Spacer device for a support system of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a spacer device for a support system of a motor vehicle, having a spacer element which extends longitudinally along its longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, a fixing mechanism arranged on the first end and provided for fixing to a frame profile, a clamping mechanism arranged on the second end and provided for clamping to a support profile, and an adjustment mechanism having a worm gear drive which is in operative connection at one end with the clamping mechanism, a manual rotary actuating movement which acts on the spacer device by means of the worm gear drive being able to be converted into a displacement movement of the clamping mechanism between a clamping position and a release position, a bearing mechanism being provided by means of which the clamping mechanism and the spacer element are supported on one another in a manner which enables rotary movement relative to one another about the longitudinal axis, the worm gear drive being in operative connection at the other end with the spacer element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a spacer device for a bracket system of a motor vehicle, comprising: a spacer element extending longitudinally along its longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end; a fixing mechanism disposed on the first end and configured for fixing a frame profile for a load; a clamping mechanism disposed on the second end and configured for clamping onto a bracket profile of the bracket system that can be positioned in a manner that allows it to be fixed to a vehicle, wherein the clamping mechanism is displaceable relative to the spacer element between a clamping position for clamping onto the bracket profile and a release position for releasing from the bracket profile, and wherein the clamping mechanism has at least one first jaw and a second jaw, the jaws being displaceable in such a manner that they can rotate about a rotation axis relative to the spacer element in order to displace the clamping mechanism between the clamping position and the release position, and having an adjustment mechanism having a helical gear transmission mechanism operatively connected at one end to the clamping mechanism and wherein a manual rotational manipulation action on the spacer device by means of the helical gear transmission mechanism can be converted into a displacement movement of the clamping mechanism between the clamping position and the release position. Background Technology

[0002] Such a spacer is known from DE 20 2016 102 961 U1 and is used in a support system in the form of a bicycle bracket for motor vehicles. The known spacer has a longitudinally extending spacer element in the form of a sleeve, a fixing device called a clamp, and a clamping assembly with at least two clamping elements. The clamp is arranged on the sleeve at one end and the clamping assembly at the other end. An adjusting mechanism with a helical gear transmission is provided to allow the clamping assembly to shift between a loosened and a clamped state. The helical gear transmission is operatively connected to the two clamping elements on the output side of the transmission mechanism and to the handwheel of the adjusting mechanism on the input side of the transmission mechanism. The adjusting mechanism further has a control cone fixedly connected to the sleeve, in which the connecting ends of the two clamping elements are supported in an axially movable manner. Manual rotation of the handwheel, oriented about the longitudinal axis, causes the clamping elements to shift relative to the control cone along the axial direction of the sleeve, thereby adjusting them to each other. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The objective of this invention is to provide an interval device of the type mentioned at the beginning, which has a simplified structure relative to the prior art and simultaneously achieves simplified operation.

[0004] This task is solved by providing a support mechanism on which the clamping mechanism and the spacer element are supported relative to each other in a manner that allows them to rotate about a longitudinal axis. A helical gear transmission mechanism is operatively connected to the spacer element at the other end, whereby manual rotation of the spacer element about the longitudinal axis causes displacement of the clamping mechanism between a clamping position and a released position. The solution according to the invention eliminates the need for a separate actuating element, such as a handwheel, for displacing the clamping mechanism between the clamping and released positions. In other words, the solution according to the invention allows the rotational actuation to be performed on the spacer element itself. Thus, the spacer element has a particularly advantageous multiple function. On the one hand, the spacer element establishes the longitudinal spacing necessary for the proper transport of the load between the fixing mechanism and the clamping mechanism. On the other hand, the spacer element simultaneously functions as an actuating element for displacing the clamping mechanism. As a result, the solution according to the invention achieves a significantly simplified structure of the spacer device compared to the prior art while simplifying operation. Here, the support mechanism provided according to the invention ensures the relative mobility between the clamping mechanism and the spacer element necessary for the rotational actuation of the spacer element. In other words, the support mechanism establishes a rotatable connection between the spacer element and the clamping mechanism, allowing rotation about the longitudinal axis of the spacer element. The helical gear transmission mechanism forms a mechanical connection for transmitting force and motion between the spacer element and the clamping mechanism. For this purpose, one end of the helical gear transmission mechanism is operatively connected to the clamping mechanism, and the other end is operatively connected to the spacer element. In other words, the clamping mechanism is connected to the output end of the transmission mechanism, and the spacer element is connected to the input end of the transmission mechanism of the helical gear transmission mechanism. Thus, manual rotation of the spacer element about its longitudinal axis can be converted into displacement motion of the clamping mechanism, and thereby into rotational motion of the first and second jaws. Preferably, the spacer element is a straight, longitudinally extending profile, preferably a cylindrical or elliptical hollow profile. The fixing mechanism is used to fix the frame profile of the load to be transported by means of the support system. The solution according to the invention is particularly preferably suitable for a support system in the form of a tail support for transporting at least one bicycle. In this case, the frame profile is the frame tube of the bicycle to be transported. The fixing mechanism is preferably provided to surround the frame profile. For this purpose, the fixing mechanism can have clamping elements, locking straps, or similar devices that can move relative to each other. In the clamping position, the first and second jaws rotate toward each other about their respective axes of rotation, such that the support profile is clamped between the two jaws and, consequently, the spacer is clamped onto the support profile. In the released position, the two jaws rotate away from each other about their respective axes of rotation, thereby allowing the spacer to be removed from the support profile.To transmit motion and force, the helical gear transmission mechanism can act indirectly or directly on the first and second grippers. Preferably, the two rotation axes, which can also be referred to as the first and second rotation axes, extend parallel to each other and / or are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spacer element.

