WO2018046029A1

WO2018046029A1 - Towing device

Info

Publication number: WO2018046029A1
Application number: PCT/CZ2017/000061
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roman KUNTOŠ
Original assignee: Prof Svar S.R.O.
Priority date: 2016-09-12
Filing date: 2017-09-11
Publication date: 2018-03-15
Also published as: EP3509878A1; CZ2016557A3; CZ308444B6

Abstract

The towing device includes towing ball (1) arranged on one end of neck (2), the other end of which is connected to bearing element (3) rotary-mounted, for swing from its working position to its idle position, on cylindrical journal (11) fix-connected to the vehicle body according to the invention the subject of which lies in that arresting element (21) is transversely arranged in journal (11) for locking of position of bearing element (3) on journal (11); with its free end (22) protruding from journal (11), arresting element (21) intervenes in the recess made in bearing element (3). Preferably, journal (11) is arranged in decline with respect to the vertical plane passing through longitudinal axis δ of the vehicle and has hollow cylindrical shape, and is, with its ends (18, 19), fix-connected to one ends of cross beams (41, 42), the other ends of which being fix-connected to the vehicle body. Arresting element (21) is rotary- or shift-mounted in boring (12) made preferably in journal (11). Preferably, hole (15) is made in journal (11) transversely to the longitudinal axis of arresting element (21); control element (31) mounted in hole (15) is mechanically, by shape contact, connected to arresting element (21) for shifting or rotation of arresting element (21).

Description

Towing Device

Field of Search

The invention relates to a towing device, particularly for motor vehicles, including a towing ball arranged on one end of a neck, the other end of which being connected to a bearing element rotary-mounted, for swinging from its working position to its idle position, on a cylindrical journal fix-connected to the vehicle body.

State of the Art The towing device is, particularly in motor vehicles, a quite often used accessory that extends possibility of utilizing the motor vehicle. The towing device is delivered mounted in new vehicles or it is supplied through the network of car

accessories and installed subsequently.

The published document DE-19612959 Al discloses a towing device for motor vehicles including a towing ball with a neck, one end of which being connected to a bearing sleeve swing- mounted on a journal fix-connected to the body; the axis of swing of the journal is directed in its decline to the vertical plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the vehicle; the neck with the towing ball can be swung, by swinging around the swing axis, from its working position, in which the neck with the ball lies basically in the longitudinal plane, into its working position, in which the neck with the ball lies

approximately transversely to the longitudinal plane. The journal is fixed, by means of flat load-bearing arms, to a tubular girder passing transversely to the vehicle

longitudinal axis. One ends of the load-bearing arms are weld- connected to the tubular girder and the other ends have drilled holes for mounting the journal. To allow rotation of the bearing sleeve with the neck, a gearing is arranged on one end of the journal between the bearing sleeve fitted with gearing and the gear drive shaft protruding from the driving device fixed separately to a cross beam. A disadvantage of the solution according to document DE-19612959 Al is constructional

complexity given by a number of individual independently arranged elements exposed to external effects, large built-up space, and high weight.

The published document DE-10017013 Al discloses a towing device for motor vehicles including - a body of an oscillating roller bearing on which a swinging element is swing-mounted around the swing axis, - a ball neck protruding from the swinging element; the ball neck bears the towing ball on its end turned away from the swinging element, and - a blocking device for setting the swinging element with its shape contact against the oscillating roller bearing body.

The swinging element is mounted in the pin bearing body in such a way that it can be shifted along the swing axis, - a wedge

(rack) mechanism is arranged for inducing motion of the swinging element, and - by shifting the swinging element along the swing axis, the swinging element can be shifted to the position swinging against the oscillating roller bearing body and to the position fixed against the oscillating roller bearing body, turned against each other through mutually interlocking

arrangement. A disadvantage of the solution according to document DE-10017013 Al is overall constructional complexity of the towing device mechanism, particularly complexity of

controlling axial shift of the swinging element, high number of components, high weight, and great demand for space for mounting the mechanism. A disadvantage of up to now known towing devices is their constructional as well as production complexity, high weight, and large built-up space. Individual components of the towing devices are made and mounted on the vehicle body independently and they thus form a complicated aggregate of elements, all of them being exposed to climatic and adverse traffic effects .

