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

Description

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

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

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

[0004] Common rear carrier systems are screwed to the roof or rear wall of the vehicle, requiring at least one support for the screw connection. However, this damages the motorhome, particularly its typically multi-layered wall construction. The necessary penetration of the outer wall can also lead to unwanted water ingress into the interior. Furthermore, such water ingress can compromise the durability of laminated joints / bonds between the wall layers. Under dynamic loads, notch stresses can occur on the inner and outer surfaces of the penetrations.

[0005] Furthermore, such a mounting system typically requires installation space and additional components, such as the aforementioned counter bearing, which increases the assembly costs for such rear carrier systems. The necessary access points for the screw connections can also restrict interior design options.

[0006] US patent 2007 / 0102464 A1 discloses a load carrier for motor vehicles, in particular a load carrier with pivoting elements to facilitate loading and unloading.

[0007] US 6,308,874 B1 discloses a roof rack arrangement and, in particular, a roof rack arrangement that is used on a vehicle and is selectively movable to allow a user or operator of the arrangement to load or unload items onto / from the arrangement relatively easily and quickly.

[0008] US 8,640,933 B1 discloses a storage rack, in particular a vehicle storage rack, which facilitates the loading of items on the roof of a vehicle, wherein the vehicle storage rack is movably arranged to allow easier loading.

[0009] The technical challenge therefore lies in creating a rear carrier system for motorhomes and a method for attaching such a system that solves at least one of the aforementioned problems and, in particular, enables simple and non-destructive attachment of the rear carrier system to a motorhome and reliable load and moment transfer. Furthermore, installation should be possible without additional space requirements, restrictions on interior design, and in a cost-effective manner.

[0010] The solution to the technical problem is provided by the articles with the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0011] A rear carrier system for motorhomes is proposed. The rear carrier system is mounted at the rear of the motorhome. A motorhome can be defined as a vehicle that can serve as accommodation while traveling and therefore has an interior suitable for living.

[0012] The rear carrier system comprises at least one support body. The support body can form the basic framework of the rear carrier system. Attachments such as a bicycle carrier rail system or a load-bearing plate can be mounted to the support body.

[0013] The support body can comprise a plurality of struts, in particular at least one vertical strut and / or at least one horizontal strut and / or at least one longitudinal strut and / or at least one diagonal strut. A strut within the meaning of this invention is a structural element for force transmission. A strut can be designed as a profile element. Such a profile element can, for example, have a circular or rectangular cross-section and, in particular, can also be a hollow profile. A strut can be made of plastic or metal. The support body can have struts with different profiles.

[0014] When the rear carrier system is mounted on the motorhome, a central axis of a vertical strut must be oriented parallel to the vehicle's vertical axis, or the orientation of this central axis must not deviate more than 15° from the vehicle's vertical axis; a central axis of a horizontal strut must be oriented parallel to the vehicle's transverse axis, or the orientation of this central axis must not deviate more than 15° from the vehicle's transverse axis; a central axis of a longitudinal strut must be oriented parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal axis, or the orientation of this central axis must not deviate more than 15° from the vehicle's longitudinal axis.

[0015] The orientation of a central axis of a diagonal brace can exhibit components of the orientation of a central axis of a vertical brace and / or a horizontal brace and / or a longitudinal brace.

[0016] The supporting body can also include at least one connecting element for joining two vertical struts. Such an element can, in particular, be a horizontal strut. However, a connecting element can also be designed in various ways, e.g., as a plate-shaped element.

[0017] Various struts and / or connecting elements can be designed as separate components and mechanically connected or fastened to one another. A (mechanical) connection / fastening within the meaning of this invention can be detachable or permanent. Examples of a detachable connection are, for example, a snap-fit ​​connection, a clamping connection, or a screw connection. Examples of a permanent connection are, for example, an adhesive bond or a welded connection. The connection can be a positive-locking, a force-locking, and / or a material-locking connection. The components to be joined can have corresponding connecting elements that interact with each other to create the mechanical connection. An example of corresponding connecting elements is a thread and a screw. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, a fastening refers to the creation of a mechanical connection.

[0018] Various struts and / or connecting elements of the supporting body can also be designed as a single piece. This can mean that they consist of a single piece of material or a single part, and not of several different parts. Thus, a single-piece body can be designed as a monolithic, i.e., a cohesive body that cannot be divided without destruction.

[0019] Preferably, the support body comprises at least two parallel vertical struts, which are mechanically connected by at least one horizontal connecting element. These vertical struts extend vertically in the assembled or installed state. A longitudinal strut can be arranged or formed at a first end of a vertical strut. This first end can be the roof-side, i.e., upper, end of the vertical strut in the assembled state.

[0020] The carrier body can have free ends. For the purposes of this invention, unless expressly stated otherwise, the term "have" can also mean "form" or "enclose". These free ends can be attached to the motorhome, as explained in more detail below. In particular, the carrier body can have at least one first free end on the roof side and at least one further free end on the frame side. In the assembled state, which can also be described as the fully assembled state, the rear carrier system is attached to a roof surface in the area of ​​the roof-side free end and to the vehicle frame in the area of ​​the further free end on the frame side. In a partially assembled state, the rear carrier system can be attached to the vehicle frame in the area of ​​the further free end on the frame side, but the rear carrier system is not attached to the roof surface in the area of ​​the roof-side free end.Even in a partially assembled state, the rear carrier system can still be used, but in a more limited way compared to the fully assembled state.

