Coupling between a tractor and a trailer, in particular a single axle trailer.

p0001The invention relates to a coupling link between a tractor and a trailer, preferably Einachsanhdnger, with aufgefUhrten in the preamble of the main claim_O

p0002Such a formed coupling compound is known from DE-OS 31 49 700th

p0003Thereafter, it is known to shift the effective articulation of a coupling link between a tractor and a trailer of the hitherto usual position on the rear front of the tractor in the direction of its center of gravity. As a means to this angled handlebars are used which are articulated on the one hand on the tractor and the trailer andserseits mutually different intervals and replace the previously customary drawbar. The pivot points of the towing vehicle are closer together than the pivot points on the trailer. This previously known solution can be theoretically the possibility, to give in the towing vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis of the Anhöngers by up to 60 °, and it is able to reduce the occurring during trailer combinations waggling essential.

p0004As regards the stable and for the TypprUfung and Verkehrszulassung appropriate execution and in terms of driving behavior in the pivoted state, however, there are problems.

p0005With the invention, the task will be provided, the previously mentioned prior art coupling connection further strip to talten effect that their theoretical operational capability can also be realized for practical use, with more than 60⁰ beyond steering angles without compromising driveability and independent of the rear-end design of various towing vehicles should be made possible.

p0006The inventive solution der.gestellten task results from the characteristics of the main claim.

p0007With the formation of joints according to the invention the advantage is achieved, the towing vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis of the trailer to actually up to 90⁰ relent. Here, the invention utilizes the knowledge that the rear end of a tractor is formed obliquely toward the center of gravity. It is thus possible by a substantial Plunging laying the trailer side joints opposite the ball head of the trailer coupling the turning angle between the tractor and trailer effectively to increase significantly without the joints of the coupling compound of the invention are at risk, to abut rear surfaces of the tractor.

p0008The teaching of the main claim can be run in different variants. According to the claim 2, the handlebars are gekrUmmt that only the trailer side joints are recessed. In the teaching of claim 3, which provides that all joints are recessed with respect to the ball head of the towing vehicle, the advantage of simpler design of the link is achieved.

p0009In connection with the teaching of the independent claim 7, the lowering of all the joints has the great advantage that it can engage the clutch erfindungagemäße conjunction with a simple movement of the ordinary trailer hitch of the tractor and it arrives at a particularly stable structure.

p0010While it is by Figs. 7 to 10 of DE-OS 31 49 700, the principle idea of ​​this possibility has already been disclosed, however, in a structural design which is too unstable and brings mainly a problem in that the pitching motion between tractor and trailer is locked at a very large steering angle of 60 °.

p0011The invention eliminates all these problems, because they can not only an enlarged steering to, but it permits even at extreme turn of eg 90 °, the pitching motion between tractor and trailer, because the front joints receiving Traverse rotatable about a horizontal axis in the coupling housing is mounted. Even the trailer can, despite these extreme steering position relative to the tractor twist, through the ball joint movement to the tractor facing joints, which lie at 90 ° steering angle, relative to the longitudinal axis of the trailer, one behind the other.

p0012With the dependent claims 11 to 17, a particularly stable and reliable rotating rigidly fastened to the trailer coupling of the towing vehicle molding the clutch housing is disclosed.

p0013Further details of the invention are shown schematically and, for example, shown in the drawing. Show it:<ul><li>FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an existing towing vehicle, clutch connection and Tractor-trailer combination,</li><li>FIG. 2 is a vertical section through an arm of the coupling connecting a first embodiment,</li><li>FIG. 3 is a side view, some with vertical section, of a coupling compound in a second embodiment,</li><li>Fig. 4 shows a plan view of the coupling connection of Figure 3 in straight-ahead position,.</li><li>Fig. 5 is a plan view corresponding to Figure 4 in 90 ° -Lenkeinschlagstellung.</li><li>FIG. 6 shows a vertical section according to the line VI-VI through the clutch housing of Figure 3.</li><li>Fig. 7 is a front view of the clutch coupling according to the arrow A in Figure 4 and.</li><li>8 and 9:. Side and front view, partly in section, a portion of a trailer hitch.</li></ul>