Subject of Invention

The aim of the invention is to remove disadvantages of the state of the art, to set up the arrangement of components of the towing device simple for construction and production, to integrate components of the towing device into a single unit, to facilitate controlling of the towing device, and to protect components of the towing device from adverse external effects.

Disadvantages of the state of the art are to substantial extent removed and the aim of the invention met by the towing device, including the towing ball arranged on one end of the neck, the other end of which being connected to the bearing element rotary-mounted, for swing out of the working position to the idle position, on the cylindrical journal fix-connected to the vehicle body, according to the invention, the subjects of which lies in that the arresting element is transversely arranged in the journal for locking of the bearing element position on the journal; the arresting element intervenes, with its free end protruding from the journal, in a recess made in the bearing element.

Preferably, the journal can be arranged in decline with respect to the vertical plane passing through longitudinal axis δ of the vehicle; it can have hollow cylindrical shape and it can be, with its ends, fix-connected to one ends of the cross beams, the other ends of which being fix-connected to the vehicle body. Preferably, the journal can include boring in which the arresting element is rotary-mounted, wherein at least one free end of the arresting element protruding from the journal intervenes in the groove made on inner side of the bearing element for arresting mutual position of the journal and the bearing element by partial rotation of the arresting element. Preferably, the arresting element can have free end, longitudinal axis β of which being, with offset, parallel to longitudinal axis a of rotation of the arresting element; the bearing element mounted on the journal can rotate and shift in the direction parallel to axis γ of rotation of the bearing element. Preferably, the arresting element can have the free end in the cross-section shape, the smallest dimension of which being smaller than the groove width and the largest dimension of which being larger than the groove width. Preferably, the arresting element can have the free end of oval shape in cross- section. Preferably, the groove can have a recess for partial rotation and locking of the free end of the arresting element. Preferably, the journal can be fitted with a guide in which the arresting element is shift-mounted, wherein at least one free end protruding from the journal can be inserted into the boring made on the inner side of the bearing element for locking of mutual position of the journal and the bearing element by shifting the arresting element. Preferably, a hole can be made in the journal transversely to the longitudinal axis of the arresting element; the control element mounted in the hole is mechanically connected, through shape contact, with the

arresting element for shifting or rotating the arresting element. Preferably, the control element can be fitted with a gearing which is engaged with the arresting element gearing. Preferably, the control element can be connected to the

arresting element by a coulisse transfer. Preferably, the bearing element can be composed of a multipart sleeve. Preferably, the journal and the cross beams can have hollow tubular shape.

The advantages of the towing device according to this invention lie, among others, in integrity and simplicity of construction, in easy control of the towing device during the swing from the working position to the idle position, in reliable locking in the chosen position, and in low production costs .

List of Figures in Drawings

The towing device according to this invention is explained by means of drawings depicting:

Fig. 1 rotary arresting element in section of journal,

Fig. 2 shifting arresting element in section of journal, Fig. 3 view of towing device in vehicle,

Fig. 4 cross-section of free end of arresting element

in groove of bearing element,

Fig. 5 control element in section of journal.

Example of Embodiment

According to Fig. 1, the towing device of the motor vehicle includes towing ball 1_ arranged on one end of neck 2_, the other end of which being made in one piece or connected to bearing element 3 that forms external element of the bearing and has sleeve shape. Bearing element 3_^ is mounted on journal 1_1 of cylindrical shape that forms inner element of the bearing and is fix-connected to the vehicle body. Preferably, journal 11 can have tubular shape. The sleeve of bearing element 3_^ is swing- mounted on journal 11_ between the working position in which neck 2 is turned outward of the rear bumper for connecting a trailer or a semitrailer to ball 1, and between the idle position in which neck 2_ is turned inward, into the space between the rear bumper and the vehicle body. Boring 12_ made in journal 1_1 transversely to its longitudinal axis γ passes crosswise through journal 1JL. Arresting element 2JL rotary-mounted in boring 12_ has two free ends 22. protruding from journal 1_1. Free ends 2_2 intervene in the recess on the inner side of bearing element .3; the recess is made in at least a part of the inner circumference of the bearing element sleeve as inner circumferential groove 4_. When arresting element 21_ is partially turned, free end 22_ arrests mutual position of journal 11_ and bearing element _3.

