DE102015204900A1 - Ball pivot module and method for operating a ball pivot module - Google Patents

Abstract

Ball pivoting module for a trailer hitch, in particular for motor vehicles, having a first part and a second part movable relative to the first part between a first end position and a second end position, wherein the movement of the second part and / or a locking and / or unlocking of the second part relative to the first part by at least one electric drive can be effected, wherein a device for operating the electric drive is provided taking into account a speed gradient.

Description

The invention relates to a ball pivot module for a trailer hitch, in particular for motor vehicles, having a first part and the second part movable relative to the first part between a first end position and a second end position, wherein the movement of the first part and / or a Ver and / or Unlocking of the second part relative to the first part by at least one electric drive is effected. Furthermore, the invention relates to a trailer hitch for the aforementioned ball pivot module, and a method for operating a ball pivot module for a trailer hitch according to the preambles of the further independent claims.

Fully electric swivel trailer hitches are known from the prior art, which semi-automatically pivot from a rest position to an operating position. After triggering the operator z. B. by pressing a button, the trailer hitch is unlocked, pivots driven by an electric motor, to finally be electrically locked in their respective end position. In the EP 1 535 765 B1 Such a trailer hitch is disclosed.

In order to realize a fully electric trailer hitch, safety inquiries about the end positions or also the intermediate area are required so that the end positions themselves or an obstacle located in the pivoting range, such as a person, for example, is not affected. Also, an overload of the control device or the electric drive should be avoided, so that after reaching the end position or when reaching an obstacle, for example, the electric drive is switched off.

In the EP 1 535 765 B1 For this purpose, a drive motor with angular momentum counting without torque detection is used. In the absence of angular momentum, if necessary. Within a time interval, the drive motor is switched off. This can be disadvantageous because the drive for a trailer hitch must be designed so strong, as that the engine must be able to pivot the trailer hitch from the rest position to the operating position and vice versa, even at low temperatures. However, this means that a shutdown occurs only when the end position or the obstacle has already been reached. Especially with the obstacle in the swivel range, the engine may be overloaded by the late shutdown or a slight obstacle such as a person may already have been affected.

It is an object of the invention to improve a fully electric trailer hitch with a view to the disadvantages mentioned in the prior art.

This object is achieved by a ball pivot module according to claim 1, by means of a trailer hitch. Claim 10 and a method according to claim 12. Advantageous developments are specified in the subclaims and in the following description.

A ball pivot module for a trailer hitch, in particular for motor vehicles, has a first part and a second part which can be moved relative to this first part. The movement of the second part and / or a locking and / or unlocking of the second part can be effected with respect to the first part by at least one electric drive. The ball pivoting module is characterized in that a device for operating the electric drive is provided, which takes into account a speed gradient of the drive.

In a ball pivot module is essentially a ball joint, as this is also known from the chassis area. A ball joint has at least one ball with a pin connected thereto, which is accommodated in a rotatable or pivotable manner with its ball in a housing. The ball can be slidably mounted in the housing with or without the use of a lubricant, however, between the ball and the housing and a bearing shell, for example made of plastic, in particular z. B. from POM (polyoxymethylene) exist. If one speaks here of a first and a second part, then it means the ball or the ball pin and the housing. Depending on the design of the ball pivot module or its purpose, for example for a trailer hitch, the housing can be pivotable relative to the ball pivot, when the ball pivot is anchored to the vehicle. Alternatively, however, the housing may be installed vehicle-mounted, so that the ball pin forms the second part and is pivotable relative to the first part. For a trailer hitch may be attached to the movable second part of a ball bar, which carries at its extreme end a coupling ball. This coupling ball or the ball rod is required for safe operation in an operating position. This is usually a protruding in the longitudinal direction behind the vehicle position, so that a coupling ball receptacle (also called Zugmaul or train coupling) can be placed by a trailer drawbar on the hitch ball and securely attached. If the trailer hitch is not needed, then it can be advantageously brought into a rest position, which is preferably constructively designed so that after pivoting from the operating position in the Rest position the ball rod together with the coupling ball in a non-visible from the rear of the vehicle area z. B. procedure between the vehicle rear wall and bumper of the vehicle.

If the ball rod, for example, positively or positively connected to the second part and the first part fixed to the vehicle, the ball rod can be moved from an operating position to a rest position and vice versa. Depending on the initial end position can thus be pivoted either from the operating position to the rest position or vice versa, so that can be moved from a first end position to a second end position.

In order to maintain this end position secured for operation, a locking of the second part relative to the first part is necessary. In the ball pivot module thus inevitably the housing must be locked against the ball pin or the ball pin relative to the housing. This locking can be done, for example, a positive fit, so that in the first and in the second end position a reliable locking is enabled. Both the movement of the second relative to the first part, as well as a locking of the parts to each other, for comfort or safety reasons advantageously effected via an electric drive. The electric drive can be done by an electric motor, via an electro-hydraulic or possibly also via an electropneumatics. The type of drive depends on the forces to be provided, which is necessary for the locking or unlocking and / or the drive from one end position to the other end position depending on the purpose. Under reliable in this context is a lock to understand if this lock holds the occurring in a trailer hitch operating loads (acting on the trailer hitch tensile / compressive and / or supporting loads by the trailer).

