EP4351897A1

EP4351897A1 - Trailer coupling with actuation contours and counter-bearing contours

Info

Publication number: EP4351897A1
Application number: EP22740873.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jens Kruse; Jürgen Peitz
Original assignee: Westfalia Automotive GmbH
Current assignee: Westfalia Automotive GmbH
Priority date: 2021-07-06
Filing date: 2022-07-06
Publication date: 2024-04-17
Also published as: EP4355593A1; WO2023280955A1; WO2023280953A1; EP4355591A1; DE112022002555A5; DE112022002693A5; DE112022002659A5; WO2023280954A1; WO2023280956A1; EP4351896A1; DE112022002556A5; EP4351895A1; DE112022002547A5; WO2023280957A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a trailer coupling for a motor vehicle (400), comprising a coupling arm (11) for coupling a trailer (AHH) and comprising a vehicle mounting (15) that is secured or can be secured to the motor vehicle (400) and has a bearing base (18) on which a coupling arm support (13) is pivotally mounted about at least one pivot axis (S) between a use position (G) provided for attaching the trailer (AHH) or the rear load carrier (HLL) and a non-use position (N) provided for when the trailer coupling (10) is not in use, said coupling arm support being equipped with the coupling arm (11) or a receiving body (312) for releasably receiving the coupling arm (11). The trailer coupling (10) has a fixing device (40) for fixing the coupling arm (11) in the use position (G) and/or the non-use position (N) in a stationary manner relative to the bearing base (18), and the coupling arm (11) can be moved between the use position (G) and the non-use position (N) relative to the bearing base (18) in a release position (L) of the fixing device (40) and is fixed in a stationary manner relative to the bearing base (18) in a fixing position (F) of the fixing device (40). The fixing device (40) has a fixing actuation element (44) which can be adjusted between a fixing release position (FF) and a fixing actuation position (FB) along an actuation control movement (BS), in particular a linear actuation control movement, on an actuation element guide (45a) of an actuation element guide body (45), wherein the fixing actuation element (44) forms a part of a release drive (47L) and a fixing drive (43) and has a fixing actuation contour (46) of the fixing drive (43) in order to interact with a fixing counter-bearing contour (52) and a release actuation contour (47) of the release drive (47L) in order to interact with a release counter-bearing contour (53). The fixing drive (43) is designed to adjust the fixing device (40) in a fixing direction along a control movement (SW), in particular a linear control movement, into the fixing position (F), in which form-fitting elements (41, 42) arranged on the coupling arm support (13) and on the bearing base (18) in a stationary manner engage into each other in a form-fitting manner, and the release drive (47L) is designed to adjust the fixing device (40) in a release direction (LR) opposite the fixing direction along the control movement (SW) into the release position (L), in which the form-fitting elements (41, 42) are not in engagement with each other. The fixing actuation contour (46) and the fixing counter-bearing contour (52) as well as the release actuation contour (47) and the release counter-bearing contour (53) have diagonal surfaces which act on each other directly or indirectly and which are inclined to different degrees relative to the actuation control movement (BS) such that the actuation of the fixing actuation element (44) along a distance of the actuation control movement (BS) produces a shorter or longer control movement (SW) when adjusting the form-fitting elements (41, 42) in the fixing direction than when adjusting the form-fitting elements (41, 42) in the release direction (LR).

Description

Trailer coupling with actuating contours and abutment contours

The invention relates to a trailer coupling for a motor vehicle, with a coupling arm for coupling a trailer or a rear load carrier, with a vehicle mount that can be attached or attached to the motor vehicle and has a bearing base on which a coupling arm carrier, on which the coupling arm or a receiving body for detachable receptacle of the coupling arm is arranged pivotably about at least one pivot axis between a use position provided for attaching the trailer or the rear load carrier and a non-use position provided for not using the trailer hitch, the trailer hitch having a fixing device for stationary fixing of the coupling arm in the use position and / or the non-use position with respect to the bearing base, wherein the coupling arm in a release position of the fixing device with respect to the Lagerba sis between the use position and the non-use position movable u nd a fixing position of the fixing device is fixed in place with respect to the bearing base, the fixing device having a fixing actuating body that can be adjusted on an actuating body guide of an actuating body guide body between a fixing release position and a fixing actuating position along an in particular linear actuation, the fixing actuating body being a component of a release drive and forms a fixing drive and has a fixing actuation contour of the fixation drive for interaction with a fixing abutment contour and a release actuation contour of the release drive for interaction with a release abutment contour, with the fixation drive for adjusting the fixing device in a fixing direction along an in particular linear adjustment path into the fixing position in which the coupling arm carrier and form-locking elements fixedly arranged on the bearing base positively engage in one another, and the release drive for adjusting the fixing device along the adjustment path in a release direction opposite to the fixing direction into the release position, in which the positive-locking elements are disengaged from one another, are provided and configured. Such a trailer hitch is known from DE 102020 131 748 A1. The fixing operation body has a fixing operation contour and a release operation contour which face each other and are inclined in opposite directions to form a contour shaped like a dog bone. The fixing actuation contour and the release actuation contour act via transmission bodies in the form of balls on a fixation abutment contour assigned to the fixation actuation contour and a release abutment contour assigned to the release actuation contour.

The pairings of release actuation contour and release abutment contour as well as fixation actuation contour and fixation abutment contour are constructed in the same way, so that the fixation actuation body actuates the coupling arm carrier or the form-fitting elements with similar actuation profiles when it is moved into the fixation release position and into the fixation actuation position.

However, it has been found in practice that optimal unlocking or optimal actuation in the direction of the release position is not possible in all cases.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an improved hitch.

To solve the problem, the trailer hitch of the type mentioned at the outset provides for the fixing actuation contour and the fixing abutment contour as well as the release actuation contour and the release abutment contour to have inclined surfaces which act directly or indirectly on one another and which are inclined differently with respect to the actuation adjustment path, so that actuation of the fixation actuation ment body along a path length of the actuating travel when adjusting the form-fitting elements in the fixing direction a shorter or longer Travel than causes an adjustment of the form-fitting elements in the release direction.

The sloping surfaces can have a rectilinear course, for example be or include conical surfaces. In principle, it is also possible for an inclined surface to be in the form of a planar surface or a flat surface. However, the inclined surfaces can also include round or rounded sections or be formed by them.

The basic idea here is that different movement profiles of the form-locking elements can be implemented during and/or with a movement in the release direction and a movement in the fixing direction. It can thus be ensured, for example, that the coupling arm carrier, starting from the fixing position, is optimally driven in the direction of the release position, for example by an initially rapid release movement, which, however, consistently leads to the complete release of the form-fitting elements from one another, so that the release drive does not only move them in the direction of the Release position can be driven, but also reach up to He and in particular can be driven to hold the release position.

A length of the adjustment path is advantageously dimensioned such that the form-fitting elements, starting from the fixing position, can be moved completely into the release position, in which the form-fitting elements do not engage in one another or are disengaged. Furthermore, a length of the adjustment path is dimensioned such that the form-fitting elements can be moved from the release position into the fixing position and are in engagement with one another in the fixing position. In the fixing position, the form-fitting elements are optionally braced with one another, so that a tensioned position is assumed. However, the fixing position is advantageously already reached when the positive-locking elements engage in one another in a form-fitting manner and fix the coupling arm carrier in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to the pivot axis on the bearing base.

It is advantageous if the release actuation contour and the release abutment contour are dimensioned in such a way that they position the coupling arm carrier, starting from the fixing position, optionally starting from the clamping position, by actuating the fixing actuating body can be adjusted completely into the release position, in which the form-fitting elements are disengaged from each other and the Kupplungsarmträ ger on the bearing base about the pivot axis pivotable between the Ge use position and the non-use position.

Advantageously, it can be provided that an actuation of the fixation actuation body along a path length of the actuation adjustment path generates a greater force or alternatively a smaller force when adjusting the interlocking elements in the fixing direction than when adjusting the interlocking elements in the release direction.

An equal path length of the adjustment of the fixing actuation body along the actuation adjustment path, which can be or is directed in different directions, causes, for example, a first adjustment path when the form-fitting elements are adjusted in the direction of the release position and a second adjustment path when they are adjusted in the fixing direction, with the first and the second travel are different from each other or are of different lengths.

Thus, for example, when the fixing actuation body is moved into a fixing actuation position, which is assigned to the fixing position of the fixing device, it can cause a large force in the sense of a tightening or fixing of the fixing device with a short actuation adjustment path. In contrast, the fixing actuation body can cause a smaller force in the direction of the release position when it is adjusted into a fixing release position associated with the release position with the same path length. However, the opposite scenario is also possible, that for example the fixing actuation contour and the fixing abutment contour cause a greater force amplification with the same length of the actuation travel together than the release actuation contour and the release abutment contour when the fixation actuation body is adjusted in the opposite direction along the actuation travel, but with the same length of the actuation travel. It is advantageously provided that the release-actuating contour and the release-actuating contour have sloping surfaces inclined in such a way that when the fixing device is adjusted from the fixing position in the direction of the release position with one of the fixing-actuating body along the actuating travel at the same speed, the coupling arm carrier initially moves at a higher speed and then at a lower speed Speed is adjusted away from the bearing base along the travel. For this purpose, for example, the release abutment contour has a steeper and a flatter adjusting section, with the steeper adjusting section, starting from the fixing position, being assigned to the actuation of the coupling arm carrier or the positive-locking elements at greater speed and the flat adjusting section to further actuation at a lower speed. At the same speed of the fixation actuation body, the relative movement of the release actuation contour and the release abutment contour, starting from the fixation position, initially causes a greater speed of movement of the coupling arm carrier and then a smaller movement speed of the coupling arm carrier.

An advantageous concept provides that the coupling arm or the receiving body is arranged on the coupling arm carrier in relation to a planned installation position of the vehicle mount on the vehicle such that a weight of the coupling arm or the receiving body in the use position and the non-use position exerts a torque on the coupling arm carrier exercise around the pivot axis, which elements in terms of releasing the form-fitting elements and/or in terms of actuating the fixing device into the release position. The weight of the coupling arm or the receiving body support the release movement. Thus, for example, an initially lower force that the fixing actuation body exerts in the release direction during a quick release movement, so to speak, is supported by the torque provided by the coupling arm or the receiving body. For example, when they are loaded by the torque provided by the coupling arm or the receiving body, the form-fitting elements direct or convert the torque into a linear movement force in the release direction. In this situation, the positive-locking elements form, for example, a deflection gear. The trailer hitch can but also other arranged on Kupplungsarmträger and bearing base and have interlocking deflection contours that convert the torque, which is provided by the coupling arm and receiving body, parallel to the pivot axis into a linear Be movement force or deflect.

When fixing, on the other hand, it is advantageous if the fixing drive provides large forces in order to bring the form-fitting elements into engagement.

An advantageous measure provides that the fixing actuation contour and the fixing abutment contour have sloping surfaces inclined in such a way that when the fixing device is adjusted from the release position in the direction of the fixing position when the fixing actuation body is adjusted along the actuation adjustment path at the same speed, the coupling arm carrier initially moves at a greater speed and is then adjusted at a lower speed towards the bearing base along the adjustment path.

The fixing actuation contour and the fixing abutment contour can slide directly along one another without further ado. The release actuation contour and the release abutment contour can also slide directly along one another.

Provision can advantageously be made for at least one fixing body, in particular a ball, to be arranged between the fixing actuation contour and the fixing abutment contour and/or at least one release body, in particular a ball, to be arranged between the release actuation contour and the release abutment bearing contour. The fixing body and/or the release body can be designed as a transmission body, for example, or can form a transmission body.

Provision is preferably made for a transmission body, in particular a rolling body, for example a ball, to be arranged between the fixing actuation contour and the fixing abutment contour. It is also advantageous if a transfer body or release body is arranged between the release actuating contour and the release abutment contour, for example a ball or a rolling body. The rolling element can also be configured as a roller, for example. The rolling elements or the ball can, for example, by actuation by the Roll or roll the fixation actuation contour or the release actuation contour along the fixation abutment contour or the release abutment contour.

The transfer bodies are advantageously guided in guides on the actuating body by the guide body. It is advantageously provided that the actuating body guide body has at least one guide for the fixing body or release body or transfer body, which guide extends radially or transversely to the actuating travel. The guides are designed, for example, as bores or channels that extend radially or at an angle to the actuation travel of the fixation actuation body. It is preferred if a plurality of transmission bodies are arranged at an angular distance around the actuating travel and the guides associated with them are arranged on the actuating body guide body.

It is advantageously provided that the actuating body guide body has a guide channel in which the fixing actuating body is guided, in particular linearly, along the actuating travel. The aforementioned guides for the transfer bodies and/or release bodies and/or fixing bodies extend away from the guide channel. The guides pass through, for example, a peripheral wall of the actuating body surrounding the guide channel. The fixing abutment contour and/or the fixing actuation contour and/or the release actuation contour and/or the release abutment contour are preferably rotationally symmetrical with respect to the in particular linear actuation travel or extend annularly around the actuation travel.

Advantageously, it is provided that the fixing actuation contour and the fixing abutment contour and/or the release actuation contour and the release abutment contour are rotationally fixed relative to one another with respect to the pivot axis and/or are movable relative to one another exclusively parallel to the actuating travel. Although the aforementioned contours can rotate about the pivot axis, for example if they are arranged on the coupling arm carrier and the fixing actuator tion body participates in a pivoting movement of the coupling arm carrier and/or is twisted relative to this. However, the pairing of fixing actuation contour and fixing abutment contour and/or the pairing of release actuation contour and release abutment contour cannot rotate relative to one another with respect to the pivot axis. At this point, however, it should be mentioned that a certain, small rotational play between associated pairings of the aforementioned contours is possible, which is possible, for example, between the coupling arm carrier and the fixing actuation body.

As already explained, transfer bodies, release bodies or fixing bodies can be arranged between the aforementioned contours. It is advantageous if a transfer body or release body or fixing body arranged between the fixing actuation contour and the fixing abutment contour or between the release actuation contour and the release abutment contour is twisted relative to the adjacent contour with respect to the pivot axis or has only a small rotational play. Thus, for example, an effect can be avoided that a transmission body configured as a ball, which is arranged between two of the aforementioned contours, is loaded in the sense of a roller bearing or ball bearing. Thus, although rotational play is possible, it is not such that the transmission body forms part of a roller bearing or ball bearing. For example, the rotational play amounts to a maximum of 5%, preferably less than 4%, more preferably less than 3% of a pivoting path that the coupling arm carrier runs through between the use position and the non-use position.

The actuating body guide body and the coupling arm carrier are advantageously non-rotatable with respect to the pivot axis or rotationally coupled with a small amount of rotational play. The actuating body guide body can, for example, be rotatably mounted on the vehicle mount, for example a supporting body of the vehicle mount.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the actuating body guide body has a rotary drive body or a rotary shaft for rotary driving of the clutch arm carrier forms around the pivot axis. The rotary shaft or the rotary drive body can be rotatably mounted, for example, on the vehicle mount.

The release abutment contour and the fixing abutment contour are preferably arranged on a drive body which is arranged in a stationary manner with respect to the coupling arm carrier or is firmly connected to the coupling arm carrier or is provided by the coupling arm carrier.

It is also advantageous if the drive body has a receptacle into which the actuating body guide body engages.

It is advantageous if the actuating body guide body is configured entirely or at least in a section assigned to the drive body as a tubular body which engages in the drive body. The drive body has, for example, an engagement opening or through-opening into which the Actuate supply body-guide body can engage or which the actuating body can penetrate by-guide body. The drive body is preferably designed as a sleeve body or ring body or cylinder body.

The mount of the drive body advantageously has a larger diameter in the area of one of the fixing abutment contour and the release abutment contour than in the area of the other of the fixing abutment contour and the release abutment contour, with the fixing abutment contour or the release abutment contour arranged in the area of the smaller diameter extending to the inner circumference of the mount. It is also expedient if the fixing abutment contour or release abutment contour arranged in the region of the larger diameter also extends to the inner circumference of the receptacle. The smaller diameter enables a greater length of the contour arranged there.

It is preferred if the fixing actuation contour and the fixing abutment contour are movement-coupled to one another in the sense of forced guidance and/or the release actuation contour and the release abutment contour in the sense of forced leadership are coupled to each other movement. This means, for example, that the release actuation contour and the release abutment contour are continuously guided against one another during a release actuation and/or the fixing abutment contour and the fixation actuation contour during a fixation actuation. The restraint extends to at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, even more preferably at least 95% of the adjustment path of the form-fitting elements between the release position and the fixing position.

For example, in order to implement forced guidance, it is provided that the fixing actuation contour and the fixing abutment contour are always in engagement with one another, e.g. are directly in engagement with one another or are engaged via a transmission body or fixing body that is arranged between the fixing actuation contour and the fixing abutment contour. The same applies advantageously to the release actuation contour and the release abutment contour, which are also always in guiding contact with one another directly or indirectly, for example via the transmission body or via the release body.

The fixing actuation contour and/or the fixing abutment contour and/or the release actuation contour and/or the release abutment contour can be or have uniformly inclined surfaces. Consequently, the aforementioned contours can only have a single slant. It is also possible for the fixing actuation contour and/or the fixing abutment contour and/or the release actuation contour and/or the release abutment contour to have at least two inclined surfaces arranged next to one another, which have different inclinations.

A preferred concept provides that the fixing actuation contour and/or the fixing abutment contour and/or the release actuation contour and/or the release abutment contour have at least two sloping surfaces arranged next to one another, which are inclined at different degrees with respect to the actuation travel.

It is advantageous if between sections of a respective contour, i.e. the fixing actuation contour and/or fixing abutment contour and/or the release actuation tion contour and/or the release abutment contour, which have different inclinations, fillets or rounded transition sections IN ANY. In particular, such transition sections are suitable for rolling bodies, for example balls or the like, which are present as release bodies, fixing bodies or transfer bodies, from one section over the transition section to the other section.

Furthermore, the fixing actuation contour and/or the fixing abutment contour and/or the release actuation contour and/or the release abutment contour can also have curved and/or arcuate and/or trough-shaped and/or trough-shaped sections.

