Bicycle carrier for mounting on a vehicle

Abstract

Bicycle carrier (2) for mounting on a vehicle (1), with a connecting device (3) provided on a front side for attaching the bicycle carrier (2) to a vehicle-side trailer coupling, and a support frame (7) connected to the connecting device (3), the support frame (7) having an upper support section (9) extending at least substantially horizontally in a transverse direction (Q) to support bicycle frames of bicycles attached to the bicycle carrier (2) via suitable frame holders (11), and having two lower support sections (16) extending at least substantially horizontally from front to rear and supporting receiving means for at least one bicycle (10), in particular for two or three bicycles, wherein the support frame (7) comprises or consists of or is formed from a curved tube, wherein the bicycle carrier (2) has at least one receiving element (17) for the particularly pivotable storage of wheel holders (20), which bridges the two lower support sections (16) of the support frame (7) and is connected to both lower support sections (16), in particular by a material connection, preferably by welding or screwing.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a bicycle carrier for mounting on a vehicle, with a connecting device provided at a front for attaching the bicycle carrier to a vehicle-side trailer hitch.

[0002] Rear-mounted carriers, especially bicycle carriers, designed for attachment to the rear of a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, are frequently used to transport bicycles. These carriers typically have a connection device for attaching the bicycle carrier to the vehicle's trailer hitch. This connection device is usually designed to attach to the ball of a conventional trailer hitch. Furthermore, such bicycle carriers usually have corresponding mounting points for at least one bicycle. A bicycle can be attached to these mounting points when it is to be transported.

[0003] The bicycles are typically attached to the bike rack in two places: firstly, by securing the wheels to individual wheel holders, and secondly, by attaching the frame to an upward-projecting support bar of the bike rack. For this purpose, special frame holders are usually used. These are typically rod-shaped and grip the bicycle frame at one end and the bike rack's support bar at the other.

[0004] Even though such designs have generally proven successful, there is still a need for a simple, structural design for bicycle carriers. Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle carrier that has a simple design and is easy to manufacture.

[0005] This problem is solved in a bicycle carrier of the type mentioned above by the fact that it has a support frame which is connected to the connecting device, wherein the support frame has an upper support section which extends at least substantially horizontally in a transverse direction in order to support bicycle frames of bicycles attached to a bicycle carrier via suitable frame holders, and two lower support sections which extend at least substantially horizontally from front to rear and carry receiving means for at least one bicycle, in particular for two or three bicycles.

[0006] The invention is based on the fundamental idea of ​​providing a support frame that both carries the mounting elements, in particular wheel holders, and is used to attach the frame holders. In other words, the support frame, in an upper support section which extends substantially horizontally in a transverse direction, particularly in a U-shape, is intended to accommodate frame holders and thus support the frames of bicycles. Simultaneously, the support frame, in two lower support sections which are preferably arranged offset from one another in the transverse direction and extend at least substantially horizontally to the rear, is intended to carry corresponding mounting elements for attaching the bicycle wheels. This ensures a simple design, as the support frame can be manufactured as a single, integrally formed component.

[0007] In a specific embodiment, the support frame can comprise, consist of, or be formed from a bent tube. Thus, a section of tube can be used as the starting material, which, through appropriate forming, is shaped into such a support frame, comprising an upper support section and two lower load-bearing sections. Such manufacturing is particularly simple, as a tube of the required length is all that is needed and can then be cold- or hot-formed. The tube can be made of a metallic material, in particular an aluminum alloy or a steel alloy.

[0008] Preferably, the tube has a circular cross-section. Such tubes are readily and inexpensively available commercially and can be easily shaped.

[0009] The lower support sections can be formed by the free ends of the pipe. This means that the two ends of the pipe section used ultimately form the lower support sections. The upper support section can be formed by a central section of the pipe. Preferably, the lower support sections and / or the upper support section extend at least substantially in a straight line.

[0010] On both sides, at least essentially vertical connecting sections can be attached to the upper support section, extending down to the lower load-bearing sections. In other words, vertical connecting sections can be attached to the upper support section via corresponding arcs with bending radii, preferably extending in a vertical direction, i.e., from bottom to top, when the bicycle carrier is mounted. On the underside, the lower load-bearing sections can then be attached via a corresponding arc with a bending radius, extending, particularly when the bicycle carrier is mounted, at least essentially horizontally in a longitudinal direction, i.e., from front to back. Specifically, the distance between the two vertical connecting sections can decrease towards the bottom.This means that the length of the upper, especially straight, support section is greater than the distance between the two lower support sections. In other words, the two vertical connecting sections can taper towards each other downwards.

[0011] Preferably, the two lower support sections extend parallel to each other. This means that they maintain the same distance apart along their entire length. The two support sections preferably run at the same height.

