Support unit for a bicycle carrier

Abstract

The invention relates to a support unit for a bicycle carrier, comprising a holding device for holding a mounting section, in particular a thru-axle, mounted on a bicycle fork, wherein the holding device has a fixed holding element, a movable holding element and a holding recess formed between the fixed holding element and the movable holding element, wherein the movable holding element is movable relative to the fixed holding element between an open position in which the holding recess is open to receive the mounting section and a holding position in which the holding recess is closed to hold the mounting section, a clamping device with a toggle lever mechanism which is operatively connected to the movable holding element, movable in a plane of movement and is configured to move the movable holding element between the open position and the holding position,wherein the toggle mechanism is overextended in the holding position to lock the movable holding element, wherein the clamping device has a compensating device by means of which the toggle mechanism is elastically supported translationally relative to the stationary holding element in the plane of movement, wherein the elastic support provides size compensation that allows the movable holding element to be locked when holding assembly sections of different sizes, wherein the clamping device has a locking device which is configured to releasably lock the compensating device and thus the elastic support of the toggle mechanism when the holding position is reached.

Description

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

[0002] Such a support unit is known from EP 4 491 461 A1 and comprises a holding device and a clamping device with a toggle lever mechanism and a compensating device. The holding device has a fixed holding element, a movable holding element, and a holding recess. The holding recess is formed between the fixed holding element and the movable holding element and serves to receive a mounting section attached to a bicycle fork, which may specifically be designed as a thru-axle. The movable holding element is movable relative to the fixed holding element between an open position and a holding position. In the open position, the holding recess is open to receive the mounting section. In the holding position, the holding recess is closed to hold the mounting section.The toggle mechanism is designed to move the movable retaining element between the open and locked positions. In the locked position, the toggle mechanism is overextended to lock the movable retaining element. The compensating device provides elastic support for the toggle mechanism in the plane of movement. This elastic support compensates for size differences, allowing the movable retaining element to lock when holding assembly sections of varying sizes. Specifically, this enables the use of different plug-in axles with different diameters.

[0003] From WO 2013 / 165 640 A1, a bicycle roof carrier is known with a wheel rail and a retaining arm that is pivotable relative to the wheel rail. The retaining arm has a frame holding device with two movable claw elements, which are operatively connected to an actuating element by means of a cable pull. The cable pull is connected to the actuating element via an elastic element, the elastic compensation function of which is canceled when the actuating element reaches an end position by the interaction of two positive locking elements.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a support unit of the type mentioned above that offers advantages over the prior art. In particular, a particularly reliable locking mechanism in the holding position is to be achieved.

[0005] This problem is solved by providing a support unit with the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the clamping device has a locking mechanism configured to releasably lock the compensating device and thus the elastic support of the toggle mechanism when the holding position is reached. The invention is based on the understanding that, under certain circumstances, the elastic support can facilitate an unintentional release of the locking mechanism and thus an unintentional opening of the holding device. This can occur, for example, when the support unit, together with the bicycle, is subjected to greater accelerations and thus inertial forces, which can happen, for instance, in an accident involving a motor vehicle equipped with the bicycle carrier.The locking device counteracts this by releasably locking the compensating device, and thus the elastic support of the toggle mechanism, in the locked position. In the locked state, the translationally movable elastic support of the toggle mechanism is blocked. In other words, the compensating device is deactivated. The locking device can have any design suitable for the intended purpose. In the locked position, the locking device acts as a positive locking mechanism. In another embodiment, the locking device acts as a friction locking mechanism in the locked position. It is important to note that the locking device does not serve to lock the actual kinematics of the toggle mechanism in the plane of motion. A separate device, in particular a fixing device, may be provided for this purpose in various embodiments.The movable retaining element is movable in different ways between the open and locked positions, depending on the specific embodiment. In one embodiment, the movable retaining element is translationally movable. In another embodiment, the movable retaining element is alternatively or additionally rotatably and / or pivotally movable. In one embodiment, the movable retaining element is movable in the plane of motion of the toggle mechanism. In a further embodiment, the movable retaining element is movable in a plane oriented transversely, preferably orthogonally, to the plane of motion. To lock the movable retaining element in the locked position, the toggle mechanism is overextended, i.e., moved beyond a dead center point beyond which further movement of the toggle mechanism no longer causes any further movement of the movable retaining element toward the locked position.The compensating device can be designed in any way suitable for the present purpose. The compensating device enables an elastic compensating movement of the toggle lever mechanism. This compensating movement / elastic support allows for the aforementioned size compensation, thereby ensuring proper kinematics of the toggle lever mechanism even when using assembly sections of different sizes. The toggle lever mechanism engages the movable retaining element at one end and is elastically supported at the other end by means of the compensating device. In a preferred embodiment, the compensating device has at least one compensating spring, which can be designed as a tension or compression spring. Alternatively or additionally, the compensating device can have an elastically compliant elastomer element or the like.

