Rear carrier system for motorhomes and method for attaching a rear carrier system

Abstract

The invention relates to a rear carrier system (1) for motorhomes and a method for fastening a rear carrier system (1), wherein the rear carrier system (1) comprises: - a carrier body (2), - at least one frame-side fastening element for fastening the rear carrier system (1) to a vehicle frame of the motorhome, - at least one roof-side fastening element (12) for fastening the rear carrier system (1) to a roof surface of the motorhome, wherein the at least one roof-side fastening element (12) has at least one adhesive surface (17) for applying an adhesive material.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a rear carrier system for motorhomes and a method for fastening a rear carrier system.

[0002] Rear carrier systems for motorhomes are known from the state of the art. These are mounted in the rear of the vehicle. These are used to transport loads such as bicycles or motorcycles. Such rear carrier systems are typically retrofitted, i.e., subsequently installed on a motorhome.

[0003] US 3,531,006 A describes a carrier that can be adapted to different sizes and shapes of motorized vehicles such as mobile homes.

[0004] Conventional rear carrier systems are bolted to the roof or the rear wall of the vehicle, requiring at least one counter-bearing for the bolted connection. However, this damages the motorhome, especially its typically multi-layered wall structure. The necessary penetration of the exterior wall can also lead to undesirable water ingress into the interior. Such water ingress can also impair the durability of laminated joints / bonds of the wall layer materials. Under dynamic loading, notch loads can occur on the inside and outside of the through-holes.

[0005] Furthermore, such a mounting system typically requires additional installation space and additional components, such as the aforementioned counterbearing, which increases the installation costs for such rear carrier systems. The necessary access for inspection of the screw connections can also impose restrictions on interior design.

[0006] The technical problem therefore arises of creating a rear carrier system for motorhomes and a method for attaching such a rear carrier system that solves at least one of the aforementioned problems and, in particular, enables simple and non-destructive attachment of a rear carrier system to a motorhome and reliable transfer of loads or moments. Furthermore, installation should be possible without additional space requirements, restrictions on interior design, and in a cost-effective manner.

[0007] The solution to the technical problem is provided by the subject matter having the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are set forth in the subclaims.

[0008] A rear carrier system for motorhomes is proposed. The rear carrier system is mounted at the rear of the motorhome. A motorhome can refer to a vehicle that can serve as accommodation while traveling and can have interior furnishings suitable for living.

[0009] The rear carrier system comprises at least one carrier body. The carrier body can form the basic framework of the rear carrier system. Attachments such as a bicycle carrier rail system or a carrier plate for loads can be attached to the carrier body.

[0010] The support body can comprise a plurality of struts, in particular at least one vertical strut and / or at least one horizontal strut and / or at least one longitudinal strut and / or at least one diagonal strut. A strut within the meaning of this invention refers to a component for force transmission. A strut can be designed as a profile element. Such a profile element can, for example, have a circular or rectangular cross-section and, moreover, can in particular also be a hollow profile. A strut can be made of plastic or metal. The support body can have struts with different profiles.

[0011] When the rear carrier system is mounted on the motorhome, - a central axis of a vertical strut must be oriented parallel to the vehicle's vertical axis or the orientation of this central axis must not deviate more than 15° from the vehicle's vertical axis, - a central axis of a horizontal strut must be oriented parallel to the vehicle's transverse axis or the orientation of this central axis must not deviate by more than 15° from the vehicle's transverse axis, - a central axis of a longitudinal strut must be oriented parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal axis or the orientation of this central axis must not deviate from the vehicle's longitudinal axis by more than 15°.

[0012] An orientation of a central axis of a diagonal strut may have parts of the orientation of a central axis of a vertical strut and / or a horizontal strut and / or a longitudinal strut.

[0013] The support body can also comprise at least one connecting element for connecting two vertical struts. Such an element can, in particular, be a horizontal strut. However, a connecting element can also be designed in a different way, e.g., as a plate-shaped element.

[0014] Different struts and / or connecting elements can be designed as separate components and mechanically connected or fastened to one another. A (mechanical) connection / fastening within the meaning of this invention can be a detachable or a non-detachable connection / fastening. Examples of a detachable connection are, for example, a snap-in connection, a clamp connection or a screw connection. Examples of a non-detachable connection are, for example, an adhesive connection or a welded connection. The connection can be a form-fitting, a force-fitting and / or a material-fitting connection. The components to be connected can have corresponding connecting elements that interact with one another to produce the mechanical connection. An example of corresponding connecting elements is a thread and a screw. In the following, a fastening refers to the production of a mechanical connection, unless otherwise stated.

[0015] Various struts and / or connecting elements of the support body can also be formed as a single piece. This can mean that they consist of a single piece of material or a single part, rather than several separate parts. Thus, a single-piece body can be formed as a monolithic, coherent body that cannot be separated without damage.

