Trailer coupling

The invention relates to a trailer coupling for motor vehicles, in particular passenger vehicles, comprising a coupling ball, with a ball neck, one end region is bent and carries the coupling ball and its other end is connected to a bearing element, with a bearing member about a pivot axis overlapping pivot bearing, which on a transverse support member is held, which extends transversely to the vehicle longitudinal direction, wherein the coupling neck with the coupling ball from a starting position in a rest position and vice-versa is.

Such Towing is for example, from DE-C-26 19 913. which class-forming for the preamble of independent claim 1.

This hitch is in terms of their usability disadvantageous.

Furthermore, EP 0069231 A1 a hitch is known in which a transverse support member between two disposed side beams, which to-vehicle itself Breakpoints extend.

The invention is therefore based on the object, a trailer coupling to improve the generic type such that this is as simple to use and install.

This object is in a trailer coupling of the above described type according to the invention achieved by the Carrying out the pivoting movement of the ball neck about the A pivot axis a motor having Direction and on the bearing element Drive acting on it is provided that the transverse support member forming between two additional parts side beams is arranged and connected to this and that the side supports to the vehicle side stops extending.

is With the provision of comprehensive a motor drive achieved a particularly advantageous use.

In this case, preferably with the motor an automatically expiring Pivoting of ball neck and coupling ball take place between the working position and the rest position.

This solution is in a particularly simple manner the possibility created, on the one hand the swiveling ball neck together with the drive and to the cross member body as produce unit, by dividing the vehicle-fixed Fixing for the pivot bearing in the cross member body and associated with this side support in particularly simple manner by vehicle-specific adaptation the side support adaptation to different is vehicle types possible, but the functional unit, comprising the cross member body, the pivot bearing, the bearing element with respect to the pivot bearing pivotable Ball neck with coupling ball and the drive, one at more Vehicle Types unchanged deployable unit remains.

Thus in particular the possibility is created only by the additional parts forming side support the adaptation to make different vehicle types, but the cross member body universally for a variety of vehicle types identical to leave.

However, it is particularly advantageous inventive solution when to carry out the pivoting movement about the A pivot shaft of an electric motor having electrical Direction Drive is provided.

Regarding the effect of the drive on the bearing element for carrying out the pivoting movement are all possible Solutions of an intermediate gear imaginable. Especially It is advantageous if the drive over a self-locking gear on the bearing element acts as in this case already used the self-locking gear to can be, the ball neck with the coupling ball in the rest position and / or the operative position to fix. In addition, no forces acting on the tow forces back as moments on the motor of the drive, so that the Motor only has to be designed so that in the position he is without force acting on the coupling ball and ball neck this between the operative position and the rest position to pivot.

To the working position and / or the rest position clearly define, it is preferably provided that the pivoting movement the ball neck by a vehicle-stop is limited. This is preferably a stop which on the bearing element acts.

In the simplest case is provided with such a solution, that the bearing element has a projection which at least in the rest position or the stop position against the vehicle-mounted stop acts.

Preferably, in this case with the vehicle-fixed against a Stop acting boss set the working position, during the rest position of the ball neck, for example, is also characterized fixable, that the ball neck itself with any portion thereof at rest on a vehicle-stop face comes.

In conjunction with the preceding explanations concerning the individual Embodiments has only been assumed that the pivot bearing is held on the transverse support member.

However, it is also particularly advantageous when on the cross member body the drive for the pivoting of the ball neck is held since thus the cross member body in a simple As a base for the two cooperating parts forms.

Moreover, it is advantageously provided that at the Cross member body the abutments for limiting the Pivoting movement of the ball neck in the working position and the rest are held, so that this at the same Base are arranged as the pivot bearing and, if necessary the drive.

Even with the provision of a locking device for the in Working position stationary ball neck is advantageously provided that in the cross member body, the locking device is arranged.

With regard to the relative arrangement of drive and rest position the ball neck with coupling ball on the crossbeam body were associated with the previous explanation the individual embodiments, no further details. Thus provides an advantageous embodiment, that the drive for the pivoting movement on one of the rest position opposite of ball neck and coupling ball Side of the pivot bearing is arranged so that a extremely compact construction of the inventive trailer coupling results, which when installed in a vehicle a smallest possible space behind the bumper required.