p0014The invention is based on a previously known trailer whose towing vehicle 1 and the trailer is indicated by 2. The clutch coupling according to the invention between the two is effected by arm 3,4 which have the joints 5 to 8. The distance between the joints 5,6 is smaller than the distance between the joints 7 and 8. It follows that the effective point of articulation is displaced towards the center of gravity of the tractor first

p0015The joints may be 5.6 7.8 arranged on a pivot axis 10 of the trailer 2 to a web 9 of the tractor vehicle 1 and the joints.

p0016The invention includes all options that have been mentioned by the prior art, in particular by the DE-OS 31 49 700th

p0017In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the longitudinal section is shown through the rear of a tractor 11 and a handlebar 3.4 (along its curved longitudinal axis). With 12 a trailer coupling of the tractor is shown, which has a spherical head. 13 In the subject matter of FIG. 2, it is not clear whether the ball head 13 is connected to the illustrated in Fig. 1 web 9 or the individual link 3.4. As is usual with conventional couplings, the coupling ball 13 is acted upon by a Spannkalotte 15, the Uber a clamping lever 16 is moved by means of a clamping link 17th This is the application of previously known three-dimensional shapes.

p0018Unlike the prior art, the individual arm 3.4 has a gooseneck-shaped bend 18, which opens into an eye 19, which is arranged above towards the longitudinal center plane of the trailer combination. This eye 19 has two Anschlöge 21 against which abut the outer rings of Schrägringrillenloger 20th

p0019embraced - The single eye 19 is of a fork-like receiver 22 (1 cf. Figure the pivot axis 10..). This receptacle 22 has two eye 19 encompassing leg 23 in which vertically oriented bores for receiving clamping screws 25 and clamping nuts are 26th The edge of the hole 24 is a collar-like deformed inwardly and conforms to the conical projections 27 of the clamping screws 25 and clamping nuts 26 on. When screwing the clamping elements 25,26 therefore the collar-like edge of the hole 24 is braced against the inner rings of the bearings 20, the outer rings are supported on the attacks 21st

p0020Thus, a proper presentation and centering and clamping of the handlebars 3.4 is reached at the trailer with the simplest means, the condition has been created, the handlebar 3.4 askew to crooked and suitable for solution of the problem to adapt.

p0021This particular case-it is advisable to arrange the line passing through the eye 19 of FIG. 2 central horizontal plane about 75 mm lower than the shippers through the coupling balls 13 horizontal plane. This is a mediocrity, which can be varied widely depending on the structural conditions of a team of horses well.

p0022It has also proven to be advantageous, the distance of the towing vehicle associated joints 5.6 to increase from the stern 11 of the tractor 1 over conventional clutches, for example, by about 30%. This percentage can be specified also significantly change according to the circumstances.

p0023Decisive the optimum position of the pivot points is in any dimension, five out to 8 to allow a maximum steering angle, given the existing contours of the tractor vehicle and the trailer.

p0024. In the second exemplary embodiment of FIGS 3 to 7 is - in contrast to FIG. 2 - assumed to disclose all joints 5,6,7,8 deeper than the ball head 13. The longitudinal axis illustrated in FIG. 3 29, which extends centrally through the the towing vehicle facing joint 5, 6, is located in a preferred exemplary embodiment, about 70 mm below the axis of the spherical head 13 are in the right part of Fig. 3, on the guide rods 3,4 located rear Gdenke 7.8 only indicated.