[0021] A roof-side free end of the support body can be formed in particular by the longitudinal strut described above.

[0022] The rear carrier system further comprises at least one frame-side mounting element for attaching the rear carrier system to the vehicle chassis of the motorhome. In particular, the carrier body may have this frame-side mounting element or be mechanically connected to it. This frame-side mounting element may be located at the free end of the carrier body, as described above, or in the area of ​​this free end. The frame-side mounting element serves, in a known manner, for attachment to a section of the chassis, in particular to a longitudinal member, a cross member, or a trailer coupling mechanically connected to the chassis. The frame-side mounting element may also be attached to a carrier extension element.In particular, such a fastening element can be designed as a fastening arm that is inserted into a fastening shoe, this fastening shoe being attached to the chassis, in particular screwed to it. The fastening arm can then be attached to the fastening shoe in the inserted state. Preferably, the rear carrier system comprises several chassis-side fastening elements, in particular exactly two chassis-side fastening elements.

[0023] Furthermore, the rear carrier system comprises at least one roof-side mounting element for attaching the rear carrier system to the roof surface of the motorhome. The roof-side mounting element serves to attach the rear carrier system, in particular the carrier body, to the roof surface of the motorhome. Specifically, the carrier body may have this roof-side mounting element or be mechanically connected to it. This mounting element may be located at or in the area of ​​the roof-side free end of the carrier body. Preferably, the rear carrier system comprises several roof-side mounting elements and thus several mounting surfaces, e.g., two or four mounting elements.

[0024] Furthermore, at least one roof-side fastening element has an adhesive surface for applying an adhesive material. To attach it to the roof surface, the roof-side fastening element is then glued to the roof surface using the adhesive surface. An adhesive material can be, in particular, a polymer adhesive, e.g., Sikaflex® <-552 adhesive.

[0025] The fastening element, in particular the part forming the adhesive surface and hereinafter also referred to as the adhesive surface section, can be made of metal, preferably aluminum, and more preferably of a corrosion-resistant aluminum or stainless steel alloy. The adhesive surface can, in particular, be a flat surface. It is also possible for the fastening element to have recesses, through-holes, or blind holes in the area of ​​the adhesive surface, which serve to hold adhesive material. Such recesses, e.g., in the form of grooves or slots, through-holes, or blind holes, can also serve to fasten the rear carrier system in a manner other than bonding. However, they are optional; fastening elements without recesses, through-holes, or blind holes in the area of ​​the adhesive surface can also be used.The fastening element can be designed as a mounting plate or comprise a mounting plate, which may have an adhesive surface.

[0026] The fastening element may additionally include at least one fastening means for attaching the support body, in particular a roof-side free end of the support body, to the fastening element, especially for releasable fastening. This fastening means may be removable from the support body and / or the roof surface. If, for example, the fastening element has an adhesive surface on its underside, the at least one (removable) fastening means may be arranged or formed on a top side of the fastening element.

[0027] It is possible that a free end of the support body on the roof side is / will be attached to exactly one fastening element and can therefore be glued to the roof surface via this fastening element. However, it is also possible that a free end of the support body on the roof side is / will be attached to several, in particular two, fastening elements and can therefore be glued to the roof surface via these fastening elements.

[0028] By designing the rear carrier system with at least one, but preferably several, adhesive surfaces, non-destructive mounting of the rear carrier system to the motorhome is advantageously enabled, while still allowing reliable transfer of forces and moments via the roof surface. Furthermore, installation is possible without additional space requirements and in a cost-effective manner.

[0029] The proposed rear carrier system also allows for a high load placement along the rear of the motorhome, as the higher torques resulting from such a high mounting position can be reliably dissipated. This, in turn, allows for a reduction in vehicle length in a collision-relevant section, e.g., at a height of 0 to -1.2 m above the road surface, since no loads need to be positioned there. With a comparatively lower load placement, e.g., in the aforementioned range of 0 to 1.2 m above the road surface, the overall length of the motorhome increases in this area. Consequently, the risk of a collision in this area also increases.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the rear carrier system has at least one damping element for damping the forces / moments transmitted from the rear carrier system to the roof surface. For example, the carrier body, particularly the free end on the roof side, is connected to the adhesive surface section via the damping element. The damping element can be arranged, in particular, between the adhesive surface section and a carrier fastening element for attaching the carrier body or one of its components, with the roof-side fastening element comprising the carrier fastening element. It is also possible that the roof-side fastening element or the at least one carrier fastening element comprises the damping element.

[0031] The damping element advantageously reduces the forces / moments introduced into the roof surface, thereby reducing the mechanical stress on the adhesive bond. This advantageously increases the service life and operational reliability of the rear carrier system, especially when installed.

