Clamping device, luggage case and system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clamping device (20) for securing a load receiving device, particularly a suitcase (1), to a rack (9), particularly a bicycle rack, the clamping device (20) comprising a clamping lever (21); a pivot joint (22) rotatably held about a rotation axis (R) at an end (29) of the clamping lever (21); an elongated clamping pin (23) secured to the pivot joint (22) and extending perpendicular to the rotation axis (R) of the pivot joint (22), the clamping pin defining a longitudinal axis (X); and a clamping element (26) secured to the end of the clamping pin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamping device for securing a load receiving device to a shelf, the clamping device comprising a clamping lever, a pivot joint rotatably held at an end of the clamping lever about a rotation axis, an elongated clamping pin secured to the pivot joint and extending perpendicular to the rotation axis of the pivot joint, the clamping pin defining a longitudinal axis, and a clamping element secured to the end of the clamping pin, wherein the clamping lever has a clamping surface and the clamping element has a pressure surface, thereby preferably, the load receiving device can be clamped to the shelf between the clamping surface and the pressure surface.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a luggage compartment, particularly a luggage compartment for detachable attachment to a cargo rack mounted on a vehicle, the luggage compartment including a rigid bottom element and attachment means for detachably attaching the luggage compartment to the cargo rack, wherein, preferably, the attachment means include at least two, particularly four, through holes formed in the bottom element.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system comprising a luggage compartment and a rack (particularly a bicycle rack). Background Technology

[0004] Cargo racks used for fastening to the rear of a vehicle (especially a motor vehicle, such as a car) are typically used to transport loads that cannot fit into the vehicle's luggage compartment. Typically, such cargo racks include a connecting device in their front end area, which is usually designed to allow the cargo rack to be fastened to a ball joint of a conventional trailer hitch.

[0005] This type of cargo rack can support suitcases, through which additional luggage exceeding the vehicle's luggage compartment capacity can be transported. These suitcases are typically enclosed, thus defining the internal luggage space and protecting the transported luggage from dirt and water. For example, EP4289673A1 discloses such a suitcase. The suitcase includes a rigid bottom element that can be positioned above profile rails of the rear cargo rack. Multiple through-holes are formed in the bottom element for detachably attaching the suitcase to the rear cargo rack. Clamping devices are provided, arranged and designed to secure the suitcase to the rear cargo rack. Specifically, the clamping devices can engage with corresponding T-slots formed in the profile rails of the rear cargo rack.

[0006] This attachment method has proven effective in principle. However, improvements to the rack securing method are always necessary because the load receiving device must be securely fixed to ensure it remains on the rack even when the vehicle is traveling on bumpy roads. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an alternative clamping device and an alternative suitcase, which is particularly capable of being used in a very flexible manner and preferably can be attached to the rack in a reliable and secure manner.

[0008] This objective is achieved through the clamping device mentioned at the beginning, in which the pressure surface is spaced apart from the clamping pin.

[0009] This invention is based on the consideration of providing a clamping device with a clamping element held at a clamping pin, wherein a pressure surface for securing a load receiving device (particularly a suitcase) to a rack is spaced apart from the clamping pin. In this way, the clamping pin can extend from the front or rear of the rack's wheel arch or profile rail, and the pressure surface can engage below the profile rail. In other words, the clamping element can extend laterally below the profile rail of the rack, thus eliminating the need for engagement or fitting into a specific T-slot. In this way, the clamping device can be used with racks that do not have such specific profile rails.

[0010] It should be noted that terms such as "front" or "rear" refer to the clamping device or load-receiving device (such as a luggage compartment) in an attached state, i.e., when the device is attached to the cargo rack, and the cargo rack itself is attached to the vehicle. The vehicle's direction of travel in this case corresponds to the forward direction. Preferably, the cargo rack is not part of the claimed clamping device and / or the claimed luggage compartment. Preferably, the load-receiving device is not part of the claimed clamping device.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the pressure surface is disposed at the end of the clamping element. In other words, the pressure surface can be disposed as far away from the clamping pin as possible. The pressure surface can be raised relative to the adjacent portion of the clamping element. Preferably, the pressure surface extends at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the clamping pin.

