Load carrier coupling and load carrier

Abstract

Load carrier coupling (10; 110) for a load carrier (T), for detachable fastening to a coupling body, in particular a coupling ball (85), a trailer coupling (80; 280; 180) of a motor vehicle (F), with a coupling base (11; 111) and a clamping device (65; 165) comprising at least two clamping parts for clamping the coupling body (83), at least one of which forms an adjusting clamping part (17; 117) which, with an actuating element (31), in particular having a handle (33), is movable between an open position (O) provided for introducing the coupling body into a receiving space (16) delimited by at least one of the clamping parts (20; 120) and further away from at least one other of the clamping parts (20; 120), and a clamping position (K) clamping the coupling body in the receiving space (16). wherein the load carrier coupling (10; 110) has at least one support projection (46;146) for supporting on a coupling body carrier (81; 181) carrying the coupling body (83), wherein the at least one supporting projection (46; 146) is movement-coupled or fixedly connected to the at least one adjusting clamping part (17; 117) in such a way that the adjusting clamping part (17; 117) moves the at least one supporting projection (46; 146) when actuated into the clamping position (K) into a supporting position (S), in which the supporting projection (46; 146) is supported on the coupling body carrier (81; 181), and when actuated into the open position (O) into a release position (L), in which the at least one supporting projection (46; 146) is moved away from the coupling body carrier (81; 181), so that the load carrier coupling (10; 110) is Trailer coupling (80; 280; 180) is removable, characterized in that on the at least one support projection (46; 146) at least one form-fitting contour (49; 149) for form-fitting hold on a counter form-fitting contour (50;150) is arranged, and that the at least one form-fitting contour (49; 149) and the associated counter-form-fitting contour (50; 150) form or comprise a pairing of hook and hook receptacle and / or a spherical surface and a spherical cap (51) and / or a plug-in projection and a plug-in receptacle.;

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a load carrier coupling for a load carrier, for releasably fastening to a coupling body, in particular a coupling ball, of a trailer coupling of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a load carrier with such a load carrier coupling, a holder for a trailer coupling for interaction with the load carrier coupling, a system comprising a load carrier coupling and a trailer coupling.

[0002] Such a load carrier coupling or a load carrier equipped with it is disclosed, for example, in DE 94 04 236 U1. According to DE 10 2008 009 150 A1, a tensioning lever is used to actuate a load carrier coupling, which is designed, for example, in the manner of a towing ball coupling for a trailer. This tensioning lever is used to adjust an adjusting clamping part against a clamping housing forming or receiving another clamping part, so that the coupling body, e.g. a coupling ball of a conventional ball coupling for motor vehicles, is clamped in the clamping housing.

[0003] The familiar load carrier coupling or load carrier is placed on the ball head of the trailer coupling and then locked like a standard tow ball coupling. A pivoting lever is operated so that the tow ball coupling, designed like a tow ball coupling, still rests laterally on the ball neck. However, handling is relatively difficult, as you first have to position the two support arms relative to the coupling body support before the load carrier coupling can be locked or clamped.

[0004] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a load carrier coupling that is easy to handle.

[0005] To achieve this object, a load carrier coupling according to the technical teaching of claim 1 is provided.

[0006] To achieve this objective, a system is further provided that includes the load carrier coupling and a cooperating trailer coupling, as well as a bracket that interacts with the load carrier coupling. A basic concept of the invention is that the load carrier coupling also enables support below the coupling body, for example, a coupling ball, so that the load from the load carrier does not only act on the coupling body. Furthermore, with a load carrier supported only on the coupling ball, there is also the risk that the load carrier could twist relative to the coupling ball, which in itself serves more as a ball-joint support for a trailer's tow ball coupling, for example, tilting to the side.

[0007] The load carrier coupling, for example, has fastening means for holding a supporting device of the load carrier, e.g., a frame. The load carrier coupling can also form an integral part of a load carrier.

[0008] The load carrier coupling according to the invention and, of course, also the load carrier equipped therewith can be handled easily and conveniently by first arranging the load carrier on the coupling body and, by actuating the adjusting clamping part, at the same time bringing the at least one support projection into contact with the area of the coupling body carrier below the coupling body.

[0009] The support can, of course, be provided directly on the coupling body support. Support contours or counter-contours are expediently provided on the coupling body support, which interact directly with the load carrier coupling according to the invention or its support projection(s). For example, hooks, eyelets, recesses, projections, or similar counter-contours providing positive support are provided on the coupling body support.

[0010] However, a variant of the invention can also provide, for example, that a holder can be detachably attached to the coupling body support, so that a coupling body support not intended for operation with the load carrier coupling according to the invention can be upgraded or converted, so to speak. For example, a counter-form-locking contour or several counter-form-locking contours are located on the holder for interaction with the at least one support projection or projections.