[0005] In the design of this invention, the support mechanism has a plug section that is inserted into the second end in a manner that allows rotation about the longitudinal axis of the spacer element and is form-locked along the radial direction of the spacer element. This design of the invention enables particularly easy installation of the support mechanism at the spacer element and thereby achieves a further simplification of the spacer device structure. The support mechanism is inserted into the second end or into an axial recess provided for this purpose at the second end, depending on the situation. The plug section can be configured, in particular, as a sleeve for insertion or a pin for insertion. Furthermore, this design of the invention eliminates the need for a separate support element for supporting the support mechanism and thus the clamping mechanism in a rotationally movable manner, because the plug section is inserted into the second end in a manner that allows rotation about the longitudinal axis. The plug section and / or the second end of the spacer element are advantageously designed with a rotationally symmetrical structure about the longitudinal axis.

[0006] In another embodiment of the invention, the support mechanism has a support section on which the first and second grippers are supported in a manner rotatable about their respective axes of rotation. The support section thus serves to support the grippers in a rotatable manner about their respective axes of rotation. The two grippers, together with the support mechanism, are supported on the support section in a manner rotatable about a longitudinal axis relative to a spacer element. The axes of rotation can be fixedly fixed to the support section in a manner rotatable and / or translatable relative to the support mechanism, or correspondingly supported on the support section in a manner rotatable relative to the support mechanism.

[0007] In another embodiment of the invention, the first and second grippers are supported on the support section in a manner that prevents them from moving relative to the support mechanism along the longitudinal axis. Correspondingly, the rotary shaft is supported on the support mechanism in a fixed manner relative to the support mechanism. Therefore, during displacement between the clamping and releasing positions, only the rotational movement of the grippers relative to the support mechanism occurs, and for example, no additional relative translational displacement of the grippers occurs. This ensures that the axial distance extending between the fixing and clamping mechanisms remains constant during the displacement movement of the clamping mechanism. This provides particular advantages.

[0008] In another embodiment of the invention, the support mechanism has a support housing that is inserted into the second end of the spacer element in a rotatable manner, and the first and second grippers are at least partially supported within the support housing in the regions of their respective axes of rotation. Thus, the grippers are protected within the support housing in the regions of their respective axes of rotation from external influences, particularly moisture, dust, and / or contaminants. This mitigates the adverse effects of the grippers' rotatable movement. Preferably, the support housing has a plug section on its end region corresponding to the spacer element for insertion into the second end. Furthermore, preferably, the support housing has a housing recess opening toward the support profile, in which the support section for supporting the first and second grippers is arranged. The two grippers extend from the housing recess toward the support profile.

