Load carrier having a coupling device for fastening to a trailer device of a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a load carrier (1), in particular a collapsible load carrier (1), which can be placed on a trailer coupling (3) and is releasably fixable to a head (3a) of the trailer coupling (3) by means of a coupling device (2), wherein the coupling device (2) is provided on a base (4) of the load carrier (1) and, in order to fix the load carrier (1) to the trailer coupling (3), comprises at least one clamping jaw (29) that is movable relative to the base (4) and a counter stop (20, 20a) that is stationary relative to the base (4), between which clamping jaw and counter stop the head (3a) of the trailer coupling (3) is clampable, and wherein exactly one clamping jaw (29) having two degrees of freedom of movement is provided.

Description

[0001] Load carrier with a coupling device for attachment to a trailer coupling of a vehicle

[0002] The invention relates to a load carrier, in particular a rear carrier, with a coupling device for attachment to a trailer device, in particular a trailer coupling of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1 or the preamble of claim 11.

[0003] WO 2016 / 026584 A1 discloses a device for attaching a load carrier, for example a bicycle rack, to the trailer hitch of a vehicle. For this purpose, a ball mount is attached to the top of a housing, in which four rotationally symmetrical clamping elements are mounted horizontally and rotatably in the lower third. These elements have a clamping surface for the ball in the upper area and a support surface for the ball neck at the lower end. The clamping elements are pulled outwards by a spring element below the bearing point, causing them to tilt inwards at the top. When the load carrier is placed on the trailer hitch, the coupling ball moves the clamping elements apart at the top, causing the support surface to fix the ball neck.For clamping, a clamping part arranged between the ball socket and the housing is pulled upwards by laterally arranged tabs using an adjustable toggle lever or screw, and the clamping elements are pressed against the ball by wedge surfaces on the clamping part. EP 0 665 135 A2 discloses a load carrier with a loading frame provided for carrying a load, which, when the load carrier is in use, projects rearward in front of a rear area of ​​the motor vehicle and, when the load carrier is in use, provides a substantially horizontal loading area for loading a load. Two clamping jaws, which are guided in a housing on the vehicle side and are connected to one another in an articulated manner, are pressed apart in the unclamped state by a spring located between the clamping jaws and, assisted by gravity, move partially out of the housing.If the carrier is placed onto the ball bar from above, the ball can pass past the lower edge of the clamping jaws that surrounds the ball neck into the area of ​​the calotte surface that surrounds the ball and pushes the jaws into the housing where they are stabilized by the housing and a bolt fastened to it. If a screw protruding upwards from the housing is turned, a toggle lever mechanism located in the housing is stretched and an axis guided horizontally in the housing comes into form-fitting contact with one of the jaws, whereby the coupling ball is pressed against the other jaw that is supported on the housing and the load carrier is thus clamped onto the trailer hitch.

[0004] EP 3 085 581 B1 discloses a load carrier in which at least one of at least two articulated clamping jaws, when placed on the coupling ball, can be moved by a positive guide in the housing of the clamping device from a lower, open position to an upper position, which fixes the ball and the ball neck. A horizontal element, adjustable in length, presses against one of the clamping jaws, actuated by a toggle lever mechanism, and thus clamps the ball between this clamping jaw and the opposite clamping jaw supported on the housing. An operating lever is attached to one of the gear elements of the toggle lever mechanism and can be locked at least in the tensioned position. EP 3 416 853 B1 discloses a load carrier with a coupling device having two clamping parts which partially encompass the trailer coupling.The active clamping part, driven by an actuating device, for example a toggle lever, can be pivoted about an axis to the base from an open position into a clamping position, and the other clamping part, held by a bearing arrangement, is adjustable in its distance from the active clamping part via a stop element, for example a screw, held in the base.

[0005] The load carriers mentioned above still leave something to be desired.

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the object of further improving a load carrier of the type mentioned at the beginning.

[0007] To solve this problem, a load carrier, in particular a collapsible load carrier, is proposed, which can be placed on a trailer coupling and releasably secured to a head of the trailer coupling by means of a coupling device. The coupling device is provided on a base of the load carrier, and for securing the load carrier to the trailer coupling, at least one clamping jaw movable relative to the base and a counter-stop fixed relative to the base are formed, between which the head of the trailer coupling can be clamped. It is provided that exactly one clamping jaw is designed with two degrees of freedom of movement.

