Transport device for transporting a vehicle

Abstract

Transport device (10) for transporting a small vehicle (50), in particular for transporting a wheelchair, comprising a trailer coupling device (11) for attaching the transport device (10) to a trailer coupling (101) of a motor vehicle (100), in particular a passenger car, and further comprising a base (13) on which the small vehicle (50) can be arranged, characterized in that it comprises a housing (12) which is closed on all sides in a transport state, wherein the base (13) forms the underside of the housing (12) and the housing has several walls (14, 15, 16, 17) which are arranged projecting from the base (13), and wherein the walls (14, 15, 16, 17) and the base (13) together with a cover (18) completely enclose an inner volume (19), wherein at least one of the walls (14, 15, 18)16, 17) is designed as a loading wall (14) and is movable between a transport position and a loading position, wherein the loading wall (14) forms a ramp in the loading position over which the small vehicle (50) can be driven into the housing (12), wherein the transport device (10) in the transport state is supported exclusively on the trailer coupling (101) by means of the trailer device (11).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a transport device for transporting a small vehicle, in particular for transporting a wheelchair, and to a motor vehicle with a transport device.

[0002] Several methods for transporting a small vehicle with a motor vehicle, particularly a passenger car, are known from current technology. Typically, a small vehicle, such as a wheelchair, is transported in the trunk or rear of the vehicle. However, placing the small vehicle in the trunk usually requires lifting or repositioning the vehicle. For many users, especially those with physical limitations or their companions, this is only possible with considerable effort or with the assistance of others. Furthermore, transporting a small vehicle, such as a wheelchair, inside the vehicle or in the trunk requires a relatively large vehicle with sufficient cargo space. Smaller vehicles often lack the necessary storage space or headroom to comfortably and safely accommodate a wheelchair.

[0003] Trailers are also known to be used to transport small vehicles, such as wheelchairs. However, a trailer is bulky, requires additional parking space, and is considered a separate vehicle on the road, subject to registration. Therefore, in addition to driving skills, a trailer also requires extra maintenance. Furthermore, a trailer is relatively expensive to manufacture and maintain due to its chassis, axles, tires, and brakes.

[0004] In addition, rear boxes and carriers are also available in the accessories market for passenger cars. These can be mounted on the rear of a vehicle, particularly on the trailer hitch. While these systems are primarily used for transporting luggage or bicycles, loading a small vehicle, such as a wheelchair, requires considerable effort. In particular, such systems do not offer easy access to or maneuverability for loading the small vehicle into the rear box or carrier, making it difficult or even effortless to load the vehicle. This makes handling cumbersome, time-consuming, and especially impractical for people with reduced mobility and their companions. Furthermore, small vehicles being transported on rear carriers, for example, are directly exposed to the elements, making a rear carrier unsuitable for transporting a large number of small vehicles.

[0005] Furthermore, some systems with lifting platforms or swivel arms are known, but these are structurally complex, expensive, heavy and require a lot of maintenance, making them unattractive for everyday use.

[0006] Based on this prior art, the invention aims to provide a transport device for transporting a small vehicle, in particular a wheelchair, which can be easily attached to a motor vehicle and which enables the small vehicle to be transported easily, safely, and without physical exertion. Furthermore, the transport device should be easy to attach and detach, and the motor vehicle should remain roadworthy.

[0007] This problem is solved by a transport device according to claim 1. A motor vehicle with a transport device according to the invention is the subject of claim 15. The transport device according to the invention serves to transport a small vehicle with a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is preferably a passenger car. Within the scope of the invention, the term "small vehicle" refers to a compact means of transportation that can be manually or electrically powered. Within the scope of the invention, a small vehicle can be a manual wheelchair, an electric wheelchair, a rollator, a stroller, a scooter, or a similar small vehicle. Preferably, the transport device is designed for transporting a manual or electric wheelchair. It is known that a wheelchair can also be called a mobility scooter.For transporting the small vehicle, the transport device has a coupling device for attaching it to the trailer hitch of a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the transport device has a base on which the small vehicle can be positioned for transport. In particular, the wheels of the small vehicle can be positioned on the base of the transport device.

