EP2760089B1 - Electrical connection system for the electrical connection of a trailer to a towing vehicle - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a connector system for the electrical connection of a trailer to a towing vehicle, according to the preamble of claim 1.

A connector system of this kind is for example DE 201 04 862 U1 out.

Known connector systems for vehicles consisting of towing vehicle and trailer, for example, according to the standard ISO 11446 configured, i. that the one connector housing as a trailer socket, the other connector housing is designed as a trailer plug and the housing of the trailer socket sockets are provided which serve to receive pin contacts of the trailer connector. The operation is cumbersome, because the plug contacts had to be plugged into the sockets, at the same time usually also the plug while plugging into the socket still has to be rotated, which is extremely uncomfortable.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a convenient manageable connector system.

To solve the problem, a connector system according to the technical teaching of claim 1 is provided.

It is a basic idea of the present invention that the magnet assembly attaches the one connector to the facilitates other connectors and / or ensures a reliable hold of the two connectors together.

The plug-in movement may also include a rotational movement and / or a lateral sliding movement transversely to the plug-in axis, that is, a Renk movement. The plug connection arrangement, with which the two plug connectors can be brought into a plug connection with one another, can thus also include, for example, a Renk connection arrangement.

The towing vehicle connector, for example, mounted on towing vehicle, there preferably permanently connected to the electrical system of the towing vehicle, while the trailer connector forms part of a trailer that can be pulled by the towing vehicle. Also, the trailer connector is conveniently permanently connected to the electrical system of the trailer.

The connectors according to the invention deviate from the e.g. In Europe or Germany relevant standard DIN 1724 or ISO 11446 from. They are very easy to handle. It is also possible, the connector according to the invention allow an adaptation of a so-called conventional trailer with a plug according to the standards mentioned above with an innovative connector system according to the invention. The trailer connector is then, for example, a plug adapter that can be connected to an innovative, new connector. It is also possible that the towing vehicle a conventional, standard-compliant connector, namely a trailer socket according to the standards DIN 1724 or ISO 11446 is arranged and the towing vehicle connector according to the invention is an adapter with which then equipped with a trailer connector according to the invention Trailer is connectable. Of course, both, namely towing vehicle and trailer, be equipped with a trailer socket and a trailer plug according to DIN 1724 or ISO 11446, are installed on the connector according to the invention to apply the innovative concept even with existing combinations of towing vehicle and trailer can.

The towing vehicle is for example a passenger car, for example with an internal combustion engine, electric motor or both.

The towing vehicle connector of the connector system, for example, is part of a hitch, which includes a coupling arm. On the coupling arm, a coupling piece, in particular a coupling ball, is expediently arranged, to which a towing ball coupling of the trailer can be coupled. The trailer may for example be a trailer that is pulled by the towing vehicle, that has wheels. The trailer can also be a rear load carrier, which can be arranged on a towing hitch of the towing vehicle. Thus, the term thus includes "Trailer" also a rear load carrier, for example, for the carriage of bicycles, a transport box or the like.

The towing vehicle interface comprises, for example, a bus interface, for example a CAN interface, a LIN interface, a Flexray interface or the like, to feed data into the electrical system of the towing vehicle or to obtain data from the towing vehicle. For the electrical power supply, for example, electrical power supply lines and / or electrical contacts to the towing vehicle interface are available.

The trailer connector, for example, form part of a tow ball or any other can be coupled to a towing vehicle trailer coupling.

The towing vehicle connector can also be integrated in a bumper or in a cover of a bumper of the motor vehicle. The bumper may be part of the housing of the towing vehicle connector. For example, a recess is provided on the bumper into which a plug projection of the trailer connector can be inserted. Behind the recess are then preferably the electrical components. The vehicle connector may also be hidden behind the bumper of the towing vehicle, so that it is not recognizable at least from the back above. Due to the Kontaktierungstechnik invention, however, a simple operation is still possible.

On the bumper and / or on the connector housing of the towing vehicle connector fastening means, such as a receiving holder and / or mutually cooperating locking means and / or connector means or the like may be provided to the towing vehicle connector in particular releasably attach to the bumper. For example, the bumper has a receiving socket or the like, in which the connector housing of the towing vehicle connector can be inserted.

The trailer connector has, for example, the plug-in projection, which has been customary so far, while the towing vehicle connector is designed as a socket. This of course also applies vice versa that, for example, the towing vehicle connector is designed as a plug-in projection or has a plug-in projection which can be inserted into a plug-in receptacle of the trailer connector. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a connector has both, namely a plug-in receptacle and a plug-in projection, which can be inserted into a corresponding arrangement of plug-in projection and plug-in receptacle on the other plug connector.

The at least one magnetic element comprises, for example, a magnet and the at least one magnetic counter-element comprises a ferromagnetic body or a second magnet interacting with the magnet of the magnetic element. Thus, therefore, the magnet assembly may include, for example, a first and a second magnet as a magnetic element and magnetic counter-element. It is also possible that the magnetic counter-element, for example, only a ferromagnetic body, that is an influenceable by a magnet body, for example of a ferrous metal comprises.

A magnet of the magnetic element and / or the magnetic counter element is expediently a permanent magnet or permanent magnet. The at least one magnet comprises, for example, a metallic alloy of iron, nickel and aluminum with additives of cobalt and / or manganese and / or copper. The magnet may also comprise ceramic materials, eg barium or strontium hexaferrite. Of the At least one magnet may be made in a rare earth sintering process, such as samarium cobalt or neodymium iron boron, and / or ferritic.

It is preferred if the magnetic element and the magnetic counter element cooperate in the sense of tightening. This works, for example, if the two magnets have polarities oriented in the sense of attraction or are arranged with such polarities on the connector housings of the two connectors. Also, a magnet in cooperation with a ferromagnetic body acts in the sense of tightening. But it is also possible that the magnetic element and the magnetic counter-element are magnets which are mounted in the sense of a repulsion to the connector housings of the two connectors, i. that the polarity of the two magnets is oriented so that they repel each other. Thereby, e.g. a plug-in motion during assembly of the two connectors are supported each other. For example, the one connector acts on the other connector in the sense of a rotational movement when the magnetic element and magnetic counter-element repel or, as already mentioned, tighten. In both cases, a torque is readily executable. The torque is used, for example, to support the connector, for example in the sense of a screwing movement.

It is of course possible that a plurality of magnetic elements are assigned to a single magnetic counter-element or vice versa, that a connector has a plurality of magnetic counter-elements, which cooperate with a single magnetic element on the other connector.

The connectors expediently have guide means for rotational angle-oriented or rotationally correct positioning to each other. Guide means for guiding the insertion movement along the thru-axle are also advantageous. For example, the guide means comprise mechanical guide means, for example guide contours or the like. The guide means may also include insertion bevels. Furthermore, it is possible that the magnet arrangement forms a part of the guide means or represents the guide means as a whole. For example, the cooperating magnets or the cooperating combination of magnet and ferromagnetic body serve to self-find, latch or align the two connectors together. It is also a coded arrangement of the cooperating magnetic elements and magnetic counter elements possible. For example, magnetic element and magnetic counter element can be arranged in a certain rotation angle sector to allow a rotationally correct, preferably self-finding connection of the two connectors.