[0009] In another design of the invention, the helical gear transmission mechanism has a lead screw element and a nut element, which work together in a helical motion to convert the rotational motion of the spacer element into the displacement motion of the clamping mechanism. This design of the invention achieves a particularly simple structure for the helical gear transmission mechanism. Preferably, the helical gear transmission mechanism is designed as a self-locking structure. This prevents the clamping mechanism from accidentally shifting from the clamping position to the release position. The self-locking can be achieved by a suitable thread design for this purpose on the lead screw element and the nut element. Preferably, metric threads are provided on the lead screw element and the nut element respectively. Preferably, the lead screw element is axially movable relative to the spacer element and the nut element is rotatable about its longitudinal axis together with the spacer element. Alternatively, the lead screw element can be axially fixed and rotatable with the spacer element, and the nut element can be torsional-resistant and axially movable relative to the longitudinal axis. Depending on the situation, either the lead screw element is operatively connected to the clamping mechanism and the nut element is operatively connected to the spacer element, or vice versa. Preferably, the nut element and the lead screw element are oriented coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the spacer element respectively.

[0010] In another embodiment of the invention, the nut element is fixed to the second end of the spacer element in a manner that resists torque around the longitudinal axis and prevents axial movement, and the lead screw element acts on the first and second jaws in a manner that allows movement along the longitudinal axis and axially transmits force and motion. Correspondingly, the nut element rotates together with the spacer element around its longitudinal axis during the rotational movement of the spacer element. Through a helical connection with the lead screw element, the lead screw element is translated along the longitudinal axis due to the rotational movement of the nut element. This translational movement of the lead screw element causes a translational movement of the jaws around their respective axes of rotation. The lead screw element acts directly or indirectly on both jaws.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, the lead screw element is oriented coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the spacer element and acts on the first and second jaws via bolt elements, wherein the bolt elements are oriented parallel to the rotation axis and pass through bolt receiving portions of the jaws, which extend through the respective jaws, spaced apart from their respective rotation axes by lever arms. The bolt elements, oriented and arranged in this manner, ensure favorable force and motion transmission from the lead screw element to the first and second jaws. For this purpose, the bolt elements act on the two jaws. These jaws are provided with the aforementioned bolt receiving portions to receive the bolt elements, which are constructed as through holes and extend parallel to the rotation axis. The rotation axis is arranged radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis, offset from the bolt elements, thereby forming the aforementioned lever arms. The lever arms enable an additional conversion between the rotational manipulation of the spacer element and the displacement movement of the two jaws. Thus, a high clamping force can be generated in the clamped position by means of relatively easy manual rotational manipulation of the spacer element.

[0012] In another embodiment of the invention, the fixing mechanism is supported on the first end of the spacer element in a torque-resistant manner about a longitudinal axis, whereby manual rotation of the fixing mechanism about the longitudinal axis causes displacement of the clamping mechanism between a clamping position and a released position. In this embodiment of the invention, the user can manually act on the fixing mechanism to rotate it about the longitudinal axis of the spacer element in order to operate the clamping mechanism. Due to the torque-resistant support on the first end, the spacer element also rotates about the longitudinal axis, thus causing the clamping mechanism to shift between the clamping and released positions. Because the fixing mechanism is arranged on the first end, particularly ergonomic operation, i.e., operation on the outer end of the spacer, is possible.

[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, the fixing mechanism is supported on the first end of the spacer element by means of a rotary stop in a torque-resistant manner allowing limited rotational movement. The rotary stop causes limited rotatable movement of the fixing mechanism about the longitudinal axis of the spacer element. This prevents the unintentional conversion of manual rotation of the fixing mechanism into displacement movement of the clamping mechanism, where manual rotation is only intended to position the fixing mechanism on the frame profile of the load to be transported. In other words, it prevents the clamping mechanism from unintentionally shifting into a released position during displacement of the clamping mechanism intended to fix the fixing mechanism. Preferably, the rotary stop has a first stop section arranged on the fixing mechanism and a second stop section arranged on the spacer element. The two stop sections are rotatable relative to each other about the longitudinal axis. Once the two stop sections come into contact, the rotational torque of the fixing mechanism is transmitted to the spacer element. The rotary stop is preferably designed in such a way that the fixing mechanism can be rotated 300° to 340°, preferably 320°, relative to the spacer element about the longitudinal axis before causing a restriction on the rotatable movement and thus causing a torque-resistant support.

