Abstract:
A coupling lock for a trailer coupling. The coupling lock comprises a receptacle ( 9 ) in which a coupling element ( 6 ) is inserted, an angle measuring device ( 13, 19 ) is connected to the receptacle ( 9 ), and the angle measuring device ( 13, 19 ) is provided for detecting rotation of the receptacle ( 9 ), about a rotational axis ( 18 ), relative to the coupling element ( 6 ). A magnetically adhering body ( 24 ) is elastically connected to the receptacle ( 9 ) and magnetically connectable to the coupling element ( 6 ) for actuating the angle measuring device ( 13, 19 ).

Description:
[0001]    This application is a national stage completion of PCT/DE2010/050038 filed Jun. 17, 2010, which claims priority from German Application Serial No. 10 2009 027 036.1 filed Jun. 19, 2009. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention concerns a coupling lock for a trailer coupling, with a receptacle in which a coupling element is or can be inserted and an angle measuring device connected with the receptacle, by means of which rotation of the receptacle relative to the coupling element about a rotational axis is or can be detected. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    A trailer coupling for a tractor/trailer combination as a rule comprises a coupling lock with a receptacle in which a coupling element can be inserted. The coupling lock and the coupling element form an articulated joint so that the tractor vehicle can pivot relative to the trailer vehicle, for example when the combination has to drive round a curve. In this case the coupling lock is fixed on one vehicle of the combination and the coupling element on the other vehicle thereof. If the tractor vehicle is a passenger automobile, then as a rule the coupling element is attached to the tractor vehicle and comprises a ball head, which engages in the receptacle of the coupling lock in the form of a ball socket, fixed on the towbar of the trailer vehicle. Until now no system that is sufficiently well developed for mass production has been available for sensing the pivot angle between the coupling element and the coupling lock, which is also referred to as the combination angle. In attempts to stabilize the combination, the combination angle is determined, for example, with an arrangement of cable potentiometers. These or other length measurement sensors (ultrasonic, laser, radar) measure the distance between the rear bumper of the tractor vehicle and a suitable front surface of the trailer vehicle. The distance is off-center relative to the vehicle and varies as a function of the combination angle. The translation length variation of the distance is converted by a computer into a rotational angle signal. The disadvantage of this is that owing to measuring equipment of this type the coupling and decoupling of the trailer vehicle is no longer possible, or much more difficult, since the measuring equipment comprises part-systems on both the tractor vehicle and the trailer, which are sometimes even connected together mechanically. Moreover, such measuring equipment is as a rule not suitable for operation under adverse environmental conditions (humidity, temperatures). 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Starting from there, the purpose of the present invention is to further develop the coupling lock previously mentioned, in such manner that coupling and decoupling can be carried out simply. 
         [0005]    The coupling lock according to the invention for a trailer coupling comprises a receptacle into which a coupling element is or can be inserted, an angle measuring device that is connected to the receptacle by means of which rotation of the receptacle relative to the coupling element about a rotational axis is or can be detected, and a magnetically adhering body elastically connected to the receptacle which, particularly in the coupled condition, adheres or can adhere magnetically to the coupling element and actuates or can actuate the angle measuring device. 
         [0006]    In the coupled condition, i.e. in a condition when the coupling element is inserted into the receptacle, the adhering body adheres magnetically to the coupling element preferably in such manner that it transmits rotation of the coupling element relative to the receptacle about the rotational axis to the angle measuring device and/or to an actuating element of the angle measuring device, thereby actuating it. Thus, the angle measuring device can detect the rotation and pass it on to an evaluation unit, the rotation detected preferably being passed on to the evaluation unit in the form of one or more electric signals. 
         [0007]    Preferably, when coupling takes place the connection between the magnetically adhering body and the coupling element is formed automatically by virtue of the magnetic attraction between the adhering body and the coupling element. In contrast, on decoupling the adhering body is preferably pulled away automatically from the coupling element. Thus, coupling and decoupling can be carried out relatively simply. Moreover, compared with a conventional coupling element the coupling element can preferably remain unchanged. 
         [0008]    ‘Coupling onto’ and/or just ‘coupling’ are understood to mean that the coupling element is brought into engagement with the receptacle, in particular inserted into it. ‘Decoupling’ is understood to mean that the coupling element is brought out of engagement with the receptacle, in particular removed therefrom. 