[0012] In particular, to reduce bending stress within the clamping elements and clamping pins, the clamping elements may include a support surface to support the clamping element against the load receiving device, particularly against the bottom of the luggage compartment. Specifically, the support surface may extend at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the clamping pin. The support surface may be spaced apart from the clamping pin and / or may be arranged on the opposite side of the pressure surface relative to the clamping pin. In other words, a pressure surface may be arranged on one side of the clamping pin, and a support surface may be arranged on the other side. In this way, the clamping element can act like a lever, wherein the support surface abuts against the load receiving device, particularly against the bottom of the luggage compartment, and the clamping pin pulls the pressure surface toward the rack, particularly toward the profile guide rail of the rack. Preferably, the distance between the pressure surface and the longitudinal axis of the clamping pin is at least two times and / or at most four times the distance between the support surface and the longitudinal axis of the clamping pin. Therefore, the support surface is positioned closer to the clamping pin than the pressure surface.

[0013] The clamping element can be formed as a curved plate, particularly a curved metal plate. The clamping element may include a flat central section through which a clamping pin extends. The clamping pin may extend longitudinally through the clamping element. The clamping element may be fixed to the clamping pin. Specifically, a form-fit connection and / or a force-fit connection and / or a positive substance connection may be provided. Specifically, the clamping pin and the clamping element may be welded together. In particular, the clamping element may be rotationally fixed to the clamping pin, preventing the clamping element from rotating relative to the clamping pin about its longitudinal axis.

[0014] A pressure surface can be arranged at one end of the middle section, while a support surface can be arranged at the other end. More specifically, at the other end of the middle section, viewed from the side, the end can extend upward in an L-shape. A first L-shaped leg can extend upward from the middle section, and a second L-shaped leg can extend parallel to the middle section. Preferably, the second L-shaped leg is arranged such that it overlaps with the middle section, particularly when viewed from above. A support surface can be formed on the upper side of the second L-shaped leg.

[0015] The clamping lever is movable relative to the clamping pin between a released position and a clamped position. In the released position, the clamping pin extends at least substantially in the same direction as the clamping lever, and in the clamped position, the clamping pin extends at least substantially perpendicular to the clamping lever. For this purpose, the clamping lever may include a through-slot at the end of the pivot joint that separates the clamping lever, allowing the elongated clamping pin to rotate freely relative to the clamping lever about the axis of rotation of the pivot joint. Preferably, this arrangement prevents the elongated clamping pin from rotating relative to the clamping lever about its longitudinal axis. In other words, the clamping pin and the clamping lever may be configured to rotate synchronously about the longitudinal axis of the clamping pin. Specifically, the elongated clamping pin may be fixed to the pivot joint such that it cannot rotate relative to the pivot joint about its longitudinal axis.

[0016] To clamp the load receiving device onto the shelf, the clamping lever may include a clamping surface extending parallel to and spaced apart from the pivot joint, such that when the clamping lever moves from its released position to the clamped position and the clamping surface contacts the corresponding holding surface of the attached load receiving device, the load receiving device and the shelf are pressed together between the pressure surface and the clamping surface. In other words, the clamping surface of the clamping lever is spaced apart from the pivot joint so that the load receiving device (particularly the bottom wall) and the shelf (particularly the profile rail or wheel frame) are clamped together between the pressure surface and the clamping surface of the clamping lever. Therefore, the distance between the clamping surface and the pressure surface can be selected such that the underside of the profile rail of the shelf and the holding surface of the load receiving device can be clamped together.

[0017] The object of the invention is also solved by the aforementioned suitcase, which includes at least two, in particular four, clamping devices as described above.

[0018] Specifically, the clamping pin of each clamping device can extend through a through-hole formed in the rigid bottom element. In other words, the luggage may include multiple through-holes formed in the rigid bottom element. Each through-hole is assigned a clamping device as described above. The rigid bottom element may include clamping metal plates, particularly elongated metal plates, arranged around the through-holes to abut against clamping levers.

[0019] Near each through-hole, a groove can be provided on the bottom of the luggage compartment. This groove accommodates the clamping lever when it is brought into its clamping position. This groove can form a retaining surface. The retaining surface can be formed of a clamping metal plate. Guide protrusions can be formed in the retaining surface to prevent the clamping device from rotating accidentally when the clamping lever is in its clamping position and the clamping surface of the clamping lever is in contact with the retaining surface.

[0020] The suitcase may include a rigid lid element and side walls connecting the bottom element and the lid element, thereby forming a luggage space inside.

