Clamping support for a bicycle carrier

Abstract

Clamping support (3) for a bicycle carrier, which is provided for clamping a frame section (R) of a bicycle (F), with a linear clamping system (4, 4a, 4b) which has a linearly movable clamping element (10, 10a, 10b) and a stationary support section (13, 13a, 13b) relative to which the clamping element (10, 10a, 10b) is displaceably guided by means of a guide housing (11, 11a, 11b), wherein the clamping support (3) has a clamping arrangement (8, 9;9a) comprising at least one elastically compliant contact element (8, 9a) which, in the assembled state, rests against the frame section (R) of the bicycle (F), characterized in that the clamping element (10, 10a, 10b) is designed as a dimensionally stable functional part, that a manually operated ratchet unit is mounted on the guide housing (11, 11a, 11b) and is operatively connected to the clamping element (10, 10a, 10b) for displacement of the clamping element (10, 10a, 10b) in a clamping direction, that the ratchet unit is operatively connected to the clamping element (10, 10a, 10b) by means of a force limiting device which prevents further clamping of the ratchet unit in the event of an overload, and that the contact element (8, 9a) has at least one series of rib-shaped buffer sections, each open on at least one side They are provided with hollow chambers.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a clamping support for a bicycle carrier according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] From DE 20 2019 005 604 U1, a clamping support for a bicycle carrier is known, which serves to clamp a frame section of a bicycle. The clamping support has a linear clamping system with a clamping device that changes the length of the clamping support by rotating it about a longitudinal axis of a base body. At its end face, the clamping support is provided with an elastically compliant contact buffer, which, in the ready-to-use state, rests against the frame section of the bicycle and is pressed against the frame section of the bicycle by means of a tension strap.

[0003] WO 2013 / 165 640 A1 and EP 2 937 244 B1 each disclose a further clamping support for a bicycle carrier, equipped with a pincer-like clamping arrangement for gripping a section of a bicycle frame. Each clamping arrangement is provided with a force-limiting device associated with flexible, cable-like tensioning strands. The tensioning strands engage with sections of the pincer-like clamping arrangement to pivot it. The tensioning strands are routed through the clamping support to an actuating device, which has a manually operated control element to tension the tensioning strands and thus clamp the pincer-like clamping arrangement to the bicycle frame section. The force-limiting device prevents excessive clamping force on the bicycle frame section.

[0004] From FR 2 841 195 A1, another clamping support for a bicycle frame is known, in which two clamping arms can be moved linearly towards or away from each other. The clamping arms have rib-shaped buffer sections on their inner side facing a frame section of a bicycle, which are elastically compliant and have hollow chambers open towards opposite sides.

[0005] A linear clamping system for a clamping support of a bicycle carrier is known from DE 10 2004 045 137 A1. The clamping support serves to support and clamp a frame section of a bicycle, which is positioned with its two wheels on a support rail of the bicycle carrier. A clamping element, which is linearly movable within a housing, is designed as a straight tube. At one end, it is provided with a contact element that, in the ready-to-use state, rests against the frame section of the bicycle. The tubular clamping element is movable relative to a support hook, so that, in the clamped state, the support hook engages the frame section of the bicycle from one side, and the clamping element is pressed against the frame section from the opposite side. A clamping device with an adjusting spindle is provided for moving the clamping element relative to the housing.

[0006] It is also common practice with bicycle carriers to fix the front and rear wheels of a bicycle to a carrier rail using a linear tensioning system, each comprising a flexible toothed belt on one side and a ratchet unit on the other. The toothed belt is pulled around a cross-section of the front or rear wheel using the ratchet unit and tightened.

[0007] The object of the invention is to create a clamping support of the type mentioned above that enables an improved securing function for a bicycle on a bicycle carrier.

[0008] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1. The solution according to the invention prevents excessive clamping, which could lead to damage to a section of a bicycle being clamped. A linear clamping system can be used with a clamping support for a frame section of a bicycle or with an extension arm that projects from a support bracket of the bicycle carrier to support a second, third, or fourth bicycle on the carrier. The linearly movable clamping element is a dimensionally stable functional component.