[0011] The bracket is expediently detachably attachable to the trailer coupling or its coupling body support. For example, the bracket can be designed in the manner of a ring or a sleeve. The bracket can also be braced, screwed, or clamped, for which purpose, for example, clamping means, for example one or more clamping screws, at least one clamping wedge, or the like, are provided. For example, the bracket comprises two or more ring segments, at least one of which is movable relative to at least one other ring segment, so that the bracket can be removed from the coupling body support or attached to it in an open position, but preferably encloses the coupling body support in a ring-shaped manner in a closed position.

[0012] Another variant of the invention provides for one or more counter-form-locking contours, support contours, or the like to be provided directly on the trailer coupling for interaction with the load carrier coupling. For example, one or more milled recesses, such as spherical recesses (spherical caps), bores, etc., can be provided on the coupling body support to ensure that the at least one support projection is securely held on the coupling body support.

[0013] The at least one support projection expediently interacts with the coupling body support via an inclined surface arrangement. For example, one or more inclined surfaces are provided on the at least one support projection, which interact with a corresponding counter-contour on the coupling body support. One or more inclined surfaces can also be provided on the coupling body support and / or on the above-mentioned holder, which can be detachably arranged on the coupling body support. The inclined surface arrangement can be used to brace or clamp the load carrier coupling to the trailer coupling. For example, the inclined surface arrangement ensures that the coupling body is braced with or in the receiving space of the load carrier coupling.

[0014] The coupling base expediently comprises a housing on which the at least one adjustable clamping part of the load carrier coupling is movably mounted and which has a receiving space for the coupling body. For example, the housing is equipped with at least one spherical contour or a substantially spherical interior into which the coupling body can be moved. Thus, for example, the housing can be placed on the coupling body and then closed by moving the at least one adjustable clamping part into the clamping position.

[0015] It should also be noted at this point that a housing solution is not absolutely necessary. It is also possible to provide fixed clamping parts (or just one clamping part) designed, for example, like arms, relative to which the at least one adjustable clamping part is movable.

[0016] The housing may have at least one clamping part that is fixedly arranged on the housing or formed by the housing. For example, a spherical or spherical cap-shaped receptacle may be provided as the clamping part.

[0017] The coupling base expediently has one or more clamping parts, which are movable relative to the coupling base and have a support projection for support on the coupling body carrier. For example, such a support projection can be provided on the aforementioned housing of the coupling base. However, it is also possible for one or more clamping parts, for example, to be equipped with a support projection for support on the coupling body carrier.

[0018] The most effective support of the load carrier coupling on the trailer coupling can be easily achieved by having the load carrier coupling with at least three support projections for support on an outer circumference of the coupling body support, with the support projections arranged at an angular distance from one another. For example, the angular distance between the support projections is as uniform as possible, creating a type of tripod support. This allows for particularly stable positioning of the load carrier or the load carrier coupling on the trailer coupling.

[0019] For example, it is possible that two support projections are stationary with respect to the coupling base, while a third support projection is arranged on the at least one adjusting clamping part or is coupled in motion to the adjusting clamping part.

[0020] At this point, it should be noted that, of course, multiple adjusting clamping parts can be provided, which can conveniently be actuated with a single control element. For example, a type of gripper can be formed that comprises two or more adjusting clamping parts.

[0021] Furthermore, it is readily possible for an adjusting clamping part to have multiple support projections, for example, support projections arranged at an angular distance from one another and / or at a longitudinal distance from one another. Of course, multiple support points can also be provided on one support projection, which, for example, come into contact with the coupling body support at an angular distance and / or a longitudinal distance when the at least one support projection is supported on the coupling body support in the clamping position of the load carrier coupling.

[0022] One embodiment of the invention provides that the at least one support projection is fixedly arranged on the at least one adjusting clamping part, for example, is integral with the adjusting clamping part. However, it is also possible for a movement coupling to be provided with the at least one adjusting clamping part, for example via a toggle lever mechanism and / or a gear mechanism and / or a wedge mechanism or the like. In this way, it is possible for the actuating movement of the at least one adjusting clamping part to be transferred to the actuating movement of the at least one support projection. Although this is not the case in the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing, it is certainly within the scope of the invention.

[0023] Preferably, at least two support projections are provided, which are either motion-coupled or rigidly connected to the at least one adjusting clamping part. Thus, for example, the adjusting clamping part can be supported on the coupling body support at two spaced-apart locations on the coupling body support.

[0024] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that at least two support projections which are coupled in movement to the adjusting clamping part or connected to it or arranged thereon run past the coupling body in a fork-like manner and engage with counter contours on the coupling body support.