[0032] The at least one damping element can be elastic. This allows relative movement between the body (and thus the roof surface) and the chassis to be at least partially compensated for by deformation of the damping element. This also advantageously increases the service life and operational reliability of the rear carrier system, especially when installed.

[0033] In a further embodiment, the at least one roof-side fastening element comprises a first sub-element, which has the adhesive surface, and at least one further sub-element, which is detachably mechanically connected to the first sub-element. The first sub-element can have the adhesive surface section and may, for example, be designed as the fastening plate described above.

[0034] The additional component can include the previously described support fastening device for attachment to the support body. This additional component can be designed as a fastening clamp or have a section that is designed as a fastening clamp. Such a fastening clamp can be used to fasten a section of the support body, in particular a section of a roof-mounted free load arrangement, e.g., in the aforementioned area of ​​0 to 1.2 m above the road surface. This increases the overall length of the motorhome in this area. Consequently, the risk of a collision in this area also increases.

[0035] In a further embodiment, the rear carrier system has at least one damping element for damping the forces / moments transmitted from the rear carrier system to the roof surface. For example, the carrier body, particularly the free end on the roof side, is connected to the adhesive surface section via the damping element. The damping element can be arranged, in particular, between the adhesive surface section and a carrier fastening element for attaching the carrier body or one of its components, with the roof-side fastening element comprising the carrier fastening element. It is also possible that the roof-side fastening element or the at least one carrier fastening element comprises the damping element.

[0036] The damping element advantageously reduces the forces / moments introduced into the roof surface, thereby reducing the mechanical stress on the adhesive bond. This advantageously increases the service life and operational reliability of the rear carrier system, especially when installed.

[0037] The at least one damping element can be elastic. This allows relative movement between the body (and thus the roof surface) and the chassis to be at least partially compensated for by deformation of the damping element. This also advantageously increases the service life and operational reliability of the rear carrier system, especially when installed.

[0038] According to the invention, the at least one roof-side fastening element comprises a first sub-element, which has the adhesive surface, and at least one further sub-element, which is detachably mechanically connected to the first sub-element. The first sub-element can have the adhesive surface section and can, for example, be designed as the fastening plate described above.

[0039] The additional component can include the previously described support fastening device for attachment to the support body. For example, the additional component can be designed as a fastening clamp or have a section designed as a fastening clamp. Such a fastening clamp can serve to fasten a section of the support body, in particular a section of a roof-side free end. The additional component can also include the previously described damping element.

[0040] Finally, they serve their purpose. The additional component can also incorporate the damping element described above.

[0041] For the detachable fastening of the sub-elements to one another, at least one of the sub-elements can have corresponding (sub-element) fastening means. This advantageously results in a simple design and manufacturability of the roof-side fastening element.

[0042] In a further embodiment, the components are configured such that they can be connected to each other in at least two different relative positions. In other words, the additional component can be detachably attached to the first component in various positions relative to it. This advantageously enables simple mounting of the rear carrier system on a wide variety of motorhomes.

[0043] For example, one of the sub-elements can have a variety of fastening means for attaching the remaining sub-element, enabling the described fastening in various relative positions. Such a fastening means can be, for example, a threaded hole, a snap-fit ​​element, a clamping element, or another element for creating a detachable mechanical connection.

[0044] In particular, the first component can have a receiving groove that can serve to fasten the subsequent component. The receiving groove can be open at the top, whereby the width of the groove in the area of ​​the opening can be smaller than the width of the groove in the area of ​​the groove base. Thus, the receiving groove can, for example, be designed as a T-slot or a trapezoidal groove.

[0045] The additional component can be secured in the receiving groove, for example, by means of a threaded element that can be slidably positioned within the receiving groove. The additional component can then be screwed onto this threaded element and thereby clamped to the first component, whereby, in particular, a section of the first component that partially covers the groove is clamped between the threaded element and the additional component. The threaded element can, in particular, be a T-nut.

[0046] In particular, the first component can be designed as a lashing rail. With such a lashing rail, the width of the groove in the opening area can vary along the groove to provide insertion and clamping sections. Thus, the groove width can be greater in the first sections of the opening than in later sections, with the first sections then forming insertion sections for, for example, a threaded element, and the later sections forming clamping sections.

[0047] In another embodiment, the adhesive surface is at least 12 cm long and at least 1 cm wide. Preferably, the adhesive surface is at least 50 cm long. More preferably, the adhesive surface is less than 60 cm long and / or less than 5 cm wide. Simulations and tests have shown that reliable force / moment transfer can be ensured even at these dimensions.

[0048] In a further embodiment, the at least one fastening element has two adhesive surfaces, wherein the at least one damping element is arranged at least partially or completely between the adhesive surfaces in a common projection surface that includes at least one of the adhesive surfaces. Each of the adhesive surfaces can be configured as described above and, in particular, can have recesses, through-holes, or blind openings for receiving adhesive material.