[0008] Furthermore, the transport device comprises a housing that is completely enclosed in the transport state. Within the scope of the invention, the transport state is defined as the state that enables the safe transport of the small vehicle with the transport device. In particular, the housing is completely enclosed in the transport state, so that the small vehicle, which may be contained within the interior volume of the housing, is protected from the elements. Moreover, according to the invention, the transport device is supported exclusively by the trailer hitch via the trailer coupling device in the transport state. Thus, no additional support devices or support wheels are necessary during the transport of the small vehicle with the transport device.

[0009] The base on which the small vehicle can be placed forms the underside of the housing, which has several walls extending from the base. The walls and the base, together with a lid, can completely enclose an internal volume of the housing. The small vehicle can be placed within this internal volume for transport. Preferably, the housing comprises a base, a lid, and four walls extending from the base, with one end of each wall being connected to the base and another end of each wall, opposite the base, being connected to or adjacent to the lid. For easy insertion of the small vehicle, at least one of the walls is designed as a loading wall and is movable between a transport position and a loading position. Preferably, exactly one wall is designed as a loading wall.In particular, a wall arranged on one short side of the base is designed as a loading wall. The base is preferably rectangular. In the transport position, the short sides of the base can run along the direction of travel. In the loading position, the loading wall forms a ramp over which the small vehicle can be driven into the housing. By moving the loading wall into the transport position, the housing can be closed, whereby moving the loading wall into the loading position creates an opening in the housing through which the small vehicle can be driven into the housing. Preferably, one side of the housing is completely opened by moving the loading wall completely into the loading position.However, it is also conceivable that only a portion of the wall designed as the loading wall forms the ramp in the loading position, allowing the small vehicle to be driven in through an opening in the housing that corresponds to the size of the ramp. To secure the loading wall to the other housing elements in the transport position, the transport device can have locking mechanisms that enable the loading wall to be fixed to at least one other wall, the base, and / or the lid of the housing. These locking mechanisms can, for example, be designed as a toggle latch. A toggle latch is a mechanical fastener that allows two walls or housing parts to be detachably connected. When the latch is closed, a clamping or tensile force is generated that aligns the connected housing parts relative to each other and / or brings them into contact with one another.A toggle latch can have a first fastening element arranged on a first wall of the housing and a corresponding second fastening element arranged on a second wall. A tension lever or clamping bracket arranged between these fastening elements is designed such that, when it is moved into a closed position, it exerts a tensile force on the walls and clamps them against each other, creating a tight and stable connection. A particularly advantageous feature of the toggle latch is that it allows the housing, especially the loading wall, to be opened and closed without tools. It is conceivable that a lock for securing the transport device against unauthorized access is arranged on the locking mechanism. The lock can, for example, be designed as a padlock.

[0010] In summary, the transport device according to the invention thus enables easy attachment to a motor vehicle and the protected containment of a small vehicle within the housing of the transport device, thereby enabling safe and weather-independent transport of the small vehicle, regardless of the size of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the small vehicle can be easily inserted into the housing of the transport device via the ramp formed in the loading position of the loading wall, without requiring any particular effort or the assistance of several people.

[0011] The transport device is further characterized by the fact that, in the transport state, it is supported exclusively by the trailer hitch via the coupling device. In other words, in the transport state, the loading wall is moved into the transport position, thus completely closing the housing, and the transport device is attached to the trailer hitch of a motor vehicle via the coupling device, so that the transport device rests solely on the trailer hitch of the motor vehicle and requires no additional supports or wheels, such as a trailer.

