Rear loading rack

Abstract

There is provided a rear carrier (1) having: a base body (2) defining a longitudinal direction (L) and a transverse direction (T); connecting means (9) for attachment to a vehicle-side trailer coupling; two holding elements (5) provided at a rear end region of the base body (2) and arranged on opposite transverse sides thereof; two rear light units (16), one of the rear light units being held at one of the holding elements (5), and each rear light unit being pivotable about a pivot axis (X1, X2) between a use position and a transport position, in the use position, the rear light unit (16) is folded out and projects from the base body (2) in the transverse direction (T), and in the transport position, the rear light unit (16) is folded in behind the base body (2). The pivot axes (X1, X2) of the rear light units (16) extend upright with respect to a plane defined by the longitudinal direction (L) and the transverse direction (T), in particular extend perpendicular to the plane defined by the longitudinal direction (L) and the transverse direction (T).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rear carrier for mounting on a vehicle, having: a base body that defines a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction between its front side and its rear side; connecting means for attachment to a vehicle-side trailer coupling provided at the front side of the base body; two holding elements that are provided on the rear end region of the base body and are arranged on its laterally opposite sides; and two rear light units, each of which is held at one of the holding elements and each of which can pivot about a pivot axis between a use position and a transport position, in which use position the rear light unit is folded out and projects from the base body in the transverse direction, and in which transport position the rear light unit is folded behind the base body. Background Art

[0002] Carriers are generally used to transport bicycles and / or additional luggage that exceeds the trunk volume of a car, and the carriers are for fastening to the rear end of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle such as a car. Generally, this type of carrier includes connecting means at its front end region, which are typically designed such that the carrier can be fastened to the trailer ball of a conventional trailer coupling. In addition, these carriers for transporting bicycles include a base body to which profile rails for receiving bicycle wheels are fastened. These profile rails are generally arranged transversely to the driving direction and substantially horizontally, and include fastening means for fixing the bicycle to the profile rails. There are other carriers that are used as luggage carriers, in which the base body carries a trunk in which luggage such as suitcases can be stored.

[0003] When not in use and disconnected from the trailer coupling, these carriers must be stored in a space-saving manner. For this purpose, the components of the carrier that project from the base body can generally be moved between a use position and a transport position. For example, the profile rails for receiving bicycle wheels can be moved from a use position, in which the profile rails project laterally from the base body, to a transport position, in which the profile rails are located inside the internal space defined by the base body and do not project laterally from the base body. Other components that can generally be moved between a use position and a transport position are, for example, rear light units, which are necessary to indicate the rear end of the rear carrier under poor lighting conditions.

[0004] A rear carrier of the above type is known from DE 10 2015 208 797 A1. The rear carrier includes a base body which has connecting means at its front end in the longitudinal direction for attachment to a vehicle-side trailer coupling. The rear carrier is designed as a bicycle carrier and includes two pairs of profile rails. These profile rails are arranged on laterally opposite sides of the base body, where the profile rails are in positions offset from one another in the longitudinal direction. Each pair of profile rails can pivot between a use position and a transport position about a respective pivot axis extending in the longitudinal direction, in which use position the profile rails project laterally from the base body, and in which transport position the profile rails are located in the interior space of the base body. A rear light unit is fixed at the rear-side profile rail, which means that the rear light unit also pivots between a use position and a transport position about a pivot axis extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0005] Although these carriers have in principle proven their worth, the kinematics are sometimes considered disadvantageous as being relatively complex. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative carrier, in particular a carrier with simple kinematics, which avoids the disadvantages of the previously known carriers and allows simple and safe operation.

[0007] This object is solved by a carrier of the above type, since the pivot axes of the rear light unit extend upright with respect to the plane defined by the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction, in particular perpendicular to this plane.

[0008] The present invention is based on the consideration that the pivot axes of the rear light units are arranged such that they extend in at least a substantially vertical direction. In this way, the rear light units remain at the same level when they pivot between the transport position and the use position. Thus, the operator does not have to overcome the force of gravity acting on the rear light units. Preferably, the pivot axes extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the transverse direction of the rear carrier.

[0009] Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide a long free section of an exposed power supply device (such as a cable) to supply power to the rear light units. In other words, long exposed cable sections can be avoided, since the cables remain substantially completely in the same position and do not need to be extended.