Provision is preferably made for the fixing actuation contour and the release actuation contour to lie opposite one another and/or for a depression or receiving surface for a transfer body to be arranged between the fixation actuation contour and the release actuation contour. For example, a flat section can be arranged between the fixing actuation contour and the release actuation contour, so that the fixation actuation contour and the release actuation contour delimit the trough, for example laterally.

It is advantageous if the fixing abutment contour and the release abutment contour are opposite one another and/or a trough or receiving surface for a transmission body is arranged between the fixing abutment contour and the release abutment contour.

It can advantageously be provided that the fixing actuation contour and the fixation abutment contour act directly or indirectly on one another with a first effective length, for example via a transmission body, and the release actuation contour and the release abutment contour act on one another directly or indirectly with a second effective length, with the first effective length and the second effective length are different from each other. The effective length is, for example, the length of the contours that is actively used to adjust the form-fitting elements along the adjustment path. The fixing actuation contour serves to basically actuate the form-fitting elements into the fixing position and/or to bring them into engagement with one another. Thus, the coupling arm carrier is already held stationary and/or in a form-fitting manner in relation to the bearing base in the fixing position. A certain play of movement between the form-fitting elements or a certain distance between the form-fitting elements is then still possible. Proceeding from this, a tension of the coupling arm carrier with the bearing base is advantageous.

It is advantageously provided that the fixing actuation body has a clamping surface arranged next to the fixing actuation contour, in particular with a self-locking slant, for bracing the form-fitting elements together. The fixing actuation contour is provided and configured so that the form-fitting elements engage with one another and assume the fixing position. The clamping surface is used to clamp the positive locking elements together. Parallel to the actuation adjustment path, the clamping surface can have essentially the same length as the fixing actuation contour.

An advantageous measure provides that a securing contour, in particular a groove or a surface without an incline with respect to the actuating travel, is arranged between the clamping surface and the fixing actuation contour. The securing contour is designed in such a way that torques exerted by the coupling arm carrier about the pivot axis cannot exert any actuating force for actuating the fixing actuating body in the direction of the release position. As a result, the fixing position is maintained, even if the aforementioned bracing of the form-fitting elements is no longer present.

It is advantageous if the positive-locking elements are held in the release position solely by the fact that the release-actuating contour and the release-actuating contour are supported on one another in the release position. This is possible, for example, in the case of the aforesaid forced operation.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if between the Kupplungsarmträger and La gerbasis, especially in the field of form-fitting elements, apart from the release drive has no spacer that keeps the form-fitting elements disengaged in the release position. As a result, the trailer hitch has a simpler structure, for example.

An advantageous concept provides that the length and slope of the release abutment contour and the release actuation contour are designed in such a way that the positive-locking elements can be moved completely from the fixation actuation position to the fixation release position to the release position by adjusting the fixation actuation body, with the fixation actuation body being in the fixation release position keeps the form-fitting elements in the release position. For example, inclinations of the release abutment contour and the release actuation contour with respect to the actuation travel are designed for this purpose. Provision can be made for the release actuation contour to have an adjusting bevel that is inclined or running at an angle with respect to the actuation adjustment path for adjusting the form-fitting elements in the direction of the release position and a holding surface arranged next to this for holding in the release position. For example, the holding surface is not inclined with respect to the actuating travel or only at a small angle of a maximum of 5°.

Advantageously, it is provided that the fixing abutment contour has a first adjusting section which, in the sense of a run-in slope, has a smaller inclination with respect to the actuating travel than a second adjusting section arranged next to the first adjusting section. For example, due to the lower inclination, a greater power amplification is achieved.

The release abutment contour advantageously has a first control section which, with regard to the actuating travel, has a greater inclination than a second control section which is arranged next to the first control section and is designed in the sense of a run-out slope. Due to the greater inclination, a higher adjustment speed is exerted in the direction of the release position, for example, especially at the beginning of the adjustment movement from the fixing position in the direction of the release position. The smaller inclination of the second Stellab-section, however, is advantageously designed in terms of power amplification to reliably actuate the fixing device in the direction of the release position or to hold it in the release position.

The operating body guide body is preferably arranged on the vehicle holder, in particular the bearing base of the vehicle holder. The fixing abutment contour and the release abutment contour are preferably arranged stationary with respect to the coupling arm carrier. It is preferred if the fixing abutment contour and the release abutment contour are arranged opposite one another on a form-fit receptacle, in which the fixing actuation contour and the release actuation contour engage directly or a fixation body actuated by the fixation actuation contour and a release body actuated by the release actuation contour engage. However, it is also possible for the fixing abutment contour and the release abutment contour to be arranged on different form circuit recordings or actuation recordings.

Provision is preferably made for the actuating body guide body to be arranged immovably on the bearing base with respect to the pivot axis about which the coupling arm carrier is pivotably mounted with respect to the bearing base.

The actuating body guide body can be arranged on the bearing base such that it can be pivoted with respect to the pivot axis or is non-rotatable.

In the case of the trailer hitch, it is provided that the fixing device has a fixing actuation body, which can be adjusted on an actuating body guide of an actuating body guide body between a fixing release position and a fixing actuation position along an in particular linear actuation travel, for actuating at least one form-fitting body, which in the fixing actuation position fits into a form-fitting receptacle engages in a form-fitting manner, so that the fixing device assumes the fixing position, and in the fixing release position can be displaced out of engagement with the positive-locking receptacle, so that the fixing device assumes the release position, that the trailer hitch releases a release actuator that acts on a release drive contour of the fixing actuating body has actuator for actuating the fixation actuation body in the direction of the fixation release position.

It is possible for the fixing actuation body to be provided and designed for direct or indirect actuation of the at least one fixing body. By actuation using the fixing actuation body, the fixing body can engage, for example, in such a form-fit receptacle that the hitch arm carrier is fixed in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to the bearing base. For example, the positive-locking receptacle is configured as a trough or cap, into which the fixing body, configured for example as a ball, bolt or the like, engages in the fixing position. However, it is also possible for the fixing body to be designed as a drive body which adjusts the coupling arm carrier with respect to the bearing base, in particular linearly, or is designed for such an adjustment that form-fitting elements arranged on the bearing base and the coupling arm carrier for example spherical form-fitting elements, conical form-fitting elements or the like, are engaged with one another in the fixing position and are disengaged in the release position.

The fixing actuation body can also be distinguished, for example, as a locking bolt.

When the release drive is no longer acting on the release drive contour, the fixing actuation body can be pushed back in the direction of the fixing actuation position, for example by the force of a spring, so that the fixing device is ready, so to speak, for further fixing of the trailer hitch, for example when the coupling arm carrier or the coupling arm dies position of use or the position of non-use has been reached. An advantageous embodiment of the above trailer hitch, but also an invention in its own right, is a trailer hitch which, together with the features mentioned at the outset or the features of the preamble of claim 1, is characterized in that the fixing actuation body has a support body with a support contour, at a Wi- the bearing contour of an abutment body is supported while the fixation actuation body assumes the fixation release position.

It is a basic idea that the fixation actuation body is supported and/or guided by the abutment body while the fixation actuation body assumes the fixation release position. Thus, for example, the spacer element mentioned at the beginning can be dispensed with.

The fixing actuation body can have a plurality of support bodies, on each of which a support contour is arranged, or the support contour can be provided on a plurality of support bodies of the fixation actuation body. In particular, it is advantageous if two support bodies which are arranged at an angular distance from the pivot axis of the coupling arm carrier and each have a support contour are arranged on the fixing actuation body.

Furthermore, several abutment bodies can be provided, each of which provides an abutment contour or a section of a multi-part abutment contour. However, it is preferably provided that the abutment contour is provided on a single abutment body.

It is advantageously provided that positive-locking elements, for example balls and spherical caps, are arranged on the coupling arm carrier and the bearing base, which are engaged with one another in the fixing position and disengaged with one another in the release position. The form-fitting elements are kept disengaged by the support contour and the abutment contour when the fixing actuation body assumes the fixing release position. Advantageously, no spacer element arranged next to the form-locking elements is necessary in order to keep the form-locking elements, which are arranged on the coupling arm carrier and the bearing base, disengaged in the release position.

Using the support contour and the abutment contour, some advantageous support measures and guidance measures can be achieved, which are explained below: A preferred concept provides that the abutment contour and the support contour have holding sections for holding the fixing actuation body in the fixing release position in positions of the coupling arm carrier between the use position and the non-use position. The abutment contour and the support contour each have at least one such holding section. The holding portions support the fixing operation body in such a manner that it cannot move toward the fixing operation position, for example, so that the release position of the fixing device is maintained. The distancing element mentioned at the outset in the area of form-fitting elements is therefore not necessary, for example.

The holding sections of the abutment contour and the support contour are preferably only in the positions of the coupling arm support between the use position and the non-use position in engagement with each other and/or are supported on each other only in these positions of the coupling arm support. The holding sections of the abutment contour and the support contour are designed, for example, as flat surfaces and/or perpendicular to the actuating travel and/or perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the actuating body per guide body and/or perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the fixing actuating body. It is preferred if the abutment contour has at least two holding sections and/or the support contour has at least two holding sections. The holding section of the abutment contour and the holding section of the support contour are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the fixing actuation body and/or at angular intervals with respect to the pivot axis. Thus, for example, at least two pairs of two Halteab sections, of which one is provided on the abutment contour and one on the support contour, be supported on one another. The holding sections are opposite each other in example. The fixing actuation body is arranged between the holding sections, for example. It is advantageously provided that a first holding section of the abutment contour has a first longitudinal position with respect to a longitudinal axis of the actuating body guide and/or with respect to the actuating travel and a second holding section of the abutment contour has a second longitudinal position that differs from the first longitudinal position with respect to the longitudinal axis of the actuating body guide and / or have with respect to the actuating travel.

The holding sections of the abutment contour preferably protrude to different extents in the direction of the support contour. The first holding section of the abutment contour, for example, protrudes less far in the direction of the support body than the second holding section of the abutment contour, or vice versa.

The holding sections of the abutment contour thus have, for example, different plateaus or plateau levels.

The holding sections of the support contour assigned to the holding sections of the abutment contour preferably have longitudinal positions corresponding to or matching these with respect to the longitudinal axis of the actuating body per guide or the longitudinal axis of the fixing actuation body or with respect to the actuating travel.

It is advantageously provided that in the fixing release position a first holding section of the support contour has a first longitudinal position with respect to a longitudinal axis of the actuating body guide and/or with respect to the actuating travel and a second holding section of the support contour has a second longitudinal position different from the first longitudinal position with respect to the longitudinal axis the Actuate supply body guide and / or have with respect to the actuating travel.

The holding sections of the support contour preferably protrude to different extents in the direction of the abutment contour. The first holding section of the support contour protrudes further in the direction of the abutment contour than the second holding section support contour or vice versa. It is also advantageous if the at least one holding section of the Wi derlagerkontur extends, in particular completely, between a position of the fixation actuation body assigned to the position of use and a position of the fixation actuation body assigned to the non-use position of the coupling arm carrier.

The at least one holding section of the abutment contour extends, for example, in a ring shape around a pivot axis about which the fixing actuation body pivots, and/or around a longitudinal axis of the fixing actuation body.

It is preferred if the abutment contour has at least two holding sections, each of which extends between a position of the fixing actuation body associated with the use position and a position of the fixation actuation body associated with the non-use position of the coupling arm carrier.

It is advantageous if the fixing actuation body and/or the support body participates in a pivoting movement of the trailer coupling and/or the coupling arm carrier at least in sections. For example, the fixing actuation body and/or the support body is held on the actuation body guide body in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to the pivot axis or with limited rotational play. Rotary driving contours are advantageously present between the fixing actuation body and the actuation body guide body. When the actuating body guide body pivots about the pivot axis of the coupling arm carrier, it takes the fixing actuating body with it during this pivoting movement or rotary movement.

An advantageous concept provides for the abutment contour and the support contour to have swivel stops, which in the use position or the non-use position associated positions of the fixing actuation body to limit the pivoting path of the coupling arm carrier between the use position and the non-use position strike one another. The swivel stops preferably contain support surfaces parallel to the swivel axis, so that a maximum supporting force between the swivel stops is possible. It is advantageous if pairings of swivel stops on the abutment contour and the support contour are provided for both the use position and the non-use position. But it is also possible that only for the Ge use position or only for the non-use position a pair of pivoting stops on the one hand on the fixing actuation body and on the other hand on the abutment gerkörper are present. A pair of pivot stops associated with the use position preferably has larger support surfaces than a pair of pivot stops associated with the non-use position.

Advantageously, an angular spacing of pivoting stops of the abutment body with respect to the pivoting axis of the coupling arm support is provided to determine the length of the pivoting path of the coupling arm support and/or to limit the pivoting path of the coupling arm support.

It is advantageously provided that the abutment contour and/or the support contour has at least one actuating section for actuating the fixing actuating body beyond the fixing release position, e.g. in a direction parallel to the adjustment into the fixing release position or in a direction parallel to the adjustment into the fixing release position directional component. Thus, for example, the release drive can first actuate the fixation actuation body into the fixation release position, while the actuation section of the abutment contour and/or the actuation section of the support contour cause a further movement beyond the fixation release position. The at least one actuating section preferably comprises an inclined surface or a rounded surface.

Provision is preferably made for a driving force generated by a pivoting movement of the hitch arm carrier to be able to act on the fixing actuation body by means of the support contour or abutment contour. An advantageous measure provides, for example, that the abutment contour and/or the support contour have at least one actuation section for actuating the fixing actuation body along the actuation travel, the actuation Supply section forms a drive contour which drives the fixing actuation body using a drive force generated by a pivoting movement of the coupling arm carrier. When the coupling arm support pivots about the pivot axis, it acts directly or indirectly on the fixing actuation body via the at least one actuation contour. It is advantageous if the coupling arm carrier acts directly or indirectly during a pivoting movement from the position of use into the position of non-use or from the position of non-use into the position of use via the at least one actuating section on the fixing actuating body, in particular for an actuation in the direction of the fixing release position or beyond .

Advantageously, it is provided that the fixing device with respect to the coupling arm carrier and the bearing base comprises positive locking elements which are stationary and which interlock positively in the fixing position of the fixing device at least in the position of use of the coupling arm carrier. The form-fitting elements are, for example, balls and spherical caps, toothing or the like of other form-fitting elements. In particular, the positive-locking elements are provided and designed for a non-rotatable fixation of the coupling arm carrier on the bearing base with respect to the pivot axis.

It is advantageous if the coupling arm carrier is mounted on the bearing base so that it can move linearly parallel to the pivot axis in order to bring the form-fitting elements into engagement or disengagement.

The fixing actuation body preferably forms part of a fixing drive, in particular a linear drive, in order to actuate the coupling arm carrier between a position in which the interlocking elements engage in one another and the fixing device assumes its fixing position, and a position in which the interlocking elements do not engage in one another and /or to adjust.

Furthermore, the fixing actuation body preferably forms part of a release drive, in particular a linear drive, in order to move the coupling arm carrier from the aforementioned fixing position into a position and/or to make, in which the form-fitting elements do not engage with each other or are disengaged with each other and the fixing device assumes its release position to actuate and / or to adjust.

It is advantageous if the fixing actuation body forms part of a release drive and has a release actuation contour of the release drive for driving the coupling arm carrier away from the bearing base into a release position, so that the positive-locking elements disengage. Then the fixing device assumes its release position.

It is advantageously provided that the at least one actuating section, which is provided on the support body or the abutment body, is designed to actuate the fixing actuating body in the direction of the release position of the release drive. It can be provided that only the aforementioned at least one actuating section is used to actuate the release drive in the direction of the release position of the fixing device. However, it is also possible that the fixing actuation body is initially actuated in the direction of the fixing release position using the release drive contour, as a result of which the release drive already causes the form-fitting elements on the coupling arm and bearing base to be released and that a further adjustment of the fixation actuation body is carried out by the at least one actuation section on the support body and/or or abutment body is effected in order to actuate the release drive even further in the direction of the released position, so that the form-fitting elements, a coupling arm carrier and bearing base, are moved even further away from one another.

An advantageous concept provides that the at least one actuating section is arranged next to the holding section of the abutment contour or the holding section of the support contour. For example, it is possible that in addition to the holding section, which is used to hold the fixation actuation body in the fixation release position, only one actuation section is arranged on the abutment contour or the support contour. But it is also possible that, for example, at ei nander opposite or remote end regions of the Holding portion of the abutment contour and / or the holding portion of the support contour each have an actuating portion is present.

It is also advantageously provided that the at least one actuating section is arranged between at least one pivot stop of the abutment contour and the holding section of the abutment contour.

It is advantageous if the abutment body has at least one locking mechanism, into which the support contour of the support body engages in the fixing position of the fixing device. For example, the abutment body has a locking receptacle assigned to the use position and/or a locking receptacle assigned to the non-use position. For example, the at least one pivot stop is arranged on the at least one locking mount.

The holding sections of the abutment body advantageously extend between the locking receptacles. For example, two locking receptacles are arranged, between which one of the holding sections extends.

The at least one actuating section is preferably provided between the locking receptacle and the holding section of the abutment body. Thus, for example, the support body moved out of the locking receptacle can be actuated or actuated by the actuating section further in the direction of the fixing release position and/or in the sense of releasing the form-fitting elements from one another.

The locking receptacle accommodates the support body, for example, during a phase in which the fixing device itself assumes its release position, i.e. the coupling arm carrier can basically be pivoted with respect to the pivot axis, although the locking receptacle prevents the coupling arm carrier from pivoting between the use position and the non-use position is pivotable. In this way, the locking receptacle, in particular in combination with the actuating section, can be used to control the course of movement of the coupling arm carrier from the position of use in the direction of tion of the non-use position and vice versa. The actuating section is designed, for example, as an inclined surface that extends between the locking receptacle and the holding section. For complete movement of the support body out of the locking receptacle, the support body is subjected to a torque, for example by a pivoting drive device, with which the coupling arm carrier is driven about the pivot axis between the position of use and the position of non-use, by means of which the support body can be rotated on its actuating surface and/or the actuating surface of the Wi derlagerkörpers can slide along. The support body thus moves out of the locking receptacle onto the holding section, so that the fixing release position is reliably retained and the coupling arm carrier can also pivot about the pivot axis with respect to the bearing base.