[0009] According to the invention, the mounting element has at least a series of rib-shaped buffer sections, each of which is provided with hollow chambers open on at least one side. This results in a particularly gentle and secure fit of the mounting element to the corresponding frame section of the bicycle. When the mounting element comes into contact with the frame section, the hollow chambers are elastically compressed, allowing any air in the hollow chambers to escape through the open side. The rib-shaped buffer sections are preferably made of an elastomeric material or a thermoplastic elastomeric material.

[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, the force limiting device comprises a spring assembly that is interposed between the functional components of the ratchet unit. The spring assembly, with its spring force, defines the load range beyond which operation of the ratchet unit is no longer possible, in order to prevent excessive tension. The force limiting device provides overload protection to prevent damage to the bicycle section being secured.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the spring assembly comprises a tension or compression spring unit. The tension or compression spring unit preferably comprises at least one helical spring.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, a ratchet section of the ratchet unit is mounted so as to be displaceable to a limited extent relative to the guide housing, and the spring arrangement is assigned to the ratchet section such that the ratchet section is subjected to spring force in one direction of displacement by the spring arrangement. If the counterforce from the spring arrangement is too high, the ratchet section can no longer be moved significantly relative to the clamping element. The ratchet section interacts either directly or indirectly with a complementary toothing of the stationary support section.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the spring assembly is encapsulated in a piston cylinder with which the ratchet section is operatively connected. The piston cylinder forms a piston-cylinder unit, wherein the piston is mounted to be linearly movable relative to the cylinder and is acted upon by the spring assembly. The cylinder of the piston-cylinder unit can completely enclose the spring assembly and the piston, or merely enclose the piston and the spring assembly in the manner of a sleeve frame. The piston cylinder can interact directly or indirectly with the ratchet section.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, a mechanical noise generator is associated with the ratchet unit, which provides acoustic feedback when the ratchet unit is actuated. This embodiment gives the operator acoustic feedback that a corresponding clamping process is taking place for the clamping element.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the bicycle carrier component is designed as a clamping support for a frame section of a bicycle. Such a clamping support is attached in the area of ​​a carrier rail of a bicycle carrier and, in the assembled operating state, serves to support a frame section of a bicycle that is fixed in the carrier rail with its front and rear wheels.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the ratchet unit features a pivotally movable ratchet lever mounted on the guide housing such that a force-transmitting clamping function is only achieved during a downward pivoting movement opposite to the frame section to be clamped. The ratchet lever forms a pump lever that can be actuated by an operator's hand through alternating pumping movements. Because the force-transmitting pivoting movement only occurs during a downward pumping action, it is prevented that the operator's hand could slip and injure itself on higher functional sections of the linear clamping system, such as a locking mechanism or a key inserted in the locking mechanism.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention, a locking device is provided that acts between the support section and the clamping element and that can be manually unlocked for stepless, rapid repositioning of the clamping element relative to the guide housing. The locking device can be designed as a manually unlockable pawl assembly that acts on a rack section of the support section. The pawl assembly can be pivotally mounted and have a handle that can be pushed or pulled to lift the pawl assembly from the rack section.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, the rib-shaped buffer sections are aligned transversely to a longitudinal extent of the mounting element and at uniform intervals from one another. This results in a uniformly ribbed surface of the mounting element, with the longitudinal axes of the ribs extending parallel to a longitudinal extent of the frame section of the bicycle to be clamped. This causes the buffer sections, which are provided with hollow chambers, to be compressed radially to the longitudinal extent of the hollow chambers, resulting in particularly gentle elastic deformations of the buffer sections.

[0019] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the claims. A preferred embodiment of the invention is described below and illustrated with reference to the drawings. Fig. Figure 1 shows in perspective a part of a bicycle carrier with an embodiment of a clamping support according to the invention, which supports a frame section of the bicycle, Fig. 2 in enlarged view the clamping support after Fig. 1, which is assigned a linear clamping system, Fig. Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of a linear clamping system for the clamping support in a perspective, partially cutaway view. Fig. 2, Fig. 4 in enlarged, perspective, broken-up view a partial area of ​​the linear clamping system according to Fig. 3, Fig. 5 a longitudinal section through the linear clamping system according to Fig. 3, Fig. 6. A top view of the linear clamping system according to the Fig. 3 to 5, Fig. 7 a perspective exploded view of the linear clamping system according to the Fig. 3 to 6, Fig. 8 another embodiment of a linear clamping system, which is analogous to a clamping support Fig. 2 can be used, Fig. 9 in enlarged view a longitudinal section through the linear clamping system according to Fig. 8 and Fig. 10 in perspective, schematic representation a third embodiment of a linear clamping system, which is analogous to a clamping support Fig. 2 can be used.