[0014] In another embodiment of the invention, the grippers each have a recessed clamping surface and an inclined surface on their facing inner surfaces, wherein the clamping surface forms a cylindrical clamping recess for clamping the bracket profile, and the inclined surface forms an inlet slot for introducing the bracket profile into the clamping recess along the longitudinal axis of the spacer element, wherein the inlet slot extends longitudinally at an inclination relative to the axial direction of the clamping recess. The clamping recess is configured to receive a bracket profile of the bracket system that can be positioned in a manner that allows it to be fixed to a vehicle. The bracket profile is clamped between the recessed clamping surfaces in the clamped position. To introduce the bracket profile into the clamping recess, the bracket profile is moved through the inlet slot or the spacer is guided onto the bracket profile with the inlet slot in front. The inlet slot is constructed between the inclined surfaces of the grippers and extends longitudinally at an inclination relative to the axial direction of the clamping recess. The axial direction of the clamping recess is preferably oriented parallel to the rotation axis of the grippers. The inclined longitudinal extension of the guide gap particularly prevents the spacer from unintentionally slipping off the support profile when the clamping mechanism moves from the release position to the clamping position. In other words, as long as the clamping mechanism is in the release position and / or has not yet fully moved into the clamping position, the bevel on the inner surface of the jaws prevents the support profile from unintentionally sliding out of the clamping recess.

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a support system for a motor vehicle, the support system having a support profile capable of being positioned in a manner fixed to the vehicle and a spacer device designed according to any one of the preceding claims clamped onto the support profile. The support system is preferably a tail bracket, configured for transporting at least one bicycle on the side of the motor vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Other advantages and features of the invention are derived from the claims and from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 A perspective view illustrates one embodiment of the spacer device according to the invention, said spacer device being clamped onto an arc-shaped support profile according to one embodiment of the support system according to the invention.

[0018] Figure 2 A different perspective view shows the following... Figure 1 The interval device,

[0019] Figure 3 The side view shows the arrangement according to Figure 1 and 2 The interval device,

[0020] Figure 4 It shows according to Figures 1 to 3 A schematic longitudinal section diagram of the spacer device.

[0021] Figure 5 It shows according to Figures 1 to 4 Another, partially cut, longitudinal cross-sectional view of the spacer device.

[0022] Figure 6 The perspective sectional view shows the arrangement according to Figures 1 to 5 The situation of the interval device in the area of ​​the fixed mechanism, and

[0023] Figure 7 The exploded diagram shows the following according to Figures 1 to 6 The case of a spacer device in the area of ​​a rotary stop used to support a fixed mechanism in a torque-resistant manner that allows for limited rotational movement. Detailed Implementation

[0024] according to Figure 1 A support system 1, in the form of a rear support bracket, is provided for a motor vehicle (not shown in detail). The support system 1 is used to transport at least one bicycle F on the side of the motor vehicle and is mounted in a manner known in principle to a ball head (not shown in detail) of a trailer joint K (shown in severance view) on the motor vehicle.

[0025] The support system 1 has a support profile 2 that can be positioned to be fixed to a vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, this support profile is designed to be arc-shaped and protrudes from a base (not shown in detail) of the support system 1 in a generally vertical direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the support system 1 further has at least one wheel rail 3 supported on the base, on which the bicycle F is supported generally upright with its front and rear wheels. To secure the bicycle F in a generally upright position, the support system 1 has a spacer device 4, which can also be referred to as a spacer or spacer support.

[0026] The spacer 4 has a longitudinal axis L ( Figure 2 , 3 4) A longitudinally extending spacer element 5, a fixing mechanism 7 disposed at one end on a first end 6 of the spacer element 5, and a clamping mechanism 9 disposed at the other end on a second end 8 of the spacer element 5. The fixing mechanism 7 is used to fix the frame profile P of the bicycle F. The clamping mechanism 9 is used to clamp the spacer device 4 onto the bow-shaped support profile 2.

[0027] The clamping mechanism 9 has at least one first jaw 10 and a second jaw 11, which are displaceable in a manner that allows them to rotate relative to the spacer element 5 about the rotation shafts 12 and 13, respectively. The rotation shafts 12 and 13 associated with the jaws 10 and 11 can also be referred to as the first rotation shaft 12 and the second rotation shaft 13.

[0028] The first rotary shaft 12 and the second rotary shaft 13 are oriented parallel to each other. Furthermore, the two rotary shafts 12 and 13 are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the spacer element 5.