[0021] According to a further aspect of the invention, the above-mentioned task is also solved by a luggage compartment, particularly for detachably attaching to a rack mounted on a vehicle, wherein the luggage compartment includes a rigid bottom element, a rigid cover element, and a side wall connecting the bottom element and the cover element, thereby forming a luggage space inside, wherein the luggage compartment includes a retaining device designed to be connected to a yoke of the rack, wherein the retaining device includes a base element held at the side wall or cover element of the luggage compartment and having a bottom-opening yoke receiving space for receiving the yoke of a bicycle rack, and a locking element movably held on the base element between a locked position and a released position, wherein in the locked position the yoke inserted into the yoke receiving space is fixed therein in a form-fit manner, and in the released position the yoke can be inserted into or removed from the yoke receiving space.

[0022] This embodiment is based on the consideration of providing additional stability to the luggage on the rack and creating a reliable and mechanically stable fixation. Specifically, the locking element can extend substantially horizontally in its locked position, thereby preventing the retaining device and the luggage from becoming detached from the yoke of the rack. In its released position, the locking element can extend substantially vertically downwards, allowing the luggage to move so that the yoke can be removed from or inserted into the yoke receiving space.

[0023] Specifically, the base element may include a main portion attached to a side wall or lid element of the suitcase, and an outer wall, wherein a yoke receiving space is arranged between the main portion and the outer wall. Preferably, the receiving space is upwardly limited by an upper crossbar connecting the main portion and the outer wall. In other words, the bottom-opening yoke receiving space may be limited on one side by the main portion and on the other side by the outer wall in a frontal or rearward direction. In the upward direction, the yoke receiving space may be limited by the upper crossbar connecting the main portion and the outer wall. In this way, the suitcase can be positioned on the rack from the top, such that the yoke engages with the base element, specifically with the yoke receiving space. In other words, the yoke may be arranged between the main portion and the outer wall and below the upper crossbar. Therefore, a locking element may bridge the yoke receiving space from the bottom between the main portion and the outer wall.

[0024] Preferably, the locking element is held in the main portion, and the outer wall includes a retaining slit extending vertically. This retaining slit may open towards the bottom to allow movement of the locking element between a locked position and a released position. The locking element may engage through the retaining slit when moved to its locked position.

[0025] The arrangement can be such that the locking element must first be translated out of its locked position before it can pivot to its released position. Specifically, the base element may include a retaining groove that extends vertically and does not open to the bottom, such that the locking element engages with the retaining groove in its locked position, particularly through its enlarged end, and that the locking element must be translated out of its locked position, particularly in the horizontal direction, before it can pivot to its released position. The retaining groove may be arranged in the outer wall and may extend on both sides of the retaining slit.

[0026] The locking element can be designed as a locking pin and can be formed of or include a screw. The enlarged end can be a handle, which is preferably screwed onto the threads of the screw.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the locking element can be biased toward its locked position, particularly by a spring element, preferably a helical spring. The spring element is preferably supported on the head of the locking element and the base element, which are arranged in the main portion of the base element. In this way, it is ensured that the locking element must translate against the restoring force of the spring element to disengage the enlarged end from the retaining groove. After this operation is completed, the locking element can pivot to its released position.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, the aforementioned task is also solved by a luggage compartment, particularly for detachable attachment to a cargo rack mounted on a vehicle, wherein the luggage compartment includes a rigid bottom element, a rigid lid element, and side walls connecting the bottom element and the lid element, thereby forming a luggage space inside, wherein the lid element is movable between an open state and a closed state, particularly pivoting, wherein the luggage compartment includes a blocking device for blocking the lid element in its closed state, wherein the blocking device includes at least one locking strap, particularly two locking straps, held on the side wall, particularly the rear wall of the side wall, and each locking strap is assigned a mating strap held on the lid element, wherein each locking strap can be connected to a corresponding mating strap by a snap-fit ​​connection. This connection is commonly used in backpacks to keep them closed.

[0029] Preferably, the sidewalls of the suitcase are made of fabric. The suitcase can be folded between a use configuration and a transport configuration. In the use configuration, the bottom element and the lid element are spaced apart from each other, and the sidewalls connect the bottom element and the lid element to form a luggage space inside. In the transport configuration, the lid element is placed on the bottom element, and the sidewalls are folded between the lid element and the bottom element. For example, the folding mechanism can be arranged as described in EP4289673A1.