[0016] The support body preferably comprises at least two vertical struts running parallel to one another, which are mechanically connected by at least one horizontal connecting element. These vertical struts extend vertically when installed or attached. A longitudinal strut can be arranged or formed at a first end of a vertical strut. The first end can be the roof-side, i.e., upper, end of the vertical strut when installed.

[0017] The carrier body can have free ends. For the purposes of this invention, unless expressly stated otherwise, the term "have" can also have the meaning of the terms "form" or "comprising". These free ends can be attached to the motorhome, as explained in more detail below. In particular, the carrier body can have at least a first, roof-side free end and at least one further, frame-side free end. In the assembled state, which can also be referred to as the fully assembled state, the rear carrier system is attached to a roof surface in the area of ​​the roof-side free end and to the vehicle frame in the area of ​​the further frame-side free end. In a partially assembled state, the rear carrier system can be attached to the vehicle frame in the area of ​​the further frame-side free end, although the rear carrier system is not attached to the roof surface in the area of ​​the roof-side free end.When partially assembled, the rear carrier system can still be used, but in a limited way compared to the assembled state.

[0018] A roof-side free end of the support body can be formed in particular by the longitudinal strut explained.

[0019] The rear carrier system further comprises at least one frame-side fastening element for fastening the rear carrier system to a vehicle frame of the motorhome. In particular, the carrier body can comprise this frame-side fastening element or be mechanically connected to it. This frame-side fastening element can be arranged at the described frame-side free end of the carrier body or in the region of this free end. The frame-side fastening element serves in a known manner for fastening to a section of the chassis, in particular to a longitudinal member, a cross member, or a trailer coupling mechanically connected to the chassis. The frame-side fastening element can also be fastened to a carrier extension element.In particular, such a fastening element can be designed as a fastening arm that is inserted into a fastening shoe, wherein this fastening shoe is attached to the chassis, in particular screwed thereto. The fastening arm can then be attached to the fastening shoe in the inserted state. The rear carrier system preferably comprises a plurality of frame-side fastening elements, in particular precisely two frame-side fastening elements.

[0020] The rear carrier system further comprises at least one roof-side fastening element for fastening the rear carrier system to the roof of the motorhome. The roof-side fastening element serves to fasten the rear carrier system, in particular the carrier body, to the roof of the motorhome. In particular, the carrier body can have this roof-side fastening element or be mechanically connected to it. This can be arranged at the explained free end of the carrier body on the roof side or in the region of this free end or can be fastened to it. The rear carrier system preferably comprises several roof-side fastening elements and thus several fastening surfaces, e.g. two or four fastening elements.

[0021] According to the invention, the at least one roof-side fastening element has an adhesive surface for applying an adhesive material. For fastening to the roof surface, the roof-side fastening element is then glued to the roof surface with the adhesive surface. The adhesive material can be, in particular, a polymer adhesive, e.g., Sikaflex®-552 adhesive.

[0022] The fastening element, in particular the part that forms the adhesive surface and which is also referred to below as the adhesive surface section, can be made of metal, preferably aluminum, more preferably of a corrosion-inhibited aluminum or stainless steel alloy. The adhesive surface can in particular be a non-curved surface. It is also possible for the fastening element to have depressions, through-holes or blind holes in the area of ​​the adhesive surface, which serve to accommodate adhesive material. Such depressions, e.g. in the form of grooves or slots, through-holes or blind holes can also be used to fasten the rear carrier system using a fastening method other than adhesive bonding. However, they are optional; fastening elements without depressions, through-holes or blind holes in the area of ​​the adhesive surface can also be used.The fastening element can be designed as a fastening plate or can comprise a fastening plate, which can have an adhesive surface.

[0023] The fastening element can additionally have at least one fastening means for fastening the carrier body, in particular a roof-side free end of the carrier body, to the fastening element, in particular for detachable fastening. This fastening means can be a fastening means that can be removed from the carrier body and / or the roof surface. If the fastening element has the adhesive surface on an underside, for example, the at least one (removable) fastening means can be arranged or formed on an upper side of the fastening element.

[0024] It is possible for a roof-side free end of the support body to be attached to exactly one fastening element and thus to be glued to the roof surface via this fastening element. However, it is also possible for a roof-side free end of the support body to be attached to several, in particular two, fastening elements and thus to be glued to the roof surface via these fastening elements.

[0025] The design of the rear carrier system with at least one, but preferably several, adhesive surfaces advantageously enables non-destructive installation of the rear carrier system on the motorhome, while still allowing for reliable transfer of forces and moments via the roof surface. Furthermore, installation is possible without additional space requirements and in a cost-effective manner.

[0026] The proposed rear carrier system also allows loads to be arranged high along the rear of the motorhome, as the higher torques resulting from such a high suspension can be reliably dissipated. This, in turn, advantageously reduces the vehicle length in a collision-relevant section, e.g., at a height of 0 to -1.2 m above the road surface, as no loads need to be arranged there. With a comparatively lower load arrangement, e.g., in the aforementioned range of 0 to 1.2 m above the road surface, the overall length of the motorhome is extended in this area. However, this also increases the risk of a collision in this area.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the rear carrier system has at least one damping element for damping the forces / moments transmitted from the rear carrier system to the roof surface. It is possible, for example, for the carrier body, in particular the free end on the roof side, to be connected to the adhesive surface section via the damping element. The damping element can thus be arranged in particular between the adhesive surface section and a carrier fastening means for fastening the carrier body or one of its components, wherein the roof-side fastening element has the carrier fastening means. It is further possible for the roof-side fastening element or the at least one carrier fastening means to have the damping element.