The transfer bodies may include at least one pair of electrically conductive touch pads that come into electrical contact when the connectors are plugged together. Conveniently, arrangements of several Berührkontaktflächen are provided in a respective connector, so that different electrical potentials are transferable. One Berührkontaktfläche is at one connector and another Berührkontaktfläche at the other connector. By the aforementioned guide means, in particular also the magnet arrangement, it is possible to correctly orient the contact contact areas with the corresponding polarity or assignment of, for example, data lines.

The touch pads may include or form fixed surfaces. Preferably, at least one Berührkontaktfläche is spring-loaded, ie there are many contacts. It can also be provided that a Berührkontaktflächen exhibiting transmission body is mounted as a whole slidably on the connector housing and is spring-loaded in the direction of a contact position in which it makes contact with the counter-contact or the mating contact Berührkontaktfläche.

The respective Berührkontaktfläche is arranged for example at the bottom of the plug-in receptacle or the end wall of the plug-in projection. However, it is also possible, for example, for one or more contact contact surfaces arranged on the outer circumference of the plug-in projection to interact with one or more touch contact surfaces arranged on the inner circumference of the plug-in receptacle. At this point it should be noted that the Berührkontaktflächen not necessarily be arranged on plug projection and plug-in receptacle, but can also be arranged next to it, for example, on a wall from which protrudes the plug-in projection.

It is preferred if at least one of the Berührkontaktflächen with a surface of a connector housing, on which the Berührkontaktfläche is arranged flush with the surface.

Furthermore, it is expedient if a respective Berührkontaktfläche is dustproof and / or waterproof with the surrounding surface of the connector housing.

In addition to the connection based on direct contact between the two connectors via at least one pair of contact pads or, alternatively, a contactless or wireless transmission of data and / or energy is of course possible. For example, the connector system has a transmission system for non-contact Transmission of energy and / or data between the trailer connector and the towing vehicle connector.

Although this non-contact concept for data transmission and / or energy transmission between towing vehicle and trailer is advantageously feasible with the magnetic arrangement provided according to the invention, but also without. Thus, for example, the connectors could also be connected together in some other way, e.g. a connector, or even have a distance from each other, so that one would not necessarily call these connectors between towing vehicle and trailer as a connector, but as connecting devices. On the part of the trailer connector or the trailer connecting device, it is advantageous if an energy storage device, for example a battery or a rechargeable battery, and / or a module for generating energy, for example a solar module or a movement of the trailer into electrical energy converting module is provided.

In each case, a transmission component of the transmission system is then in a connector or a connecting device, while the other, cooperating transmission component is arranged in the other connector or the other connection means.

A contactless or contactless transmission of data and / or energy is particularly favorable when the two connector housings are arranged close to each other as provided by the invention. It is also possible that the connector housings have a shield for the wireless or contactless transmission between the two connectors.

For example, it is possible to inductively transfer energy from the towing vehicle via the towing vehicle connector to the trailer via its trailer connector. Conveniently, a pair of transmission bodies is configured as a coil arrangement.

An optical interface is also possible in which, for example, from the towing vehicle connector data is sent on the basis of - light signals to the trailer connector or vice versa. The respective transmitting connector has, for example, an optical transmitter, while the other connector has an optical receiver. Also, cooperating components of optocouplers may be disposed in the connector housings of the two connectors.

Furthermore, a wireless transmission, for example by radio, for example Bluetooth or the like, readily possible.

A capacitive data transmission or energy transfer is readily possible.

The transmission body (s), which in themselves function electrically, can form part of such a transmission system. Conveniently, at least one pair of transmission bodies forms components of the non-contact or wireless transmission system. For example, an optical transmitter may be electrically powered, as may an optical receiver.

For example, in the inductive system, one transmission body is a transmitting coil, while the other transmission body comprises or forms a receiving coil. The system can be unidirectional, ie energy and / or data can only be transmitted from the towing vehicle to the trailer via the coil system. However, bidirectionality is also possible, for example by transferring data from the towing vehicle connector to the trailer connector and / or from the trailer connector to the towing vehicle connector via the coils in the manner of antennas.

Especially the non-contact principle for the transmission of data and / or energy makes it possible in a particularly favorable manner that at least one transfer surface of one of the transfer bodies is protected from environmental influences by an insulation. Such an isolated transfer surface may be provided on an outer surface of a connector, which in the assembled state of the connectors is close to the other connector, e.g. at the plug-in receptacle or the plug-in projection. The isolated transfer surface is preferably located on a free and the respective other element of plug receptacle or plug projection associated surface of the male projection or the plug receptacle, or other surface of a respective connector, which is associated with an opposite surface of the other connector.

It is readily possible that a combination of non-contact data transmission, for example by radio, inductive, optical or the like, and / or energy transmission is realized with a contact-based data transmission and / or power transmission in a plug connection system according to the invention. For example, signals for driving brake lights of the trailer can be transmitted by wire, for example to meet certain safety requirements, while other signals, for example for driving a reversing light, which can be arranged on the trailer, are transmitted wirelessly. An expedient embodiment of the invention provides that at the plug-in receptacle having a socket-forming connector, preferably the towing vehicle connector, but also in another embodiment of the trailer connector, no cover for covering the plug receptacle is present. The plug-in receptacle is thus always free to plug in the plug-in projection. This makes the operation very easy. In particular, in the embodiment in which no Berührkontaktflächen are present or only a few or Berührkontaktflächen are protected with an insulation against environmental influences, no cover is required.

A further expedient embodiment of the invention provides that at least one of the connector housing has a drain opening for drainage of water from an interior of the connector housing, for example on the plug-in receptacle or another area of the connector housing, in which, for example, the controller discussed below, a decoder or the like, other electrical components are arranged. This drain opening can be provided, for example, in the area of the locking contours discussed later or the locking device, but also elsewhere. Of course, run through the drain opening other than water, for example, get dirt into the environment from the connector housing out.

The transfer surfaces and / or the contact pads of the transfer bodies may serve only for the purpose of transmitting data and / or energy. Thus, it is possible that the transfer bodies have no function with respect to the magnet arrangement. For example, the Berührkontaktflächen front contacts without any magnet or ferromagnetic effect. Thus, so with this configuration of the transmission bodies separate combinations of magnetic element and magnetic counter element necessary or be present.

These may of course also be present in the embodiment discussed below, in which at least one transfer body forms part of the magnet arrangement, for example by having a magnet or being ferromagnetic. Thus, for example, a Berührkontaktfläche such a transfer body be magnetic. For example, magnetic end contact surfaces are possible.

