Luggage for a motorcycle

Abstract

A case for a motorcycle, comprising a case lid which can be opened along an opening direction, wherein the case has a locking mechanism for locking the case lid, wherein the locking mechanism has an actuating element and at least one locking element with a retaining section which, when moved into a closed position, can be brought into engagement with an engagement element associated with the case lid in such a way that opening of the case lid is prevented, and wherein the locking element is arranged for movement between an open position and the closed position on a translationally mounted traversing unit which is directly coupled to the actuating element.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a case for a motorcycle. The focus is particularly on its locking system.

[0002] Cases of the type in question are generally known from the prior art. These are cases such as those used on motorcycles. Such cases have a lid that can be opened and closed. It must be ensured that the case does not open unintentionally while riding. The requirements for the locking or closing mechanism are very high, as the stresses during operation are enormous, whether due to the high speeds achievable and the resulting wind loads, or the stresses and forces that occur when riding in rough terrain.

[0003] US 2017 / 0 218 668 A1 shows a vehicle case with a handle by which the case can be opened and closed.

[0004] EP 2 536 907 B1 relates to a safety device for securing openings of any kind with at least one movable component, which consists of modular components.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a case for a motorcycle which has a particularly reliable closing or locking mechanism.

[0006] This problem is solved by a suitcase according to claim 1. Further advantages and features will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the accompanying figures.

[0007] According to the invention, a motorcycle case comprises a lid which can be opened along an opening direction, wherein the case has a locking mechanism for locking the lid, the locking mechanism comprising an actuating element and at least one locking element with a retaining section which, when moved into a closed position, can engage with an engagement element associated with the lid such that opening of the lid is prevented, and wherein the locking element is arranged for movement between an open position and a closed position on a translationally mounted traversing unit which is directly coupled to the actuating element. The direct coupling of movements advantageously ensures that the case is actually closed / locked (when the actuating element is in the closed position).This means that when the user locks the case, they can be absolutely certain it is closed and locked, and therefore cannot open unintentionally. This is primarily because the locking mechanism does without the springs or tension elements often used in such mechanisms. Instead, the locking mechanism features a direct linkage between the operating element, which is actuated directly by the user, and the position of the locking element. The locking element is therefore reliably in the closed position whenever the operating element is in the closed position.

[0008] Cases of the type in question are preferably used on single- or multi-track motor vehicles, typically scooters or motorcycles. The case can be a side case, which is attached or positioned on the side of the vehicle, or a so-called top case, which is typically positioned behind the rider's or passenger's seat. Preferably, the case is a hard-shell case made of a rigid or hard material, such as plastic and / or metal. Preferably, the case also includes an electrically and / or mechanically operated lock, which can be used to block the locking mechanism. This ensures, for example, that the case cannot be opened by unauthorized persons, such as when the vehicle is parked and locked. This locking can occur automatically, for example, when the vehicle is parked and this is detected, etc.The locking mechanism can also be used with all other types of cases. The invention is therefore not limited to cases for motorcycles.

[0009] Preferably, the present locking mechanism is a completely mechanical system which can be actuated or operated solely by the force that the user applies to the locking mechanism via the actuating element.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a rotatably mounted shaft on which the actuating element engages or is arranged, and wherein the traversing unit is pivotally connected to the shaft. As already mentioned, the traversing unit is a translationally mounted or movable component. The direction of travel of the traversing unit is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the aforementioned opening direction of the case lid. The traversing unit can be designed as a single piece or in multiple parts. It can be made of plastic, metal, or a combination of the aforementioned materials. The traversing unit is specifically designed to transmit the force introduced via the actuating element to the locking element, enabling the latter to move from the open position to the closed position and back again.For the articulated connection, for example, a rotary movement of the actuating element designed as a lever can be converted into a translational movement of the moving unit.

[0011] According to an alternative embodiment, the actuating element is designed as a translationally displaceable element. In this case, a shaft with a articulated connection can be omitted.

[0012] According to one embodiment, a lever arm is arranged or formed on the shaft, which is articulated to the traversing unit via an intermediate arm. This allows the aforementioned articulated connection between the shaft and the traversing unit to be realized. Advantageously, the intermediate arm and the lever arm are designed such that they are aligned with each other in the closed position or—more generally—at an angle to each other at which self-locking occurs in the open position. This means that the locking element cannot be moved into the open position, even if a force acting upon it were to move it in that direction. The open position can only be achieved again by actuating the actuating element accordingly. This also ensures that unintentional opening of the locking mechanism is effectively prevented.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the case has a folding carrying handle that can only be folded down or in when the actuating element is in the closed position. Advantageously, the carrying handle cannot be folded down when the actuating element is in the open position, i.e., for example, when it is pointing upwards. As already mentioned, the actuating element is expediently designed or configured as a lever. The closed position is expediently achieved by pressing down on the actuating element / lever. When the lever is folded in, the locking mechanism is in its closed position. When it is folded out or pointing upwards, the user can immediately see that the locking mechanism is open. As already mentioned, differently functioning actuating elements are also possible.