[0020] A bicycle carrier for the roof of a passenger car comprises, in a generally known manner, two base supports extending transversely across the roof area and attached to it. A carrier rail 1, extending longitudinally along the vehicle when mounted, is attached to the base support. Two wheel cradles 2 are held at a distance from each other on this rail, securing a front wheel V and a rear wheel H of a bicycle F in an upright position. Each front and rear wheel cradle 2 is equipped with a clamping system to secure the front wheel V and rear wheel H, respectively, to the cradle 2. Each clamping system includes a belt-like toothed belt serving as a linearly movable clamping element, which is linearly displaceable relative to a fixed ratchet unit within the area of ​​the wheel cradle 2.The respective toothed belt is designed to be flexible in order to allow it to span a wheel cross-section of the front wheel V or the rear wheel H.

[0021] To further support and clamp the bicycle F in an upright transport position, a clamping support 3 is also assigned to the carrier rail 1. This support support 3 has a support arm 6 held on a support plate 5 and a clamping profile 10 that is linearly movable relative to the support arm 6 and serves as a clamping element. The support arm 6 is pivotable about a pivot axis extending transversely to the vehicle in order to allow adaptation to differently shaped frame sections R of bicycles F. The support plate 5 is positioned in the area of ​​an underside of the carrier rail 1 and is rigidly connected to the front base support of the bicycle carrier (not shown) on one side and to the carrier rail 1 on the other.

[0022] The clamping profile 10 is tubular and telescopically displaceable relative to a support profile 13, which is fixedly mounted on the support plate 5 opposite the support arm 6. The support profile 13 has a toothed profile 14 over a portion of its length. The linearly movable clamping profile 10 can be positively locked relative to the support profile 13 or released for telescopic linear movement by means of a linear clamping system 4, which is described in more detail below. The linear clamping system 4 has a guide housing 11 that is fixedly connected to the tubular clamping profile 10. A ratchet unit 12 is pivotally mounted on the guide housing 11 about a pivot axis 19, allowing it to pivot in alternating upward and downward pumping movements. Based on the Fig. Figures 3 to 10 show three different variants of this linear clamping system 4 to 4b, which are described in more detail below. All three variants are alternatives for a clamping support 3 according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Functionally identical parts and sections of the three variants are marked with the same reference numerals, but the second and third variants are additionally marked with the letters a and b. The first variant of the linear clamping system 4 is based on the Fig. 3 to 7 are recognizable. The second variant of the linear clamping system 4a is shown based on the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 explained. The third variant of the linear clamping system 4b results from Fig. 10 in conjunction with the following description. To avoid repetition regarding the description of functionally identical components and sections of the different variants, the linear clamping systems 4a and 4b are described according to the Fig. Sections 8 to 10 are based on the description of the linear clamping system 4 and essentially address the differences.

[0023] As shown by the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, the clamping profile 10a, which serves as a clamping element, has an elastically compliant contact element 9a at an upper end region. The support arm 6 is provided at its upper end region with a hook-shaped curved counter-support part 7, which is also provided with an elastically compliant contact element 8 on its inner side. The counter-support part 7 and the contact element of the clamping profile form a clamping arrangement according to the invention. In the assembled operating state, a frame section R of the bicycle F is clamped between the two contact elements 8, 9; 9a of the clamping profile 10, 10a and the counter-support part 7 of the support arm 6. The elastically compliant contact element 8 of the counter-support part 7 as well as the elastically compliant contact element 9a ( Fig. 8) of the clamping profile 10a are formed by rib-shaped buffer sections, the buffer sections having open hollow chambers. In the case of the system element 8 according to Fig. 2. The hollow chambers of the buffer sections are open on opposite sides. In the case of system element 9a according to... Fig. 8. The hollow chambers of the buffer sections are open only on one longitudinal side. The buffer sections with their hollow chambers are arranged such that the corresponding longitudinal axes of the hollow chambers of the buffer sections are parallel to each other as well as parallel to a longitudinal extension of the frame section R of the bicycle F – in the assembly state of the bicycle F according to Fig. 1 related - are aligned.