[0049] In this embodiment, a roof-side free end – as explained above – can be attached to several, in particular two, sub-elements of a fastening element. Specifically, such a fastening element can comprise three sub-elements: two first sub-elements, each having one of the adhesive surfaces, and at least one further sub-element, which has the previously described support fastening means for attachment to the support body. This further sub-element can, in turn, be detachably mechanically connected to the two first sub-elements. The first sub-elements and the further sub-element can be designed as described above.This embodiment makes it possible in particular to use the space between the two first sub-elements for arranging the damping element and, if necessary, for arranging the third sub-element, thereby advantageously reducing the overall height of the rear carrier system with damping element above the roof surface.

[0050] In an alternative embodiment, the at least one roof-side fastening element has an adhesive surface, in particular exactly one, wherein the at least one damping element is arranged at least partially laterally offset from the adhesive surface in a common projection surface that includes the adhesive surface. The damping element can be arranged completely outside or at least partially outside the adhesive surface in the projection surface. Preferably, the damping element is arranged offset from the adhesive surface along a transverse direction, wherein the transverse direction can be oriented parallel to the vehicle's transverse axis in the assembled state.

[0051] With such an embodiment, the overall height of the rear carrier system with damping element above the roof surface can also be advantageously reduced.

[0052] In a further embodiment, the rear carrier system comprises at least one support arm that is movably attached to the carrier body. The support arm can, in particular, be rotatably attached to the carrier body, and furthermore, in particular, to a horizontal element of the carrier body, for example, a connecting element as previously described. In the assembled state, the axis of rotation of the support arm can, in particular, be oriented parallel to the vehicle's transverse axis, or the axis of rotation can deviate from this vehicle's transverse axis by no more than a predetermined angular amount, for example, 15°.

[0053] The support arm can serve as a lifting aid and as a temporary support for loads, such as luggage or other cargo like a bicycle or motorcycle. When the rear carrier system is mounted, the support arm can extend from the rear of the motorhome. In this position, the support arm is angled, particularly with respect to the vertical struts; the support arm and vertical strut can form an angle greater than 45°, preferably greater than 80°. In this extended position, a load resting on the road can be attached to the support arm, especially to a free end of the arm. The arm, with the attached load, can then be folded into a retracted position, lifting the load off the road.

[0054] When the rear carrier system is mounted, the support arm can be oriented parallel to the vehicle's vertical axis in a folded position, or the support arm can deviate from this vehicle's transverse axis by no more than a predetermined angular amount, for example 15°.

[0055] It is possible that the rear carrier system has at least one means of locking the support arm in the folded position. The rear carrier system may also have at least one means of locking the support arm in the extended position.

[0056] The support arm can be made of plastic, for example a glass- or carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, a carbon fiber composite, metal, or a combination of these or other materials. The support arm can be designed, in particular, as a profile element, especially as a hollow profile element, e.g., as a tube.

[0057] This simplifies the process of loading the rear carrier system, especially with heavy loads, as these can be positioned or attached to the rear carrier system using a support arm even when the load is on a ground surface, e.g. the roadway.

[0058] In another embodiment, the support arm is detachably mechanically connected to the carrier body. In particular, the support arm can be removed from the carrier body. This advantageously allows for easy assembly and disassembly of a rear carrier system with the option of loading heavy loads.

[0059] The rear carrier system can, in particular, include a mounting device for attaching the support arm, wherein the mounting device can comprise a bearing device for the rotatable bearing described above. The mounting device can, for example, have a mounting pin to which the support arm or a pin adapter can be attached, in particular by being pushed onto it. If a pin adapter is attached to the mounting pin, the support arm can then be attached to the pin adapter, for example, also by pushing it onto it. The pin adapter can be an integral part of the rear carrier system.

[0060] In particular, the support arm can be designed as a hollow body or have at least one hollow body section, with the internal volume of the hollow body serving to accommodate the pin or the adapter.

[0061] The adapter allows different support arms to be attached to the mounting device, especially support arms with different inner diameters.

[0062] The receiving device can further comprise a receiving volume for receiving at least one section of the support arm. This receiving volume can, for example, be the volume between the pin or pin adapter and a receiving sleeve. Thus, the receiving device can include a receiving sleeve. The pin or pin adapter can, for example, be arranged within an internal volume of this receiving sleeve, with the receiving volume then being part of the internal volume.

[0063] The support arm can be attached to the pin or pin adapter, in particular via a clamping connection. For example, a clamping ring can be slid over the receiving sleeve, thus clamping a section of the support arm located within the receiving volume to the receiving device. Alternatively, a screw-on conical ring can be screwed onto the receiving sleeve, which may have or be formed with a threaded section for this purpose. Other fastening methods are also conceivable.

[0064] In a further embodiment, the rear carrier system comprises at least one element of a cable pulley system for actuating the support arm. The cable pulley system can, in particular, be a block and tackle system and reduce the force required to move a load compared to actuation without a cable pulley system.

[0065] The cable system can comprise, in particular, at least one cable and at least one pulley. It can also include at least one cable guide element and / or one cable fastening element and / or one cable brake element. The cable system can transfer the weight of the load to the rear carrier system. For this purpose, the rear carrier system can include cable guide elements that enable the load to be transferred into the rear carrier system.