         [0009]    In the coupled condition the magnetically adhering body sticks magnetically to the coupling element, in particular firmly enough for a rotationally fixed and/or solid body-to-body connection to form, or to be able to form, between the adhering body and the coupling element. This rotationally fixed connection is preferably a frictional connection, the force needed for the connection being brought to bear as a magnetic force by the magnetically adhering body. Since on account of uneven road conditions movements between the coupling element and the receptacle other than the rotation about the rotational axis can also take place, the magnetically adhering body is connected elastically to the receptacle. However, compared with the maximum rotation that takes place about the rotational axis, these other movements are relatively small. 
         [0010]    The coupling element preferably consists of magnetic material, at least in the area where the magnetically adhering body sticks or can stick magnetically to the coupling element. 
         [0011]    The rotational axis is preferably a vertical axis, in particular one extending in the direction of the vertical axis of the trailer vehicle and/or the tractor vehicle. 
         [0012]    The elastic connection between the receptacle and the magnetically adhering body is preferably in the form of a holder, preferably an elastic holding fixture which, in particular, is elastic in the direction of the rotational axis. By virtue of the holder the magnetically adhering body is preferably held on the receptacle so that it can rotate about the rotational axis. 
         [0013]    The holder preferably comprises a rotary bearing which holds the magnetically adhering body, allowing it to rotate, and/or preferably an elastic element, for example made of rubber or plastic, and/or in the form of a spring. Preferably, the rotary bearing is connected elastically to the receptacle by means of the elastic element. The elastic element is for example in the form of a bellows. 
         [0014]    According to one design of the invention the rotary bearing comprises a bearing portion connected in a fixed manner, in particular materially-bonded with the elastic element, and a carrier mounted on the bearing and able to rotate about the rotational axis, which preferably carries the magnetically adhering body. The magnetically adhering body is preferably connected in a fixed manner, in particular solidly, to the carrier. To prevent the bearing portion and the carrier from moving out of engagement the carrier is secured, in particular axially, on the bearing portion. Here the term ‘axial’ means in particular the direction of the rotational axis. Preferably, the rotary bearing is a slide bearing. 
         [0015]    The bearing portion preferably comprises a sleeve in which the carrier is preferably seated. In particular, the sleeve is a sliding sleeve or sliding bush, preferably of cylindrical form. Preferably, the sleeve has at least one radial projection which engages in a ring-shaped or partially ring-shaped recess of the carrier. In this case ‘radial’ means a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis. A plurality of radial projections can be provided on the sleeve around the rotational axis, which engage in the recess. Preferably however, the radial projection is ring-shaped. In particular, the radial projection is a projection extending inward. The sleeve consists for example of metal or plastic. 
         [0016]    The angle measuring device preferably comprises a rotational angle sensor which is or can be actuated by the actuating element. The rotational angle sensor is preferably connected in a fixed manner, in particular solidly to the receptacle. Furthermore the actuating element is preferably connected fixed, in particular solidly to the magnetically adhering body. 
         [0017]    In a further development of the invention, the angle measuring device comprises a measuring magnet preferably connected in a fixed manner and in particular solidly to the carrier, and a magnetic field sensor preferably connected fixed and in particular solidly to the receptacle, such that the field from the measuring magnet passes or can pass through the magnetic field sensor. The magnetic field sensor forms in particular the rotational angle sensor and the measuring magnet forms in particular the actuating element. However a converse arrangement is also possible, such that alternatively the angle measuring device comprises a measuring magnet preferably connected fixed and in particular solidly to the receptacle and a magnetic field sensor preferably connected fixed and in particular solidly to the carrier, through which the magnetic field from the measuring magnet passes or can pass. 
         [0018]    In the coupled condition, rotation of the coupling element relative to the receptacle about the rotational axis causes the measuring magnet to rotate relative to the magnetic field sensor, in particular about the rotational axis, and this results in a variation of the magnetic field produced by the measuring magnet at the location of the magnetic field sensor. This change in magnetic field can be detected by the magnetic field sensor. In particular the measuring magnet is magnetized transversely to the rotational axis so that the change in magnetic field caused at the location of the magnetic field sensor by rotation is particularly clear. Preferably, the measuring magnet and the magnetic field sensor are arranged a distance apart along the rotational axis. A suitable magnetic field sensor is known, for example, from the documents EP 0 947 846 B1 and EP 1 182 461 A2. 
         [0019]    So that the carrier interferes as little as possible with the magnetic field of the measuring magnet, the carrier is preferably made entirely or partially of a non-magnetic material. For example, the carrier consists of plastic, aluminum, magnesium or non-ferromagnetic steel. In such a case the measuring magnet can be attached directly on the carrier. Alternatively, the measuring magnet is attached to the carrier with interposition of a non-magnetic material such as plastic. In that case the carrier can even be made of a magnetic material. The measuring magnet is preferably a permanent magnet, but can also be an electromagnet. 