Due to the magnetic holding function or safety function based on the magnet arrangement additional mechanical measures to hold the two connectors securely together, not essential. The mechanical measures can also be designed very simple. For example, it is provided that the plug-in receptacle is very deep or the plug projection correspondingly long, so that the plug projection dives deep into the plug receptacle to find a secure hold there. For example, the plug-in receptacle has a depth corresponding to at least 50%, preferably even 60% or 70%, of the length of the connector housing or of the plug-in projection of the other connector. The plug-in projection or the connector housing as a whole thus form, for example, a guide shaft which dips into the plug-in receptacle. Thus, for example, at least a part of the connector housing with the plug projection can dip into the socket.

A suitably existing grommet or a shaft serve as Abknickschutz for line connections, for example, to the electrical system of the trailer or towing vehicle.

It is a to the magnet assembly in addition, the two connectors holding together locking device, so to speak, a secondary lock provided. The locking device serves, for example, as tear-off protection.

For example, one or more restraining cams or the like may be provided on a connector housing, for example, the male projection, which cooperate with corresponding retention counter contours on the other connector housing. The retaining cams and / or retaining mating contours can also be coded, in order to ensure, for example, a rotation-angle-oriented connection, expediently also to guide. However, it is also sufficient that the retaining cams and the retaining counter contours can only be brought into engagement if they have the correct rotational angle orientation.

The locking device includes an overload coupling for releasing the connection between the connectors upon a force load along the through axle or transverse to the through axle beyond a predetermined force value. Thus, if too much force is applied to the connection of the two connectors, the connection will be released so that the connectors will not be damaged. However, the locking device may also include, for example, a kind of locking device or be formed by a latching device that releases the latching connection between the two connectors in case of overload.

The overload clutch may for example form part of the connector housing, in which the transmission body and the respective interface to the towing vehicle or trailer are arranged, preferably additional electrical components, such as decoder, encoder or the like. The overload clutch may be realized, for example, by the fact that the aforementioned components are fixed in the respective connector housing by connections or fixings, however, the compounds can break or tear if a too large load acts on the connector. Thus, so to speak, predetermined breaking points are installed, so that at most the connector housing is damaged, but the other components remain undamaged. For example, the locking components are arranged on the connector housings in which, in turn, the aforementioned electrical components, such as cables, electronic components or the like, are arranged protected.

An expedient embodiment of the invention provides that a connector according to the invention, i. the trailer connector and / or the towing vehicle connector, an insert comprising the electrical components, such as contacts and the like, which is received in the respective connector housing. If the connector housing is damaged, the electrical insert in an undamaged connector housing is reusable. The connector housing is thus expediently exchangeable as a whole and / or in parts. For example, For example, a housing part having the locking components can be exchangeable, while other components of the housing which comprise, for example, the plug-in receptacle or the plug-in projection need not be exchanged.

The locking device, for example, by loosening a bolt, for example, but a manual actuation of the aforementioned Rückhaltenockens be solved. It is preferred if the connection between the two connectors is releasable by actuation of the two connectors relative to each other. For example, the locking device by a relative movement of the connector is transverse to the plug-in axis, but not in the direction of the plug-in axis solvable. For example, the two connectors along the thru-axle are securely locked by the locking device, but by a rotational movement and / or sliding movement transverse to the thru-axle again to solve each other. The handling is very easy.

The locking device expediently comprises a spring clip and / or a resilient pawl and / or at least one latching contour and a latching counter contour, with which the latching contour, for example by plugging the two connectors together, can be latched.

For example, the locking contour and the locking counter contour are movable, for example rotatably mounted on the connector housing. The latching contour is, for example, spring-loaded or spring-loaded. By the aforementioned relative movement of the connector transversely to the plug-in axis or by a manual actuation of the locking contour or locking counter contour using, for example, a protruding actuating element, the latching connection is preferably detachable.

The latching contour expediently comes into engagement with the latching counter contour during the attachment of the plug-in connector. For example, the latching counter contour deflects the latching contour into a position out of engagement with the latching counter contour, with the latching contour then again coming into engagement with the latching counter contour in the end position.

It is preferred if the locking device has at least one release ramp for releasing the lock, which causes a release of the locking device relative to the other connector by an actuation transverse to the plug-in axis, for example a rotary movement or a sliding movement or both. For example, can be provided at least one screw contour, which serves as a release bevel and upon rotation of the two connectors relative to each other or a displacement of the two connectors, ie a Renk movement, the locking device dissolves, so that the two connectors are removable from each other.

At the plug-in receptacle and / or the plug-in projection, an insertion bevel is expediently provided for inserting the plug-in projection into the plug-in receptacle. The plug-in receptacle is expediently funnel-shaped. For example, the plug-in receptacle forms an insertion aid for the plug-in projection or has such an insertion aid.

Between the connectors a communication interface with a arranged in a connector encoder and a decoder arranged in the other connector is expediently provided, with which data from one connector coded to the other connector can be transmitted. For example, the encoder modulates data onto an energy transfer that the decoder decodes again. The encoder and the decoder may, for example, also comprise bus couplers or be formed thereby. It is also possible that the combination of encoder and decoder is formed by the coil arrangement or cooperates with the coil arrangement for contactless data and / or energy transmission. For example, thus form the encoder and the decoder components of the contactless transmission system, which operates, for example, inductive, wireless, optical or the like. Of course Encoders and decoders may also be components of a wired or contact transmission system between the connectors.

The communication interface comprises or is for example a bus interface. Of course, in one aspect of the invention, the communication station may be unidirectional, i. For example, only work from towing vehicle connector to trailer connector or vice versa. But it is also a bidirectional communication interface possible, that is, that the towing vehicle connector transmits data to the trailer connector and vice versa the trailer connector to towing vehicle connector.

The towing vehicle connector expediently has trailer detection means for detecting the presence of the trailer connector on the accessory vehicle connector. For example, the Zufahrzeug connector checks an electrical connection to the trailer connector. It is possible, for example, that the trailer detection device checks a circuit of the trailer, which leads for example via a lamp of the trailer or via an electrical component, such as an electrical line, the trailer connector. For this purpose, for example, a current sensor or the like is advantageous.

A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that a reed contact or another inductively actuable sensor or switch forms part of the trailer detection device. The reed switch or reed contact is arranged, for example, in the connector housing of the towing vehicle connector. Also an actuatable by the trailer connector pushbutton, for example, a so-called Micro switch, may form part of the trailer detection device.

The reed contact or inductively operable sensor can be actuated, for example, by a magnet arranged in the other connector housing or else by a ferromagnetic body of the magnet arrangement, which serves as a flux guide and effects a magnetic field in connection with the inductive sensor. But it is also possible that for operating the inductive sensor or the reed contact a separate magnet or a flux guide is present.

The Zufahrzeug connector expediently has a signaling device for reporting a loss of the connection to the trailer connector. The reporting device includes, for example, optical and / or acoustic output means. Preference is given to a message of the loss of the connection via a bus interface to the vehicle bus of the towing vehicle, so that, for example, in the cockpit of the towing vehicle, a corresponding message can be displayed. Of course, a special data line, for example, an electrical connection, serve as a message line.

