Bicycle trailer braking system

Abstract

A trailer hitch for a bicycle trailer is disclosed. The trailer hitch has a coupling section for detachably attaching the bicycle trailer to a towing bicycle. The coupling section can be designed to connect to a bracket provided on the towing bicycle. Furthermore, the trailer hitch can have a support section for supporting the towing device of the bicycle trailer. The support section is movably mounted to the coupling section relative to it. The support section includes a towing device coupling section and a brake actuation section.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a system for braking a bicycle trailer. background

[0002] Bicycle trailers with a braking system are known from the prior art. Such a braking system allows the bicycle trailer to be decelerated to prevent it from rolling too sharply when braking.

[0003] There is a need for improved braking systems. Summary

[0004] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to improve at least parts of a braking system or units associated therewith.

[0005] This problem is solved by the features of the independent patent claim and / or by the independent aspects inserted at the end of the description. Further advantageous developments are the subject of the subclaims and the dependent aspects.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the present invention comprises a trailer coupling for a bicycle trailer. The trailer coupling has a coupling portion for releasably coupling the bicycle trailer to a towing bicycle. The coupling portion can be configured to be coupled to a bracket provided on the towing bicycle, for example, to a bracket as described elsewhere in this disclosure. Furthermore, the trailer coupling can have a support portion for supporting a towing device of the bicycle trailer. The support portion is held on the coupling portion so as to be movable relative to the coupling portion. The support portion has a towing device coupling portion and a brake actuation portion. The towing device coupling portion can, for example, be a ball receptacle for receiving a ball portion of the towing device. The towing device can also be referred to as a drawbar.The advantage of transmitting force to a ball mount using a ball or ball head on the towing device is that no torque is transferred to the bicycle or the bracket attached to the bicycle.

[0007] The support section or the towing device coupling section can be designed with spring force applied, so that, for example, the support section and the towing device coupling section can be reset to a predeterminable position relative to the coupling section. In this position, for example, the trailer coupling can be separated from the bicycle trailer's towing device with little effort, or setting off with an unbraked bicycle trailer can be made easier.

[0008] The brake actuating portion may be configured to apply a braking force to a force transmission device and may have a force transmission surface configured to apply a force to a brake cable.

[0009] In some configurations, the brake actuation section may comprise a wheel segment, a deflection pulley segment, or a cable pulley segment. A circumferential recess or groove may be provided in the outer periphery of the segment to accommodate the brake cable. This prevents the brake cable from becoming detached or slipping from the segment.

[0010] The segment can extend over 90 degrees or more. For example, the segment can extend over 180 degrees or more. In some configurations, the segment can extend over less than 200 degrees, for example, over 190 degrees or less. In this way, an extremely compact design of the trailer hitch can be achieved. In some embodiments, the segment can be circular.

[0011] The brake actuating portion can be mounted on the support portion so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis. For example, the brake actuating portion can be provided at a front end of the support portion.

[0012] The support section can have at least one urging section. The urging section can be provided such that when the brake actuating section is deflected about the axis of rotation, a restoring force is exerted on the brake actuating section, so that the brake actuating section is moved back to a rest position. The rest position can be an equilibrium position. In this way, after a braking operation, the brake actuating section can be brought into an optimal position for a subsequent braking operation. The support section can have two urging sections. Each urging section can be designed as a spring section or can have a spring. The at least one urging section can be provided so as to be integrally movable with the brake actuating section. At least one urging section can be formed integrally with the brake actuating section. At least one urging section can be designed to be elastically deformable.The urging section can be elastically bendable. At least one urging section can be formed as a projection on the brake actuation section.

[0013] The coupling section may have a housing. The support section may be configured as a carriage guided on the housing. The support section may be partially accommodated in the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the support section may be guided on the housing in a linearly movable manner.

[0014] The brake actuation section can be provided at a front end of the support section in the forward direction of travel. The brake actuation section can be designed such that it can support a brake cable outside the housing. The support can be designed such that the brake cable is guided from an underside of the housing to an upper side of the housing. For example, the brake cable can be guided such that an extension direction of the brake cable changes by 180 degrees. An upper cable guide section and a lower cable guide section can be provided on the housing. The cable guide sections can be designed such that the parts of the brake cable located therein extend parallel to one another. The brake cable can be guided in a loop-like manner around the brake actuation section.

[0015] The trailer coupling may include a sensing device for detecting the movement of the support section and outputting a corresponding signal. The trailer coupling may include a switch that is actuated in response to movement of the support section and outputs a corresponding signal. The sensing device may include a sensor, for example, a pressure sensor or a strain sensor. The signal output by the sensing device or the switch may be output to an electric actuator operatively coupled to the wheel brake. The sensing device may include a pressure sensor, and the brake actuation section may be configured to apply a pressing force to the pressure sensor. The signal may be transmitted wirelessly to the electric actuator. Wireless transmission of the signal may replace a mechanical connection between the actuation section and the wheel brake.The electric actuator can be an electric motor. The electric motor can be directly coupled to the wheel brake. For example, the electric motor can be directly coupled to an actuator of the wheel brake, for example, to a lever arm movable about a rotational axis.

[0016] The coupling section can have a connecting section for a positive connection to a fastening section of a trailer coupling. Alternatively or additionally, the coupling section can have a cover support section which is configured such that a cover can be supported on the coupling section in such a way that the connecting section remains exposed when the cover is mounted and fastening to the fastening section is also possible when the cover is mounted. In this way, the cover can remain permanently attached to the coupling section. In particular, the cover can be attached to the coupling section in such a way that it can remain on the coupling section or trailer coupling when the bicycle trailer is coupled to and uncoupled from a bicycle. The cover can have a through-opening for a towing device of the bicycle trailer and / or for a power transmission device.The cover support section can be formed as a collar, a peripheral edge, or a peripheral rib. For example, the cover support section can be formed as a collar or peripheral edge of a plate-like base structure, wherein the connecting section can be provided on one side of the plate-like base structure and the support section can be provided on the opposite side. The cover can be made of a flexible material. For example, the cover can be made of a waterproof fabric.

[0017] According to another aspect, a trailer hitch for a bicycle is provided. The trailer hitch includes a bracket and a rotation-locking arrangement for holding the bracket in a predetermined orientation. The bracket is configured for releasably attaching a trailer hitch of a bicycle trailer. The bracket is attachable to a rear frame of the bicycle. For example, the bracket can be configured to be attachable to the dropout of the bicycle. The bracket can be attachable to a rear wheel axle.

[0018] The rotation-locking assembly may include a support portion rigidly connected to the bracket for attachment to the rear triangle of the bicycle. For example, the support portion may be configured to be attached to a chainstay or seat stay of the rear triangle. This allows for reliable support of the support portion on the bicycle.