[0030] The object of the present invention is also solved by a system comprising a luggage rack and a carrying rack as described above, particularly a bicycle rack, wherein the carrying rack defines a longitudinal direction and includes at least two guide rails, particularly exactly two extending in the transverse direction, for receiving a load on the carrying rack, particularly for receiving at least one bicycle, wherein this arrangement allows the luggage rack to be attached to the carrying rack, such that the bottom element of the luggage rack is positioned on the guide rails, and corresponding pressure surfaces of clamping devices abut against the guide rails from below to secure the luggage rack to the guide rails of the carrying rack. In other words, the guide rails can be arranged between the pressure surfaces of the clamping devices and the bottom element of the luggage rack. The guide rails can be spaced apart from each other, such that elongated clamping pins of the clamping devices are arranged between the guide rails in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, two clamping devices can be arranged near the front guide rail, and two clamping devices can be arranged near the rear guide rail.

[0031] The rack may include a yoke that extends upward to support a load. Such a yoke can be used on a bicycle rack to support the bicycle frame. The luggage compartment may include a retaining device as described above, designed to attach to the yoke of the rack. The yoke may have a U-shape, with the end of the yoke holder resting on the base body of the rack.

[0032] The cargo rack can be a rear-mounted cargo rack, particularly for attachment to a vehicle-side trailer hitch. For this purpose, the cargo rack may include a connecting device at its front end for attachment to the vehicle-side trailer hitch. The cargo rack may include a base body that holds at least two guide rails. At its rear end, the cargo rack may include a license plate frame and two taillight units arranged on opposite lateral sides of the license plate frame. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Regarding embodiments of the present invention, further reference is made to the appended claims and the following description of exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The figures show:

[0034] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a suitcase according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 Showing installable Figure 1 The bicycle rack for the suitcase shown;

[0036] Figure 3 A clamping device according to the invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 4 Showing installation Figure 2 The shelf shown Figure 1 The suitcase;

[0038] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Another perspective view of the arrangement shown;

[0039] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A partial perspective view of the bottom area of ​​the suitcase shown;

[0040] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of the bottom of the bicycle rack and luggage compartment shown;

[0041] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A partial sectional view of the bicycle rack and luggage compartment shown;

[0042] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 Another partial perspective view of the bicycle frame shown, in which the clamping lever of the clamping device is in its released position;

[0043] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Another perspective view of the arrangement shown;

[0044] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the luggage's retaining mechanism;

[0045] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Another perspective view of the retaining device shown, with the locking element in its released position; and

[0046] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the retaining device, with the locking element in its locked position. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Figure 1 A suitcase 1 according to the invention is shown. The suitcase 1 has a rigid bottom element 2 and a rigid lid element 3, both of which are made of plastic. The bottom element 2 includes a bottom plate 4 and an upward-facing circumferential frame 5. Similarly, the lid element 3 includes a generally rectangular lid plate 6 and a downward-facing circumferential frame 7. In addition, the suitcase 1 has sidewalls 8 made of waterproof fabric.

[0048] Suitcase 1 can be Figure 1 The luggage compartment folds between the usage configuration shown and the transport configuration (not shown in detail). In the usage configuration, the bottom element 2 and the cover element 3 are spaced apart from each other, and the side wall 8 connects the bottom element 2 and the cover element 3, thereby forming a luggage space inside. In the transport configuration, the cover element 3 is located on the bottom element 2, and the side wall 8, made of fabric, folds between the cover element 3 and the bottom element 2 to save space for transporting and storing the luggage compartment 1.

[0049] Figure 2The cargo rack 9 is shown. The cargo rack 9 includes a base body 10, which is C-shaped and opens to the rear, and includes two base profiles 11 extending longitudinally along a length L. The base profiles 11 are connected to each other at their front ends via a central portion 12 of the base body 10. At the central portion 12, a connecting device 13 for attaching to a vehicle-side trailer hitch is provided.

[0050] The rear cargo rack 9 also includes two sliding profiles 14 that are held at the base profile 11 and movable relative to it along the longitudinal direction L. At the front end of the sliding profile 14, a yoke 15 is attached to support the load transported in the cargo rack 9. The yoke 15 has a U-shaped opening towards the bottom and is attached to the sliding profile 14, allowing it to move relative to the sliding profile 14 between an upright position and at least a substantially horizontal position. At the rear end of the sliding profile 14, a license plate holder 16 and two taillight units 17 are attached.

[0051] The rear rack 9 includes a fixing device in the form of two laterally extending guide rails 18, which are fixed to a sliding profile 14. The guide rails 18 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. At both ends of each guide rail 18, wheel holders 19 are provided for securing the bicycle wheels to be transported. The guide rails 18 slope downward toward their side ends, thus reaching their maximum height in the middle.