Both in the respective end positions and in the swivel range between these end positions, the electric drive must perform a safe swivel operation. On the one hand, therefore, the safety condition (anti-trap protection) and the function filling (safe swiveling and reaching the end positions) must be achieved. Especially the anti-pinch protection is of essential importance for a fully automatic swivel trailer hitch. To prevent the pinching of limbs, as well as property damage to stationary objects that may be in the swivel range (garage door, house wall), the device for operating the electric drive should operate so sensitive that immediately upon reaching an obstacle no force or torque the pivotable part of the ball pivot module or the trailer hitch is.

In a known from the prior art torque threshold for switching off the drive, there is additionally a temperature dependence to the effect that at low temperatures, a lubricant used within the pivotable trailer hitch has a high viscosity (viscosity) and thus the pivotal movement is sluggish with decreasing temperature. Thus, the torque threshold must be set to be high or exceed the result that inevitably still drive torque of the drive must act on the ball pivot module when reaching the obstacle. The drive is only switched off significantly after reaching the end position and not when the threshold is reached. Without a torque threshold, the drive must inevitably be operated even when the actual end position has already been reached in order to assume that the end position has also been safely reached.

An immediate shutdown when reaching an obstacle as well as when reaching the end positions can be realized by the means for operating the electric drive operates in consideration of a speed gradient.

The velocity gradient is determined from the angular velocity of the drive motor per time interval. This is in the drive or motor an incremental encoder such. B. provided a speed sensor. The measurement of the time between two increments allows the determination of the angular velocity. If this angular velocity is derived, the acceleration of the drive is obtained (derivative of the angular velocity over time (dv / dt).

The velocity gradient is not a fixed threshold such. B. a torque or current threshold. If the ball pivot module is driven, the slope of the angular velocity is recorded and evaluated over a specified time. If the driven or pivoting part strikes an end position or an obstacle, the time between two increments increases sharply or abruptly and the angular velocity decreases significantly. From the decreasing angular velocity results in their derivative negative acceleration. The acceleration is in each case compared with the permissible acceleration stored for the motor and the associated movement sequence.

The velocity gradient is calculated during the pan / unlock operation at least at intervals. The advantage is that regardless of the current motor current value, ie independent of external influences (such as for example, low temperatures), the speed gradient value for the current position of the ball pivot module has the same value. As a result, the electric drive can be operated with its maximum torque over the entire temperature range, without it coming to a standstill of the pivoting unit at low temperatures. By calculating the speed gradient, therefore, a shutdown of the electric drive is already possible before the maximum engine torque is reached. In other words, the motor does not have to be operated even when the end position has already been reached. Even an obstacle can be reliably detected and the motor is switched off immediately when hitting the obstacle, since the time for a complete panning has not yet expired. The risk of entrapment of limbs, for example, is massively reduced. In addition, the mechanical load on the ball pivot module is reduced compared to a torque-controlled shutdown by the early shutdown when approaching a possible obstacle or end positions in the swivel range.

It has been found that it is sufficient if the device for operating the electric drive determines the speed gradient at intervals, that is, it does not have to be permanently determined. In this case, a gradient can be determined if the electric drive is not operated, for example, to determine that in fact there is no movement of the ball pivot module and a load can be excluded by the electric drive. Advantageously, the device for operating the electric drive has a comparison unit in order to compare the speed gradient determined by the device with a gradient value characteristic stored in the comparison unit.

For the particular design of the ball pivot module and in particular when a ball rod with coupling ball is attached to a part of the ball pivot module, the characteristic of the electric drive or motor can be detected and stored as Geschwindigkeitsgradientwert - characteristic. In particular, during the operation of the electric drive, as mentioned above, the gradient value is determined at intervals and compared with the characteristic curve in the comparison unit. Since in the design of the ball pivot module for the respective trailer hitch or application of the maximum motor current of the electric drive is known, it can be determined which is the maximum allowable current for the electric drive so as not to overload it.

It is known that just when moving out of the end positions, in particular in a pivot unit in the manner of a ball joint, a so-called breakaway torque may be present or overcome by the electric drive, and that the drive torque thus after leaving and until reaching the respective end position lower. It is thus clear that the slope of the characteristic curve of the motor current per se must be higher in these ranges than is the case in the swivel range between the end positions. However, the characteristic curve of the motor current would only be a threshold, as is the case with the torque threshold. If, however, the speed gradient value is calculated, a comparison of the currently calculated value with the gradient value characteristic curve can be carried out at any time or at the intervals provided in order to interrupt, switch off and / or reverse the direction of the electrical drive immediately upon reaching the respectively stored value make. These measures are performed by the device for operating the electric drive, in each case upon reaching the locking and / or unlocking or at least one of the end positions and in the pivoting range when an obstacle in this area exists. Alternatively, a combination of the aforementioned measures by the device for operating the electric drive can be made. So z. B. upon reaching an obstacle of the electric drive are first interrupted or turned off, then to reverse the direction of the electric drive. After the direction reversal, the ball pivot module can thus approach the last known safe position (rest or operating position).