[0028] The damping element advantageously reduces the forces / moments transmitted to the roof surface, thereby reducing mechanical stress on the adhesive bond. This advantageously increases the service life and operational reliability of the rear carrier system, especially when installed.

[0029] The at least one damping element can be an elastic element. This allows a relative movement between the body (and thus the roof surface) and the chassis to be at least partially compensated for by deformation of the damping element. This also advantageously increases the service life and operational reliability of the rear carrier system, especially when installed.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the at least one roof-side fastening element comprises a first sub-element having the adhesive surface and at least one further sub-element that is detachably mechanically connected to the first sub-element. The first sub-element can have the adhesive surface section and, for example, be designed as the fastening plate explained above.

[0031] The further sub-element can have the previously explained support fastening means for attachment to the support body. Thus, the further sub-element can be designed as a fastening clamp or have a section designed as a fastening clamp. Such a fastening clamp can serve to fasten a section of the support body, in particular a section of a free end on the roof side. The further sub-element can also have the previously explained damping element.

[0032] For detachable attachment of the sub-elements to one another, at least one of the sub-elements can have corresponding (sub-element) fastening means. This advantageously results in a simple design and manufacture of the roof-side fastening element.

[0033] In a further embodiment, the sub-elements are configured such that they can be connected to one another in at least two different relative positions. In other words, the additional sub-element can be releasably attached to the first sub-element in various positions relative to the first sub-element. This advantageously enables easy installation of the rear carrier system on a variety of motorhomes.

[0034] For example, one of the sub-elements can have a plurality of fastening means for fastening the remaining sub-element, enabling the described fastening in various relative positions. Such a fastening means can be, for example, a threaded hole, a locking element, a clamping element, or another element for establishing a detachable mechanical connection.

[0035] In particular, the first sub-element can have a receiving groove that can serve to secure the further sub-element. The receiving groove can be open at the top, whereby the width of the groove in the area of ​​the opening can be smaller than the width of the groove in the area of ​​the groove base surface. For example, the receiving groove can be designed as a T-slot or trapezoidal groove.

[0036] The additional sub-element can be secured in the receiving groove, for example, using a threaded element that can be slidably arranged in the receiving groove. The additional sub-element can then be screwed onto this threaded element and thereby clamped to the first sub-element, wherein, in particular, a section of the first sub-element that partially covers the groove is clamped between the threaded element and the additional sub-element. The threaded element can, in particular, be a sliding block.

[0037] In particular, the first sub-element can be designed as a lashing rail. In such a lashing rail, the width of the groove in the region of the opening can vary along the groove to provide insertion and clamping sections. Thus, in the first regions of the opening, the width of the groove can be greater than in other regions of the opening, with the first regions then forming insertion sections for, for example, a threaded element, and the other regions then forming clamping sections.

[0038] In a further embodiment, the adhesive surface is at least 12 cm long and at least 1 cm wide. Preferably, the adhesive surface is at least 50 cm long. More preferably, the adhesive surface is less than 60 cm long and / or less than 5 cm wide. Simulations and tests have shown that reliable dissipation of forces / moments can be ensured even at these dimensions.

[0039] In a further embodiment, the at least one fastening element has two adhesive surfaces, wherein the at least one damping element is arranged at least partially or completely between the adhesive surfaces in a common projection surface that encompasses at least one of the adhesive surfaces. Each of the adhesive surfaces can be designed as previously explained and, in particular, can have recesses, through-holes, or blind holes that serve to receive adhesive material.

[0040] In this embodiment, a roof-side free end can be fastened to several, in particular two, sub-elements of a fastening element, as previously explained. In particular, such a fastening element can comprise three sub-elements, namely two first sub-elements, each having one of the adhesive surfaces, and at least one further sub-element, which has the previously explained carrier fastening means for fastening to the carrier body. This further sub-element can in turn be or become detachably mechanically connected to the two first sub-elements. The first sub-elements and the further sub-element can be designed as previously explained.This embodiment makes it possible, in particular, for a space existing between the two first sub-elements to be used for arranging the damping element and, if necessary, for arranging the third sub-element, whereby an overall height of the rear carrier system with damping element above the roof surface can be advantageously reduced.

[0041] In an alternative embodiment, the at least one roof-side fastening element has one, in particular precisely one, adhesive surface, wherein the at least one damping element is arranged in a common projection surface that encompasses the adhesive surface, at least partially laterally offset from the adhesive surface. The damping element can be arranged in the projection surface completely outside or at least partially outside the adhesive surface. Preferably, the damping element is arranged offset from the adhesive surface along a transverse direction, wherein the transverse direction can be oriented parallel to the vehicle's transverse axis in the mounted state.