As argued above, is through a self-locking gear already ensures that the Ball neck with the coupling ball in the working position stops, even if, for example, a trailer, on the coupling ball, the usual traction and braking forces Act.

However, to provide maximum security, is additional or alternatively to a self-locking gear provided that the ball neck in the operative position by a locking device can be fixed. By such Locking device it is possible in same manner as in the previously known manually removable and insertable couplings, the ball neck in the Working position reliable fix.

Preferably, the locking device is designed such that on reaching the working position of the ball neck transfers automatically into a locking position and thus fixes the ball neck in the operative position. In order ensured that - especially when operating the invention Solution by means of an electric drive - the Ball neck on reaching the working position necessarily in this working position is locked.

In a derarten locking device is expediently provided that those for releasing the locking Position via a trigger is actuated.

The shutter can on the different ways be operable. In the simplest case, it would be conceivable to use a provide manual trigger. It is particularly advantageous However, especially in connection with a motor having drive when the trigger by a trigger drive operable. Such a trigger could drive for example, be a the trigger actuable magnet.

A particularly expedient solution, in particular with regard simplicity and low cost of construction, provides that the release of the drive for pivoting the ball neck is actuated, ie that, for example, the drive motor, with which the ball neck swiveled, is simultaneously used to pull the trigger.

In the arrangement of the cross member body, it is particularly favorable if these separately extending from a bumper. In order to fix the pivot bearing on the vehicle three structural units are provided, wherein the transverse support member and the side support can be preassembled, so that the entire unit from transverse support member and side supports on-board must be installed breakpoints.

A particularly favorable adaptation to different vehicle types is possible when the cross member body via one based on a running transversely to the vehicle longitudinal direction, Transverse axis fixable in various rotary positions Connection to the side supports can be secured. This allows one hand, a fixed connection between the transverse support member and the side supports in the preparation thereof provide, on the other hand an additional degree of freedom in the adaptation of the unit of transverse support member and side supports to have to individual vehicle types, namely by that the transverse support member in different rotational positions is relatively mounted to the side supports.

It is particularly expedient if the connection between the Transverse support member and the side supports two interlocking and only about the transverse axis against each other rotatable fasteners having. This is a positive and in particular for large forces created suitable compound having only one degree of freedom, namely the possibility of fixing the rotatable Cross member body relative to the side beams.

A due to its simplicity and stability especially preferred compound provides that this the direction in Transverse axis interlock together to form a plug connection comprising connecting elements.

These connecting elements thus permit due to the plug-in connection a positive connection with only one with respect to the rotation degree of freedom possible, and in the different rotational positions then a determination of Rotational position between the cross member body and the side beams takes place.

Preferably, the connection elements of the transformation are adapted that they through the acting transverse to the transverse axis forces transfer the positive connector.

With regard to the position of the ball neck and the coupling ball in the rest position are relative to the cross member body so far no further details. So in principle the relative position of the ball neck and transverse support member to each other without much relevance to the solution of the invention, since the may have cross member body arbitrary shapes.

A particularly as regards the required construction space particularly favorable solution provides, however, that the ball neck in the rest position, at least in sections along the Cross member body extends.

Particularly favorable in terms of the installation space, it is when the Ball neck in the rest position in approximately constant This distance from a facing side of the cross member body runs.

A particularly suitable position stipulates that the ball neck with the coupling ball in the rest position so located that a connecting line between the bearing element and coupling ball approximately along the transverse support member extends.

To regard with formation of side supports any restrictions being subject to the same form, is advantageously provided that the ball neck and the coupling ball in the rest position between the ends of the cross member body lie.

A concerning rigging particularly advantageous embodiment, provides that the transverse support member a Mold part to which the pivot bearing is formed.

In addition, One advantageous embodiment provides that the transverse support member is a shaped part and a receiving comprises for the drive, so that it is not necessary is, additional retaining elements for the connection of transverse support member provide and drive.

Moreover, it is advantageously provided that the Cross member is a shaped part having a receptacle for the having self-locking gear, so that the self-locking Gear, which is optionally substituted absorb large forces has, on the transverse support member with the sufficient Stability and simple as possible can be mounted.

It is particularly advantageous if the cross member body a Mold part to which a stop is formed, the also must be designed to accommodate large forces and thus realized particularly favorably already by the molding becomes.

Moreover, it is advantageous if the cross member body a mold part comprising a receptacle for a locking device having.