It is advantageously provided that the actuating body guide body has a guiding contour for guiding the fixing actuating body, in particular linearly, along the actuating travel, in particular linear, between the fixing actuating position and the fixing release position. The guide contour is designed, for example, as a longitudinal groove or as a longitudinal slot or as a longitudinal rib on the actuating body guide body. A guide element, which is in engagement with the guide contour, is advantageously provided on the fixing actuation body. For example, at least one guide projection arranged transversely and/or perpendicularly with respect to the actuating travel is provided on the fixing actuating body, which is in engagement with the guiding contour of the actuating body-guiding body. If the guide contour is designed, for example, as a longitudinal rib, a guide receptacle is arranged on the fixing actuation body, for example, which rib engages with the longitudinal.

The guide contour expediently forms an anti-twist contour for guiding the fixing actuation body in a torsion-proof manner with respect to a pivot axis along the actuation adjustment path. It is advantageous if the aforesaid locking receptacle with this guiding contour in the position of use and/or the position of non-use curses. In this way, for example, the support body can engage both in the locking mechanism and in the guide contour. It is advantageously provided that the abutment contour is different from the guide contour of the actuating body guide body and/or is arranged next to the guide contour. Consequently, both are present, the abutment contour of the abutment body and the guide contour of the guide body.

Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that the abutment contour is in engagement with the support contour of the fixation actuation body during a movement of the fixation actuation body that is different from a movement along the actuation adjustment path. The abutment contour is not in engagement with the support contour on the actuation adjustment path between the fixation actuation position and the fixation release position. If the abutment body has the aforementioned at least one locking receptacle, only the locking receptacle and, if applicable, the pivoting stop of the abutment body or the abutment contour are in engagement with the support contour of the fixing actuation body when the latter is adjusted between the fixing actuation position and the fixing release position.

In principle, it is possible for the release drive to actuate the fixation actuation body both in the direction of the fixation actuation position and in the direction of the fixation release position. In this case, the release drive advantageously forms a fixing drive or a component part of a fixing drive. However, it is advantageous if the release drive is exclusively a release drive. It is preferably provided that the release drive actuates the fixing actuation body exclusively in the direction of the fixing release position, while in the opposite direction, in the direction of the fixing actuation position, a spring arrangement or a spring, in particular a helical spring, is provided.

An advantageous concept provides that the fixing actuation body is moved into the fixation actuation position by a spring arrangement, in particular a helical spring. tion is loaded and the release drive acts against the force of the spring arrangement when the fixing actuation body is actuated in the direction of the fixing release position.

An advantageous concept provides for the abutment contour and the support contour to slide along one another during the adjustment and/or during pivoting of the clutch arm carrier between the position of use and the position of non-use. This can be the case, for example, when the subsequent measure has been implemented.

It is advantageously provided that the abutment body and/or the abutment contour is stationary with respect to the vehicle mount or the bearing base and/or is non-rotatable with respect to the pivot axis of the coupling arm carrier.

The support body and/or the support contour are advantageously rotatable or pivotable relative to the abutment body and the abutment contour, in particular about the pivot axis of the coupling arm carrier.

It is advantageously provided that the coupling arm carrier on the one hand and on the other hand abutment body and the support body are arranged on opposite sides of a support body of the vehicle holder having the bearing base. Between the supporting body and the coupling arm carrier, the aforementioned positive-locking elements of the fixing device are arranged, for example, which are engaged in the fixing position and disengaged in the release position. These form-fitting elements on the one hand and the arrangement of abutment body and support body on the other hand are arranged on opposite sides of the support body.

It is also advantageous if the abutment body and/or the abutment contour is stationary with respect to the actuation travel of the fixation actuation body between the fixation actuation position and the fixation release position.

For example, the abutment body is arranged on the vehicle mount or the bearing base so as to be non-rotatable with respect to the pivot axis. The actuator The guide body, on the other hand, is advantageously mounted so that it can pivot about the pivot axis of the coupling arm support with respect to the bearing base. If the fixing actuation body is twisted in relation to the actuation body guide body in relation to the pivot axis of the coupling arm carrier or at most has a predetermined movement play or rotational play in relation to the pivot axis of the coupling arm carrier, the fixing actuation body is carried along about the pivot axis during a pivoting movement of the actuation body guide body, so that the Supporting body of the fixation actuation body also pivots about the pivot axis. Thus, the support body can slide along the abutment body.

It is advantageous if the abutment contour is separate from the release drive and/or cannot be driven by the release drive. In this case the support contour is separate from the release drive contour. For example, the release drive contour is arranged next to the support contour.

Provision can be made for the support contour to form part of the release drive contour. It is thus possible for the release drive contour to hold the fixing actuation body in the fixing release position during an adjustment of the coupling arm carrier between the use position and the non-use position. For example, it can be provided that the release drive is designed to hold the fixing actuation body in the fixing release position in positions of an adjustment path of the coupling arm carrier between the use position and the non-use position.

However, it is preferably provided that the support contour is different from the release drive contour. Consequently, different support contours and release drive contours are available from one another. The release drive contour is used to move the fixation actuation body from the fixation actuation position in the direction of the fixation release position, while the support contour serves, for example, to hold the fixation actuation body in the fixation release position. To drive the release drive contour, a drive element is advantageously seen before, which is driven by a drive device of the trailer hitch. The drive element has, for example, at least one drive contour associated with the release drive contour. The drive element is preferably rotatable relative to the abutment body, for example about a drive axis that is parallel or coaxial with the pivot axis, in particular. The drive element is designed, for example, as a fluffy body. The drive element is preferably rotatably mounted with respect to the actuating body guide body, for example about a drive axis which is preferably parallel or coaxial to the pivot axis.

The drive element is preferably arranged radially inside with respect to the abutment body. The drive element is arranged, for example, in an interior space of the abutment body.

It is advantageously provided that the fixing actuation body has a release drive body arranged next to the support body, the support contour being arranged on the support body and the release drive contour on the release drive body. The support body and the release drive body can be in one piece.

Two pairings of a support body and a release drive body are preferably provided for the trailer hitch, which are angularly spaced from one another with respect to the pivot axis and/or are arranged on opposite sides of the fixing actuation body.

The at least one release drive contour preferably includes an inclined surface that runs obliquely with respect to the actuating travel or an adjustment axis along which the fixing actuating body is guided on the actuating body guide. It is preferred if the at least one release drive contour has inclined surfaces arranged in the manner of a roof edge or at an angle to one another. The sloping surfaces are designed, for example, in the manner of an arrowhead or a wedge, which is oriented in the direction of the abutment contour. The inclined surfaces may have curves and/or have linear sections. The inclined surfaces can be designed as flat surfaces. Introductory bevels can be provided upstream of the inclined surfaces with respect to a respective actuation.

To drive the at least one release drive contour, a drive element is advantageously provided which is driven, in particular rotationally driven, by a drive device of the trailer hitch. The drive element can be rotated, for example, about a drive axis that is parallel or coaxial with the pivot axis. The drive element is preferably rotatably or rotatably driven relative to the bearing body.

The drive element has, for example, at least one drive contour for driving the release drive contour. The at least one drive contour preferably comprises at least one inclined surface, which runs obliquely with respect to the actuation adjustment path or an adjustment axis, along which the fixing actuation body is guided on the actuation body guide.

The drive contour of the drive element and the release drive contour have, for example, tooth-like or roof-like projections that slide along one another in order to adjust the fixing actuation body along the actuation adjustment path.

It is advantageous if at least one release drive contour is arranged on opposite sides of the fixation actuation body, preferably at least two release drive contours which are angled to one another, for example in the manner of a wedge or an arrowhead.

It is also advantageous if the release drive body and the support body are arranged one behind the other radially with respect to the pivot axis of the coupling arm carrier and/or with respect to a linear axis along which the fixing activation body can be adjusted between the fixing release position and the fixing activation position. For example, the release drive body is radially on the inside and the support body is radially on the outside with respect to the pivot axis or linear axis. ordered, but also the release drive body can be arranged radially outside and the support body radially inside.

It is advantageous if the release drive body can pivot about the pivot axis or linear axis past an inner circumference of the abutment body. Thus, for example, a drive body provided for driving the release drive body can be arranged in an interior space of the abutment body and interact with the release drive body.

It is advantageously provided that the fixing actuation body has support bodies and/or release drive bodies arranged at an angular distance and/or arranged on opposite sides with respect to the pivot axis of the coupling arm carrier and/or with respect to a linear axis along which the fixation actuation body can be adjusted between the fixation release position and the fixation actuation position . In the aforementioned cases, two supporting bodies and/or two release drive bodies are provided, for example. For example, the supporting bodies and/or the release driving bodies are configured on opposite sides as arms or projections protruding in front of a supporting base.

The fixing actuation body and the at least one support body can be in one piece. A multi-part design is also possible, d. H. that the fixing actuation body is connected to the support body, for example glued and/or welded and/or screwed and/or connected by means of a tie rod.

The tie rod preferably passes through the fixation actuation body and is connected to a longitudinal axis, along which the fixation actuation body extends, at a longitudinal end region of the fixation actuation body remote from the support body in a tensile or non-displaceable manner. This makes assembly of the trailer hitch particularly easy. A preferred concept provides that the support body is arranged on a support base through which the tie rod passes, at least one clamping device or latching device being arranged between the support base and the tie rod in order to hold the tie rod captively on the support base. The support base includes, for example, a tubular body through which the tie rod can be pushed. The tie rod is captively held on the support base by latching contours or clamping contours between the train anchor and the inner circumference of the tubular body, at least a receptacle for the tie rod provided on the support base. Thus, the tie rod can be connected to the fixing actuation body, for example, with its part protruding in front of the support base.

An advantageous embodiment of the above trailer hitch, but also an invention in its own right, is a trailer hitch which, together with the features mentioned at the outset or the features of the preamble of claim 1, is characterized in that the fixing device has at least one fixing component, in particular a fixing actuator ment body, which is adjustably mounted in a guide channel of a guide body between a fixing position or fixing actuation position and a release position or fixing release position along an actuation travel, the fixing component being acted upon by a spring arrangement in the direction of the fixing position or the fixing actuation position, the spring arrangement at the fixing component as well as an in particular annular support part of a spring-support body arranged stationary with respect to the guide body is supported, with at least one support vo of the support part Rsprung outwards, which engages in a holding receptacle on the guide body, the guide body having an insertion channel extending between the holding receptacle and a free end region of the guide body, through which the supporting projection can be inserted into the holding receptacle.

The spring support body can thus be easily inserted into the guide channel. The spring support body is arranged in the guide channel when it supports the spring arrangement. The spring assembly advantageously includes a helical spring.

The insertion channel and the holding receptacle are arranged, for example, on a peripheral wall of the guide body that surrounds the guide channel.

The insertion channel is designed, for example, as a longitudinal groove or a longitudinal slot on the guide body. The insertion channel, e.g. the longitudinal groove or the longitudinal slot, extends, for example, along the guide channel or a channel section which communicates with the guide channel. In any case, the fixing component can be inserted into the guide channel from a free end area of the guide body. The spring arrangement, for example a helical spring, and then the spring support body are then introduced into the guide channel and brought into engagement with the at least one holding receptacle, for example in the manner of a bayonet lock.

It is preferred if the spring support body is rotated between an insertion position and a holding position by an angular range of less than 30°, preferably less than 20°, in order to engage the holding receptacle from the insertion channel. In the insertion position, the at least one supporting projection is arranged in the insertion channel, and in the holding position, the supporting projection is accommodated in the holding receptacle.

The insertion channel and the holding receptacle preferably form an L-shaped configuration. In particular, it is advantageous if a longitudinal extent of the insertion channel is greater than a circumferential extent of the holding receptacle.

The holding receptacle advantageously has a gripping projection and/or holding projection and/or an anti-twist contour for holding the supporting projection in the holding receptacle, which is arranged between a bottom of the holding receptacle and the insertion channel.

The gripping projection or holding projection or the anti-twist contour is provided, for example, between the holding receptacle and the insertion channel. The rear gripping projection is hook-shaped, for example. The gripping projection or holding projection or the anti-twist contour protrudes in front of the holding receptacle, for example with a directional component or in a direction parallel to the insertion channel.

The gripping projection or holding projection or the anti-twist contour advantageously protrudes in front of the holding receptacle in a direction away from the free end area of the guide body.

The gripping projection or holding projection or the anti-twist protection contour advantageously forms a rotation stop for the supporting projection, which prevents the supporting projection from rotating out of the holding receptacle in the direction of the insertion channel.

A preferred concept provides that the insertion channel is open on an outside of the guide body, so that the support projection can be gripped and/or actuated from the outside of the guide body for movement along the insertion channel. For example, the insertion channel is designed as a longitudinal slit.

When the spring support body is inserted into the guide body, it acts on the spring arrangement in the direction of a clamping position or loads the spring arrangement.

It is advantageously provided that the spring support body is acted upon by the spring arrangement into a support position which is supported on the holding receptacle.

It is advantageous if the insertion channel is straight. However, it is also possible for the insertion channel to have a curved shape and/or curved sections and/or curved sections.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the spring support body has a support projection on at least two angularly spaced sides, in particular on opposite sides, and that the guide body has at least two insertion channels corresponding to the support projections which extend parallel to one another and each communicate with a holding mount for a respective support projection, so that the support mounts can be inserted through the insertion channels into the respective holding mounts.

Of course, more than two, for example three or four, supporting projections and insertion channels can also be provided in a corresponding number. If more than two supporting projections are provided, they preferably have the same angular distance from one another.

However, the at least one insertion channel of the guide body or the at least one holding receptacle of the guide body can also be designed and provided for entrainment, in particular rotary entrainment, by a drive body. A preferred measure provides for the insertion channel and/or the holding receptacle to form or have an abutment contour for engaging a driving contour, in particular a rotary driving contour of a drive body, so that the guide body can be driven, in particular rotated, by the drive body. The drive body is, for example, a drive wheel, in particular a gear wheel. The drive body has, for example, a receptacle or opening for receiving the guide body, with the entrainment contours or rotary entrainment contour of the drive body protruding in front of the receptacle opening in order to engage with the insertion channel or the holding receptacle. The drive body can, for example, be plugged onto the guide body from the free end thereof.

It is preferred if the entrainment contour of the drive body engages both in the holding receptacle and in the insertion channel. A large receiving space is therefore available for the rotary driving contour, so that in particular the measure explained below can be implemented easily.

It is preferably provided that the entrainment contour engages in the holding receptacle and/or the insertion channel with a play of movement, in particular a play of rotation. Thus, the drive body, such as the drive wheel to a be moved over a predetermined distance, which is necessary, for example, for a drive wheel that is motion-coupled or permanently connected to the drive wheel and performs a further drive function to move further by the distance, in particular to be able to be rotated further, without the drive body with its driving contour interfering with the guide body takes away

The guide body is advantageously designed as a tubular body or shaft body.

Advantageously, it is provided that the guide body is designed to drive the coupling arm carrier in rotation between the use position and the non-use position or forms a rotary drive body for adjusting the hitch arm carrier between the use position and the non-use position.

The guide body advantageously has an insertion opening, in particular at its free end, through which the spring support body and/or the spring arrangement and/or the fixing component, in particular the fixing actuation body, can be inserted into the guide channel. Thus, for example, sequential assembly, in which first the fixing actuation body, then the spring arrangement and finally the spring support body are mounted on the guide body, can be implemented. The insertion opening is, for example, a free end area of the guide channel or an open end area of the guide channel.

It is advantageous if the spring support body has a passage opening through which the fixation actuation body or a support element fixedly connected to the fixation actuation body for supporting and/or driving the fixation actuation body passes. The spring support body is, for example, ring-shaped or has a support ring which has the passage opening and from which the at least one support projection protrudes. The support element and the fixing actuation body are connected to one another, for example by means of a tie rod, a screw or the like. The guide body advantageously has at least one guide, running in particular radially to the adjustment path, for a fixing body or transmission body or release body that can be actuated by the fixing component, in particular the fixing actuation body. The guide is designed, for example, as a guide channel. The fixing body, transfer body or release body is, for example, a rolling body, in particular a ball.

An advantageous embodiment of the above trailer hitch, but also an invention in its own right, is a trailer hitch which, together with the features mentioned at the outset or the features of the preamble of claim 1, is characterized in that the trailer hitch has a securing device for securing the fixing device in the fixing position, wherein the securing device has a latch which, in a securing position, engages in a movement path of at least one fixing component, in particular a fixing actuation body, of the fixing device, so that the latch allows the fixing component to be adjusted along the movement path into a release position assigned to the fixing device Blocked position, and the bolt is adjusted in an unlocking position from the path of movement of the fixing component away, so that the fixing device is adjustable in the release position, wherein the trailer coupling has a pivoting riebeinrich device for pivoting the Kupplungsarmträgers between the position of use and the non-use position and the swivel drive device has a drive coupled to the Kupplungsarmträger and arranged on a drive shaft drive wheel, wherein a drive contour for driving the bolt in the unlocking position is arranged on the drive shaft.

The drive wheel is advantageously rotatable with respect to the clutch arm carrier or relative to the clutch arm carrier.

The path of movement of the at least one fixing component and an adjustment path, along which the latch can be adjusted between the securing position and the unlocking position, are preferably perpendicular to one another or perpendicular. The bolt can engage, for example, in a locking receptacle of the fixing component. However, it is also possible for the latch to protrude only into the path of movement of the fixing component in the securing position, so that this fixing component cannot be adjusted past the latch in the direction of a position associated with the release position of the fixing device.

The basic idea here is that the drive shaft drives the bolt directly, so that actuation of the safety device is derived directly from the pivoting actuation of the coupling arm carrier between the use position and the non-use position. The fixing component can, for example, be a form-fitting body which engages in a form-fitting receptacle in the fixing position. The form-fitting body is arranged, for example, on the bearing base. The form-fitting receptacle is arranged on the coupling arm carrier, for example.

