between the towing hook 200 and the sleeve 110 or between the sleeve 110 and the actuating unit 300, thereby protecting the internal structure from contamination and interference from external factors.

[0111] A sealing groove 231 adapted for the first seal 600 is provided on the side of the body 230 facing the end cover 240. The first seal 600 is compressed between the end cover 240 and the body 230, and the second seal 610 is compressed between the body 230 and the mounting bracket 100. The sealing groove 231 has a positioning function for the first seal 600, which can prevent the first seal 600 from being separated from the body 230 in the radial direction. The end cover 240 and the body 230 cooperate with each other to maintain the pressure state of the first seal 600 and maintain a seal between the two. The axial position of the tow hook 200 can be kept fixed under the action of the positioning portion 130 to maintain the pressure state of the second seal 610 and provide a seal between the body 230 and the mounting bracket 100.

[0112] The second sealing member 610 includes a sealing ring 611 and a sealing lip 612 that gradually expands outward from the periphery of the sealing ring 611. The sealing ring 611 is mounted on the body 230, and the sealing lip 612 abuts the mounting bracket 100. The mounting of the sealing ring 611 on the body 230 enables the second sealing member 610 to be positioned radially. The sealing lip 612 protrudes from the periphery of the sealing ring 611 and abuts the mounting bracket 100, maintaining a seal between the body 230 and the mounting bracket 100 when the tow hook 200 undergoes axial displacement.

[0113] The positioning portion 130 is disposed within the cavity 500, maintaining a distance from the end cap 240. The elastic member 620 is installed between the positioning portion 130 and the body 230, ensuring that the installation of the elastic member 620 does not affect the assembly of the end cap 240 and the body 230. The elastic force of the elastic member 620 applied to the body 230 also increases the pressure on the second seal 610, thereby improving the sealing performance between the body 230 and the mounting bracket 100. Because the end cap 240 and the body 230 are assembled, the distance between them does not change, thereby affecting the sealing performance of the first seal 600. The elastic member 620 exerts an elastic force on the body 230 and toward the second seal 610, ensuring that the second seal 610 remains under pressure during the rotation of the tow hook, thereby maintaining the seal between the body 230 and the mounting bracket 100.

[0114] 3 and 5 , based on the above embodiments, in one embodiment of the present invention, the positioning portion 130 is threadedly engaged with the sleeve 110. The threaded engagement allows the positioning portion 130 to maintain a stable position in the axial direction of the sleeve 110 to maintain the axial positioning effect on the tow hook 200. The threaded engagement also allows the position of the positioning portion 130 on the sleeve 110 to be adjusted. The elastic member 620 has a deformation amount, so that when the positioning portion 130 is located at different positions on the sleeve 110, pressure on the tow hook 200 can be maintained to buffer the axial shaking of the tow hook 200.

[0115] Based on the above embodiments, in one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member is a silicone gasket, a rubber gasket, or a wavy elastic gasket. Silicone or rubber has the ability to deform and generate elastic force when subjected to pressure. When a wavy elastic gasket is subjected to axial force, its waves are flattened, and it can generate axial elastic force to restore its wavy state. When the elastic member is a wavy elastic gasket, it can be made of metal.

[0116] 5 to 8 and 13 , based on the above embodiments, in one embodiment of the present invention, the drive unit includes a housing 700 , a motor 710 , and a transmission component 720 that cooperates with the motor 710 to transmit the torque of the motor 710 to the actuating unit 300 . The tow hook 200 and the drive unit are respectively assembled on both sides of the mounting frame 100 . A mounting plate 730 for axially positioning the transmission component 720 is assembled on the housing 700 . A mounting column 800 is provided between the mounting plate 730 and the mounting frame 100 . One end of the mounting column 800 is a first assembly portion 810 assembled with the mounting frame 100 , and the other end of the mounting column 800 is a second assembly portion 820 assembled with the housing 700 . The mounting column 800 is supported between the two to form an assembly gap 510 .