[0010] Preferably, support means are provided for pivotally supporting the rear light units. The support of the rear light units at the holding elements can be formed as a sliding support. Such a sliding support allows a simple design with only a few components, which ensures a small frictional resistance when the rear light units are pivoted.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the invention, the retaining element has a C-shaped basic shape, wherein the respective rear light unit is pivotally arranged between the C-shaped legs. Due to this C-shaped design of the retaining element, the rear light unit can be grasped from both sides (in particular from the upper and lower sides), so as to allow easy and secure support and stable fixation at the retaining element. Preferably, the connecting webs of the retaining element face each other. Thus, the C-shaped retaining element opens laterally in opposite directions. Preferably, the C-shaped legs point obliquely backward and laterally outward.

[0012] Specifically, the support device may include hinge pins engaged in corresponding support holes. Basically, these hinge pins may be provided at the rear light unit and extend into the corresponding support holes of the retaining element (especially in their C-shaped legs). In principle, it is also conceivable that the hinge pins are provided and fixed to the retaining element (especially their C-shaped legs) and extend into the rear light unit.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the hinge pins are designed as screws. In this way, simple manufacture and assembly of the rear carrier are possible.

[0014] Each rear light unit may have a basic body, especially a one-piece basic body. The basic body forming the outer contour of the rear light unit allows a robust design and protects the internal electrical components from mechanical influences, water, and dust. With a one-piece basic body, a leak-proof design is ensured, and the risk of unintentional intrusion is minimized.

[0015] The basic body of each rear light unit may carry two protrusions that project between the C-shaped legs of the retaining element. Such protrusions allow for an effective design of the weight of the rear light unit and create a free space between these protrusions that facilitates the assembly of the rear carrier.

[0016] In a further refinement of this embodiment, the support device includes two hinge pins that are coaxially oriented with each other, and each hinge pin is arranged at one of the protrusions and engages in the corresponding support hole of the C-shaped leg of the retaining element. In other words, each rear light unit may have two support regions, namely an upper support region and a lower support region. In the upper support region, the hinge pin projects upward from such a protrusion and engages in the support hole of the upper C-shaped leg of the corresponding retaining element. In the lower support region, the hinge pin projects from the bottom protrusion and engages downward in the corresponding support hole in the lower C-shaped leg of the retaining element. In this way, two-point support is achieved, and due to the free space between the protrusions, simple accessibility and ease of assembly are achieved.

[0017] Preferably, the use position and the transport position of the rear light unit are offset from each other by a pivot angle of at least 160°, especially at least 170°, preferably at least 180°.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, this object is solved by the rear carrier mentioned at the beginning, wherein a locking mechanism is assigned to each rear light unit, which is designed to lock the rear light unit in its transport position and in its use position. By locking the rear light unit in its transport position and in its use position, the rear light unit is safely positioned and operating errors can be avoided.

[0019] Preferably, the locking mechanism includes an engagement element which is displaceable along the pivot axis of the respective rear light unit between a release position and a locking position, in which release position the rear light unit can pivot freely and in which locking position the rear light unit is locked relative to the base body. This embodiment is based on the consideration of providing an engagement element which locks the rear light unit relative to the base body, in particular relative to the corresponding holding element, in one position and releases the rear light unit in a second position such that the rear light unit can be pivoted freely by the operator.

[0020] In a further refinement of this embodiment, the engagement element is rotationally fixed to the respective rear light unit. Thus, the engagement element cannot rotate relative to the rear light unit. To achieve a rotationally fixed connection of the engagement element to the respective rear light unit, at least one guide recess, in particular a plurality of guide recesses, can be formed in the engagement element. These guide recesses can extend from one end surface of the engagement element, in particular from the bottom end surface of the engagement element, into the engagement element, which means that the guide recesses are open towards one end face of the engagement element. In particular, the engagement element can include a total of three guide recesses which are evenly distributed over the circumference of the inner surface of the engagement element, in particular distributed towards a central opening. These guide recesses preferably engage with corresponding guide protrusions formed in the rear light unit.

[0021] The engagement element can be arranged in a recess of the respective rear light unit which is open towards the corresponding holding element. Thus, the engagement element is provided in the rear light unit. Preferably, the holding element has a C-shaped basic shape including outwardly directed C-shaped legs, and the recess is open towards the upper C-shaped leg of the holding element. By arranging the engagement element in a recess open towards the upper C-shaped leg, the locking mechanism is preferably arranged in the upwardly open area of the rear carrier and is thus easily accessible to the operator from above.

[0022] Furthermore, guide grooves which are open towards the corresponding holding element and extend in an annular manner around the pivot axis can be formed in the recess, and corresponding guide protrusions of the engagement element engage in these guide grooves. The annular protrusions engaging in the corresponding guide grooves represent a simple and effective way to guide the engagement element into the respective rear light unit and to minimize the risk of tilting.