[0012] Viewed from the side, the supporting frame can be L-shaped. This means that one leg of the L is preferably formed by the upper support section and the vertical connecting sections, while the other leg is formed by the lower load-bearing sections. At the transition between the two legs, i.e., from the vertical connecting sections to the two lower load-bearing sections, an arch with a bending radius can be formed. The supporting frame can be symmetrical about a central plane that extends vertically and longitudinally.

[0013] The bicycle carrier can further comprise a base element with a connecting device attached to its front and a rear element that engages the support frame, particularly the lower support sections, and is connected to it, especially by bolting. Viewed from above, such a base element can be U-shaped, particularly in its rear section, with each leg of the U engaging one of the lower support sections. The base element can be a welded construction. Preferably, the base element is open at the rear and tapers to a front edge, preferably being connected to the connecting device at the front. Specifically, the base element can be welded or bolted to a housing of the connecting device.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the bicycle carrier has at least one mounting element for the pivotable storage of wheel holders, which bridges the two lower support sections of the support frame and is connected to both lower support sections, preferably by a material bond, and preferably welded. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to bolt the mounting elements to the lower support sections. The mounting elements can be part of the mounting device. This embodiment is based on the consideration of providing a mounting element that extends over the gap between the two lower support sections of the support frame and is connected to both support sections, thereby significantly improving the stability of the support frame. At the same time, the mounting element has the function of pivotably storing corresponding wheel holders for attaching bicycle wheels.In a specific design, depending on the number of bicycles to be transported, the bicycle carrier can have two or three such receiving elements, which are arranged offset from each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0015] In a specific embodiment, each mounting element can be designed as a sheet metal part. This means that it is manufactured, in particular, by stamping out a corresponding contour and then forming it. At opposite lateral ends of each mounting element, a bearing bore for the pivotable mounting of a wheel holder can be provided. In other words, two longitudinally opposed tabs can project from each lateral end, each with a corresponding bearing bore and defining a pivot axis.

[0016] At least one, preferably each, receiving element can be designed such that it laterally encompasses the two lower support sections of the support frame, which run parallel and, in particular, laterally offset from each other. For this purpose, lateral projections can be formed on the respective receiving element, which each encompass the lower support sections from the outside. The lateral projections can extend from top to bottom and / or have a contour on their inner side that is complementary to the lower support sections, in particular a circular arc-shaped recess. Preferably, the respective receiving element rests on the lower support sections from above.

[0017] The bicycle carrier can also have two wheel holders assigned to each mounting element. These can be pivotally mounted at opposite ends of the mounting element in the transverse direction. The wheel holders can be integrated into the mounting elements. Specifically, the bicycle carrier can have a pivot pin assigned to each wheel holder, which passes through the corresponding mounting holes in the mounting element and the corresponding wheel holder. In this way, a pivoting mounting can be easily achieved. At the same time, such a bicycle carrier is easy to install.

[0018] The wheel holders can be pivotally mounted on the mounting element and moved between an operating position, in which the wheel holders extend essentially horizontally in a lateral direction so that a bicycle can be mounted on them, and a transport position, in which the wheel holders extend at least essentially vertically upwards. In the operating position, the two wheel holders mounted on one element can point away from each other. This design is based on the idea that, for transport, the wheel holders can essentially be folded upwards, so that the bicycle carrier can be transported or stored in a space-saving manner when not in use.

[0019] Each wheel holder can have a wheel holder base body, which preferably includes a receptacle, in particular in the form of a receiving recess or a depression, for a bicycle wheel and fastening means for securing a bicycle wheel. The fastening means for securing a wheel can include a tensioning device with a tensioning element in the form of a tensioning strap, which is attached to the wheel holder to tension a bicycle wheel. Furthermore, the fastening means can include a fastening element that is connected to a wheel holder base body to form a stop for the bicycle wheel. This stop can be designed to be slidable along a longitudinal direction of the wheel holder or the wheel holder base body.

[0020] In a further embodiment, adjacent wheel holders, each assigned to a different adjacent receiving element, can be connected to one another, particularly at their free ends, via a connecting element. In this way, all wheel holders on one side can be moved back and forth between the operating position and the transport position. In other words, it is provided that on opposite sides, one wheel holder is attached to each receiving element, so that one wheel holder can accommodate the front wheel and the other the rear wheel of a bicycle.

[0021] Each of the rearmost wheel holders can be fitted with a rearward-facing taillight unit. This unit can be permanently attached to the respective wheel holder, allowing it to be moved back and forth between the operating position and the transport position.

[0022] Preferably, a license plate holder is attached to a rear end of the support frame, which is preferably movable between a horizontal operating position and a vertical transport position. Such mobility also results in space-saving storage and transport of the bicycle carrier. Preferably, the license plate holder can be locked in place, at least in the operating position.