As already stated above, the ball pivot module consists at least of a housing and a ball mounted pivotably therein or a ball pin. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first part of the ball stud and the second part of the housing. The ball pin is fixed relative to the body, and in the pivoting movement from the operating to the rest position and vice versa (end positions), the housing pivots about the stationary ball pivot. Since the trailer hook (also called ball bar) with the housing (in one piece or via a positive and / or non-positive connection) is connected, the trailer hook can pivot around the ball.

The ball pivot module is connected to its pin in particular by means of a trailer hitch carrier to the body. Preferably, the ball stud is fixed directly to the trailer hitch carrier or alternatively via a connector to this. The trailer hitch carrier is formed at least from a cross member, wherein the cross member z. B. may consist of a tube. The cross tube is either directly with the body connected, or has at its ends longitudinal members which are formed approximately parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle and connected to the body. The side members are connected to the cross tube by a cohesive method z. B. welding. However, the connection can also be designed as a screw connection. In particular, the cross tube is formed from two nested tubes, wherein the tubes are connected via a frictional connection and thus the cross tube is designed variable in length or width. Thus, the cross member can be adjusted with its side rails on different vehicles with different widths. The longitudinal members may in turn be cohesively or positively fixed by means of a screw with the body.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the second part is pivotable relative to the first part by a superimposed rotational and tilting movement. This overlay movement has over a trailer hitch, which rotates only about an axis, the advantage that it requires a smaller pivot space for the trailer hook, which offers in the end space advantages. The superposition movement can be achieved by means of a positive guide, wherein on the ball of the ball pin, a non-planar control surface can be provided, which cooperates with a provided on the housing of the ball pivot module element or is in operative connection. If a locking ring is used in the ball pivot module, then this locking ring may have a recess which is designed such that it allows the superimposed turning and tilting movement in unison with the non-planar control surface. In other words, the locking ring is excluded there or recessed where one of the axis of rotation (longitudinal axis of the ball pin) deviating tilting axis is provided. By the superimposed rotary tilting movement, starting from the first or second end position (operating position, rest position) is initially pivoted only about the longitudinal axis of the ball stud. Furthermore, depending on the previously described non-planar control surface or the recess in the closure ring, tilting about an axis different from the longitudinal axis is forced. This tilting movement makes it possible, in particular, for a ball neck with coupling ball fastened to the ball pivot module not to collide with the transverse tube of the trailer coupling carrier or other vehicle parts during the pivoting operation from the operating position to the rest position or vice versa. If, alternatively, only a single pivot axis is to be used, then it may be necessary for a depression to be made on the cross tube to avoid the collision described above, which provides the space for pivoting. When pivoting about an axis only a flat control surface would be necessary in the ball pivot module on the ball stud or on the ball. Thus, via the locking ring, if this has no recess in addition or in isolation pivoting about an axis can be forced.

According to one development of the ball pivot module, a mechanical end stop is provided in at least one end position. This stop causes the second part of the ball pivot module can not be pivoted in the respective end position. If in the pivoting operation of the second part, for example, the housing has a projection towards the ball pivot, this projection can act together with another projection on the ball pin or come to rest when the end position is reached. If a stop is also provided in the other end position on the first part, in this case the ball pin, then the second part can swing back and forth between these mechanical end positions and is mechanically limited. Based on the longitudinal axis of the ball stud or of the first part of the pivoting range can be about 180 °, preferably exactly 180 °. As previously described, if the second part mechanically strikes against the first part, it would be detected via the changing velocity gradient value, and the means for operating the electric drive would stop the pivoting movement.

If it is necessary to dispense with an end stop or for space reasons for this end stop no space is available, the achievement of the end position can also be detected by an end position sensor in the respective first or second end position. The end position sensor may consist of a microswitch or of a button or other contact, which may be arranged within the ball pivot module. When the end position sensor is attached to a ball stud, so for example a projection is provided on the housing, which actuates the microswitch or button in the respective end position. Upon actuation, a signal is sent to the device for operating the electric drive, which then switches off the electric drive. If there is only one drive both for the pivoting of the ball pivot module and for the locking of the ball pivot module in the respective end position, the device for operating the electric drive is still operated after reaching the end position, so that the lock is driven. In this design, it is advantageous if in the end position of the lock or when reaching a secure locking also an end position sensor is present, indicating the secure locking. Alternatively, the Locking, however, as described above during pivoting or pivoting drive also be determined via the Geschwindigkeitsgradientwert.

