Patent ID: 8485545

Claim:
A tow coupling for a towing vehicle, comprising: a base body; a coupling unit with a coupling element, the coupling element being configured to engage with a counter-coupling element of a trailing vehicle, the coupling element being configured to be adjusted relative to the base body between a coupling position and a release position; and a securing device with a securing element, the securing element being adjustable between a securing position and a release position, whereby the securing element secures it in its securing position the coupling element in its coupling position, wherein the securing element, in its release position, is configured to allow a transfer of the coupling element from its coupling position into its release position; wherein the securing element, in the course of the movement of the coupling element from the release position into the coupling position, is deflected by the coupling element from the release position, and is transferred into a securing position preparatory condition, and then, when the coupling unit has reached the coupling position, goes over into the securing position, on its own; wherein a triggering element is moveably supported on the securing element, the triggering element being pre-tensioned into a contact position; and wherein the triggering element is deflected from the contact position by the coupling unit during the coupling unit's movement from the coupling position into the release position, leaving the securing element in its release position, while the triggering element remains in the contact position relative to the securing element when there is a movement of the coupling unit from its release position into its coupling position, and the triggering element transfers the securing element into the securing position preparatory condition.