[0066] By operating the cable system, a user can move the support arm into the folded position, particularly when the rear carrier system is mounted. The user can also move the support arm into the extended position by operating the cable system. The cable system is configured such that the operating force required to move the arm into the folded position is reduced compared to the operating force required without the cable system, especially when a load is attached to the support arm. The same applies to moving the arm into the extended position.

[0067] The support arm can be equipped with at least one attachment point for securing a load. The load can be attached to the support arm directly or indirectly via this attachment point. For example, the attachment point can include or be designed as an eyelet. Using a hook, which is connected to the load via another rope or other connecting element, the load can then be attached to the support arm by hooking it onto the hook. The attachment point can be located at a free end of the support arm.

[0068] An element of the cable system, in particular at least one cable fastening element, e.g. in the form of an eyelet, can be attached to the support arm, especially at the free end of the support arm. Preferably, the fastening interface and the at least one cable fastening element are arranged along the longitudinal axis of the support arm in the same section of the support arm, particularly on sides of the support arm that are opposite each other along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0069] Preferably, two cable fastening elements can be attached to the support arm to distribute forces in different directions. For example, two cables can be attached to the support arm. This prevents the support arm from pivoting along the vehicle's transverse axis when the rear carrier system is mounted.

[0070] However, it is also conceivable that only one cable attachment element is fitted to the support arm. An adapter element for attaching two cables could then be attached to this element. The rear carrier system could include this adapter element.

[0071] This further simplifies the process of loading the rear carrier system, especially with heavy loads, as the forces required for loading and, if necessary, unloading can be reduced.

[0072] A further proposed method is for mounting a rear carrier system according to one of the embodiments described in this disclosure on a motorhome, comprising: Attaching at least one frame-side fastening element to a vehicle frame of the motorhome, attaching at least one roof-side fastening element to a roof surface of the motorhome.

[0073] According to the invention, the at least one roof-side fastening element is glued to the roof surface with the at least one adhesive surface.

[0074] This advantageously results in simple, maintenance-free, and damage-free installation of the rear carrier system on the motorhome, while simultaneously enabling reliable transfer of loads and moments via the roof surface. Furthermore, installation is possible without requiring additional installation space and in a cost-effective manner.

[0075] Furthermore, a motorhome is described, wherein a rear carrier system according to one of the embodiments described in this disclosure is attached to the motorhome.

[0076] In particular, the at least one frame-side mounting element can be attached to the chassis of the motorhome, especially to a longitudinal beam, a cross member, or a trailer hitch connected to the chassis. The at least one roof-side mounting element can be glued to a roof surface of the motorhome.

[0077] The invention is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments. The figures show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a rear carrier system according to the invention, Fig. 2 a perspective view of a roof-side fastening element, Fig. 3 another perspective view of a roof-side fastening element, Fig. 4 a front view of a roof-side fastening element, Fig. 5 a perspective view of a support arm and Fig. 6 a perspective view of a receiving device for a support arm.

[0078] In the following, identical reference symbols denote elements with the same or similar technical characteristics.

[0079] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a rear carrier system 1 according to the invention. The rear carrier system 1 comprises a carrier body 2. This carrier body 2 includes an attachment section 3 with several struts designed as profile elements, in particular two vertical struts 4, two longitudinal struts 5, and a horizontal strut 6 connecting the two vertical struts 4. The horizontal strut 6 is optional. The carrier body 2 further comprises a base section 7, which in the illustrated embodiment includes two longitudinal struts 8 and diagonal struts 6. The illustrated diagonal struts 6 can also be designed as vertical struts of the base section. The base section can form a carrier plate mounting frame.

[0080] A support plate 9 is attached to the base section 7; in particular, the ends of the diagonal struts 6 are attached to an underside of the support plate 9. Alternatively, various elements, such as mounting shoes for the wheels of a motorcycle or bicycle, can also be attached to the support plate 9.

[0081] The vertical struts 4 are attached to the base section 7. A longitudinal strut 5 is attached to a first end of each vertical strut 4, or the vertical strut 4 transitions into a longitudinal strut 5 in a curved connecting section 40. At a second end of each vertical strut 4, it is attached to the base section 7, in particular to the diagonal struts 6 or to a horizontal strut of the base section 7 (not shown), which can, for example, connect the diagonal struts 6 to each other.

[0082] Thus, the vertical struts 4 are connected by the base section 7. Also shown is a rear wall section 10 of the support plate 9, which projects from the top of the support plate 9. The support plate 9 can be part of a support plate mounting frame or be mechanically connected to this frame.

[0083] Each free end of the longitudinal struts 5 of the extension section 3 forms a roof-side end of the support body 2.

[0084] A free end of the longitudinal struts 8 of the base section 7 forms a frame-side end of the support body 2. These free ends simultaneously form frame-side fastening elements for attaching the rear carrier system 1 to a vehicle chassis (not shown) of the motorhome. Fig. 1 The illustration shows mounting shoes 11, which are attached to the chassis and have a receiving volume for receiving the chassis-side ends of the support body 2. The chassis-side ends can be inserted into these receiving volumes. These chassis-side ends can then be connected to the mounting shoe 11, for example via a screw connection.

[0085] The rear carrier system 1 also has two roof-side mounting elements 12.