[0008] The invention further relates to a load carrier, which is particularly designed as a collapsible load carrier. The load carrier, which can be attached to a trailer coupling of a motor vehicle by means of a coupling device, in particular placed on a trailer coupling, and releasably secured to a head of the trailer coupling by means of the coupling device in the form of a ball head mount, or which can be arranged by means of other fastening variants, such as a so-called hitch mount, which is primarily used in the US standard, has storage areas for loads such as bicycles.

[0009] The load carrier comprises a fastening frame formed on a base of the load carrier and movable relative to the base, wherein the adjustment areas on the fastening frame are designed such that they can be pivoted via joint elements from a predominantly horizontal plane (XY) formed by the fastening frame in the transport position, parallel to a vertical plane (XZ) arranged approximately at right angles to the fastening frame. The base can be pivoted in the plane (XZ) in the direction of the support tube, preferably at least partially between the adjustment areas aligned parallel to the vertical plane (XZ) when the latter are folded up. For this purpose, the base can be pivoted relative to the fastening frame via a pivot joint in the vertical plane (XZ), wherein a pivot range starting from the horizontal plane (XY) of -60° to +60°, preferably -45° to +45°, particularly preferably -25° to +60° is possible.In individual cases due to design reasons, for example in vans with tailgates, folding angles of 65° or slightly more are also required.

[0010] Although the term "load carrier" refers to rear-mounted carriers below, in special vehicles, the trailer coupling can also be located on another side of the vehicle, for example, at the front. Of course, the load carrier according to the invention can also be used for this purpose.

[0011] The above-mentioned object is thus achieved by a load carrier having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and optional features are the subject of the dependent claims. Further explanations of the exemplary embodiments and the features of the invention are described by way of example in the figures. However, the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment with modifications and with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0012] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary load carrier, in a design for three bicycles, in a transport position fixed to a trailer coupling,

[0013] Fig. 2 is a side view of a motor vehicle with a load carrier attached and ready for use,

[0014] Fig. 3 is a plan view of Fig. 2,

[0015] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the load carrier in a position fixed on the trailer coupling and folded back,

[0016] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the load carrier in the folded parking position and folded base with coupling device,

[0017] Fig. 6 an exploded view of the base with coupling device and foldable clamping lever with spring element,

[0018] Fig. 7 a rigid clamping lever as an alternative to the foldable clamping lever,

[0019] Fig. 8 shows a partial section through the coupling device in the same orientation as in Fig. 1,

[0020] Fig. 9 a vertical section in the longitudinal direction of the carrier through the base, coupling device and foldable tensioning lever in the middle of the trailer coupling in the fixed state,

[0021] Fig. 10 is a predominantly horizontal section along the line XX in Fig. 9 through the coupling device in the fixed state, Fig. 11 is a vertical section in the longitudinal direction of the carrier through the coupling device in the middle of the trailer coupling when placed on the trailer coupling,

[0022] Fig. 12 a vertical section in the longitudinal direction of the carrier through the coupling device in the middle of the connecting rod, in the open, lower position of the clamping jaw,

[0023] Fig. 13 a vertical section in the longitudinal direction of the carrier through the coupling device in the middle of the trailer coupling in a stabilized state on the trailer coupling,

[0024] Fig. 14 a vertical section in the longitudinal direction of the carrier through the coupling device in the middle of the connecting rod in a stabilized state on the trailer coupling,

[0025] Fig. 15 a vertical section in the longitudinal direction of the beam along the line

[0026] XV-XV in Fig. 10 by the coupling device in the middle of the trailer coupling in fixed state on the trailer coupling,

[0027] Fig. 16 a vertical section in the longitudinal direction of the beam along the line

[0028] XVI-XVI in Fig. 10 by the coupling device in the middle of the connecting rod in fixed state on the trailer coupling,

[0029] Fig. 17 a section corresponding to Fig. 15 with drawn contact surfaces for power transmission and toggle lever,

[0030] Fig. 18 a section corresponding to Fig. 16 with drawn contact surfaces for power transmission and toggle lever,

[0031] Fig. 19 a load carrier with a bicycle viewed in the longitudinal direction of the carrier,

[0032] Fig. 20 a load carrier with a bicycle in plan view,

[0033] Fig. 21 the base with a coupling device fixing in the transverse direction of the carrier,

[0034] Fig. 22 a vertical section in the beam transverse direction along the line XXII-XXII in Fig. 24 through the coupling device of Fig. 21 in the center of the trailer coupling in the fixed state on the trailer coupling,

[0035] Fig. 23 a vertical section in the beam transverse direction along the line XXIII-XXIII in Fig. 22 through the toggle lever mechanism of the coupling device of Fig. 21 in the fixed state on the trailer coupling,

[0036] Fig. 24 is a predominantly horizontal section along the line XXIV-XXIV in Fig. 22 through the toggle lever mechanism of the coupling device of Fig. 21 in the fixed state, and

[0037] Fig. 25 shows a vertical section in the transverse direction of the beam through the toggle lever mechanism of the coupling device of Fig. 21 in the open state.