[0006] According to the invention, the locking device further comprises a first positive locking element and a second positive locking element. The first positive locking element is immovable relative to the stationary retaining element. The second positive locking element is rigidly connected to the toggle lever mechanism and is movable together with it in the plane of movement. Upon reaching the holding position, the second positive locking element engages positively with the first positive locking element in the direction of the elastic support. This positive locking action releasably locks the compensating device and thus the elastic support of the toggle lever mechanism. The positive locking action acts in the plane of movement and in the direction of the elastic support. The positive locking action, and thus the locking action, can be released by moving the toggle lever mechanism toward the open position of the movable retaining element.This embodiment of the invention allows for a particularly simple design of the locking device.

[0007] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first positive locking element comprises a rack and the second positive locking element comprises a toothed section. The rack extends longitudinally in the plane of movement. Upon reaching the holding position, the toothed section engages with the rack, with the tooth engagement occurring at different longitudinal positions of the rack when holding assembly sections of different sizes. This is a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention. The tooth engagement between the rack and the toothed section enables functional locking even with assembly sections of different sizes, and especially with axles of different diameters. The rack and the toothed section have complementary tooth geometries. Preferably, the rack extends straight longitudinally in the plane of movement.Preferably, the rack extends straight longitudinally in the direction of the elastic support of the compensating device. The toothed section has at least one tooth. Preferably, the toothed section has several teeth, as this allows for improved force transmission between the rack and the toothed section and thus a particularly robust locking mechanism. In one embodiment, the toothed section is designed as a type of gear segment. In another embodiment, the toothed section is designed as a further rack. The rack is immovable relative to the stationary holding element. The toothed section is rigidly connected to the toggle lever mechanism and is movable together with it in the plane of motion.

[0008] In a further embodiment of the invention, the movable retaining element is pivotably mounted on the stationary retaining element about a first pivot axis in the plane of motion between the open position and the holding position. The pivotability of the movable retaining element in the plane of motion of the toggle mechanism allows for a further simplified design of the support unit. The first pivot axis is orthogonal to the plane of motion of the toggle mechanism. In one embodiment, the movable retaining element is pivotable about the first pivot axis by means of the toggle mechanism by at least 60°, preferably at least 80°, and particularly preferably at least 90°.This results in a particularly wide opening of the retaining recess in the open position, so that the assembly section, especially the plug-in axle, can be inserted into the retaining recess without unintentionally bumping against the two retaining elements.