[0117] Mounting plate 730 is used to axially position transmission component 720, ensuring that transmission component 720 maintains transmission coordination with motor 710 and tow hook 200, thereby preventing power transmission interruption between motor 710 and tow hook 200 due to positional changes of transmission component 720. Mounting plate 730 and mounting bracket 100 are assembled via mounting posts 800. Once connected to mounting plate 730 and mounting bracket 100, mounting posts 800 create a constant spacing between the two, forming assembly gap 510. Since the size of assembly gap 510 remains constant, assembly of transmission component 720 is facilitated, reducing the difficulty of assembling the drive unit and mounting bracket 100. Furthermore, the mounting post 800 is an independent structure and is not directly formed on the mounting frame 100 or the mounting plate 730, so as to avoid increasing the difficulty of producing the mounting frame 100 or the mounting plate 730. In addition, the size of the mounting post 800 can be selected according to factors such as the size of the transmission component 720, so that the size of the assembly gap 510 meets the installation requirements of the transmission component 720, thereby eliminating the need to replace the mounting plate 730 or the mounting frame 100.

[0118] Referring to Figure 6 , based on the above-described embodiment, in one embodiment of the present invention, mounting bracket 100 includes a first assembly hole 820, into which a first assembly portion 810 is assembled. A first step portion 830 is formed between first assembly portion 810 and a side portion of mounting post 800, which abuts against mounting bracket 100. Providing first assembly hole 820 on mounting bracket 100 is easier than providing a protruding structure that mates with first assembly portion 810, thereby facilitating the production and processing of mounting bracket 100. First assembly portion 810 can be assembled into first assembly hole 820, causing first step portion 830 to abut against mounting bracket 100 around first assembly hole 820, thereby improving the stability of mounting post 800 and mounting plate 730 in the axial direction of mounting post 800.

[0119] Second mounting portion 820 abuts mounting plate 730 and defines a second mounting hole 840. Fastener 850 passes through mounting plate 730 and locks into second mounting hole 840, securing mounting plate 730 to mounting post 800. The ends of mounting post 800 abut mounting plate 730 and mounting bracket 100, respectively, thereby limiting axial displacement of mounting post 800 and ensuring a stable mounting gap. During assembly, fastener 850 passes through mounting plate 730 and locks into second mounting hole 840, preventing second mounting portion 820 from protruding from mounting plate 730.

[0120] Optionally, the shell, mounting plate and mounting column can also be fixed by fasteners, that is, the fasteners pass through the corresponding parts on the shell and the mounting plate in sequence and are locked into the second assembly hole. In this way, there is no need to assemble the mounting plate and the shell.

[0121] In addition, a second assembly hole can also be provided on the mounting plate, and a fastener can be locked to the second assembly portion that passes through the second assembly hole to fix the mounting plate to the mounting column. A second step portion that abuts the mounting plate is formed between the second assembly portion and the side portion of the mounting column. With this design, the second assembly portion can be pre-positioned during the assembly process by cooperating with the second assembly hole.

[0122] 6 , based on the above embodiment, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first assembly portion 810 has a first thread 860, and the second assembly portion 820 has a second thread 870. The first thread 860 and the second thread 870 are arranged in the same direction. The first assembly portion 810 is assembled with the mounting bracket 100 by means of the first thread 860, and the second assembly portion 820 is assembled with the mounting plate 730 by means of the second thread 870. This threaded engagement provides a good axial positioning effect for the mounting post 800, which helps maintain the stability of the assembly gap 510. The first thread 860 and the second thread 870 have the same thread direction. Therefore, when one of the first assembly portion 810 and the second assembly portion 820 is assembled, the other assembly portion will not cause the previous assembly to loosen during assembly.

[0123] Specifically, the first assembly part 810 is a threaded column, and the mounting frame 100 is provided with a first threaded hole 860 that cooperates with the threaded column. The second assembly part 820 is a second threaded hole 870. The fastener 850 passes through the shell 700 and is threadedly cooperated with the second threaded hole 870 to fix the mounting plate 730 to the mounting column 800.