[0019] The rotation-locking arrangement can comprise a connecting component. For example, the rotation-locking arrangement can comprise a rod-shaped connecting component. The connecting component can rigidly connect the holder to the support section. A first end section of the connecting component can be rigidly coupled to the holder. A second end section of the connecting component can be fastened to the fastening section at different positions. In other words, the support section can be configured such that the fastening section can be fastened to it at different positions. The different positions then correspond to different orientations of the holder.

[0020] The attachment position of the second end portion on the attachment portion can be continuously adjustable between two end positions. The attachment portion can have a slot in which the second end portion is guided along a path. The second end portion can be locked to the attachment portion at any position along the path. In this way, an extremely precise adjustment of the orientation of the holder can be achieved.

[0021] The fastening portion may comprise a fastening clamp. The fastening clamp may have free ends. The free ends may have an opening for clamping the fastening clamp to the rear frame of the bicycle using a fastening component, such as a screw. The opening may be formed as a slot. The second end portion of the connecting component may pass through the slot and have a threaded portion for clamping it to the free ends. More specifically, the second end portion may be clamped to the free ends using nuts.

[0022] The bracket can be fastened at different positions on the first end portion of the connecting component. For example, a distance between the second fastening portion and the bracket can be changed by fastening the bracket at different positions on the first end portion. The first end portion can have a threaded portion, and the bracket can have a threaded opening. The threaded portion of the first end portion can engage with the threaded opening. Alternatively, the bracket can have an opening, and the first end portion can be fastened to the bracket by means of nuts. The orientation of the bracket can be adjustable by changing the relative position of the bracket with respect to the connecting component. Alternatively or additionally, the orientation of the bracket can be adjustable by changing the relative position of the connecting component with respect to the fastening portion.

[0023] The bracket can have a base body. For example, the bracket can have a plate-like base body. The base body can have a fastening opening. The fastening opening can be designed to receive the wheel axle or a wheel axle extension. The bracket can have a fastening section. The fastening section can be shape-coded. The fastening section can be designed for releasably fastening the trailer hitch. The fastening section can be designed to receive a connecting section of the trailer hitch. The fastening section can have a mechanically coded opening. The mechanically coded opening only allows insertion of the trailer hitch when the trailer hitch is in a predetermined position relative to the bracket. The predetermined position can be provided in front of a locking position in the forward direction of travel of the bicycle.In the predetermined position, the trailer hitch can be inserted into the bracket. After the trailer hitch has been inserted into the bracket, it can be moved from the predetermined position to the locking position. In this way, a positive connection can be established between the trailer hitch and the bracket. The trailer coupling can have a fastening device. The fastening device can be a screw. The fastening device can be used to lock the trailer hitch in the locking position. The bracket can have an opening for the fastening device and the trailer hitch can have a threaded opening for engagement with the fastening device. The threaded opening can, for example, be provided in the connecting portion.

[0024] The connecting component can have a straight section. The straight section can serve as an alignment aid for adjusting the orientation of the bracket with respect to a towing arm or a towing device of the bicycle trailer. The towing device can be configured such that the bracket is correctly oriented when the straight section and a front end section of the towing arm are aligned or parallel when viewed from the side. In this way, for example, in embodiments that have a support section that is movable relative to the coupling section, a direction of movement of the support section can be aligned with an extension direction of the end section of the towing device and / or with the straight section.In this way, the direction of movement of the support section can be adapted to the direction of extension of the end section, thereby improving the force introduction into the support section and ensuring the reliable movement of the support section.

[0025] According to a further aspect, a bicycle trailer is provided with a wheel brake, a brake actuating section for actuating the wheel brake, and a quick coupling for selectively establishing and interrupting an operative connection between the brake actuating section and the wheel brake.

[0026] The bicycle trailer may further be equipped with a towing device detachable from a trailer body, wherein the brake actuating portion is provided on the towing device and wherein the quick coupling is provided in the region of a towing device attachment portion.

[0027] In addition, the quick coupling can be configured for releasably coupling a power transmission device operatively connected to the brake actuating section with a power transmission device operatively connected to the wheel brake.

[0028] In addition, the quick-action coupling can be designed as a plug-in coupling. The quick-action coupling can have a first coupling partner and a second coupling partner. One of the coupling partners can be permanently connected to the power transmission device, and the other can be permanently connected to the power transmission mechanism. Additionally or alternatively, the two coupling partners can be coupled and uncoupled in a direction perpendicular to a force transmission direction in the quick-action coupling between the power transmission mechanism and the power transmission mechanism.

[0029] Furthermore, the first coupling partner can have a housing and at least one receiving section, for example a bushing, which is movable in the housing and coupled to a brake cable of the power transmission device or the power transmission apparatus. The receiving section can be guided linearly in the housing and / or mounted for sliding movement, for example in a straight groove. The receiving section can be designed to be spring-loaded so that it can be reset in a direction or position to facilitate connection to an engagement section of a second coupling partner. Furthermore, the receiving section can have a recess, for example a cylindrical bore, and / or the recess in the receiving section can extend perpendicular to the direction of movement of the receiving section.

[0030] Furthermore, it is possible for the second coupling partner to have a housing and at least one engagement portion movable in the housing and coupled to a brake cable of the power transmission device or the power transmission mechanism. The engagement portion can be linearly guided and / or slidably mounted in the housing, for example, in a straight groove or slot. Furthermore, the engagement portion can have a cylindrical plug-in portion. Additionally or alternatively, the engagement portion can be configured to extend perpendicular to the direction of movement of the engagement portion. Each plug-in portion can be spring-loaded or configured to be spring-loaded, and a spring can be arranged between the plug-in portion and the housing.

[0031] Furthermore, the brake cables can be coupled to the receiving portion and the engaging portion such that they run in a line when the engaging portion is inserted into the receiving portion. Furthermore, the receiving portion can have a slot in its outer wall configured to receive the brake cable of the engaging portion.

[0032] A further aspect includes a bicycle trailer with a wheel brake and a quick-coupling partner that is mechanically operatively connected to the wheel brake and configured to be operatively coupled to a brake actuation section. The brake actuation section can be provided on the bicycle trailer, for example, in a trailer coupling of the bicycle trailer. Alternatively, the brake actuation device can be provided on the towing bicycle, so that the wheel brake can be coupled to a braking system of the bicycle, for example, such that a rear wheel brake of the bicycle is replaced or supplemented by the wheel brake of the bicycle trailer. Furthermore, the quick-coupling partner can be designed as a quick-coupling partner, as disclosed elsewhere in the description.

[0033] Furthermore, the quick-action coupling can be designed for tool-free operation, whereby the two coupling partners can be coupled via a locking connection. One of the two coupling partners can also have a projection, and the other coupling partner can have a spring-loaded locking section with a locking recess into which the projection can engage.