The transverse support member is a molded part in a wide range Species produced. For example, it is conceivable as a transverse support member a welded, bent or forged to use steel part.

Alternatively, it is advantageously possible, as a molding to use a casting, said molding a Steel casting or a Leichtmetallgußteil, in particular a can be aluminum casting.

The storage of the ball neck invention by means of a Pivot bearing on the cross member does not rule out that the pivotally ball neck around several axes. For example it is conceivable, the ball neck about multiple axes, such as in the German patent application DE-A-19521896 disclosed to pivot.

A particularly advantageous solution provides, however, that the Ball neck relative to transverse support member to a single is pivot axis to the ball neck between the Working position and the rest position back and forth to swing.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the Inventive solution extends the ball neck in the Working position substantially along a direction parallel to Vehicle longitudinally extending longitudinal vertical plane and in the rest position approximately perpendicular to the vertical Longitudinal plane.

it is in this case particularly advantageous if a projection of a Coupling ball central axis onto the vertical longitudinal plane of the Pivoting of the ball neck about the pivot axis from the Working position to the rest position a rotation about a undergoes angle of at least 80 ° and when a lowest point of ball neck and coupling ball in the rest position at least in level of a lowest point of the ball neck in the working position lies.

With such rotation of the projection of the coupling ball central axis simultaneously to the longitudinal plane takes place corresponding rotation of the ball neck, so that the ball neck so far tilted by the pivoting movement about the pivot axis is that it in the rest position with its lowest point at least as much higher than the road surface as in the working position and hence the unity of the ball neck and coupling ball in the rest position the ground clearance not impaired.

It is particularly advantageous if the projection of the Coupling ball central axis onto the vertical longitudinal plane of the Pivot about the pivot axis of a rotation of more than 90 °, more preferably greater than 100 ° and preferably more than 120 ° learns. Particularly, in a pivoting of the coupling ball central axis by more than 90 °, preferably more than 120 °, can be of of ball neck and coupling ball in the rest position needed rest position space form particularly small.

The rotation of the projection of the coupling ball central axis onto the longitudinal plane is not more than 210 °, more preferably 180 °, preferably a maximum of 160 °.

So it is possible, the unit of Ball neck and Tow under the bumper of the motor vehicle through in one of the bumpers from view and thus covered above a 15 ° -Sichtlinie by and the ground clearance not adversely affecting the rest position to move.

Another advantageous solution can be achieved by, that the coupling ball in the rest position at a distance is arranged from one surface which is equal to or is smaller than a distance of the angled end region of the road surface and that a lowest point of the ball neck and coupling ball in the rest position at least in Level of a lowest point of the ball neck in the working position lies. This definition also specifies a condition Determine which enables the unity of ball neck or Coupling balls a height above the road surface position.

One particularly advantageous realization provides that the Projection of the pivot axis to the vehicle longitudinal direction parallel vertical longitudinal plane at an angle relative to the horizontal is inclined in an angular range which is from about 0 ° to about 60 °.

Even better can be Ball neck and coupling ball in the Rest position when the angular range to a maximum of 50 ° is sufficient.

The ground clearance during pivoting can be characterized improve, that the angular range begins at at least 15 °, even better at least 30 °.

Moreover, it is in a solution according to the invention useful if the projection of the pivot axis to a horizontal plane at an angle oblique to the longitudinal direction extends, which in an angle range of about 20 ° is to about 70 °.

It is particularly advantageous if the angle range between about 30 ° and about 65 °.

Advantageously, it is provided that the projection of the Pivot axis on a vertical, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction extending transverse plane by an angle in relation to the Horizontal inclined, which from an angular range about 0 ° to about 60 °.

In a further embodiment, in an advantageous Manner provided that the cranked end portion of the ball neck in the rest position on a road surface opposite side of the amount of the lowest point in Rest standing tow extending horizontal Plane and that the horizontal plane at least in Height of the lowest point of standing in the operating position Ball neck is. With this definition, the rest position ensures that the coupling ball to the deepest point of the Unit defined from Ball neck and coupling ball and the Ball neck maximally with the bent end to This point covers, but preferably for reasons of space-saving arrangement is higher.

Even more advantageous is when the entire ball neck particular with the bearing element in the rest position on a the road surface side facing away from a level with the lowest point of standing at rest tow extending horizontal plane, so that the entire Ball neck maximally up to this level, preferably on the surface facing away from the roadway side of this plane extends.