[0124] Of course, the axes of the first thread and the second thread can also be set to a non-overlapping state. For example: the second assembly portion has a convex edge, and a plurality of second assembly holes with second threads are provided on the convex edge. The plurality of second assembly holes are arranged around the axis of the mounting column. With this design, even if the directions of the second thread and the first thread are opposite, the cooperation between the two will not affect each other.

[0125] 5 to 8 and 13, based on the above embodiment, in one embodiment of the present invention, the motor 710 includes an output shaft 711, the transmission component 720 includes a transmission shaft 721 and a transmission plate 722 connected to the output shaft 711 and the transmission shaft 721, the motor 710 is mounted between the housing 700 and the mounting plate 730, the housing 700 is mounted on the mounting frame 100, the output shaft 711 passes through the mounting plate 730 to output torque to the transmission plate 722, the transmission plate 722 transmits torque to the output shaft 711, the transmission component 720 further includes a bearing 740 and a bearing mounting seat 750, the bearing The mounting seat 750 is installed on the mounting frame 100, and the outer ring 741 of the bearing 740 abuts between the bearing mounting seat 750 and the mounting plate 730. The transmission disc 722 is connected to the inner ring 742 of the bearing 740. The bearing 740 can ensure the smooth rotation of the transmission disc 722, so that the transmission between the output shaft 711 and the transmission disc 722, and between the transmission disc 722 and the transmission shaft 721 is smooth. The outer ring 741 of the bearing 740 abuts between the bearing mounting seat 750 and the mounting plate 730, so that the bearing 740 is fixed in both axial and radial directions, so that the transmission component 720 can be radially limited.

[0126] Mounting plate 730 is provided with an opening 731. The outer ring 741 of bearing 740 abuts against the mounting plate 730 at the periphery of opening 731. Output shaft 711 extends through opening 731 to engage with transmission plate 722. The opening allows motor 710, located on the other side of mounting plate 730, to transmit torque to transmission plate 722 via output shaft 711. The inner ring 742 of bearing 740 is positioned within opening 731, preventing contact with mounting plate 730 and affecting its rotation relative to outer ring 741.

[0127] Referring to Figures 5 to 8 and 13 to 15 , based on the above-described embodiments, in one embodiment of the present invention, one of the output shaft 711 and the transmission disc 722, and the other of the transmission disc 722 and the transmission shaft 721, has an axial clearance fit, while the other has a circumferential clearance fit. During use, the towing hook 200 is subjected to significant forces, which may cause the towing hook 200 to rotate and axially displace. These forces can be transmitted to the motor 710 via the actuating unit 300 and the transmission component 720. Due to the presence of both axial and circumferential clearances in the transmission path between the output shaft 711, the transmission disc 722, and the transmission shaft 721 of the motor 710, the axial clearances can interrupt or reduce the axial force transmitted to the motor 710, and the circumferential clearances can interrupt or reduce the circumferential force transmitted to the motor 710. This can eliminate the effects of the towing hook 200 on the motor 710 when subjected to force.

[0128] The transmission disc 722 is rotatably mounted on the mounting plate 730 to transmit the torque of the motor 710 to the transmission shaft 721, thereby significantly reducing the axial impulse transmitted to the output shaft 711. The transmission disc 722 and the transmission shaft 721 have a circumferential clearance fit, and the output shaft 711 and the transmission disc 722 have an axial clearance fit. Providing a circumferential clearance fit between the transmission disc 722 and the transmission shaft 721 can reduce the circumferential force acting on the transmission disc 722 and the mounting plate 730. The axial force will gradually decrease after being transmitted step by step, and will eventually be transmitted between the transmission disc 722 and the output shaft 711. Providing an axial clearance between the two can minimize the impact of the axial impulse on the motor 710.