[0025] The at least one support projection actuated or actuable by the adjusting clamping part expediently acts in the manner of a tension rod.

[0026] A preferred embodiment provides that the support projections or the at least one support projection pass a section of the dome body support with the smallest diameter and come into contact with a section with a larger diameter or greater load-bearing capacity when the support position is assumed.

[0027] It is preferred if a clamping lever is provided to clamp the adjusting clamping part into the clamping position. This clamping lever can, of course, also act on multiple adjusting clamping parts.

[0028] Furthermore, it is expedient if an adjusting device is provided for adjusting a distance of the at least one support projection from the coupling body carrier in the clamping position of the adjusting clamping part. For example, an adjusting device, a screw device, or the like can be provided to position the at least one support projection relative to the coupling body carrier when the at least one adjusting clamping part assumes the clamping position. This allows adaptation to, for example, differently designed coupling body carriers. Even after prolonged use, signs of fatigue or wear can occur, which can be easily remedied by the adjusting device proposed here.

[0029] A variant of the invention can provide that a clamping contour is provided on the adjusting clamping part for direct contact with the coupling body, so that the adjusting clamping part serves directly to clamp the coupling body. The at least one support projection is actuated simultaneously with the adjusting clamping part and provides additional support below the coupling body, namely on the coupling body support.

[0030] Furthermore, it is possible for the adjustable clamping part not to come into direct contact with the coupling body, but rather to interact with the coupling body support to clamp the coupling body together with the other clamping part or several other clamping parts that are fixed or can be fixed in position relative to the coupling base. In this case, as well as in combination with the above case, in which the adjustable clamping part directly clamps the coupling body, the following measure is advantageous: The at least one support projection is expediently designed such that it engages behind or under a counter contour arranged on the coupling body support below the coupling body such that the coupling body, in the support position of the at least one support projection, is clamped between the at least one support projection and an abutment contour connected to the coupling base. For example, the abutment contour is firmly connected to the coupling base. The abutment contour can, for example, be arranged in the interior of the aforementioned housing of the coupling base. However, it is also possible for the abutment contour to be movably mounted on the coupling base and, together with the at least one adjusting clamping part, to be movable between a clamping position or support position and a release position. The load carrier coupling can therefore be optimally positioned on the coupling body support orthe vehicle's trailer coupling. This support can be provided, for example, along a tensioning axis or support axis that runs essentially vertically, for example perpendicularly or inclined by a few degrees.

[0031] At least one form-fitting contour is expediently provided on the at least one support projection for form-fitting support against a counter-form-fitting contour arranged on the coupling body support. The counter-form-fitting contour can, for example, form a component of the coupling body support, but also of a holder, for example the sleeve mentioned above, which is or can be fastened to the coupling body support. In this way, not only a flat support, for example, via a planar surface, is realized, but also a multi-axial support or a form-fitting hold.

[0032] According to one variant of the invention, the form-locking contour and the associated counter-form-locking contour form a pairing of hook and hook receptacle. For example, the counter-form-locking contour can be a hook receptacle, while the form-locking contour on the at least one support projection is a hook projection.

[0033] But the reverse configuration (form-locking contour on the at least one support projection comprises the hook receptacle, the counter-form-locking contour a hook) is also possible, which is also the case in the following embodiment: According to a further variant of the invention, one of the form-locking contours, the form-locking contour or the counter-form-locking contour, can be a spherical surface, while the other form-locking contour is a spherical cap. According to a further variant of the invention, it is also possible for one form-locking contour to comprise a plug-in projection, while the other form-locking contour forms a plug-in receptacle. For example, the support contour arranged on the at least one support projection can be designed as a plug-in projection or as a plug-in receptacle.

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained below. They show: Fig. 1 a perspective oblique view of a first embodiment of a load carrier coupling coupled to a trailer coupling, which in Fig. 2 is shown frontally in a view of the trailer coupling, Fig. 3 a partial section through the arrangement according to Fig. 1, approximately along a section line AA in Fig. 1, Fig. 4 a section through the arrangement according to Fig. 2, approximately along a section line BB in Fig. 2, Fig. 5 a side view of the arrangement according to Fig. 1, Fig. 6 a modification of the system according to the preceding figures, wherein a bracket for interaction with the load carrier coupling is arranged on a coupling arm of the trailer coupling, Fig. 7 a section through the arrangement according to Fig. 6, approximately along a section line CC in Fig. 6, Fig. 8 is a perspective oblique view of a second embodiment of a load carrier coupling coupled to a trailer coupling, Fig. 9 another perspective oblique view of the system Fig. 8, Fig. 10 a side view of the system according to Fig. 8 or Fig. 9 in the open state, Fig. 11 the system according to Fig. 10 when closed, Fig. 12 a section through the arrangement according to Fig. 9, approximately along a section line DD in Fig. 9, and Fig. 13 a rear view of the system according to Fig. 9 to 12.