Particularly space-saving can be the ball neck with the Hitch ball position when at rest the plane of curvature of the ball neck with a horizontal Plane an angle in the range of about 30 ° to about 150 °.

Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject the following description and the appended drawings of several embodiments. In the drawing show:<dl tsize="8"><dt>Fig. 1</dt><dd>a plan view of a vehicle having a Inventive trailer coupling from behind with partially broken bumper unit, wherein the plane of a vertical, extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction represents transverse plane;</dd><dt>FIG. 2</dt><dd>a section through a rear part of the Vehicle in the field of the invention Coupling along line 2-2 in Fig. 1, wherein the Image plane a to the vehicle longitudinal direction parallel vertical longitudinal plane is;</dd><dt>Fig. 3</dt><dd>a plan view of the inventive Coupling in the direction of arrow A in Fig. 1, wherein the plane of a horizontal plane is;</dd><dt>Fig. 4</dt><dd>is a plan view similar to FIG. 3 of a variant the inventive solution; </dd><dt>Fig. 5</dt><dd>a section along line 5-5 in Fig. 1;</dd><dt>Fig. 6</dt><dd>similarly a plan view of Fig. 3 of a second Description an inventive trailer coupling;</dd><dt>Fig. 7</dt><dd>a view similar to Fig. 1 in FIG. 6 Variant shown;</dd><dt>Fig. 8</dt><dd>a partial exploded view a connection between cross member body and side support in the region B in Fig. 7;</dd><dt>Fig. 9</dt><dd>a variant of the in Fig. 6 and 7, Embodiment;</dd><dt>Fig. 10</dt><dd>a schematic representation of an inventive Control.</dd></dl>

A in Fig. 1 to 3 shown, as a whole designated 10 Embodiment of an inventive trailer coupling comprising a coupling ball 12, which one of is worn ball neck 14 in which the ball neck 14 a bent End region 16 has, on which the coupling ball 12 immediately seated and this bent end 16 opposite a lower end portion 18 having, which is connected to a bearing element 20, wherein this Bearing element 20 comprising a pivot bearing 22, for example, a bearing body 24 with two bearing flanges 26 and 28, about a pivot axle 30 is pivotable.

The bearing element 20 preferably comprises a pivot bearing in 22, for example, between the bearing flanges 26 and 28 lying pivot body 19 and from the pivot body 19 to end 18 of the ball neck 14 extending arm 21, the arm in a working position A of the ball neck 14A obliquely to the plane of curvature K of the ball neck 14 extends, and Although in a rest position of the ball neck 12 opposite Direction, so that the pivot bearing 22 and the Rocking body 19 substantially laterally of the plane of curvature K.

The pivot bearing 22 is in turn in a whole with 32 designated cross member body held transversely to a vehicle longitudinal direction 34 a designated as a whole with 36 Motor vehicle and along a rear bumper unit 38 thereof extends.

The transverse support member 32 is seated preferably between two side members 40 and 42, which extend perpendicular to a to the longitudinal direction 34 extending vehicle transverse direction 44 opposite ends 46 and 48 of connect the cross member body 32 and lateral up Attachment areas 50, 52 on a vehicle body 54 extend.

In the fastening regions 50 and 52, the compound is the inventive trailer coupling to the vehicle body 54th

The pivot axis 30 is inclined to a direction parallel to Vehicle longitudinal direction 34 extending vertical longitudinal plane 60, wherein the projection of the pivot axis 30 in a horizontal plane 62 with the longitudinal plane 60 or the vehicle longitudinal direction 34 an angle α, which For example, in an angular range of approximately 50 ° to about 60 °, preferably about 55 ° (Fig. 3).

In addition, includes the projection of the pivot axis 30 in the longitudinal plane 60 - as shown in FIG. 2 - in with a the longitudinal plane 60 extending horizontal line 64 an angle β which, for example in an angular range of about Is 35 ° to about 45 °, preferably about 40 °.

Further, the projection of the pivot axis 30 onto a parallel to the vehicle transverse direction 44 and perpendicular to Longitudinal plane 60 standing vertical transverse plane 66 - as shown in Fig. 1 shown - with a straight line extending in the horizontal 68 an angle γ which, for example, in an angular range is from about 25 ° to about 35 °, preferably is approximately 30 °.