         [0020]    So that the magnetic adhesion of the magnetically adhering body to the coupling element will be as firm as possible, the magnetically adhering body is orientated with one of its poles or with both poles toward the coupling element. The magnetically adhering body comprises an adhering magnet which is in particular a permanent magnet, but which can alternatively also be an electromagnet. In particular, the adhering magnet is magnetized in the direction of the rotational axis. 
         [0021]    According to a preferred further development of the invention, the magnetically adhering body is made of a magnetic material in the form of a pot, which is open toward the coupling element and in which the adhering magnet sits. This makes it possible, by virtue of the pot rim that delimits the pot&#39;s opening, also to direct the pole of the adhering magnet that faces away from the coupling element toward the coupling element. Thereby, magnetic attraction of the magnetically adhering body to the coupling element is strengthened. The bottom of the pot is preferably in direct contact with the pole of the adhering magnet that faces away from the coupling element. Between the adhering magnet and the wall of the pot that surrounds it, a gap is preferably left, in particular an air gap, but which can also be entirely or partially filled with a non-magnetic material. This gap is in particular annular. The pot is preferably made of steel. The adhering magnet cannot rest directly against the coupling element. Preferably, however, the adhering magnet is set back relative to the pot rim that delimits the pot&#39;s opening, particularly with its pole facing toward the coupling element, so that the adhering magnet itself does not or cannot come directly in contact with the coupling element. This protects the adhering magnet against mechanical loads. In contrast the rim of the pot that delimits its opening preferably rests directly against the coupling element. The pot is preferably connected in a fixed manner and in particular solidly to the carrier. 
         [0022]    The term ‘magnet material’ means any magnetic material. In particular, the term ‘magnet material’ means a ferromagnetic material. However, for example a ferrimagnetic material can also be used as the magnet material. 
         [0023]    The coupling element is or can be inserted into the receptacle, in particular so that it can rotate about the rotational axis. Preferably, the coupling element is or can be inserted into the receptacle so that it can also pivot about at least one pivot axis that extends transverse to the rotational axis. 
         [0024]    In a further development of the invention the coupling element has a ball head and the receptacle has a ball socket into which the ball head is or can be fitted. In particular, the ball head is or can be fitted into the ball socket in an articulated manner, so that the ball head and the ball socket form a spherical joint. Thus, the coupling lock according to the invention can be used together with a commonly available ball head for a trailer coupling for a passenger car. The ball head preferably has a diameter of 50 mm. Moreover, at its end pointing toward the ball socket, which is usually the top end of the ball head, the ball head preferably has a flat area against which the magnetically adhering body rests or can rest. This improves the magnetic connection between the magnetically adhering body and the ball head. In this context it is particularly advantageous that the flat area is as a rule already formed or commonly available ball heads. The ball head preferably consists of a magnetic material. 
         [0025]    The receptacle can be fixed onto a tractor vehicle and the coupling element onto a trailer vehicle. However, it is preferable for the receptacle to be fixed to a trailer vehicle, in particular to its tow bar, and for the coupling element to be fixed on a tractor vehicle, in particular to its chassis or body. The tractor vehicle is preferably a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car. 
         [0026]    The angle measuring device is preferably connected electrically to an evaluation unit by means of which the rotational angle of the coupling element relative to the receptacle about the rotational axis can be determined. In particular, the bend angle of a combination consisting of the tractor vehicle and the trailer vehicle can be determined. Here, ‘bend angle’ is understood to mean, in particular, the angle between the longitudinal axis of the tractor vehicle and the longitudinal axis of the trailer vehicle, this bend angle lying, in particular, in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis. For example if the longitudinal axis of the trailer vehicle lies in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis, the bend angle is preferably the angle between the longitudinal axis of the trailer vehicle and the projection of the longitudinal axis of the tractor vehicle on the plane. The plane is as a rule parallel to the plane of the road. 