[0052] Figure 4 This illustrates how the suitcase 1 is secured to the rack 9. Specifically, the bottom element 2 is positioned on the guide rail 18 of the rack 9.

[0053] To secure the suitcase 1 to the rack 9, the bottom component 2 is fixed to the guide rail 18. For this purpose, a total of four clamping devices 20 are provided. Figure 3 It is displayed as a separate component. Figure 3 The clamping device 20 shown includes a clamping lever 21. Furthermore, the clamping device 20 includes a pivot joint 22 rotatably held at an end of the clamping lever 21 about a rotation axis R. The clamping device 20 also includes an elongated clamping pin 23 defining a longitudinal axis X. The clamping pin 23 is fixed to the pivot joint 22 and extends perpendicular to the rotation axis R of the pivot joint 22. Specifically, according to a preferred embodiment, the clamping pin 23 is held at the pivot joint 22 in a rotationally fixed manner. To allow the clamping pin 23 to rotate about the rotation axis R, the clamping lever 21 includes a through-slot 24 at its end, which separates the clamping lever 21 so that the elongated clamping pin 23 can rotate freely relative to the clamping lever 21 about the rotation axis R of the pivot joint 22. A flattened portion 25 is provided at the upper end of the elongated clamping pin 23 so that the clamping pin 23 fits into the through-slot 24 of the clamping lever 21.

[0054] The clamping device 20 also includes a clamping element 26, which is formed as a curved metal plate. The clamping element 26 is fixed to the end of the clamping pin 23 by rotation. The clamping element 26 has a flat central portion 27 through which the clamping pin 23 extends. At one end of the central portion 27, a pressure surface 28 is arranged, wherein the pressure surface 28 is raised relative to the central portion 27 and extends at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the elongated clamping pin 23.

[0055] At the other end of the middle portion 27, when viewed from the side, the end portion 29 extends upward in an L-shape. A first L-shaped leg 30 extends upward from the middle portion 27, and a second L-shaped leg 31 extends parallel to the middle portion 27. The second L-shaped leg 31 partially overlaps with the middle portion 27 when viewed from above. A support surface 32 is formed on the upper side of the second L-shaped leg 31 to support the clamping element 26 on the bottom side of the luggage compartment 1. The support surface 32 extends parallel to the pressure surface 28, and preferably, the distance from the pressure surface 28 to the longitudinal axis X is approximately three times the distance between the support surface 32 and the longitudinal axis X.

[0056] Clamping lever 21 has clamping surface 33, in Figure 3 In the case shown, the clamping surface 33 is arranged on the bottom side of the clamping lever 21. In this way, the suitcase can be clamped to the rack 9 between the clamping surface 33 and the pressure surface 28. For example, in Figures 6 to 8 This situation is illustrated in the figure, where the pressure surface 28 of each clamping device 20 abuts against the guide rail 18 from the bottom.

[0057] For example in Figure 7 As can be seen, the clamping device 20 is arranged between the two guide rails 18, such that the clamping pin 23 of the clamping device 20 is arranged in the space between the guide rails 18. In other words, the clamping element 26 engages with the underside of the guide rails 18 from the internal space arranged between the guide rails 18.

[0058] The support surface 32 of the clamping device 20 abuts against the lower side of the bottom element 2 of the suitcase 1. The clamping surface 33 of the clamping lever 21 rests against the upper side of the bottom element 2, i.e., inside the suitcase 1. For this purpose, a specific elongated metal plate 34 is provided in a corresponding groove 35 formed in the bottom element 2 to form a retaining surface that can contact the clamping surface 33 of the clamping lever 21. An elongated clamping pin 23 extends through a through hole 36 formed in the bottom element 2 of the suitcase 1. The pressure surface 28 of the clamping device 20 abuts against the guide rail 18 from below. In this way, the suitcase 1 is fixed to the guide rail 18 of the carrying rack 9.

[0059] When it is necessary to remove the suitcase 1 from the rack 9, the clamping lever 21 can move relative to the elongated clamping pin 23 towards a release position, in which the clamping pin 23 extends at least substantially in the same direction as the clamping lever 21, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown. In this configuration, the contact surface 37 of the clamping lever 21 rests against the elongated metal plate 34. The distance from the contact surface 37 to the axis of rotation R is less than the distance from the clamping surface 33 to the axis of rotation R, thus the support surface 32 disengages from contact with the bottom element 2, and the pressure surface 28 disengages from contact with the guide rail 18. In this way, the clamping lever can rotate approximately 90° about the longitudinal axis X. Thus, when viewed from above, the clamping element 26 no longer overlaps with the guide rail 18, and the suitcase 1 can be removed from the rack 9.