[0034] Also disclosed is a wheel brake for a bicycle trailer. The wheel brake may have features as disclosed elsewhere in this description. The wheel brake may have an actuator. The wheel brake may have a brake caliper. The actuator may be provided on the brake caliper. The actuator may be spring-loaded. In particular, a spring may be provided that preloads the actuator in the brake release direction. The actuator may be actuated via two separate force transmission assemblies. The actuator may be constructed in two parts, or two actuators may be provided, with one force transmission assembly being assigned to each actuator. The force transmission assemblies may act on the actuator with different transmission ratios. When using multiple actuators or a two-part actuator, the different transmission ratios can be realized by lever arms of different lengths.

[0035] The wheel brake can be a mechanical brake, for example, a disc brake. The actuator can be a lever arm movable about a rotational axis. The lever arm can have two coupling sections, which are provided at different distances from the rotational axis and are each configured to attach a brake cable of the power transmission arrangements. The power transmission arrangements can have cable pulls, for example, Bowden cables.

[0036] Also disclosed is a bicycle trailer having a wheel brake, a first actuating device for activating the wheel brake by a user, for example by hand, and a second actuating device for activating the same wheel brake. The first actuating device can be provided on the bicycle trailer, for example on a handle of the bicycle trailer. The second actuating device can be configured to automatically actuate the wheel brake as a function of a relative movement of the bicycle trailer relative to a towing bicycle. The second actuating device can be provided in a trailer coupling, for example in a trailer coupling as described elsewhere in this disclosure. For example, the second actuating device can be formed by the brake actuating section provided on the support section.

[0037] In summary, it can be stated that the bicycle trailer presented can be designed with an overrun brake.

[0038] As an alternative to an overrun brake variant or as an alternative to the trailer coupling presented here, it is also possible for the bicycle trailer to have a conventional trailer coupling and a wheel brake that can be coupled to a bicycle's braking system, so that pulling a brake lever of the braking system not only acts on a brake of the bicycle's braking system, but also on the wheel brake of the bicycle trailer. Alternatively, if the trailer's wheel brake is coupled to the bicycle's braking system, a bicycle's braking system can be disabled, so that, for example, the trailer's wheel brake can replace the bicycle's rear brake.

[0039] In this context, it may be useful for a bicycle trailer to have two quick-couplings. One quick-coupling can be used to quickly establish and break an operative connection between a bicycle's braking device and the bicycle trailer or its extension device. Another quick-coupling can be used to quickly establish and break an operative connection between an extension device of the bicycle trailer for bridging a towing device detachable from a trailer body toward a bicycle and a power transmission device operatively connected to the brake actuation section with a power transmission device operatively connected to the wheel brake.

[0040] Each quick-action coupling can be designed as a plug-in coupling and have a first coupling partner and a second coupling partner. Coupling and uncoupling of the two coupling partners can occur in a direction perpendicular to a force transmission direction in the quick-action coupling.

[0041] Finally, it should be mentioned that it is generally possible to replace cables, such as brake cables, or Bowden cables with their hydraulic equivalent, so that, for example, a hydraulic system can be realized that is designed similarly to a hydraulic brake, as known from bicycles. In addition, the bicycle trailer can have two wheels and two wheel brakes, with one wheel brake assigned to each wheel. The quick coupling can be designed such that two receiving sections are provided, one of which is operatively coupled to a wheel brake. A plug-in section, which can be plugged into one of the two receiving sections, can be coupled to each end of the power transmission device. The power transmission device can have a brake cable, and the plug-in sections can be coupled to the two ends of the brake cable.The brake cable can absorb a force from the brake actuation section of the trailer coupling in a central region. Displacement of the support section with the brake actuation section can thus lead to a movement of the plug-in sections and the coupled receiving sections, whereby a force is transferred from the brake actuation section to the wheel brakes. By designing the brake actuation section as a segment, as described above, the braking force can be evenly distributed between the two wheel brakes. Of course, a reverse design is also possible, in which the plug-in sections are assigned to the wheel brakes and the receiving sections are assigned to the brake cable to the brake actuation section of the trailer coupling. Brief description of the drawings

[0042] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the associated drawings. Fig. 1 shows a bicycle trailer. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show a wheel brake of the bicycle trailer from Fig. 1. Fig. 4 shows a trailer coupling of the bicycle, a towing device and a trailer coupling of the bicycle trailer. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show details from Fig. 4. Fig. 7 shows a bicycle with a towing device for the bicycle trailer from Fig. 1. Fig. Figures 8 to 12 show a trailer coupling and a trailer hitch. Fig. 13 to 15 show a quick coupling of the bicycle trailer. Fig. 16 shows a support section of the trailer coupling. Detailed description

[0043] In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same objects. The drawings are schematic and not to scale.

[0044] Fig. 1 shows a bicycle trailer 1 with a trailer body 2 supported on two wheels 4. Each wheel 4 is assigned a wheel brake 300. The bicycle trailer 1 further comprises a handle 3. A first actuating device 10 for activating the wheel brake 300 is provided on the handle 3. A second actuating device 20 for activating the same wheel brake 300 or the same wheel brakes is provided. The second actuating device 20 can be provided in a trailer coupling 100 of the bicycle trailer 1. The trailer coupling 100 and the second actuating device 20 are provided at a front end of a towing device 5, which is detachably coupled to the trailer body 2 at its rear end via a towing device attachment section 7.

[0045] In addition, Fig. 1, that the bicycle trailer 1 has, in addition to the trailer coupling 100, a quick coupling 200 for selectively establishing and interrupting an operative connection between the second actuating device 20 and the wheel brakes.

[0046] According to an embodiment as described in Fig. 1, the bicycle trailer 1 can therefore have a first actuating device 10, a second actuating device 20, a trailer coupling 100, a quick coupling 200 and a wheel brake 300 or two wheel brakes 300.

[0047] It is also possible for the bicycle trailer 1 to have only a selection of the aforementioned features. Thus, the bicycle trailer 1 can also have a first actuating device 10, a second actuating device 20, and a trailer coupling 100. Alternatively, the bicycle trailer 1 can, for example, have a first actuating device 10, a second actuating device 20, and a wheel brake 300. Further combinations with a first actuating device 10, a second actuating device 20, a trailer coupling 100, a quick-release coupling 200, and / or a wheel brake 300 are conceivable and possible.

[0048] Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show a wheel brake 300 for a bicycle trailer 1 or the wheel brake 300 from Fig. 1. For the sake of simplicity and brevity, both figures are described together below.

[0049] The wheel brake 300 has a brake caliper 302 and an actuator 304 provided on the brake caliper 302, wherein the actuator 304 can be actuated via two separate force transmission assemblies 8, 217. The force transmission assemblies 8, 217 act on the actuator 304 with different transmission ratios.