[0029] To clamp and release from the support profile 2, the clamping mechanism 9 is movable between a clamping position and a release position. The clamping position is shown with the aid of the current figures. The release position is not shown in the figures. In the clamping position, the first jaw 10 and the second jaw 11 rotate about each other about their respective axes of rotation 12 or 13. In the clamping position, the two jaws 10, 11 surround the support profile 2, such that the spacer 4 is clamped onto the support profile 2. Conversely, in the release position, the two jaws 10, 11 rotate about their axes of rotation 12 or 13 away from each other. In the release position, the spacer 4 can be deflected relative to the support profile 2, moved along its axial direction, or completely removed from the support profile 2.

[0030] To allow the clamping mechanism 9 to shift between the clamping position and the release position, the spacer 4 has an adjustment mechanism S with helical gear transmission mechanisms 14 and 15. The helical gear transmission mechanisms 14 and 15 are operatively connected to the clamping mechanism 9 at one end in a manner to be described in further detail, and are configured such that a manual rotational operation acting on the spacer 4 can be converted into a shifting movement of the clamping mechanism 9 between the clamping position and the release position.

[0031] A support mechanism 16 is provided to facilitate rotational manipulation of the spacer element 5 and thereby enable particularly easy operation of the spacer device 4. By means of this support mechanism, the clamping mechanism 9 and the spacer element 5 are supported on each other in a manner that allows them to rotate relative to each other about the longitudinal axis L, and the helical gear transmission mechanisms 14 and 15 are operatively connected to the spacer element 5 at their other ends. Thus, the clamping mechanism 9 can be moved between a clamping position and a released position by manually rotating the spacer element 5 about the longitudinal axis L. For this purpose, a separate operating element is not required. More precisely, the spacer element 5 has a particularly advantageous multi-functionality. This reduces the number of required components and allows for a particularly simple structure of the spacer device 4.

[0032] Other advantageous, specific, and functional features of this embodiment will now be discussed. These features are not necessarily essential as interpreted in the context of this invention.

[0033] Here, the spacer element 5 is constructed as a spacer tube with a cylindrical hollow cross-section and is made of aluminum alloy. In an embodiment not shown, an elliptical cross-section is provided instead of a cylindrical hollow cross-section.

[0034] The support mechanism 16 has a plug section 17 and a support section 18. The plug section 17 faces the second end 8 of the spacer element 5 and is inserted into the spacer element in a manner that allows rotation about the longitudinal axis L. The insertion connection between the plug section 17 and the second end 8 or the spacer element 5 is form-locked along the radial direction of the spacer element 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the plug section 17 is inserted into the second end 8. Here, the plug section 17 surrounds the second end 8 in the circumferential direction. The second end 8 extends into the plug section 17 in the axial direction. In this respect, the plug section 17 forms a cylindrical plug receiving portion in the region of the second end 8, with a cylindrical outer circumference for the spacer element 5.

[0035] In one embodiment, not shown, the plug segment is inserted into the second end of the spacer element. In this case, the hollow cross-section of the spacer element, open at the end side, forms a plug receiving portion for the plug segment to be inserted.

[0036] The plug connection between the plug section 17 and the second end 8, which allows rotation about the longitudinal axis L, ensures relative mobility with respect to the clamping mechanism 9, necessary for rotating the operating spacer element 5.

[0037] The support section 18 supports the clamping mechanism 9, and more specifically, the first gripper 10 and the second gripper 11. Correspondingly, the first gripper 10 and the second gripper 11 are supported on the support section 18 about their respective rotation axes 12 or 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the first rotation axis 12 and the second rotation axis 13 are fixedly arranged relative to the support section 18. Correspondingly, the first gripper 10 and the second gripper 11 are immobile relative to the support section 18 and therefore also relative to the support mechanism 16 along the longitudinal axis L.

[0038] In one embodiment, not shown, the two rotary shafts are capable of translational displacement relative to the support mechanism. Correspondingly, in addition to the rotary motion, the grippers also perform a translational motion component during the displacement between the clamping and releasing positions.