[0012] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. The scope of the invention also includes all combinations of at least two features disclosed in the description, the claims, and / or the figures. It is understood that the embodiments described for the transport device apply equivalently to the motor vehicle with transport device according to the invention, without being specifically mentioned for the latter. In particular, it is understood that common linguistic transformations or a meaningful substitution of respective terms within the scope of usual linguistic practice, especially the use of synonyms supported by generally accepted linguistic literature, are included in the present disclosure without being explicitly mentioned in their respective formulations.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the loading wall can pivot about an axis between a transport position and a loading position. This allows for barrier-free loading of the housing by simply opening the loading wall. In the open position, i.e., the loading position, the loading wall can serve as a ramp over which a small vehicle, such as a wheelchair, can be driven into the housing of the transport device with minimal effort and with minimal risk of injury. In the closed position, i.e., the transport position, the loading wall can form a weatherproof and stable seal for the housing. Furthermore, the design and mechanical complexity is reduced, particularly compared to known lifting or hoisting systems for loading a small vehicle, especially a wheelchair.

[0014] At least one guide profile can be arranged on the loading wall and / or the base. This guide profile preferably guides the small vehicle laterally and precisely as it enters the housing, thus preventing it from tilting or slipping. Using at least one guide profile increases safety during loading and also supports the use of a drive system by ensuring a defined path of movement. Preferably, at least one guide profile is arranged on both the loading wall and the base. The guide profile on the base then additionally secures the small vehicle against slipping within the housing during transport. Even more preferably, two spaced-apart guide profiles are arranged on both the loading wall and the base.The spacing of the guide profiles can correspond to the track width of the small vehicle, so that one guide profile can be positioned inside each wheel of the small vehicle. Preferably, the guide profile is an L-profile. More preferably, the guide profile is an L-profile made of aluminum.

[0015] The attachment device can be arranged at the base and / or a front wall of the housing. According to the invention, one of the housing walls extending from the base forms the front wall. Advantageously, the loading wall is a different wall of the housing than the front wall. The front wall is preferably formed by the housing wall that, in the transport state of the transport device, faces the trailer hitch and / or the motor vehicle. Arranging the attachment device at the base or front wall of the housing enables optimal force transmission into the housing. Furthermore, such an arrangement reduces bending moments and increases stability and structural strength during transport of the transport device. Preferably, the attachment device is arranged at the front wall of the housing.This allows for relatively flexible adjustments, particularly regarding the height of the trailer hitch, to suit different vehicle types and / or different trailer couplings. For example, the mounting of the trailer hitch on the rear wall can be adapted to standards and specifications, especially to ensure that the transport device is positioned sufficiently high above the ground, particularly the road surface, when in transport mode.

[0016] The trailer hitch can advantageously feature a one-hand locking mechanism. This one-hand locking mechanism facilitates the mounting and dismounting of the trailer hitch from the vehicle's trailer coupling. In particular, it allows operation with just one hand. This improves ergonomics and safety, especially for users with limited physical capacity. The one-hand locking mechanism also allows for quick coupling and uncoupling without the need for tools. Preferably, the one-hand locking mechanism includes a lever for opening and closing the trailer hitch. Operating the one-hand locking mechanism with a lever reduces the risk of incorrect operation due to the mechanically guided lever movement and also allows for simple and controlled force transmission.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the trailer coupling device can have a ball socket designed for the detachable reception of a trailer coupling head. Preferably, the ball socket is designed to receive a standardized coupling head. The trailer coupling device with ball socket enables a secure, mechanically stable connection between the motor vehicle and the transport device, which can also be detached and connected quickly without tools. Furthermore, the forces acting on the transport device can be transmitted in accordance with standards and without the use of an additional adapter. To attach the transport device to a trailer coupling, the trailer coupling head can be easily inserted into the ball socket, which can also be called the coupling claw, so that the ball socket sits on the ball and can then be locked in place.For example, the transport device with the ball socket can be positioned over the coupling head of the trailer hitch and then mechanically connected by lowering the transport device along with the ball socket and engaging the ball socket in the coupling head. It is conceivable that the trailer device includes a locking element, such as a locking spring, a locking pin, or a locking lock, to prevent unintentional detachment of the trailer device from the trailer hitch.