[0035] The Fig. 1-5 and the load carrier coupling 10 shown in the Fig. The load carrier coupling 110 shown in Figures 8-13 have some of the same components, which are marked with the same reference numbers. Any deviations are indicated by reference numbers that differ by 100. Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 show a modification of the trailer coupling of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 to 5, which is equipped with a bracket (70) for interaction with the load carrier coupling 10.

[0036] The load carrier couplings 10, 110 serve to attach a schematically indicated load carrier T to a motor vehicle F, for example, a passenger car or the like. A trailer coupling 80, 180, 280 projects rearward behind a schematically indicated bumper H of the motor vehicle F when it assumes its operating position, which is suitable for attaching a trailer. The trailer coupling 80, 180, 280 comprises a coupling body support 81, 181, 281, for example, a coupling arm 82, which is mounted on the motor vehicle F in a fixed, detachable, particularly pluggable, or movable manner, as well as a coupling body 83, which is arranged at the end 84 of the coupling body support 81, 181, 281 remote from the motor vehicle F.

[0037] The coupling body 83 is designed, for example, as a coupling ball 85. An arm section 87 of the coupling body support 81, 181, 281, which has one or more curvatures, extends from a vehicle-side holder area 86, which includes, for example, a bearing part for pivotally mounting the coupling arm 82 on the motor vehicle F, a plug end, or the like. At the end 84, the coupling body support 81, 181, 281 terminates in a cylindrical section 88, on which the coupling body 83 is arranged. Compared to the relatively solid and load-bearing coupling arm 82 or the arm section 87, the cylindrical section 88 is less resilient. For example, it has a smaller cross-section.

[0038] When the load carrier T is attached to the trailer coupling 80, 180, 280, a significant force initially acts on the coupling body 83, so that the cylindrical section 88 is also subjected to considerable stress. For example, there is a risk that the load carrier T will tip sideways, forwards, or backwards (along an X-axis or a Y-axis). The stress exerted by the load carrier T could cause the coupling body 83 to break off from the coupling body support 81, 181, 281, the cylindrical section 88 to bend, or the like. In addition, an unfavorable tilt of the load carrier T could occur during vehicle operation, making safe driving impossible.

[0039] The load carrier couplings 10 and 110 each have a coupling base 11, 111 to which the remaining components of the load carrier T can be or are attached.

[0040] For example, fastening projections 12 are provided on the coupling base 11, which serve to hold a frame G or another supporting device of the load carrier T. For example, the fastening projections 12 delimit a receptacle 13 for the frame G. The fastening projections 12 have through-openings 14, for example for inserting fastening bolts (not shown) with which the frame G can be fastened to the coupling base 11. The fastening bolts comprise, for example, rivets, screws, or the like. This is not important in detail because, for example, any other connection, such as welding, gluing, or the like, is also readily possible.

[0041] For example, the coupling base 111 of the load carrier coupling 110 is only shown schematically or has smooth outer walls to which the frame G (not shown) of the load carrier T can also be attached, for example by an adhesive connection. It should be noted at this point that, for example, the frame G could form a component of the respective coupling base 11 or 111, or that a frame of a load carrier T, for example, a platform or the like, can also represent a coupling base of a load carrier coupling according to the invention.

[0042] The coupling base 11, 111 comprises a housing 15, 115, in which a receiving space 16 is provided for the coupling body 83, for example, the coupling ball 85. The housing 15, 115 can be connected to or arranged on the load carrier T or its frame.

[0043] Adjusting clamping parts 17, 117 are movably mounted on the housings 15, 115, for example, pivotably, slidingly, or both, i.e., pivotably / slidably. The adjusting clamping parts 17, 117 can be adjusted between an open position O, in which they are further away from an abutment contour 18, 118 in the receiving space 16, and a clamping position K, in which the adjusting clamping parts 17, 117 are adjusted closer to the abutment contour 18, 118 such that they clamp the coupling body 83 between their clamping contour 19, 119 and the abutment contour 18, 118. The abutment contour 18, 118 forms a component of a clamping part 20, 120 that is stationary with respect to the coupling base 11, 111.

[0044] The adjusting clamping parts 17, 117 and the stationary clamping parts 20, 120 are components of clamping devices 65; 165.

[0045] The abutment contours 18, 118 are designed in the shape of a spherical shell or dome-like, ie they lie flat against the likewise spherical surface of the coupling ball 85 or the coupling body 83.