However, it is preferably provided that the fixing component is formed by a fixing actuation body which can be adjusted on an actuation body guide of an actuation body guide body between a fixation release position and a fixation actuation position along an in particular linear actuation adjustment path for actuating the fixation device, the fixation release position are assigned to the release position and the fixing actuation position to the fixing position of the fixing device.

A preferred concept provides that the locking bar is linearly guided between the secured position and the unlocked position on a linear guide, which can also be referred to as a linear guide device. The linear guide is, for example, arranged in a stationary manner on the coupling arm carrier or the bearing base. The bolt is designed, for example, in the manner of a slide. It is also advantageous if the bolt is guided between the secured position and the unlocked position along a displacement path that does not necessarily have to be linear. Furthermore, a guide device for the bolt is advantageously provided, which guides the bolt against rotation. Thus, the bolt can be actuated by applying a torque from the secured position to the unlocked position. It is preferred if the drive contour of the drive shaft has a cam contour or an eccentric contour or both.

It is also advantageous if the drive contour has an arcuate or annular section which extends in an arcuate or annular shape around the drive axis about which the drive shaft rotates. The arcuate or annular section is preferably used to actuate the bolt into the unlocked position, in particular against a spring loading the bolt into the secured position.

Indentations or release contours, in particular surfaces or planar surfaces, can be provided on the drive shaft or the drive contour to move the bolt into the secured position or to release the bolt for actuation into the secured position, for example by the aforementioned spring. The bolt or a transmission element coupled in movement with the bolt can, for example, engage in such a depression in the securing position. The indentation extends, for example, from an outer circumference of the drive contour that is circular per se, radially inward with respect to the drive axis about which the drive shaft rotates.

In principle, it is possible for the drive contour and thus the drive shaft to act directly on the bolt. For example, tooth structures, cam structures or the like can be provided on the drive shaft, which can or are directly engaged with the bolt.

It is advantageously provided that the drive contour of the drive shaft acts on a transmission element, which is movement-coupled to the bolt for adjusting the bolt between the secured position and the unlocked position. Easily several transmission elements are possible with each other are connected and movably coupled, wherein the transmission elements transmit the driving force of the drive shaft to the bolt.

The transmission element can, for example, be designed as an actuating lever or comprise an actuating lever.

It is also advantageous if the transmission element is arcuate or has the shape of a sickle. For example, the transmission element extends in an arc around the drive shaft.

Provision is advantageously made for the transmission element to be movement-coupled and/or movably connected to the bolt by means of a pivot bearing. A pivot axis of the pivot bearing preferably runs parallel to a drive axis of the drive shaft. The pivot bearing is preferably arranged on a longitudinal end area of the transmission element. At the other longitudinal end region of the transmission element, the pivot bearing explained below is advantageously arranged. However, the pivot bearings can also be provided at other points of the transmission element.

It is advantageously provided that the transmission element is pivotably mounted on a base body of the safety device by means of a pivot bearing, with a pivot axis of the pivot bearing preferably running parallel to a drive axis on the drive shaft. However, one or both pivot axes of the pivot bearing mentioned above can also have a different orientation with respect to the drive axis of the drive shaft, for example, be inclined obliquely to the drive axis.

It is advantageous if the drive shaft is arranged between the pivot bearings.

It is also advantageously provided that the bolt is acted upon by a spring in the securing position. The drive contour of the drive shaft works against the force of the spring. By the spring, for example a coil spring, it is ensured that the bolt is in the securing position as permanently as possible, especially when it is not actuated by the drive shaft.

It is advantageous if the bolt allows the fixing device to be adjusted into the release position when the coupling arm is to be pivoted from the use position into the non-use position or vice versa. Consequently, the bolt is adjustable in the position of use and/or the position of non-use of the hitch arm or of the hitch arm carrier in the unlocked position.

The drive of the bolt is advantageously derived directly from the drive shaft. It is thus possible, for example, that the drive shaft makes several revolutions around the drive axis when the coupling arm carrier is adjusted between the use position and the non-use position, but the bolt itself can only be moved from the safety position to the unlocking position when the fixing device is in the Release position is to be adjusted so that the coupling arm carrier and thus the coupling arm can be pivoted from the use position to the non-use position or vice versa.

However, it is easily possible for the bolt to be adjusted in positions of the coupling arm carrier between the securing position and the unlocking position, without this leading to the fixing device being blocked. An advantageous measure can provide that the drive contour of the drive shaft actuates the bolt at at least one intermediate position of the coupling arm carrier on the adjustment path of the coupling arm carrier between the use position and the non-use position of the coupling arm from the unlocking position to the locking position or for movement into the Backup position releases without the bolt located in the backup position can block a movement of the fixing component in the release position or blocked. For example, the bolt makes an oscillating linear movement between the securing position and the unlocking position, but remains ineffective. In itself it is advantageous that the bolt can be actuated exclusively by the drive shaft or the drive contour from the secured position into the unlocked position and/or vice versa. However, it is also possible for the fixing component of the fixing device to be secured by the bolt or another component of the fixing device to be designed to actuate the bolt.

An advantageous concept provides that the bolt has at least one actuating contour that can be actuated by the fixing component or component of the fixing device connected to the fixing component, by means of which the bolt can be adjusted by the fixing component in the direction of the unlocking position. It is possible for the fixing component to be adjustable, in particular pivotable, transversely to the path of movement along which the fixing component can be adjusted between the position assigned to the fixing position and the release position, and that the setting contour can be adjusted by a Ver position of the fixing component can be actuated along the transverse movement path. For example, the setting contour of the bolt is inclined at an angle to the transverse movement path.

It is preferred if the locking bar has setting contours arranged in a V-shape or in the manner of a roof edge. The setting contours are configured or arranged, for example, in the manner of an arrowhead.

An advantageous embodiment of the above trailer hitch, but also an invention in its own right, is a trailer hitch which, together with the features mentioned at the beginning or the features of the preamble of claim 1, is characterized in that the hitch arm carrier is on a hitch arm side of a supporting body of the vehicle holder is arranged and, in particular, is mounted parallel to the pivot axis and/or linearly to the supporting body so that it can move towards and away from the supporting body, in order in particular to engage or disengage form-locking elements of the fixing device arranged on the supporting body and the coupling arm carrier, with between the coupling arm support and the support body a coupling arm-side volume is chambered, which is increased by the movement of the coupling arm carrier away from the supporting body and reduced by the movement of the coupling arm carrier towards the supporting body, with a pressure equalization means, in particular a passage opening, being arranged on the supporting body, through which air into the volume on the clutch arm side and/or can flow out of the volume on the clutch arm side.

The advantage of this design is that although the volume on the clutch arm side is reduced by the clutch arm carrier when it is moved towards the supporting body or the vehicle mount, this does not lead to an overpressure in this volume. Here, the pressure compensation means, for example a passage opening, ensures that air flows from the volume on the clutch arm side, for example into the area surrounding the trailer hitch or, as will become even clearer below, into a second volume, which is advantageously larger, in particular significantly larger, than the volume on the clutch arm side volume is. The second volume is preferably a closed or chambered volume. At the second volume but can also Druckaus equalizing means, such as a membrane or the like, be provided, which allow pressure equalization to an environment of the trailer hitch.

The clutch arm support forms, for example, a pump element or a pump body. The coupling arm carrier pumps air, for example, from the volume on the hitch arm side through the pressure compensation means into the surrounding area of the trailer hitch or into the aforementioned second volume.

The support body is, for example, a flange body or a plate body. The pressure-equalizing means has, for example, one or more bores that pass through the support body, for example the flange body or plate body.

Certain leaks are also at least conceivable or possible in the case of the trailer hitch with pressure compensation means. However, it is preferable for air to move towards and/or away from the support body during the adjustment of the coupling arm support flows through the support body exclusively or at least 95% through the pressure compensation medium into and/or out of the volume on the side of the clutch arm.

The support body has a sealing surface covered by the clutch arm support when the clutch arm support is displaced toward the support body, the sealing surface forming part of surfaces enclosing the clutch arm-side volume. The volume is limited by other components, such as the clutch arm carrier.

It is preferred if, apart from the pressure compensation means, there is no passage opening on the sealing surface of the support body through which air can flow into the volume on the coupling arm and out of the volume on the coupling arm. Furthermore, it is advantageous if passage openings for air arranged on the supporting body serve exclusively as the pressure equalizing means or form part of the pressure equalizing means. If there are openings, they serve to equalize the pressure.

It would be possible for the form-fitting elements to include a form-fitting receptacle on the support body, on which a through-opening for the pressure-equalizing means is arranged. For example, the form-fitting receptacle can be designed as a cylindrical bore for a cylindrical form-fitting body as another form-fitting element. The hole has no bottom, but is designed as a passage opening. However, it is advantageously provided that the positive-locking elements include positive-locking receptacles on the supporting body, which have a bottom or no through-opening for providing the pressure-equalizing means. Advantageously, the bearing base comprises a pivot bearing arranged on the supporting body or is formed by it.

The pivot bearing is advantageously arranged in a sealing manner on the support body and/or is provided with a pivot bearing seal, so that the pivot bearing is prevented from air flowing through into the volume on the coupling arm side or sealed from the clutch arm side volume. The Schwenkla ger seal is arranged, for example, on an outer periphery of the pivot bearing. The pivot bearing seal includes, for example, an elastic seal, in particular an O-ring. The pressure compensation means is advantageously arranged away from a bearing mount of the supporting body or the coupling arm carrier.

For enclosing the volume on the coupling arm, seals can be provided, for example the pivot bearing seal around the pivot bearing.

Advantageously, it is provided that the volume on the coupling arm is enclosed by a particularly elastic seal between the supporting body and the coupling arm support at least when the coupling arm support is adjusted towards the supporting body, the seal sealing the volume on the coupling arm radially outwards with respect to the pivot axis. For example, the seal is disposed on an outer periphery of the clutch arm support or engages the outer periphery of the clutch arm support when it is moved toward the support body of the vehicle mount. The seal includes, for example, an O-ring and/or a sealing lip or the like. This seal can also be referred to as a peripheral seal.

The clutch arm side volume may be open in some situations, for example when the clutch arm carrier is moved far enough away from the carrier body. For example, in the release position, when the form-fitting elements are disengaged, the seal can no longer enclose the volume on the clutch arm, so that air from the environment can flow into the area of the form-fitting elements or the former volume on the clutch arm.

However, it is also possible for the volume on the clutch arm side to be permanently enclosed, so to speak. For example, it is provided that the volume on the clutch arm side between the support body and the clutch arm carrier also then is trapped by the seal when the clutch arm support is displaced away from the support body.

An advantageous concept provides that the pressure compensation means is provided and configured so that air flows exclusively or essentially through the pressure compensation means and not past the seal into the volume on the clutch arm side or flows out of the volume on the clutch arm side and/or that the pressure compensation means is provided for air to flow through into the volume on the clutch arm side or out of the volume on the clutch arm side when the seal encloses the volume on the clutch arm side between the clutch arm carrier and the supporting body.

The pressure-equalizing means may include a through-opening through which air can flow freely. However, it is also possible for the pressure equalization means to comprise a membrane which allows air to flow through and inhibits or prevents the passage of moisture. Furthermore, it is possible for the pressure compensation means to enable or force a unidirectional flow of air. For example, it can be provided that the pressure compensation means comprises a check valve which has a flow-through direction in which air can flow through the check valve and a blocking direction in which the check valve blocks air from flowing through.

For example, it is advantageous if, when the fixing device is adjusted into the release position, air can flow through the check valve into the volume on the clutch arm side. This air comes, for example, from the area surrounding the trailer hitch. Advantageously, a labyrinth seal or the like is upstream of the check valve in the flow direction, through which air, so to speak, clean, at least not contaminated with dirt, can flow to the check valve. It is also possible for the check valve to communicate with a second volume, for example the second volume explained below, which is preferably significantly larger than that is clutch arm side volume. Air can flow slowly into this second volume, for example, in particular through a membrane or the like, which will also be explained.

However, the non-return valve blocks when the fixing device is moved from the release position to the fixing position, so that, for example, the inflow of moisture into the second volume, which will be explained below, is prevented. To reduce the volume on the coupling arm when the fixing device is adjusted into the fixing position, air can flow out of the volume on the coupling arm, for example past the seal enclosing the volume on the outside of the coupling arm.

An advantageous concept also provides that on a side of the support body facing away from the clutch arm side, in particular on a drive side of the support body provided for driving the clutch arm support, a second volume is enclosed in chambers, which is flow-connected to the volume on the clutch arm side via the pressure compensation means, so that air can escape the pressure equalizing agent can flow from the volume on the clutch arm side into the second volume and/or can flow from the second volume into the volume on the clutch arm side. Thus, for example, the clutch arm carrier pumps air from the volume on the clutch arm to the second volume or sucks it from the second volume into the volume on the clutch arm.

In principle, the second volume can be larger or smaller than the volume on the clutch arm side. It is preferably provided that the second volume is significantly larger than the volume on the clutch arm side and/or the second volume is at least 50%, preferably at least 100%, more preferably at least 150% larger than the volume on the clutch arm side.

For example, the second volume can form a buffer volume for the volume on the clutch arm. The air flowing out of the volume on the side of the clutch arm has little or no impact on the second volume. An advantageous concept provides that the second volume is enclosed by a housing which is arranged on the supporting body.

The housing is suitable for many purposes. It is preferably provided that a control unit for controlling the trailer coupling and/or a drive device, in particular an electric drive motor and/or a gearbox, for driving the coupling arm carrier between the use position and the non-use position and/or the fixing device between the fixing position and the release position is arranged.

The following measure contributes to easier assembly of the trailer hitch. It is provided that the housing has an assembly opening through which at least one mechanical component of the fixing device, in particular the fixing actuation body, can be introduced into an interior space of the housing and mounted on the trailer hitch when the housing is arranged on the supporting body. It is preferred if the mounting opening is coaxial to the pivot axis. The pivot axis is, for example, at the same time an adjustment axis, along which the fixing actuation body is adjustably mounted on an actuation body guide.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the trailer hitch has a unidirectionally moisture-permeable passage component, in particular a membrane, which allows moisture to escape from a closed volume of the trailer hitch and seals or essentially blocks moisture from entering the volume.

For example, it is advantageous if the unidirectionally moisture-permeable passage component, in particular a membrane, is arranged on the second volume, so that moisture flowing into the volume on the coupling arm side flows through the pressure compensation means into the second volume and via the moisture-permeable passage component into an area surrounding the trailer hitch from the second volume can flow out. For example, during the movement of the coupling arm carrier between the use position and the non-use position, moisture can get past the seal into the volume on the coupling arm side, but is carried away again into an area surrounding the trailer coupling via the passage component or the membrane.

The assembly opening is advantageously closed or ver closable by a cover. A pressure-equalizing means and/or a unidirectionally moisture-permeable passage component is advantageously arranged on the cover.

An advantageous embodiment of the above trailer hitch, but also an invention in its own right, is a trailer hitch which, together with the features mentioned at the outset or the features of the preamble of claim 1, is characterized in that it has a housing arranged on the vehicle mount which chambers a volume, and that it has a pressure compensation means, in particular a membrane, through which air can flow into the volume enclosed by the housing and/or can flow out of the volume.

It is advantageous if the membrane comprises or is formed by a fabric that is permeable to air but prevents the passage of moisture.

Advantageously, the trailer hitch or a drive device of the trailer hitch has a pivoting drive device for pivoting the hitch arm carrier about the at least one pivot axis and a fixing drive device for actuating the fixing device between the fixing position and the release position. For actuating the fixing device, the fixing drive device has, for example, a fixing drive wheel. In order to pivotally drive the coupling arm carrier, the pivoting drive device advantageously has a pivoting drive wheel.

An advantageous concept provides that the drive device comprises only a single drive motor or is formed by it. The drive motor drives the fixing drive wheel and the pan drive wheel directly or via a gear drive. The drive motor can have a gear on the output side, for example a planetary gear, the drive shaft of which is movement-coupled to the fixing drive wheel and the swivel drive wheel, in particular rotationally connected.

It is advantageous, for example, if the fixing drive wheel and the swivel drive wheel are arranged on a common drive shaft, in particular a drive shaft of the drive motor or a gear driven by the drive motor. For example, the drive shaft may be rotatably mounted with respect to the hitch mounting base or on the hitch mounting base. Using the drive shaft, the fi xing drive wheel and the swivel drive wheel can be driven at the same speed.

The fixing drive wheel and the swivel drive wheel are preferably arranged in a non-rotatable manner on the drive shaft. It is also possible that the fixing drive wheel and/or the pivoting drive wheel have rotational play with respect to the drive shaft, but are rotationally coupled.

It is advantageously provided that the actuating body guide body forms a support body for the coupling arm carrier. The Kupplungsarmträger is supported on this support body, wherein the support body or the actuating body is in turn supported by the guide body bracket on the bearing base or the vehicle.

It is advantageous if the actuating body guide body protrudes in front of the hitch be bracket or the carrier body of the clutch bracket on a side facing away from the clutch arm carrier.

Provision is preferably made for the actuating body guide body to be arranged in an interior space of at least one drive wheel, for example a swivel drive wheel and/or a fixing drive wheel.

It is also advantageous if the actuating body guide body has a bearing body and/or a bearing shaft and/or a bearing axis for at least forms a drive wheel of the drive device, for example for the swivel drive wheel and/or the fixing drive wheel.

The swivel drive wheel and/or the fixing drive wheel are advantageously arranged between an abutment body, which is provided to support the movement body guided on the actuating body and/or accommodated in this fixing actuation body, and the supporting body, which holds the movement body-guidance body carries.

It is advantageous if the fixing actuation movement body mounted on the actuation body guide body between the fixing release position and the fixation actuation position has a support body with a support contour which is supported or guided on an abutment contour of an abutment body.

The abutment body is advantageously arranged on a free end region of the actuating body guide body that faces away from the supporting body.

The pivoting drive wheel and/or the fixing drive wheel are advantageously arranged between the abutment body and the support body of the coupling holder that carries the actuating body guide body.

It is advantageous if the actuating body guide body forms a bearing shaft or a bearing axis for the coupling arm carrier.

The actuating body guide body is advantageously pivoted on the bearing base about the pivot axis about which the coupling arm carrier is pivotally mounted with respect to the bearing base, preferably by means of a bearing body pivotally or rotatably mounted on the bearing base.