[0050] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the wheel brake 300 is a mechanical brake or a disc brake, and the actuator 304 is a lever arm 308 movable about a rotational axis 306. The lever arm 308 has two coupling sections 310, 312, which are provided at different distances from the rotational axis 306 and are each configured to attach a brake cable 9, 224 of the power transmission assemblies 8, 217. The power transmission assemblies 8, 217 can comprise cable pulls, for example, Bowden cables. Furthermore, Fig. 2, that the lever arm 308 is spring-loaded. A spring 314 is arranged around the brake cable 224. As a result, the coupling section 310 is spring-loaded by the spring 314, so that it can be reset to a predetermined position in which the wheel brake 300 is open and no braking force is generated. Furthermore, it is possible for the lever arm 308 to be split in two or for two lever arms to be provided, with each coupling section 310, 312 being arranged on a part of the lever arm 308 or on its own lever arm. Thus, the power transmission to one coupling section 310 can be decoupled from the power transmission to the other coupling section 312.The power transmission assemblies 8, 217 can thus be decoupled from one another to ensure improved function of the respective brake actuation devices, without friction losses of the unused power transmission assembly affecting the function of the brake actuation device. It is also possible for the power transmission assemblies 8, 217, together with the brake cables 9, 224, to be designed as a hydraulic system, for example, to form a wheel brake in the manner of a hydraulic brake.

[0051] In summary, the Fig. 1 to 3, it can be seen that the first actuating device 10 is designed for activating the wheel brake 300 by a user, for example, manually. The first actuating device 10 is provided on the bicycle trailer 1, for example, on a handle 3 of the bicycle trailer 1.

[0052] Fig. 1 shows that the second actuating device 20 is designed to activate the same wheel brake 300. The second actuating device 20 is configured to automatically actuate the wheel brake 300 in response to a relative movement of the bicycle trailer 1 relative to a towing bicycle 500. According to Fig. 1, the second actuating device 20 can be provided in the trailer coupling 100.

[0053] Fig. 4 to 12 show a towing device 400 of the bicycle trailer 1, a towing device 5, a trailer coupling 100, a bicycle 500 with a towing device 400 for the bicycle trailer 1 from Fig. 1 and a towing device 400. Below are the Fig. 4 to 12 are described together for the sake of simplicity and brevity.

[0054] Thus, the figures mentioned show that the trailer coupling 100 comprises a coupling section 110 for detachably coupling the bicycle trailer 1 to a towing bicycle 500, for example with a holder 402 provided on the towing bicycle 500 (cf. Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 9 and Fig. 12).

[0055] Furthermore, the trailer coupling 100 has a support section 150 for supporting a towing device 5 of the bicycle trailer 1, wherein the support section 150 is held on the coupling section 110 so as to be movable relative to the coupling section 110 (cf. Fig. 9). The support section 150 has a traction device coupling section 152, for example a ball receptacle 154 for receiving a ball section 6, as well as a brake actuation section 160 (cf. Fig. 9 and Fig. 10). The support section 150 can be designed to be spring-loaded, so that, for example, the towing device coupling section 152 and the brake actuation section 160 can be reset to a predeterminable position relative to the coupling section 110. In this position, for example, the trailer coupling 100 can be separated from a trailer coupling 400 of the bicycle trailer 1 with little effort, or setting off with an unbraked bicycle trailer 1 can be facilitated.

[0056] According to Fig. 9, the brake actuating portion 160 is configured to apply a braking force to a force transmission device 190 and has a force transmission surface 162 configured to apply a force to a brake cable 192.

[0057] In addition, the Fig. 6, 8 to 10, that the brake actuation section 160 can have a wheel segment 161 or a deflection pulley segment or a cable pulley segment. A circumferential groove 163 for receiving the brake cable 192 can be provided in the outer circumference of the segment 161 (cf. Fig. 9), whereby segment 161 can extend over 180 degrees. Furthermore, segment 161 is circular.

[0058] Out of Fig. 9 to 11 it can be seen that the brake actuating section 160 is rotatably held about a rotation axis 164 on the support section 150, for example at a front end of the support section 150.

[0059] Furthermore, for example, Fig. 9 and Fig. 16, that the support section 150 has at least one urging section 165 which, when the brake actuating section 160 is deflected about the rotation axis 164, exerts a restoring force on the brake actuating section 160, so that the brake actuating section 160 is moved back into a rest position, for example an equilibrium position.

[0060] In a further embodiment, such as in Fig. 16, the support section 150 has, for example, two urging sections 165, 166, wherein each urging section 165, 166 is designed as a spring section or can have a spring. Furthermore, each urging section 165, 166 is provided so as to be integrally movable with the brake actuating section 160 and is formed integrally with the brake actuating section 160. Each urging section 165, 166 is designed as an elastically deformable, for example bendable, projection on the brake actuating section 160, the free end of which can come into contact with a wall provided on the support section 150 or is in contact (cf. Fig. 16).

[0061] According to the Fig. 8, Fig. 9 and Fig. 11, the coupling section 110 has a housing 112, and the support section 150 is designed as a carriage guided on the housing 112. The support section 150 is partially received in the housing 112 and guided on the housing 112 for linear movement. The housing has an elongated passage 118 extending in the displacement direction of the support section 150, through which the front end of the pulling device 5 is guided.

[0062] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 8 to 12, the brake actuating section 160 is provided at a front end of the support section 150 in the forward direction of travel. The brake actuating section 160 is configured such that it can support a brake cable 192 outside the housing 112, for example, such that the brake cable 192 is guided from a bottom side of the housing 112 to a top side of the housing 112 (see Figure 12). Fig. 10 and Fig. 11).

[0063] In addition, the brake actuation section 160 is configured such that the direction of extension of the brake cable 192 changes by 180 degrees, with an upper cable guide section 114 and a lower cable guide section 116 being provided on the housing 112. The cable guide sections 114, 116 are configured such that the parts of the brake cable 192 located therein extend parallel to one another. Generally, the brake cable 192 can be looped around the brake actuation section 160.

[0064] Fig. 10 shows a state of the trailer coupling 100 in towing operation, in which the trailer exerts no force on the brake cable 192. The support section 150 is shifted rearward and the wheel brakes are deactivated. Fig. Figure 11 shows a braking state in which the towing bicycle is being braked. The support section 150 is moved forward due to a thrust force applied by the bicycle trailer, thereby applying a force to the brake cable 192 via the brake actuation section 160. This force is transmitted to the actuators of the wheel brakes, causing the wheel brakes to be actuated accordingly.

[0065] Furthermore, the trailer coupling 100 can be equipped with a detection device. The detection device can comprise a sensor, for example, a pressure sensor or a strain sensor, or a switch. The detection device can also detect the movement of the support section 150 or be actuated in response to a movement of the support section 150.

[0066] It is also possible for the detection device to output a signal to an electric actuator operatively coupled to the wheel brake 300. The signal transmission can be wireless. For example, if the detection device has a pressure sensor and the brake actuation section 160 is configured to apply a pressing force to the pressure sensor, the corresponding signal can be transmitted wirelessly to the electric actuator. The electric actuator can be operatively coupled to the actuator of the wheel brake. For example, the electric actuator can be provided on a brake caliper.

[0067] Out of Fig. 5, Fig. 6 and Fig. 9 shows that the coupling section 110 has a connecting section 120 for positive connection to a fastening section 406 of a trailer device 400.