[0046] The clamping contour 19 is spherical or dome-shaped, so that it is suitable for a flat contact with the coupling body 83. However, the optimized shape of the clamping contours 19 and the abutment contours 18, 118 is not necessary, but merely expedient.

[0047] At this point, it should be noted that in the case of a differently designed coupling body, which for example has a polygonal outer circumference and is in any case not spherical, correspondingly different clamping contours are possible on the clamping parts of a load carrier coupling according to the invention.

[0048] The clamping part 20 and the adjusting clamping part 17 are intended for the direct clamping of the coupling body 83. Thus, in the clamping position K, the coupling body 83 is clamped between the two clamping parts 17 and 20.

[0049] The clamping part 20 and the adjusting clamping part 17 are designed in the manner of half-shells which lie opposite one another and thus act on the coupling body 83 from opposite sides when they assume the clamping position K.

[0050] The clamping part 120 is designed for direct contact with the coupling body 83. The adjusting clamping part 117, however, does not come into direct contact with the coupling body 83, but rather cooperates in the sense of tensioning or clamping with the clamping part 120, which is stationary with respect to the coupling base 111.

[0051] The clamping parts 20, 120 are arranged in the interior of the housings 15, 115. They each define the receiving space 16 for the coupling body 83.

[0052] For example, the clamping part 20 is arranged with its rear side 21 on a side wall 22 of the housing 15. Upper and lower narrow sides 23 of the clamping part 20 rest against an upper wall 24 and a lower wall 25 of the housing 15. For example, the connection is established by welding, gluing, or the like. It should be noted at this point that a housing such as the housing 15 can also integrally comprise a clamping part or an abutment contour. For example, the abutment contour 18 could be arranged on the side wall 22.

[0053] The side wall 22 is expediently reinforced by a hollow chamber structure 26 or rib structure, so that it is light on the one hand, but very stiff and resilient on the other.

[0054] The clamping part 120 has lateral projections 127 on its narrow sides 128, which engage and are held in corresponding recesses 129 on the side walls 130 of the housing 115. Lateral suspension or fixation of the clamping part 120 in the housing 115 is sufficient. For example, a gap exists between an upper side 123 of the clamping part 120 and an upper wall 124 of the housing 115, although this is not necessary but merely optional.

[0055] The abutment contour 118 is intended to act on the dome body 83 from the top side.

[0056] The load carrier couplings 10, 110 comprise actuating elements 31 with which the adjusting clamping parts 17 and 117 can be actuated. It should be noted at this point that an adjusting clamping part can, of course, also be actuated directly, i.e., a corresponding actuating handle can also form a component of a respective adjusting clamping part. For example, an actuating projection, in particular a lever or the like, can be provided on such an adjusting clamping part.

[0057] The actuating elements 31 comprise a lever 32 that can be grasped by an operator. The lever 32 has, for example, a handle 33. The lever 32 is mounted so as to be pivotable relative to the housing 15, 115 about a pivot axis 37 of a pivot bearing 34. For example, a bearing section 35 of the lever 32 is penetrated by an axle element 36 that is fixed in position relative to the housing 15, 115. Of course, the axle element 36 can also be rotatable or pivotable, ie it could form a component of the lever 32.

[0058] The lever 32 passes through a recess 58, 158 on the upper wall 24, 124 of the housing 115, 115.

[0059] The load carrier coupling 10 is provided with an adjustment, i.e. the pivot axis 37 is movable within the housing 15, so to speak, so that permanent bracing of the coupling body 83 is guaranteed, even after wear. A spring element 39 is supported on a side wall 38 of the housing 15 arranged opposite the side wall 22. The spring element 39 has a curvature and is resiliently flexible such that it can load a bearing element 40, which holds and supports the axle element 36, in the direction of the receiving space 16 and thus in the direction of the coupling body 83 when the latter is located in the receiving space 16. The bearing element 40 comprises, for example, an elongated hole 41, in which the axle element 36 is slidably received. The longitudinal direction of the elongated hole 41 runs away from the spring element 39.The position of the axle element 36 in the elongated hole 41 can be adjusted, for example, by means of an adjusting screw or another adjusting element, for example to adapt to tolerances or to compensate for wear.

[0060] Instead of the elongated hole 41, a receptacle that holds the axle element 36 firmly or merely rotatably supports it could also be provided. The axle element 36 can therefore also be linearly and / or rotatably fixed relative to the bearing element 40.

[0061] The rear side of the bearing element 40 rests against the spring element 39. A plug-in receptacle or other receptacle is provided there, for example, for receiving the bearing element 40. A support body 43, for example a roller or cylinder, is preferably rotatably mounted on the lever 32. However, a sliding or supporting contour could also be provided directly on the lever 32.