[0024] The linear clamping system 4 according to the Fig. Sections 3 to 7 feature a two-part guide housing 11 that linearly movably surrounds the support profile 13 and is rigidly connected to the clamping profile 10. A ratchet lever 12 of the ratchet unit is pivotally mounted on the guide housing 11 about a pivot axis 19 oriented transversely to the longitudinal extent of the support profile 13. The support profile 13 is provided with a toothed section 14, forming a rack and pinion mechanism, over slightly less than half its length in the region of its upper surface. The guide housing 11, including the tubular clamping profile 10, is telescopically slidably mounted on the support profile 13. A pawl 16 is provided to lock the guide housing 11 relative to the toothed section 14 of the support profile 13. The pawl is pivotally mounted in the guide housing 11 about a pivot axis parallel to the pivot axis 19.The pawl 16 has two locking teeth 32 on its underside, which, when the guide housing 11 is locked, engage with complementary teeth of the toothed section 14 of the carrier profile 13, thus positively locking the guide housing 11 relative to the carrier profile 13. The pawl 16 is permanently spring-loaded in the locking direction by a compression spring 18. To release the locking action of the pawl 16, a manually operated actuating section 17 is located opposite the locking teeth 32 and positioned in a recess on the upper side of the guide housing 11. By manually pressing the actuating section 17, the locking teeth 32 are disengaged against the compressive force of the compression spring 18, thus releasing the guide housing 11 for longitudinal movement relative to the carrier profile 13.This function is used to quickly move the guide housing 11 and the clamping profile 10 from a release position towards a contact position on the frame section R of the bicycle F. To additionally exert a clamping effect on the frame section R and to clamp the frame section R between the counter support part 7 and the contact element 9 of the clamping profile 10, the ratchet unit is provided as described in more detail below.

[0025] The ratchet lever 12 is provided above the pivot axis 19 with two guide pins 26 projecting inwards transversely to the longitudinal direction of the guide housing 11. These guide pins engage between two guide webs 27 of a piston cylinder and are thus positively coupled to the piston cylinder 20 in the longitudinal direction of the guide housing 11 and the support profile 13. The piston cylinder 20 has a cylinder section that can be linearly displaced in a limited manner by means of two guide slides 23 in a cam guide 24 of the guide housing 11. The guide slides 23 are oriented according to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 as well as based on Fig. 7 clearly visible. The guide sliders 23 project transversely from the cylinder section of the piston cylinder 20 on opposite sides and each form a cylindrical sliding surface. Each cylindrical sliding surface is guided transversely to the longitudinal extent of the guide profile 11 by two annular guide shoulders in the cam guide 24 to prevent tilting of the cylinder section. A piston section 22 is linearly displaceable within the cylinder section and is provided with a ratchet section 29. The ratchet section 29 is designed to engage with the teeth of the rack profile 14 of the support profile 13. The piston section 22 of the piston cylinder is subjected to spring force in the longitudinal direction relative to the cylinder section of the piston cylinder 20 by a helical compression spring 21. This arrangement forms a force-limiting device within the meaning of the invention.

[0026] Return springs 25, designed as leaf springs and based on the Fig. 3 and Fig. 6 and 7 are recognizable. These serve to exert a permanent contact pressure on the piston cylinder 20 in the area of ​​the web guides 27 and on the guide pins 26 in the direction of the support profile 13.

[0027] The guide housing 11 is also associated with a locking mechanism 15, which enables the guide housing 11 to be permanently blocked relative to the support profile 13. The locking mechanism 15 can be operated by means of a key and has an unspecified locking bolt on its underside, which, when the locking mechanism 15 is locked, engages positively in a corresponding toothing of the toothed profile 14 of the support profile 13.