[0009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the toggle lever mechanism comprises an actuating lever and a support lever. The actuating lever is pivotally mounted on the movable retaining element about a second pivot axis in the plane of motion relative to the movable retaining element. The support lever is pivotally connected to the stationary retaining element about a third pivot axis relative to the stationary retaining element. The actuating lever and the support lever are pivotally mounted relative to each other about a fourth pivot axis in the plane of motion. This embodiment of the invention allows for a particularly simple construction of the toggle lever mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the actuating lever is preferably configured for (direct) manual actuation of the toggle lever mechanism.For example, the actuating lever can have an actuating section designed for manual gripping by an operator. In a further embodiment, the actuating lever is instead connected to another lever of the toggle mechanism designed for (direct) manual actuation. Preferably, the actuating lever is mounted directly on the movable retaining element. The support lever is pivotally mounted on the actuating lever about the fourth pivot axis (and vice versa) and is pivotally connected to the fixed retaining element about the third pivot axis relative to the fixed retaining element. This connection of the support lever to the fixed retaining element can be direct or indirect. The second pivot axis, the third pivot axis, and the fourth pivot axis are parallel.The second pivot axis, the third pivot axis and the fourth pivot axis are orthogonal to the plane of motion.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the third pivot axis is supported in a translationally elastic manner relative to the stationary holding element in the plane of motion by means of the compensating device. In other words, in this embodiment, the compensating device engages the support lever in the region of the third pivot axis. This allows the support lever to be translationally elastically movable within a limited range in the plane of motion.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the locking device acts between the actuating lever and the stationary holding element. In this embodiment, the locking device is consequently arranged and / or formed section by section and / or partially on the locking device and on the actuating lever. In one embodiment, the first positive locking element, specifically the rack, is connected to the stationary holding element, and the second positive locking element, specifically the toothed section, is connected to the actuating lever and is movable together with it.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the locking device acts between the support lever and the stationary holding element. This action between the support lever and the locking device can be provided as an alternative or additional feature to the previous embodiment, in which the locking device acts between the actuating lever and the stationary holding element. In one embodiment, the first positive locking element, specifically the rack, is fixedly connected to the stationary holding element, and the second positive locking element, specifically the toothed section, is fixedly connected to the support lever and movable together with it.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the clamping device includes a locking device that releasably fixes the movement kinematics of the toggle mechanism when the holding position is reached. The locking device counteracts any unintentional movement towards the open position. For this purpose, the locking device secures the movement kinematics of the toggle mechanism in the holding position. The locking device can have any design suitable for this purpose. In one embodiment, the locking device is configured for positive locking of the movement kinematics of the toggle mechanism. In another embodiment, a frictional locking mechanism is provided alternatively or additionally.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fixing device comprises a fixing lever which is pivotably mounted on the actuating lever about a fifth pivot axis in the plane of motion and has a detent section which, upon reaching the holding position, engages releasably with a complementary detent section. Equipping the fixing device with a fixing lever and detent section results in a particularly simple and robust design of the fixing device.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the complementary locking section is formed by the third pivot axis. Upon reaching the holding position, the locking section releasably engages with the third pivot axis. In this embodiment of the invention, the third pivot axis thus has an advantageous dual function. Firstly, the third pivot axis is part of the toggle lever mechanism. Secondly, the third pivot axis is simultaneously part of the fixing device.

[0016] The invention also relates to a bicycle carrier with a carrying unit according to the preceding disclosure.

[0017] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the claims and from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, which is illustrated with reference to the drawings.

[0018] They show: Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a bicycle carrier according to the invention, which is provided with an embodiment of a support unit according to the invention and is mounted on the roof of a passenger car for transporting a bicycle. Fig. 2 in schematic perspective view the support unit of the bicycle carrier according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. 8 schematic longitudinal sections of the support unit according to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, wherein a holding device and a clamping device of the support unit have different positions between an open opening position ( Fig. 3) and a closed holding position ( Fig. 8) take.

[0019] According to Fig. Figure 1 shows a bicycle carrier 1 mounted on the roof D of a passenger car (without reference numerals) shown in sections. The bicycle carrier 1 is designed to carry a bicycle F. Therefore, the bicycle carrier 1 is designed as a roof-mounted bicycle carrier. In an embodiment not shown in the figures, the bicycle carrier is designed as a rear-mounted bicycle carrier.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle carrier 1 comprises a support rail 2, a front cross member 3, and a rear cross member 4. The two cross members 3 and 4 are attached to the vehicle roof D in a manner known to those skilled in the art. In this case, the two cross members 3 and 4 are aligned parallel to a transverse axis of the vehicle roof D. The support rail 2 extends longitudinally between the front cross member 3 and the rear cross member 4 and is attached to both the front cross member 3 and the rear cross member 4. The support rail 2 is also extended longitudinally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle roof D.