According to a further embodiment of the ball pivot module, a temperature sensor is associated with the at least one electric drive and / or the device for operating the electric drive. As already stated above, the advantage of determining end positions or obstacles in the swivel range by means of a velocity gradient is that the gradient has the same value irrespective of the current value. For this reason, the engine can be operated over the entire intended temperature range at a constant speed, without that z. B. at low temperature prematurely comes to a standstill of the pivot unit or at very high temperature, a clamping protection is no longer guaranteed. For safety of the overall system and at temperature ranges outside the specifications intended for the motor or the electrical drive, it is advantageous if a temperature sensor is present in the electric drive. This is connected to the device for operating the electric drive (wired or wireless) so that at an excessive (too high or too low) temperature is no locking or unlocking or pivoting, so that the overall system can not be damaged. As a temperature sensor, a conventional, known from the prior art sensor can be used.

Based on the additional temperature determination in a ball pivot module for a trailer hitch, the temperature signal concerning the ambient temperature of the vehicle, which thus also corresponds to the operating temperature of the ball pivot module or a pivot drive or locking drive, can be fed from the present in a vehicle temperature signal. The temperature signal can thus be supplied to the device for operating the electric drive, in particular via a temperature signal present in the vehicle information system or vehicle bus system. As a vehicle bus system, for example, the Can bus in question. The Can bus is present throughout the vehicle and it can be supplied via a compound of the ball pivot module with the Can bus this or the device for operating the electric drive for the ball pivot module, a temperature signal. There are also other useful data from the CAN bus available, which ensure safe operation of the ball pivot module. Thus it can be seen from the bus system whether, for example, the engine is running or the vehicle is in motion in order to prevent locking or unlocking or a swivel drive in these states.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the ball pivot module, at least one electric drive is associated with a transmission, preferably a planetary gear. If, for space reasons, a relatively small motor is used for the ball pivot module with respect to its outer dimensions, then the torque required for pivoting or locking can be provided by means of the transmission. The transmission can be a worm gear, but preferably a planetary gear is provided, since this can transmit a high torque, at the same time existing quiet running and low noise. Motor and gear of the electric drive can be housed in a housing or the respective housing are z. B. bolted via a flange. The motor gear unit may be integrated into the ball pivot module or may be attached to the connector or cross tube. The gear drive unit may be provided alone for pivoting the housing relative to the ball or ball stud, or vice versa. Preferably, however, the single drive is designed so that it also brings about the locking of the second part of the ball pivot module with the first part with his gear in addition to the pivoting movement. Both the device for operating the electric drive and the electric drive with its transmission itself, are therefore advantageously designed so that both electrically unlocked before leaving the end position as well as after reaching the end position, so after completing the pivoting operation, a lock of the housing opposite the pin can be accomplished.

In an alternative embodiment, separate gear units with independent gear units are provided for the locking and unlocking and for the pivoting movement. In that case, the device for operating the electric drive would be designed such that it can control and control, on the one hand, the locking and unlocking and, depending thereon, the pivoting movement. A determination of the completed locking or unlocking or reaching the respective end position or an obstacle detection is also carried out via the Geschwindigkeitsgradientwertbestimmung. Additionally or alternatively, sensors may be provided for the locking or unlocking as well as for the end position detection. Also, a respective sensor can be made for detecting the secure reaching of locking and unlocking if the speed gradient value determination is used for the detection of the end positions or for obstacle detection. When using a planetary gear also the end position detection via a corresponding sensor or corresponding end positions in the Be provided planetary gear or an alternative transmission.

If the gear is designed as a self-locking gear, so in this case can be dispensed with a separate locking or unlocking of the first part relative to the second part. The locking in one or both end positions is then ensured by the self-locking of the transmission. An additional lock, in particular a magnetic lock, can be provided. Although the transmission may be self-locking, but with dynamic load can be due to the above-described circumstances due to acting on the ball pivot module with its transmission shaking movements come to a departure from the end position (s). In the case acts a Endlageensperre for example in the form of an electromagnet, the z. B. ensures advantageous manner without power via a spring, but a self-contained movement of the planetary gear or other gearbox positively prevented.

The invention further relates to a trailer hitch with a ball pivot module having at least one of the previously described guide shape. The trailer hitch consists of a ball bar, also called ball neck, with end arranged coupling ball, at the other end a connection of the ball neck with the second part, z. B. consists of the housing. The ball neck can via a positive connection, z. B. be connected by means of multiple screw with the housing. Alternatively, the ball neck can also be integrally formed with the housing. If the housing is arranged fixed to the vehicle, so in the case of the ball neck positively and / or materially connected to the ball stud. Alternatively, it is also conceivable if the ball neck and the ball stud are integrally formed.

As previously described for ball pivot module, the trailer hitch is set on the first part relative to the body. The trailer hitch is in particular by means of a trailer hitch carrier connected to the body, preferably by means of a connector to a cross member of the trailer hitch, set. In forming a trailer hitch with a ball pivot module is to ensure that acting approximately in the direction of the vehicle vertical axis support loads and the trailer loads or primarily acting in the longitudinal direction of braking loads that occur when delaying the towing vehicle, can be absorbed by the trailer hitch with ball pivot module and the trailer hitch.