[0018] The transport device can include a drive unit for motorized entry of the small vehicle into the housing, with the small vehicle being coupled to the drive unit for power transmission. Using the drive unit, the small vehicle, for example, a wheelchair, can be moved effortlessly and independently into the housing of the transport device. This improves accessibility, particularly since no manual pushing or lifting of the small vehicle is required. Furthermore, the drive unit significantly enhances ease of use and safety. Preferably, the drive unit comprises a wire rope assembly. The wire rope assembly includes a wire rope, driven by a motor of the wire rope assembly, which is designed to pull the small vehicle up the ramp and into the interior volume of the housing. The wire rope assembly can have an electric, DC, or AC motor.Furthermore, the wire rope unit can include a gearbox or transmission mechanism, as well as a drum or pulley for holding the wire rope. Optionally, the wire rope unit may also include control and safety devices, such as a brake, a limit switch, or overload protection. The wire rope of the wire rope unit can be detachably attached to the small vehicle, particularly a wheelchair, by means of a coupling element. Preferably, the wire rope unit has an electrically driven drum onto which the wire rope can be wound and unwound. The motor of the wire rope unit can be controlled by a control unit to wind or unwind the rope at a predetermined speed. The control unit may include a safety cut-off that activates the motor when a certain length of rope has been wound or unwound, or when an end stop has been reached.The wire rope motor can be controlled via remote control, a push button, or automatically when the loading wall is opened. The wire rope is preferably guided along a loading wall forming the ramp and can be attached to a coupling element, which is preferably located on the wheelchair. When the motor of the wire rope unit is switched on, the small vehicle, for example, the wheelchair, can be pulled into the housing in a controlled manner. In a preferred embodiment, the wire rope unit is located in the base of the housing and drives a wire rope via a shaft on the cable drum. It is also conceivable that a coupling eyelet is arranged at one end of the wire rope, through which the wire rope can be connected to the coupling element of the small vehicle. For example, the coupling eyelet of the wire rope can be hooked into a cable receptacle, such as a bolt or a hook, on the small vehicle.It is also conceivable that a hook is arranged at one end of the wire rope, which can be hooked into a coupling element designed as an eyelet.

[0019] Preferably, the housing walls are made of sheet metal with a thickness of 0.5 mm to 4 mm. This design ensures high stability while maintaining low weight. Furthermore, it allows for precise manufacturing by bending, punching, or welding. Even more preferably, the entire housing—that is, the walls, the lid, and the base—is made of sheet metal with a thickness of 0.5 mm to 4 mm. Particularly preferred are the walls or the entire housing made of sheet metal with a thickness of 1 mm or 2 mm. The walls or the entire housing can be made of aluminum sheet metal. This provides good weather resistance combined with high mechanical strength and low weight. The housing can also be manufactured from bent sheet metal components in a particularly simple manner.

[0020] To create a durable and vibration-resistant connection between the housing components, at least one of the walls can be connected to the lid and the base using rivets. Advantageously, rivet connections do not require thermal stress, as is the case with welding, thus preventing distortion or material discoloration. Furthermore, rivet connections allow for simple and cost-effective assembly using standardized fasteners and facilitate the replacement of individual walls. According to a preferred embodiment, three walls are connected to the lid and the base using rivets. L-profiles can be used as fasteners at each connection point.For example, a wall is arranged on one leg of the L-shaped connecting element and connected to it by means of rivets, while the cover is arranged on the other leg of the connecting element and connected to it by means of rivets. The remaining walls can be connected to the cover and / or the base in the same manner. The base is preferably connected to the loading wall via a hinged connecting element that allows the loading wall to pivot. The hinged connecting element can be connected to the loading wall and the base by means of rivets. To ensure sufficient stability, the hinged connecting element can extend over the entire length of the adjacent sides of the loading wall and the base.