[0038] Fig. 26 is a perspective view from below of an exemplary load carrier, in a design for three bicycles, in a transport position fixed to a trailer coupling, shown without a trailer coupling.

[0039] Fig. 27 a side view of a folded load carrier for attachment to a trailer coupling with folded base

[0040] Fig. 28 a side view of a folded load carrier for attachment to a trailer coupling.

[0041] Fig. 29 a side view of a folded load carrier for attachment in Hitch Mount Receiver (US) with folded base

[0042] Fig. 30 a side view of a folded load carrier for attachment in Hitch Mount Receiver (US)

[0043] A collapsible load carrier 1, which in this case can be used to transport one or more bicycles as well as other loads, such as skis, snowboards, rear boxes, or bags, can be attached to a trailer hitch 3 of a motor vehicle using a coupling device 2. The attachment of the load carrier 1 to the trailer hitch 3 by means of the coupling device 2 has two aspects: firstly, to stabilize the load carrier 1 on the trailer hitch 3, in particular to introduce the weight forces, whereby in the stabilized state a relative movement of the load carrier 1 and the trailer hitch 3 is still possible, for example to correct the alignment of the load carrier 1 relative to the motor vehicle, and secondly, to fix the load carrier 1 on the trailer hitch, thus preventing any relative movement.The directional information used for the load carrier 1 refers, when used as intended, to the forward direction of travel of the motor vehicle and its alignment on a horizontal roadway, whereby the longitudinal direction x of the carrier runs counter to the forward direction of travel, the transverse direction y of the carrier perpendicular thereto runs horizontally and the vertical direction z runs counter to the force of gravity, forming a right-handed coordinate system.

[0044] The trailer coupling 3 has a substantially spherical head 3a with a flat upper side 3b and a neck 3c penetrating the sphere from below. The center of the head 3a coincides with the origin of the coordinate system used. The load carrier 1 has a base 4, which preferably runs in the longitudinal direction of the carrier and is designed as a central tube in the present embodiment. The base 4 can have a wide variety of cross-sections. In the present case, it has the shape of a closed rectangular hollow profile. The base 4 can also run in the transverse direction of the carrier. The coupling device 2 is arranged at one end (the front end) of the base 4, and a bearing, here in the form of a bearing tube 4a, is arranged at the other end (the rear end) of the base 4, which supports a rotational movement about an axis in the transverse direction of the carrier.The design can also provide the tube ends with welded covers and bolted bearing bolts. A mounting frame 8, intended for securing the load to be transported, is mounted on the bearing tube 4a and is rotatable about a hinge axis in the direction of travel. The mounting frame 8 has two hollow profiles 82, 83 arranged on either side of the base 4, spaced essentially parallel from one another in the transverse direction of the beam, connected to one another at least at one advantageous point, and oriented predominantly in the longitudinal direction of the beam in a transport position. One hollow profile 82 is extended at the coupling-side end into a predominantly vertical support tube 82a, which bends near the free end predominantly in the transverse direction of the beam toward the other hollow profile 83.This results in an advantageous position for an articulated connection of a pivotable support tube 84 which extends the support tube 82a and to which a holder 85 for a bicycle, for example, can be rotatably and displaceably attached.

[0045] The vertical section of the support tube 82a, positioned off-center relative to the base 4, allows for greater distance from the chain sprocket of bicycles or the mid-engine of e-bikes. The opposite joint axis of the support tube 84 allows for better accessibility to the seat and top tubes of the bicycle. By slanting the joint axis of the support tube 84 relative to the longitudinal direction of the carrier, a different horizontal distance to the adjustment area in the longitudinal direction of the carrier is achieved depending on the direction of the support tube 84, which enables a predominantly vertical attachment of the bicycle when attached to a thick down tube (common with an integrated battery).