[0060] To further stabilize the luggage compartment 1 on the rear rack 9, a retaining device 38 is provided. The retaining device 38 is designed to be connected to the yoke 15 of the rack 9.

[0061] Specifically, the retaining device 38 includes a base element 39, which is fixed to the side wall 8 of the luggage compartment 1. Specifically, the base element 39 is held at the hinge joint 40 connecting the side wall 8 and the cover element 3.

[0062] The base element 39 includes a main portion 41 and an outer wall 42, the main portion 41 being attached to the side wall 8. A bottom-opening yoke receiving space 43 is arranged between the main portion 41 and the outer wall 42, receiving the yoke of the rear shelf 9. The yoke receiving space 43 is upwardly limited by an upper crossbar 44 connecting the main portion 41 and the outer wall 42. The yoke receiving space 43 extends laterally through the entire base element 39.

[0063] The retaining device 38 also includes a locking element 45, which is movably held at the base element 39 between a locked position and a released position. In the released position, as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the yoke 15 can be inserted into or removed from the yoke receiving space 43. In the locked position, for example... Figure 13 As shown, the yoke 15 inserted into the yoke receiving space 43 is fixed therein in a form-fit manner.

[0064] The locking element 45 is held on the main portion 41. The outer wall 42 includes a retaining slit 46 extending vertically and opening towards the bottom to allow movement of the locking element 45 between a locked position and a released position. This arrangement ensures that the locking element 45 must first be translated out of its locked position before it can be pivoted to its released position. For this purpose, the base element 39 includes a retaining groove 47. This retaining groove 47 extends vertically and does not open towards the bottom. The retaining groove 47 extends on both sides of the retaining slit 46 and has a substantially flat bottom and parallel sidewalls. The locking element 45 is formed as a locking pin that can be engaged in the retaining groove 47 by an enlarged end. This end is formed by a handle 48 that screws onto a screw 49, which is part of the locking element 45. Thus, in the first step, the locking element 45 must be translated out of its locked position in the horizontal direction, causing the handle 48 to disengage from the retaining groove 47. Afterward, the locking element 45 can pivot towards its released position.

[0065] To prevent the locking element 45 from accidentally moving out of its locked position, the locking element 45 is biased toward its locked position by a helical spring 50, which is supported on the head 51 of the locking element 45 and the base element 39, with the head 51 of the locking element 45 arranged in the main portion 41 of the base element 39.

[0066] The lid element 3 of the suitcase 1 is pivotable relative to the side wall 8 between an open position and a closed position, as shown. For this purpose, multiple hinge joints 40 are connected to the lid element 3. To prevent the lid element 3 from being in its closed position, the suitcase 1 includes a blocking device. The blocking device includes two locking straps 52 held on the side wall 8, and a mating strap 53 assigned to each locking strap 52 and held on the lid element 3. Each locking strap 52 can be connected to a corresponding mating strap 53 via a snap-fit ​​connection 54.