Furthermore, the reporting interface may also comprise a mobile radio interface, a Bluetooth interface or the like other, for example radio-based, based on infrared or the like, wireless interfaces. The wireless interface is suitable, for example, for outputting the reporting data to an external display device, for example a smartphone, tablet PC or the like.

The message of a connection between the two connectors is preferably dependent on a travel speed of the Towing vehicle. For example, the message about the loss of the connection to the trailer connector in response to a vehicle speed signal of the towing vehicle. This is also readily possible when the towing vehicle connector is coupled to a bus of the towing vehicle over which data about the respective driving speed, possibly only the rotational speed of one or more wheels, are transmitted. In this way, the towing vehicle connector learns, so to speak, whether the towing vehicle is driving and whether the loss of the connection to the trailer connector is to be reported at all. In fact, this is not necessary when the team is stationary, preferably when a team is standing for a relatively long time. An interruption of the connection to the trailer connector reports the Zufahrzeug connector, for example, only at a minimum speed, for example, 5 km / h, 7 km / h or the like.

Monitoring the connection between the towing vehicle connector and the trailer connector provides added security, especially when no additional secondary lock, i. the above-mentioned locking device with, for example, a latch, lock or the like, is provided. The secondary locking not so especially in this case, not mandatory.

It even results in an additional advantage, that is, at too high a tensile load, which acts on the connection between trailer connector and towing vehicle connector, for example, if the trailer is not properly coupled to the towing vehicle, a foreign influence on the connection Connector is present, for example, a branch or the like, the connection between towing vehicle connector and trailer connector, which prevents that the connectors are damaged. The signaling device and / or the aforementioned trailer detection device then notifies the disturbed connection so that the driver is informed. An additional safety measure may even provide that the driving operation of the towing vehicle is then interrupted, for example, an acceleration is no longer possible if the electrical connection to the trailer is lost.

The Zufahrzeug connector expediently has an activation device for activating a connection to the trailer connector. For example, a switch may be provided, with which the data and / or energy transfer from Zufahrzeug connector is switched to the trailer connector active. The switch can be manually operated. Preferably, however, the switch is actuated by the trailer connector. For example, the switch comprises a pressure switch or an inductive switch.

The trailer detection device can also be used advantageously to an electric power supply for the trailer connector, so the trailer as such, on or off, for example, interact with the mentioned activation device. If the Zufahrzeug connector detects that no trailer connector is plugged in, for example, he can turn off the aforementioned Berührkontaktflächen the transmission body or de-energized. Thus, the trailer connector turns on the accessory connector as it were when it is plugged into the accessory connector. For example, a reed contact switches on the electrical power supply of the contact pads.

The Zufahrzeug connector and / or the trailer connector expediently has a control for driving lights of the trailer or other consumers of the trailer. It is also advantageous if the respective connector has a monitoring device for monitoring lights or other consumers of the trailer. Thus, therefore, an electronic control unit in the connector housing, such as socket housing, of the respective connector is expediently provided.

The trailer interface of the trailer connector expediently has a female connector arrangement for inserting a so-to-conventional conventional, plug-in contacts having trailer plug. Thus, therefore, a trailer plug, for example, according to DIN 1724 or ISO 11446 with seven poles or 13 poles are plugged into the socket arrangement and be rebuilt in this way, so to speak, to a trailer connector according to the invention, which can be arranged on a towing vehicle connector according to the invention. This design of the trailer connector could also be referred to as an adapter.

Also for the towing vehicle is a kind of adapter appropriate. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the vehicle interface of the vehicle connector has a plug contact arrangement for insertion into a trailer socket. The pin contact arrangement comprises, for example, seven or 13 poles. Preferably, the pin contact arrangement of the standard ISO 11446 or DIN 1724.

Thus, therefore, in the two aforementioned embodiments of the invention, the connector according to the invention is designed as an adapter, on one side of the invention, a component of the magnet assembly comprehensive interface and on the other side is suitable for connection to an ISO plug or an ISO trailer socket.

• An dieser Stelle sei der Vollständigkeit halber aber auch erwähnt, dass es in anderen Ländern andere elektrische Steckverbindungssystem zwischen Zugfahrzeug und Anhänger gibt, z.B. entsprechend einer US-amerikanischen Norm, die mit entsprechenden Adaptern gemäß der Erfindung versehen werden können, so dass die Schnittstelle zwischen Zugfahrzeug und Anhänger erfindungsgemäß ausgestaltet ist. Z.B. können Steckbuchsen oder Stiftkontakte entsprechend der in den USA üblichen Konfiguration des US-Herstellers Pollack vorgesehen sein. Es ist auch möglich, dass einer oder mehrere Adapter des Steckverbindungssystems gemäß der Erfindung auch für andere länderspezifische Standards geeignet sein können, zum Beispiel für in Australien oder Neuseeland übliche Anhänger-Steckverbindersysteme.

It is preferred in both cases above, if not only sockets and pin contacts are present according to the standard, but also additional mechanical components are standard, for example, that a ISO standard 11446 corresponding bayonet contour, a holding contour for a cover of a trailer socket in trailer Connector and / or the towing vehicle connector is provided:

• For the sake of completeness, it should also be mentioned that in other countries there are other electrical plug connection systems between towing vehicle and trailer, eg according to a US standard, which can be provided with corresponding adapters according to the invention, so that the interface between towing vehicle and trailer is designed according to the invention. For example, sockets or pin contacts may be provided in accordance with the usual in the US configuration of the US manufacturer Pollack. It is also possible that one or more adapters of the connector system according to the invention may also be suitable for other country-specific standards, for example for trailer connector systems customary in Australia or New Zealand.

Figur 1

eine perspektivische Schrägansicht eines Gespanns bestehend aus Zugfahrzeug und Anhänger, die mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbindersystem ausgestattet sind,

Figur 2

eine perspektivische Schrägansicht des Steckverbindungssystems gemäß Figur 1, jedoch etwas detaillierter,

Figur 3

einen ersten Einsatz für einen Zugfahrzeug-Steckverbinder des Systems gemäß Figur 2,

Figur 4

einen -zweiten Einsatz für einen Zugfahrzeug-Steckverbinder des Systems gemäß Figur 2 mit einer Anzahl elektronischer Komponenten,

Figur 5

einen Anhänger-Steckverbinder in Gestalt eines Adapters für einen nach DIN 1724 oder ISO 11446 normgerechten, schematisch dargestellten Anhänger-Stecker dient,

Figur 6

eine Variante des Steckverbindungssystems gemäß Figur 3,

Figur 7

eine Explosionsdarstellung eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels eines Zugfahrzeug-Steckverbinders gemäß der Erfindung, das in

Figur 8

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines Zugfahrzeug-Steckverbinders in Gestalt einer Variante des Zugfahrzeug-Steckverbinders gemäß Figur 7,

Figur 9

eine perspektivische Schrägansicht eines Zugfahrzeug-Steckverbinders in Gestalt eines Adapters für eine nach DIN 1724 oder ISO 11446 normgerechte, in