[0042] Even with such an embodiment, the overall height of the rear carrier system with damping element above the roof surface can be advantageously reduced.

[0043] In a further embodiment, the rear carrier system comprises at least one support arm, which is movably attached to the carrier body relative to the latter. The support arm can be fastened to the carrier body in a rotationally movable manner, in particular to a horizontal element of the carrier body, for example, a connecting element as previously explained. A rotation axis of the support arm can be oriented, in particular, parallel to the vehicle's transverse axis in the mounted state, or the rotation axis can deviate from this vehicle's transverse axis by no more than a predetermined angular amount, for example, 15°.

[0044] The support arm can be used as a lifting aid and as a holder, in particular a temporary holder, for loads, e.g. for luggage or other loads such as a bicycle or motorcycle. When the rear carrier system is assembled, the support arm can, for example, protrude from the rear of the motorhome in an unfolded state. In this state, the support arm is angled in particular with regard to the vertical struts; in particular, the support arm and vertical strut can form an angle greater than 45°, preferably greater than 80°. In this unfolded position, a load standing on the roadway, for example, can be attached to the support arm, in particular to a free end of the support arm. The arm can then be moved into a folded position with the load attached to it, whereby the load is lifted off the roadway.

[0045] When the rear carrier system is mounted, the support arm can be oriented parallel to the vehicle's vertical axis when folded in, or the support arm can deviate from this vehicle's transverse axis by no more than a predetermined angle of, for example, 15°.

[0046] It is possible for the rear carrier system to have at least one means for locking the support arm in the folded state. The rear carrier system may also have at least one means for locking the support arm in the unfolded state.

[0047] The support arm can be made of plastic, for example, a glass- or carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, a carbon fiber material, metal, or a combination of these or other materials. The support arm can be designed, in particular, as a profile element, in particular as a hollow profile element, e.g., as a tube.

[0048] This simplifies the process of loading the rear carrier system, especially with heavy loads, since these can be arranged or attached to the rear carrier system with the help of a support arm even when the load is on a floor surface, e.g. the roadway.

[0049] In a further embodiment, the support arm is detachably mechanically connected to the carrier body. In particular, the support arm can be removed from the carrier body. This advantageously enables easy assembly and disassembly of a rear carrier system with the option of loading heavy loads.

[0050] The rear carrier system can, in particular, have a receiving device for attaching the support arm, wherein the receiving device can comprise a bearing device for the described rotatable mounting. The receiving device can, for example, have a receiving pin to which the support arm or a pin adapter can be attached, in particular plugged. If a pin adapter is attached to the receiving pin, the support arm can then be attached to the pin adapter, e.g., also by plugging it in. The pin adapter can be a component of the rear carrier system.

[0051] In particular, the support arm can be designed as a hollow body or have at least one hollow body section, wherein the internal volume of the hollow body serves to receive the pin or the adapter.

[0052] The adapter enables the attachment of various support arms to the mounting device, especially support arms with different inner diameters.

[0053] The receiving device can further comprise a receiving volume for receiving at least a portion of the support arm. The receiving volume can, for example, be a volume between the pin or the pin adapter and a receiving sleeve. Thus, the receiving device can comprise a receiving sleeve. The pin or the pin adapter, for example, can be arranged in an interior volume of this receiving sleeve, wherein the receiving volume can then be part of the interior volume.

[0054] The support arm can be attached to the pin or pin adapter, in particular, via a clamping connection. For this purpose, a clamping ring can be pushed over the receiving sleeve, for example, thus clamping a support arm section arranged in the receiving volume to the receiving device. It is also conceivable for a screw-on conical ring to be screwed onto the receiving sleeve, which can have or form a threaded section for this purpose. Alternative fastening methods are also conceivable.

[0055] In a further embodiment, the rear carrier system comprises at least one element of a cable pull system for actuating the support arm. The cable pull system can, in particular, be a pulley system and reduce the force required to move a load compared to an operation without a cable pull system.

[0056] The cable pull system can comprise, in particular, at least one cable and at least one pulley. The cable pull system can also comprise at least one cable guide element and / or a cable fastening element and / or a cable braking element. The cable pull system can divert the weight of the load via the rear carrier system. For this purpose, the rear carrier system can comprise cable guide elements that enable load introduction into the rear carrier system.

[0057] By operating the cable pull system, a user can move the support arm into the folded position, especially when the rear carrier system is installed. The user can also move the support arm into the unfolded position by operating the cable pull system. The cable pull system is configured in such a way that the actuation force required to move it into the folded position is reduced compared to the actuation force without the cable pull system, especially when a load is attached to the support arm. The same applies to moving it into the unfolded position.