The actuating body guide body is preferably designed as a hollow shaft.

The actuating body guide preferably includes a guide channel in which the fixing actuating body is guided, in particular linearly. Provision is preferably made for a support body to protrude to one side of the arm in front of the bearing base, on which the coupling arm carrier or by means of which the coupling arm carrier is mounted so as to be displaceable along the pivot axis.

It is preferably provided that the support body is rotatably mounted on the bearing base about the at least one pivot axis and is coupled for movement to the second pivoting drive wheel, which is arranged on a drive side of the bearing base opposite the coupling arm side

The trailer hitch advantageously has a pivoting drive device with a pivoting drive for pivoting the coupling arm carrier about the at least one pivot axis and/or a fixing drive device for actuating the fixing device between the fixing position and the release position. Alternatively, it would be possible for the coupling arm carrier to be manually adjustable between the use position and the non-use position.

The fixing device is advantageously spring-loaded in the direction of the fixing position. The pivoting drive device and/or the fixing drive device can comprise one or more, in particular, electric drive motors. It is preferably provided that a single drive motor is provided for driving the swivel drive device and the fixing drive device.

The at least one drive motor can have a gear on the output side, for example a planetary gear. The transmission of the drive motor is preferably integrated into the structural unit of the drive motor, for example in its motor housing. The transmission of the drive motor is preferably encapsulated and/or arranged in a motor housing of the drive motor.

It is advantageously provided that a pivoting drive wheel of the pivoting drive device and a fixing drive wheel of the fixing drive device are preferably non-rotatably arranged on a common output shaft, in particular an output shaft of the drive motor or a gear driven by the drive motor. Based on the output shaft are the fixing drive wheel and the swivel drive wheel can be driven at the same speed. It is also possible for the fixing drive wheel and/or the swivel drive wheel to have rotational play with respect to the drive shaft, but for them to be rotationally coupled. The fi xing drive wheel and the swivel drive wheel are preferably gear wheels, although friction wheels or the like are also readily possible.

It is advantageously provided that the flat sides of the fixing drive wheel and the swivel drive wheel, or sides through which their axes of rotation pass, lie opposite one another, in particular rest directly against one another. It is also possible for the swivel drive wheel and the fixing drive wheel to be formed by a single drive wheel, which is simultaneously in driving engagement with a second swivel drive wheel which is rotatably coupled to the coupling arm carrier and drives it, and a second swivel drive wheel which is movably coupled to the fixing device and drives it the second fixing drive wheel is, for example, in direct driving engagement or via a transmission gear, in particular a toothed wheel gear.

It is also preferred if the fixing drive wheel is in particular directly driving engagement with a second fixing drive wheel and the swivel drive wheel is in direct driving engagement with a second swivel drive wheel. However, it is also possible for at least one transmission element, for example a further gearwheel, to be arranged between the pivoting drive wheels and/or the fixing drive wheels. The flat sides of the second drive wheels are preferably opposite one another, in particular directly against one another, and/or are preferably designed as gear wheels. It is preferred if the second drive wheels are interspersed with the pivot axis and/or are mounted on the coupling arm carrier such that they can rotate about the pivot axis.

It is advantageously provided that the pivoting drive wheel and the fixing drive wheel and/or that the second pivoting drive wheel and the second fixing drive wheel drive wheel have ring gears, in particular with different circumferential radii. The sprockets can be different or the same have radii. The toothed rims can have geometrically different toothings and/or tooth geometries and/or tooth spacings.

It is preferred if the fixing drive wheel and the swivel drive wheel are arranged coaxially with respect to their axis of rotation. This also results in a compact design.

An advantageous configuration provides that the second pivoting drive wheel and the second fixing drive wheel are arranged coaxially with respect to their axis of rotation. The axis of rotation may be a geometric axis, for example the at least one pivot axis, about which the coupling arm carrier or coupling arm is pivotable with respect to the bearing base.

For example, the second pivoting drive wheel and/or the second fixing drive wheel, in particular the outer circumferences thereof, can extend annularly around the pivot axis and/or have sleeve bodies or sleeve sections penetrated by the pivot axis.

An advantageous concept provides for the fixing drive wheel to be drive-coupled to the second fixing drive wheel and the pivoting drive wheel to the second pivoting drive wheel, in particular rotationally coupled, such that when the fixing drive wheel and the pivoting drive wheel are driven simultaneously, the second fixing drive wheel, the fixing device is actuated vorei lend before a pivoting movement of the coupling arm carrier from the fixing position in the direction of the release position. It is particularly advantageous if the swivel drive wheel sets the second swivel drive wheel in motion and the fixing drive wheel sets the second swivel drive wheel in motion at the same time. This results, for example, in geometric freedom in the design of actuator contours, with which the second swivel drive wheel supports the coupling arm and the second fixing drive wheel actuates the fixing device.

It is also advantageous if the fixing drive wheel with the second fixed drive wheel with a first transmission ratio and the swivel drive wheel with the second swivel drive wheel with a second from the first gear ratio different gear ratio drive-coupled, in particular rotationally coupled, are. For example, the second fixing drive wheel can be driven with less force but higher speed than the second pivoting drive wheel.

It is advantageous, for example, if the first transmission ratio is configured in relation to the second transmission ratio in such a way that the second fixing drive wheel is driven ahead of the second pivoting drive wheel. Thus, for example, a clearance between the second swivel drive wheel and the coupling arm carrier with respect to the rotary entrainment about the at least one swivel axis can be shorter than in an embodiment in which the first and the second transmission ratio are the same.

Advantageously, the swivel drive has a single gear stage, which is formed by the pairing of the second swivel drive wheel and swivel drive wheel. It is also advantageous for the fixing drive if it has only a single gear stage, which is formed by the second fixing drive wheel and the fixing drive wheel.

It is advantageously provided that there is clearance between the coupling arm carrier and the second swivel drive wheel with respect to a rotary actuation or swivel actuation about the at least one swivel axis. This clearance is provided, for example, for adjusting the fixing device from the fixing position to the release position.

It is advantageous if the second pivoting drive wheel is in actuating engagement with the coupling arm carrier during a pivoting driving phase in which the second pivoting drive wheel pivots the coupling arm carrier about the axis of rotation, un indirectly and without an interposed gear. In particular, a rotary driver or rotary driving device is arranged between the second swivel drive wheel and the coupling arm carrier on that side of the bearing base on which the coupling arm is arranged. The bearing base serves to movably support the coupling arm carrier between the use position and the non-use position about the at least one pivot axis. The bearing base includes, for example, one or more pivot bearings. The pivot bearing can also be a pivot sliding bearing. Preferably, the coupling arm support is pivotable on the bearing base about the pivot axis and is slidably mounted along a sliding axis, which is preferably the pivot axis or is coaxial therewith.

For example, it is advantageous if the coupling arm carrier is mounted on the coupling holder or the bearing base so that it can slide parallel to the pivot axis, for example in order to engage or disengage form-fitting elements that are arranged on the bearing base, for example a supporting body of the bearing base, and the coupling arm carrier are.

It is possible that the coupling arm is firmly arranged on the coupling arm support. The clutch arm may be integral with the clutch arm support.

A concept can provide that the coupling arm can be releasably connected to the coupling arm carrier. It is possible, for example, that a plug-in receptacle for inserting the coupling arm is arranged on the coupling arm carrier. The plug-in receptacle is arranged, for example, on a receiving body, in particular a tubular receiving body, which is arranged on the clutch arm carrier or forms part of the clutch arm carrier.

The receiving body can be arranged, for example, on a holding arm that protrudes from the coupling arm carrier. The coupling arm, which can be releasably connected to the coupling arm carrier, advantageously forms part of the tow coupling. Instead of the coupling arm, however, a holder for a rear load carrier, for example a bicycle carrier, can also be arranged or can be arranged on the coupling arm carrier, for example on its receiving body. The coupling arm or the holder for the rear load carrier has, for example, a plug-in projection that can be inserted into the plug-in socket of the receiving body or the coupling arm carrier. Fixing means are preferably provided, for example a bolt, latch or the like transverse to a plug-in axis, along which the plug-in projection of the coupling arm or the holder for the rear load carrier can be inserted into the plug-in receptacle, to fix the plug-in projection in the plug-in receptacle in the two aforementioned components can be inserted. A cotter pin or the like can be provided for the bolt or bolt.

A coupling body, in particular a coupling ball, is arranged on a free end area of the coupling arm. The coupling arm may have one or more bends. However, the coupling arm can also be a straight coupling arm or have an elongated shape.

On the coupling arm a trailer socket for Stromver supply of a trailer or load carrier is preferably arranged.

In the non-use position, the coupling arm is advantageous in the motor vehicle mounted state less than in the position of use in front of the motor vehicle.

The form-fitting elements of the fixing device are stationary on the clutch arm carrier and the bearing base, in particular a supporting body of the bearing base, is arranged. The positive-locking elements can be disengaged parallel to the pivot axis by linear displacement of the coupling arm carrier relative to the bearing base, corresponding to the release position of the fixing device, or engaged, corresponding to the fixing position of the fixing device.

The positive-locking elements are preferably designed as balls and spherical caps. Alternatively, however, tooth structures, cylindrical projections and cylindrical receptacles or the like are also advantageously possible as positive-locking elements.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the drawing. Show it:

Figure 1 shows a trailer hitch in a perspective view, FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the trailer hitch according to FIG. 1 along section line AA in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a rotary driving device between a coupling arm carrier and a supporting body of the trailer coupling according to the preceding figures,

FIG. 4 shows part of a fixing device of the trailer hitch according to the preceding figures with a position sensor for detecting a position of a fixing actuation body of the fixing device,

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a safety device of the trailer hitch according to the above figures in an unlocked position,

6 shows a top view of the safety device according to FIG. 5, FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the safety device according to FIGS. 5 and 6, but in a safety position, FIG. 8 shows a top view corresponding to FIG. 6 of the safety device according to FIG. 7 in the safety position,

FIG. 9 shows a support body of the fixing actuation body in a perspective oblique view,

FIG. 10 shows the supporting body according to FIG.

FIG. 11 shows a release drive contour and a support contour of the fixing actuation body, which are turned to the front in FIG. 9, FIG. 12 shows a further release drive contour and a further support contour of the fixing actuation body, which are facing forwards in FIG. 10,

FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view corresponding to a section line B-B through the support body according to FIG. 9 and a tie rod passing through the support body and connected to the fixing actuation body,

FIG. 13a a detail DO from FIG. 13,

14 shows a perspective view of an abutment body for supporting the support body according to FIGS. 9-12,

Figure 15 shows a partial view of a cross-sectional representation along section line X-X according to Figure 1, with the fixing device being in its fixing position and the fixing actuation body occupying the fixing actuation position, Figure 16 a detail D1 from Figure 15, with the fixing actuation body being adjusted into a fixing release position,

FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view through the trailer hitch according to the previous figures, approximately along section line C-C in FIG. 1,

18 shows a detail D2 from FIG.

FIG. 19 shows a cross-sectional illustration of the trailer hitch according to the preceding figures, approximately along a section line DD, approximately corresponding to a detail D3 in FIG. 17, FIG. 20 shows the detail D3 according to FIG. 19, with a supporting contour being arranged completely in the area of a fold section of the abutment body according to FIG. 14,

FIG. 21 the actuating body guide body of the trailer hitch as well as a drive wheel and a spring support body for supporting a spring accommodated in the guide body,

FIG. 22 shows a perspective oblique view of the actuating body per guide body according to FIG. 21 and the spring support body,

FIG. 23 partial longitudinal section through the actuating body per guide body according to FIG. 22,

FIG. 24 a drive body of the fixing device of the trailer hitch as well as the actuating body guide body in cross section, approximately corresponding to FIG. 2,

FIG. 25 shows a cross-sectional view of the drive body according to FIG. 24, FIG. 26 shows a side view of the trailer hitch according to the above figures,

FIG. 27 is a perspective oblique view of the trailer hitch according to the above figures, obliquely from behind,

FIG. 28 shows a sectional view through the trailer hitch according to FIG. 27, approximately along a section line E-E,

Figure 29 a vehicle mount of the trailer hitch with a bearing base,

Figure 30 is a bottom view of the trailer hitch according to the above figures, 31 shows a perspective oblique view of a modification of the trailer hitch according to the above figures with a receiving body and a coupling arm releasably received in a socket of the receiving body, and FIG. 32 shows a lower section of the trailer hitch according to FIG. 31 with the receiving body.

A trailer coupling 10 has a coupling arm 11, at the free longitudinal end 11a of which a coupling body 12, for example a coupling ball, is arranged for coupling a trailer AHH shown schematically and/or a rear load carrier HLL, for example a bicycle carrier.

The coupling arm 11 has an arm section 11b on which a receptacle 11c for a trailer socket 11s is arranged. The arm section 11b extends between the longitudinal end 11a and a longitudinal end 11d opposite the longitudinal end 11a, with which the coupling arm 11 is connected to a coupling arm carrier 13 . Curved sections 11e and 11f extend between the arm section 11b and the longitudinal ends 11a, 11d.

The trailer hitch 10 further includes a vehicle mount 15 with which the trailer hitch 10 is attached to a vehicle 400, such as a motor vehicle. For example, the trailer hitch 10 or the vehicle 400 has a cross member 401 which extends transversely at a rear of the vehicle 400 and is arranged under a bumper 402, for example.

The trailer socket 11s has a housing 11g in which plug contacts (not visible in the drawing) are arranged. The plug contacts can be covered by a cover 11t, with which the housing 11g can be closed. The housing 11g can be inserted into the receptacle 11c and can be fixed to the coupling arm 11 by means of screws 11u. A line 11v, which can be connected to an on-board network 403 of the vehicle 400 that is indicated schematically in the drawing, leads to the plug-in contacts that are not visible. The line 11v is led out on one side of the coupling arm 11 from the receptacle 11c, which is also the lid 11t is located. The course of the line 11v along the coupling arm 11 is shown schematically in dashed lines. The line 11v has several individual wires, which are not visible in the drawing and which are each connected to a contact of the plug contacts of the trailer socket 11s. An arrow PF indicates how the housing 11g can be inserted into the receptacle 11c.

The vehicle mount 15 includes a receptacle 15a for receiving the cross member 401. The receptacle 15a has, for example, screw receptacles 15b for receiving screws that pass through the cross member 401 and are screwed or can be screwed into the screw receptacle 15a. A support body 16 protrudes from the receptacle 15a, on which a pivot bearing 17 is arranged, with which the coupling arm carrier 13 and thus the coupling arm 11 can be pivoted about a pivot axis S between a use position G, which is shown in solid lines in Figure 1, and a non-use position N, shown in broken lines in Figure 1, is pivotable. In the non-use position N, the coupling arm 11 is completely or essentially hidden behind the bumper 402, for example. In the usage position G, the coupling arm 11 projects in front of the bumper 402, so that a trailer or load carrier can be attached to the coupling body 12.

The supporting body 16 is, for example, plate-like. The hitch 10 has a fixed to the clutch arm carrier 13 arrange th clutch arm 11 on. A modification of the hitch 10 in the form of a hitch 310 with a detachable coupling arm 311 is shown in FIGS. 31 and 32. FIG.

From a Kupplungsarmträger 313, which is basically the same as the Kupplungsarmträger 13 and is mounted on the bearing base 18 of the vehicle mount 15 instead of the hitch be arm carrier 13 pivotable about the pivot axis S, a holding arm 319 protrudes, on which a receiving body 313, for example a tube or profile tube, in particular a square tube is arranged. The receiving body 313 has a plug-in receptacle 314 for inserting a plug-in section 315 of a coupling arm 311 on. The insertion of the coupling arm 311 into the socket 314 or removal of the coupling arm 311 from the plug-in measure 314 is indicated by a double arrow RM in the drawing.

On the plug-in section 315 and the receiving body 313 in the area of the plug-in receptacle 314 locking receptacles 316 are arranged for inserting a bolt 317 which serves to lock the coupling arm 311 on the recording body 313 . The bolt 317 inserted into the locking receptacles 316 can be secured in the position locking the coupling arm 311 on the receiving body 313 by a securing element 318, for example a cotter pin.

The coupling arm 311 has a support portion 320, at the end 321 facing away from the plug-in portion 315, a coupling body 312, such as a coupling ball, is arranged. The support section 320 and the plug-in section 315 are firmly connected to one another and/or extend along a common longitudinal axis. The coupling body 312 is detachably connected to the support section 320 by means of a screw connection, for example, so that other coupling bodies 312, for example larger or smaller, can be used as an alternative.

The supporting body 16 forms a bearing base 18 of the pivot bearing 17 and has a bearing receptacle 19 in which a bearing body 20 is accommodated so as to be pivotable about the pivot axis S.

The bearing body 20 has a flange section 20a, which is supported on a side of the support body 16 referred to below as the drive side 16a, and a fastening section 20b protruding in front of a clutch arm side 16k opposite the drive side 16a, for fastening a securing body 21.

The securing body 21 is designed, for example, in the manner of a nut and is screwed onto the fastening section 20b. Thus, a bearing section 20I extending between the flange section 20a and the fastening section 20b is held in the bearing receptacle 19 and the bearing body 20 is Pivotable about the pivot axis S, but seen parallel to the pivot axis S abge of a necessary for a rotational play about the pivot axis S Movability immovable in the bearing mount 19 was added.

The bearing body 20 carries a support body 25 on which the coupling arm carrier 13 is supported.

The support body 25 is designed, for example, in the manner of a shaft body or bolt.

The bearing body 20 has a holding receptacle 20h in which the support body 25 is accommodated. The holding receptacle 20h is a passage opening, for example. The support body 25 protrudes on opposite sides in front of the holding receptacle 20h, namely on the one hand with a supporting section 25t in front of the coupling arm side 16k of the supporting body 16 and on the other hand with a drive section 25a in front of the drive side 16a of the supporting body 16.

The support body 25 has a thread 25g on its outer circumference, with which it is screwed into a thread 20g of the holding receptacle 20h of the bearing body 20 . A longitudinal position of the support body 25 with respect to the pivot axis S on the bearing body 20 can be adjusted using the threads 20g, 25g, which is advantageous in connection with a fine adjustment of a fixing device 40 .