[0068] In addition, the coupling section 110 comprises a cover support section 132 which is configured such that a cover 180 can be supported on the coupling section 110 such that the connecting section 120 remains exposed when the cover 180 is mounted and fastening to the fastening section 406 is possible even when the cover 180 is mounted (see. Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. 12). Consequently, the cover 180 can be permanently attached to the coupling portion 110, wherein the cover 180 has a through-opening 182 for a towing device 5 of the bicycle trailer 1 (cf. Fig. 12) or for a power transmission device 190.

[0069] The cover support section 132 is designed as a collar or circumferential edge or circumferential rib, for example as a circumferential edge or collar of a plate-like base structure 130, on one side of which the connecting section 120 is provided (cf. Fig. 5). And on the opposite side the support section 150 is provided (cf. Fig. 8 to 12). The cover 180 may be made of a flexible material.

[0070] Fig. 4 shows a trailer hitch 400 for a bicycle 500. The trailer hitch 400 comprises a bracket 402, which is designed for releasably securing the trailer coupling 100 of the bicycle trailer 1 and can be secured to a rear frame 502 of the bicycle 500, e.g., to the dropout 504 (see Fig. 7). The bracket 402 can be attached to a rear wheel axle 506.

[0071] Furthermore, the trailer hitch 400 includes a rotation-locking assembly 420 for holding the bracket 402 in a predetermined orientation. The rotation-locking assembly 420 has a support portion 422 rigidly connected to the bracket 402 for attachment to the rear triangle 502, for example, to a chainstay 508 or the seat stay 510 of the rear triangle 502 (see FIG. Fig. 4 and Fig. 7).

[0072] According to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 8, the rotation-locking assembly 420 includes a connecting component 430, for example, a rod-shaped connecting component 430, which rigidly connects the holder 402 to the support portion 422. A first end portion 432 of the connecting component 430 can be fixedly coupled to the holder 402, and a second end portion 434 of the connecting component 430 can be fastened at different positions on the fastening portion 422. The different positions correspond to different orientations of the holder 402.

[0073] As in Fig. 4 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, a fastening position of the second end portion 434 on the fastening portion 422 is continuously adjustable between two end positions, wherein the fastening portion 422 has a slot 428. The second end portion 434 is guided along a path in the slot 428, wherein the second end portion 434 can be locked at any position along the path on the fastening portion 422.

[0074] Furthermore, Fig. 4 and Fig. 8, that the fastening section 422 has a fastening clamp 424, in the free ends 426 of which the slot 428 is provided.

[0075] Also show Fig. 4 and Fig. 8, that the holder 402 can be fastened at different positions on the first end portion 432, wherein the first end portion 432 has a threaded portion and the position of the holder 402 on the end portion 432 can be fixed by means of threaded engagement, for example by nuts. The orientation of the holder 402 can be adjusted by changing the relative position of the holder 402 with respect to the connecting component 430 and / or by changing the relative position of the connecting component 430 with respect to the fastening portion 422.

[0076] How Fig. 4 further shows, the holder 402 has a base body 403, for example a plate-like base body, with a fastening opening 404, for example for receiving the wheel axle or a wheel axle extension, and a fastening section 406, for example a shape-coded fastening section, for detachably fastening the trailer coupling 100, for example for receiving a connecting section 120 (see also Fig. 5 and Fig. 6).

[0077] The attachment portion 406 has a mechanically coded opening that allows insertion of the trailer hitch 100 only when the trailer hitch 100 is in a predetermined position and / or orientation relative to the bracket 402 (see FIG. Fig. 4). The predetermined position is located in the direction of travel of the bicycle 500 in front of a locking position, into which the trailer coupling 100 can be moved when inserted into the opening in order to establish a positive connection between the trailer coupling 100 and the bracket 402.

[0078] The trailer coupling 400 also has a fastening device 490 (cf. Fig. 4 and Fig. 9), for example, a screw, to lock the trailer coupling 100 in the locking position. The bracket 402 has an opening 408 for the fastening device 490, and the trailer coupling 100 has a threaded opening 122 for engagement with the fastening device 190, for example, in the connecting portion 120 (see Fig. 4 and Fig. 9).

[0079] Furthermore, Fig. 4 and Fig. 8, the connecting component 430 has a straight section 436, which serves as an alignment aid for adjusting the orientation of the bracket 402 with respect to a towing device 5 of the bicycle trailer 1. The towing device 400 is configured such that when the straight section 436 and a front end section of the towing device 5 are aligned or parallel when viewed from the side, the bracket 402 is correctly oriented.

[0080] Fig. 13 to 15 show together with Fig. 1 shows a bicycle trailer 1 with a wheel brake 300, a brake actuating section 160 for actuating the wheel brake 300, and with a quick coupling 200 for selectively establishing and interrupting an operative connection between the brake actuating section 160 and the wheel brake 300.

[0081] The bicycle trailer 1 further has a towing device 5 which can be removed from a trailer body 2, wherein the brake actuating section 160 is provided on the towing device 5 and the quick coupling 200 is provided in the region of a towing device fastening section 7.

[0082] Furthermore, according to Fig. 13 to 15, the quick coupling 200 is designed for releasably coupling a power transmission device 190 operatively connected to the brake actuating section 160 with a power transmission device 216, 217 operatively connected to the wheel brake 300.

[0083] In addition, the quick coupling 200 is designed as a plug-in coupling and further comprises a first coupling partner 210 and a second coupling partner 230. One of the coupling partners 210, 230 is fixedly connected to the power transmission device 216, 217, and the other coupling partner is fixedly connected to the power transmission device 190. Coupling and uncoupling of the two coupling partners 210, 230 can occur in a direction perpendicular to a force transmission direction in the quick coupling 200 between the power transmission device 190 and the power transmission device 216, 217.

[0084] According to the Fig. 13 to 15, the first coupling partner 210 comprises a housing 211 and at least one receiving section 218, 219, for example a bushing, which is movable in the housing 211 and coupled to a brake cable 224 of the power transmission device 216, 217. Specifically, the figures show two receiving sections 218, 219, one each for a brake cable of the power transmission devices 216, 217.

[0085] Each receiving section 218, 219 is linearly guided and / or slidably mounted in the housing 211, for example in a straight groove 212, 213. The receiving section 218, 219 can be designed to be spring-loaded so that it can be reset in a direction or position to facilitate a connection with an engagement section 238, 239 of a second coupling partner 230.

[0086] Furthermore, the receiving section 218, 219 has a recess 220, 221, for example a cylindrical bore, and the recess 220, 221 extends in the receiving section 218, 219 perpendicular to the direction of movement of the receiving section 218, 219 (cf. Fig. 13 to 15).

[0087] Furthermore, Fig. 13 to 15, the second coupling partner 230 has a housing 231 and at least one engagement portion 238, 239 movable within the housing 231 and coupled to a brake cable 192 or its ends 194, 196 of the power transmission device 190. Strictly speaking, two engagement portions 238, 239 are present.