[0058] At least one fastening interface for attaching a load can be arranged or configured on the support arm. The load can be attached directly or indirectly to the support arm via this fastening interface. By way of example only, the fastening interface can comprise an eyelet or be configured as an eyelet. The load can then be connected to the support arm by hooking it onto a hook, which is connected to the load, for example, via another rope or other connecting means. The fastening interface can be arranged at a free end of the support arm.

[0059] An element of the cable pull system, in particular at least one cable fastening element, e.g., in the form of an eyelet, can be fastened to the support arm, in particular to the free end of the support arm. Preferably, the fastening interface and the at least one cable fastening element are arranged along the longitudinal axis of the support arm in the same section of the support arm, in particular on sides of the support arm that are opposite one another in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0060] Further preferably, two cable fastening elements can be attached to the support arm, which serve to dissipate forces in different directions. For example, two cables can be attached to the support arm. This can, in particular, prevent the support arm from pivoting along the vehicle's transverse axis when the rear carrier system is installed.

[0061] However, it is also conceivable for only one cable attachment element to be arranged on the support arm. An adapter element for attaching two cables can then be attached to this element, for example. The rear carrier system can include this adapter element.

[0062] This further simplifies the process of loading the rear carrier system, especially with heavy loads, as the forces required for loading and, if necessary, also for unloading can be reduced.

[0063] Further proposed is a method for mounting a rear carrier system according to one of the embodiments described in this disclosure on a motorhome, comprising: - Attaching at least one frame-side fastening element to a vehicle frame of the motorhome, - Attaching at least one roof-side fastening element to a roof surface of the motorhome.

[0064] According to the invention, the at least one roof-side fastening element is glued to the roof surface with the at least one adhesive surface.

[0065] This advantageously results in simple, maintenance-free, and non-destructive installation of the rear carrier system on the motorhome, while simultaneously enabling reliable transfer of loads and moments via the roof surface. Furthermore, installation is cost-effective and requires no additional installation space.

[0066] Furthermore, a motorhome is described, wherein a rear carrier system according to one of the embodiments described in this disclosure is attached to the motorhome.

[0067] In particular, the at least one frame-side fastening element can be attached to the chassis of the motorhome, in particular to a longitudinal member, a cross member, or to a trailer coupling connected to the chassis. The at least one roof-side fastening element can be glued to a roof surface of the motorhome.

[0068] The invention is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments. The figures show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a rear carrier system according to the invention, Fig. 2 a perspective view of a roof-side fastening element, Fig. 3 another perspective view of a roof-side fastening element, Fig. 4 a front view of a roof-side fastening element, Fig. 5 a perspective view of a support arm and Fig. 6 a perspective view of a receiving device for a support arm.

[0069] In the following, the same reference symbols designate elements with the same or similar technical features.

[0070] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a rear carrier system 1 according to the invention. The rear carrier system 1 comprises a carrier body 2. This carrier body 2 comprises an attachment section 3 with several struts designed as profile elements, in particular two vertical struts 4, two longitudinal struts 5 and a horizontal strut 6 that connects the two vertical struts 4. The horizontal strut 6 is optional. The carrier body 2 further comprises a base section 7, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises two longitudinal struts 8 and diagonal struts 6. The illustrated diagonal struts 6 can, however, also be designed as vertical struts of the base section. The base section can form a carrier plate receiving frame.

[0071] A support plate 9 is attached to the base section 7; in particular, ends of the diagonal struts 6 are attached to an underside of the support plate 9. Alternatively to the support plate 9, however, various elements, such as mounting shoes for wheels of a motorcycle or bicycle, can also be attached.

[0072] The vertical struts 4 are in turn attached to the base section 7. A longitudinal strut 5 is attached to a first end of each vertical strut 4, or the vertical strut 4 merges into a longitudinal strut 5 in a curved connecting section 40. At a second end of each vertical strut 4, it is attached to the base section 7, in particular to the diagonal struts 6 or a horizontal strut (not shown) of the base section 7, which can, for example, connect the diagonal struts 6 to one another.

[0073] Thus, the vertical struts 4 are connected by the base section 7. Also shown is a rear wall section 10 of the support plate 9, which protrudes from the top of the support plate 9. The support plate 9 can be a component of a support plate support frame or be mechanically connected to this frame.

[0074] A free end of the longitudinal struts 5 of the attachment section 3 forms a roof-side end of the support body 2.

[0075] A free end of the longitudinal struts 8 of the base section 7 forms a frame-side end of the carrier body 2. These free ends simultaneously form frame-side fastening elements for attaching the rear carrier system 1 to a vehicle frame (not shown) of the motorhome. Fig. 1 shows fastening shoes 11 that are attached to the chassis and have a receiving volume for accommodating the frame-side ends of the support body 2. The frame-side ends can be inserted into this receiving volume. These frame-side ends can then be connected to the fastening shoe 11, for example, via a screw connection.

[0076] The rear carrier system 1 also has two roof-side fastening elements 12.

[0077] These roof-side fastening elements 12 are used for fastening, namely for gluing, the carrier body 2 to a roof surface (not shown) of the motorhome. The roof-side fastening elements 12 are Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is explained in more detail.