14 is the ball neck about the pivot axis 30 from a Working position A, in which a coupling ball central axis 70 approximately perpendicular to the horizontal plane 62 and the ball neck 14, as shown in Fig. 1 and 3, in a to the longitudinal plane 60 and the coupling ball central axis 70 extending therethrough plane of curvature K curved to Bearing element 20 passes, pivoted into the rest position R.

In the rest position R, the coupling ball central axis runs 70R obliquely to the horizontal plane 62, whereby starting up from the standing at rest coupling ball 12R which adjoining the latter cranked end portion 16R of the ball neck remote 14R of a one surface 72 extending side of the coupling ball 12R starting.

D. h. In other words, that the coupling ball 12A in the A working position from the road surface 12 upwardly away has and the ball neck 14 from the coupling ball 12A in the direction of the road surface 72 down stretches, while in the rest position R, the coupling ball 12R to the road surface 72 points, while the Ball neck 14R, starting from the coupling ball 12R upward ie from the road surface 72 away in an arc up extends to the pivot bearing 22nd

In particular, extending into the rest position R the ball neck 14R along the cross member body 32, preferably as facing close to a road surface 72 Bottom 74 thereof to the smallest possible rest position space 78 for accommodating the ball neck 14R of Coupling ball 12R to get in the rest position R.

Further, in the rest position R the ball neck 14R with the Coupling ball 12R substantially above a bottom group the body or the bumper unit 38 contacting, in the longitudinal plane 60 extending 15 ° relative to the Road surface 72 inclined line of sight S arranged the ball neck 14R with the coupling ball 12R substantially to position for an outside person invisible.

To illustrate the pivotal movement of the ball neck 14 with the coupling ball 12 from the operative position A in the Rest position R in Figures 1 to 3 the working position A and the rest position R pulled through the same drawn while intermediate positions between the two are indicated by dashed lines.

It can be seen that the result of the inclined position Pivot axis 30 of initially in the working position A parallel to the longitudinal plane 60 with its plane of curvature K extending ball neck 14 passes into a position in which its plane of curvature K obliquely and / or transversely to itself Longitudinal plane 60 extends.

The movement of the ball neck with the coupling ball 14 and 12 in particular, the pivoting of the same can be - as in FIG. 2 is shown - particularly easy through the representation the projection of the coupling ball central axis 70 to the vertical Longitudinal plane 60 or a plane parallel to this described. In the operative position A, the projection the coupling ball central axis 70A in the longitudinal plane 60 a Angle WA to 64 with the horizontal of approximately 90 °. The Coupling ball central axis 70 during the pivoting 14 of the ball neck with the coupling ball 12 from the working position A pivoted so far into the rest position R, the Projection of the coupling ball central axis 70 in the longitudinal plane 60 undergoes a rotation, namely so far that the projection the coupling ball central axis 70R in rest position in the Longitudinal plane 60 with the horizontal line 64 an angle WR includes, which is greater than 180 °. The angle is preferably more than 225 °.

To particular the ball neck 14R and the coupling ball 12R in the rest position R as possible for a viewer of to let the motor vehicle 36 to be invisible, is the Rest position R, the coupling ball 12R on a road surface 72 side away from a horizontal plane 76, the amount of an above ground of 72 by Lower edge of the pivot bearing 22 is defined, or touched this horizontal plane 76 so that a lowest point PR by Ball neck 14R and coupling ball 12R in rest position - in this case, the lowest point PR of the coupling ball 12R in a horizontal plane 77 - is higher than the horizontal Plane 76 (Fig. 1) and higher than a lowest point PA the ball neck 12A in the working position A.

Preferably, the ball neck 14R and the coupling ball are 12R in the rest position R in a rest position space 78, defined between the rear bumper unit 38 and the Vehicle body 54 and extending along the bumper unit 38 extends in the vehicle transverse direction 44th

Appropriately, the rest position space 78 above one through a bottom of the vehicle body 54 and the bumper unit 38 defined bottom surface 79 the motor truck 36 (FIG. 2).

For driving the pivotal movement of the ball neck 14 with the Coupling ball 12 about the pivot axis 30 is an as a whole provided with 80 designated drive which electrical a Motor 82, and for example, a self-locking or self-locking gear 84 includes. On an output shaft 86 of the transmission 84 sits a bevel gear 88, with which a bevel gear 90 can be driven, rotatably connected to the Bearing element 20 is connected and preferably on a Road surface 72-facing side of the bearing member 20 sitting.