[0039] The support mechanism 16 is designed here in the form of a support housing 19. The plug section 17 and the support section 18 are constructed on the support housing 19. In the illustrated embodiment, the support housing 19 is integrally made of plastic. The support housing 19 is inserted into the second end 8 in a rotatable manner via the plug section 17. The first gripper 10 and the second gripper 11 are received in the support housing 19, more specifically, in their support section 18, in the region of their respective axes of rotation 12 or 13. In other words, the housing recess 20 of the support housing 19 forms the support section 18. The housing recess 20 opens along the longitudinal axis L toward the bracket profile 2 to be clamped. The first gripper 10 and the second gripper 11 extend from the housing recess 20 along the longitudinal axis L toward the bracket profile 2. The support housing 19 widens in a funnel shape from the plug section 17, which has a generally cylindrical circumferential profile. In this respect, the support housing 19 has a generally funnel-shaped configuration in the area of ​​the support section or housing recess 20, which has two generally parallel flat sides 21, 22 facing each other along the directions of the rotation axes 12, 13.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the helical gear transmission mechanisms 14 and 15 have a nut element 14 and a lead screw element 15, which cooperate with each other in a helical motion manner to convert the rotational motion of the spacer element 5 into the displacement motion of the clamping mechanism 9. The nut element 14 and the lead screw element 15 are aligned coaxially with the longitudinal axis L. The nut element 14 is fixed relative to the spacer element 5 about the longitudinal axis L. For this purpose, in the illustrated embodiment, the nut element 14 is fixed in a recess (not shown in detail) of a plug element 23, which is inserted axially into a second end 8 and fixedly connected to the spacer element 5. Thus, the rotational motion introduced on the spacer element 5 is transmitted to the nut element 14 via the plug element 23.

[0041] The nut element 14 is mounted on the rod portion of the lead screw element 15 in a helical motion manner. This rod portion, not shown in detail, is provided with corresponding threads. The lead screw element is movable relative to the spacer element 5 along the longitudinal axis L and works in conjunction with the clamping mechanism 9 to transmit force and move.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the lead screw element 15 acts indirectly on the first jaw 10 and the second jaw 11 via bolt elements 24. The bolt elements 24 are oriented parallel to the first and second rotation axes 12 and 13 and are provided with a transverse hole 25 for receiving the lead screw element 15. The transverse hole 25 extends coaxially with the longitudinal axis L, into which the lead screw element 15 is inserted along its axial direction and supported thereon in the region of the head element 26, transmitting tension along the radial direction of the bolt element 24. The bolt element 24 passes through an undetermined bolt receiving portion of the first jaw 10 and an undetermined bolt receiving portion of the second jaw 11. These bolt receiving portions extend along the axial direction of the bolt element 24 and thus through the jaws 10 and 11 in the width direction. The bolt element 24 is oriented parallel to the two rotation axes 12 and 13 and is spaced apart from them by lever arms H.

[0043] Furthermore, the support mechanism 16 is provided with a through hole extending coaxially with the longitudinal axis L, through which the lead screw element 15 passes in the axial direction and extends longitudinally between the support section 18 or housing recess 20 and the second end 8 and the nut element 14 arranged therein in a torsion-resistant manner.

[0044] The nut element 14 and the lead screw element 15 are provided with self-locking threads, wherein metric threads are provided.

[0045] The operation performed on the spacer 4 to shift the clamping mechanism 9 between the clamping position and the release position is as follows:

[0046] Starting from the release position, grasp the spacer element 5 with the fingers of one hand and rotate it about the longitudinal axis L. Due to the relatively movable supports in the plug section 17 and the second end 8, the support mechanism 16 and the clamping mechanism 9 supported on it do not rotate together. This will not happen if the clamping mechanism 9 abuts against the bracket profile 2 or if the clamping mechanism should not abut against the bracket profile 2 and a manual reaction force is applied to the clamping mechanism 9. The manual rotational movement of the spacer element 5 is transmitted to the nut element 14 via element 23. Through the threaded connection with the nut element 14, the screw element 15 is displaced along the longitudinal axis L toward the spacer element 5. The form-locking abutment of the head element 26 on the circumference of the bolt element 24 results in the bolt element 24 also being pulled along the longitudinal axis L toward the spacer element 5. This movement is transmitted to the jaws 10 and 11 via the bolt receiving part, causing the jaws to rotate toward each other about their respective axes of rotation 12 and 13.

[0047] The movement from the clamping position to the release position is performed in reverse order, wherein a spring element (not shown in the figure) can be provided to support the displacement of the grippers 10, 11. This spring element can be arranged about the longitudinal axis L and supported between the support mechanism 16 and the end regions of the grippers 10, 11 facing the spacer element 5.