[0078] Also shown is a support arm 13 of the rear carrier system 1. This support arm 13 is rotatably mounted on the carrier body 2, in particular on the base section 7, and in particular is arranged with one end on the base section 7. A load, e.g. a motorcycle or bicycle, can be attached to a free end 14 of the support arm 13, in particular via a cable, which is connected via cable pull eyes 33a, 33b (see Fig. 5) is guided at the free end 14. The load can be suspended in an eyelet 32, which is also arranged at the free end.

[0079] It is further shown that rear lights are arranged on the support body 2, in particular on the support plate support frame or the base section 7. Not shown in the figures is an electrical interface of the rear carrier system 1 via which the rear carrier system 1 can be electrically connected to an electrical system of the motorhome, e.g., to control the rear lights. It is further shown that the rear carrier system 1 has or forms a support device 15. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, this receiving device is arranged below the support plate 9, i.e., between the horizontal struts 6. This receiving device 15 can be used to receive loads or objects to be transported, e.g., the attachment of additional accessories or loading aids.

[0080] However, loads can also be arranged on top of the support plate 9 for transport and, if necessary, secured there. As explained in more detail below, a load can be lifted from a floor surface onto the support plate 9, for example, using the support arm 13.

[0081] It is conceivable that additional attachments for load transport could be attached, particularly to the vertical struts.

[0082] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a roof-side fastening element 12. Each fastening element 12 comprises two first sub-elements 16 designed as lashing rails. Alternatively, it is of course conceivable for a roof-side fastening element to comprise only one lashing rail 12. These lashing rails have a perforated rail base. An underside or a roof-side surface of the rail base of a lashing rail forms an adhesive surface 17. An adhesive can be applied to this adhesive surface 17 in order to bond the lashing rails and thus the fastening element 12 to a roof surface of the motorhome.

[0083] Also shown are locking screws 18, which are used to fasten another sub-element 19 (see Fig. 3) on the lashing rail. These locking screws can be tool-free locking screws. Fig. Figure 2 shows that the longitudinal struts 5, or the roof-side free ends of the support body 2, are each attached to a lashing rail via two locking screws 18 and sub-elements 19. The attachment is effected via a first locking screw 18a and a first sub-element 19 at a free end or a section of the longitudinal strut 5 that encompasses the free end, and via a further locking screw 18b and a further sub-element 19 at an end of the longitudinal strut 5 opposite this first end.

[0084] Fig. Figure 3 shows a further perspective view of a roof-side fastening element 12 with the two sub-elements 16 designed as lashing rails. The lashing rails each have a T-slot 24 extending along the longitudinal axis of the lashing rails. The T-slot 24 serves to accommodate a longitudinally displaceable threaded element 25 (see Fig. 4). It is also shown that a width of the T-slot 24 of a slot opening can vary along the T-slot 24 in order to provide insertion and clamping sections. For example, in first regions 26 of the opening, a width of the slot can be greater than in further regions 27 of the opening, with the first regions 26 then forming insertion sections for, for example, the threaded element 25 and the further regions 27 then forming clamping sections. For the sake of clarity, only one of the regions 26, 27 is provided with a reference numeral. The section of the lashing rail forming the T-slot 24 (groove section) protrudes from the base section of the lashing rail. A width of the groove section is smaller than a width of the base section. However, a length of the groove section corresponds to the length of the base section.

[0085] Also shown are further sub-elements 19 of the fastening element 12. These are designed as angle profiles and each have a plate-shaped first fastening section 20a for fastening to a first lashing rail and, in the illustrated embodiment with two sub-elements 16 designed as lashing rails, can also have a further plate-shaped fastening section 20b for fastening to the further lashing rail. These fastening sections 20a, 20b are arranged in a common plane. Furthermore, the angle profiles have a receiving section 21 which serves to receive and fasten a damping element 22. This receiving section 21 is designed as a recess. In particular, a bottom surface of the receiving section 21 is arranged parallel to the common plane but at a predetermined distance from it. The damping element 22 is arranged on this bottom surface and fastened to the angle profile, e.g.screwed to this.

[0086] The fastening sections 20a, 20b each have a through-hole for a locking screw 18, which extends through the through-hole and through the groove opening of the T-groove 24 into a thread of the Fig. 4, which is arranged in the T-slot 24. The fastening sections 20a, 20b rest on sections of the lashing rail that partially cover the groove.

[0087] If the locking screw 18 is screwed into the thread, e.g. by actuating a lever section 28 of the locking screw 18, which is arranged on a screw head 29, the angle profile is clamped to the lashing rail, in particular since the sections of the lashing rail are clamped between the threaded element 25 and the fastening section 20a, 20b.

[0088] In Fig. 3 shows that a longitudinal strut 5 can be a profile element with a circular cross-section. The fastening element 12 comprises clamp elements 23a, 23b, which serve to clamp the longitudinal strut 5 and to fasten it to the damping element 22 or the angle profile. They each have a non-curved first surface and a curved second surface, with the clamp element 23a, 23b resting against the longitudinal strut 5 with the curved second surface.