The self-locking gear 84 is formed so that it to external acting on the output shaft 86 torque blocked and only the motor 82 can be driven. For example, the self-locking gear 84 as Worm gear formed.

In a variant of the first embodiment, shown in Fig. 4, also comprises the input 80 'of the electric motor 82 and, connected with this gear 84 ', which is not necessarily a self-locking gear must be formed, but for example, an angular gear represents. The gear 84 'in turn drives an on its output shaft fitting worm 92, which turn a rotatably connected to the bearing element 20 associated and with the worm gear 92 meshing gear 94 drives, which together form a self-locking gear.

Preferably, the drive 80 is on one of the rest position R. the ball neck 14R opposite side of the pivot bearing 22 is disposed and fixed to the transverse support member 32nd

For accurate determination of the operative position A, as shown in Fig. represented 5, the bearing element 20, for example with a nose-like projection 100 is provided, which in the Working position in a fixed manner to the transverse support member 32 associated stop 102 abuts the stop 102, for example, as a between the bearing flanges 26 and 28 extending pin is formed.

With a pivoting-in direction 104 in the working position A is given to the projection 100 on the stop 102 for conditioning.

If in the inventive solution the drive via the self-locking gearing 84 or the worm wheel 92 with the Gear 94, which is also a self-locking gear acts, it would in principle not necessary when applying the projection 100 on the stopper 102, an additional provide backup because the self-locking gear 84, 92, 94 a pivoting-in direction of the arrow 106 counteracts from the working position A out and this does not allow.

To secure the ball neck 14A in the operative position A without the presence of a self-locking gearing or additional security in the presence of a self-locking Gear is a locking device provided 110 which, for example, a pivotable about an axis 112 mounted locking pawl 114 has, which in the ball neck 14A locking her in working position A Position, shown in Fig. 5 in solid lines, the projection 100 on an opposite the stop 102 Page 116 and engages with a locking surface 118 is fixed against movement in Ausschwenkrichtung 106 so that the projection 100 between the locking surface 118 and the stopper 102 is secured against pivoting.

To the locking pawl 114 in its locking hold position, a spring, for example, 120, which the locking pawl 114 in the direction of their loaded locking position and, for example, supported on the bearing member 24th

In order to enable the projection 100 on movement of the Bearing element 20 in pivoting direction 104 to the position between the stopper 102 and the locking surface 118 can swivel, the locking pawl 114 is still with a run-in slope 122 provided, which pointed to a Angle to the locking surface 118 extends and the turned to in pivoting-104 approaching projection 100 is such that the pivoting-in 104 moving and acting against the insertion bevel 122 projection 100 the locking pawl 114 from its locking Ste Settin g against the action of the spring 120 and moved thus has the possibility, via the insertion bevel 122 away to move to its working position A, in which he at the stopper 102 abuts. In this working position A of Projection 100 moves the locking pawl 114 again in the direction of its locking position, wherein the locking surface 118 page 116 of the projection 100 engages behind and this fixed.

Around the projection 100 locked out of his in working position A to move out position, is an actuator the locking pawl 114 requires that those in their dashed lines in FIG. 5 indicated unlocking position emotional. In the simplest case, the actuation of the locking pawl takes place 114 manually.

This actuation of the locking pawl 114 is carried out in the presence a motor drive 80, 80 'is preferably via one of the drive 80 or 80 'movable cam 124, the cam 124 by friction, for example by a driven element takes place, which at the start running the drive the cam 124 relative to the bearing element 20 ahead haste drives, so that the locking pawl 114 already dashed in their in Fig. 5 indicated unlocking Position is before the projection 100 from the stop 102 moved in Ausschwenkrichtung 106th Such advance ropes the drive of the cam 124 is, for example, through a clearance between the friction on the driven and the cam 124 moving member and the drive of the Bearing element 20, for example via the bevel gear 90 or the gear 94, realized.

In a preferred variant of an inventive solution is, as shown in Fig. 6, the transverse support member 32 'as Form part, for example as a casting is formed, to which both the entire pivot bearing 22 with detail as a recording 130 for driving 80 and a recording formed in one piece for the locking device 110 are, so that an assembly of the entire drive 80 in a simple Fashion is possible.