[0062] The support body 43 is mounted, for example, by means of a bearing axle element 44 on the bearing section 35 of the lever 32. The support body 43 is supported on the one hand on the lever 32 or on the bearing axle element 44 and on the other hand on a rear side of the adjusting clamping part 17 when the lever 32 is adjusted towards the housing 15, i.e. into the clamping position K. Thus, the lever 32 essentially presses the adjusting clamping part 17 into the clamping position K or towards the coupling body 83 via the support body 43. This is shown in solid lines in Fig. 3 shown.

[0063] However, if the lever 32 is pivoted away from the housing 15, in Fig. 3, i.e. diagonally upwards to the left, the support body 43 rolls upwards and possibly even comes free from the bearing element 40, so that the adjusting clamping part 17 can reach the inclined position or open position 0 shown in dashed lines. Then the receiving space 16 is opened so far downwards that the coupling body 83 can get into the receiving space 16 or out of it.

[0064] The support body 43 acts on an upper section 45 of the adjusting clamping part 17, arranged in the interior of the housing 15. A support projection 46 projects downward from this section 45, i.e., toward the coupling body support 81, 181, 281. Furthermore, one or more support projections 47 project from the housing 15 itself, i.e., from the lower wall 25. The support projections 47 are thus stationary with respect to the coupling base 11, while the support projection 46 follows the movement of the adjusting clamping part 17.

[0065] When the load carrier coupling 10 is placed on the trailer coupling 80, 280, the stationary support projections 47 act directly on the coupling body carrier 81 or a coupling body carrier 281 of the Fig. 6, Fig. 7 shown trailer coupling 280 arranged bracket 70.

[0066] For example, the load carrier coupling 10 is supported on an upper side 89 with its upper wall 24 or the inner side of the wall 25 facing the receiving space 16. The load carrier coupling 10 is thus supported on the one hand on the top of the coupling body 83, and on the other hand also laterally, where the stationary support projections 47 ensure support on the coupling body support 81, 281. This makes assembly very simple.

[0067] If the actuating element 31 is now moved into the clamping position K, i.e. the adjusting clamping part 17 is moved into the Fig. 3, the support projection 46 pivots towards the coupling body support 81, 281 and assumes a support position S, so that the support projection 46 comes into contact with the coupling body support 81 or the holder 70 arranged on the coupling body support 281 and thus simultaneously provides support on the trailer coupling 80, 280, both at the top and bottom.

[0068] One embodiment may provide that the abutment contour 18 and the clamping contour 19 clamp the coupling body 83 with a high clamping force, while further down, on the coupling body support 81, only a clamping force with a comparatively lower, but still load-bearing, support is provided by the support projections 46 and 47. This can prevent unfavorable tensioning of the load carrier coupling 10 on the trailer coupling 80, 280: A certain degree of elasticity may expediently be possible in the area of the support projections 46, 47.

[0069] Balls 48 are provided on the support projections 46 and 47, each defining a form-fitting contour 49. Spherical caps 51 are provided on the coupling body support 81 or the holder 70 as counter-form-fitting contours 50. The spherical caps 51 are provided at an angular distance on the outer circumference of the coupling body support 81 or the holder 70. The angular distance is preferably the same or at least approximately the same, so that the form-fitting contours 49 or the support projections 46 and 47 act on the coupling body support 81, 281 approximately in the corner regions of an equilateral triangle. This provides optimal support in every direction. Static overdetermination is avoided by supporting the coupling body at three angularly spaced points.

[0070] It is also possible, for example, for an adjusting device 60 to enable adaptation to the conditions of the trailer coupling 80 and / or tolerance compensation. For example, an adjusting screw 61 could be provided on the support projection 46 instead of the ball 48, the free end of which forms or has a positive-locking contour 49.

[0071] The counter-form-locking contours 50 are provided directly on the coupling body support 81. For example, the spherical caps 51 include corresponding milled recesses. In any case, the arrangement is such that the support projections 46 and 47 are supported below the cylindrical, relatively low-load-bearing section 88 on the coupling body support 81, i.e., they protrude well in front of the housing 15. As a result, the load on the trailer coupling 80 from the load carrier T during driving is very low.

[0072] The design with balls and spherical caps can, of course, also be reversed, meaning that, for example, the trailer coupling 80 is provided with balls and a spherical cap corresponding to the support projections 46 and 47. Furthermore, balls and spherical caps are to be understood only as examples. Even a flat support, for example, by means of flat surfaces on the support projections 46 and 47, would represent a significant improvement over the usual jamming of a coupling ball in the load carrier coupling.