In order to fix the longitudinal position of the support body 25 on the bearing body 20 with respect to the pivot axis S, screws 20s are provided, which are screwed into screw receptacles 20v of the bearing body 20. The screw receptacles 20v are arranged on the inner circumference of the retaining receptacle 20a, but are partially open radially laterally with respect to the retaining receptacle 20h. If the screws 20s are now screwed into the screw receptacles 20v, they simultaneously engage in the support body 25, in particular its thread 25g, so that the support body 25 is fixed to the bearing body 20 so that it cannot move axially with respect to the pivot axis S. The screws 20s partially destroy the thread 25g, so to speak, or plastically deform the thread 25g, so that particularly secure clamping and securing is possible as a result. Adhesive bonding is an alternative or supplement of the screws 20s in the screw receptacles 20v advantageous. It is also possible for the threads 20g and 25g to be glued together. The threads 20g, 25g can also be pressed, embossed or crimped together,

The coupling arm carrier 13 has a receptacle 14 for the support body 25, in which the support body 25 engages. Between the support body 25 and the hitch bearmträger 13 a rotary driving device 26 is provided, using de rer the support body 25 can take the Kupplungarmträger 13 about the pivot axis S with. The rotary entrainment device 26 comprises, for example, an annular body 26a with a receptacle 26b for receiving the support body 25. In front of the annular body 26a, entrainment projections 26c protrude radially inward with respect to the pivot axis S, and entrainment projections 26d project radially outward with respect to the pivot axis S, which protrude parallel to the pivot axis S longitudinal grooves 26e and 26f on the support body 25 or on the coupling arm support 13 engage in a longitudinally displaceable manner with respect to the pivot axis S. Between the longitudinal grooves 26e and the entrainment projections 26c and the longitudinal grooves 26f and the entrainment projections 26d there is a rotational play with respect to the pivot axis S, which is advantageous for the fixing device 40 .

The trailer hitch 10 comprises a drive device 30. The drive device 30 serves to drive the coupling arm 11 between the use position G and the non-use position N and also to drive the fixing device 40.

The support body 25 can be driven by the drive device 30 about the pivot axis S, so that the support body 25 can adjust the coupling arm carrier 13 between the use position G and the non-use position N.

The drive device 30 includes a drive motor 31 for driving a gear 32 . A drive axis A1 of an output 31a of the drive motor 31 runs, for example, in a plane that is parallel to a plane in which the pivot axis S runs. The gear 32 has an angular gear, wherein an output shaft 33 of the gear 32 rotates about a drive axis A2, which is at an angle to the drive axis A1, preferably at right angles.

The output 31a drives a drive wheel 32a of the transmission 32 . The drive wheel 32a is arranged on the output shaft 33 . The drive gear 32a and a driven gear arranged on the output 31a are, for example, bevel gears.

An output gear 33a is arranged on the output shaft 33 and meshes with a drive gear 34a which is arranged on a drive shaft 34 . The drive shaft 34 rotates about a drive axis A3 which is angled, preferably perpendicular, to the drive axis A2. It is preferred if the drive axles A3 and A1 lie in mutually parallel planes.

The drive wheel 34a and the driven wheel 33a form part of a Winkelge gear 34g. For example, the drive wheel 34a is a crown wheel.

On the drive shaft 34 drive wheels 35, 36 are arranged, the countries with Antriebsrä 37, 38 mesh.

The drive wheels 35, 37 form fixing drive wheels of a fixing drive device 37a and serve to drive the fixing device 40. For example, the drive wheel 35 is a first fixing drive wheel and the drive wheel 37 is a second fixing drive wheel.

The drive wheel 36 and the drive wheel 38 form swivel drive wheels, for example a first swivel drive wheel and a second swivel drive wheel, of a swivel drive device 36a and are used to drive the support body 25 and/or the coupling arm carrier 13.

The drive wheels 37, 38 rotate about a drive axis A4 which is coaxial with the pivot axis S or the adjustment axis V in the present case. The drive wheel 38 has a receptacle 38a in which the support body 25 is accommodated. In front of the receptacle 38a there are rotationally driving contours 38b, for example projections which engage with rotationally driving contours 25b of the support body 25. The rotary driving contours 25b comprise, for example, receptacles 25c extending in the circumferential direction with respect to the pivot axis S.

The receptacles 25c extend over a larger angular range or circumferential range than the projections that form the rotary entrainment contours 38b, so that the rotary entrainment contours 38b have rotational play with respect to the pivot axis S between the rotary entrainment contours 25b. It is thus possible, for example, for the drive wheel 38 to run through a rotation angle without the drive wheel 38 driving the support body 25 about the pivot axis S. At the same time, the drive wheel 37 can rotate and thus exert a driving force on the fixing device 40 without the coupling arm 11 pivoting about the pivot axis S. Such rotational play is necessary, for example, for the operation of the fixing device 40 explained below in the usage position G and the non-usage position N, so that it can be moved from its fixing position F, which fixes the coupling arm 11 or coupling arm carrier 13 in the usage position G or non-use position N, into a release position L , In which the Kupplungsarmträger- ger 13 and thus the coupling arm 11 about the pivot axis S are pivotable.

The fixing device 40 comprises form-fitting elements 41 and 42, which are in the use position G and the non-use position N in engagement with each other, so that the coupling arm carrier 13 is stationary with respect to the vehicle mount 15 or the bearing base 18, in particular non-rotatably, by the fixing device 40 is fixed. The fixing device 40 then assumes its fixing position F. When the positive-locking elements 41, 42 are disengaged, the fixing device 40 is in its release position L.

For example, the positive-locking elements 41, 42 as projections and corresponding recordings, in particular as spherical projections and spherical shots designed. Tooth structures or the like are also easily possible.

The positive-locking elements 41 and 42 are arranged on opposite sides of the coupling arm carrier 13 and the bearing base 18, in particular the supporting body 16. The positive locking elements 41, 42 are ring-shaped, e.g. circular, arranged around the pivot axis S on the coupling arm side 16k of the support body 16 and on a surface or side 13s of the coupling arm carrier 13 opposite thereto.

By axially or linearly displacing the coupling arm carrier 13 away from the supporting body 16, the form-fitting elements 41, 42 disengage from one another, and by displacing the coupling arm carrier 13 towards the supporting body 16, the form-fitting elements 41, 42 engage one another in a form-fitting manner, so that the coupling arm carrier 13 is the bearing base 18 is rotatably fi xed.

The fixing device 40 comprises a fixing drive 43, e.g. a linear drive, for adjusting the fixing device 40 into the fixing position F. In particular, the fixing drive 43 serves to linearly adjust the coupling arm carrier 13 relative to the support body 16 or to the bearing base 18 along a axis parallel to the pivot axis S, in the present case coaxial, adjustment axis V. The fixing drive 43 is used to adjust the coupling arm carrier 13 towards the support body 16, so that the positive-locking elements 41 and 42 are in engagement with one another.

In addition, the fixing device 40 has a release drive 47L for adjustment to the release position L, in which the positive-locking elements 41 and 42 are disengaged from one another, so that the coupling arm carrier 13 can be adjusted between the use position G and the non-use position N.

The fixing drive 43 and the release drive 47L adjust the coupling arm carrier 13 with respect to the supporting body 16 and/or adjust the positive-locking elements 41, 42 along an adjustment path SW between the fixing position F and the release position L.

The fixation drive 43 includes a fixation actuation body 44 which is accommodated in an actuation body guide 45a of an actuation body guide body 45 along the adjustment axis V or parallel to the adjustment axis V and can be displaced. The actuator guide 45a is configured as a guide channel 45b, for example.

The fixing actuation body 44 can be adjusted between a fixing release position FF assigned to the release position L and a fixing activation position FB assigned to the fixing position F along an actuating travel BS. The actuating travel BS runs linearly and/or parallel to the adjustment axis V.

In order to assume the fixing release position FF and thus the release position L, the fixing actuation body 44 can be actuated or actuated in a release actuation direction LBR. Then the Kupplungsarmträger 13 is driven away from the support body 16 in a release direction LR, so that the form-fitting elements 41 and 42 are disengaged.

In order to assume the fixing actuation position FB and thus the fixing position F, the fixation actuation body 44 can be actuated or is to be actuated in a fixation actuation direction FBR. As a result, the coupling arm support 13 is driven in a fixing direction FR towards the supporting body 16, as a result of which the positive-locking elements 41 and 42 come into engagement with one another.

Here, the operation body guide body 45 is the support body 25 or is provided by the support body 25 . Thus, the support body 25 has the function of supporting or carrying the coupling arm carrier 13 on the one hand, and the function of guiding the fixing actuation body 44 linearly with respect to the adjustment axis V or parallel to the adjustment axis V and in this respect the actuation body per guide body 45 form or provide. At this point it should be noted that an embodiment not shown in the drawing can provide that instead of the support body 25 a support body is provided which does not provide the actuating body guide body integrally, but that an actuating body per guide body separate from this support body is provided. For example, in this case the supporting body is designed as a floating shaft or a tubular body, in which a further tubular body or profiled body providing the actuating body guide body is arranged.

The fixing actuation body 44 has a fixing actuation contour 46 and a release actuation contour 47 .

The fixing actuation contour 46 acts on fixing bodies 46a, for example balls, which are adjustably accommodated in guides 46b. The guides 46b are, for example, bores or channels that run radially in relation to the adjustment axis V or the pivot axis S in the actuating body guide body 45 .

The fixing actuation contour 46, e.g. its adjustment along the adjustment axis V, means that the fixing bodies 46a can be displaced radially outwards in front of the guides 46b, in front of the outer circumference of the actuating body guide body 45, so that they engage in a positive-locking receptacle 51 when the fixing actuation - Shift body 44 is adjusted to the fixation actuation position FB. The form-fit recording 51 is arranged on the coupling arm carrier 13, for example on a drive body 50 which is held stationary on the coupling arm carrier 13.

The positive-locking receptacle 51 has a fixing abutment contour 52 for supporting the fixing bodies 46a. When actuated by the fixing actuation contour 46 , the fixing bodies 46a act on the fixing abutment contour 52 to actuate the coupling arm carrier 13 toward the supporting body 16 .

The fixing bodies 46a transmit actuating forces from the fixing actuating contour 46 to the fixing abutment contour 52 and thus form transmission bodies 46u. The fixing abutment contour 52 includes adjusting sections 52s and 52e, which are used to enable the fixing bodies 46a to engage the positive-locking elements 41, 42 by adjusting the coupling arm carrier 13 toward the support body 16.

The adjustment section 52s has a large inclination obliquely to the adjustment axis V at an angle W52s. In contrast, the adjustment section 52e is inclined more flatly with respect to the adjustment axis V at an angle W52e that is smaller than the angle W52s. To represent the angles W52s and W52e, an axis Vx parallel to the adjustment axis V is drawn in.

Provision is preferably made for the setting section 52e to be used for inserting the fixing bodies 46a onto the setting section 52s.

The adjusting section 52s is used to brace the coupling arm carrier 13 with respect to the supporting body 16 and/or to brace the form-fitting elements 41, 42 with one another. The adjusting section 52s preferably has a clamping bevel or is designed as a clamping bevel.

It is advantageous if a clamping surface or clamping surface 46k with a self-locking oblique inclination is arranged next to the fixing actuation contour 46 of the fixing actuation body 44, so that a torque acting on the coupling arm carrier 13 about the pivot axis S does not result in a loosening of the clamping of the coupling arm carrier 13 from the Support body 16 parallel to the pivot axis S leads.

The fixing actuation contour 46 has an adjusting bevel 46s, which is used to quickly move the coupling arm carrier 13 toward the support body 16 and/or to quickly move the form-fitting elements 41, 42 toward one another.

The adjustment bevel 46s has a greater inclination with respect to the adjustment axis V than the clamping surface 46k. A securing contour 46n is arranged between the adjusting bevel 46s and the clamping surface 46k, for example a groove, a surface that is not inclined or parallel with respect to the adjustment axis V, or the like. As a result, the hitch arm carrier 13, even if it is subjected to a torque load about the pivot axis S, cannot act on the fixing actuation body 44 in such a way that it is displaced in the direction of the release position. Consequently, although the Kupplungsarmträger 13 is no longer with respect to the Fahrzeughal sion 15 braced in this situation. However, the form-fitting elements 41, 42 remain in engagement with one another, so that the coupling arm carrier 13 and thus also the coupling arm 11 are held on the vehicle holder 15 in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to the pivot axis S.

The securing contour 46n is arranged between the fixing actuation contour 46 and the clamping surface 46k.

The release-actuating contour 47 can be used to actuate release bodies 47a, for example balls that are accommodated in guides 47b. The guides 47b are, for example, bores or channels that run radially in relation to the adjustment axis V or the pivot axis S in the actuating body guide body 45 . The guides 47b are arranged, for example, at an angular distance from one another with respect to the pivot axis S or adjustment axis V. It is preferred if the guides 47b or the release bodies 47a have the same longitudinal positions with respect to the adjustment axis V.

The release actuation contour 47 allows the release bodies 47a to be displaced radially outwards with respect to the adjustment axis V in front of the guides 47b, so that they engage or are in engagement with a release abutment contour 53 in order to move the coupling arm carrier 13 away from the support body 16 in the sense of an adjustment Actuate adjustment axis V. As a result, the form-fitting elements 41, 42 are disengaged. The release actuation contour 47 displaces the release body 47a into engagement with the release abutment contour 53 when the fixation actuation body 44 is and/or is moved into the fixation release position FF.

The release bodies 47a transmit actuating forces from the release-actuating contour 47 to the release abutment contour 53 and thus form transmission bodies 47u.

An adjusting bevel 47s of the release-actuating contour 47 has an oblique inclination with respect to the adjusting axis V at an angle W47.

The adjusting bevel 46s of the fixing actuation contour 46 has an oblique inclination at an angle W46 with respect to the adjusting axis V.

Angle W46 is smaller than angle W47. Thus, the adjusting bevel 47s of the release abutment contour 47 is more inclined with respect to the adjustment axis V than the adjusting bevel 46s of the fixing actuation contour 46.

The release abutment contour 53 includes an adjustment section 53e, which is inclined more flatly with respect to the adjustment axis V than another adjustment section 53s.

The adjusting sections 53e, 53s and the adjusting sections 52s, 52e are designed, for example, as annular, conical inclined surfaces.

The positive-locking receptacle 51 has a base 51a which extends between the adjusting sections 52s, 53e.

The adjustment section 53e has, for example, an angle W53e with respect to the adjustment axis V, which is drawn in with respect to the axis Vx parallel to the adjustment axis V. The adjustment section 53s has an angle W53s with respect to the adjustment axis V and the axis Vx parallel to the adjustment axis V, which is greater than the angle W53e.

A further control section 53e2 (see Figure 15) or further control sections can optionally be present between the control sections 53e, 53s, which in are not shown in the drawing. The adjusting sections 53e, 53s and 53e2 can have different inclinations. For example, a slant of the control portion 53e2 may be steeper than a slant of the control portion 53e but shallower than a slant of the control portion 53s.

The adjusting bevels 47s and 46s act in the sense of a force deflection when the fixing actuation body 44 is adjusted along the actuation adjustment path BS. In this case, the adjusting bevel 47s causes a smaller force amplification than the adjusting bevel 46s, which is inclined more flatly with respect to the adjustment axis V. A movement speed, with which the transmission bodies 46u, 47u are actuated by the adjusting bevels 46s and 47s with the same amount of movement speed of the fixing actuation body 44 by the fixing actuation body 44, behaves inversely. With the same speed of movement of the fixing actuation body 44 in the release actuation direction LBR, the transmission bodies 47u are moved by the adjusting bevel 47s at a higher speed than the transmission bodies 46u are moved by the adjusting bevel 46s.

Therefore, upon actuation in the direction of the release position L, the coupling arm carrier 13 is moved away from the supporting body 16 at great speed when the adjusting bevel 47s acts, so that the positive-locking elements 41 and 42 disengage accordingly quickly.

The trailer couplings 10 and 310 are advantageously constructed for an installation position on the vehicle 400 in such a way that the weight of the coupling arm 11 or the receiving body 313 in the use position G and the non-use position N exerts a torque on the coupling arm carrier 13 about the pivot axis S, which in the sense of releasing the form-fitting elements 41, 42 and/or an adjustment of the coupling arm carrier 13 in the direction of the release position L of the fixing device 40. Thus, as it were, the coupling arm 11 supports the effect of the fixing actuation body 44 in relation to the release drive 47L, so that the setting bevel 47s, which is steeper in comparison to the setting bevel 46s, can still exert sufficient force in terms of releasing the fixing device 40.

A holding surface 47h of the release-actuating contour 47 is arranged next to the adjusting bevel 47s. In the fixing release position FF of the fixing operation body 44, when the fixing operation body 44 is in the fixing release position FF, the holding surface 47h faces the releasing bodies 47a. If a force LK now acts on the coupling arm support 13 to leave the release position L, the release abutment contour 53 loads the release body 47a in the direction of the holding surface 47h, which, however, supports the release body 47a. The release bodies 47a in turn support the drive body 50 firmly connected to the coupling arm support 13, for example on the gently inclined adjusting section 53e, so that the coupling arm support 13 cannot be actuated in the direction of the fixing position F by the force LK.

The adjusting bevel 46s is provided for actuating the fixing body 46a in the direction of the fixing abutment contour 52 . Due to the flatter inclination of the adjustment bevel 46s with respect to the adjustment axis V compared to the adjustment bevels 47s, there is a lower adjustment speed with the same amount of movement speed of the fixing actuation body 44, but a greater power amplification. Accordingly, the fixing bodies 46a or transmission bodies 46u act with a comparatively large force on the fixing abutment contour 52, so that the fixing device 40 can be actuated in the direction of the fixing position F with a correspondingly large force.