[0086] These roof-side fastening elements 12 serve to fasten, namely to adhere, the support body 2 to a roof surface of the motorhome (not shown). The roof-side fastening elements 12 are used in relation to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 explained in more detail.

[0087] Further shown is a support arm 13 of the rear carrier system 1. This support arm 13 is rotatably mounted on the carrier body 2, in particular on the base section 7, and is arranged with one end on the base section 7. A load, e.g., a motorcycle or bicycle, can be attached to a free end 14 of the support arm 13, in particular by means of a cable which is connected via cable pulleys 33a, 33b (see Figure 1). Fig. 5 ) is guided at the free end 14. The load can be hooked into an eyelet 32, which is also located at the free end.

[0088] The figures further show that rear lights are arranged on the support body 2, in particular on the carrier plate mounting frame or the base section 7. Not shown in the figures is an electrical interface of the rear carrier system 1 via which the rear carrier system 1 can be electrically connected to an electrical system of the motorhome, e.g., to control the rear lights. The figures further show that the rear carrier system 1 has or forms a receiving device 15. In the Fig. 1 In the illustrated embodiment, this receiving device is arranged below the support plate 9, i.e., between the horizontal struts 6. This receiving device 15 can be used to receive loads or objects to be transported, e.g., for attaching further accessories or loading aids.

[0089] Loads can also be positioned on the top of the support plate 9 for transport and, if necessary, fixed there. As explained in more detail below, a load can, for example, be lifted from a floor surface onto the support plate 9 using the support arm 13.

[0090] It is conceivable that four additional attachments for load transport could be mounted, particularly on the vertical struts.

[0091] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a roof-mounted fastening element 12. Each fastening element 12 comprises two first sub-elements 16 designed as lashing rails. Alternatively, it is of course conceivable that a roof-mounted fastening element comprises only one lashing rail 12. These lashing rails have a perforated rail base. An underside, or roof-facing surface, of the rail base of a lashing rail forms an adhesive surface 17. An adhesive can be applied to this adhesive surface 17 to bond the lashing rails, and thus the fastening element 12, to a roof surface of the motorhome.

[0092] Also shown are locking screws 18, which are used to fasten another sub-element 19 (see Fig. 3 ) on the lashing rail. These locking screws can be tool-free locking screws. In Fig. 2 The figure shows that the longitudinal struts 5, or the roof-side free ends of the support body 2, are attached to a lashing rail by means of two locking screws 18 and sub-elements 19 each. The attachment is effected by a first locking screw 18a and a first sub-element 19 at a free end or a section of the longitudinal strut 5 that encompasses the free end, and by a further locking screw 18b and a further sub-element 19 at an end of the longitudinal strut 5 opposite this first end.

[0093] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows another perspective view of a roof-side fastening element 12 with the two sub-elements 16 designed as lashing rails. Each lashing rail has a T-slot 24 extending along the longitudinal axis of the lashing rail. The T-slot 24 serves to receive a longitudinally displaceable threaded element 25 (see Figure 2). Fig. 4 It is also shown that the width of the T-slot 24 of a slot opening varies along the T-slot 24 to provide insertion and clamping sections. Thus, in the first sections 26 of the opening, the slot width can be greater than in the second sections 27 of the opening, with the first sections 26 then forming insertion sections for, e.g., the threaded element 25, and the second sections 27 then forming clamping sections. For clarity, only one of the sections 26, 27 is labeled with a reference symbol. The section of the lashing rail forming the T-slot 24 (slot section) projects from the bottom section of the lashing rail. The width of the slot section is smaller than the width of the bottom section. However, the length of the slot section corresponds to the length of the bottom section.

[0094] Also shown are further sub-elements 19 of the fastening element 12. These are designed as angle profiles and each has a plate-shaped first fastening section 20a for attachment to a first lashing rail. In the illustrated embodiment with two sub-elements 16 designed as lashing rails, they can also have a further plate-shaped fastening section 20b for attachment to the second lashing rail. These fastening sections 20a, 20b are arranged in a common plane. Furthermore, the angle profiles have a receiving section 21, which serves to receive and fasten a damping element 22. This receiving section 21 is designed as a recess. In particular, a base surface of the receiving section 21 is arranged parallel to the common plane but at a predetermined distance from it. The damping element 22 is arranged on this base surface and attached to the angle profile, e.g.screwed to this.

[0095] The fastening sections 20a, 20b each have a through-hole for a locking screw 18, which extends through the through-hole and through the groove opening of the T-slot 24 into a thread of the Fig. 4 The threaded element 25 shown extends into the T-slot 24. The fastening sections 20a and 20b rest on sections of the lashing rail that partially cover the slot.

[0096] When the locking screw 18 is screwed into the thread, e.g. by actuating a lever section 28 of the locking screw 18 which is arranged on a screw head 29, the angle profile is clamped to the lashing rail, in particular since the sections of the lashing rail are clamped between threaded element 25 and fastening section 20a, 20b.