The invention further relates to a method for operating a ball pivot module for a trailer hitch, in particular for a motor vehicle, wherein the second part is moved electrically driven from the respective first end position to the second end position relative to the first part of the ball pivot module, wherein the second part relative to the the first part is electrically unlocked immediately before leaving the respective end position and / or electrically locked after reaching the respective end position, reaching the end position and / or an obstacle in the pivoting range between the end positions and / or the locking and / or unlocking by the determination of a speed gradient of the electric drive is determined.

The method should basically ensure the safe operation of a ball pivot module for a trailer hitch, so that on the one hand a fully automatic and fully electric and thus comfortable trailer hitch is provided. On the other hand, safety aspects such as anti-trap protection are of vital importance for a fully automatic swivel trailer hitch. A malfunction should be excluded and it should be during operation by the electric drive damage to the trailer hitch or the ball pivot module as well as to persons and / or objects that are in the pivoting range of the trailer hitch be prevented. In particular, there should be no jamming or other injuries to limbs of the operator or other people. At the same time, in particular in the operating position, which represents an end position, as already described above, appropriate trailer loads and braking loads of the trailer can be safely absorbed.

In an advantageous embodiment, the ball pivot module is associated with a device for operating the electric drive, which determines the speed gradient during the pivoting operation, and is compared with a Geschwindigkeitsgradientwert - characteristic of the electric drive, which is stored in the device in a comparison unit. In this case, the characteristic curve is not a threshold in the sense of a torque threshold, which must first be exceeded, so that a reaction of the device can take place, the z. B. has a shutdown of the electric drive result. The characteristic indicates the respective slope of the motor current at the predetermined time in relation to the pure pivoting process and / or the unlocking or locking process. At the specified intervals, the z. B. be every 10 milliseconds, the currently determined slope is compared with the slope stored in the characteristic curve that the device can react accordingly already on reaching the respective characteristic value.

Preferably, the second part is electrically unlocked relative to the first part immediately before leaving the respective end position and / or electrically locked immediately after reaching the respective end position.

Preferably, the reaching of the unlocking and / or locking position is determined by the determination of a speed gradient of the electric drive.

In a preferred embodiment, upon reaching an end and / or locking position and / or end position and / or an obstacle in the swivel range, the swiveling operation is interrupted, in particular the electric drive is preferably switched off by the device and / or the swiveling process continues with an inversion of direction if there is an obstacle, in particular until reaching the Ausgangsendlage.

Starting from the end positions in the rest position and / or operating position, the device for operating the electric drive, triggered by, for example, a keystroke of the operator, set the electric drive in motion, which initially performs an unlocking of the ball pivot module. During unlocking, the speed gradient value of the electric drive is determined at defined intervals and compared with a characteristic curve. Upon reaching the safe unlocking position, the device for operating the electric drive causes a pivoting, so that it executes the pivoting operation from the current end position to the next end position. In this case, the velocity gradient value currently determined at intervals is compared with the velocity gradient value characteristic curve in the comparison unit of the device during the entire pivoting process. The pivoting process is carried out until the next end position is reached, or a possible obstacle is detected, if the speed gradient value defined in the swivel range by the characteristic curve is reached. When the panning operation can be completed, d. H. the next end position is reached, then a locking of the ball pivot module is made by the electric drive. Both the reaching of the end position and the achievement of a secure locking position is ensured by the determination of the velocity gradient.

If there is an obstacle in the swivel range between the positions or end positions, this is indicated by the fact that the speed gradient values (characteristic curve) stored in the comparison unit are already reached by the current speed gradient value determination before the swivel process is completed. In that case, the device for operating the electric drive interrupts the electric drive and, if appropriate, by means of the direction reversal of the drive, makes it possible to pivot the ball pivot module into the output end position.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device for operating the electric drive before and during the pivoting and / or locking operation evaluates a temperature signal which is supplied to the device for operating the electric drive. Via the temperature signal, an alternative characteristic line can be used, which corresponds to the ambient temperature, or the existing characteristic line can be raised or lowered as a function of this characteristic line. Possible effects such as As the increasing viscosity of lubricant at low temperatures can be considered even more advantageous because the Geschwindigkeitsgradientwert can be determined even finer graded.

The invention will be described below with reference to preferred embodiments with reference to the drawing. In the drawing show:

1 a schematic side view of a rear part of a vehicle with a pivotable trailer hitch;

2 a perspective view of a trailer hitch carrier with mounted ball pivot module and trailer hitch;

2a - 2 B perspective view of a ball swivel module with mounted trailer hitch on a cross tube in the operating and rest position;

3 another perspective view of a trailer hitch carrier with ball pivot module and trailer hitch;

4 a partially sectional view of a ball pivot module mounted on a connector with a ball pivot module mounted trailer hitch;

5 a view in section of a pin with locking mechanism;

6 a graph plotted at a speed over time.