[0028] In order to exert a tension on frame section R starting from the clamping profile 10's position on the frame section R, the ratchet lever 12 is moved from its initial position according to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, Fig. 6 moves upwards, causing the guide pins 26 to move the piston cylinder 20 relative to the guide housing 11 via the guide webs 27. This upward movement constitutes an idle stroke. A subsequent pumping movement of the ratchet lever 12 back downwards causes the guide housing 11 to move longitudinally upwards relative to the support profile 13 and the toothed section 14 in the direction of the frame section R of the bicycle F. This downward movement is also referred to as the load stroke. During this movement, the ratchet assembly 29 slides over corresponding teeth of the toothed section 14. Due to the design of the ratchet assembly 29, it is positively and stably engaged in the opposite direction with the corresponding mating teeth of the toothed section 14. The toothed section 14 is designed such that it forms a helical tooth that engages in one direction, in this case upwards, i.e.in the clamping direction, a sliding of the ratchet arrangement 29 as well as the locking teeth 32 is possible, but in the opposite direction it exerts a positive locking function.

[0029] To prevent the corresponding pumping movement of the ratchet lever 12 from exerting such high forces on the frame section R during a corresponding clamping operation that the frame section R is damaged, the force limiting device effected by the design of the spring assembly 21 is provided. The spring assembly 21, designed as a helical compression spring, is installed with permanent preload. As long as the forces from a pumping movement of the ratchet lever 12 do not exceed this spring preload, the piston section 22, the helical compression spring, and the cylinder section of the piston cylinder 20 act as a rigid unit. The force from this pumping movement thus results in a relative movement between the toothed section 14 of the support profile 13 and the guide housing 11. As soon as the force from the pumping movement of the ratchet lever 12 exceeds the preload of the helical compression spring, i.e.,When the spring assembly 21 is exceeded, the piston section 22, the spring assembly 21, and the cylinder section of the piston cylinder 20 no longer act as a rigid unit. Rather, when the preload force is exceeded, the spring assembly 21, i.e., the helical compression spring, is compressed further, resulting in relative movement between the piston section 22 and the cylinder section of the piston cylinder 20. Consequently, the guide housing 11 no longer moves, or at most moves only to a limited extent, relative to the toothed section 14 of the support profile 13, so that when the ratchet lever 12 is stroked, the pawl assembly 29, designed like a locking tooth, can no longer jump to the next tooth of the toothed section 14.

[0030] This prevents overloading of frame section R of the bicycle F during a corresponding clamping and clamping process. The spring force of the spring assembly 21 is designed to ensure, on the one hand, secure clamping and tensioning of the clamping support 3 on the frame section R, but on the other hand, to prevent damage to frame section R due to excessive clamping force.

[0031] In the linear clamping system 4a according to the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 also provides a force limiting device for the ratchet unit comprising the ratchet lever 12a. The force limiting device is equipped with a spring assembly 21a in the form of a helical tension spring and is also otherwise designed differently from the force limiting device of the linear clamping system 4 according to the Fig. 3 to 7. In the linear clamping system 4a, the ratchet lever 12a is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis 19a, which is simultaneously guided with limited linear movement in a cam guide 24a. For this purpose, the pivot axis 19a has a cylindrical guide slide 23a on each of its opposite outer sides, which is aligned coaxially with the pivot axis 19a. Each guide slide 23a is mounted with limited sliding movement in the longitudinally extending cam guide 24a within the housing 11a. A ratchet assembly 29a is rotationally fixed to the ratchet lever 12a. The ratchet assembly 29a has three ratchet teeth arranged coaxially to the pivot axis 19a in the circumferential direction, which are designed to be complementary to corresponding ratchet teeth of the toothed section 14a of the carrier profile 13a.A return spring 25a, designed as a torsion spring, is associated with the ratchet lever 12a. The spring assembly 21a comprises a helical tension spring that is connected to the guide housing at one lower end and engages the pivot axis 19a at one upper end. The detent assembly 29a remains relatively movable in the direction of rotation relative to this end section of the helical compression spring. The helical tension spring serving as the spring assembly 21a is mounted under permanent preload between the lower end of the guide housing 11a and the pivot axis 19a (in its end contact with the cam guide 24a).As long as the forces resulting from the pumping action of the ratchet lever 12a do not exceed the preload force of the spring assembly 21a, the detent teeth of the ratchet assembly 29a roll on corresponding detent teeth of the toothed section 14a of the carrier profile 13a without the pivot axis 19a moving longitudinally along the carrier profile 13a relative to the guide housing 11a. The spring assembly 21a therefore acts as a rigid connection between the lower end of the guide housing 11a and the pivot axis 19a. Consequently, under normal pumping forces, a pumping action of the ratchet lever 12a results in a relative movement between the guide housing 11a and the toothed section 14a of the carrier profile 13a.As soon as a corresponding force from the pumping movement of the ratchet lever 12a exceeds the preload force of the helical tension spring serving as the spring assembly 21a, the rolling of the detent teeth of the ratchet assembly 29a on the complementary detent teeth of the toothed section 14a of the carrier profile 13a leads to a displacement of the pivot axis 19a relative to the guide housing 11a. Consequently, the guide housing 11a no longer moves, or no longer moves sufficiently, relative to the toothed section 14a of the carrier profile 13a, so that during a stroke of the ratchet lever 12a, the detent teeth of the ratchet assembly 29a can no longer jump to the next detent tooth of the toothed section 14a of the carrier profile 13a.