[0129] In addition, because the transmission shaft 721 and the first actuator 310 are splined together, when the tow hook 200 is subjected to an axial force, the transmission shaft 721 and the first actuator 310 can reduce or eliminate the axial force transmitted toward the motor 710 through relative movement.

[0130] 13 and 15 , based on the above embodiments, in one embodiment of the present invention, the transmission disk 722 includes a disk body 7221, a first transmission push block 7222 is provided on the side of the disk body 7221 facing the transmission shaft 721, a second transmission push block 7223 is provided on the side of the disk body 7221 facing the output shaft 711, the transmission shaft 721 is provided with a first transmission protrusion 7211 that cooperates with the first transmission push block 7222 for transmission, and the output shaft 711 is provided with a second transmission protrusion 7111 that cooperates with the second transmission push block 7223 for transmission.

[0131] The first transmission protrusion 7211 can be circumferentially offset against the first transmission push block 7222 to transmit torque, and the second transmission protrusion 7111 can be circumferentially offset against the second transmission push block 7223 to transmit torque. Torque can be transmitted between the output shaft 711 and the transmission plate 722, as well as between the transmission shaft 721 and the transmission plate 722, without the need for a fixed connection, to facilitate the assembly of the transmission component 720 and the motor 710, thereby also allowing relative position changes between the output shaft 711 and the transmission plate 722, as well as between the transmission shaft 721 and the transmission plate 722 to eliminate the external force transmitted from the towing hook 200 to the motor 710.

[0132] The first transmission protrusions 7211 are arranged in pairs, forming a first transmission groove 760 between the two first transmission protrusions 7211, which accommodates the first transmission push block 7222. The first transmission push block 7222 has a clearance fit with at least one sidewall of the first transmission groove 760. When the first transmission protrusions 7211 are assembled into the first transmission groove 760, they abut against one inner wall of the first transmission groove 760, enabling transmission of rotational torque. A clearance is maintained between the first transmission protrusion 7211 and the other inner wall of the first transmission groove 760. When the motor 710 drives the tow hook 200 to switch between the stowed position and the deployed position, the motor 710 immediately outputs a reverse torque, causing the first transmission push block 7222 to rotate a certain angle while maintaining a clearance with both inner walls of the first transmission groove 760. This allows the first transmission push block 7222 to rotate in both directions relative to the two first transmission protrusions 7211, thereby preventing circumferential forces in both directions from being transmitted to the motor 710. As shown in Figure 14, the first transmission push block pushes the first transmission protrusion to rotate the transmission shaft. When the motor rotates to the right position, it flips a certain angle to rotate the first transmission protrusion to position e. At this time, both sides of e maintain a distance from the first transmission push block.

[0133] The first transmission push block 7222 is an elongated structure that can simultaneously partially contact the two inner walls of the first transmission groove 760 when transmitting torque. The radial ends of the first transmission groove 760 taper toward the axis of the disk body 7221 to form two symmetrical fan-shaped areas 761, and the first transmission protrusions 7211 extend into the two fan-shaped areas 761. As shown in Figure 14, the two first transmission push blocks in Figure 14 have surfaces connected at both ends and at an angle, so that two interconnected fan-shaped areas are formed between the two first transmission push blocks. The two ends of the first transmission protrusion are respectively located within a fan-shaped area. During transmission, one side of the first transmission protrusion can abut against one of the first transmission push blocks, and the other side of the first transmission protrusion can abut against the other first transmission push block.

[0134] In addition, the first transmission protrusions may be arranged in pairs to form first transmission grooves adapted to the first transmission push blocks.

[0135] A spacing is maintained between the second transmission lug 7111 and the disc body 7221, allowing for an axial clearance fit between the second transmission lug 7111 and the transmission disc 722. The spacing between the second transmission lug 7111 and the disc body 7221 allows for relative axial movement, thereby buffering axial forces. When the spacing between the second transmission lug 7111 and the disc body 7221 changes, the second transmission lug 7111 maintains circumferential contact with the second transmission push block 7223, maintaining torque transmission.