[0014] According to one embodiment, a stationary guide unit is arranged between the locking element and the traversing unit, by which the locking element is supported and guided. For support and guidance, the guide unit expediently comprises guide elements. These guide elements can be projections, pins, studs, or the like, which interact with the locking element in a suitable manner. Corresponding guide sections, for example in the form of recesses or (elongated) holes, are expediently formed in the locking element as counterparts to the guide elements.

[0015] In one embodiment, the locking element is mounted translationally. In an alternative embodiment, the locking element is mounted rotationally. In this case, the locking element performs, for example, a pivoting or rotating movement when it is moved between the open and closed positions.

[0016] The aforementioned guide elements, in the form of pins or tenons, etc., can engage in a correspondingly designed locking element, which, for example, has corresponding recesses. Alternatively, the guide elements of the guide unit can also be designed as recesses, while the guide sections of the locking element are designed as pins, tenons, etc.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the retaining section has or forms a projection designed to interact with the engagement element when the locking element moves. The engagement element, designed as, for example, a bolt or pin, "passes" the projection when moving into the closed position, which the user perceives as increased resistance. This resistance arises primarily because the projection presses the lid more firmly into the lid seal. After passing over the projection, the actuating element moves more easily back into the closed position. The same resistance is felt when opening the case. The projection, designed as a kind of "nose" at the beginning of the retaining section, thus effectively prevents unintentional opening or closing of the lid and provides the user with feedback when opening and closing the case.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the locking element is plate-shaped, with the retaining section formed by a recess in the plate-shaped locking element. In a preferred embodiment, the locking element is made of metal, for example, a suitably shaped steel plate. The preferably plate-shaped locking element can have one or more recesses to form the retaining section, the projection, or corresponding guide sections for appropriate interaction with the guide unit. As already mentioned, the design of the guide sections together with the guide element allows for both rotational and translational movement of the locking element.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a second locking element which is operatively connected to the traversing unit. The locking elements are preferably arranged at a suitable distance from each other along the traversing unit. The operative mechanism is expediently designed to be identical for both locking elements. This means that the second locking element also interacts with a guide unit, etc.

[0020] Further advantages and features will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment of a suitcase with reference to the attached figures.

[0021] They show: Fig. 1: a perspective rendering of a suitcase; Fig. 2: a first detailed view of an embodiment of a locking mechanism; Fig. 3: another detailed view; Fig. 4: those from the Fig. 3 known views in an open position; Fig. 5: those from the Fig. 3 known views without guide element and locking element; Fig. 6: A close-up view showing both locking elements.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a case 10 with a case lid 12, which can be opened or pivoted along an opening direction R. The case 10 is shown partially "open" in its upper area, revealing two locking elements 30, which can be actuated, in particular moved, by an actuating element 20. The actuating element 20 is designed as a lever. When the lever 20 is lifted, the locking elements 30 move and the case lid 12 can be opened along the opening direction R.

[0023] Fig. 2 shows a detailed view of the locking mechanism of the [product / service] from the Fig. 1. The lever arm 20 is now clearly visible. It is connected to a rotatably mounted shaft 22, which in turn is connected via a lever arm 24 to a traversing unit (not visible here). The reference numeral 30 designates the locking element, which is movable along a traversing axis V. The locking element 30, which in this case is plate-shaped, has a first guide section 36 and a second guide section 38. These guide sections 36 and 38 are formed or shaped as recesses in the preferably metallic (locking) plate. In conjunction with a first guide element 52 and a second guide element 54, the locking element 30 is thus translationally mounted. The force required for movement is introduced into the locking element 30 via a driver 42.The driver 42 is coupled to the traversing unit (not shown here), which is movable along the traversing axis V. The locking element 30 interacts with an engagement element 14, which is associated with the cover element 12, to achieve the actual "locking" action. The engagement element 14 is, for example, a pin or bolt or the like, which is attached to the case lid 12.

[0024] Fig. 3 essentially shows the results from the Fig. 2 known arrangement, wherein, now that the case lid 12 has been removed, a retaining section 32 of the locking element 30 is visible. In the area of ​​the retaining section 32, a projection 34 in the form of a small "nose" is formed. The engagement element 14 moves into the recess formed over the retaining section 32, cf. the Fig. 2, when locking. In this process, the projection 34 is also passed over, which results in the user, who operates the actuating element 20, perceiving increased resistance. Thus, the user receives feedback when operating the actuating element. In the present view, it can be seen that the locking element 30 is arranged above a guide unit 50. This includes the aforementioned second guide element 54. The locking element 30 is shown here in its closed position. In this position, the locking element 30 is moved fully to the right; see also the position of the first and second guide elements 52 and 54 in the guide sections 36 and 38.