1 represents the known prior art and shows a partial view schematically a rear of a vehicle with rear-mounted trailer hitch 16 , The trailer hitch can from an operating position B in a rest position R being pivoted, being about a single axis 22 is pivoted.

2 shows a perspective view of a trailer hitch 16 attached to a trailer hitch 16a is attached. The trailer hitch 16 consists of a ball neck 2 with coupling ball 1 and is on the rear side of the ball pivot module 14 assembled. The ball pivot module 14 is via a connector 12 with a crossbeam 7 of the trailer hitch 16a connected. The crossbeam 7 has at its ends in each case a longitudinal carrier 8th , which are connected in the variant shown materially connected thereto. Shown is also a housing 17 which with the connector 12 is connected and includes means for operating an electric drive S and evaluation or comparison unit V. The electric drive is associated with a temperature sensor T.

Not in 2 it can be seen an electric drive, which is also in the housing 17 is installed, and the drive of the ball pivot module or the pivotable trailer hitch is used. In the 2 the trailer hitch is shown in the operating position B. In this position, the trailer hitch is ready and a towing vehicle can pull a trailer, with a coupling ball mount on the normalized hitch ball 1 can be placed and locked there rotatable.

2a shows a partial perspective view of a ball pivot module 14 which with a pin or ball stud (first part, 4) on the cross member 7 is fixed. On the cone 4 is a housing (second part, 3) pivotally mounted. In the housing of the ball pivot module or this is associated with a device for operating the electric drive S. Also shown is a sealing bellows 13 on the one hand, on the case 3 and on the other hand at the pin 4 positive fit. Since it is in the ball pivot module 14 is a sealing joint, is the sealing bellows 13 , as with ball joints usual, applied for reasons of corrosion protection, so that during operation no liquids or dirt particles between the ball and at the end of the pin 4 in the case 3 can reach located spherical plain bearing surface.

A trailer hitch 16 consisting of a ball neck 2 with a coupling ball attached at the end 1 is on the case 3 positive fit via a screw connection with the screws 5 established. The 2a shows the trailer hitch with its swivel module in the operating position.

The 2 B shows the same components, the trailer hitch 16 with the ball pivot module 14 in rest position R is shown. From the 2 . 2a such as 2 B it can be seen that the longitudinal axes 9 both the first part, so the pin shown here 4 , as well as the second part, so the housing 3 lying on a line. This shows that in the operating position B and in the rest position R on a common longitudinal axis 9 lie. The representation in the 2 . 2a such as 2 B could thus represent a single pivot axis, in the event that the ball pivot module and thus also the trailer hitch is pivotable about a single pivot axis.

3 again shows a perspective view of the ball pivot module 14 with the trailer hitch bolted to it 16 , Also in the 3 is the same definition of the pin 4 on the cross member 7 shown, with the cross member 7 likewise on the longitudinal side rail 8th has, with which a connection to the body can be made. The ball pivot module 14 with on the housing 3 attached trailer hitch 16 However, in this figure is shown in an intermediate position. The coupling ball 1 is prevented from further rotation of the rest position R shown in dashed lines in the operating position B by an obstacle H.

It's the 3 clearly removable, that next to the first pivot axis 9 , the longitudinal axis of the pin 4 corresponds, another second pivot axis 10 present is the longitudinal axis of the housing 3 equivalent. It can be clearly seen that the first pivot axis 9 and the second pivot axis 10 form an angle β to each other. This can be explained by the fact that, starting from the 2 B , So the rest position R of the trailer hitch 16 or the ball pivot module 14 , the pivoting movement of the housing 3 around the cone 4 first around the first pivot axis 9 is performed. That is, for the first part of the pivotal movement of the housing 3 around the cone 4 there is only one common pivot axis. As in the present embodiment at the bottom of the ball 4a (S. 4 ) a non-planar control surface is present and on the locking ring 29 In addition, a recess is present (not shown), the housing 3 forced, after initial rotational movement about the first pivot axis 9 or longitudinal axis 9 of the pin 4 a tilting movement about the second pivot axis 10 perform, rotating around the axis 9 and tilting around the axis 10 at the beginning of tipping about the same time takes place until the control surface on the ball 4a and the lock ring 29 another tilting about the second pivot axis 10 prevent.

In 3 is the angle β maximum, that is, the tilting movement of the housing 3 compared to the spigot 4 is shown as maximum. In the illustration shown meets the coupling ball during the pivoting process of the rest position R. 1 on the obstacle H. The in the 3 Not shown means for operating the electric drive determined during the pivoting operation at intervals (10 ms) continuously the Geschwindigkeitsgradientwert the electric drive. Upon encountering an obstacle as shown here, the speed gradient value of the electric drive stored in the comparison unit V would be reached and the device S would interrupt and reverse the electric drive to the trailer hitch 16 or the ball bar 12 move back to the initial position or here rest position R.