[0097] In Fig. 3 The figure shows that a longitudinal strut 5 can be a profile element with a circular cross-section. The fastening element 12 comprises clamp elements 23a, 23b, which serve to clamp the longitudinal strut 5 and to fasten it to the damping element 22 or the angle profile. They each have an uncurved first surface and a curved second surface, with the clamp element 23a, 23b bearing against the longitudinal strut 5 with its curved second surface.

[0098] The illustration shows that the first, upper clamp element 23a has a through-opening for a fastening or connecting element, such as a screw. Through this through-opening and a through-opening (not shown) in the longitudinal strut 5, such an element can extend into a locking receptacle, such as a thread, of another clamp element 23b. By locking, in particular by screwing, the longitudinal strut 5 can then be clamped between the clamp elements 23a and 23b.

[0099] The lower clamp element 23b can be attached to the damping element 22, for example, by gluing or screwing it. However, other ways of attaching the damping element 22 to the longitudinal strut 5 are also conceivable. For example, the damping element 22 can also be attached to the longitudinal strut 5 via a connecting element linking elements 22, 23b, and 23a, in particular by clamping it. Furthermore, the damping element 22 can also include other or additional fastening means, for example, at least one internal threaded section and / or at least one external threaded section. For example, the damping element 22 can be connected to at least one of the clamp elements 23a and 23b via an external threaded section, which may have an internal thread to receive the external threaded section. Furthermore, the damping element 22 can be connected to the receiving section 21 via an internal threaded section, for example, by a screw.

[0100] The damping element 22 can also be referred to as a silent block.

[0101] The longitudinal strut 5, and thus a roof-side free end of the support body 2, can therefore be attached to the lashing rails via the damping elements 22, which are attached to the further sub-elements 19.

[0102] Out of Fig. 2 It also follows that the damping element 22, as well as the clamping elements 23a, 23b and the longitudinal beam 5, are arranged in a common projection surface in which the adhesive surfaces 17 are arranged, or, in the variant with two sub-elements 16, between the adhesive surfaces 17. In other words, the damping element 22 can be arranged, at least partially, in a space between the spaced-apart lashing rails.

[0103] In the design of the fastening element 12 with only one sub-element 16, e.g. only one lashing rail, the damping element 22, the clamp elements 23a, 23b and the longitudinal beam 5 can be arranged in the projection surface offset in the transverse direction to the longitudinal axis of the sub-element 16.

[0104] Fig. 4 shows a front view of a roof-side fastening element 12. In Fig. 4 The threaded element 25 arranged in the T-slot 24 of the respective lashing rails is shown in particular. This threaded element 25 can also be referred to as a T-nut. It is further evident that the support fastening element 12 comprises two spacer rings 30, one spacer ring 30 being arranged between the bottom surface of the receiving section 21 and the damping element 22, and another spacer ring 30 being arranged between the damping element 22 and the further clamping element 23b.

[0105] These disc-shaped spacer rings 30 form a support element for the damping element 22 and have a diameter that can be larger than or equal to the diameter of the damping element 22 to prevent chafing or indentation. It is also conceivable that the spacer rings 30 are fixedly connected to the damping element 22 or formed by it.

[0106] Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a support arm 13 in a folded state. A coupling element 31 is arranged at a free end 14 of the support arm 13 and is attached to the support arm 13. This coupling element 31 has at least one fastening eyelet 32 ​​and cable pull eyes 33a, 33b. The fastening eyelet 32 ​​is located on a side of the coupling element 31 opposite the side of the coupling element 31 where the cable pull eyes 33a, 33b are located. The figure shows that the coupling element 31, which can be designed, for example, in the form of a cap, includes two cable pull eyes 33a, 33b. However, it is conceivable that the coupling element 31 has only one cable pull eyelet.

[0107] The fastening eyelet 32 ​​is used to secure a load, e.g., a bicycle or motorcycle, using suitable fastening devices. It is shown that this fastening eyelet 32 ​​protrudes from the rear of the motorhome when the rear carrier system 1 is mounted.

[0108] The fastening eyelet 32 ​​and cable pulley eyes 33a, 33b are used to fasten pulleys or other elements of a cable pulley system, which is in Fig. 5 The rear carrier system 1 includes further cable pulley eyelets 33c, 33d, which in the illustrated embodiment are attached to the vertical struts 4 of the carrier body 2. These eyelets 33c, 33d also serve to attach pulleys of the cable pulley system (not shown) or to guide the cable. The cable pulley eyelets 33c, 33d can also be attached to the longitudinal struts 5, the connecting sections 40, or the diagonal struts 6 (see Figure 1). Fig. 1 ) be attached.

[0109] The cable pull system serves to reduce the force required to move a load attached to the fastening eye 32a compared to operation without a cable pull system.

[0110] Furthermore, yaw movements deviating from the longitudinal axis can be influenced to a small extent by the constructive design and functional operation of the cable pull system.

[0111] By actuating the cable pulley system, a user can move the support arm 13 with a load attached to it, in particular steplessly, into the folded position shown, especially when the rear carrier system is mounted. The load can then be lowered onto the surface of the support plate 9 or onto the support plate mounting frame, on which the support plate 9 can be mounted, and positioned there for transport.