         [0027]    According to a design of the invention, a towbar-side measurement of the combination angle (bend angle) is thus possible when the angle measuring device is fixed in the coupling lock on the trailer side. The angle measuring device is fitted centrally over the ball holder (receptacle or ball socket). Among other things this arrangement has a magnetically adhering body on the underside of the angle measuring device, which is connected by an elastic plastic component to a housing of the angle measuring device fixed on the receptacle. When the coupling lock is coupled with the coupling element the magnetically adhering body is brought close to the ball head. By virtue of the magnetic force of the magnetically adhering body a connection is formed between it and the ball head, so that from then on the magnetically adhering body is held firmly onto the ball head. The ball head has a standardized flat area on which the magnetically adhering body can rest. Thus, relative rotation between the ball head and the coupling lock is transferred to the angle measuring device. There, this relative rotation, which is predominantly rotation about a vertical axis (rotational axis) through the ball head, is detected unequivocally by a rotational angle sensor in the coupling lock. In particular, this rotational angle sensor is a magnetic field sensor. The rotational angle is detected by the sensor and passed on in the form of an electrical signal to an evaluation unit for further processing. On decoupling, the magnetically adhering body together with the coupling lock are automatically pulled clear of the ball head. 
         [0028]    The invention provides the possibility of repetitive combination (bend) angle measurement. For example, the combination angle can be made available to systems for drive-dynamical stabilization of the combination and/or to driving assistance systems. Moreover, the vehicle&#39;s driver can be informed of the combination angle, for example by means of a display in the passenger compartment of the tractor vehicle. Bend angle fluctuations can also be detected, which can indicate an unstable condition of the combination (swinging). 
         [0029]    The invention also pertains to a trailer coupling with a coupling lock according to the invention, such that the magnetically adhering body sticks magnetically to the coupling element and actuates or can actuate the angle measuring device. 
         [0030]    Furthermore, the invention concerns the use of a coupling lock according to the invention for a trailer coupling between a tractor vehicle and a trailer vehicle, such that the magnetically adhering body sticks magnetically onto the coupling element and actuates the angle measuring device. In particular, from the rotation detected by the angle measuring device the bend angle between the longitudinal axis of the tractor vehicle and the longitudinal axis of the trailer vehicle is determined. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0031]    Below, the invention is described with reference to a preferred embodiment illustrated in the drawings, which show: 
           [0032]      FIG. 1 : A top view of a combination consisting of a tractor vehicle and a trailer vehicle, and 
           [0033]      FIG. 2 : A sectional view through the trailer coupling shown in  FIG. 1 , along the section line  2 - 2 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0034]      FIG. 1  shows a top view of a combination  3  comprising a tractor vehicle  1  and a trailer vehicle  2 , in which the tractor vehicle  1  is articulated to the trailer vehicle  2  by means of a trailer coupling  4 . The normal forward driving direction of the tractor vehicle  1  and/or the combination  3  is indicated by the arrow  33 . The trailer coupling  4  comprises a coupling element  6  connected solidly to the chassis or vehicle body  5  of the tractor vehicle  1  and a coupling lock  8  fixed onto a towbar  7  of the trailer vehicle  2 . 
         [0035]    The coupling lock  8  comprises a ball socket  9  into which a schematically represented ball head  10  of the coupling element  6  is fitted, such that the ball head  10  forms an end of the coupling element  6  at the rear thereof in relation to the driving direction  33 . Furthermore, the coupling lock  8  forms a front end of the towbar  7  in the driving direction  33 . 
         [0036]    The angle a between the longitudinal axis  11  of the tractor vehicle  1  and the longitudinal axis  12  of the trailer vehicle  2  is the so-termed bend angle or combination angle. In particular, the bend angle a lies in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction  34  of the trailer vehicle  2 , the vertical direction  34  relative to the vehicle in  FIG. 1  being perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. 
         [0037]      FIG. 2  shows a sectional view through the trailer coupling  4  along the longitudinal axis  12  and in the vehicle&#39;s vertical direction  34 , wherein at the upper end of the ball socket  9  there is attached a magnetic field sensor  13  which is fixed by means of a housing  14 . To the housing  14  is attached an elastic bellows  15 , which supports a sliding sleeve  16  and is connected thereto in a materially-bonded manner. In the sliding sleeve  16  is fitted a carrier  17  which can rotate about a rotational axis  18 , and which carries at its upper end facing toward the sensor  13  a measuring magnet  19  in the form of a permanent magnet. The north and south poles of the measuring magnet  19  are indicated, in order to make clear that the magnetization direction of the measuring magnet  19  is transverse to the rotational axis  18 . The carrier  17 , which is made from a non-magnetic material, has an upper portion  20  and a lower portion  21  mounted on the latter, an annular groove  22  being enclosed between the upper portion  20  and the lower portion  21 , in which an annular, radially inward-extending projection  23  of the sliding sleeve  16  engages. Thus, the carrier  17  is secured onto the sliding sleeve  16  in the direction of the rotational axis  18 . The rotational axis  18  extends in the vehicle&#39;s vertical direction  34  and so constitutes a vertical axis. 