[0021] It has proven advantageous if the transport device is supported on the trailer hitch by means of the hitch fitting in such a way that the base of the transport device is horizontally aligned. This ensures a stable position and even weight distribution in the transport position and especially during transport. Furthermore, this facilitates driving the small vehicle, for example a wheelchair, up the ramp. The horizontal alignment of the base also ensures a secure fit and even load distribution on the hitch fitting. Preferably, the base is horizontally aligned with respect to its longitudinal extent, i.e., along its long side, in the transport position. However, it is also conceivable that the base is horizontally aligned both along its longitudinal and transverse dimensions.Preferably, the horizontal alignment is achieved solely through the design of the attachment device on the housing. For this purpose, the attachment device can be positioned at a predetermined angle relative to the base, ensuring that the base is horizontally aligned when the transport device is attached to the vehicle's trailer hitch. The attachment device can, for example, be positioned centrally on the rear wall with respect to the horizontal. Alternatively, the attachment device could be mounted on the housing in a way that allows for angular and / or lateral adjustment. This can be achieved using elongated holes, screw connections, sliding guides, or spindle mechanisms. This allows the position of the attachment device to be precisely aligned with the position of the vehicle's trailer hitch.Furthermore, the base can automatically level itself when the housing is under load, for example, through the use of elastic bearing elements such as rubber, buffers, or spring bolts between the housing and the hitch. Such elastic or spring-loaded mounting also dampens vibrations and is relatively convenient, as precise adjustment is not required.

[0022] To secure the small vehicle during transport within the housing, it can be fixed in place using a fixing device. Preferably, this fixing device is a tension strap or a hook-and-loop fastener. Securing the small vehicle during transport with at least one fixing device advantageously reduces damage to and movement of the vehicle within the housing. Tension straps or hook-and-loop fasteners are also easy to use and adaptable to different types of small vehicles. Tool-free locking fixing devices are particularly preferred for securing the small vehicle within the housing.

[0023] If the attachment of the transport device to the motor vehicle completely or partially obscures the vehicle's lighting, it has proven advantageous to have a standard-compliant lighting device mounted on the housing. This standard-compliant lighting device can include taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and license plate lighting. This allows the vehicle to be used on public roads without modifications to the transport vehicle, while still complying with current traffic regulations. Preferably, the standard-compliant lighting device is located at the base or on one of the housing walls. Even more preferably, the standard-compliant lighting device is located on the housing wall opposite the front wall, and thus facing away from the motor vehicle when in transport mode.Preferably, the lighting device of the transport unit can be electrically connected to a trailer socket of the motor vehicle via a standardized trailer connector, preferably a thirteen-pin connector according to ISO 11446. This allows the lighting device to be connected to the vehicle's electrical system via an electrical connector, in order to control the lighting of the transport unit synchronously with the vehicle's lighting.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment, movable support elements can be arranged on the housing, which can be moved from a transport position to a support position to allow the trailer coupling to be driven underneath. The movable support elements advantageously support the housing when the trailer coupling of the vehicle is driven underneath and allow for height adjustment for coupling the transport device to the vehicle. Within the scope of the invention, the term "movable support element" includes movable legs and telescopic legs as well as spindle supports, scissor supports, and similar devices. The movable support elements also enable the transport device to be parked securely when it is detached from the vehicle. Furthermore, coupling and uncoupling the transport device is significantly facilitated.To further increase the flexibility in handling the transport device, especially when removed from the motor vehicle, rollers can be arranged on the movable support elements, allowing the transport device to be moved.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the transport device has a total weight of less than 20 kg. This lightweight design facilitates manual attachment and removal of the transport device and also allows for single-person handling, which can be particularly advantageous for users with limited mobility or their companions. Due to the total weight of less than 20 kg, only a small portion of the vehicle's maximum permissible vertical load is occupied by the transport device, so that a large part of the permissible vertical load remains available for the small vehicle being transported. Preferably, the transport device has a total weight of less than 20 kg when the housing is made of sheet metal with a thickness of 2 mm. If the housing is made of sheet metal with a thickness of 1 mm, the transport device can have a total weight of less than 18 kg.