[0136] The second transmission push blocks 7223 are arranged in pairs, forming a second transmission groove 770 between the two second transmission push blocks 7223 that is adapted to the second transmission protrusion 7111. The second transmission protrusion 7111 is inserted into the second transmission groove 770. When the disk body 7221 rotates in a first direction, the second transmission protrusion 7111 can abut against one side wall of the second transmission groove 770 to transmit torque. When the disk body 7221 rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the second transmission protrusion 7111 can abut against the other side wall of the second transmission groove 770 to transmit torque. Of course, the second transmission protrusions can also be arranged in pairs to form a second transmission groove adapted to the second transmission push blocks.

[0137] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention includes, but is not limited to, the contents described in the drawings and the above specific embodiments. Any modifications that do not deviate from the functional and structural principles of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A trailer coupling, characterized in that: The invention comprises a mounting frame, a towing hook, a driving component, a first actuating member and a second actuating member, wherein a sleeve is provided on the mounting frame, the towing hook is sleeved on the outer side of the sleeve, the first actuating member is arranged in the sleeve and is driven to rotate by the driving component, a stopper is provided between the first actuating member and the towing hook, the rotational movement of the first actuating member causes the stopper to generate radial movement on the sleeve for locking or unlocking the towing hook, one of the second actuating member and the towing hook is provided with a transmission protrusion, and the other is provided with a spiral guide section and a transmission part, the unlocking process of the towing hook is accompanied by axial displacement and rotation of the second actuating member, and causes the transmission protrusion to move along the spiral guide part toward the transmission part, and the transmission part acts on the transmission protrusion after the towing hook is completely unlocked to drive the towing hook to rotate.

2. The trailer coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that The drive unit transmits torque to the second actuating member through the first actuating member.

3. The trailer coupling according to claim 2, characterized in that One end of the first actuator is in transmission cooperation with the driving unit, and the other end of the first actuator has an assembly cavity, and the second actuator is assembled into the assembly cavity; or, one end of the first actuator is in transmission cooperation with the driving unit, and the other end of the first actuator is connected to the second actuator.

4. The trailer coupling according to claim 3, characterized in that The sleeve is provided with a first transmission member, the actuating unit is provided with a second transmission member, and the first transmission member cooperates with the second transmission member to convert the rotational motion of the second transmission member into the axial displacement of the second actuating member.

5. The trailer coupling according to claim 4, characterized in that One of the first transmission member and the second transmission member is a slider, and the other is a spiral groove matched with the slider. When the actuating unit rotates, the slider moves along the spiral groove.

6. The trailer coupling according to claim 5, characterized in that The spiral groove includes a first locking segment, a second locking segment and a transmission segment connected therebetween. During the unlocking process of the towing hook, the slider moves along the first locking segment or the second locking segment toward the transmission segment. After the towing hook is unlocked, the slider moves along the transmission segment.

7. The trailer coupling according to claim 6, characterized in that The helix angle of the transmission segment is different from the helix angle of the first locking segment, and the helix angle of the transmission segment is different from the helix angle of the second locking segment.

8. The trailer coupling according to claim 4, characterized in that The second actuating member is fixedly connected to the first actuating member, and the first transmission member is arranged on the first actuating member or on the second actuating member.

9. The trailer coupling according to claim 4, characterized in that The second actuating member is spline-matched with the first actuating member, the first transmission member is arranged on the second actuating member, and the second actuating member is axially displaced relative to the first actuating member during the synchronous rotation with the first actuating member.

10. The trailer coupler according to claim 1, characterized in that The first actuator includes a guide portion, and during the rotation of the guide portion, the anti-rotation member is driven to axially displace to switch between a locking position that restricts the rotation of the towing hook and an unlocking position that allows the towing hook to rotate. The guide portion includes a first locking portion, a second locking portion and an unlocking portion connected therebetween, the first locking portion and the second locking portion are used to keep the anti-rotation member in the locking position, and the unlocking portion is used to keep the anti-rotation member in the unlocking position.