[0023] In the end face pointing to the corresponding retaining element, the engaging element may have an engaging profile that is or can engage with a corresponding counter-profile shape on the retaining element in its locked position. Thus, a form-fit connection can be used between the profile formed at the engaging element and the corresponding counter-profile formed in the corresponding retaining element, in particular the C-shaped leg, preferably in the upper C-shaped leg of the retaining element, to lock the rear light unit in its transport position and in its use position.

[0024] Specifically, the engaging profile may include two engaging grooves that extend linearly and radially with respect to the pivot axis and are, in particular, opposed to each other with respect to the pivot axis. The engaging grooves may have a rectangular cross-section and may have a groove depth that increases radially outward from the pivot axis, in particular a linearly increasing groove depth. The corresponding counter-profile formed on the retaining element preferably has a shape complementary to the engaging profile. Such engaging grooves are easy to manufacture and allow for a secure and reliable engagement with the corresponding counter-profile and thus locking with the corresponding counter-profile. With the linearly increasing groove depth, the engaging element is also centered with respect to the retaining element when the corresponding counter-profile with a protrusion of increased height is formed at the retaining element. The grooves that extend linearly and radially with respect to the pivot axis and are opposed to each other ensure a 180° offset of the rear light unit between the use position and the transport position.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the engaging element is pre-tensioned in the direction of its locked position. Thus, when the rear light unit is to be pivoted, the operator must intentionally disengage the engaging element from its locked position.

[0026] To achieve the pre-tensioning of the engaging element, a spring element, in particular a helical compression spring, can be arranged in the guide groove of the rear light unit, where the spring element is supported on the base of the guide groove and the guide protrusion of the engaging element. In this way, the spring element that pre-tensions the engaging element in the direction of its locked position is completely surrounded by the engaging element and the rear light unit and is thus protected from the intrusion of dust and other contaminants.

[0027] The engaging element may have a central through-opening through which a hinge pin passes. In other words, the corresponding hinge pin necessary for supporting the rear light unit at the retaining element can pass through the engaging element and thus also guide the engaging element.

[0028] The locking mechanism may further include an actuating element which is movable and interacts with the engaging element in such a way that the actuating element is capable of moving between a stop position and an actuating position, in which stop position the engaging element can be moved into its locking position and in which actuating position the engaging element is in its release position. Such an actuating element allows the operator to intentionally disengage the engaging element from its locking position, thereby releasing the rear lamp unit.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuating element is movably arranged at a corresponding holding element. Preferably, the holding element may have a C-shaped basic shape including outwardly directed C-shaped legs, and the actuating element is arranged at the upper C-shaped leg of the holding element. In this way, the operator can access the actuating element from the outside, in particular from above, thus allowing easy operation.

[0030] Specifically, the actuating element may be designed as a button. Thus, the operator only has to press (in particular from above) on the actuating element in order to move the engaging element into its release position, thereby releasing the rear lamp units and allowing them to pivot.

[0031] The actuating element may be connected to the hinge pin in an axially fixed manner. In this way, the hinge pin moves together with the actuating element. The axially fixed connection can be achieved, for example, by screwing the actuating element onto a thread provided at the hinge pin and / or by a force-fit or form-fit press connection.

[0032] In a manner which is generally known per se, the actuating element may have an annular bearing groove which is formed concentrically with respect to the pivot axis, wherein the bearing groove opens towards the rear lamp unit and a corresponding bearing projection of the holding element engages into the bearing groove. Such an annular bearing groove, and in particular the annular bearing projection, are easy to manufacture and ensure that the actuating element cannot tilt relative to the holding element.

[0033] In order to achieve the interaction between the actuating element and the engaging element, the actuating element may include a contact surface facing the rear lamp unit, which contact surface is flatly seated on the engaging element or may form contact with the engaging element. This design is based on the consideration that the actuating element, which can in particular be designed as a button, is pressed against the pre-tension of the engaging element in order to disengage the engaging element from its locking position. When the operator stops pressing on the actuating element, the engaging element freely moves back into its locking position as soon as the rear lamp unit is positioned in such a way that the engagement profile (in its transport or in its use position) engages with a corresponding counter-profile preferably formed at the holding element.

[0034] In a further refinement of the rear carrier according to the invention, the base body can include a transverse load-bearing element that connects the two retaining elements to each other. In other words, a transverse load-bearing element is provided between the two retaining elements. In this way, a stable design of the base body is achieved because the base body is completely closed at the rear side.

[0035] The transverse load-bearing element can carry the license plate holder. In this way, when the rear light units are in their use positions, the license plate holder is arranged transversely between the retaining elements and the rear light units.