In the 3 is also a swivel range 11 shown. It can be seen that the combined rotational-tilting movement requires less installation space than the case of simple pivoting about an axis according to the prior art ( 1 ) is possible.

In the 4 is the ball pivot module 14 with one on the housing 3 bolted towbar 16 shown. The ball pivot module is with its pin 4 on a connector 12 firmly locked. The ball joint 14 is shown partially cut in its perspective view. The pin 4 has a through hole in which a locking pin 23 is mounted linearly displaceable. The locking pin 23 can over the pin 4 be shifted linearly. The drive is via a gear 30 done that on the pin 4 is rotatably mounted. About the electric drive 28 the gear is rotated and moves via a threaded connection the spindle 31 , In the embodiment shown, the electric drive 28 in the connector 12 realized. 4 represents the trailer hitch 16 or the ball pivot module 14 in the operating position B. It can also be seen here that the longitudinal axis of the housing 3 and the longitudinal axis of the pin 4 in this position on a line or on the first pivot axis 9 lie. The embodiment shown here also has a sealing bellows 13 on, which covers the entire housing and thus provides an advantageous corrosion protection of the housing. Any coating of the housing against corrosion can be omitted.

A mechanical stop 21 of the housing 3 lies on a stop element 21a of the connector 12 at. In the in 4 As shown embodiment, the ball pivot module can not continue to pivot. The achievement of the operating position B is thus given by this mechanical limitation. When the electric drive the housing 3 and thus the trailer hitch 16 has pivoted to this position, the mechanical stop is detected by the means for operating the electric drive, since upon reaching the mechanical stop the Geschwindigkeitsgradientwert the electric drive reaches the value stored in the comparison unit V. The device S would be the electric drive 28 switch in this position (operating position B) and / or initiate the next step, which in the embodiment shown, the drive of the gear 30 for moving the locking bolt 23 over the spindle 31 in the locking position is the same.

In 5 is in a sectional view of the cones 4 without a ball 4a but shown with more elements. It is the locking mechanism 4b shown next to it already 4 locking pin 23 a spindle 31 and a gear 30 having. Is, as previously said, the locking pin by means of the electric drive in a lower position towards the housing 3 driven, so the slope hits 24 on a locking element 25 whereby the locking element 25 in relation to the longitudinal axis 32 is moved radially away from this. The locking body 25 acts with not shown locking pockets in the housing 3 form-fitting together, so that in the locked position the housing 3 the trailer hitch 16 rotationally stable and backlash against the pin 4 and is thus fixed on the said connection components with the body in a fixed and load-bearing position for the trailer.

5 further shows an end position sensor 20 in the form of a button, with the recess 33 at the spindle 31 interacts. The schematic diagram shows that during a relative movement of the spindle 31 opposite the pin 4 the end position sensor 20 can be actuated when the spindle is moved to its end positions. About such a limit sensor secure query the locking or unlocking is detected. The possibility of sensory detection of the position of the lock can equally well between pins 4 and housing 3 be used. It can thus be done by the Geschwindigkeitsgradientwertermittlung a detection of the end positions of the pivotal movement and additionally the detection of secure locking or unlocking within the ball pivot module.

Alternatively or additionally, the respective pivot position can be interrogated by means of the sensor system. If in the ball pivot module such additional sensory query is desired, can on the mechanical stop 21 or the stop element 21a as in 4 represented, be waived.

In 6 a diagram is shown in which the angular velocity v in meters per second (m / s) is plotted over time t in seconds. On the time axis t a swivel SV _{H is} shown. Above the time axis t is a characteristic of the velocity gradient K _{mot is} shown, this characteristic is shown from the one end position to hitting an obstacle. It can be seen that at the beginning of the pivoting process, the speed initially increases and then does not change over a certain period of time (plateau) and decreases sharply when hitting the obstacle (marked H). By way of example, a speed gradient value determination VG is shown at time t _e , wherein the longest side of the illustrated triangle has a tangential contact with the characteristic curve. The exemplary determination of a velocity gradient value at time t _{e is} shown. Through the triangle, the values dv to dt show the velocity gradient value determination over the slope. In the diagram, a torque threshold SW is also shown, it being understood that at each time t, this threshold is much higher than the characteristic K _mot .

At time t _{H there} is an obstacle for the case shown. The electric drive or motor needs in this point the largest current and can the housing 3 opposite the pin 4 do not move on. With regard to the obstacle detection in the swivel range between the end positions is from the diagram according to 6 It can be seen that the speed decreases sharply. The plateau area of the speed is much higher in this area. By means of the speed gradient value determination, there is suddenly a negative acceleration when hitting an obstacle. In response, the electric drive is switched off or switched over according to the actual situation.