[0089] It is shown that the first, upper clamp element 23a has a through-hole for a fastening or connecting element, such as a screw. Such an element can extend through this through-hole and a through-hole (not shown) in the longitudinal strut 5 into a locking receptacle, e.g., a thread, of another clamp element 23b. By locking, in particular by screwing, the longitudinal strut 5 can then be clamped between the clamp elements 23a, 23b.

[0090] The further, lower clamp element 23b can be fastened to the damping element 22, e.g., glued or screwed to it. However, other types of fastening of the damping element 22 to the longitudinal strut 5 are also conceivable. For example, the damping element 22 can also be fastened to the longitudinal strut 5 via a connecting element connecting the elements 22, 23b, 23a, in particular clamped to it. Furthermore, in particular, the damping element 22 can also comprise other or further fastening means, e.g., at least one internally threaded section and / or at least one externally threaded section. For example, the damping element 22 can be connected via an external threaded section to at least one of the clamp elements 23a, 23b, which can have an internal thread for receiving the external threaded section. Furthermore, the damping element 22 can, for example, be connected to the receiving section 21 via an internal threaded section, e.g., via a screw.

[0091] The damping element 22 can also be called a silent block.

[0092] The longitudinal strut 5 and thus a free end of the support body 2 on the roof side can thus be fastened to the lashing rails via the damping elements 22, which are fastened to the further sub-elements 19.

[0093] Out of Fig. 2 also shows that the damping element 22 as well as the clamp elements 23a, 23b and the longitudinal member 5 are arranged in a common projection surface in which the adhesive surfaces 17 are arranged, in the variant with two partial elements 16 between the adhesive surfaces 17. In other words, the damping element 22 can be arranged at least partially in an intermediate space between the lashing rails arranged at a distance from one another.

[0094] In the embodiment of the fastening element 12 with only one sub-element 16, e.g. only one lashing rail, the damping element 22, the clamp elements 23a, 23b and the longitudinal member 5 can be arranged in the projection surface offset in the transverse direction to the longitudinal axis of the sub-element 16.

[0095] Fig. 4 shows a front view of a roof-side fastening element 12. In Fig. 4 particularly shows the threaded element 25 arranged in the T-slot 24 of the respective lashing rails. This threaded element 25 can also be referred to as a slot nut. It can also be seen that the support fastening element 12 comprises two spacer rings 30, one spacer ring 30 being arranged between the bottom surface of the receiving section 21 and the damping element 22, and another spacer ring 30 being arranged between the damping element 22 and the further clamp element 23b.

[0096] These disc-shaped spacer rings 30 form a support element for the damping element 22 and have a diameter that can be greater than or equal to the diameter of the damping element 22 to prevent chafing or notching. It is also conceivable that the spacer rings 30 are firmly connected to the damping element 22 or are formed by it.

[0097] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a support arm 13 in a folded state. At a free end 14 of the support arm 13, a coupling element 31 is arranged, which is fastened to the support arm 13. This coupling element 31 has at least one fastening eyelet 32 ​​and cable pull eyes 33a, 33b. The fastening eyelet 32 ​​is arranged on a side of the coupling element 31 that faces away from the side of the coupling element 31 on which the cable pull eyes 33a, 33b are arranged. It is shown that the coupling element 31, which can be designed, for example, in the form of a cap, comprises two cable pull eyes 33a, 33b. However, it is conceivable for the coupling element 31 to have only one cable pull eyelet.

[0098] The attachment eyelet 32 ​​serves to secure a load, e.g., a bicycle or motorcycle, using suitable fastening means. This attachment eyelet 32 ​​is shown protruding from the rear side of the motorhome when the rear carrier system 1 is installed.

[0099] The fastening eyelet 32 ​​and cable pull eyes 33a, 33b are used for fastening pulleys or other elements of a cable pull system, which is Fig. 5 is not shown. The rear carrier system 1 comprises further cable pull eyes 33c, 33d, which in the illustrated embodiment are attached to the vertical struts 4 of the carrier body 2. These eyes 33c, 33d also serve to attach rollers of the cable pull system (not shown) or for cable guidance. The cable pull eyes 33c, 33d can also be attached to the longitudinal struts 5, the connecting sections 40 or the diagonal struts 6 (see Fig. 1) be attached.

[0100] The cable pull system serves to reduce the force required to move a load attached to the attachment eyelet 32a compared to an operation without a cable pull system.

[0101] Furthermore, the structural design and functional operation of the cable pull system can influence yaw movements deviating from the longitudinal axis to a small extent.

[0102] By actuating the cable pull system, a user can move the support arm 13 with a load attached thereto, in particular steplessly, into the illustrated folded position, particularly when the rear carrier system is mounted. The load can then be lowered onto the surface of the support plate 9 or onto the support plate support frame to which the support plate 9 can be mounted, and placed thereon for transport.