[0036] Preferably, the rear light units are arranged behind the license plate holder in their transport position, wherein the rear light units do not particularly overlap each other. In this way, space-saving storage of the rear carrier can be achieved.

[0037] To be able to manually transport the rear carrier, a handle can be arranged on the transverse load-bearing element. A footrest can be arranged on the transverse load-bearing element so that the rear carrier can be tilted relative to the vehicle-side trailer coupling.

[0038] The base body can be formed as a one-piece unit, or alternatively can consist of several segments that are connected to each other in a form-locking and / or force-locking manner, in particular can be fixed together by screws. At least some segments of the base body can be formed as a welded construction and can in particular include several profiles welded together. For example, the base body can have a rectangular basic shape that defines an internal space.

[0039] To supply electrical energy to the rear light units, the rear carrier can also include a power supply device. These power supply devices can include: a plug connector to be attached to a vehicle-side electrical socket; and a cable to connect to the plug connector and the rear light units. Since the rear light units are held at the base body, when the rear light units move between the transport position and the use position, no additional length of cable is required. Thus, the cable can be fixed to the base body in segments. This fixation ensures that no cable protrudes significantly from the base body, which reduces the risk of damage. The cable can extend freely in segments, especially in the segments adjacent to the rear light units.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the invention, the rear carrier can be formed as a bicycle carrier. The bicycle carrier includes at least one load-bearing part, in particular two or three load-bearing parts arranged offset from each other in the longitudinal direction to receive the wheels of a bicycle, wherein the at least one load-bearing part preferably extends at least substantially in the transverse direction. These load-bearing parts can be formed as profile rails having an upwardly open U-shaped basic structure to receive the wheels of a bicycle. Description of the Drawings

[0041] Regarding embodiments of the invention, reference is also made to the dependent claims and the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0042] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the rear carrier according to the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the rear carrier shown in , where the rear light units are not in their use positions;

[0044] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the rear carrier shown in , where the rear light units are in their transport positions;

[0045] Figure 4 is Figure 1 another perspective view of the rear carrier shown in ;

[0046] Figure 5 is Figure 1 a detailed perspective view of the rear light unit of the rear carrier shown in ;

[0047] Figure 6 is Figure 1 a top view of the rear light unit of the rear carrier shown in in its use position and in its transport position;

[0048] Figure 7 is a sectional view of the locking mechanism of the rear light unit with respect to Figure 1 the retaining element of the rear carrier shown in ;

[0049] Figure 8 is Figure 7 an exploded perspective view of the locking mechanism shown in ;

[0050] Figure 9 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the retaining element of the rear carrier shown in ; and

[0051] Figure 10 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the engaging element of the rear carrier shown in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Figures 1 to 4 shows a rear carrier of a bicycle carrier designed to be mounted on a vehicle according to the present invention.

[0053] The rear carrier 1 has a base body 2, which includes a U-shaped front section 3 that is open towards the rear side. The front section 3 is designed as a welded structure of several profiles. The central section 3a of the front section extends in the transverse direction T, while the U-shaped legs 3b, 3c extend rearward in the longitudinal direction L.

[0054] Each U-shaped leg of the front section 3 carries a support element 4 that extends rearward. At the rear end of each support element 4, a retaining element 5 is provided, and the retaining elements 5 arranged on opposite lateral sides of each other are connected by a lateral load-bearing element 6. The lateral load-bearing element 6 carries a license plate holder 7 and a footrest 8 so that when the rear carrier 1 is mounted to a vehicle-side trailer hitch, it can be tilted relative to the vehicle-side trailer hitch.

[0055] At its front side, the base body 2 carries a connecting device 9 for attachment to a vehicle-side trailer hitch (not shown). Specifically, the connecting device 9 is formed such that it can engage in a force-fitting manner around the trailer ball of the vehicle's trailer hitch. The connecting device 9 includes: a lever 10 for manual operation; and a housing 11 that includes a coupling mechanism. The housing 11 is welded to the central leg of the front section 3 of the base body 2.

[0056] To receive a bicycle, the rear carrier 1 includes two load-bearing parts 12a, 12b, which are designed as profile rails and extend substantially in the lateral direction. They are arranged offset from each other in the longitudinal direction L and are screwed to the base body. The load-bearing parts 12a, 12b include sliding profiles 13 that can move relative to the base body between a lateral internal storage position as shown in Figure 3 and an external operating position as shown in Figure 1 . At each load-bearing part 12a, 12b, a tensioning device in the form of a tensioning strap 14 is provided to tie the wheels of the bicycle to these load-bearing parts.