Figur 10

im Zusammenhang mit dem Zugfahrzeug-Steckverbinder schematisch dargestellten Anhängersteckdose, jeweils seitlich dargestellt,

Figur 11

ein schematisch dargestelltes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Steckverbindungssystems mit jeweils einem einen Steckvorsprung und eine Steckaufnahme aufweisenden Anhänger-Steckverbinder und Zugfahrzeug-Steckverbinder in teilweise ineinander gesteckten Zustand, und

Figur 12

die Anordnung gemäß Figur 11, wobei die Steckverbinder vollständig ineinander eingesteckt sind.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be explained with reference to the drawing. Show it:

FIG. 1

a perspective oblique view of a trailer consisting of towing vehicle and trailer, which are equipped with a connector system according to the invention,

FIG. 2

an oblique perspective view of the connector system according to FIG. 1 but in more detail,

FIG. 3

a first insert for a towing vehicle connector of the system according to FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4

a second insert for a towing vehicle connector of the system according to FIG. 2 with a number of electronic components,

FIG. 5

a trailer connector in the form of an adapter for a standard according to DIN 1724 or ISO 11446, schematically illustrated trailer plug is used,

FIG. 6

a variant of the connector system according to FIG. 3 .

FIG. 7

an exploded view of another embodiment of a towing vehicle connector according to the invention, which in

FIG. 8

a further embodiment of a towing vehicle connector in the form of a variant of the towing vehicle connector according to FIG. 7 .

FIG. 9

a perspective oblique view of a towing vehicle connector in the form of an adapter for a standard according to DIN 1724 or ISO 11446, in

FIG. 10

in connection with the towing vehicle connector schematically illustrated trailer socket, each shown laterally,

FIG. 11

a schematically illustrated embodiment of a connector system, each with a male projection and a plug-in receptacle having trailer connector and tractor connector in partially nested condition, and

FIG. 12

the arrangement according to FIG. 11 , wherein the connectors are completely inserted into each other.

In the following embodiments partially identical or similar components are used, which are usually provided with the same reference numerals, for the clarity of differences, each partially provided with by 100 different reference numerals.

An in FIG. 1 illustrated embodiment of a connector system 10 for a trailer hitch 11 according to the invention shows a trailer hitch 11, which is mounted on the rear of a towing vehicle 80. The hitch 11 includes a coupling arm 12, at its free end a coupling ball 13 is arranged. The coupling arm 12 is inserted with a plug-in end in a vehicle-side bracket 14, for example a socket, and fixed there, for example by means of a manually operable lock. The holder 14 is attached to a cross member 15, which may form part of the hitch 11.

The hitch 11 is exemplary of any other trailer hitches, for example, those in which the coupling arm are slidingly and / or pivotally mounted on a fastened to the vehicle or attachable brackets by means of a corresponding bearing or even those at where the coupling arm at the rear of the towing vehicle is permanently and immovably mounted.

The cross member 15 is attached to the rear 81 of the towing vehicle 80, for example, with fastening arms, not shown, extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The tractor 80 is for example a passenger car with internal combustion engine and / or electric motor. The towing vehicle 80 has an electrical on-board network 82 with a vehicle bus 83 and electrical power supply lines 84, 85. The vehicle bus 83 is, for example, a CAN, a LIN, a Flexray bus or the like.

From the cross member 15 is a connector carrier 16 down from, so that its free end portion in front of a rear bumper 86 of the towing vehicle 80 protrudes downward. As a result, arranged at the free end portion of the connector carrier 16 tractor connector 30 is easily accessible. The connector 30 is used for coupling a trailer 90 to the electrical system 82 and has a towing network 82 associated towing vehicle interface 31. Via the interface 31 of the towing vehicle connector 30, for example, to the vehicle bus 83 and the power supply lines 84 and 85 connected. The tag 90 is e.g. can be coupled by means of a tow ball coupling 91 to the trailer hitch 11.

By way of example, the connector carrier 16 is still a conventional, the standard DIN 1724 or ISO 11446 corresponding trailer socket 20 is arranged, the housing 21 in a conventional manner a cover 23, with a female connector assembly 25 in the interior of the housing 21 is closed. The trailer socket 20 is in FIG. 10 again shown schematically. It has a socket 24, at the Floor the socket assembly 25 is disposed on the inner circumference of a bayonet thread 26 is located.

The towing vehicle connector 30 is designed for example as a socket. A connector housing 32 of the connector 30 includes, for example, a peripheral wall 33 and on its front side 34, a plug-in receptacle 35 for inserting a trailer connector 50th

The trailer connector 50 has a trailer interface 51 for connection to an electrical system 92 of the trailer 90. The electrical system 92 includes, for example, electrical lines 94 and 95 for the electrical power supply of lamps 97 and 98, which at the rear or at the rear of the trailer 90 are arranged.

A connector housing 52 of the trailer connector 50 includes a peripheral wall 53, on the front side 54, a plug projection 55 is provided. The plug projection 55 is used for insertion into the plug receptacle 35. On the front side 54 and a front wall 56 of the trailer connector 50 electrical Berührkontaktflächen 57 of electrical transmission bodies 58 are provided with Berührkontaktflächen 37 of electrical transmission bodies 38 of the towing vehicle connector 30 in touching contact can occur when the two connectors 30 and 50 are connected to each other (shown by arrows). Of the transmission bodies 58 is in FIG. 2 only one example indicated. Of course, the Berührkontaktflächen 57, even if they are for example only plate-like, provided on transmission bodies 58.

The Berührkontaktflächen 37 are arranged on a bottom 36 of the socket 35. From the bottom 36 away extends a funnel-shaped or conically towards the bottom 36 narrowing Ring wall 39, which represents or includes an insertion bevel for insertion of the male projection 55. Thus, the plug projection 55 is very easy in the socket 35 in what the handling of the connector system 10, in particular behind or below the bumper 86 significantly easier.

The annular wall 39 is relatively steep and serves for the exact positioning of the plug projection 55 in the plug-in receptacle 35 transversely to the plug-in axis S, along which the plug-in projection 55 is to be inserted into the plug-in receptacle 35.

Between the conical annular wall 39 and the peripheral wall 33 of the connector housing 32 still extends a relatively flat inclined annular end wall 41. On the end wall 41 guide means 42 for rotationally correct guidance of the male projection 55 are provided in the socket 35, so that the Berührkontaktflächen 37 and 57 with correct polarity and logical assignment to each other.

The guide means 42 comprise, for example, radial depressions 43 which serve to receive projections 63 projecting radially from the peripheral wall 53 of the connector housing 52. Thus, the trailer connector 50 fits only with the correct rotational angle orientation in the plug receptacle 35. In the exemplary embodiment, the two projections 63 are exactly opposite each other, here quite an alternative arrangement is possible such that only a mechanically correct rotation angle oriented mounting of the connector 50 on Connector 30 is possible. For example, the recesses 43 could be arranged at an angle not equal to 180 degrees to each other, as well as the projections 63. However, this measure is not absolutely necessary, but expedient, namely because additional components of the guide means 42 act. Namely, the connectors 30 and 50 have a cooperating magnet arrangement 45 with magnetic elements 46 arranged on the connector housing 32 or in the connector housing 32, which interact with magnetic counterelements 66 on or in the connector housing 52 in the sense of mutual tightening. The magnetic elements 46 include, for example, magnets, while the magnetic counter-elements 66 may include ferromagnetic bodies or magnets with a correspondingly oriented polarity, so that the magnetic elements 46 and the magnetic counter-elements 66 attract each other.