p0025This lowering of all the joints 5 to 8 brings with it the advantage that both front joints 5,6 to be arranged in a crossbar 28 which is rotatably supported about said longitudinal axis 29 in a housing 33 of the clutch. This clutch housing 33 is designed to be hooked to a usual Anhöngerkupplung the tractor in the normal ball head. 13

p0026As especially FIG. 4 clearly shows, the girder 28 arrowhead-like toward the trailer 2 flared leg 31 at the end of the two joints are attached 5.6. These legs 31 go from the bottom of an upright middle section 30 of the Traverse 28th This upright center part 30 includes a conical LagerhUlse 32 forming a taper bearing 34, together with a conical peg 47th The taper pin 47 is part of the clutch housing 33rd

p0027The purpose of this cone bearing is that the joints 5,6 of the girder 28 is around the longitudinal axis 29, which at the same time central bearing axis of the cone bearing 34, can perform a pivotal movement, which is necessary to the twisting of the trailer relative to the towing vehicle about the longitudinal axis allow to the team of horses

p0028Simultaneously with this arrangement, the advantage is achieved that the connecting rods 3,4 with the joints form a preassembled 5-8 compact unit, which is rotatably supported in the clutch housing 33, so that the whole arrangement according to Figures 3 and 4 -. How to it is usual to date - with a single release lever 40 on the ball head 13 of a conventional trailer hitch of the tractor can mount.

p0029The clutch housing 33 has a dome-shaped Gehöuseteil 36 whose shape is chosen so that the spherical cap - can be placed from above onto the ball head 13 - as usual. there is an elastic cushion 45, in particular of rubber or the like on the inside of the dome-shaped housing part 36th

p0030From this dome-shaped housing part 36, two cheeks 35 project downwardly, as clearly apparent from Figure 6.. These cheeks 35 embrace on opposite sides of the coupling neck 38 of the normal trailer coupling. In the turn of this coupling neck 38 is a pin 39 which passes transversely through the neck 38 to the longitudinal axis 29 and passes through the cheeks 35th These cheeks 35 have downwardly open wedge-shaped recesses 37 which are adapted to the diameter of the bolt. 39 This leg placement of the clutch housing 33 is assured on the ball 13, that the clutch housing 33, according to the engagement of the bolt 39.in the wedge-shaped recesses 37 is no longer about the vertical axis through the ball head 13 is rotated. This rotatability must be totally eliminated, because the steering angle, as mentioned above, is accomplished via the two links 3.4 with their joints. 5 to 8

p0031Now, in order to be tightened, the clutch housing 33 to the trailer coupling 13.38 and secured against unwanted lifting, a clamping lever 40 is rotatably supported in the bearing pin 44 to the cheeks 35th This release lever 40 is located with a fork-like member 41 within the clutch housing 33. This fork-like member 41 engages both the coupling neck 38 and the conical LagerhUlse 32 of the traverse 28 on the fork-like member 41 is a single-arm lever part 42 connects, which the clutch housing 33 penetrates through a recess 48th In Usually, the clamping lever can be provided with a 40 Arretieigesperre 49, which locks the position of the clamping lever 40 in the cocked position.

p0032The fork-like design portion 41 engages with its end located below the bearing bolt 44 clamping leg 50 the pin 39, which expediently has a ramp. Twisted to the tension lever 40 from the position shown in FIG. 3 dashed position in the stripped illustrated clamping position, then clamp the clamping leg 50, the dome-shaped housing part 36des clutch housing 33 relative to the bolt 39, for which the elastic pad 45 is required as an elastic intermediate member.

p0033In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, the clutch housing 33 is shown with the mounted thereon girder 28 in the straight-ahead position of the trailer combination. The joints 5,6,7,8 are arranged in pairs symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the 29th The joints 5.6 are significantly behind the ball head. 13

p0034The rear joints 7,8 sitting at a crosshead 51, the Uber attachment 53 is connected to the draw bar 52 of the trailer.

p0035The relative rotation of the trailer relative to the tractor around the longitudinal axis 29 is made possible with the inventive coupling connection About the tapered roller bearings 34 of the crossbar 28 on the clutch housing 33rd The resulting when negotiating bumps pitching between the tractor and the trailer are approved by the ball-joint function of both front joints 5.6.