[0021] In the embodiment shown, the bicycle carrier 1 has a single support rail 2. In embodiments not shown in the figures, several parallel support rails are provided, so that, for example, two or three bicycle carriers can be held and transported simultaneously.

[0022] The bicycle carrier 1 also has a support unit 10. The support unit 10 serves to detachably attach the bicycle F to the bicycle carrier 1.

[0023] In this case, the support unit 10 is arranged on the support rail 2 in the direction of the front of the passenger car and connected to it. The support unit 10 is designed for the detachable attachment of a bicycle fork G of the bicycle F. In an embodiment not shown in the figures, the support unit instead serves for the detachable attachment of the rear dropouts (without reference numerals) of the bicycle and is, for this purpose, arranged on the support rail in the direction of the rear of the passenger car and permanently connected to it.

[0024] The support unit 10 is described in detail in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. 8 shown.

[0025] The support unit 10 comprises a holding device 20 and a clamping device 30. The clamping device 30 includes a toggle lever mechanism 40, a compensating device 50, and a locking device 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping device 30 also includes an optional fixing device 70. However, this is not present in all embodiments.

[0026] The holding device 20 is designed to hold a mounting section M attached to the bicycle fork G, which in this case is a thru-axle. The thru-axle is mounted on the bicycle fork G in place of a front wheel for the purpose of transporting the bicycle F.

[0027] The holding device 20 has a fixed holding element 21, a movable holding element 22, and a holding recess 23. The holding recess is formed between the fixed holding element 21 and the movable holding element 22 and serves to receive the aforementioned assembly section M (see Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. 8) The movable retaining element 22 is movable relative to the fixed retaining element 21 for opening and closing the retaining recess 23. In the open state of the retaining recess 23 ( Fig. 3) The movable retaining element 22 assumes an open position and vice versa. In the closed state of the retaining recess 23 ( Fig. 8) the movable retaining element 22 assumes a holding position and vice versa.

[0028] The toggle lever mechanism 40 of the clamping device 30 is designed to move the movable retaining element 22 between the open position and the holding position and to lock it in the holding position. The toggle lever mechanism 40 is movable in a plane of motion E. The movement of the movable retaining element 22 also takes place in the plane of motion E.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the movable retaining element 22 is pivotally movable relative to the stationary retaining element 21 about a first pivot axis S1 between the open position and the holding position. The first pivot axis S1 is orthogonal to the plane of motion E. The movable retaining element 22 is mounted on the stationary retaining element 21 by means of the first pivot axis S1. This mounting is direct in this case. In an embodiment not shown in the figures, the movable retaining element is mounted on a component and / or section rigidly connected to the stationary retaining element, so that in this case the movable retaining element can be described as being mounted indirectly on the stationary retaining element.

[0030] In the embodiment shown, the movable retaining element 22 is pivotable by approximately 90° in the plane of motion E by means of the toggle lever mechanism 40.

[0031] In the embodiment shown, the toggle lever mechanism 40 has an actuating lever 41 and a support lever 42.

[0032] The actuating lever 41 is pivotally mounted on the movable retaining element 22 about a second pivot axis S2 relative to the movable retaining element 22.

[0033] The support lever 42 is pivotally connected to the stationary holding element 21 about a third pivot axis S3 relative to the stationary holding element 21, whereby this connection can be direct or indirect. In this case, a direct connection is provided.

[0034] The actuating lever 41 and the support lever 42 are pivotally mounted relative to each other about a fourth pivot axis S4.