[0057] Furthermore, the rear carrier 1 includes a yoke 15 that is held at the base body 2 and can pivot about a pivot axis extending in the lateral direction between a horizontal position as shown in Figure 3 and a vertical position as shown in Figure 1 . By means of this yoke 15, the frame of the bicycle to be transported can be fixed via a belt frame holder (not shown).

[0058] The rear carrier 1 also includes two rear light units 16, each of which is held at a retaining element 5 of the base body 2. Specifically, each rear light unit 16 has a one-piece base body 17 that carries two protrusions 18 (upper protrusion 18a and lower protrusion 18b), which are vertically spaced apart from each other and protrude between the corresponding C-shaped legs 19 of the retaining element 5. Each retaining element 5 has an upper C-shaped leg 19a and a lower C-shaped leg 19b, and both of these C-shaped legs point obliquely rearward and laterally outward.

[0059] The rear light unit 16 can pivot between a use position and a transport position about corresponding pivot axes X1, X2, which currently extend vertically upright with respect to the plane defined by the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T. In the use position, for example as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 4 , the rear light unit 16 folds out and projects from the base body 2 in the transverse direction. In the transport position, as shown in FIG. 2, the rear light unit 16 is folded in behind the base body 2, specifically behind the license plate holder 7, but without overlapping each other. The use position and the transport position of the rear light unit 16 are offset by a pivot angle of 180° with respect to each other.

[0060] In order to pivot the rear light unit 16 without significant resistance, support means are provided. These support means include hinge pins 20a, 20b that are coaxially oriented with each other. At each rear light unit 16, one hinge pin 20a is provided at the upper projection 18a, which extends into the corresponding support hole 21a of the upper C-shaped leg 19a of the holding element 5, and one hinge pin 20b is provided in the lower projection 18b, which extends into the corresponding support hole 21b of the lower C-shaped leg 19b of the holding element 5. The hinge pins 20a, 20b are designed as screws, which means that corresponding nuts 22 are provided at each hinge pin 20a, 20b in order to prevent accidental loosening of the hinge pins.

[0061] As shown in more detail in Figures 5 to 10 , a locking mechanism is assigned to each rear light unit 16 and is designed in such a way that the rear light unit 16 can be locked in its transport position as well as in its use position. Specifically, the locking mechanism is arranged at the upper projection 18a of the rear light unit 16 and at the upper C-shaped leg 19a of the holding element 5.

[0062] The locking mechanism includes an engagement element 23 that can be displaced along the pivot axis X1 between a lower release position and an upper release position. In the locked position, the rear light unit 16 is locked relative to the base body 2, while the rear light unit 16 can pivot freely when the engagement element 23 is in its release position.

[0063] The engagement element 23 is arranged in a recess 24 formed in the upper projection 18a of the rear light unit 16. The recess 24 opens towards the corresponding upper C-shaped leg 19a of the holding element 5. A guiding groove 25 that opens towards the upper C-shaped leg 19a is formed in the recess 24. A corresponding annular guiding projection 26 of the engagement element 23 engages into the guiding groove 25.

[0064] The joining element 23 is rotationally fixed to the respective rear light unit 16. For this purpose, each joining element 23 has three guide recesses 27 which open towards the bottom end face of the joining element 23 and are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction. Corresponding guide projections 28 are formed in the recesses 24 of the rear light unit 16. These guide projections engage into the guide recesses in order to guide the joining element 23 relative to the rear light unit 16 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0065] As Figure 10 shown, the joining element 23 has a joining profile at its upper end face which can engage with a corresponding counter-profile formed at the lower surface of the upper C-shaped leg 19a of the holding element 5. Specifically, the joining profile includes two joining grooves 29 which extend radially in a straight line with respect to the corresponding pivot axis X1 and are opposed to each other with respect to the pivot axis X1. The joining grooves 29 have a rectangular cross-section and have a linearly increasing groove depth radially outwards from the pivot axis X1. These grooves open towards the radially outer surface of the joining element 23.

[0066] Two corresponding joining projections 30 are formed in the upper C-shaped leg 19a of the holding element 5, the shape of which is complementary to the joining profile, i.e. complementary to the joining grooves 29 of the joining element 23.

[0067] The joining element 23 is pre-tensioned in the direction of its locking position. For this purpose, a helical compression spring 31 is arranged in the guide groove 25 and is supported on the base of the guide groove 25 and on the guide projection 26 of the joining element 23. The joining element 23 also has a central through-opening 32 which is penetrated by a corresponding hinge pin 20a.