[0048] The configuration of the fixing mechanism 7, as can be seen from the current drawings, is not important for the explanation of the invention and therefore will not be explained in detail. The fixing of the fixing mechanism 7 to the spacer element 5 forms an exception: the fixing mechanism 7 is torque-resistantly supported on the first end 6 about the longitudinal axis L and thus on the spacer element 5. Therefore, the aforementioned displacement of the clamping mechanism 9 between the clamping and releasing positions can also be caused by manual rotational movement acting on the fixing mechanism 7. In other words, the fixing mechanism 7, due to its torque-resistant support on the spacer element 5, can simultaneously function as an actuating element for the clamping mechanism 9.

[0049] A threaded connector 27 is provided to secure the fixing mechanism 7 to the spacer element 5. The threaded connector 27 secures the fixing mechanism 7 axially while simultaneously allowing relative rotatable movement about the longitudinal axis L relative to the spacer element 5. Rotation stops 34 and 35 are provided to support the fixing mechanism 7 against torque. The rotation stops 34 and 35 restrict the rotatable movement of the fixing mechanism 7. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the rotation stops 34 and 35 have a first stop section 34 and a second stop section 35. The first stop section 34 is arranged on the fixing mechanism 7. The second stop section 35 is arranged on the spacer element 5. Here, the first stop section 34 is designed in the form of a stop protrusion N projecting from the fixing mechanism 7 on its lower side along the axial direction. The stop protrusion N engages axially with a rotary guide 36 constructed on the first end 6. The rotary guide rail 36 forms a circular track extending concentrically around the longitudinal axis L of the spacer element 5, which is interrupted by a second stop section 35. Once the stop protrusion N abuts against the second stop section 35, the motion of the fixing mechanism is transmitted to the spacer element 5 with resistance torque. The rotary stops 34 and 35 are designed such that the fixing mechanism 7 can be rotated 320° relative to the spacer element 5 around the longitudinal axis L before the two stop sections 34 and 35 collide with each other. The rotary stops 34 and 35 allow the fixing mechanism 7 to be positioned in a rotatable manner to fix the frame profile P without forcibly causing displacement of the clamping mechanism 9.

[0050] Furthermore, the grippers 10 and 11 each have recessed clamping surfaces 28 and 29 on their inner surfaces facing each other (not specifically indicated). These clamping surfaces may also be referred to as the first clamping surface 28 and the second clamping surface 29. The clamping surfaces 28 and 29 are configured to surround and clamp the support profile 2 and have a recessed shape that conforms to the configuration of the outer circumference of the support profile 2. In the illustrated embodiment, this shape is semi-circular, thus the clamping surfaces 28 and 29 define a generally cylindrical clamping recess for receiving the support profile 2 in the clamping position.

[0051] Furthermore, the grippers 10 and 11 have inclined surfaces 31 and 32 on their inner surfaces, which can also be referred to as the first inclined surface 31 and the second inclined surface 32. The inclined surfaces 31 and 32 define an inlet gap 33 in the clamping position, which extends along the longitudinal axis L into the clamping recess 30. In the released position, the support profile 2 can be guided into the clamping recess 30 through the inlet gap 33. Due to the inclined orientation of the inclined surfaces 31 and 32, the axial direction of the cylindrical clamping recess 30 and the longitudinal extension direction of the inlet gap 30 are not parallel to each other. Here, the axial direction of the clamping recess 30 is currently oriented parallel to the rotation axes 12 and 13. Conversely, the longitudinal extension direction of the inlet gap 30 is inclined at approximately 20° to 30° relative to the orientation of the rotation axes 12 and 13. Here, not only the axial direction of the clamping recess 30 but also the longitudinal extension direction of the inlet gap 33 is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.