[0023] For further details of the invention, reference is made to the dependent claims and to the following description of the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a vehicle with a bicycle carrier according to the present invention in a perspective view; Fig. 2 the bicycle carrier Fig. 1 in a perspective drawing; Fig. 3 the bicycle carrier Fig. 2 with the wheel holders in their transport position; and Fig. 4. Remove the support frame and mounting elements of the bicycle carrier. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3.

[0024] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle 1, at the rear of which a bicycle carrier 2 according to the present invention is mounted. The bicycle carrier 2 is shown in detail in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shown.

[0025] This device has a connecting device 3 on its front for attaching the bicycle carrier 2 to a vehicle-side trailer hitch (not shown in the figures). Specifically, the connecting device 3 comprises a housing 4 and an actuating lever 5 pivotably mounted on it. Furthermore, the connecting device has clamping elements that are movable between a holding position and a release position. In a holding position, these clamping elements engage the ball of a trailer hitch in a form-fit and / or frictional manner. In a release position, the clamping elements are moved away from the ball in such a way that the bicycle carrier 2 can be removed from or placed onto the trailer hitch. The actuating lever 5 is coupled to the clamping elements in such a way that, as shown in the figures, it Fig. 2 is recognizable as being in a horizontal position when the clamping elements are in their holding position, and the actuating lever 5, as shown in the Fig. 3 is recognizable as being in a vertical position when the clamping elements are in their release position.

[0026] The housing 4 of the connecting device 3 is connected at the rear to a base element 6. The base element 6 is U-shaped when viewed from above, and is open at one rear side.

[0027] The bicycle carrier 2 also includes a support frame 7, which is located in the Fig. Figure 4 shows the support frame 7 in detail. The two U-shaped legs of the base element 6 grip the frame from below and are connected to it. Specifically, retaining plates 8 are provided, via which the support frame 7 is screwed to the base element 6.

[0028] The support frame 7 has an upper support section 9. This section is at least substantially straight and extends substantially horizontally in a transverse direction Q when the bicycle carrier 2 is attached to a vehicle 1. The upper support section 9 serves to support the bicycle frames of bicycles 10 attached to the bicycle carrier via suitable frame holders 11. The frame holders 11 are, for example, in the Fig. 2 clearly visible. At one end, the frame holders 11 are connected to the upper support section 9 and have fixing means at their other end for attaching them to a bicycle frame 10.

[0029] On both sides of the upper support section 9, a vertical connecting section 13 is attached via an arc 12 with a bending radius. The two vertical connecting sections 13 run such that their distance decreases downwards in an upper part 14 of the vertical connecting sections 13. In a lower part 15 of the vertical connecting sections 13, they then run parallel to each other.

[0030] The support frame 7 further comprises two lower support sections 16, which extend horizontally from front to rear and carry mounting devices for two bicycles. The two lower support sections 16 extend parallel to each other and are connected to the lower part 15 of the vertical connecting section 13 via corresponding arches 12 with bending radii.

[0031] The support frame 7 is formed in this case by a bent tube with a circular cross-section. In other words, the support frame 7 can be manufactured by appropriately shaping a section of tube. This allows for simple manufacturing.

[0032] The bicycle carrier 2 also includes, as particularly described in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, two receiving elements 17 are arranged offset from each other in the longitudinal direction L. These bridge the two lower support sections 16 of the support frame 7 and are screwed to them. The receiving elements 17 are made of sheet metal. On both opposite sides, the receiving elements 17 have corresponding mounting tabs 18, which project upwards. Bearing bores 19 are arranged in the mounting tabs 18, each defining a pivot axis S.

[0033] The bicycle carrier 2 further comprises two wheel holders 20 assigned to each mounting element 17 for receiving and fixing one wheel of a bicycle 10. The wheel holders are pivotably mounted on the mounting elements 17 about the pivot axis S and are positioned between an operating position which is in Fig. 2 is recognizable, and a transport position that is in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the wheel holders 20 are movable. In the operating position, they extend essentially horizontally in a lateral direction, so that a bicycle 10 can be mounted on them. In the transport position, the wheel holders 20 extend vertically upwards.

[0034] The wheel holders 20, which are pivotally mounted on the corresponding mounting element 17 via a pivot pin 21, each comprise a wheel holder base body 22, which has a receiving recess 23 for a bicycle wheel. Furthermore, each wheel holder 20 comprises fastening means for securing a bicycle wheel 10. These fastening means have a fastening body 24, which is slidably held on the wheel holder base body 22 and can be locked in place. The fastening means also include a fastening strap 25, which can be placed around a bicycle wheel 10 to clamp the wheel to the fastening body 24. Specifically, the fastening strap 25 can be attached to and / or held on the fastening body.