[0068] The locking mechanism also includes an actuating element which is formed as a button 33. The button is movably arranged at the upper C-shaped leg 19a of the holding element 5 and interacts with the joining element 23 in such a way that the button can be moved between a stop position and an actuating position. In the stop position of the button 32, the joining element 23 can be moved into its locking position. In the actuating position of the button 32, the joining element 23 is in its release position.

[0069] In order to prevent the button 33 from tilting, the button has an annular support groove 34 which is formed concentrically with the pivot axis X1. The support groove 34 opens towards the bottom and a corresponding annular support projection 35 formed in the upper C-shaped leg 19a of the holding element 5 engages into the support groove 34.

[0070] To achieve the interaction between the button 33 and the engaging element 23, the button 33 has a lower contact surface 36 facing the rear light unit 16, where the contact surface 36 is flatly placed on the engaging element 23 or can form contact with the engaging element 23.

[0071] The rear carrier 1 further includes a power supply device for supplying electrical energy to the rear light unit 16. The power supply device includes: a plug connector 37 for attaching to a vehicle-side electrical socket; and a cable 38 for connecting the plug connector and the rear light unit 16. As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the cable 38 is fixedly attached to the base 2 in sections. In the part adjacent to the rear light unit 16, the cable 38 extends freely.

[0072] When the rear light unit 16 should be moved from its use position as shown in Figure 1 to its transport position as shown in Figure 3 firstly, the operator must press the button 33 downwards. In this way, since the contact surface 36 of the button 33 contacts the engaging element 23, the engaging element 23 disengages from its locked position and enters its released position. Therefore, the engaging groove 29 formed in the upper end face of the engaging element 23 disengages from the corresponding engaging protrusion 30 formed in the upper C-shaped leg 19a of the holding element 5.

[0073] Consequently, the rear light unit 16 can be freely pivoted out of its use position about the pivot axis X1. Since during this pivoting movement, the engaging groove 29 of the engaging element 23 does not align with the corresponding engaging protrusion 30 formed in the upper C-shaped leg 19a of the holding element 5, the engaging element 23 cannot move vertically upwards to its locked position even if the button 33 is no longer pressed downwards by the operator, and thus the button 33 moves to its stop position.

[0074] When the rear light unit 16 reaches its transport position, the engaging groove 29 of the engaging element 23 aligns with the corresponding engaging protrusion 30 formed at the upper C-shaped leg 19a of the holding element 5. Due to the pre-tension of the engaging element 23 towards its locked position caused by the helical compression spring 31, the engaging element 23 moves upwards, so that the engaging groove 29 forms an engagement with the engaging protrusion 30. In this way, the rear light unit 16 is safely locked in its transport position.

[0075] List of Reference Numerals

[0076] 1 Rear carrier

[0077] 2 Base

[0078] 3 Front section

[0079] 3a Central section

[0080] 3b, 3c U-shaped legs

[0081] 4 Support element

[0082] 5 Retaining element

[0083] 6 Lateral load-bearing element

[0084] 7 License plate holder

[0085] 8 Footrest

[0086] 9 Connecting device

[0087] 10 Lever

[0088] 11 Housing

[0089] 12a, 12b Load-bearing part

[0090] 13 Sliding profile

[0091] 14 Tensioning belt

[0092] 15 Yoke

[0093] 16 Rear light unit

[0094] 17 Base body

[0095] 18a Upper protrusion

[0096] 18b Lower protrusion

[0097] 19a Upper C-shaped leg

[0098] 19b Lower C-shaped leg

[0099] 20a, 20b Hinge pins

[0100] 21a, 21b Support holes

[0101] 22 Nut

[0102] 23 Engaging element

[0103] 24 Recess

[0104] 25 Guide groove

[0105] 26 Guide protrusion

[0106] 27 Guide recess

[0107] 28 Guide projection

[0108] 29 Engaging groove

[0109] 30 Engaging protrusion

[0110] 31 Helical compression spring

[0111] 32 Central through-opening

[0112] 33 Button

[0113] 34 Support groove

[0114] 35 Support projection

[0115] 36 Contact surface

[0116] 37 Plug connector

[0117] 38 Cable

[0118] X1, X2 Pivot axes

[0119] L Longitudinal direction

[0120] T Transverse direction.