If the fixing actuation body 44 is adjusted further in the direction of the fixing actuation position FB, after the adjusting bevel 46s, the securing contour 46n and then the clamping surface 46k come into actuating or supporting engagement with the fixing bodies 46a in order to press them against the fixing abutment contour 52 or against the fixing abutment contour 52 to support. In the fixing position F, the fixing bodies 46a are acted upon by the clamping surface 46k in the sense of clamping or clamping with a clamping force or clamping force against the adjusting section 52s, so that the positive-locking elements 41, 42 are clamped or can be clamped against one another. In the release position L of the fixing device 40 and thus the fixing release position FL of the fixing actuating body 44, the fixing bodies 46a can be in the region of the actuating section 52e. The adjusting section 52e advantageously forms an insertion section or has an insertion bevel in order to guide the fixing body 46a in the direction of the adjusting section 52s when the fixation actuation body 44 is adjusted starting from the fixation release position FB in the direction of the fixation actuation position FB.

The drive body 50 is, for example, a ring body or sleeve body. The drive body 50 is firmly connected to the clutch arm support 13 . For example, the drive body 50 is in a receptacle 14a, which is aligned with the bearing receptacle 14 and/or is coaxial, of the coupling arm carrier 13, particularly in the receptacle 14a it is pressed, glued or otherwise firmly held.

The drive body 50 has a receptacle 50a, into which the actuating body engages with the guide body 45 . In the area of the fixing abutment contour 52 , the receptacle 50a has a diameter D52 that is larger than a diameter D53 that the receptacle 50a has in the area of the release abutment contour 53 . As a result, a length of the release abutment contour 53 can be greater than in a situation in which the diameter D53 is equal to or greater than the diameter D52. The length of the release abutment contour 53 can therefore be greater, so that an adjustment path that can be implemented with the release drive 47L can also be greater than an adjustment path that could be implemented in the area of the larger diameter D52.

The drive body 50 and the actuating body guide body 45 are relative to each other in Be train on the pivot axis S not rotatable or non-rotatable, so that the fixing body 46a and the release body 47a, where they are designed as a ball, are not loaded in the sense of a roller bearing or ball bearing.

The fixing actuation body 44 forms a fixing component 92.

The fixation actuation body 44 or the fixation component 92 is biased toward the fixation actuation position by a spring 48 and thus a spring assembly 48a

FB charged.

The spring 48 is supported on the one hand on the fixing actuation body 44 or the fixing component 92, for example on an end face 44s of the fixing actuation body 44 or the fixing component 92 extending transversely to the adjustment axis F, and on the other hand on the actuation body guide body 45 by means of a spring Support body 60 from. The spring support body 60 is supported on the actuator body guide body 45 .

The spring support body 60 has an annular support part 61 on which the spring 48 is supported. The support part 61 has a passage opening 62 . On the outside, supporting projections 63 protrude in front of the supporting part 61 . For example, the spring support body 60 has a support projection 63 on opposite sides.

The spring supporting body 60 is plate-like, for example. The spring support body 60 is preferably designed as a stamped component and/or a laser component or a component produced by laser cutting.

Insertion channels 64 are provided on the actuating body 44 guiding the fixing actuation body 44, through which the support projections 63 can be inserted into holding receptacles 65. The insertion channels 64 have the same angular spacing with respect to the adjustment axis V as the support projections 63 . Thus, two insertion channels 64 are provided on the actuating body guide body 45 on opposite sides with respect to the adjustment axis V. The insertion channels 64 extend parallel to the pivot axis S or adjustment axis V on a peripheral wall 45u of the actuating body guide body 45.

At a free end 45f of the actuating body 45, the insertion channels 64 have insertion openings 64a, through which the supporting projections 63 can be inserted into the insertion channels 64.

The insertion channels 64 are open on an outside of the actuating body guide body 45 facing away from the actuating body guide 45a and/or radially outwards with respect to the adjustment axis V, so that the supporting projections 63 are gripped from the outside with respect to the actuating body guide body 45 and in the insertion channels 64 are movable parallel to the adjustment axis F, which is indicated by an arrow DL.

Retaining receptacles 65 for the supporting projections 63 are provided on the longitudinal end regions 64b of the insertion channels 64 opposite the insertion openings 64a. The supporting projections 63 can, so to speak, be screwed into the holding receptacles 65 by means of a rotary movement DR. A type of bayonet locking actuation is thus provided. The holding receptacles 65 have recesses into which the projections 63 Stützvor can engage. On a side facing away from the insertion channel 64, each holding receptacle 65 is delimited by a side face 66, which is opposite a rear gripping projection 67, with a base 68 of a respective retaining receptacle 65 extending between the side face 66 and the rear gripping projection 67. A respective support projection 63 comes to rest on the floor 68 and is then held in the holding receptacle 65 between the rear engagement projection 67 and the side face 66 so that it cannot rotate with respect to the adjustment axis V, which also corresponds to the direction of force of the spring 48 . The engagement projection 67 is arranged between the bottom 68 and the insertion channel 64 . The side surface 66 is seen on a side facing away from the insertion channel 64 side of the holding receptacle 65 before.

The assembly and fixation of the spring 48 is now very simple. First, the fixing actuation body 41 is inserted into the guide channel 45b, for example, through an insertion opening 45e of the guide channel 45b.

Then the spring 48 and then the spring support body 60 are introduced into the guide channel 45b, with the spring support body 60 compressing the spring 48 pa rallel to the adjustment axis V.

It is favorable here that the supporting projections 63 form folding projections or actuating projections, so to speak, for adjusting the spring-supporting body 60, so that the force required to compress the spring 48 can be applied easily.

The spring support body 60 is inserted into the guide channel 45b, for example, along a sliding axis SC, which in the present case is coaxial to the adjustment axis V, with the support projections 63 being guided in the insertion channels 64.

When the support projections 63 have reached the longitudinal end regions 64b, the spring support body 60 is rotated in accordance with the arrow DR, so that the support projections 63 reach the holding receptacles 65. The supporting projections 63 can hit the side surface 66 during the rotary actuation according to the arrow DR.

The spring support body 60 is reliably held in the holding receptacles 65 by the spring 48 . The spring 48 namely acts on the spring support body 60 and thus the support projections 63 in such a way that they are actuated towards the bases 68 of the holding receptacles 65 . Thus, rotational forces acting around the adjustment axis V cannot cause the support projections 63 to disengage from behind with the rear gripping projections 67 either. To drive the fixation actuation body 44, a drive member 39 is provided. The drive element 39 is fixedly connected to the drive wheel 37, so that a rotational movement of the drive wheel 37 about an axis of rotation entrains the drive element 39 about the same axis of rotation, for example about the drive axis A4. The drive element 39 has roof edge-like arranged drive contours 39a, which are designed as inclined surfaces and between which a holding contour 39c is located. The drive contours 39a and the retaining contour 39c lying between them are provided on projections 39d, which are tooth-like, for example. The projections 39d project in front of a base body 39e of the drive element 39 parallel to the drive axis A4.

The fixing actuation body 44 is connected to a support element 70 by means of a tie rod 49 . The tie rod 49 has a head 49a, which is supported on the support element 70, and a projection 49b, which protrudes from the head 49a. The projection 49b is rod-like or bar-like and penetrates through a support base 71 of the support member 70 and protrudes in front of the support base 71 with a fixing portion 49c.

The support base 71 has, for example, a channel 71k penetrated by the projection 49b. The fixing actuation body 44 has a channel 44k through which the projection 49b penetrates, with a longitudinal end 49c of the tie rod 49 opposite the head 49a protruding in front of the fixing actuation body 44 . A fastening means 49d, for example a nut, a clamping screw, a clamping ring, a snap ring, a retaining ring or the like, is arranged on the longitudinal end 49c, with the fastening means 49d being supported on the fixing actuation body 44, so that the tie rod 49 is tension-resistant with respect to the adjustment axis V with the Fixing actuation body 44 is connected.

Latching contours 71r are provided on an inner circumference of the channel 71k, which engage with latching contours 49r of the tie rod 49 when the latter is inserted into the channel 71k. As an alternative or in addition to the latching contours 71r, 49r, a clamping contour 71f can also be provided, for example a waisted section, in order to ensure that the tie rod 49 in the channel 71k is resistant to tension with respect to the adjustment axis V or the longitudinal axis of the channel 71k, at least during assembly of the hitch to hold. Actuating projections 72 protrude radially outwards from the support base 71 with respect to the adjustment axis V or the longitudinal extent of the support base 71 . Actuation projections 72 include release drive bodies 73 on which release drive contours 74 and between the release drive contours 74 lying release-holding contours 74c are arranged, which interact with the drive contours 39a and the holding contour 39c of the drive element 39 . The release drive contours 74 are designed as sloping surfaces between which the release-holding contour 74c is located. The sloping surfaces are inclined at an angle to the adjustment axis V, while the release-holding contour 74c is perpendicular to the adjustment axis V. When the drive contours 39a come into engagement with the release drive contours 74, the fixation actuation body 44 is moved from the fixation actuation position FB to the fixation release position FF along the adjustment axis V. When the holding contours 39c and 74c are supported on each other, the fixing actuating body 44 is held in the fixing release position FF. In any case, it can be seen that the holding contours 39c and 74c are relatively short in relation to a pivoting angle about the adjustment axis V. Thus, when the holding contour 39c is moved past the holding contour 74c or rotated past it, the spring 48 acts in the sense of an adjustment of the fixing actuation body 44 in the direction of the fixing actuation position FB, so that the fixing device 40 is acted upon in the direction of the fixing position F. Thus, in principle, the positive-locking elements 41, 42 could come into engagement with one another, even if the coupling arm carrier 13 assumes intermediate positions between the use position G and the non-use position N.

The measure explained below provides a remedy here: The support element 70 and thus the fixing actuation body 44 have support bodies 75a, 75b on which support contours 76a, 76b are arranged. The support bodies 75a, 75b are arranged radially on the outside with respect to the release drive body 73 and in the present case are advantageously integral with them or firmly connected to them. The support bodies 75a, 75b are in engagement with an abutment contour 86 of an abutment body 80.

The abutment body 80 has, for example, a ring body 81 on the outer circumference 82 of which anti-rotation contours 83 are arranged. On the basis of the anti-rotation contours 83, the abutment body 80 is arranged in such a way that it cannot rotate with respect to the adjustment axis V and, in the present case, is even stationary on the coupling arm carrier 13. For example, the clutch arm carrier 13 or a housing 170 arranged on the hitch arm carrier 13 has a receptacle 13a for the bearing body 80, wherein anti-rotation contours for engagement with the anti-rotation contours 83 are provided on the receptacle 13a.

The adjustment axis V of the fixing actuation body 44 is advantageously at the same time a pivot axis about which the fixation actuation body 44 and its support element 70 pivot, this pivot axis being the pivot axis S in the present case.

The ring body 81 extends around the actuating body guide body 45, so that the support bodies 75a, 75b, which protrude radially in front of the support element 70 with respect to the pivot axis S, so to speak, with their support contours 76a, 76b facing the abutment contour 86 of the abutment body 80, protrude over the abutment contour 86 of the Abutment body 80 can slide away. The abutment contour 86 extends in a ring around the adjustment axis V.

The support contours 76a, 76b include fold sections 77a, 77b, which extend transversely to the adjustment axis V, preferably at right angles transversely, and are provided and designed for support on fold sections 87a, 87b of the abutment contour 86. When the fold portions 77a, 77b are supported on the fold portions 87a, 87b and/or slide along each other, the fixing operation body 44 is held at the fixing release position FF.

The fold sections 87a, 87b form fold plateaus, so to speak.

Advantageously, one flea of the fold sections 77a, 77b and the fold sections 87a, 87b is even dimensioned such that the fixing actuation body 44 can be pushed over the fixing release position FF is also adjusted along the adjustment axis V when the holding sections 77a, 77b are supported on the folded sections 87a, 87b.

The folded sections 87a, 87b extend between locking receptacles 84 of the abutment body 80, which are aligned with guide contours 44f, by means of which the fixing actuation body 44 is linearly guided along the adjustment axis V. The guide contours 44f are, for example, grooves or slots on the actuating body-guiding body 45, into which the actuating projections 72 of the support element 70 or the supporting bodies 75a, 75b of the fixing actuating body 44 engage. When the support bodies 75a, 75b engage in the locking receptacles 84, the fixing actuation body 44 is pivotally fixed with respect to the adjustment axis V.

Pivoting stops 88a, 88b are provided on the locking receptacles 84, which interact with pivoting stops 78a, 78b of the support contour 76b. When the coupling arm carrier 13 has reached the use position G or the non-use position N, the pivoting stops 78a, 78b strike the pivoting stops 88a, 88b, so that the pivoting movement of the coupling arm carrier 13 about the pivot axis S is terminated.

The folded portions 87a, 87b are seen on end faces of wall bodies 85a, 85b, which protrude in front of the annular body 81 with respect to the adjustment axis V. The fold section 87a protrudes further in front of the annular body 81 with respect to the adjustment axis V than the fold section 87B, so that the fold section 87a forms a higher plateau, so to speak, for supporting the supporting body 75a than the fold section 87b for supporting the supporting body 75b. The pivoting stops 88a, 88b are provided on the peripheral longitudinal end regions of the wall body 85a and are provided, for example, by narrow side walls of the wall body 85a.

The pivot stops 78a, 78b are provided on the support body 75b. The support body 75a can also have pivoting stops 78c on its side flanks, which run parallel to the adjustment axis V or pivoting axis S, which can strike against the pivoting stops 88a, 88b. The pivoting stops 78a, 78b are longer parallel to the pivoting axis S or adjustment axis V than the pivoting stops 78c, which contributes to the fact that the pivoting movement of the coupling arm carrier 13 can be reliably terminated by the pivoting stops 78a, 78b. However, this measure is optional, as is the measure that the holding section 87a is higher than the holding section 87b due to the wall body 85a projecting further in front of the ring body 81 .

Between the holding sections 77a, 77b and the angled, in particular right-angled, swivel stops 78c or the side flanks of the support contour 76a, which extend parallel to the adjustment axis V or swivel axis S, actuating sections 79 are provided, which are designed as inclined surfaces. Also designed as inclined surfaces are actuating sections 89 of the bearing contour 86 that extend between the holding section 87a and a respective locking receptacle 84 . The supporting body 76a and thus the fixing actuating body 44 is subjected to an actuating force parallel to the pivot axis S, d. H. the actuating sections 79, 89 bring about a movement deflection. As a result, the fixing actuation body 44 is subjected to an even greater force with a directional component parallel to the movement in the direction of the fixing release position FF, which can be seen in FIG.

In any case, by rotating the fixing actuation body 44 about the pivot axis S, the holding sections 77a, 77b reach the holding sections 88a, 88b, so that the fixing actuation body 44 is moved even further in the direction of the release position L of the fixing device 40. This is indicated in FIG. 18 using several positions of the supporting body 75b. This measure can contribute to the form-fitting elements 41, 42 disengaging from one another even further and/or more reliably.

However, it is also possible, in addition to or as an alternative to the kinematics described above, for the form-fitting elements 41, 42 to be actuated by rotating the Kupplungsarmträgers 13 slide relative to the vehicle mount 15 along each other and thus act on the Kupplungsarmträgers 13 in the sense of a movement away from the bearing base 18 with a linear force component, so that the form-fitting elements 41, 42 disengage.

However, the actuating sections 89 and 79 can also only serve as guide contours, for example guide bevels.

A safety device 90 is used to secure the fixing device 40 in the fixing position F. The safety device 90 includes a bolt 91, which is located between a safety position Sl and an unlocking position ES on a linear guide 93, which is arranged on a base body 95 of the safety device 90, along a in particular linear displacement path LA is adjustable bar.

The latch 91 has a guide section 91a and a head 91b, the head 91b serving as a blocking contour or latch contour. The guide section 91a is, for example, rod-shaped or bar-shaped and engages in a guide receptacle 93a of the linear guide 93 .

The bolt 91 is loaded by a spring 94 in the security position Sl. In the securing position S1, the bolt 91 projects into a movement path BW of a fixing component 92 of the fixing device 40.

The fixing component 92 comprises, for example, the fixing actuation body 44 and/or the support element 70 arranged on the fixation actuation body 44. For example, the bolt 91 protrudes in the securing position S1 into the movement path BW of an actuation projection 72 of the support element 70.

The drive shaft 34 is used to move the bolt 91 into the unlocking position ES. The drive wheels 35 and 36 are arranged directly on the drive shaft 34 and/or in a rotationally fixed manner. The drive wheel 36 forms part of the pivoting drive device 36a and is used for pivoting the coupling arm carrier 13 between the use position G and the non-use position N.

Drive wheel 35, which forms a drive wheel for actuating fixing device 40, is also firmly connected to drive shaft 34, so that fixing drive device 37a, swivel drive device 36a and a drive component for driving bolt 91 or safety device 90 are on a single drive shaft 34 are arranged. This achieves a particularly compact design. A drive contour 96 is arranged on the drive shaft 34 and acts on a transmission element 97 . The transmission element 97 is mounted with a pivot bearing 98 at its one longitudinal end region with respect to the base body 95 pivotably about a pivot axis S98 and at its other longitudinal end region is articulated with a pivot bearing 99 pivotable about a pivot axis S99 on the bolt 91. The drive shaft 34 and in any case the drive contour 96 are arranged between the pivot bearings 98 and 99 and act on a drive surface 97a of the transmission element 97. The transmission element 97 extends in an arc around the drive shaft 34.

When a section 96c extending in an arc around the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft 34 or around the drive axis A4 is in engagement with the drive surface 97a, the transmission element 97 is deflected in a direction away from the drive shaft 34 and actuated in the manner an actuating lever the bolt 91 in the direction of the unlocking position ES.

When the drive shaft 94 rotates further, release surfaces or depressions 96a come into engagement with the drive surface 97a, so that the bolt 91 is moved in the direction of the securing position S1 under the action of the spring 94. A cam contour 96b or a projection, for example, is arranged between the depressions 96a. The indentations 96a are designed, for example, as mutually angled surfaces, between which the cam contour or projection 96b is arranged.

The bolt 91 can have inclined surfaces 91d on its head 91b. The sloping surfaces 91d can, for example, be designed as chamfers or serve as chamfers.