[0088] Each engagement portion 238, 239 is linearly guided or slidably mounted in the housing 231, for example, in a straight groove or a slot 232, 233. A cover cap 250 may be provided on the housing 231 to cover the slotted engagement portions 238, 239 on one side to prevent dirt from entering the mechanism.

[0089] In addition, each engagement section 238, 239 has a cylindrical plug-in section 240, 241 and is configured to extend perpendicular to the direction of movement of the engagement section 238, 239. Each plug-in section 240, 241 can be spring-loaded, and a spring 248, 249 can be arranged between it and the housing 231.

[0090] According to the Fig. 13 to 15, the brake cables are coupled to the receiving portion 218, 219 and the engaging portion 238, 239 such that they run in a line when the engaging portion 238, 239 is inserted into the receiving portion 218, 219. The receiving portion 218, 219 has a slot 222 in its outer wall, which is configured to receive the brake cable 194, 196 of the engaging portion 238, 239.

[0091] Furthermore, the Fig. 1 with 13 to 15 that the bicycle trailer 1 - as already mentioned - comprises a wheel brake 300 and a quick coupling partner 210 which is mechanically operatively connected to the wheel brake 300 and is designed to be operatively coupled to a brake actuation section 160.

[0092] The brake actuation section 160 is provided on the bicycle trailer 1, for example in the trailer coupling 100 of the bicycle trailer 1. Alternatively, the brake actuation device or the brake actuation section can be provided on the towing bicycle 500, so that each wheel brake 300 can be coupled to a braking system of the bicycle 500, for example such that a rear wheel brake of the bicycle is replaced or supplemented by the wheel brake 300 of the bicycle trailer.

[0093] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 13 to 15, the quick coupling 200 is designed for tool-free operation, with the two coupling partners being adapted to be coupled via a locking connection. Furthermore, one of the two coupling partners has a projection 235, and the other coupling partner has a spring-loaded locking portion 214 with a locking recess 215 into which the projection can engage.

[0094] Finally, it should be mentioned that it is generally possible to replace cables, such as brake cables 9, 224, or Bowden cables with their hydraulic equivalent, so that, for example, a hydraulic system can be realized that is designed similarly to a hydraulic brake, as known from bicycles.

[0095] Embodiments according to the present disclosure are presented below as aspects. The aspects clarify the features already described and their possible combinations, but can also form the basis for modifications that are formed based on the aspects and in combination with one or more of the features and properties described above.

[0096] Aspect 1: Trailer coupling (100) for a bicycle trailer (1), with a coupling section (110) for detachably coupling the bicycle trailer (1) to a towing bicycle (500), for example with a holder (402) provided on the towing bicycle (500), a support section (150) for supporting a towing device (5) of the trailer (1), wherein the support section (150) is held on the coupling section (110) so as to be movable relative to the coupling section (110), and wherein the support section (150) has a towing device coupling section (152), for example a ball receptacle (154) for receiving a ball section (6), and a brake actuation section (160).

[0097] Aspect 2: Trailer coupling (100) according to aspect 1, wherein the brake actuating portion (160) is configured to apply a braking force to a force transmission device (190) and has a force transmission surface (162) configured to apply a force to a brake cable (192).

[0098] Aspect 3: Trailer coupling (100) according to aspect 2, wherein the brake actuating section (160) has a wheel segment (161) or a deflection pulley segment or a cable pulley segment, wherein a circumferentially extending groove (163) for receiving the brake cable (192) can be provided in the outer circumference of the segment (161), wherein the segment (161) extends over 90 degrees or more, for example over 180 degrees or more, and / or over less than 200 degrees, for example over 190 degrees or less, and / or wherein the segment (161) is circular.

[0099] Aspect 4: Trailer coupling (100) according to aspect 3, wherein the brake actuating portion (160) is rotatably supported about a rotation axis (164) on the support portion (150), for example at a front end of the support portion (150).

[0100] Aspect 5: Trailer coupling (100) according to aspect 4, wherein the support section (150) has at least one urging section (165) which, upon deflection of the brake actuating section (160) about the rotational axis (164), exerts a restoring force on the brake actuating section (160) so that the brake actuating section (160) is moved back into a rest position, for example an equilibrium position, wherein the support section (150) can have, for example, two urging sections (165, 166), wherein each urging section (165, 166) can be designed as a spring section or can have a spring, wherein the at least one urging section (165, 166) is provided so as to be integrally movable with the brake actuating section (160) and can, for example, be designed in one piece with the brake actuating section (160), wherein each urging section (165, 166) can be designed as an elastic deformable, for example bendable, projection can be formed on the brake actuating portion (160).

[0101] Aspect 6: Trailer coupling (100) according to one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the coupling section (110) has a housing (112) and the support section (150) is designed as a carriage guided on the housing (112), wherein the support section (150) can be partially received in the housing (112) and / or wherein the support section (150) is guided on the housing (112) in a linearly movable manner.

[0102] Aspect 7: Trailer coupling (100) according to aspect 6, wherein the brake actuating section (160) can be provided at a front end of the support section (150) in the forward direction of travel, wherein the brake actuating section (160) is designed such that it can support a brake cable (192) outside the housing (112), for example such that the brake cable (192) is guided from an underside of the housing (112) to an upper side of the housing (112), for example such that an extension direction of the brake cable (192) changes by 180 degrees, wherein an upper cable guide section (114) and a lower cable guide section (116) are provided on the housing (112), wherein the cable guide sections (114, 116) can be designed such that the parts of the brake cable (192) located therein extend parallel to one another, and / or wherein the brake cable (192) can be guided in a loop-like manner around the brake actuating section (160).

[0103] Aspect 8: Trailer coupling (100) according to one of aspects 1 to 7, further comprising a detection device, for example comprising a sensor, for example a pressure sensor or a strain sensor, or a switch, wherein the detection device detects the movement of the support section (150) or is actuated in response to a movement of the support section (150) and / or outputs a signal to an electrical actuator operatively coupled to the wheel brake (300), wherein the detection device can comprise a pressure sensor and the brake actuation section (160) can be configured to apply a pressing force to the pressure sensor, wherein the signal can be transmitted wirelessly to the electrical actuator.

[0104] Aspect 9: Trailer coupling (100) according to one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the coupling section (110) has a connecting section (120) for positive connection to a fastening section (406) of a trailer device (400) and / or a cover support section (132) which is configured such that a cover (180) can be supported on the coupling section (110) such that the connecting section (120) remains exposed when the cover (180) is mounted and enables attachment to the fastening section (406) even when the cover (180) is mounted, so that the cover (180) can be permanently attached to the coupling section (110), wherein the cover (180) can have a through-opening (182) for a towing device (5) of the trailer (1) and / or a power transmission device (190), wherein the cover support section (132) is designed as a collar or peripheral edge or circumferential rib,for example as a peripheral edge or collar of a plate-like base structure (130), on one side of which the connecting section (120) can be provided and on the opposite side of which the support section (150) can be provided, wherein the cover (180) can be made of a flexible material.