[0026] According to the invention, a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger vehicle, is proposed with a transport device described above. Preferably, the motor vehicle can be a vehicle that does not offer sufficient storage space in the vehicle interior for a small vehicle, in particular a wheelchair. The motor vehicle can preferably be a microcar, a small car, a compact car, a sports car, a coupé, or a convertible. The motor vehicle preferably has a trailer hitch, in particular a trailer hitch with a coupling head. Within the scope of the invention, the motor vehicle can also be a tractor for agricultural or forestry purposes, for example, a tractor. The tractor preferably has a trailer hitch, in particular a jaw coupling or a drawbar coupling.If the tractor unit has a jaw coupling, a drawbar eye of the trailer hitch can be received in the coupling jaw of the tractor unit and secured with a bolt, the drawbar eye being designed for detachable engagement in the coupling jaw of the trailer hitch and for detachable engagement of the trailer hitch bolt. If the tractor unit has a drawbar coupling, a drawbar eye of the trailer hitch can be attached to the drawbar of the tractor unit by means of a bolt, the drawbar eye being designed for detachable engagement of the trailer hitch bolt.

[0027] It is understood that the aforementioned and subsequently explained embodiments and exemplary embodiments can be implemented not only individually, but also in any combination with one another, without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is also understood that the aforementioned and subsequently explained embodiments and exemplary embodiments relate in an equivalent or at least similar manner to the motor vehicle according to the invention with a transport device, without being specifically named for this purpose.

[0028] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown schematically in the drawings and are explained below by way of example.

[0029] They show: Fig. 1 a first embodiment of a transport device according to the invention in isometric view; Fig. 2 the transport device according to Fig. 1 in front view; Fig. 3 the transport device according to Fig. 1 in side view with the loading wall in transport position; Fig. 4 the transport device according to Fig. 1 Rear view with the loading wall in transport position; Fig. 5 the transport device according to Fig. 1 Top view with the loading wall in loading position; Fig. 6 the transport device according to Fig. 1 Rear view with the loading wall in loading position; Fig. 7 the transport device according to Fig. 1 in side view with the loading wall in loading position; Fig. 8 a second embodiment of a transport device according to the invention in rear view; and Fig. 9 a motor vehicle with a transport device according to the invention.

[0030] The Fig. 1 to Fig. Figure 7 shows a first embodiment of the transport device 10 according to the invention, comprising a housing 12 formed from a base 13, walls 14, 15, 16, 17, and a lid 18. In the transport state, the housing 12 is closed on all sides, as for example with the Fig. 2 to Fig. Figure 4 shows that in the transport state, the walls 14, 15, 16, 17, the base 13, and the lid 18 completely enclose an internal volume 19 in which a small vehicle 50, for example, a wheelchair, can be accommodated. According to the embodiment shown, the housing 12 is cuboid in shape. One side wall, namely wall 14, is designed as a loading wall 14 and is movable between a transport position and a loading position.