         [0038]    To the lower end of the carrier  17  facing toward the ball head  10  is fixed a magnetically adhering body  24  comprising a permanent magnet  25  and a pot  26  in which the magnet  25  sits. The north and south poles of the magnet  25  are indicated in order to make clear that it is magnetized in the direction of the rotational axis  18 . The pot  26  consists of a magnetic material, so that the south pole of the magnet  25  appears at the rim of the pot  26  facing toward the ball head  10 . Needless to say, the north and south poles can be exchanged. 
         [0039]    The edge of the pot  26  rests against a flat area  27  of the ball head  10  and is held firmly onto it by magnetic force, since the ball head  10  too is made of a magnetic material. It can be seen that the north pole of the magnet  25  is slightly set back relative to the lower rim of the pot, so that direct contact between the magnet  25  and the ball head  10  is prevented. Moreover, an annular air gap is left between the magnet  25  and the wall of the pot  26  that surrounds it. 
         [0040]    In addition the coupling lock  8  comprises a catch  28  that can be actuated, which is shown in the locked condition in  FIG. 2 , so that the ball head  10  is held positively in the ball socket  9 . For decoupling, the catch  28  can be retracted so that the coupling lock  8  can be moved clear of the ball head  10 . In this event the magnetically adhering body  24  is also and at the same time separated from the ball head  10 . 
         [0041]    In the coupled condition of the trailer coupling  4 , if the ball head  10  rotates about the rotational axis  18  relative to the coupling lock  8  the magnetically adhering body  24  rotates together with the ball head  10 . Since the magnetically adhering body  24  is connected by means of the carrier  17  to the measuring magnet  19  in a rotationally fixed manner, the measuring magnet  19  too rotates with the ball head  10  about the rotational axis  18 . the rotation can be detected by the sensor  13 , which then emits an electrical signal  29  that characterizes the rotation to an evaluation unit  30  to which the sensor  13  is connected by electric leads  31 . On the basis of the electric signal  29  the bend angle a is determined by the evaluation unit  30 . 
         [0042]    According to a first alternative the evaluation unit  30  is located in the tractor vehicle  1 , so the lead  31  extends from the coupling lock  8  to the tractor vehicle  1 . In a second alternative the evaluation unit  30  is in the trailer vehicle  2 , which is coupled electrically by leads  32  to the tractor vehicle  1 . In the latter case the information about the bend angle a can be made available to the tractor vehicle  1  via the electric leads  32 . 
         [0043]    In a variant embodiment the communication between the sensor  13  and the evaluation unit  30  and/or between the evaluation unit  30  and the tractor vehicle  1  can take place by wireless means, for example by radio. 
         [0044]    If because of uneven road conditions movements occur between the coupling lock  8  and the ball head  10  which deviate from rotation about the rotational axis  18 , for example tilting movements between the tractor vehicle  1  and the trailer vehicle  2 , then such deviant movements are accommodated by the elastic bellows  15  so that the angle measuring device or the arrangement comprising the magnetic field sensor  13 , elastic bellows  15 , sliding sleeve  16 , carrier  17 , measuring magnet  19  and magnetically adhering body  24  is not damaged. 
       LIST OF INDEXES 
       [0000]    
       
           1  Tractor vehicle 
           2  Trailer vehicle 
           3  Combination 
           4  Trailer coupling 
           5  Chassis of the tractor vehicle 
           6  Coupling element 
           7  Towbar of the trailer vehicle 
           8  Coupling lock 
           9  Ball socket 
           10  Ball head 
           11  Longitudinal axis of the tractor vehicle 
           12  Longitudinal axis of the trailer vehicle 
           13  Magnetic field sensor 
           14  Housing of the magnetic field sensor 
           15  Elastic bellows 
           16  Sliding sleeve 
           17  Carrier 
           18  Rotational axis 
           19  Measuring magnet 
           20  Upper portion of the carrier 
           21  Lower portion of the carrier 
           22  Annular groove in the carrier 
           23  Radial projection in the sliding sleeve 
           24  Magnetically adhering body 
           25  Adhering magnet 
           26  Pot 
           27  Flat area 
           28  Catch 
           29  Signal from the magnetic field sensor 
           30  Evaluation unit 
           31  Electric connection lead 
           32  Electric connection lead 
           33  Driving direction 
           34  Vertical direction of the vehicle