Claims

1. A spacer (4) for a support system (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising: - Spacer element (5), which extends longitudinally along its longitudinal axis (L) between its first end (6) and its second end (8); - Fixing mechanism (7), which is arranged on the first end (6) and is provided for fixing the frame profile (P) of the load (F); - A clamping mechanism (9) is arranged on the second end (8) and configured to clamp onto the bracket profile (2) of the bracket system (1) in a manner that allows it to be positioned in a fixed manner on a vehicle. -The clamping mechanism (9) is movable relative to the spacer element (5) between a clamping position for clamping onto the bracket profile (2) and a release position for releasing from the bracket profile (2). -and wherein the clamping mechanism (9) has at least one first jaw (10) and a second jaw (11), the first jaw and the second jaw being displaceable in a manner that allows them to rotate about a rotation axis (12, 13) relative to the spacer element (5) for displacing the clamping mechanism (9) between a clamping position and a releasing position; - and has an adjustment mechanism (S) having a helical gear transmission mechanism (14, 15), which is operatively connected at one end to the clamping mechanism (9) and by means of the helical gear transmission mechanism, a manual rotational operation on the spacer (4) can be converted into a displacement movement of the clamping mechanism (9) between a clamping position and a release position. -Characteristics, A support mechanism (16) is provided, by means of which the clamping mechanism (9) and the spacer element (5) are supported on each other in a manner that allows them to rotate relative to each other about the longitudinal axis (L), and the helical gear transmission mechanism (14, 15) is operatively connected to the spacer element (5) at the other end, thereby causing the clamping mechanism (9) to shift between the clamping position and the release position by manual rotation of the spacer element (5) about the longitudinal axis (L).

2. The spacer (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support mechanism (16) has a plug section (17) that is rotatable about the longitudinal axis (L) of the spacer element (5) and is shaped-locked to the second end (8) of the spacer element (5) along the radial direction of the spacer element (5).

3. The spacer (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support mechanism (16) has a support section (18) on which the first gripper (10) and the second gripper (11) are supported in a manner that allows them to rotate about their respective axes of rotation (12, 13).

4. The spacer (4) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first gripper (10) and the second gripper (11) are supported on the support section (18) in such a way that they cannot move relative to the support mechanism (16) along the longitudinal axis (L).

5. The spacer (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The support mechanism (16) has a support housing (19) that is inserted into the second end (8) of the spacer element in a manner that allows for relative rotational movement, and in the support housing the first gripper (10) and the second gripper (11) are at least partially received in the region of their respective rotation axes (12, 13).

6. The spacer (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The helical gear transmission mechanism (14, 15) has a lead screw element (15) and a nut element (14), which work together in a helical motion to convert the rotational motion of the spacer element (5) into the displacement motion of the clamping mechanism (9).

7. The spacer (4) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The nut element (14) is fixed to the second end (8) of the spacer element (5) in a manner that resists torque around the longitudinal axis (L) and is not movable in the axial direction, and the lead screw element (15) acts on the first jaw (10) and the second jaw (11) in a manner that allows movement along the longitudinal axis (L) and axially transmits force and movement.

8. The spacer (4) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The lead screw element (15) is oriented coaxially with the longitudinal axis (L) of the spacer element and acts on the first jaw (10) and the second jaw (11) by bolt elements (24), wherein the bolt elements (24) are oriented parallel to the rotation axis (12, 13) and pass through the bolt receiving portion of the jaws (10, 11), which extends through the respective jaws (10, 11) while being separated from the respective rotation axis (12, 13) by lever arms (H).

9. The spacer (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The fixing mechanism (7) is supported on the first end (6) of the spacer element (5) in a torque-resistant manner around the longitudinal axis (L), thereby causing manual rotation of the fixing mechanism (7) about the longitudinal axis (L) to cause displacement movement of the clamping mechanism (9) between the clamping position and the release position.

10. The spacer (4) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The fixing mechanism (7) is supported on the first end (6) of the spacer element (5) in a torque-resistant manner by means of a rotation stop (34, 35) that allows for limited rotational movement.

11. The spacer (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The grippers (10, 11) each have a recessed clamping surface (28, 29) and a ramp (31, 32) on their inner surfaces facing each other, wherein the clamping surface (28, 29) forms a cylindrical clamping recess (30) for clamping the bracket profile (2), and the ramp (31, 32) forms an inlet slot (33) that extends into the clamping recess (30) along the longitudinal axis (L) of the spacer element (5), the inlet slot for guiding the bracket profile (2) into the clamping recess (30), and wherein the inlet slot (33) extends longitudinally at an inclination relative to the axial direction of the clamping recess (30).

12. A bracket system (1) for a motor vehicle, having a bracket profile (2) that can be positioned in a manner that can be fixed to a vehicle and a spacer (4) clamped on the bracket profile (2), the spacer being designed according to any one of the preceding claims.

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