[0073] The Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the alternative embodiment shown provides that the spherical caps 51 are not arranged directly on the trailer coupling 80, but rather on the bracket 70, which can be detachably attached to the trailer coupling 280. For example, the bracket 70 comprises a ring 71. The ring 71 can be made up of several parts, for example two parts, so that it has, for example, two ring segments 72, 73 that can be pivoted away from one another so that the coupling body support 81 can be inserted into an interior of the ring 71, and can then be pivoted back towards one another to enclose the coupling body support 81 in a ring shape. By means of a clamping mechanism (e.g., a clamping screw), locking mechanism, or the like, the bracket 70 can be firmly attached to the coupling body support 81. The ring segments 72, 73 are, for example, screwed and / or latched together.

[0074] The spherical caps 51 are arranged on the outer circumference of the ring 71. Thus, the trailer coupling 280, which is not specifically prepared for the load carrier coupling 10, can optimally interact with the load carrier coupling 10. Such an adaptation of an existing trailer coupling for a load carrier according to the invention can also be realized in the second exemplary embodiment presented in detail below.

[0075] In the trailer coupling 180, which interacts with the load carrier coupling 110, projections 93 are provided on the coupling body support 181 near the section 88, but at a distance from the coupling body 83, as counter-contours 90, which could of course also be arranged on a holder corresponding to the holder 70. The projections 93 interact with the movable support projections 146 of the load carrier coupling 110.

[0076] Side legs 157 protrude in a forked manner from a base leg 152 of the adjusting clamping part 117. The support projections 146 protrude in front of the side legs 157.

[0077] The base leg 152 has an actuating projection 153, on which the support body 43 of the lever 32 can roll. Thus, if the lever 32 is released from the Fig. 10, pivoted upwards away from the housing 115 (open position O) into the position shown in Fig. 11, the support body 43 rolls off the actuating projection 153, so that the adjusting clamping part is pivoted from the position shown in Fig. 10 almost taken open position O, in which the support projections 146 take a release position L, in which in Fig. 11 shown clamping position K, in which the support projections 146 assume a support position S. In Fig. 10, the release position L or open position O is almost reached. If the adjusting clamping part 117 pivots slightly further (to the left in the drawing) into the release position L, the projections 93 disengage from the receiving grooves 156.

[0078] At this point, it should be noted that the rotatable support element or support body 43 represents an advantageous option, i.e., a sliding support body is also possible instead of the rotatable or rollable support body 43. Spring loading by the spring element 39 also represents only a convenient option. In the case of the load carrier coupling 110, the axle element 36 could, for example, also be rotatably mounted on the side walls 130, so that the pivot axis 37 is stationary with respect to the housing 115.

[0079] For example, a toggle lever mechanism with and without spring loading would be conceivable at any time and could also be implemented with a load carrier coupling according to the invention.

[0080] The adjusting clamping part 117 is pivotally mounted on the housing 115. For example, the projections 127 penetrate bearing openings 154 on the side legs 157. The side legs 157 are thus sandwiched between the stationary clamping part 120 and the side walls 130 of the housing 115, but are pivotable or rotatable between these two components. This enables a particularly favorable force introduction into the housing 115.

[0081] At the lower end region of the support projections 146 there are form-locking contours 149 which interact with counter-form-locking contours 150, namely the counter-contours 90.

[0082] In this context, it should be mentioned that, in the case of support projections of a load carrier coupling designed according to the invention, an arrangement of inclined surfaces is expedient in order to enable optimal clamping or bracing. For example, the counter contours 90 are provided with inclined surfaces 91 that rise from an insertion side 92 further away from the coupling body 83 towards the coupling body 83. Correspondingly, the form-locking contours 149 are provided with inclined surfaces 155. The inclined surfaces 155 are located on a receiving groove 156 that defines the form-locking contours 149. Thus, when the adjusting clamping part 117 pivots from the open position 0 into the clamping position K, the inclined surfaces 155, 91 slide along one another, which acts as a bracing mechanism. As a result, the clamping contour 119 is acted upon towards the coupling body 83, so to speak, pulled from above onto the coupling ball 85, so that the entire configuration is optimally supported on the trailer coupling 180.One of the beveled surfaces 155, 91 is sufficient. The respective counter-contour to one of the beveled surfaces 155, 91 does not need to be beveled.

[0083] Here too, handling is very simple, because the still loose ( Fig. 10) Load carrier coupling 110 can be placed from above onto the trailer coupling 180 and then clamped or tightened.

[0084] The fork-shaped support projections 146 projecting downwards in front of the clamping part 120 or the housing 115 engage behind or under the counter contour 90 on the corresponding projections 93 of the trailer coupling 180, so that they clamp the housing 115 or the clamping part 120 against the coupling body 83.

[0085] The side legs 157 act like tension rods.

[0086] The receiving grooves 156 form, for example, hook receptacles.