[0025] In Fig. In figure 4, the actuating element 20 is raised, and the locking element 30 is in its open position, which in this case means it has moved to the left. The guide elements 52 and 54 are positioned at the far right in their respective guide sections 36 and 38. The guide unit 50, by which the locking element 30 is guided and supported, is now more clearly visible. It should be noted here that the locking element 30 is guided and supported in such a way that it moves over the travel unit (see in particular the following). Fig. 5) is moved translationally. However, with suitable connection of the locking element 30 and the corresponding guidance via the guide unit 50 or the corresponding coupling to the traversing unit, a rotary arrangement / bearing of the locking element 30 could also be realized, for example.

[0026] Fig. Figure 5 shows the traversing unit 40, which is moved along the traversing axis V when the actuating element 20 is moved, in this case up and down. The locking element 30 is directly engaged via the driver 42; see, for example, the Fig. 4, with procedure. It can be seen that the first guide element 52 is not provided via the guide unit 50, but directly by another component. It can be seen that an intermediate arm 26 is arranged between the lever arm 24 and the traversing unit 40 for articulated connection. The lever arm 24 and the intermediate arm 26 are aligned or at an angle to each other, at which self-locking occurs if an attempt were made to move the locking element 30 directly towards the open position. This means that if the driver 42 is moved to the left, the actuating element 20 could not be moved upwards, as self-locking occurs. The lever arms 24 and 26 are positioned relative to each other such that if the driver 42 is moved to the left in this view,A counterclockwise movement would occur, but this is not possible because the actuating element 20 is already in its lowest position. The actuating element 20 is designed as a type of lever, which is rotatably mounted on the shaft 22. However, an actuating element could also be designed to be actuated translationally, thus eliminating the need for a shaft and the like.

[0027] Fig.Figure 6 shows a final view in which both locking elements 30 are again visible. It is evident that both can be actuated simultaneously via the drive unit 40, which extends over the entire length of the case. The drive unit 40 is designed in multiple parts. Advantageously, the present locking mechanism allows for a direct coupling of the movement of the actuating element 20 with the locking elements 30, the position of which ultimately determines whether the case lid 12 is locked or not. Since spring elements and the like are omitted, the position of the actuating element 20 directly affects the position of the locking elements 30. Thus, the user can be certain that the case is securely locked when the actuating element 20 is in its closed position. Reference symbol list 10 suitcases 12 suitcase lids 14 Intervention element 20 Actuating elements 22nd wave 24 levers, lever arm 26 Intermediate arm 30 locking element 32 Stop section 34 lead 36 first section of the guide 38 second section of the guide 40 traverse unit 42 drivers 50 Command Unit 52 first guide element 54 second guide element R Opening direction V travel axis

Claims

[1] Case (10) for a motorcycle, comprising a case lid (12) which can be opened along an opening direction (R), wherein the case (10) has a locking mechanism for locking the case lid (12), wherein the locking mechanism has an actuating element (20) and at least one locking element (30) with a retaining section (32) which, when moved into a closed position, can be brought into engagement with an engagement element (14) associated with the case lid (12) in such a way that opening of the case lid (12) is prevented, and wherein the locking element (30) for movement between an open position and the closed position is arranged on a translationally mounted traversing unit (40) which is directly coupled to the actuating element (20) in terms of movement. [2] Suitcase (10) according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a rotatably mounted shaft (22) on which the actuating element (20) engages, and wherein the traversing unit (40) is articulated to the shaft (22). [3] Case (10) according to claim 2, wherein a lever arm (24) is arranged or formed on the shaft (22), which is articulated via an intermediate arm (26) connected to the traversing unit (40). [4] Suitcase (10) according to claim 3, wherein the intermediate arm (26) is aligned with the lever arm (24) in the closed position or the intermediate arm (26) and the lever arm (24) are positioned relative to each other such that self-locking occurs in the direction of the open position. [5] Suitcase (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (20) is designed such that the closing position can be achieved by pressing down on the actuating element (20). [6] Case (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a stationary guide unit (50) is arranged between the locking element (30) and the traversing unit (40), over which the locking element (30) is mounted and guided. [7] Case (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (30) is mounted translationally or rotationally. [8] Case (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining section (32) forms or has a projection (34) which is designed to cooperate with the engagement element (14) when the locking element (30) is moved. [9] Case (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (30) is plate-shaped, and wherein the retaining section (32) is formed by a recess in the plate-shaped locking element (30). [10] Suitcase (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a second locking element (30), and wherein the second locking element (30) is operatively connected to the traversing unit (40).

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