[0031] In Fig. 1 as well as in the Fig. 5 to Fig. Figure 7 shows the transport device 10 according to the invention with the loading wall 14 in the loading position. It can be seen that the loading wall 14 forms a ramp in the loading position, over which the small vehicle 50, as with Fig. Figure 6 shows that the small vehicle 50 can be inserted into the housing 12. After the small vehicle 50 has been inserted into the housing 12 of the transport device 10, the loading wall 14 can be folded upwards again and secured to the walls 15, 16, which are arranged at right angles to the loading wall 14 in the transport position, by means of locking means 28. According to the embodiment shown, the loading wall 14 can be connected to another wall of the housing 12 in the transport position by means of a locking means 28 designed as a toggle latch. The base 13, the cover 18, the front wall 15 and the rear wall 16, as well as the other side wall 17, are connected to each other by means of rivet connections 25.L-shaped connecting elements 29 can be used to securely connect the housing elements, i.e., the base 13, the cover 18, the front wall 15, the rear wall 16, and the side wall 17. The first leg of each connecting element is attached to the first housing element, and the second leg is attached to another housing element. Furthermore, in particular... Fig. As can be seen from Figure 4, a standard-compliant lighting device 26 is arranged on the wall 16 of the housing 12, which is designed as the rear wall. The loading wall 14 is pivotally mounted at the base 13 and can be pivoted about the axis 20 to move the loading wall 14 from the transport position to the loading position or back to the transport position. The trailer hitch 11 is arranged on the front wall 15 of the housing 12 and has a one-hand locking mechanism 22 that can be operated via a lever 23. For electrical connection to a motor vehicle 100, the trailer hitch 11 also has a multi-pole connector 30. To guide the small vehicle 50 during entry into or exit from the housing 12 of the transport device 10 over the loading wall 14, guide profiles 21 are arranged on the loading wall 14 and inside the housing 12 at the base 13.According to the illustrated embodiment, two guide profiles 21 are arranged on the loading wall 14 and on the base 13, respectively, which guide the small vehicle 50 inside the wheels 51 of the small vehicle 50 during insertion. For motorized insertion of the small vehicle 50 into the housing 12, the transport device 10 also has a drive unit 24 with a wire rope unit 31. If the drive unit 24 has a wire rope unit, as in the illustrated embodiment, the wire rope 32 can be driven to pull the small vehicle 50, which is detachably attached to the wire rope 32, into the housing 12. To insert the small vehicle 50 into the housing 12 of the transport device 10, the cable drum 33 of the wire rope unit 31 is driven by a motor, thereby winding the wire rope 32 onto the cable drum 33.

[0032] Fig. Figure 8 shows a second embodiment of a transport device 10 according to the invention. The second embodiment of the transport device 10 largely corresponds to that according to the Fig. 1 to Fig. 7, however, differs from the above in that the transport device 10 has movable support elements 27. According to the illustrated embodiment, the support elements 27 are designed as retractable and extendable legs and have rollers 34 to allow the transport device 10 to be moved when it is not attached to a motor vehicle 100. The support elements 27 are arranged on the housing 12 and can be moved into a support position by pulling them out of the housing 12. In the support position, the transport device 10 rests securely on the support elements 27 and can be loaded on the one hand and, on the other hand, be driven under with the trailer coupling 101 of a motor vehicle 100 to enable easy attachment of the transport device 10 to a motor vehicle 100 using the trailer hitch 11.After attaching the transport device 10 to the trailer hitch 101 of the motor vehicle 100, the support elements 27 can be pushed back into the housing 12 so that they are at least partially stowed inside the housing 12. This allows for space-saving storage of the support elements 27 in the transport position and simultaneously prevents damage to the support elements 27 during transport of the small vehicle 50 with the motor vehicle 100. Preferably, four support elements 27 are arranged on the housing 12, preferably at each corner of the base 13. Otherwise, the transport device 10 corresponds to the embodiment according to [reference missing]. Fig. 8 of those after the Fig. 1 to Fig. 7, which is why, to avoid repetition, reference is made to the relevant description.