[0067] Refer to the attached figure label list

[0068] 1. Suitcase

[0069] 2 Bottom components

[0070] 3. Cover element

[0071] 4. Base plate

[0072] 5. Circumferential border

[0073] 6. Cover plate

[0074] 7. Circumferential border

[0075] 8. Sidewalls

[0076] 9. Storage racks

[0077] 10. Base Main Body

[0078] 11. Base profile

[0079] 12. Central Section

[0080] 13 Connecting device

[0081] 14 Sliding profiles

[0082] 15 yoke

[0083] 16 License Plate Frames

[0084] 17 Taillight Unit

[0085] 18 guide rails

[0086] 19-wheel frame

[0087] 20 Clamping device

[0088] 21 Clamping lever

[0089] 22 Pivot Joint

[0090] 23 Slender clamping pins

[0091] 24 through slots

[0092] 25 Flat section

[0093] 26 Clamping elements

[0094] 27 Central

[0095] 28 Pressure Surface

[0096] 29 end

[0097] 30 First L-shaped legs

[0098] 31 Second L-shaped leg

[0099] 32 Supporting surface

[0100] 33 Clamping Surface

[0101] 34 Metal Plate

[0102] 35 Grooves

[0103] 36 through holes

[0104] 37 Contact Surface

[0105] 38 Holding device

[0106] 39 Base Components

[0107] 40 Hinged Joint

[0108] 41 Main Department

[0109] 42 outer wall

[0110] 43 Receiving Space

[0111] 44. Upper crossbar

[0112] 45 Locking element

[0113] 46. ​​Maintain a narrow slit

[0114] 47 Retaining groove

[0115] 48 handles

[0116] 49 screws

[0117] 50 helical spring

[0118] 51 Head

[0119] 52 Locking strap

[0120] 53. Matching belt

[0121] 54. Buckle connection part

[0122] L longitudinal

[0123] R Rotation axis

[0124] X is the longitudinal axis.

Claims

1. A clamping device (20) for securing a load receiving device, particularly a suitcase (1), to a rack (9), particularly a bicycle rack, said clamping device (20) comprising: Clamping lever (21); A pivot joint (22) is rotatably held about the axis of rotation (R) at the end (29) of the clamping lever (21); An elongated clamping pin (23) is fixed to a pivot joint (22) and extends perpendicular to the axis of rotation (R) of the pivot joint (22), the clamping pin defining a longitudinal axis (X); A clamping element (26) is fixed to the end of a clamping pin (23), wherein the clamping lever (21) has a clamping surface (33) and the clamping element (26) has a pressure surface (28), such that the load receiving device can be clamped to the rack (9) between the clamping surface (33) and the pressure surface (28); The pressure surface (28) is separated from the clamping pin.

2. The clamping device (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that, A pressure surface (28) is arranged at the end of the clamping element (26); And / or, the pressure surface (28) is raised relative to the adjacent portion of the clamping element (26); And / or, the pressure surface (28) extends at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X); And / or, the clamping element (26) is held on the clamping pin (23) in a rotationally fixed manner.

3. The clamping device (20) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The clamping element (26) includes a support surface (32) for supporting the clamping element (26) on the load receiving device, wherein, in particular, the support surface (32) extends at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X), and / or wherein, in particular, the support surface (32) is spaced apart from the clamping pin (23), and / or wherein, in particular, the support surface (32) is arranged on the opposite side of the pressure surface (28) relative to the clamping pin (23), wherein, preferably, the distance between the pressure surface (28) and the longitudinal axis (X) is at least 2 times and / or at most 4 times the distance between the support surface (32) and the longitudinal axis (X).

4. The clamping device (20) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The clamping element (26) includes a flat middle portion (27) through which a clamping pin (23) extends, wherein, in particular, the clamping pin (23) penetrates the clamping element (26) longitudinally.

5. The clamping device (20) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, At one end of the middle section (27), a pressure surface (28) is provided, and at the other end of the middle section (27), a support surface (32) is provided. In particular, at the other end of the middle section (27), when viewed from the side, the end (29) extends upward in an L-shape. Preferably, a first L-shaped leg (30) extends upward from the middle section (27), and a second L-shaped leg (31) extends parallel to the middle section (27). Particularly preferably, a support surface is formed on the upper side of the second L-shaped leg (31).

6. The clamping device (20) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The clamping lever (21) is movable relative to the clamping pin (23) between a release position and a clamping position. In the release position, the clamping pin (23) extends at least substantially in the same direction as the clamping lever (21). In the clamping position, the clamping pin (23) extends at least substantially perpendicular to the direction of the clamping lever (21).

7. The clamping device (20) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The clamping lever (21) includes a through slot (24) at the end of the pivot joint (22) that separates the clamping lever (21) so that an elongated clamping pin (23) can rotate freely relative to the clamping lever (21) about the axis of rotation (R) of the pivot joint (22); and / or the clamping lever (21) includes a clamping surface (33) that extends parallel to the axis of rotation (R) of the pivot joint (22) and is spaced apart from the pivot joint (22) such that when the clamping lever (21) moves from its released position to its clamped position and the clamping surface (33) contacts the corresponding holding surface of the load receiving device to be attached, the load receiving device and the carrier (9) are pressed together between the pressure surface (28) and the clamping surface (33).