[0035] The second pivot axis S2, the third pivot axis S3 and the fourth pivot axis S4 are parallel to each other and orthogonal to the plane of motion E.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the second pivot axis S2 is arranged at one end of the actuating lever 41. The third pivot axis S3 is arranged at one end of the support lever 42. The fourth pivot axis S4 is arranged at the other end of the support lever 42. With respect to an unspecified longitudinal axis of the actuating lever 41, the fourth pivot axis S4 is spaced apart from the second pivot axis S2.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating lever 41 extends longitudinally between a first end 411 and a second end 412. The actuating lever 41 is essentially straight. The first end 411 faces the holding device 20 and is pivotally mounted on the movable holding element 22 by means of the second pivot axis S2. The second pivot axis S2 is located on the actuating lever 41 in the region of the first end 411. The second end 412 faces away from the holding device 20.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the support lever 42 extends longitudinally between a first end 421 and a second end 422. In this case, the first end 421 faces the holding device 20 and the second end 422 faces away from the holding device 20 when the holding position is engaged (see figure). Fig. 8) The fourth pivot axis S4 is located on the support lever 42 in the region of its first end 421. The first end 421 is pivotally mounted on the actuating lever 41 by means of the fourth pivot axis S4. The fourth pivot axis S4 lies between the first end 411 and the second end 412 of the actuating lever 41. The third pivot axis S3 is located on the support lever 42 in the region of its second end 422. The second end 422 of the support lever 42 is pivotally connected (directly or indirectly) to the stationary retaining element 21 by means of the third pivot axis S3.

[0039] To move the retaining recess 23 from the open position ( Fig. 3) into the holding position ( Fig. 8) To relocate, the actuating lever 41 is moved from the position in Fig. In the configuration shown in Figure 3, the actuating lever 41 is displaced clockwise around the second pivot axis (S2). In the open position, the actuating lever 41 projects predominantly vertically upwards. The same applies to the support lever 42. When the actuating lever 41 moves clockwise around the second pivot axis S2, the support lever 42 moves counterclockwise around the third pivot axis S3. With respect to the fourth pivot axis S4, the actuating lever 41 moves clockwise, and the support lever 42 moves counterclockwise. During this movement, the movable retaining element 22 is simultaneously pivoted counterclockwise around the first pivot axis S1. In the holding position ( Fig. 8) the actuating lever 41 and the support lever 42 are predominantly horizontally oriented.

[0040] To open the retaining recess 23 starting from the holding position ( Fig. 8) the movement of the toggle lever mechanism 40 takes place in a kinematically reversed manner.

[0041] In the holding position ( Fig. 8) The toggle lever mechanism 40 is overextended. The overextension causes the holding device 20 to lock in the holding position. Overextended means that the toggle lever mechanism 40, starting from the open position, has moved past a dead center in the direction of the holding position. The dead center can be understood as the configuration of the toggle lever mechanism 40 in which further movement of the actuating lever 40 in the direction of the holding position does not cause any further movement of the movable holding element 22 in the direction of the holding position. In the illustrated embodiment, the dead center is reached when the second pivot axis S2, the third pivot axis S3, and the fourth pivot axis S4 lie on a straight line within the plane of motion E.As soon as the fourth pivot axis S4 is moved in the direction of the holding position over the imaginary connecting line between the second pivot axis S2 and the third pivot axis S3, the toggle lever mechanism 40 is overextended.

[0042] When the retaining recess 23 is opened and closed, the first pivot axis S1 remains stationary within the plane of motion E. The second pivot axis S2 and the fourth pivot axis S4 are movable within the plane of motion E. The second pivot axis S2 moves along an arc-shaped path around the first pivot axis S1. The fourth pivot axis S4 moves along an arc-shaped path around the third pivot axis S3.

[0043] The actual kinematic movement of the toggle lever mechanism 40 does not fundamentally require any movement of the third pivot axis S3 with respect to the plane of motion. However, in this case, elastic support of the third pivot axis S3 is provided by means of the compensating device 50.