The inclined surfaces 91 d of the bolt 91 can form actuating contours 91c, which can be actuated by the fixing component 92 in order to adjust the bolt 91 into the unlocking position ES. It is possible that the fixing component 92 can actuate the actuating contours 91c during a pivoting movement about the pivot axis S and/or a longitudinal movement parallel to the adjustment axis V in order to adjust the bolt 91 into the unlocking position ES.

The fixing device 40 also includes a sensor 100 for monitoring the fixing position F. The sensor 100 includes, for example, a switch 101, in particular a pushbutton switch, which can be actuated by a transmitter 102. The transmitter 102 is mounted, for example, on a guide 109 so that it can move linearly.

The transmitter 102 includes an actuating arm 103 which protrudes towards the fixing actuation body 44, in particular the support element 70. The actuating arm 103 has, for example, an arm section 104 which extends in the direction of the adjustment axis V, and an arm section 105 which is arranged on a carriage 106 of the guide 109 and protrudes in front of it. The carriage 106 is preferably loaded by a spring 107 so that the operating arm 103 is loaded in the direction of the fixing operating body 44 .

When the fixing actuating body 44 is actuated from the fixing position F in the direction of the release position L, it actuates the switch 101 via the actuating arm 103 so that the sensor 100 generates a signal indicating the release position L. The signal can be a light signal or an acoustic signal, for example. At this point it should be mentioned that an arrangement of a sensor for detecting and monitoring the fixing position of a fixing device on the drive side 16a of the trailer hitch 10 represents an invention in its own right. Using actuating arm 103, the sensor can be arranged at a distance from fixing device 40, for example close to the electrical components of trailer hitch 10, in particular near drive device 30.

An advantageous concept provides that the trailer hitch 10 is essentially encapsulated. For example, a seal 150 is provided between the clutch arm support 13 and the support body 16 or the bearing base 18 . The seal 150 is configured, for example, as a ring seal or is ring-shaped. The seal 150 has a holding portion 151 which engages in a receptacle 152, for example an annular groove, of the clutch arm carrier 13 on the receptacle hitch arm side 16k. A sealing section 153 in the manner of a sealing lip protrudes in front of the holding section 151 . The sealing portion 153 rests with its free end portion 154 on a pivot axis S extending outer peripheral contour 155 of the coupling arm carrier 13 tightly. When the coupling arm carrier 13 is moved toward or away from the bearing base 18 or the support body 16 along the pivot axis S, the free end portion 154 of the sealing section 153 slides along the outer peripheral contour 155 . A seal 156, which is arranged for example between the safety body 21 and the supporting body 16, is also advantageous. The seal 156 includes, for example, an O-ring.

Furthermore, the seal 156 advantageously forms a brake body. In other words, it is advantageous if a brake is provided between the coupling arm 11, which is pivotably mounted between the use position G and the non-use position N, for example represented or formed by the seal 156, which brakes the pivoting movement between the use position G and the non-use position N . The seal 156 extends around the pivot bearing 17 and forms, for example, a pivot bearing seal.

Thus, the seal 150 and/or the seal 156 encloses a volume 160 in which the positive-locking elements 41, 42 are arranged. The volume 160 is arranged on the side of the coupling arm 11 or the receiving body 313 and accordingly forms a volume 160 on the coupling arm. When the coupling arm carrier 13 is moved away from the supporting body 16 along the pivot axis S, the volume 160 increases while the volume 160 decreases is when the Kupplungarmträger 13 is adjusted to the support body 16 out. When the coupling arm support 13 is adjusted towards the supporting body 16, it covers a sealing surface 165. The sealing surface 165 extends, for example, between the seals 150 and 156.

One can now imagine that during the movement of the coupling arm carrier 13 towards the supporting body 16, air that is trapped in the volume 160 can flow out of the volume 160 past the seal 150, which is indicated by a flow EF in Figure 28 is indicated schematically. Such an embodiment can be provided.

However, it is also possible that the seal 150 always encloses and seals the volume 160 in the release position L and in the fixing position F. When the coupling arm carrier 13 moves away from the supporting body 16, the seal 150 advantageously prevents air from flowing from the vicinity of the trailer coupling 11 into the volume 160, so that the coupling arm carrier 13 remains virtually sucked onto the supporting body 16, i. H. the form-fitting elements 41, 42 remain at least partially in engagement with one another. The measure explained below can help here.

On the support body 16 a passage opening 161 is provided, which forms a pressure equalizing means 162 . Thus, in principle, air can flow into the volume 160 and out of the volume 160, represented by an arrow DF. The passage opening 161 is arranged on the sealing surface 165 . The passage opening 161 communicates with a second volume 163 which is enclosed by the housing 170 .

Thus, the Kupplungsarmträger 13 forms, so to speak, a pump element or ei NEN pump body. The clutch arm carrier 13 draws air, so to speak, from the volume 163 into the volume 160 on the clutch arm when the clutch arm carrier 13 is moved away from the support body 16 . When the clutch arm carrier 13 is moved towards the support body 16, it pumps air out of the volume 160 in the direction of the volume 163. The pressure-equalizing means 162, for example the passage opening 161, thus ensures that an air flow between the volumes 160 and 163 is possible .

It is possible that the seal 150 no longer seals the volume 160 in the release position L, so that ambient air from the vicinity of the trailer hitch 11, e.g. past the seal 150, can flow between the coupling arm carrier 13 and the supporting body 16. However, when the coupling arm carrier 13 is moved back in the direction of the supporting body 16, ie in the direction of the fixing position F, the volume 160 is enclosed in the seal 150 or sealed off. In this situation, air can then flow through the passage opening 161 from the volume 160 into the volume 163 .

The housing 170 has, for example, a flange 171 which is screwed to the supporting body 16 with screws 172 .

The housing 170 preferably forms a protective housing which protects the movable components of the trailer hitch 10 which are arranged on the drive side 16a of the supporting body 16 from environmental influences.

Housing 170 has assembly openings 173 and 175 on sides facing away from support body 16, which are closed by covers 174 and 176. The assembly opening 175 is used, for example, to connect the tie rod 49 to the fixing actuation body 44 . The mounting opening 175 is preferably aligned with the adjustment axis V or the pivot axis S. The cover 176 has a pressure compensation means 164, for example an air-permeable membrane, a valve arrangement or the like. A pressure equalization represented by an arrow LF for the volume 163 is thus possible through the pressure equalization means 164 . When air flows out of the volume 160 in the direction of the volume 163 through the passage opening 161, a pressure relief of the volume 163 can be realized by the pressure compensation means 164.

However, it is also possible that a function or the main function of the pressure equalization means 164 is moisture equalization.

The pressure compensation means 162 and/or 164 can be membranes, for example

166 and 167, shown schematically. The diaphragm 166 and

167 are, for example, permeable to air, but inhibit unidirectionally, i. H. in one direction, the ingress of moisture, but in the opposite direction allow moisture to pass through. The membranes 166 and 167 thus form, for example, unidirectionally moisture-permeable passage components.

The membranes 166 and 167 can thus ensure that little or no moisture penetrates into the volume 163 , but moisture that is already present in the volume 163 can escape.

Thus, for example, air that can flow past the seal 150 when the clutch arm carrier 13 assumes the release position L, introduces moisture into the volume 160, but escapes again at the pressure compensation means 164 or the membrane 167.

The pressure compensation means 162 can also include a check valve 168 .

The check valve 168 is arranged on a flow channel or a passage opening of the support body 16, it being possible for air to flow between the volumes 160 and 163 through the passage opening or the flow channel. In a blocking direction SR, however, the check valve 168 blocks flow, while in a flow direction DR the check valve 168 lets air through. The arrangement is now such that the blocking direction SR is oriented from the volume 160 to the volume 163, the forward direction DR is reversed. So can when the fixing device 40 is moved into the release position L, air does flow from the volume 163 into the volume 160 . However, if the volume 160 is reduced in the opposite direction, ie when the volume 160 is adjusted from the release position L in the direction of the fixing position F, the air can flow past the seal 150 into the environment, but not into the volume 163 . If, in the release position L, moist and/or dirt-laden air enters the volume 160, it is not pumped into the volume 163, but rather blocked off by the check valve 168, so to speak. The check valve 168 when adjusting the fixing device 40 in the direction of the release position L from the volume 163 so to speak sucked air can flow through the pressure compensation means 164, in particular the membrane 167, in the volume 163.

The drive motor 31 and the transmission 32 are preferably arranged in a motor housing 180 separate from the housing 170 . However, it would easily be possible to arrange the drive motor 31 and the gear 32 in the housing 170 . In any case, the motor housing 180 and the housing 170 are connected to one another, preferably tightly with respect to environmental influences. The Ge housing 170 and 180 can also be in one piece or form an overall housing.

The trailer coupling 10, 310 preferably has a control unit 29, shown schematically, with which the trailer coupling 10, 310 can be controlled. Control unit 29 is connected to sensor 100, for example. The Steuerge advises 29 continues to control the drive motor 31 of the drive device 30 at. Control unit 29 is preferably connected to an on-board network 403 of vehicle 400, for example via electrical power supply lines and/or using a data connection, in particular a bus connection, in order to receive or send reporting messages from on-board network 403 of vehicle 400 in order to send control commands from On-board network 403 of the vehicle 400 to receive conditions or to send to this. Such a control command can be provided, for example, to activate the drive device 30 for adjusting the coupling arm carrier 13 into the use position G or the non-use position N. head for Control unit 29 has connection contacts or connection lines for connection to vehicle electrical system 403 .

The control unit 29 is preferably arranged in the housing 170 or 180 so that it is protected from environmental influences.

Claims

Expectations

1. Trailer coupling for a motor vehicle (400), with a coupling arm (11) for coupling a trailer (AHH) or a rear load carrier (HLL), with a vehicle holder (15) that can be attached or attached to the motor vehicle (400) and has a bearing base (18) on which a coupling arm carrier (13) on which the coupling arm (11) or a receiving body (312) for detachably receiving the coupling arm (11) is arranged, between one for attaching the trailer (AHH) or the rear load carrier (HLL) intended use position (G) and a non-use position (N) provided for when the trailer hitch (10) is not in use is pivotably mounted about at least one pivot axis (S), with the trailer hitch (10) having a fixing device (40) for stationary fixing of the Coupling arm (11) in the position of use (G) and / or the non-use position (N) with respect to the bearing base (18) has, wherein the coupling arm (11) in a release position (L) of the Befestigungseinrichtu ng (40) with respect to the bearing base (18) between the use position (G) and the non-use position (N) movable and a fixing position (F) of the fixation device (40) with respect to the bearing base (18) is fixed in place, with the fixation device ( 40) has a fixing actuation body (44) that can be adjusted on an actuation body guide (45a) of an actuation body guide body (45) between a fixation release position (FF) and a fixation actuation position (FB) along an in particular linear actuation travel (BS), wherein Fi The fixing actuation body (44) forms part of a release drive (47L) and a fixation drive (43) and a fixation actuation contour (46) of the fixation drive (43) for interaction with a fixation abutment contour (52) and a release actuation contour (47) of the release drive (47L). cooperation with one Release abutment contour (53), wherein the fixing drive (43) for adjusting the fixing device (40) in a fixing direction along an in particular linear adjustment path (SW) into the fixing position (F), in which the coupling arm carrier (13) and the bearing base ( 18) fixedly arranged form-fitting elements (41, 42) engage in one another in a form-fitting manner, and the release drive (47L) for adjusting the fixing device (40) along the adjustment path (SW) in a release direction (LR) opposite to the fixing direction into the release position (L), in which the form-fitting elements (41, 42) are disengaged from one another, are provided and designed, characterized in that the fixing actuation contour (46) and the fixing abutment contour (52) and the release actuation contour (47) and the release abutment contour (53) are direct or have inclined surfaces which act indirectly on one another and which are inclined differently with respect to the actuating travel (BS), so that the fixation can be actuated actuating body (44) along a path length of the actuating travel (BS) when the form-fitting elements (41, 42) are adjusted in the fixing direction, a shorter or longer travel (SW) than when the form-fitting elements (41, 42) are adjusted in the release direction ( LR) causes.

2. Trailer coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the release actuation contour (47) and the release abutment contour (53) have inclined surfaces such that when the fixing device (40) is adjusted from the fixing position (F) in the direction of the release position (L) when the fixing actuation body (44) is adjusted along the actuation adjustment path (BS) at the same speed, the coupling arm carrier (13) is adjusted away from the bearing base (18) along the adjustment path (SW) initially at a greater speed and then at a lower speed.

3. Trailer coupling according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coupling arm (11) or the receiving body (312) is arranged on the coupling arm carrier (13) in relation to a planned installation position of the vehicle holder (15) on the vehicle, that a weight of the coupling arm (11) or the receiving body (312) in the position of use (G) and the non-use position (N) torque on the Kupplungsarmträger (13) to the Pivot axis (S) exercise, which selemente (41, 42) and / or in the sense of actuating the fixing device (40) in the release position (L) acts in the sense of releasing the form-fitting elements.

4. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing actuation contour (46) and the fixing abutment contour (52) have inclined surfaces such that when the fixing device (40) is adjusted from the release position (L) in the direction of the Fixing position (F) when the fixing actuation body (44) is adjusted along the actuation adjustment path (BS) at the same speed, the coupling arm carrier (13) is initially adjusted at a greater speed and then at a lower speed towards the bearing base (18) along the adjustment path (SW). will.

5. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one fixing element (46a) and/or a transmission element (46u, 47u), in particular a rolling element or a ball, and/or at least one release element (47a) and/or a transmission element (46u, 47u), in particular a rolling element or a ball, is arranged between the release-actuating contour (47) and the release-actuating contour (53).

6. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating body guide body (45) has at least one radially or transversely to the actuating travel (BS) extending guide for the fixing body (46a) or release body (47a) or transmission body ( 46u, 47u).

7. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating body guide body (45) has a guide channel in which the fixing actuating body (44) is guided, in particular linearly, along the actuating travel (BS).

8. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing actuation contour (46) and the fixing abutment contour (52) and/or the release actuation contour (47) and the release abutment contour (53) are twisted relative to each other with respect to the pivot axis (S) and/or are movable relative to each other exclusively parallel to the actuation travel (BS). 9. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a transmission body (46u, 47u) arranged between the fixing actuation contour (46) and the fixing abutment contour (52) or between the release actuation contour (47) and the release abutment contour (53) or Release body (47a) or fixing body (46a) is twisted relative to the adjacent contour with respect to the pivot axis (S) or has a rotational play which is a maximum of 5% of a pivoting path of the coupling arm carrier (13) between the use position (G) and the non-use position (N) is.

10. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating body guide body (45) and the coupling arm carrier (13) are rotationally fixed with respect to the pivot axis (S) or rotationally coupled with a small rotational play.

11. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating body guide body (45) forms a rotary drive body or a rotary shaft for rotating the coupling arm carrier (13) about the pivot axis (S).

12. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing abutment contour (52) and the release abutment contour (53) are arranged on a drive body (50) which is fixedly connected to the coupling arm carrier (13) or from the coupling arm carrier ( 13) is provided, the drive body (50) having a receptacle (50a) into which the actuating body guide body (45) engages.

13. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (50a) has a larger diameter in the region of one of the fixing abutment contour (52) and the release abutment contour (53). (D52) than in the area of the other of the fixing abutment contour (52) and the release abutment contour (53), the fixing abutment contour (52) or the release abutment contour (53) arranged in the area of the smaller diameter (D53) extending to the inner circumference of the receptacle (50a). and in particular the fixing abutment contour (52) or release abutment contour (53) arranged in the region of the larger diameter (D52) also extends to the inner circumference of the receptacle (50a).

14. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing actuation contour (46) and the fixing abutment contour (52) are movement-coupled to one another in the sense of forced guidance and/or the release actuation contour (47) and the release abutment contour (53) in the sense are motion-coupled to one another in a restraint.

15. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing actuation contour (46) and/or the fixing abutment contour (52) and/or the release actuation contour (47) and/or the release abutment contour (53) have at least two inclined surfaces arranged next to one another have, which are with respect to the actuating travel (BS) ge tends to different degrees.

16. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing actuation contour (46) and/or the fixing abutment contour (52) and/or the release actuation contour (47) and/or the release abutment contour (53) are curved and/or arcuate and / or trough-shaped and / or trough-shaped sections.

17. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing actuation contour (46) and the release actuation contour (47) are opposite one another and/or between the fixation actuation contour (46) and the release actuation contour (47) a trough or receiving surface for a transfer body (46u, 47u).

18. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing abutment contour (52) and the release abutment contour (53) are opposite one another and/or between the fixing abutment contour

(52) and the release abutment contour (53) a trough or receiving surface for a transfer body (46u, 47u) is arranged.

19. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing actuation body (44) has a clamping surface arranged next to the fixing actuation contour (46), in particular with a self-locking oblique inclination, for bracing the form-fitting elements (41, 42) together.

20. Trailer coupling according to claim 19, characterized in that between the clamping surface and the fixing actuating contour (46) there is a securing contour, in particular a groove or a surface without an inclination with respect to the actuating travel (BS). 21. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positive-locking elements (41, 42) are held in the release position (L) exclusively by the fact that the release-actuating contour (47) and the release abutment contour (53) are in the release position (L) against one another are supported.

22. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that there is no spacer between the coupling arm carrier (13) and the bearing base (18), in particular in the area of the form-fitting elements (41, 42), apart from the release drive (47L). the Formschlus selemente (41, 42) in the release position (L) keeps disengaged.

23. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a length and slope of the release abutment contour

(53) and the release actuation contour (47) are designed in such a way that the form-fitting elements (41, 42) can be fully adjusted into the release position (L) by moving the fixation actuation body (44) from the fixation actuation position (FB) into the fixation release position (FF). are, wherein the fixing actuating body (44) in the fixing release position (FF) holds the form-fitting elements (41, 42) in the release position (L).

24. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing abutment contour (52) has a first adjusting section which, in the sense of an inlet slope, has a smaller inclination with respect to the actuating travel (BS) than a second adjusting section arranged next to the first adjusting section.

25. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the release abutment contour (53) has a first adjustment section, which has a greater inclination with respect to the actuating travel (BS) than a second adjustment section arranged next to the first adjustment section, which in the sense of a run-out slope is designed.