[0033] Fig. Figure 9 shows a motor vehicle 100, designed as a passenger vehicle combination, with a transport device 10. It is made of Fig. Figure 9 shows that the transport device 10 is securely attached to the trailer hitch 101 of the motor vehicle 100 by means of the trailer coupling device 11. The transport device 10 is supported in the Fig. The transport device 10 is supported in the transport state shown in Figure 9 exclusively on the trailer hitch 101 of the motor vehicle 100 by means of the trailer coupling device 11. This support and the simultaneous horizontal alignment of the base 13 can be achieved by arranging the trailer coupling device 11 centrally on the front wall 15 and by transmitting the force from the trailer coupling device 11 to the trailer hitch 101. In particular, the trailer coupling device 11 is fixed to the trailer hitch 101 of the motor vehicle 100 by a clamping mechanism such that the trailer coupling device 11 is positively and non-positively locked onto the trailer hitch 101. In other words, the transport device 10 is fixed firmly and immovably on the trailer hitch 101 and can be rigidly carried along during transport. To remove the transport device 10 from the motor vehicle 100, the clamping mechanism can be released by means of the lever 23. Otherwise, the transport device 10 corresponds to the one shown in Figure 9. Fig. 9 is arranged on the motor vehicle 100, the transport device 10 according to the Fig. 1 to Fig. 7, which is why, to avoid repetition, reference is made to the relevant description.

Claims

[1] Transport device (10) for transporting a small vehicle (50), in particular for transporting a wheelchair, comprising a trailer device (11) for attaching the transport device (10) to a trailer coupling (101) of a motor vehicle (100), in particular a passenger car, and further comprising a base (13) on which the small vehicle (50) can be arranged, characterized by, that a housing (12) is enclosed on all sides in a transport state, wherein the base (13) forms the underside of the housing (12) and the housing has several walls (14, 15, 16, 17) which are arranged projecting from the base (13), and wherein the walls (14, 15, 16, 17) and the base (13) together with a cover (18) completely enclose an inner volume (19), wherein at least one of the walls (14, 15, 16, 17) is designed as a loading wall (14) and is movable between a transport position and a loading position, wherein the loading wall (14) forms a ramp in the loading position over which the small vehicle (50) can be driven into the housing (12), wherein the transport device (10) in the transport state is attached exclusively to the trailer coupling (101) by means of the trailer coupling device (11) supports itself. [2] Transport device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the loading wall (14) is pivotable about an axis (20) between a transport position and a loading position. [3] Transport device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that at least one guide profile (21) is arranged on the loading wall (14) and / or the base (13). [4] Transport device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the attachment device (11) is arranged on the base (13) and / or a front wall (15) of the housing (12), wherein one of the walls (14, 15, 16, 17) is designed as a front wall (15). [5] Transport device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the attachment device (11) has a one-hand locking mechanism (22) which is preferably operable via a lever (23). [6] Transport device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, that the trailer device (11) has a ball socket designed for the detachable reception of a coupling head of the trailer coupling (101). [7] Transport device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that a drive device (24), which preferably has a wire rope unit (31), is included for motorized entry of the small vehicle (50) into the housing (12), wherein the small vehicle (50) can be coupled to the drive device (24) in a force-transmitting manner. [8] Transport device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the walls (14, 15, 16, 17), preferably the housing (12), are made of sheet metal with a thickness of 0.5 mm to 4 mm. [9] Transport device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that at least one of the walls (15,16,17) is connected to the lid (18) and to the base (13) by means of rivet connections (25). [10] Transport device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the transport device (10) is supported on the trailer coupling (101) by means of the trailer device (11) in such a way that the base (13) is horizontally aligned. [11] Transport device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that the small vehicle (50) can be fixed within the housing (12) by means of a fixing device, preferably a tension strap or a Velcro strap, to prevent movement during transport. [12] Transport device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by , that a standard-compliant lighting device (26) is attached to the housing (12), which includes in particular rear lights, brake lights, indicator lights and a license plate light. [13] Transport device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by, that movable support elements (27), in particular telescopic legs, are arranged on the housing (12) which can be moved from a transport position to a support position in order to drive under the trailer device (11) with the trailer coupling (101). [14] Transport device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by , that the transport device (10) has a total weight of less than 20 kg. [15] Motor vehicle (100), in particular passenger vehicle, with a transport device (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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