[0103] For unloading, a user can then lift the load attached to the support arm 13 from the support plate 9 or the support plate support frame by actuating the cable pull system. By further actuation, the support arm 13 can then be moved into an extended position. When the rear carrier system is installed, the support arm 13 protrudes from the rear of the motorhome in the extended position. This allows the load to be placed on a floor or road surface or moved to a height level that can be spaced vertically from the height level of the surface of the support plate 9 or the support plate support frame.

[0104] Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a receiving device for a support arm 13. Shown are bearing bushes 34 and a shaft 35, the ends of which are rotatably mounted in the bearing bushes 34. The bearing bushes 34 are attached to the support plate 9 or the support receiving frame, in particular in a manner penetrating the support plate 9. In the assembled state of the rear carrier system 1, a rotation axis of the shaft 35 is oriented parallel to a vehicle transverse axis. On the shaft 35, a Fig. 6, which protrudes from the shaft 35 in a central section thereof. A pin adapter 36 is placed onto this pin, the outer diameter of which corresponds to the inner diameter of a hollow cylindrical section of the support arm 13 or deviates therefrom by no more than a predetermined amount. The pin adapter 36 and a receiving sleeve 37 form a receiving device for the support arm 13. The receiving sleeve 37 is placed onto the pin adapter 36, wherein a receiving volume for receiving the hollow cylindrical section of the support arm 13 is formed between an outer wall of the pin adapter 36 and an inner wall of the receiving sleeve 37. In this case, the pin adapter 36 or the receiving sleeve 37 can have a stop surface for an end face of the hollow cylindrical section of the support arm 13.

[0105] Also shown is a clamping ring 38. This clamping ring 38 can have a beveled inner surface, wherein an inner diameter of the clamping ring increases from an upper side to a lower side. This clamping ring 38 can be placed onto the receiving sleeve 37, which can have a beveled section on an outer surface, in which an outer diameter increases from top to bottom. The diameters are dimensioned such that when the clamping ring 30 is placed on, a clamping force is exerted by it on the outer surface of the receiving sleeve 37, whereby the support arm 13 is then clamped between the receiving sleeve 37 and the pin adapter 36. Fig. 6 also shows a locking ring 39, which is placed on the receiving sleeve 37 to lock the clamping ring 38.

[0106] The locking of the locking ring 39 can be effected in a form-fitting manner via an outer contour of the receiving sleeve 37 adapted to the contour of the locking ring 39 or by a threaded locking via an internal thread section on the locking ring side, e.g. on an inner side of the locking ring 39, and a sleeve-side external thread section of the receiving sleeve 37 or via a bayonet lock with corresponding contours of the locking ring 39 and the receiving sleeve 37. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 3,531,006 A

[0003]

Claims

[1] Rear carrier system for motorhomes, comprising: - a carrier body (2), - at least one frame-side fastening element for fastening the rear carrier system (1) to a vehicle frame of the motorhome, - at least one roof-side fastening element (12) for fastening the rear carrier system (1) to a roof surface of the motorhome, - characterized by that the at least one roof-side fastening element (12) has at least one adhesive surface (17) for applying an adhesive material. [2] Rear carrier system according to claim 1, characterized by that the rear carrier system (1) has at least one damping element (22) for damping the forces / moments transmitted from the rear carrier system (1) to the roof surface. [3] Rear carrier system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the at least one roof-side fastening element (1) has a first partial element (16) which has the adhesive surface (17), and at least one further partial element (19) which is detachably mechanically connected to the first partial element (16). [4] Rear carrier system according to claim 3, characterized by that the sub-elements (16, 19) are configured such that they can be connected to one another in at least two different relative positions. [5] Rear carrier system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the adhesive surface (17) is at least 12 cm long and at least 1 cm wide. [6] Rear carrier system according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized byin that the at least one roof-side fastening element (12) has two adhesive surfaces (17), wherein the at least one damping element (22) is arranged at least partially between the adhesive surfaces (17) in a common projection surface which comprises at least one of the adhesive surfaces (17). [7] Rear carrier system according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by in that the at least one roof-side fastening element (12) has an adhesive surface (17), wherein the at least one damping element (22) is arranged in a common projection surface which comprises the adhesive surface (17), at least partially laterally offset from the adhesive surface. [8] Rear carrier system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the rear carrier system (1) comprises at least one support arm (13) which is movably attached to the carrier body (2) relative to the latter. [9] Rear carrier system according to claim 8, characterized bythat the support arm (13) is detachably mechanically connected to the support body (2). [10] Rear carrier system according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by that the rear carrier system (1) comprises at least one element of a cable pull system for actuating the support arm (13). [11] Method for mounting a rear carrier system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10 on a motorhome, comprising: - Attaching at least one frame-side fastening element to a vehicle frame of the motorhome, - Attaching at least one roof-side fastening element (12) to a roof surface of the motorhome, characterized by that the at least one roof-side fastening element (12) is glued to the roof surface with the at least one adhesive surface (17).

Images