[0032] The ratchet lever 12a is provided at one upper end, in the region of its opposing lever arms, with a toothed serration 29a aligned coaxially to the pivot axis 19a. During a pivoting movement of the ratchet lever 12a, this serration interacts noisily with the free ends of spring tabs 30 attached to the guide housing 11a, forming a noise generator as defined in the invention. The toothed serrations 29a only come into contact with the tongue-shaped spring tabs 30 when, during an upward pumping movement of the ratchet lever 12a, the guide slides 23a within the cam guide 24a are linearly displaced upwards along the guide housing 11a. Through corresponding pumping movements of the ratchet lever 12a, the ratchet assembly 29a engages with the toothed section 14a of the support profile 13a, thereby achieving the desired advancement of the clamping profile 10a towards the clamping position on the frame section of the bicycle F.As soon as the counterforce generated by the contact of the mounting element 9a with the frame section R is sufficiently large, the relative movement of the pivot axis 19a (in the cam guide 24a) relative to the guide housing 11a described above occurs, so that no further thrust is generated by the pumping action of the ratchet lever 12a. This prevents overloading due to excessive tension or clamping of the frame section R.

[0033] The locking position of the guide housing 11a relative to the carrier tube 13a is maintained by means of the locking pawl 16a, whose function is identical to that of the linear clamping system 4 according to the Fig. 3 to 7. The only difference with the locking pawl 16a of the linear clamping system 4a is that the locking lock is directly associated with the locking pawl 16a.

[0034] Also with the linear clamping system 4b according to Fig. 10. The locking lock 15b is directly assigned to the locking latch 16b, as Fig. 10 is removable. The ratchet unit is designed differently in the linear clamping system 4b. In the linear clamping system 4b as well, the ratchet lever 12b is held rotationally fixed to the ratchet assembly 29b under normal pumping forces by means of a force limiting device, wherein the ratchet assembly 29b has corresponding detent teeth around its circumference, forming a spur gear. This spur gear is mounted to rotate relative to the pivot axis 19b of the ratchet lever 12b. The spur gear forming the ratchet assembly 29b is also rotatable relative to the ratchet lever 12b. A positive-locking operative connection between the ratchet lever 12b and the spur gear forming the ratchet assembly 29b is achieved by a piston cylinder 33, 34, the piston part 33 of which is pressed against the ratchet teeth of the spur gear by a spring assembly 21b in the form of a helical compression spring.The helical compression spring is held under permanent preload between the piston part 33 and the cylinder housing 34. For this purpose, the piston part 33 is provided with complementary teeth on the end face facing the detent teeth of the ratchet assembly 29b. The piston part 33 is linearly displaceable within a cylinder housing 34, which is an integral part of the ratchet lever 12b. The ratchet lever 12b is also permanently biased towards its rest position by a return spring 25b designed as a torsion spring. The spring assembly 21b in combination with the piston cylinder 33, 34 forms the force limiting device according to the invention.