Since the magnetic elements 46 and the magnetic counter-elements 66 are located on an outer peripheral portion of the front sides 34 and 54 and there are juxtaposed only via a rotation angle sector, they simultaneously form a rotation angle coding. The magnetic elements 46 and the magnetic counter-elements 66 so attract particularly well or particularly strong when they are oriented in the appropriate rotational angular position of the two connectors 30 and 50 to each other, as shown in the drawing. Only then, the projections 63 fit into the recesses 43. At the same time, the assembly is facilitated because the connector 50 is pulled so to speak to the connector 30 out with magnetic force.

It is understood that, for example, the transmission body 58 may be magnetic, for example, may be ferromagnetic, and that the transmission bodies 38 magnets may be assigned, so that the transmission body 38 and 58 attract each other, so also represent components of a corresponding magnet assembly.

The contact pads 37 and 57 are flush with the bottom 36 and the front wall 56, respectively. In any event, the touch pads 37 and 57 are dustproof and / or watertight connected to the adjacent surrounding surface so that water, Dust or other dirt can not penetrate into an interior 47, 67 of the connector housing 32, 52. In addition, it is advantageous if, for example, a drain opening 44 and / or 64 is provided, through which dirt, water or the like other impurities can flow out of the contact area between the contact contact surfaces 37 and 57. For example, the drainage openings 44 and 64 communicate with those with the plug-in receptacle 35 or the plug-in projection 55. The drainage openings 44 and 64 are shown only schematically, ie they can, for example, from the bottom 36 and the front wall 56 forth to the respective outer peripheral wall 33 and 53 out extend. In any case, the interior between plug-in projection 55 and plug-in receptacle 35 is dehydrated, so to speak.

The towing vehicle interface 31 includes, for example, a cable 48, which is connected to the electrical system 92. The cable 48 comprises, for example, electrical lines 401, 402 which are connected directly to the power supply lines 84 and 85 and to associated transmission bodies 38, so that an electrical potential is available at the contact contact areas 37 for supplying the trailer connector 50 or the trailer 90 stands.

The lead or cable 48 is, for example, a typical multi-core electrical cable. A connection to the vehicle bus 83 is also realized via the cable 48, for which purpose the towing vehicle connector 30 has, for example, a bus coupler 400, for example for a LIN bus or a CAN bus.

The bus coupler 400 is in the FIGS. 11 and 12 shown in connection with other electronic components, the components of the connector 30 and in the FIGS. 7 and 8 shown vehicle connectors 130a and 130b and the in FIGS. 9 and 10 shown connector 230 and the connector 330 according to FIGS. 11 and 12 can form.

The bus coupler 400 communicates with the vehicle bus 83 via lines 403 and 405, for example.

In the interior 47 of the connector housing 32 is an insert 49 or 149, for example, a contact insert, added, for example, includes an insert body 450, for example, a body comprising a potting compound. The insert body 450 includes the transfer body 38 and holds it. According to the embodiment FIG. 3 are integrally connected to the insert body 450 a plurality of lines or guided into this, which in turn are in turn electrically connected to individual, separate from each other transmission bodies 38. In this way, for example, an analog data transmission and energy transmission, in which, for example, for each electrical load of the trailer 90 an individual pair of conductors is present, can be realized.

According to the embodiment FIG. 4 on the other hand, although the insert body 550, which otherwise corresponds to the insert body 450, also comprises the transmission elements 38, additionally a circuit board 551, on which electrical components 452, for example a microprocessor or the like, are arranged.

The insert body 550, which can be installed in the connector housing 32 or arranged there, for example, includes a controller 453 for controlling the lights 97 and 98 and / or a monitoring device 454 for monitoring the lights 97 and 98, for example, whether they are defective or not.

At the in FIG. 6 As indicated embodiment, the vehicle connector 30 has a coil 601 of a coil assembly 600, the other coil 602 is arranged in the so-called modified trailer connector 50, which is referred to for simplicity as a connector 150. The coils 601 and 602 form part of a wireless transmission system 603. For example, data and / or energy can be inductively transmitted from the towing vehicle connector 30 to the trailer connector 30 or vice versa via the coils 601 and 602. The coil 601 could, for example, be arranged on the circuit board 551.

The coil assembly 600 allows, for example, no free contact pads (other than shown in the drawing) to be provided on the transmission bodies. For example, coils 601 and 602 form electrical transmission bodies.

In the in the FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrated embodiment, a not provided with a potting compound electrical circuit board 651 is provided in the interior 47 of the connector housing 132, to which the cable 48 is connected. On the board 651 are also electrical components 452 which are electrically connected to the unspecified transmission bodies on the bottom 36 of the socket 35 (not shown).

The connector housing 132 of the towing vehicle connector 130a, for example, has a cover 133, with which the Berührkontaktflächen 37 at the bottom 36 of the socket 35 are coverable. The cover 133 is preferably spring-loaded in its closed position or the Berührkontaktflächen 37 covering position.

The touch pads 37 may be e.g. be provided on the board 651.

To the board 651, the wires 48a of the cable 48 may for example be directly connected, for example, be soldered to the electrical lines of the board 651 or be plugged into the board 653.

It can be seen that in the connector housing 32, such a lid is not present, preferably also not necessary. The advantageous drain opening 44 allows this, for example, without further notice. A lid is appropriate, but not necessary.

The embodiment of the connector 130b also shows a connector housing with cover. In contrast to the plug connector 130a, however, the contact contact surfaces 137 of the towing vehicle connector 130b are arranged in recesses which extend from the bottom 36 of the plug receptacle 35 into the inner space 47.

It is indicated by dashed lines that the circuit board 651 is protected by a potting compound 652 and thus forms part of an insert body 650 arranged in the connector housing 132.

The trailer connector has a monitoring device 854 for monitoring, for example, the lights 97 and 98 of the trailer 90. For example, the monitor 854 is disposed on a board 855 including, for example, a microprocessor or the like. On the circuit board 855 is still a bus coupler 800, in cooperation with a bus coupler 801 on board the trailer connector 30, so to speak connector-internal Realized. This bus is, for example, a CAN bus or a proprietary bus that has been specially designed for the plug-in connection. The bus couplers 800 and 801 include or form, for example, encoders and decoders, and can alternately display this function both.

The contact pads 37, 57 of the arrangement according to FIG. 6 can be provided with an insulation. The communication takes place via the coil arrangement 600, which is used for example by the bus coupler 808 101.