Claims

1. A rear carrier (1) for mounting to a vehicle, having: a base body (2) which defines a longitudinal direction (L) and a transverse direction (T) between its front side and its rear side; connecting means (9) for attachment to a vehicle-side trailer coupling provided at the front side of the base body (2); two holding elements (5) which are provided on the rear end region of the base body (2) and are arranged on opposite transverse sides thereof; two rear lamp units (16), one of the two rear lamp units (16) being held at one of the holding elements (5), and each of the two rear lamp units (16) being pivotable about pivot axes (X1, X2) between a use position and a transport position, in the use position, the rear lamp unit (16) is folded out and projects from the base body (2) in the transverse direction (T), and in the transport position, the rear lamp unit (16) is folded in behind the base body (2); Among them, the pivot axes (X1, X2) of the rear lamp units (16) extend upright relative to the plane defined by the longitudinal direction (L) and the transverse direction (T), wherein a locking mechanism is assigned to each rear lamp unit (16), and the locking mechanism is designed to lock the rear lamp unit (16) in its transport position and its use position; wherein the locking mechanism includes an engagement element (23) which is displaceable along the pivot axis (X1, X2) of the respective rear lamp unit (16) between a release position and a locking position, in the release position, the rear lamp unit (16) can pivot freely, and in the locking position, the rear lamp unit (16) is locked relative to the base body; 2. The afterloading rack (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, support means are provided for pivotally supporting the rear lamp unit (16); 3. The rear carrier (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, the support of the rear lamp unit (16) at the holding element (5) is formed as a sliding support; 4. The afterloading rack (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, the holding element (5) has a C-shaped basic shape, the respective rear lamp unit (16) being pivotally arranged between the C-shaped legs (19a, 19b), and the connecting webs of the holding element (5) facing each other; 5. The rear carrier (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, the C-shaped legs (19a, 19b) point obliquely rearwardly and laterally outwardly; 6. The afterloading rack (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, the support means includes hinge pins (20, 20b) which engage in corresponding support holes (21a, 21b); 7. The rear carrier (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, the hinge pins (20, 20b) are designed as screws; 8. The rear carrier (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, each of the rear lamp units (16) has a basic body (17); 9. The afterloading rack (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, the basic body of each of the rear lamp units (16) carries two projections (18a, 18b) which project between the C-shaped legs (19a, 19b) of the holding element (5).

10. The rear carrier (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The support device includes two hinge pins (20, 20b), the two hinge pins (20, 20b) being oriented coaxially with each other, one hinge pin being arranged at one of the protrusions (18a, 18b), and the two hinge pins (20, 20b) engaging in corresponding support holes (21a, 21b) in the C-shaped legs (19a, 19b) of the holding element (5).

11. The afterloading rack (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The use position and the transport position of the rear light unit (16) are offset relative to each other by a pivot angle of at least 160°.

12. The afterloading rack (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The engaging element (23) is rotatably fixed to the corresponding rear light unit (16).

13. The afterloading rack (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The engaging element (23) is arranged in a recess (24) of the rear light unit (16), the recess (24) opening towards the corresponding holding element (5).

14. The rear carrier (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The holding element (5) has a C-shaped basic shape including outwardly directed C-shaped legs (19a, 19b), and the recess (24) opens towards the upper C-shaped leg (19a) of the holding element (5).

15. The rear carrier (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The guide groove (25) opens towards the corresponding holding element (5) and extends in an annular manner around the pivot axis (X1, X2), the guide groove (25) being formed in the recess (24), wherein the corresponding guide protrusion (26) of the engaging element (23) engages in the guide groove (25).

16. The after-loading rack (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The engaging element (23) has an engaging profile in the end face facing the corresponding holding element (5), the engaging profile forming or being able to form a form fit with a corresponding counter-profile on the holding element (5) in its locked position.

17. The afterloading rack (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that, The engaging profile includes two engaging grooves (29), the two engaging grooves extending linearly and radially with respect to the pivot axis (X1, X2).

18. The afterloading rack (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The engaging groove (29) has a rectangular cross-section and has a groove depth that increases outwards radially from the pivot axis (X1, X2).

19. The afterloading rack (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that, The corresponding counter-profile formed on the holding element (5) has a shape complementary to the engaging profile.

20. The afterloading rack (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The engaging element (23) is pre-tensioned in the direction of its locked position.

21. The rear carrier (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that, A spring element is arranged in the guide groove (25) of the rear light unit (16), the spring element being supported on the base of the guide groove (25) and the guide protrusion (26) of the engaging element (23).

22. The afterloading rack (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The engaging element (23) has a central through-opening (32) through which the hinge pins (20, 20b) pass.

23. The afterloading rack (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The locking mechanism further includes an actuating element that is movable and interacts with the engaging element (23) such that the actuating element can move between a stop position and an actuating position, in the stop position, the engaging element (23) can move into its locked position, and in the actuating position, the engaging element (23) is in its released position.

24. The rear carrier (1) according to claim 23, characterized in that, The actuating element is movably arranged at the corresponding holding element (5).