[0044] The compensating device 50 enables elastically supported translational movement of the third pivot axis S3 within the plane of motion E. The compensating device 50 provides limited translational elastic support for the toggle lever mechanism 40 relative to the fixed retaining element 21 in the plane of motion E. This elastic support compensates for differences in size, allowing the movable retaining element 22 to lock when holding assembly sections of varying sizes in different closed positions. In other words, the compensating device 50 allows even differently thick plug-in shafts to be reliably locked, ensuring reliable locking and proper movement kinematics of the toggle lever mechanism 40 regardless of the diameter differences.In particular, it is ensured that the toggle lever mechanism 40 is always overextended in the holding position.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the compensating device 50 has at least one compensating spring 51. The compensating spring 51 engages the toggle lever mechanism 40 at one end and is rigidly supported relative to the stationary retaining element 21 at the other end. The compensating spring 51 is elastic in the plane of motion E. In this case, the compensating spring 51 engages the third pivot axis S3 at one end, and thus the second end of the support lever 42.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the compensating spring 51 is a helical spring. In the holding position, the support lever 42 and the compensating spring 51 are extended longitudinally in a substantially parallel manner.

[0047] The elastic support by means of the compensating device 50 enables a translational compensating movement of the third pivot axis S3 within the plane of motion E. For the purpose of guiding said compensating movement, the third pivot axis S3 is, in the illustrated embodiment, mounted on a guide groove 211 ( Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5) guided. The guide groove 211 is formed on the fixed retaining element 21 and extends predominantly horizontally longitudinally.

[0048] The locking device 60 is designed to releasably lock the compensating device 50 and thus the elastic support of the toggle lever mechanism 40 when the holding position is reached.

[0049] This releasable locking mechanism prevents unintentional displacement of the third pivot axis S3 from the holding position ( Fig. 8) in the direction of the open position ( Fig. 3) counteracted. Such an unwanted displacement can be caused, for example, by acceleration-related inertial forces, such as those that can occur in a car accident.

[0050] The locking device 60 has a first positive locking element 61 and a second positive locking element 62.

[0051] In the embodiment shown, the first positive locking element 61 and the second positive locking element 62 are each made of metal.

[0052] The first positive locking element 61 is immobile relative to the stationary holding element 21. The second positive locking element 62 is rigidly connected to the toggle lever mechanism 40 and is movable together with it in the plane of movement E. Upon reaching the holding position, the second positive locking element 62 engages releasably with the first positive locking element 61 in the direction of the elastic support of the compensating device 50. Fig. 8).

[0053] In the embodiment shown, the first positive locking element 61 has a rack 63. The rack 63 extends longitudinally in the plane of motion E. In this case, the rack 63 extends longitudinally approximately parallel to the compensating spring 51 and / or the support lever 42, provided the holding position is assumed ( Fig. 8).

[0054] The second positive locking element 62 has a toothed section 64. When the holding position is reached, the toothed section 64 engages with the rack 63. When holding assembly sections of different sizes, this tooth engagement occurs at different longitudinal positions of the rack 63. In other words, the further the third pivot axis S3 is in the plane of the drawing, the more the toothed section engages with the rack 63. Fig. The more elastically the axle is displaced to the right, the further the tooth engagement moves to the right along the rack 63. The same applies kinematically in reverse. In other words: The thicker the axle being held, the further the tooth engagement moves to the right along the rack 63 in the holding position. The thinner the axle, the further the tooth engagement moves to the left along the rack 63.

[0055] In the embodiment shown, the rack 63 is firmly joined to the stationary retaining element 21 in a manner not shown in detail.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the toothed section 64 is a section of a metal component 413. In this embodiment, the metal component 413 also serves as a stiffener for the actuating lever 41, which is made of plastic. The metal component 413, and thus also the toothed section 64, are rigidly joined to the actuating lever 41 and are movable together with it within the plane of motion E. The toothed section 64 is positioned in the region of the fourth pivot axis S4. The metal component 413 can also be considered a section and / or component of the actuating lever 41.