[0046] One or more outward-facing adjustment areas 9 for securing loads are hinged laterally to the hollow profiles 82, 83 of the fastening frame 8 in the transverse direction of the beam and firmly connected to one another at the outer end by a hollow profile 95 in the longitudinal direction of the beam in such a way that they can each be pivoted about a joint axis preferably aligned parallel to the hollow profiles 82, 83 from a predominantly flat, horizontal transport position into a predominantly vertical, parallel parking position. The adjustment areas 9 are formed by a metallic, upwardly open carrying shell 91 and a cover shell 93 shaped to receive the load. Bicycles as loads are preferably held in the central section of the respective adjustment area by a strap 97 attached on one side and inclined approximately 45° outwards and a buckle 98 attached on the opposite side in the longitudinal direction of the beam.

[0047] The rotatably mounted fastening frame 8 with the adjustment areas 9 hinged thereto is - spaced from the bearing tube 4a in the direction of the coupling device 2 - detachably connected to the base 4 by a spring-loaded locking unit 86 in this case in such a way that, for example, by actuating a pedal 89 located at the end of the fastening frame 8 opposite the coupling device 2 and connected to the locking unit 86 by means of a pull rod 87, the fastening frame 8 can be tilted away from the vehicle.

[0048] An advantageous embodiment of the locking unit 86 also allows the base 4 with the coupling device 2 to be tilted or pivoted in the direction of the fastening frame 8, whereby the coupling device 2 does not protrude, particularly in the case of a longer coupling device for fastening in a hitch mount receiver (US standard), and thus the load carrier 1 can be folded together in a space-saving manner for storage or transport.

[0049] The structure and function of the coupling device 2, which serves to attach the load carrier 1 to the trailer coupling 3, i.e. to connect it securely to the latter, are described in more detail below.

[0050] The coupling device 2, i.e. the area in which the load carrier 1 is attached to the trailer coupling 3, has a shell 2a firmly connected to the base 4 (fixed to the base) and a clamping jaw 29 that is movable relative to the base 4. The two sides of the shell 2a, which are aligned parallel to the base 4, are connected in the upper area towards the base 4 by a welded-in angle 2b. A welded-on cover 2c closes the shell 2a at the top. On the side of the shell 2a opposite the base 4, a threaded bushing 2e is welded centrally, into which an adjusting screw 20 with a dome-shaped end face 20a facing the spherical head 3a is screwed. The adjusting screw 20, more precisely its front surface 20a, serves as a fixed counter-stop for the clamping jaw 29 during the clamping movement of the clamping jaw 29 described later, which leads to the fixing of the load carrier 1 on the trailer coupling 3 by clamping the head 3a.The clamping jaw 29 and the counter-stop form a clamping mechanism. Although the counter-stop is fixed during the clamping movement, it is adjustable in the described design to compensate for any tolerances. In a modified design, the shell 2a serves as a counter-stop, which is then non-adjustable.

[0051] Below the angle 2b, within the shell 2a, guide rails 22 are fastened on both sides, which are spaced apart from the vertical leg of the angle 2b in the longitudinal direction of the support and extend at least as far as the cover 2c. The clamping jaw 29 has a central calotte 29b directed towards the motor vehicle for partially receiving the coupling ball and, arranged below this, a centrally recessed edge 29c which can be supported on the ball neck 3c. On the narrow sides of the clamping jaw 29, a cylindrical pin 29a is attached or formed on each side in the upper area, which is loosely guided (i.e. with play) on both sides in the respective guide rail 22. In the lower area of ​​the narrow sides of the clamping jaw 29, there are bores 29e on both sides and, coaxially spaced outwards, formed-on, open cylindrical surfaces 29d which point in the opposite direction to the centrally recessed edge 29c.

[0052] Below the angle 2b, there is a coaxial bearing bore 2f on each side of the shell 2a. An eccentric disc 23 is mounted in this bearing bore 2f on each side. The eccentric discs 23 have an axle bore eccentric to the outer diameter and internal stops 23a machined on both flat sides. Alternatively, a conveniently designed stop can be added instead of the molded stops. The eccentric discs 23 are connected to each other by an axle 21.