According to one of embodiments of the invention, free end 2_2 of arresting element 2_1 has cylindrical shape, longitudinal axis β of which being offset with respect to longitudinal axis ex of rotation of arresting element 2JL, wherein both longitudinal axes a, β are parallel. Longitudinal axis β lies in the plane of , symmetry of circumferential groove 4. By partial rotation of arresting element 2JL, free end 22_ performs both rotary motion and shift motion in the direction parallel to axis γ of rotation of the bearing element. The sleeve of bearing element 3 is rotary-mounted on journal 11_ and can be shifted in the direction parallel to axis γ of rotation of bearing element _3. Preferably, the sleeve of bearing element _3 can be multipart, which allows arrangement of the sleeve of bearing element _3 between the circumferential bosses made on journal 1_1. Rotary-mounting of the sleeve of bearing element 3_ on journal 11. is secured by packing O-rings _5, 6. Sealing of the inner space between the sleeve of bearing element 3_^ and journal 11_ is secured by packing ring 8_ and the packing ring between face of the sleeve of bearing element .3 and face surface of the circumferential boss of journal As a result of shift motion of free end 22 of arresting element 2_1, sleeve 3 is shifted in the direction parallel to axis γ of rotation of bearing element 3_ and its inner friction area 1_ of bearing element 3_ gets to friction contact with external friction area 14_ of journal in which way locking of mutual position of bearing element 3_^ and journal 11 is accomplished. Partial rotation of arresting element 21 can also be utilized for correction and adjustment of position of the sleeve of bearing element 3_ which can change with wear of friction areas 14_, 1_. For partial rotation of arresting element 21 in journal 1_1, arresting element 2_1 is fitted, in its central part, with gearing 2_6. Control element 3_1 of rod shape arranged against gearing 2_6 is in its part fitted with flat gearing 3_2 engaged with gearing 2_6 of arresting element 2_1. Control element 31 of rod shape passes through hole _15_^ made in wall 1_3 of tubular journal 1_1 transversely to the longitudinal axis of arresting element 21.

According to Fig. 2, towing ball _1 is, in the same manner as in the previous example of embodiment, fix-connected to one end of neck 2_, the other end of which forms bearing element 3_. For rotary mounting of the sleeves of bearing element 3_, the circumferential recess and circumferential guide are made on cylindrical wall 1_ of journal ΊΛ. Bearing element _3 is rotary- mounted on journal _11 by means of rings _5, 8_. Transversely to longitudinal axis γ of journal 1_1, boring 12_ is made in which arresting element 2_1 is shift-mounted in the direction of its longitudinal axis a, transversely to longitudinal axis γ of journal 1A. The recess, in an exemplary manner cylindrical boring % is made on inner side of the sleeve of bearing element 3_; diameter of boring _9 is larger than diameter of free end 2_3 of arresting journal 21. With chosen angular rotation of journal 11, the axis of free end 2_3_ of arresting element 2_1 is in the axis of cylindrical boring _9 and arresting journal 2_1 can be pushed out in the radial direction so that free end 2_3 of arresting journal 2JL is inserted into cross boring 9_^. In this way, the angular position of bearing element 21_ is arrested with respect to journal 1_1. Cross shift of arresting journal 2JL can be realized by many known means, of which cylindrical transfer coulisse 3_3 can be an example; its pin oriented transversely to arresting element 21_ intervenes in the recess in the cylindrical surface of arresting element 2_1 for shift motion of arresting element 2_1. Here, the coulisse can be a component of the sleeve of bearing element _3 or can be made on next, third component movable out of bearing element 3_. Arresting element 2_1, movable transversely to longitudinal axis γ of symmetry of journal 1_1 for engagement with bearing element 3_^, can also be made as a rotary element rotating around longitudinal axis γ of the journal and having a radial boss which is, with partial rotation of the rotary element, inserted into the recess on the inner side of bearing element 3>.

According to Fig. 3, the towing device arranged in the motor vehicle is formed of two preferably tubular cross arms _1, 4_2 that are, with one ends, mounted to the vehicle body (not shown) and, with the other ends, tubular cross arms 4JL, _2 are weld- connected with ends 1_8, 1_9 of tubular journal 1_1. Tubular journal 11_ is arranged in decline with respect to the vertical plane passing through longitudinal axis δ of the vehicle.