Claims

[1] Load carrier coupling (10; 110) for a load carrier (T), for detachable fastening to a coupling body, in particular a coupling ball (85), of a trailer coupling (80; 280; 180) of a motor vehicle (F), with a coupling base (11; 111) and a clamping device (65; 165) which comprises at least two clamping parts for clamping the coupling body (83), at least one of which forms an adjusting clamping part (17; 117) which, with an actuating element (31), in particular having a handle (33), can be moved between an open position (O) provided for introducing the coupling body into a receiving space (16) delimited by at least one of the clamping parts (20; 120) and further away from at least one other of the clamping parts (20; 120), and a clamping position (K) clamping the coupling body in the receiving space (16). is movable, wherein the load carrier coupling (10; 110) has at least one support projection (46;146) for supporting on a coupling body carrier (81; 181) carrying the coupling body (83), wherein the at least one supporting projection (46; 146) is movement-coupled or fixedly connected to the at least one adjusting clamping part (17; 117) in such a way that the adjusting clamping part (17; 117) moves the at least one supporting projection (46; 146) when actuated into the clamping position (K) into a supporting position (S), in which the supporting projection (46; 146) is supported on the coupling body carrier (81; 181), and when actuated into the open position (O) into a release position (L), in which the at least one supporting projection (46; 146) is moved away from the coupling body carrier (81; 181), so that the load carrier coupling (10; 110) is trailer coupling (80; 280; 180) is removable, ; characterized bythat at least one form-fitting contour (49; 149) is arranged on the at least one support projection (46; 146) for form-fitting retention on a counter-form-fitting contour (50; 150) arranged on the coupling support, and that the at least one form-fitting contour (49; 149) and the associated counter-form-fitting contour (50; 150) form or comprise a pairing of hook and hook receptacle and / or a spherical surface and a spherical cap (51) and / or a plug-in projection and a plug-in receptacle. [2] Load carrier coupling according to claim 1, characterized by that the coupling base (11; 111) comprises a housing (15; 115) on which the at least one adjusting clamping part (17; 117) of the load carrier coupling (10; 110) is movably mounted and which has a receiving space (16) for the coupling body (83). [3] Load carrier coupling according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat at least one clamping part (20; 120) is arranged in a stationary manner on the housing (15; 115) or that the housing (15; 115) forms a clamping part (20; 120). [4] Load carrier coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the coupling base (11; 111) comprises at least one clamping part (20; 120) which is immovable relative to the coupling base (11; 111) and has a support projection (47) for supporting on the coupling body carrier (81; 181). [5] Load carrier coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it has at least three support projections (46, 47; 146) arranged at an angular distance from one another for supporting on an outer circumference of the coupling body carrier (81; 181) and / or that it has at least two support projections (146) which are movement-coupled or fixedly connected to the at least one adjusting clamping part (17; 117). [6] Load carrier coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that it has a lever (32) for tensioning the adjusting clamping part (17; 117) into the clamping position (K) and / or a gear, in particular a lever gear or a roller gear, for transmitting a movement of the adjusting clamping part (17; 117) between the clamping position (K) and the open position (O) to the at least one supporting projection (46; 146). [7] Load carrier coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an adjusting device (60) for adjusting a distance of the at least one support projection (46; 146) to the coupling body carrier (81; 181) in the clamping position (K) of the adjusting clamping part (17; 117). [8] Load carrier coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the at least one support projection (46; 146) engages behind or under a counter-contour (90) arranged on the coupling body carrier (81; 181) below the coupling body (83) in such a way that the coupling body (83) is clamped in the support position (S) of the at least one support projection (46; 146) between the at least one support projection (46; 146) and an abutment contour (18) which is in particular firmly connected to the coupling base (11; 111). [9] Load carrier coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the adjusting clamping part (17; 117) has a clamping contour (19) for contact with the coupling body (83) and for clamping the coupling body (83). [10] Load carrier coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the counter-form-locking contour (50; 150) is arranged on a holder (70) detachably arranged on the coupling body carrier (81; 181). [11] Holder (70) with at least one counter-form-locking contour (50; 150) for cooperation with a load carrier coupling (10; 110) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the holder (70) is detachably attachable to a coupling body carrier (81; 181) of a trailer coupling (80; 280; 180). [12] System comprising a load carrier coupling (10; 110) according to one of claims 1 to 10 and a trailer coupling (80; 280; 180), wherein the trailer coupling (80; 280; 180) has a coupling body (83) and a coupling body support (81; 181), wherein at least one support contour, in particular a counter-form-locking contour (50; 150), is present on the coupling body support (81; 181) for interaction with the load carrier coupling (10; 110). [13] Load carrier with a load carrier coupling (10; 110) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

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