[0105] Aspect 10: Trailer coupling (400) for a bicycle (500), the trailer coupling (400) comprising a bracket (402) which is designed for the detachable attachment of a trailer coupling (100) of a bicycle trailer (1) and which can be attached to a rear frame (502) of the bicycle (500), preferably to the dropout (504), wherein the bracket (402) can be attached to a rear wheel axle (506), a rotation locking arrangement (420) for holding the holder (402) in a predetermined orientation, wherein the rotation locking arrangement (420) has a support section (422) rigidly connected to the holder (402) for attachment to the rear frame (502), for example to a chainstay (508) or the seat stay (510) of the rear frame (502).

[0106] Aspect 11: Trailer device (400) according to aspect 10, wherein the rotation locking arrangement (420) has a connecting component (430), for example a rod-shaped connecting component (430), which rigidly connects the holder (402) to the support section (422), wherein a first end section (432) of the connecting component (430) can be firmly coupled to the holder (402) and a second end section (434) of the connecting component (430) can be fastened at different positions on the fastening section (422), wherein the different positions correspond to different orientations of the holder.

[0107] Aspect 12: Trailer device (400) according to aspect 11, wherein a fastening position of the second end portion (434) on the fastening portion (422) is continuously adjustable between two end positions, wherein the fastening portion (422) can, for example, have a slot (428) in which the second end portion (434) is guided along a path, wherein the second end portion (434) is lockable at any position along the path on the fastening portion (422).

[0108] Aspect 13: Trailer device (400) according to aspect 12, wherein the fastening section (422) has a fastening clamp (424) in whose free ends (426) the slot (428) is provided.

[0109] Aspect 14: Trailer device (400) according to one of aspects 11 to 13, wherein the bracket (402) can be fastened at different positions on the first end portion (432), wherein the first end portion (432) has a threaded portion and the position of the bracket (402) on the end portion (432) can be fixed by means of threaded engagement, for example by nuts, wherein the orientation of the bracket can be adjusted by changing the relative position of the bracket with respect to the connecting component (430) and / or by changing the relative position of the connecting component (430) with respect to the fastening portion (422).

[0110] Aspect 15: Trailer coupling (400) according to one of aspects 10 to 14, wherein the holder (402) has a base body (403), for example a plate-like base body, with a fastening opening (404), for example for receiving the wheel axle or a wheel axle extension, and a fastening section (406), for example a shape-coded fastening section, for releasably fastening the trailer coupling (100), for example for receiving a connecting section (120), wherein the fastening section (406) can have a mechanically coded opening that allows insertion of the trailer coupling (100) only when the trailer coupling (100) is in a predetermined position relative to the holder (402), wherein the predetermined position is located in the direction of travel of the bicycle (500) before a locking position into which the trailer coupling (100) is movable when inserted into the opening.to establish a positive connection between the trailer coupling (100) and the bracket (402), wherein the trailer coupling (400) may comprise a fastening device (490), for example a screw, to lock the trailer coupling (100) in the locking position, wherein the bracket (402) has an opening (408) for the fastening device (490) and the trailer coupling (100) may comprise a threaded opening (122) for engagement with the fastening device (190), for example in the connecting portion (120).

[0111] Aspect 16: Trailer coupling (400) according to one of aspects 10 to 15, wherein the connecting component (430) has a straight section (436) which can serve as an alignment aid for adjusting the orientation of the bracket (402) with respect to a towing device (5) of the trailer (1), wherein the trailer coupling (400) can be configured such that when the straight section (436) and a front end section of the towing device (5) are aligned or parallel when viewed from the side, the bracket (402) is correctly oriented.

[0112] Aspect 17: Bicycle trailer (1) with, a wheel brake (300), a brake actuating section (160) for actuating the wheel brake (300), and a quick coupling (200) for selectively establishing and interrupting an operative connection between the brake actuating section (160) and the wheel brake (300).

[0113] Aspect 18: Bicycle trailer (1) according to aspect 17, further comprising a towing device (5) which can be removed from a trailer body (2), wherein the brake actuating section (160) is provided on the towing device (5) and wherein the quick coupling (200) is provided in the region of a towing device fastening section (7).

[0114] Aspect 19: Bicycle trailer (1) according to aspect 17 or 18, wherein the quick coupling (200) is designed for releasably coupling a power transmission device (190) operatively connected to the brake actuating section (160) to a power transmission device (216, 217) operatively connected to the wheel brake (300).

[0115] Aspect 20: Bicycle trailer (1) according to one of aspects 17 to 19, wherein the quick coupling (200) is designed as a plug-in connection coupling, and wherein the quick coupling (200) can have a first coupling partner (210) and a second coupling partner (230), wherein one of the coupling partners (210, 230) is fixedly connected to the power transmission device (216, 217) and the other coupling partner is fixedly connected to the power transmission device (190), and / or wherein a coupling and uncoupling of the two coupling partners (210, 230) can take place in a direction that is perpendicular to a power transmission direction in the quick coupling (200) between the power transmission device (190) and the power transmission device (216, 217).

[0116] Aspect 21: Bicycle trailer (1) according to aspect 20, wherein the first coupling partner (210) has a housing (211) and at least one receiving section (218, 219) which is movable in the housing (211) and coupled to a brake cable of the power transmission device (192; 216, 217) or the power transmission device (190), for example a bushing, wherein the receiving section (218, 219) can be linearly guided in the housing (211) and / or can be slidably mounted, for example in a straight groove, wherein the receiving portion (218, 219) may have a recess (220, 221), for example a cylindrical bore, and / or and wherein the recess (220, 221) in the receiving portion (218, 219) may extend perpendicular to the direction of movement of the receiving portion (218, 219).

[0117] Aspect 22: Bicycle trailer (1) according to aspect 21, wherein the second coupling partner (230) has a housing (231) and at least one engagement portion (238, 239) which is movable in the housing (231) and coupled to a brake cable (224) of the power transmission device (216, 217) or the power transmission device (190), wherein the engagement portion (238, 239) can be linearly guided in the housing (231) and / or can be slidably mounted, for example in a straight groove or a slot (232), wherein the engagement portion (218, 219) may have a cylindrical plug-in portion (240, 241), and / or wherein the engagement portion (238, 239) is formed such that it extends perpendicular to the direction of movement of the engagement portion (238, 239).

[0118] Aspect 23: Bicycle trailer (1) according to aspect 22, wherein the brake cables are coupled to the receiving portion (218, 219) and the engaging portion (238, 239) such that they run in a line when the engaging portion (238, 239) is inserted into the receiving portion (218, 219), wherein the receiving portion (218, 219) has a slot (222) in its outer wall which is adapted to receive the brake cable (194, 196) of the engaging portion (238, 239).