It is understood that the abovementioned features of the invention can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the invention. It is also within the scope of the invention to effect a mechanical reversal of the functions of the individual mechanical elements of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

tow

2

Ball bar, ball neck

3

second part, housing

4

first part, spigot, ball stud

4a

Bullet

4b

locking mechanism

5

screw

7

crossbeam

8th

longitudinal beams

9

first pivot axis, longitudinal axis

10

second pivot axis, longitudinal axis

11

swivel range

12

Interconnects

13

bellows

14

Ball swivel module

15

drive shaft

16

trailer hitch

16a

Trailer hitch carrier

17

casing

18

supply

19

Push button, switch

20

limit sensor

21

mechanical stop

21a

stop element

22

single pivot axis (prior art)

23

locking pin

24

slope

25

locking element

26

road surface

28

electric drive

29

lock ring

30

gear

31

spindle

32

longitudinal axis

33

recess

B

operating position

R

rest position

S

Device for operating d. electric drive

F

Front, direction of travel

H

obstacle

T

temperature sensor

V

Evaluation, comparison unit

_Mot

Characteristic motor current

VG

Geschwindigkeitsgradientwert

SW

torque threshold

SV _H

pivoting process

β

Angle beta

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 1535765 B1 [0002, 0004]

Claims (15)

Ball swivel module for a trailer hitch, in particular for motor vehicles, with a first part ( 4 ) and one compared to the first part ( 4 ) between a first end position and a second end position movable second part ( 3 ), wherein the movement of the second part ( 3 ) and / or a locking and / or unlocking of the second part ( 3 ) compared to the first part ( 4 ) by at least one electric drive ( 28 ) is effected, characterized in that a device (S) for operating the electric drive in consideration of a speed gradient (VG) is provided. A ball pivot module for a trailer hitch according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (S) determines the speed gradient (VG) at intervals, in particular during the operation of the electric drive ( 28 ), and the device (S) has a comparison unit (V) for comparing the speed gradient (VG) determined by the device (S) with a velocity gradient characteristic stored in the comparison unit (V). Ball swivel module for a trailer coupling according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the device (S) the electric drive ( 28 ) interrupts, shuts off and / or the direction of the electric drive ( 28 ) reverses when the locking and / or unlocking or at least one of the end positions (R, B) is reached and / or an obstacle (H) in the range of motion ( 11 ) between the end positions (R, B) is reached. Ball pivot module according to claim 1 to 3, characterized in that the first part of a pin ( 4 ) and the second part of a housing ( 3 ) is formed. Ball swivel module according to claim 1 to 4, characterized in that the second part ( 3 ) compared to the first part ( 4 ) around at least one axis ( 9 ) is pivotable. Ball swivel module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in at least one end position (R, B) an end position sensor ( 20 ) is provided. Ball pivoting module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one electric drive ( 28 ) and / or the device (S) is associated with a temperature sensor (T). Ball swivel module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (S) a present in the vehicle temperature signal (T), in particular via a vehicle information system or vehicle bus system, can be fed. Ball pivoting module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one electric drive ( 28 ) is associated with a transmission, preferably a planetary gear. Trailer coupling with a ball pivot module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pin ( 4 ) or the housing ( 3 ) is fixed relative to the body, in particular by means of a trailer hitch carrier. Trailer coupling with a ball pivot module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second part ( 3 ), designed as a journal ( 4 ) or housing ( 3 ), a ball bar ( 2 ) assigned. Method for operating a ball swivel module according to one of claims 1 to 9 for a trailer coupling according to one of claims 10 to 11, in particular for a motor vehicle, characterized in that the second part ( 3 ) compared to the first part ( 4 ) of the ball pivot module ( 14 ) is moved electrically driven from a respective first end position to a second end position, wherein the second part ( 4 ) compared to the first part ( 3 ) immediately before leaving the respective end position (R, B) unlocked electrically driven and / or immediately after reaching the respective end position (R, B) is electrically driven locked, reaching the end positions (R, B) and / or an obstacle ( H) in the swivel range ( 11 ) between the end positions (R, B) and / or the locking and / or unlocking due to a speed gradient (VG) of the electric drive ( 28 ) is determined. Method for operating a ball pivot module for a trailer coupling according to claim 12, characterized in that a ball pivoting module ( 14 ) associated device (S) for operating the electric drive ( 28 ) is determined during the panning operation the speed gradient (VG) and compared with a speed gradient characteristic of the electric drive, which is stored in the device (S) in a comparison unit (V) and / or storable. Method for operating a ball pivot module for a trailer hitch according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that interrupted on reaching a release / Verrieglungsposition and / or an end position (R, B) or an obstacle (H) in the pivoting range of the pivoting operation, in particular the electric drive ( 28 ), in particular by the device (S), is switched off and / or in the case of an obstacle (H), the pivoting process is continued with direction reversal, in particular until reaching the Ausgangsendlage. Method for operating a ball pivot module for a trailer coupling according to claim 14, characterized in that the device (S) before and / or during the pivoting and / or locking operation evaluates a temperature signal (T), the means (S) for operating the electric Drive is supplied.

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