[0057] The locking device 60 serves solely to lock the compensating device 50 and thus to lock the elastic support of the toggle lever mechanism 40. The actual movement kinematics of the toggle lever mechanism 40 in the plane of motion E cannot be locked by means of the locking device 60. The optional fixing device 70 is provided for this purpose.

[0058] The fixing device 70 fixes the movement kinematics of the toggle lever mechanism 40 when the holding position is reached ( Fig. 8) This fixation is reversible.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the fixing device 70 has a fixing lever 71 which is pivotably mounted on the actuating lever 41 and / or the metal component 413 about a fifth pivot axis S5 in the plane of motion E relative to the actuating lever 41. The fixing lever 71 has a detent section 711 which, when the holding position is reached, releasably engages with a complementary detent section 712.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the complementary locking section 712 is formed by the third pivot axis S3. The third pivot axis S3 therefore has an advantageous dual function. On the one hand, it forms a component of the toggle lever mechanism 40, and on the other hand, it simultaneously forms a component of the fixing device 70.

[0061] As the locking section 711 approaches the holding position, it automatically engages the third pivot axis S3. Upon engagement, the locking lever 71 pivots about the fifth pivot axis S5. The locking lever 71 is biased clockwise around the fifth pivot axis S5 by a torsion spring (without reference numeral). To release the locking device 70, the user can move the locking lever 71 from the position shown in Fig. In the configuration shown in Figure 8, actuate the actuating lever 41 counterclockwise around the fifth pivot axis S5. This releases the detent section 41 from the pivot axis S3 and thus from the complementary detent section 712. After releasing the locking mechanism, the actuating lever 41 can be moved to open the retaining recess 23.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, a further defined position is provided between the open position and the holding position. This defined position is referred to as the rest position and is shown in Fig. 4 shown. The movable retaining element 22 is shown starting from the open position ( Fig. 3) movable into the rest position. In the rest position, the retaining receptacle 23 is at least partially and / or less far away than in the holding position ( Fig. 8) closed.

[0063] The rest position can alternatively be referred to as the pre-fixing position and serves to temporarily and securely pre-fix the bicycle F to be attached. In the rest position, the mounting section M is securely held in the retaining device 20; however, the rest position is not intended for permanent attachment and use while the passenger vehicle is in motion (not a transport attachment). The rest position allows for a simplified and particularly safe fastening process, as the mounting section M is pre-fixed before reaching the holding position. This pre-fixing prevents the bicycle F from tipping over during the fastening process, for example, due to operator carelessness, before reaching the holding position, and thus avoids causing damage or injury.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the movable retaining element 22 can be moved from the open position to the rest position under the influence of the weight of the bicycle fork G to be held. No additional action by the operator is required to effect a movement to the rest position. The force exerted by the bicycle fork G on the movable retaining element 22 is sufficient. Under the influence of the weight of the bicycle fork G, the movable retaining element 22 can be pivoted from the open position counterclockwise around the first pivot axis S1 into the rest position by means of the mounting section M.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining receptacle 23 is formed between the movable retaining element 22 and the stationary retaining element 21. To enable sufficient force transmission from the mounting section M to the movable retaining element 22 in the open position, the latter has a receiving recess (without reference numeral) in the illustrated embodiment. The receiving recess has a channel-shaped cross-section and surrounds the mounting section M in the circumferential direction. In the open position, the receiving recess is oriented horizontally forward and vertically upward, so that the mounting section can be inserted into the receiving recess of the movable retaining element 22 from front to back and from top to bottom. The receiving recess ensures that the weight of the bicycle fork G can move the movable retaining element 22 about the first pivot axis S1 towards the rest position.The point of application of the weight force lies within the receiving recess, spaced a horizontal lever arm away from the first pivot axis S1. This lever arm causes the movable retaining element 22 to be pressed counterclockwise around the first pivot axis S1 under the influence of the weight force of the bicycle fork G.