According to the depicted embodiment, tubular journal 11_ is arranged in. the horizontal plane askew to longitudinal axis δ of the vehicle. Bearing element 3_ is composed of lower sleeve 3a, fix-connected to neck 2_ finished with towing ball 1, and upper sleeve 3Jo connected to lower sleeve _3a by means of bolt joints (not shown) . In the assembled state, both sleeves form bearing element 3_ rotary around tubular journal _11. Cross holes for inserting arresting element 21 are apparent in tubular journal 11. To induce rotary motion, arresting element 2_1 is fitted with gearing 2_6 made in its central part. Preferably, another hole 15_ is arranged transversely to arresting element 2JL; control element 31 inserted through the hole into journal 11_ is fitted with flat gearing 32_ engaged with gearing 2_6 of arresting element 21. Cylindrical transfer coulisse 3_3 with guide ring 3_4 for reeling control wire 3_7, coming out of controller 3_8, and spring 3_6 are pushed on control element 3JL. By pulling control wire 3_7, cylindrical transfer coulisse ^3 is shifted and transfers shift motion of the control wire to rotary motion of control element 3JL. Because of position of journal 11. in decline with respect to the vertical plane passing through longitudinal axis δ of the vehicle, cross beams 4JL, _2 are offset-arranged against each other in the direction of the vehicle longitudinal axis. The offset of cross beams _4JL, 2_ enables towing ball 1 with neck 2 in passive position to be more easily inserted into the space between the body and the rear bumper.

According to Fig. 4, arresting element 2_1 has cylindrical shape and its free end 2_3 is made as a recess which has, in the cross-section, two opposite parallel flat sides and two opposite round sides of radius identical with radius of cylindrical arresting element 2_1. Free end 2_3 of arresting element 2_1 has the smallest dimension al smaller than width of groove _4 and the largest dimension a_2 larger than width of groove 4_. Free end 2_3 of arresting element 21 is, with its round sides, engaged with the walls of recess 4a_ made in groove 4_ of bearing element 3_. When arresting, element 2_1 turns around its longitudinal axis round surfaces of free end 2_3 are disengaged from recess 4_a and free end 2_3 comes into the position where two opposite parallel flat sides are parallel to the longitudinal axis of groove 4_. As the smallest dimension al is smaller than width of groove 4_ bearing element _3 is released for partial rotation around longitudinal axis γ of the bearing. According to another embodiment (not shown) , recess _4a can have rectangular shape and can be made, for instance, by milling the inner surface of bearing element 3 in a sufficient width and depth so that free end 2_3 of the arresting element in the hollow area can rotate by 90°. According to another embodiment (not shown), groove 4_ can be made without recess a and free end 2_3 can have its largest dimension a_2 just slightly larger than width of groove _4. When free end 2_3 is in the position where two opposite parallel flat sides are parallel to the longitudinal axis of groove 4, rotary motion of bearing element 3_ is released and the bearing element can be set between the working and passive positions. When free end 23_ is turned by angle approaching 90°, the round walls of free end 23_ will be engaged in self-locking manner into the longitudinal walls of groove 4_ and arresting element 2_1 will be friction-connected to the bearing element. According to another embodiment (not shown) , arresting element 21 can have free end 23 of oval shape in cross-section with the smallest diameter smaller than width of groove 4_ and with the largest diameter larger than width of groove 4_. According to another preferred embodiment, arresting element 21_ can have free end 2_3 of square shape in cross-section and groove 4_ can have recess _4a for partial rotation and locking of the square free end 2_3 of arresting element 21.