[0119] Aspect 24: Bicycle trailer (1) with, a wheel brake (300), and a quick-coupling partner (210) which is mechanically operatively connected to the wheel brake (300) and is designed to be operatively coupled to a brake actuation section (160), wherein the brake actuation section (160) can be provided on the bicycle trailer (1), for example in a trailer coupling (100) of the bicycle trailer (1), or wherein the brake actuation device can be provided on the towing bicycle (500) so that the wheel brake (300) can be coupled to a braking system of the bicycle (500), for example such that a rear wheel brake of the bicycle is replaced or supplemented by the wheel brake (300) of the bicycle trailer, wherein the quick coupling partner (210) can be designed as a quick coupling partner with the features of aspects 21 and 22.

[0120] Aspect 25: Bicycle trailer (1) according to any one of aspects 17 to 24, wherein the quick coupling (200) is designed for tool-free operation, wherein the two coupling partners can be designed to be coupled via a latching connection, wherein one of the two coupling partners can have a projection (235) and the other coupling partner has a spring-loaded latching section (214) with a latching recess (215) into which the projection can engage.

[0121] Aspect 26: Wheel brake (300) for a bicycle trailer (1), with a brake caliper (302), an actuator (304) provided on the brake calliper (302), wherein the actuator (304) can be actuated via two separate force transmission arrangements (8, 217).

[0122] Aspect 27: Wheel brake (300) according to aspect 26, wherein the force transmission arrangements (8, 217) act on the actuator (304) with different transmission ratios.

[0123] Aspect 28: Wheel brake (300) according to claim 26, wherein the wheel brake is a mechanical brake, for example a disc brake, and the actuator (304) is a lever arm (308) movable about a rotational axis (306), wherein the lever arm (308) has two coupling sections (310, 312) which are provided at different distances from the rotational axis (306) and are each configured to attach a brake cable (9, 224) of the force transmission arrangements (8, 217), wherein the force transmission arrangements (8, 217) can have cable pulls, for example Bowden cables.

[0124] Aspect 29: Bicycle trailer (1) with, a wheel brake (300), a first actuating device (10) for activating the wheel brake (300) by a user, for example by hand, wherein the first actuating device (10) is provided on the bicycle trailer (1), for example on a handle (3) of the bicycle trailer (1), and a second actuating device (20) for activating the same wheel brake (300), wherein the second actuating device (20) is configured to automatically actuate the wheel brake (300) as a function of a relative movement of the bicycle trailer (1) relative to a towing bicycle (500), wherein the second actuating device (20) can be provided in a trailer coupling (100), for example in a trailer coupling (100) according to one of aspects 1 to 9.

Claims

[1] Trailer coupling (100) for a bicycle trailer (1), with a coupling section (110) for detachably coupling the bicycle trailer (1) to a towing bicycle (500), for example with a holder (402) provided on the towing bicycle (500), a support section (150) for supporting a towing device (5) of the bicycle trailer (1), wherein the support section (150) is held on the coupling section (110) so as to be movable relative to the coupling section (110), and wherein the support section (150) has a towing device coupling section (152), for example a ball receptacle (154) for receiving a ball section (6), and a brake actuation section (160). [2] Trailer coupling (100) according to claim 1, wherein the brake actuating portion (160) is configured to apply a braking force to a force transmission device (190) and has a force transmission surface (162) configured to apply a force to a brake cable (192). [3] Trailer coupling (100) according to claim 2, wherein the brake actuating section (160) comprises a wheel segment (161) or a deflection pulley segment or a cable pulley segment, wherein a circumferentially extending groove (163) for receiving the brake cable (192) can be provided in the outer circumference of the segment (161), wherein the segment (161) extends over 90 degrees or more, for example over 180 degrees or more, and / or over less than 200 degrees, for example over 190 degrees or less, and / or wherein the segment (161) is circular. [4] Trailer coupling (100) according to claim 3, wherein the brake actuating portion (160) is rotatably supported about a rotation axis (164) on the support portion (150), for example at a front end of the support portion (150). [5] Trailer coupling (100) according to claim 4, wherein the support section (150) has at least one urging section (165) which, upon deflection of the brake actuating section (160) about the rotational axis (164), exerts a restoring force on the brake actuating section (160) so that the brake actuating section (160) is bent back into a rest position, for example an equilibrium position, wherein the support section (150) can have, for example, two urging sections (165, 166), wherein each urging section (165, 166) can be designed as a spring section or can have a spring, wherein the at least one urging section (165, 166) is provided so as to be integrally movable with the brake actuating section (160) and can, for example, be designed in one piece with the brake actuating section (160), wherein each urging section (165, 166) can be designed as an elastic deformable, for example bendable, projection can be formed on the brake actuating portion (160). [6] Trailer coupling (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the coupling section (110) has a housing (112) and the support section (150) is designed as a carriage guided on the housing (112), wherein the support section (150) can be partially received in the housing (112) and / or wherein the support section (150) is guided on the housing (112) in a linearly movable manner. [7] Trailer coupling (100) according to claim 6, wherein the brake actuating section (160) can be provided at a front end of the support section (150) in the forward direction of travel, wherein the brake actuating section (160) is designed such that it can support a brake cable (192) outside the housing (112), for example such that the brake cable (192) is guided from an underside of the housing (112) to an upper side of the housing (112), for example such that an extension direction of the brake cable (192) changes by 180 degrees, wherein an upper cable guide section (114) and a lower cable guide section (116) are provided on the housing (112), wherein the cable guide sections (114, 116) can be designed such that the parts of the brake cable (192) located therein extend parallel to one another, and / or wherein the brake cable (192) can be guided in a loop-like manner around the brake actuating section (160). [8] Trailer coupling (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a detection device, for example comprising a sensor, for example a pressure sensor or a strain sensor, or a switch, wherein the detection device detects the movement of the support section (150) or is actuated in response to a movement of the support section (150) and / or outputs a signal to an electrical actuator operatively coupled to the wheel brake (300), wherein the detection device may comprise a pressure sensor and the brake actuating section (160) may be configured to apply a pressing force to the pressure sensor. [9] Trailer coupling (100) according to claims 1 to 8, wherein the coupling section (110) has a connecting section (120) for positive connection to a fastening section (406) of a trailer device (400) and / or a cover support section (132) which is configured such that a cover (180) can be supported on the coupling section (110) such that the connecting section (120) remains exposed when the cover (180) is mounted and enables attachment to the fastening section (406) even when the cover (180) is mounted, so that the cover (180) can be permanently attached to the coupling section (110), wherein the cover (180) can have a through-opening (182) for a towing device (5) of the bicycle trailer (1) and / or a power transmission device (190), wherein the cover support section (132) can be designed as a collar or circumferential edge or circumferential rib is formed,for example as a peripheral edge or collar of a plate-like base structure (130), on one side of which the connecting section (120) can be provided and on the opposite side of which the support section (150) can be provided, wherein the cover (180) can be made of a flexible material.

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