25. The rear carrier (1) according to claim 24, characterized in that, The holding element (5) has a C-shaped basic shape including outwardly directed C-shaped legs (19a, 19b), and the actuating element is arranged on the upper C-shaped leg (19a) of the holding element (5).

26. The rear carrier (1) according to claim 23, characterized in that, The actuating element is designed as a button (33).

27. The rear carrier (1) according to claim 23, characterized in that, The actuating element is connected to the hinge pin (20a) in an axially fixed manner.

28. The afterloading rack (1) according to claim 23, characterized in that, The actuating element has an annular support groove (34) which is formed concentrically with the pivot axis (X1, X2), the support groove (34) opens towards the rear light unit (16), and the corresponding support projection (35) of the holding element (5) engages in the support groove (34).

29. The afterloading rack (1) according to claim 23, characterized in that, The actuating element includes a contact surface (36) facing the rear light unit (16), and the contact surface (36) is flatly placed on or can form contact with the engaging element (23).

30. The afterloading rack (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The base body (2) includes a transverse load-bearing element (6) which connects the two holding elements (5) to each other.

31. The rear carrier (1) according to claim 30, characterized in that, The transverse load-bearing element (6) bears a license plate holder (7).

32. The after-carrier (1) according to claim 31, characterized in that, The rear light unit (16) is arranged behind the license plate holder (7) in its transport position.

33. The after-loading rack (1) according to claim 30, characterized in that, A handle is arranged on the transverse load-bearing element (6) so that the rear carrier can be manually transported, and / or A footrest (8) is arranged on the transverse load-bearing element so that the rear carrier can be tilted relative to the vehicle-side trailer coupling.

34. The afterloading rack (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The base body (2) is formed as a one-piece.

35. The after-carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The base body (2) consists of several segments which are connected to each other in a form-locking and / or force-locking manner.

36. The afterloading rack (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least some segments of the base body (2) are formed as a welded structure.

37. The after-loading rack (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The rear carrier further includes a power supply device for supplying power to the rear light unit (16).

38. The afterloading rack (1) according to claim 37, characterized in that, The power supply device includes a plug connector (37) for attachment to a vehicle-side socket.

39. The afterloading rack (1) according to claim 38, characterized in that, The power supply device includes a cable (38) which extends from the plug connector (37) to the two rear light units (16).

40. The afterloading rack (1) according to claim 39, characterized in that, The cable is segmented and attached to the base body (2).

41. The afterloading rack (1) according to claim 39, characterized in that, The cable (38) extends freely in multiple segments.

42. The after-loading rack (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The rear carrier is formed as a bicycle carrier.

43. The afterloading rack (1) according to claim 42, characterized in that, The rear carrier includes at least one load-bearing part for receiving the wheels of a bicycle.

44. The rear carrier (1) according to claim 43, characterized in that, The rear carrier includes two or three load-bearing parts which are arranged offset from each other in the longitudinal direction (L).

45. The afterloading rack (1) according to claim 43, characterized in that, The at least one load-bearing part extends at least approximately in the transverse direction (T).

46. The afterloading rack (1) according to claim 43, characterized in that, Clamping devices for clamping the wheels of a bicycle are attached to each load-bearing part in order to fix the wheels to the load-bearing part and prevent accidental release of the bicycle.

47. The rear carrier (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pivot axes (X1, X2) of the rear light unit (16) extend perpendicular to the plane defined by the longitudinal direction (L) and the transverse direction (T).

48. The rear carrier (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The basic body (17) is a one-piece basic body.

49. The rear carrier (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The use position and the transport position of the rear light unit (16) are offset from each other by a pivot angle of at least 170°.

50. The afterloading rack (1) according to claim 49, characterized in that, The use position and the transport position of the rear light unit (16) are offset from each other by a pivot angle of 180°.

51. The afterloading rack (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The two engagement grooves (29) are opposed to each other with respect to the pivot axis (X1, X2).

52. The rear carrier (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The engagement groove (29) has a groove depth that linearly increases outwardly radially from the pivot axis (X1, X2).

53. The afterloading rack (1) according to claim 21, characterized in that, The spring element is a helical compression spring.

54. The rear carrier (1) according to claim 32, characterized in that, The rear light units (16) do not overlap each other.

55. The after-loading rack (1) according to claim 35, characterized in that, The several segments are connected together by screws.

56. The rear carrier (1) according to claim 36, characterized in that, At least some segments of the base body (2) include several profiles welded together.

57. The afterloading rack (1) according to claim 41, characterized in that, The cable (38) extends freely in a segment adjacent to the rear light unit (16).

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