In this variant, as shown for example in Fig. 7, the cross member body 32 'in the region of its two Ends 46 and 48 is provided with mounting flanges 132 and 134, wherein each of the mounting flanges 132, 134 as shown in FIG. 8, a breakthrough 136, into which the respective side support 40, 42 form-fitting with a pin 138, however, rotatable about an axis 140, engages.

Are the two pins 138 of the two side beams 40, 42 disposed coaxially to each other, so a total of the cross member body 32 'relative to the side supports 40 and 42 about the Axle 140 which is transverse to the longitudinal direction 34, pivoted, in the rest of the side supports 40 and 42 but firmly attached, so that the tensile stresses essentially by the pin 138 on the mounting flanges 132, 134 are transferable. The rotatable fixing of the mounting flanges 132 on the side supports 40 and 42 can any type of additional compound, such as an additional By bolts or welding or riveting carried out.

In a further variant of the solution according to the invention, shown in Fig. 9, is also designed as a molded part Transverse support member 32 "in the area of ​​its ends 46, 48 having with cylindrical outer surfaces projections 142 provided that the in the inside cylindrical seats 144 Side beams 40 'and 42' engage. Thus, the cross-member body 32 "also tilted about the axis 140, in but otherwise positively connected to this.

An additional non-rotatable fixing of the transverse support member 32 "of the side supports 40 ', 42' likewise takes place either via screws, welding or riveting.

With the solutions according to Figs. 7 and 8 or Figs. 9, both of which a possible in different tilted positions of the mounting The cross member body 32 'or 32 "relative to the side beams 40, 42 or 40 ', 42' permit, there is the possibility of a single transverse support member 32 'or 32 "for a variety of manufacture vehicle types and the adaptation to the respective Vehicle type - if necessary - on the shape of the side support 40, 42 or 40 ', 42' and at the same time to realize nor an adaptation to the respective vehicle type by Rotation of the cross member body 32 or 32 'against the respective side supports 40, 42 or 40 ', 42' by mounting in different tilted positions about the axis 140 to vary.

In all embodiments of the cross member body 32 transmits or 32 'or 32 "the optionally existing drive 80 or 80 'and the pivot bearing 22 the ball neck 14 with the coupling ball 12, both in working position and in Rest position and preferably extends in the vehicle transverse direction 44 so far that the drive 80 or 80 ' and the ball neck 14R and the coupling ball 12R in the Rest position R within the ends 46 and 48th

Thus, to the cross member body 32 or 32 'or 32 "all for the function of the pivotability of the invention the ball neck located 14 required elements and no functionally relevant elements in the side beams 40, 42 or 40 ', 42' are provided so that this side support 40, 42 and 40 ', 42' only for adaptation to the respective Vehicle type shall be varied.

For operation of the solution according to the invention is shown in Fig. 10 illustrated controller 190 is provided which as a central Element comprises a control logic 200th This control logic 200 is determined, for example, by a processor or programmed logic circuit realized.

With the control logic 200, a sensor 202, for example, in The form of a limit switch, connected which working position the A of the ball neck 14 and the tow 12 detected.

For example, it is possible to the limit switch so to order that it is actuated when the bearing element 20 the working position has reached A. In particular, it would be possible, the limit switch 202 over the protrusion 100 actuate.

Is even more advantageous, however, when the limit switch 202 not only the operating position A of the bearing element 20 is detected, but also detects whether the locking device 110, the Bearing element 20 also locked in the operative position A. This is realized thereby that the presence the bearing element 20 in the operative position and the locking Position of the locking device 110, that is in this case, the locking pawl 114, so linked, that they only actuate the plunger 202 when both Conditions are met.

Alternatively, it is conceivable to provide two sensors 202, wherein one of the sensors 202, the presence of the bearing element 20 in the operative position A and the other the locking Position of the locking device 110, in particular the locking pawl 114 is detected.

Further, the control logic 200 is connected to a second sensor 204 connected, which serves to detect when the ball neck 14 and the coupling ball 12 reaches the rest position R. have. This sensor 204 is, for example, as a limit switch executable and when standing at rest ball neck 14R, for example, directly through this, operable.