8. A luggage case (1), particularly for releasable attachment to a cargo rack (9) mounted on a vehicle, the luggage case (1) comprising a rigid bottom element (2) and attachment means for releasable attachment of the luggage case (1) to the cargo rack (9), wherein the attachment means comprises at least two, particularly four, through holes (36) formed in the bottom element (2), and at least two, particularly four, clamping means (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The suitcase (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The clamping pin (23) of each clamping device (20) passes through a through hole (36) formed in the rigid bottom element (2), and / or a groove (35) is provided at the bottom of the luggage compartment (1) near each through hole (36), the groove (35) accommodating the clamping lever (21) of the clamping device (20) when the clamping lever (21) is in the clamping position, and / or the luggage compartment (1) also includes a rigid cover element (3) and a side wall (8) connecting the bottom element (2) and the cover element (3), thereby forming a luggage space inside.

10. A luggage compartment (1), particularly for removably attaching to a cargo rack (9) mounted on a vehicle, the luggage compartment (1) including a rigid bottom element (2), a rigid cover element (3) and a side wall (8) connecting the bottom element (2) and the cover element (3) to form a luggage space inside; Especially according to claim 8 or 9, The suitcase (1) includes a retaining device (38) which is designed to be connected to the yoke (15) of the carrying rack (9); The holding device (38) includes: A base element (39) held on the side wall (8) or cover element (3) has a receiving space (43) opening to the bottom for receiving the yoke (15) of the shelf (9); A locking element (45) is movably held between a locked position and a released position on a base element (39), wherein in the locked position, a yoke (15) inserted into a receiving space (43) is fixed therein in a form-fit manner, and in the released position, the yoke (15) is able to be inserted into or removed from the receiving space (43).

11. The suitcase (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that... The base element (39) includes a main part (41) attached to the side wall (8) or cover element (3) of the suitcase (1) and an outer wall (42), wherein a receiving space (43) is arranged between the main part (41) and the outer wall (42), wherein, preferably, the receiving space (43) is uppered by an upper crossbar (44) connecting the main part (41) and the outer wall (42).

12. The suitcase (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The locking element (45) is held in the main part (41), and the outer wall (42) includes a retaining slit (46) extending vertically and opening to the bottom to move the locking element (45) between a locked position and a released position. In particular, this arrangement is such that the locking element (45) must first be translated out of its locked position before it can pivot to its released position. Preferably, the base element (39) includes a retaining groove (47) extending vertically and not opening to the bottom, such that the locking element (45) can engage in the retaining groove (47) in its locked position by its enlarged end, and such that the locking element (45) must be translated out of its locked position, particularly in the horizontal direction, before it can pivot to its released position.

13. The suitcase (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The locking element (45) is biased toward its locked position, particularly by a spring element, preferably a helical spring, which is preferably supported on the head (51) of the locking element (45) and the base element (39), the head (51) of the locking element (45) being disposed on the main part (41) of the base element (39).

14. A luggage compartment (1), particularly for releasable attachment to a rear cargo rack (9) mounted to a vehicle, the luggage compartment (1) comprising a rigid bottom element (2), a rigid cover element (3), and a side wall (8) connecting the bottom element (2) and the cover element (3), thereby forming a luggage space inside, particularly according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein, The cover element (3) is movable between an open state and a closed state, particularly pivoting, wherein the luggage compartment (1) includes a blocking device to block the cover element (3) when it is in the closed state, wherein the blocking device includes at least one locking strap (52), particularly two locking straps (52), which are held at the side wall (8), particularly at the rear wall of the side wall (8), and each locking strap (52) is provided with a mating strap (53) held at the cover element (3), and wherein each locking strap (52) is connectable to the corresponding mating strap (53) via a snap-fit ​​connection (54).

15. The suitcase (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that, The sidewalls (8) of the suitcase (1) are made of fabric, and the suitcase (1) is foldable between a use configuration and a transport configuration. In the use configuration, the bottom element (2) and the cover element (3) are spaced apart from each other, and the sidewalls (8) connect the bottom element (2) and the cover element (3) to form a luggage space inside. In the transport configuration, the cover element (3) is placed on the bottom element (2), and the sidewalls (8) are folded between the cover element (3) and the bottom element (2).

16. A system comprising a suitcase (1) and a rack (19) according to claim 8 or 9, particularly a bicycle rack, wherein the rack (9) defines a longitudinal direction (L) and includes at least two, particularly exactly two, guide rails (18) extending in a transverse direction for receiving a load on the rack (9), particularly at least one bicycle, wherein the arrangement allows the suitcase (1) to be attached to the rack (9), wherein a bottom element (2) of the suitcase (1) is placed on the guide rail (18), and a pressure surface (28) of a clamping element (26) abuts from below the guide rail (18) to secure the suitcase to the guide rail (18) of the rack (9).

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