Claims

[1] Support unit (10) for a bicycle carrier (1), comprising a holding device (20) for holding a mounting section (M) mounted on a bicycle fork (G), in particular a thru-axle, wherein the holding device (20) has a fixed holding element (21), a movable holding element (22) and a holding recess (23) formed between the fixed holding element (21) and the movable holding element (22), wherein the movable holding element (22) is movable relative to the fixed holding element (21) between an open position in which the holding recess (23) is open to receive the mounting section (M) and a holding position in which the holding recess (23) is closed to hold the mounting section (M), a clamping device (30) with a toggle lever mechanism (40) which is operatively connected to the movable retaining element (22), movable in a plane of movement (E) and is configured to move the movable retaining element (22) between the open position and the holding position, wherein the toggle lever mechanism (40) is overextended in the holding position to lock the movable retaining element (22), wherein the clamping device (30) has a compensating device (50) by means of which the toggle lever mechanism (40) is elastically supported translationally relative to the stationary holding element (21) in the plane of movement (E), wherein the elastic support provides size compensation which allows the movable holding element (22) to be locked when holding assembly sections of different sizes, characterized by, that the clamping device (30) has a locking device (60) which is configured to releasably lock the compensating device (50) and thus the elastic support of the toggle lever mechanism (40) when the holding position is reached, and that the locking device (60) has a first positive locking element (61) and a second positive locking element (62), wherein the first positive locking element (61) is immovable relative to the stationary holding element (21), wherein the second positive locking element (62) is fixedly connected to the toggle lever mechanism (40) and is movable together with it in the plane of movement (E), and wherein the second positive locking element (62) interacts positively with the first positive locking element (61) in the direction of the elastic support when the holding position is reached. [2] Support unit (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first positive locking element (61) has a rack (63) which is longitudinally extended in the plane of motion (E), wherein the second positive locking element (62) has a toothed section (64) which engages with the rack (63) when the holding position is reached, and wherein the tooth engagement takes place at different longitudinal positions of the rack (63) when holding different sized assembly sections. [3] Support unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable holding element (22) is pivotably mounted on the fixed holding element (21) about a first pivot axis (S1) in the plane of movement (E) between the opening position and the holding position. [4] Support unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the toggle lever mechanism (40) has an actuating lever (41) and a support lever (42), wherein the actuating lever (41) is pivotably mounted on the movable holding element (22) about a second pivot axis (S2) in the plane of motion (E) relative to the movable holding element (22), wherein the support lever (42) is pivotably connected to the stationary holding element (21) about a third pivot axis (S3) relative to the stationary holding element (21), and wherein the actuating lever (41) and the support lever (42) are pivotably mounted to each other about a fourth pivot axis (S4) relative to each other in the plane of motion (E). [5] Support unit (10) according to claim 4, wherein the third pivot axis (S3) is supported in a translationally movable elastic manner in the plane of motion (E) by means of the compensating device (50) relative to the stationary holding element (21). [6] Carrying unit (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the locking device (60) acts between the actuating lever (41) and the fixed retaining element (21). [7] Support unit (10) according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the locking device (60) acts between the support lever (42) and the fixed retaining element (21). [8] Support unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping device (30) has a fixing device (70) which, when the holding position is reached, releasably fixes the movement kinematics of the toggle lever mechanism (40). [9] Support unit (10) according to claim 8 in combination with one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the fixing device (70) has a fixing lever (71) which is pivotably mounted on the actuating lever (41) about a fifth pivot axis (S5) in the plane of motion (E) relative to the actuating lever (41) and has a detent section (711) which releasably engages with a complementary detent section (712) when the holding position is reached. [10] Support unit (10) according to claim 9, wherein the complementary locking section (712) is formed by the third pivot axis (S3). [11] Bicycle carrier (1) with a support unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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