The control logic 200 also controls a first motor relay 206 and a second motor relay 208 which changeover 210 and 212, respectively, said switch contacts 210 and the 212 one each with connecting lines 214 and 216 of the electric motor 82 associated reed 218 and 220 have. In the rest position is the contact stud 218 and 220 respectively on a ground contact 222 and 224, and in the switching position at one lying on supply voltage 226 or 228 contact. Depending on which of the switching relay 206 or 208 by the Control logic 200 is driven, the electric motor 82 is operated either in forward or in reverse.

In the ground contacts 222 and 224 of the switching relays 206 and 208 associated ground line is before Ground terminal 230 lying resistor 232 provided at wherein a current flowing through the motor 82 current proportional Voltage UD drops. This voltage UD is due the dependence of the current flowing through the motor 82 Current from its counter-torque at the a measure of the Motor 82 acting is counter torque. The voltage UD is a working as a threshold torque detection circuit 234 at an input of an operational amplifier 238 detected and when one of these threshold exceeds predetermined threshold, the Operational amplifier 238 of the torque detection circuit 234 to the control logic 200 a signal.

Preferably, the torque detection circuit 234 are over the control logic 200 different threshold values ​​can be predetermined. The control logic 200 is, for example when the ball neck 14 from the operative position or the rest position should move out, the Schwellwerterkennungsschaltung 234 by parallel connection of a resistor 239 to the voltage divider 236 a higher threshold before to a high breakaway torque the electric motor 82 when moving out of Ball neck 14 from the operative position A or the rest position R to have available. This increased threshold can be triggered by the sensors 202 or 204th After this the ball neck 14 the operative position A or the rest position R, detected by the sensors 202 and 204, respectively, left, the Schwellwerterkennungsschaltung 234 works with a lowered threshold, so that over the breakaway lower counter torque sufficient to react with the Torque detection circuit 234 a signal to the control logic 200 to enter.

Receives the control logic 200 a signal through the torque detection circuit 234, this causes the control logic 200 immediately interrupts the drive of the electric motor 82 and the intended direction of rotation is inverted. D. h. Switching relays 206 and 208 are inversely driven than before Receiving the signal from the torque detection circuit 234th

Furthermore, the inventive control 190 is equipped with a with the control logic 200 associated start switch 240, for example, in the form of a button, provided. If the start switch 240 actuated when the ball neck with the coupling ball 14 12 either in the working position A or rest position R. is so operated, the control logic 200, the relays 206 and 208 such that the motor 82 starts up with the direction of rotation, which is required to the ball neck 14 with the Coupling ball 12 to pivot into the respective other position. Ie. At a standstill in the working position A Coupling neck 14 of the electric motor 82 start so that pivoting thereof towards the rest position R occurs while at a standstill in the rest position R ball neck 14 the motor 82 start so that a pivoting thereof takes place in the direction of the operative position A.

Already after a single actuation of the start switch 214 the electric motor 82 runs until the respective end position, ie the rest position or the working position, is reached and by the sensors 202 or 204, the control logic is reported, then the electric motor 82 turns off.

The start switch 240 is also still the same as emergency stop, because an actuation of the start switch 240 in a position of the ball neck 14 that neither the working position A nor the rest position R corresponding to causes reverse control logic 200, the running direction of the motor 82, ie the relays 206 and 208 are in reverse controlled manner, so that the ball neck 14 toward the End position is moved, from which it before pressing the Start switch 240 was moved out as emergency switch.

Furthermore, the control logic 200 is still a signal relay 250 connected. This signal relay 250 controls a motor controller 260 of the motor vehicle 36 linked contacts 252, wherein, for example, when standing in a first position Contacts 252, the motor controller 260, a running engine the motor vehicle 36 permits, while in a second Position of the contacts 252 of the signal relay 250 and thus angesteuertem Signal relay 250, the motor controller 260, a running the engine of the motor vehicle 36 no longer allows. The Control logic 200 operates always then the signaling relay 250 when the electric motor 82 for pivoting the coupling neck 14 is controlled, so that it is ensured that a pivoting the coupling neck 14 between the operative position A and not be the rest position R in the motor vehicle is 36 can.

Furthermore, the motor controller 260 controls a signal relay 270, whose contacts 272 are connected to the control logic 200 for example, the contacts 272 when not running Engine of the motor vehicle 36 are in a first position, which the control logic 200 provides the information that a pivoting of the ball neck 14 is possible while at running engine of the automobile 36, the contacts 272 in a second position and thus are the control logic 200 convey the information that an operation of the start switch should remain unconsidered 240 and the electric motor 82 must not start.