[0035] To achieve a thrust of the guide housing 11b relative to the support profile 13b and relative to the toothed section 14b, the ratchet lever 12b is simply moved from its initial position by a pumping movement according to Fig.The piston assembly 33 is moved upwards, and due to the force transmission via the piston assembly 33, the ratchet assembly 29b is also moved accordingly. As soon as the counterforce generated by the clamping of the clamping profile 10b on the frame section R of the bicycle F becomes large, a further upward pivoting movement of the ratchet lever 12b causes this counterforce to be transmitted via the spur gear and thus the ratchet assembly 29b to the piston section 33, which in turn tends to move backwards. Since only the spring assembly 21b holds the piston section 33 in engagement with the ratchet assembly 29b, the piston section 33 inevitably disengages when a counterforce acting linearly on the spring assembly 21b is exceeded, so that no further torque can be transmitted via the ratchet lever 12b to the spur gear of the ratchet assembly 29b.The piston section 33 slips and the ratchet lever 12b pumps without any further clamping function.

Claims

[1] Clamping support (3) for a bicycle carrier, which is provided for clamping a frame section (R) of a bicycle (F), with a linear clamping system (4, 4a, 4b) comprising a linearly movable clamping element (10, 10a, 10b) and a stationary support section (13, 13a, 13b) relative to which the clamping element (10, 10a, 10b) is displaceably guided by means of a guide housing (11, 11a, 11b), wherein the clamping support (3) comprises a clamping arrangement (8, 9; 9a) with at least one elastically compliant contact element (8, 9a) which, in the assembled state, bears against the frame section (R) of the bicycle (F), characterized by, that the clamping element (10, 10a, 10b) is designed as a dimensionally stable functional part, that a manually operated ratchet unit is mounted on the guide housing (11, 11a, 11b) and is operatively connected to the clamping element (10, 10a, 10b) for displacement of the clamping element (10, 10a, 10b) in a clamping direction, that the ratchet unit is operatively connected to the clamping element (10, 10a, 10b) by means of a force limiting device which prevents further clamping of the ratchet unit in the event of an overload, and that the support element (8, 9a) has at least one series of rib-shaped buffer sections, each of which is provided with hollow chambers open to at least one side. [2] Clamping support (3) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the force limiting device has a spring arrangement (21, 21a, 21b) which is interposed between functional components of the ratchet unit. [3] Clamping support (3) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the spring arrangement (21, 21a, 21b) has a tension or compression spring unit. [4] Clamping support (3) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that a ratchet section (29, 29a, 29b) of the ratchet unit is mounted so as to be displaceable to a limited extent relative to the guide housing (11, 11a, 11b), and that the spring arrangement (21, 21a, 21b) is assigned to the ratchet section (29, 29a, 29b) such that the ratchet section (29, 29a, 29b) is subjected to spring force in a displacement direction by the spring arrangement. [5] Clamping support (3) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the spring assembly (21, 21b) is encapsulated in a piston cylinder (20, 22; 33, 34) with which the ratchet section (29, 29b) is in operative connection. [6] Clamping support (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the ratchet unit is associated with a mechanical noise generator that acoustically indicates when the ratchet unit is being actuated. [7] Clamping support (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the bicycle carrier component is designed as a clamping support (3) for a frame section (R) of a bicycle (F). [8] Clamping support (3) according to claim 7, characterized by , that the ratchet unit has a pivotable ratchet lever (12) which is mounted on the guide housing (11) in such a way that a force-transmitting clamping function is only given in a pivoting movement directed downwards in the opposite direction to the frame section (R) to be clamped. [9] Clamping support (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a locking device is provided which is effective between the beam section (13, 13a, 13b) and the tensioning element (10, 10a, 10b), and which can be manually unlocked for stepless rapid displacement of the tensioning element (10, 10a, 10b) relative to the beam section (13, 13a, 13b). [10] Clamping support (3) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the rib-shaped buffer sections are aligned transversely to a longitudinal extension of the system element (8, 9a) and at equal intervals to each other.

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