p0036Unlike the coupling compound of the invention acts in heavy steering. In the example of FIG. 5 a Lenkeinachlag of 90 ° for example, is shown. It can be seen that the crossbar is 28 remained with the two front joints 5.6 in its normal position as shown in FIG. 4, because the girder 28, which incidentally is adjusted without play in the axial direction (relative to the longitudinal axis 29), only the degree of freedom rotational movement about the longitudinal axis 29 has. When steering to move, however, the link 3.4 to the front joints 5.6. It can be seen that the longitudinal axis 54 of the trailer at a right angle to the longitudinal axis 29 of the cone bearing 34 is situated. Consequently, the rear Gelerke 7, 8 now positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis 29, the hinge 7 is the joint 6 closely adjacent. The shape of the handlebar is 3.4, as is apparent, constructed so as to not collide with the strong 5.6 3.4 steering handlebar to the crossmember 28 and the front joints.

p0037In this position, the turning angular pitch of the trailer relative to the towing vehicle is permitted characterized in that the coupling compound of the invention about the bearing axis 29 of the Kegellogers 34 is rotatable. By contrast, the twisting of the trailer relative to the towing vehicle about the longitudinal axis 54 of the trailer, as can be seen, made possible by the trailer to the line connecting the front joints can 5.6 twist.

p0038When the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, the hub 46 of the towing hook 12 a from the outside inwards conically tapered bore 55, into which two bolts 56 also conical. These are clamped with the screw 59 against each other. Each bolt 56 projects with a cylindrical extension 57 Uber, the face of the hub 46 so that the individual approach can be 57 under attacked from the clamping leg 50 of the clamping lever 40th In addition, the approaches have 57 lateral wedge surfaces 58 which taper upwardly and a guide for the wedge-shaped recess 37 of the housing 36 form (see also Fig. 3).

p0039The in Figs. 8 and 9 represented part of the trailer coupling 12 may also be provided with a flange 60, to connect it with a matching, attached to the tractor portion.

Parts list

p0040<ul><li>1 tractor</li><li>2 followers</li><li>3 handlebar</li><li>4 handlebar</li><li>5 joint</li><li>6 joint</li><li>7 joint</li><li>8 joint</li><li>9 web</li><li>10 pivot axis</li><li>11 rear of the tractor</li><li>12 Towbar</li><li>13 ball head</li><li>14 clutch housing</li><li>15 Spannkalotte</li><li>16 clamping lever</li><li>17 clamping link</li><li>18 gooseneck shaped bend</li><li>19 eye</li><li>20 Schrögringrillenlager</li><li>21 stop</li><li>22 recording</li><li>23 leg</li><li>24 krogenartiger hole edge</li><li>25 turnbuckles</li><li>26 Clamping Nuts</li><li>27 conical neck</li><li>28 Traverse</li><li>29 longitudinal Ox</li><li>30 upright central portion of the Trav_e</li><li>31 leg of Traverse</li><li>32 bearing the crossbeam</li><li>33 clutch housing</li><li>34 cone bearing</li><li>35 cheek</li><li>36 kolottenförmiges housing part</li><li>37 wedge-shaped cut</li><li>38 coupling neck</li><li>39 pin</li><li>40 clamping lever</li><li>41 fork-like design part</li><li>42 one-arm lever part</li><li>43 horizontal plane</li><li>44 bearing bolt</li><li>45 elastic pad</li><li>46 eye hub</li><li>47 conical peg</li><li>48 recess</li><li>49 Arretiergesperre</li><li>50 claw clamping leg</li><li>51 crosshead</li><li>52 drawbar</li><li>53 attachment</li><li>54 longitudinal axis trailer</li><li>55 bore</li><li>56 pin</li><li>57 approach</li><li>58 wedge surface</li><li>59 screw</li><li>erse 60 flange</li></ul>