On the trailer connector 150, an actuating magnet 850 is provided which serves to actuate a reed contact 851. When the reed contact 851 is actuated by the actuating magnet 850, the towing vehicle connector 30 detects that the trailer connector 150 is mounted. The towing vehicle connector 30 then activates, for example, an electrical supply voltage at the contact pads 37 and / or the bus coupler 801.

If, however, the connection to the trailer connector 150 breaks off during the journey of the combination consisting of towing vehicle 80 and trailer 90, that is, the reed contact 851 is not actuated, for example, the controller 453 or the monitoring device 454 reports to the vehicle electrical system 82 that the contact lost to the trailer. This is expediently speed-dependent, for example at driving speeds of 5-10 km / h or more.

A replaceability of the connector housing 32, 132 is, for example, very easily realized that it is only slipped over the insert body 550, 650, that is, that it can be easily replaced if damaged. The connector housing 32, 132, for example, mounting holes 134, with which it can be fastened to a substrate, for example on the connector carrier, for example by means of screws or other bolts. Of course, latching projections or other fastening means are readily possible to attach a connector housing according to the invention to a substrate.

The embodiment according to FIG. 5 shows an adapter in the form of a trailer connector 250 having on one side the Berührkontaktflächen 37, also the plug-in projections 63 so that it fits to the towing vehicle connector 30. The magnetic counter-elements 66 are present at the trailer connector 250. At its side facing away from the Berührkontaktflächen 37 side 260 of the trailer connector 250 is configured according to standards, according to the two above-mentioned standards DIN 1724 or ISO 11446. The trailer interface 251 is therefore almost a standard interface and has sockets 261, in the Pin contacts 224 of a standard connector 220 shown fit into it.

On an inner circumference of a peripheral wall 253 of the connector 250 is, for example, a thread 255 into which the standard plug 220 with a bayonet thread in the manner of a below-explained bayonet thread 246 can be screwed. In addition, it is advantageous if the sockets 261 can be closed with a cover 263.

The cover 263 is advantageously suitable for preventing rotation of the standard connector 220, for example, by engaging in an anti-rotation contour 226 arranged there, which in the following in connection with the towing vehicle connector 230 (FIG. FIGS. 9 and 10 ) is explained in more detail.

The towing vehicle connector 230 has a connector housing 232 having, for example, the Berührkontaktflächen 37 of the connector 30 on a front side 234. There, for example, the plug-in receptacle 35 is arranged. At the front side 244 opposite the front side 34 is a towing vehicle interface 231. This comprises e.g. a pin contact assembly 245 having a plurality of pin contacts 224 that fit into the sockets 261, for example. An example of standard, conventional trailer socket, which is attached to a tractor, has such sockets.

In addition, located on the outer circumference of the connector housing 232, a bayonet thread 246, which is suitable for screwing into, for example, the thread 255. The towing vehicle plug connector 230 can be plugged, for example, into the trailer socket 20, so that it is provided with an adapter and, so to speak, becomes a socket according to the invention. For example, in the adapter or the connector 32, the aforementioned electronic components of the connector 30 may be arranged. Of course, the trailer connector 250 forming an adapter can also have electronic components, for example for monitoring the trailer or its consumers (for example the lamps 97 and 98).

In the embodiment of the two tractor connector 330 and trailer connector 350 according to FIGS. 11 and 12 should be clear, an inventive connector can have both, namely male projection and plug-in receptacle. For example, the towing vehicle connector 330 has a plug-in receptacle 335 and a plug-in projection 336 which are provided with a plug-in projection 355 and a plug-in receptacle 356 of the trailer connector 50 can act together or are plugged into each other.

At the connector housing 332 of the connector 330, for example, a latch 333 is loaded by a spring 334 movably arranged in its locking position. The latch 333 forms part of a locking device 349, with which the connector 350 can be locked on the connector 330. For example, the connector housing 352 has a locking receptacle 348, into which the latch 333 engages when the two connectors 330 and 350 in the in FIG. 12 shown locking position are brought.

It should also be clear from the schematically illustrated embodiment that wireless data transmission by optical means is also possible. For example, an optical transmitter 360, which cooperates with an optical receiver 361, is located on the plug-in projection 336. In the reverse direction, i. From the connector 350 to the connector 330, an optical interface can also be realized, so that the trailer 90 can transmit data to the towing vehicle 80.

The data transmission of the connector system 310 according to FIGS. 11 and 12 is optical, while the electrical energy transfer works with touch contacts. For example, the transmission bodies 338 and 339 of the towing vehicle connector 330 as well as transmission bodies 358 and 359 are associated with different electrical potentials, for example 15 V and 0 V, and serve for electrical energy transmission.

The transfer body 338, 339 and 358 and 359 have on their front sides, which come into contact with the plug-in receptacles 356, 335 upon insertion of the plug-in projections 336, 355, Touch contact surfaces 37 on. For example, the Berührkontaktflächen 37 are resilient.

The plug-in projections 336, 355 and the plug-in receptacles 356, 335 have expediently insertion bevels 340, 341st

The two connectors 330 and 350 are acted upon by a magnet assembly 345 toward each other. For example, a magnetic element 346 which cooperates with a magnetic counter-element 366 on the plug-in receptacle 356 is located on the plug-in projection 336.

Of course, a kind of catch can be present instead of a slide-movable latch. When connector 30 ( FIG. 2 ) is a locking device 749 indicated. For example, the recess 43 may be arranged on a ring 733, which is mounted for rotation about the plug-in axis S on the connector housing 32. A spring 734 acts on the ring 733 in the direction of a closed position in which it locks the trailer connector 50. For example, the recess 43 may have a contour which is engaged behind by a projection 748 on one or both projections 63 when the ring 733 of the locking device 749 assumes its closed position. A release of the connection between the connectors 30 and 50 is for example possible in that they are rotated relative to each other about the plug-in axis S, whereby the ring 733 is rotated and the projection 748 can get out of engagement with the non-visible contour of the recess 43.

It is also possible that behind the ring 733 is a clearance 735, in which the two projections 63 fit, so that the ring 733, after being deflected by the projections 63, pivoted back to its original position, for example due to the spring force of the spring 734 and then the projections 63 overlaps.

Furthermore, it is possible that the trailer connector 50 by the force of the magnet assembly 45 from his in FIG. 2 twisted position (arrow 737) is rotated, for example, by about 45 °, so that it first in the manner of a bayonet fits into the recesses 43 and then-rotated by a predetermined angle of rotation, so undergoes a torque of the type that the projections 63 are rotated away from the recesses 43 and into corresponding retaining grooves 736 (FIG. FIG. 6 ) penetrate adjacent to the recesses 43. The recesses 43 and the retaining grooves 736 are, for example, a total of L-shaped.

In the drawings illustrated embodiments, advantageous variants of the invention are shown in part only individually, with any combinations thereof, as already clear from the above description, are readily possible. For example, a connector may include both a bus coupler for communicating with the other connector and a bus coupler for interfacing with a vehicle bus or trailer bus.