11. The trailer coupling according to claim 10, characterized in that The sleeve is provided with a through hole for the extension and retraction of the anti-rotation member, and the towing hook is provided with a positioning groove. When the anti-rotation member is in the locked position, it is located in the through hole and inserted into the positioning groove and abuts against the side wall of the positioning groove to limit the rotation of the towing hook.

12. The trailer coupling according to claim 11, characterized in that The side portion of the first actuating member is recessed in the radial direction to form the guide portion, and the anti-rotation member is retracted into the sleeve and switched to an unlocking position to disengage the plug-in fit with the positioning groove.

13. The trailer coupler according to claim 10, characterized in that The first actuator generates axial displacement during rotation, and the first locking portion, the unlocking portion and the second locking portion are arranged along the axial direction of the first actuator. The first actuator is axially displaced so that the first locking portion, the unlocking portion and the second locking portion pass through the anti-rotation member in sequence.

14. The trailer coupler of claim 1, wherein: The spiral guide segment includes a first spiral guide segment and a second spiral guide segment. The first spiral guide segment, the transmission portion and the second spiral guide segment are sequentially arranged along the axial direction of the second actuator.

15. The trailer coupling according to claim 14, characterized in that The first spiral guide section and the second spiral guide section are axially spiral around the axis of the second actuating member so as to be able to idle relative to the transmission protrusion during the rotation of the second actuating member.

16. The trailer coupler of claim 14, wherein: One of the second actuating member and the towing hook comprises a bearing bushing, and two ends of the bearing bushing in the circumferential direction form the spiral guide section and the transmission portion.

17. The trailer coupling according to claim 16, characterized in that The bearing bushings are arranged in pairs, and a guide groove adapted to the transmission protrusion is formed between two opposite ones of the bearing bushings.

18. The trailer coupler of claim 1, wherein: The towing hook includes a body and an end cover, the body is rotatably mounted on the sleeve, the sleeve is provided with a positioning portion for axially positioning the towing hook, the end cover is located at the front side of the sleeve and forms a cavity with the sleeve to avoid the second actuator, the end cover is provided with a connecting shaft extending into the cavity, and the connecting shaft is in transmission cooperation with the second actuator.

19. The trailer coupling according to claim 18, characterized in that A first seal is provided between the positioning portion and the body, a second seal is provided between the body and the mounting bracket, and an elastic member for applying pressure to the body is provided between at least one of the positioning portion and the body and between the body and the mounting bracket.

20. The trailer coupler of claim 1, wherein: The drive unit includes a motor and a transmission component, the motor includes an output shaft, the transmission component includes a transmission shaft and a transmission plate, the transmission plate includes a plate body, the plate body is provided with a first transmission push block and a second transmission push block, one of the transmission shaft and the output shaft is provided with a first transmission protrusion, and the other is provided with a second transmission protrusion, the first transmission protrusion and one of the first transmission push blocks are arranged in pairs to form a first transmission groove, and the other is arranged in the first transmission groove and is gap-matched with the inner wall of the first transmission groove when the towing hook is locked, so as to interrupt the circumferential force transmitted to the motor by relative rotation when the towing hook is under load, and the second transmission protrusion is circumferentially abutted with the second transmission push block and is gap-matched with the axial direction of the disk body.

21. The trailer coupler of claim 1, wherein: The drive unit includes a housing, a motor and a transmission component that cooperates with the motor to transmit the motor torque to the actuating unit. The housing is equipped with a mounting plate for axially positioning the transmission component. The motor and the transmission component are respectively located on both sides of the mounting plate. A mounting column is provided between the mounting plate and the mounting frame. One end of the mounting column is a first assembly portion assembled with the mounting frame, and the other end of the mounting column is a second assembly portion assembled with the mounting plate. The mounting column is supported between the two to form an assembly gap.

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