Figure 5 shows journal 11_ with tubular wall 1_3, bearing element 3_ with neck 2_ and towing ball 1. Hole 1_5 is made in tubular wall 3^3 of journal 11_ preferably transversely to the longitudinal axis of arresting element 21. A bush from which one end of rod control element _3_1 protrudes for engagement with circumferential gearing 26 of the arresting element is mounted in hole 1_5. Coiled spring 3_6 and cylindrical transfer coulisse

33 connected to guide ring 3_4 are fitted on the other end of rod control element 3_1· Control wire 37_ is gripped with one end on circumference of guide ring 34_; the other end of wire 37_ protrudes through housing 3_5. Control wire 37. can be led to motor-actuated controller and reeler 3J3 of the wire. Cylindrical transfer coulisse 3^3 rotates and, by means of the external groove and pin, transfers its rotary motion to shift motion and causes shift of rod control element 3_1 and engagement of gearing _3_2^'of control element 3_1 with gearing 2_6 of arresting element 21. Control element 3_1 is, with its flat gearing 3_2, engaged with gearing 26 of arresting element 21.

List of reference signs

1 Towing ball

2 Neck

3 Bearing element

3a lower sleeve

3b upper sleeve

4 Groove

4a recess

5 ring

6 ring

7 friction area

8 ring

9 boring

11 journal

12 Boring

12a guide

13 wall

14 friction area

15 Hole

16 longitudinal hole

17 radial circumferential boss

18 end

19 end

21 Arresting element

22 Free end

23 free end

26 Gearing (of arresting element)

31 Control element

32 Gearing (of control element)

33 cylindrical transfer coulisse

34 guide ring

35 housing

36 coiled spring

37 control wire

38 controller and reeler

40 tube

41 Cross beam

42 Cross beam

a longitudinal axis (of arresting element) β longitudinal axis (of free end)

Y longitudinal axis (of journal)

δ longitudinal axis (of vehicle)

Claims

1. Towing device, particularly for motor vehicles, including a towing ball (1) arranged on one end of a neck (2) , the other end of which being connected to a bearing element (3) rotary-mounted for swing from a working position to an idle position on a cylindrical journal (11) firmly arranged in the vehicle body, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t,

an arresting element (21) is arranged in the journal (11) transversely to the axis of the journal (11) and pivoted for locking the position of the bearing element (3) on the journal (11), the arresting element (21) intervening with its free end (22) protruding from the journal (11), into a recess made in the bearing element (3) .

2. Towing device according to Claim 1,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t

the journal (11) arranged in decline with respect to a vertical plane passing through longitudinal axis δ of the vehicle, has a hollow cylindrical shape and is, with its ends (18, 19), fix- connected to one ends of cross beams (41, 42), the other ends of which being fix-connected to the vehicle body.

3. Towing device according to Claim 1 or 2,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t

at least one free end (22) of the arresting element (21) protruding from journal (11) intervenes in a groove (4) made on the inner side of the bearing element (3) for locking mutual position of the journal (11) and the bearing element (3) by partial rotation of the arresting element (21) .

4. Towing device according to Claim 3,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t

the arresting element (21) has a free end (22) longitudinal axis β of which is with offset parallel to longitudinal axis . of rotation of the arresting element (21) , wherein the bearing element (3) is rotary-mounted on journal (11) and sliding in the direction parallel to axis γ of rotation of the bearing element (3) .

5. Towing device according to Claim 3,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t

the arresting element (21) has a free end (23) in cross-section in a shape the smallest dimension of which is smaller than width of the groove (4) and the largest dimension of which is larger than width of the groove (4) .

6. Towing device according to Claim 5,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t

the arresting element (21) has free end (23) of oval shape in cross-section.

7. Towing device according to Claim 5 or 6,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t

the groove (4) has a recess (4a) for partial rotation and locking of the free end (23) of arresting element (21) .

8. Towing device according to any of Claims 1 to 8,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t

a hole (15) is made in the journal (11) transversely to the longitudinal axis of arresting element (21) , a control element (31) is mounted in the hole (15), the control element (31) is mechanically, by shape contact, connected to the arresting element (21) for shifting or rotation of arresting element (21) .

9. Towing device according to Claim 9,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t

the control element (31) is fitted with a gearing (32) engaged with a gearing (26) of the arresting element (21) .

10. Towing device according to Claim 9,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t

the control element (31) is connected to the arresting element (21) by coulisse transfer (33) .

11. Towing device according to any of Claims 1 to 11,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t

the bearing element (3) is formed of the multipart sleeve.

12. Towing device according to any of Claims 1 to 11,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t

the journal (11) and cross beams (41, 42) have hollow tubular shape .