The towing vehicle connector 30 could also be concealed behind the bumper 86, which is indicated by dashed lines in FIG FIG. 1 is indicated. For example, located on the bumper 86, a holder 87, such as a fork-like bracket or a bracket into which the connector 30 can be engaged. Despite the hidden arrangement behind the bumper 86 (seen from the vehicle rear), the operation is quite simple, since the trailer connector 50 by means of the magnet assembly 45 easily finds the appropriate position on the connector 30 almost by itself.

Claims (14)

1. Push-on connector system for the electrical connection of a trailer (90) to a towing vehicle (80), wherein the push-on connector system (10) includes a trailer push-on connector (50) with an electrical trailer interface (51) for an onboard power supply (92) of the trailer (90), and a towing vehicle push-on connector (30) with an electrical towing vehicle interface for an onboard power supply (82) of the towing vehicle, wherein one of the push-on connectors (30, 50) has a plug-in projection (55) provided on its push-on connector housing and the other push-on connector has a plug-in socket (35) provided on its push-on connector housing for the affixing of the plug-in projection (55) along an insertion axis (S), wherein the push-on connectors have interacting electrical transmission bodies (38; 58) for the transmission of data and/or power from one push-on connector (30, 50) to the other push-on connector, wherein it has a magnet assembly (45) with at least one magnet element (46) provided on the one push-on connector (30, 50), and at least one magnet counter-element (66) interacting magnetically with the magnet element (46) and provided on the other push-on connector (30, 50) for applying the force of the plug-in projection (55) on the plug-in socket (35) in the direction of the insertion axis (S) and/or for the purpose of a torque around the insertion axis (S), wherein it includes a locking device (349) for locking the trailer push-on connector (50) to the towing vehicle push-on connector (30), characterised in that the locking device (349) has an overload coupling to release the connection between the push-on connectors (30, 50) in the event of an application of force along the insertion axis (S) and/or across the insertion axis (S) above a predetermined force value.
2. Push-on connector system according to claim 1, characterised in that the magnet element or elements (46) include(s) a magnet and the magnet counter-element (66) a ferromagnetic body or a second magnet interacting with the magnet element (46), and/or the magnet element (46) and the magnet counter-element (66) interact for the purpose of attracting or repelling one another, and/or that at least one of the transmission bodies (38; 58) forms part of the magnet assembly (45), in particular having a magnet or being ferromagnetic.
3. Push-on connector system according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that at least one push-on connector (30, 50) has mechanical guide means provided in particular at the plug-in socket (35) and the plug-in projection (55), and/or guide means (42) encompassing the magnet assembly (45), for positioning relative to one another with true rotary angle, and/or that there is provided at the plug-in socket (35) and/or on the plug-in projection (55) an insertion bevel (40) for inserting the plug-in projection (55) into the plug-in socket (35).
4. Push-on connector system according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the transmission bodies (38; 58) include at least one pair of electrically conductive physical contact faces (37, 57), which make electrical contact when the push-on connectors (30, 50) are plugged together, wherein expediently at least one of the physical contact faces (37, 57) is flush with a surface (36, 56) of a push-on connector housing, on which the physical contact face (37, 57) is provided and/or has a dustproof and/or watertight connection.
5. Push-on connector system according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it has a transmission system (603), in particular inductive and/or capacitive and/or optical and/or based on radio, for the non-contact transmission of power and/or data between the towing vehicle push-on connector (30) and the trailer push-on connector (50), wherein advantageously at least one transmission surface of one of the transmission bodies (38; 58) of the non-contact transmission system (603) is provided at a free surface of the plug-in projection (55) or the plug-in socket (35) assigned to the respective other element of plug-in socket (35) or plug-in projection (55), and is protected by insulation from environmental influences.
6. Push-on connector system according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that no cover is provided for covering the plug-in socket (35) on the push-on connector (30, 50) with the plug-in socket (35) and forming a socket, and/or at least one of the push-on connector housings is arranged in the vicinity of a drain hole (44, 64) for the drainage of water from an interior of the push-on connector housing, in particular the plug-in socket (35), and/or that the push-on connector housing of the towing vehicle push-on connector is integrated in a bumper of the towing vehicle.
7. Push-on connector system according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the plug-in socket (35) has a depth corresponding to at least 50%, preferably 60% or 70% of the length of the push-on connector housing or the plug-in projection (55) of the other push-on connector (30, 50).
8. Push-on connector system according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the locking device (349) may be released by a relative movement of the push-on connectors (30, 50) across the insertion axis (S) which however locks the two push-on connectors (30, 50) along the insertion axis (S), and/or that the locking device (349) has a spring clip and/or a sprung detent and/or at least one latching contour and a mating latching contour with which the latching contour may be engaged, in particular by attaching the two push-on connectors (30, 50) to one another, wherein expediently the latching contour and/or the mating latching contour are or is mounted with movement facility, in particular rotary movement capability, on the push-on connector housing, and/or wherein the latching contour, during attaching of the push-on connectors (30, 50, advantageously becomes disengaged from the mating latching contour and, on reaching an end position in which the plug-in projection (55) is held in the plug-in socket (35), comes into engagement with the mating latching contour.
9. Push-on connector system according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the locking device (349) has at least one release bevel, in particular provided on the latching contour and/or the mating latching contour, for releasing the locking, which effects a release of the locking device (349) by actuation across the insertion axis (S), in particular a rotary movement and/or a sliding movement of the one push-on connector (30, 50) relative to the other push-on connector (30, 50).
10. Push-on connector system according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that there is provided between the push-on connectors a communications interface, in particular in the form of a bus interface, with an encoder located in the one push-on connector (30, 50) and a decoder located in the other push-on connector, with which data may be transmitted from one push-on connector to the other push-on connector.
11. Push-on connector system according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the towing vehicle push-on connector (30) has a trailer detection device, in particular including a reed contact (851) and/or a sensor and/or a pushbutton switch, for detecting the presence of the trailer push-on connector (50) on the towing vehicle push-on connector (30), and/or a signalling device for indicating a loss of the connection to the trailer push-on connector (50), in particular depending on a driving speed signal, and/or that there is provided on the towing vehicle push-on connector (30) an activation device for activating a connection to the trailer push-on connector (50), in particular depending on the presence of the trailer push-on connector at the towing vehicle push-on connector (30).
12. Push-on connector system according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the towing vehicle push-on connector (30) and/or the trailer push-on connector (50) have or has a controller (453) for actuating and/or a monitoring device (454) for monitoring lamps (97, 98) of the trailer (90).
13. Push-on connector system according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the trailer interface (51) of the trailer push-on connector (50) includes an electrical jack assembly conforming in particular to ISO 11446 and/or a bayonet assembly for the insertion of a trailer connector, and/or the towing vehicle interface of the towing vehicle push-on connector (30) has an electrical pin contact assembly conforming in particular to ISO 11446, and/or a bayonet assembly for insertion in a trailer socket.
14. Trailer push-on connector (50) or towing vehicle push-on connector (30) of the push-on connector system (10) according to any of the preceding claims.

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