[0112] To unload, a user can lift the load attached to the support arm 13 from the carrier plate 9 or the carrier plate mounting frame by operating the cable pull system. With a further operation, the support arm 13 can then be moved into an extended position. When the rear carrier system is mounted, the support arm 13 extends from the rear of the motorhome in the extended position. This allows the load to be placed on a ground surface or road surface, or moved to a height that can be vertically offset from the surface level of the carrier plate 9 or the carrier plate mounting frame.

[0113] Fig. 6 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a mounting device for a support arm 13. Bearing bushings 34 and a shaft 35 are shown, the ends of which are rotatably mounted in the bearing bushings 34. The bearing bushings 34 are attached to the support plate 9 or the support mounting frame, in particular in a manner that penetrates the support plate 9. In the assembled state of the rear support system 1, an axis of rotation of the shaft 35 is oriented parallel to a transverse axis of the vehicle. A [missing information] is attached to the shaft 35. Fig. 6 A pin, not visible, is attached to the shaft 35, projecting from it in a central section. A pin adapter 36 is mounted on this pin, its outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of a hollow cylindrical section of the support arm 13 or deviating from it by no more than a predetermined amount. The pin adapter 36 and a receiving sleeve 37 form a receiving device for the support arm 13. The receiving sleeve 37 is mounted onto the pin adapter 36, forming a receiving volume between an outer wall of the pin adapter 36 and an inner wall of the receiving sleeve 37 to accommodate the hollow cylindrical section of the support arm 13. The pin adapter 36 or the receiving sleeve 37 may have a stop surface for an end face of the hollow cylindrical section of the support arm 13.

[0114] A clamping ring 38 is also shown. This clamping ring 38 can have a chamfered inner surface, with an inner diameter that increases from top to bottom. This clamping ring 38 can be fitted onto the receiving sleeve 37, which can have a chamfered section on an outer surface where the outer diameter increases from top to bottom. The diameters are dimensioned such that when the clamping ring 38 is fitted, a clamping force is exerted by it on the outer surface of the receiving sleeve 37, thereby clamping the support arm 13 between the receiving sleeve 37 and the pin adapter 36. Fig. 6 Also shown is a locking ring 39, which is placed on the receiving sleeve 37 to lock the clamping ring 38.

[0115] The locking of the locking ring 39 can be achieved by means of a positive locking mechanism via an outer contour of the receiving sleeve 37 adapted to the contour of the locking ring 39, or by means of a threaded locking mechanism via an internal thread section on the locking ring side, e.g. on an inner side of the locking ring 39, and an external thread section on the sleeve side of the receiving sleeve 37, or via a bayonet fitting with corresponding contours of the locking ring 39 and the receiving sleeve 37.

Claims

1. Rear carrier system for motorhomes, comprising: - a carrier body (2), - at least one frame-side fastening element for fastening the rear carrier system (1) to a vehicle frame of the motorhome, - at least one roof-side fastening element (12) for fastening the rear carrier system (1) to a roof surface of the motorhome, - characterized in that the at least one roof-side fastening element (12) has at least one bonding area (17) for applying an adhesive material, characterized in that the at least one roof-side fastening element (12) comprises a first sub-element (16) comprising the bonding area (17) and at least one further sub-element (19) which is mechanically connected to the first sub-element (16) in a detachable manner.

2. Rear carrier system according to claim 1, characterized in that the rear carrier system (1) comprises at least one damping element (22) for damping the forces / moments transmitted from the rear carrier system (1) to the roof surface.

3. Rear carrier system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sub-elements (16, 19) are configured such that they can be connected to each other in at least two different relative positions.

4. Rear carrier system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bonding area (17) is at least 12 cm long and at least 1 cm wide.

5. Rear carrier system according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the at least one roof-side fastening element (12) has two bonding areas (17), wherein the at least one damping element (22) is arranged at least partially between the bonding areas (17) in a common projection area, which comprises at least one of the bonding areas (17).

6. Rear carrier system according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the at least one roof-side fastening element (12) comprises a bonding area (17), wherein the at least one damping element (22) is arranged at least partially laterally offset from the bonding area in a common projection surface, which comprises the bonding area (17).

7. Rear carrier system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rear carrier system (1) comprises at least one carrier arm (13) which is attached to the carrier body (2) such that it is movable relative to the latter.

8. Rear carrier system according to claim 7, characterized in that the carrier arm (13) is mechanically connected to the carrier body (2) in a detachable manner.

9. Rear carrier system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the rear carrier system (1) comprises at least one element of a cable pull system for actuating the support arm (13).

10. Rear carrier system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bonding area (17) serves to adhere to the roof surface.

11. Method for mounting a rear carrier system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10 on a motorhome, comprising: - fastening at least one frame-side fastening element to a vehicle frame of the motorhome, - fastening at least one roof-side fastening element (12) to a roof surface of the motorhome, wherein the at least one roof-side fastening element (12) is adhesively bonded to the roof surface with the at least one bonding area (17), characterized in that the at least one roof-side fastening element (1) comprises a first sub-element (16), which comprises the bonding area (17), and at least one further sub-element (19), which is mechanically connected to the first sub-element (16) in a detachable manner.