[0035] The two adjacent wheel holders 20 are each connected to each other at their free ends via a connecting element 26. In this way, the two adjacent wheel holders 20, which are located on one side of the receiving elements 17, can be moved together between the operating position and the transport position.

[0036] Each of the two rear wheel holders 20 has a rearward-facing rear light unit 27 attached. Furthermore, the bicycle carrier 2 includes a license plate holder 28. This is attached to a rear end of the support frame 7 and can be positioned between a horizontal operating position, as shown in the Fig. 2 is shown, and a vertical transport position, as shown in the Fig. 3 is recognizable, movable. The license plate holder 28 can at least be locked in the operating position.

[0037] By designing the support frame 7 as a curved tube and bridging the lower support section 16 with the two mounting elements 17, a stable yet easy-to-manufacture support frame 7, and thus a bicycle carrier 2, is realized. This results in high mechanical stability and a simpler structural design. Reference symbol list 1 vehicle 2 bicycle carriers 3 Connection device 4 cases 5 operating levers 6 Basic element 7 support frames 8 retaining plate 9 upper support section 10 bicycles 11 frame holders 12 sheets 13 vertical connecting section 14 upper part 15 lower part 16 lower support section 17 Recording element 18 Mounting tab 19 bearing bore 20 wheel holders 21 hinge pins 22 Wheel holder base bodies 23 Receiving trough 24 Fasteners 25 fastening straps 26 Connecting element 27 Rear light unit 28 license plate holders S swivel axis L Longitudinal direction Q transverse direction

Claims

A bicycle carrier (2) for mounting on a vehicle (1), comprising a connecting device (3) provided at a front for attaching the bicycle carrier (2) to a vehicle-side trailer coupling, and a support frame (7) connected to the connecting device (3), wherein the support frame (7) has an upper support section (9) extending at least substantially horizontally in a transverse direction (Q) to support bicycle frames of bicycles attached to the bicycle carrier (2) via suitable frame holders (11), and two lower support sections (16) extending at least substantially horizontally from front to rear and supporting receiving means for at least one bicycle (10), in particular for two or three bicycles, wherein the support frame (7) comprises, consists of, or is formed from a curved tube.wherein the bicycle carrier (2) has at least one receiving element (17) for the particularly pivotable mounting of wheel holders (20), which bridges the two lower support sections (16) of the support frame (7) and is connected to both lower support sections (16), in particular by a material bond, preferably by welding or screwing. Bicycle carrier (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the tube has a circular cross-section. Bicycle carrier (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that the lower support sections (16) are formed by the free ends of the tube, and / or that the upper support section (9) is formed by a central section of the tube. Bicycle carrier (2) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that at least substantially vertical connecting sections (13) are attached to the upper support section (9) on both sides, extending to the lower support sections (16). Bicycle carrier (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that the distance between the two vertical connecting sections (13) decreases downwards. Bicycle carrier (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two lower support sections (16) extend parallel to each other. Bicycle carrier (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support frame (7) is L-shaped when viewed from the side. Bicycle carrier (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a base element (6) on the front of which the connecting device (3) is attached and the rear of which engages under the support frame (7), in particular the lower support sections (16) of the support frame (7) and is connected to them, in particular screwed to them. Bicycle carrier (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that the base element (6) is U-shaped when viewed from above, with each leg of the U engaging one of the lower support sections (16). Bicycle carrier (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has two or three receiving elements (17) which are arranged offset from each other in the longitudinal direction (L). Bicycle carrier (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each receiving element (17) is designed as a sheet metal part, and / or that each receiving element (17) has a bearing bore (19) at opposite lateral ends for pivoting the mounting of a wheel holder (20). Bicycle carrier (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has two wheel holders (20) assigned to each receiving element (17). Bicycle carrier (2) according to claim 12, characterized in that the wheel holders (20) are pivotably held on the receiving element (17) and are movable between an operating position in which the wheel holders (20) extend substantially horizontally in a lateral direction so that a bicycle (10) can be mounted on them, and a transport position in which the wheel holders (20) extend in particular vertically upwards. Bicycle carrier (2) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the wheel holders (20) have a receptacle, in particular in the form of a receiving recess (23) or depression, for a wheel of a bicycle (10) and fastening means for fixing a wheel of a bicycle (10). Bicycle carrier (2) according to claim 13 or 14 and according to claim 10, characterized in that two wheel holders (20) which are assigned to different adjacent receiving elements (17) are connected to each other via a connecting element (26) in particular at their free ends. Bicycle carrier (2) according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that a rearward-facing rear light unit (27) is attached to each of the two rearmost wheel holders (20). Bicycle carrier (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a license plate holder (28) is attached to a rear end of the support frame (7), which is movable in particular between a horizontal operating position and a vertical transport position, wherein, preferably, the license plate holder (28) can be locked at least in the operating position.

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