[0053] Between the eccentric discs 23, a connecting rod 31 is mounted on each side of the axle 21. The connecting rod 31 is held at a distance by a spacer bushing 27 mounted centrally on the axle 21 such that the respective connecting rod 31 touches the inside of the shell 2a or is a short distance from it. The pin 31a inserted in the connecting rod on the opposite side of the bore for the axle 21 is loosely guided (with play) in the lateral bores 29e of the clamping jaw 29, projecting inward. The contact surfaces between the pins 31a and the bores 29e serve to transmit forces, in particular tensile forces. The two eccentric discs 23, with their eccentricity between the respectively assigned bearing bore 2f and the axle 21 spaced apart from it, and the connecting rods 3 hinged to them, each forming a toggle lever on either side, together form a toggle lever mechanism for driving the clamping movement of the clamping jaw 29.This clamping movement represents a first degree of freedom for the movement of the clamping jaw 29. During the clamping movement, the two toggle levers remain below their extended position, i.e., they neither reach the extended position nor move beyond it. When the inner stops 23a point upward, the connecting rods 31, which are rotatably mounted on the axis 21, in combination with the guides 22 for the clamping jaw 29, allow a forced thrust-tilting movement, which represents a second degree of freedom for the movement of the clamping jaw 29.

[0054] A clamping lever 5 is provided as the actuating element for the coupling device 2. The clamping lever 5 has a cross tube 50, into which profile tubes 53 are inserted on both sides with the interposition of elastomer springs 55 and supported by the elastomer springs 55. The torsion of the elastomer springs 55 allows the profile tubes 53 to rotate relative to the cross tube 50. The profile tubes 53 are firmly connected to tabs 51, which encompass the shell 2a and are positively fastened to the respective eccentric disc 23, thus synchronizing the rotational movement of the eccentric discs 23. The rotational movement of the eccentric discs 23 drives the clamping movement of the clamping jaw 29, so that the clamping lever 5 controls the movements of the elements of the coupling device 2 that are operatively connected to the clamping jaw 29. The tabs 51 are screwed to the respective eccentric disc 23 by locking plates 25, which simultaneously also hold the axis 21 axially.

[0055] Attached to the cross tube 50 towards the base 4 is a lower shell 52, which is partially open at the top and in which a spring-loaded latch 57 is mounted by means of an axis 58. When the lower shell 52 is predominantly horizontally aligned, this latch locks it with a catch 4b fastened to the base 4. An upper shell 54 is fastened to the lower shell 52 at the end opposite the cross tube 50 via a horizontally arranged pivot joint. A handle 56 is attached to the upper shell 54 at the end opposite the pivot joint, in which a locking cylinder 59 is held. The upper shell 54 can be moved from a fixed, extended position into a folded position in which the upper shell 54 covers the opening of the lower shell 52 with the latch 57 mounted therein.By turning the locking cylinder 59, the upper shell is locked with the pawl 57 and thus prevents the movement of the pawl 57, and thus the movement of the tensioning lever 5 and thus the release of the coupling device 2.

[0056] In a modified embodiment, a rigid tensioning lever 7 is used to actuate the coupling device 2 instead of the retractable tensioning lever 5. The rigid tensioning lever 7 has a tube 74, to the end of which facing the coupling device 2 a cross tube 72 is attached, and to the other end a handle 76 is located. Attached to the ends of the cross tube 72 are tabs 70 which are fastened to the eccentric discs 23. This tensioning lever 7 can be held in the predominantly horizontal position by a latch 71 with a detent attached to the base 4, similar to the detent 4b, and can be released for movement into a predominantly vertical position by means of a pull rod 75 and an actuating element 77 positioned in the handle 76.

[0057] If the clamping lever 5 or 7 is moved into a predominantly vertical position (up to 45° to the vertical direction), the associated eccentric discs 23 rotate so that the distance between the axis 21 and the adjusting screw 20 increases and the respective inner stops 23a point upwards. The respective connecting rod 31 can then pivot downwards about the axis 21, whereby the clamping jaw 29, guided on both sides by the pin 29a in the guides 22, slides partially out of the shell 2a from an upper or middle position under its own weight, optionally assisted by a spring, and in the then reached lower position it is additionally tilted towards the base 4. The eccentric discs 23 remain unrotated during this pushing and tilting movement.

[0058] In this open, lower position, the distance between the centrally recessed edge 29c of the clamping jaw 29 and the lower edge of the shell 2a is so large that when the carrier 1 is placed vertically, the shell 2a and the centrally recessed edge 29c of the clamping jaw 29 can slide over the spherical head 3a. The spherical head 3a then pushes the clamping jaw 29, guided by guides 22 and connecting rod 31, into the shell 2a until the upper side of the clamping jaw 29 rests against the cover 2c. The clamping jaw 29 is now in the stabilizing, upper position.

[0059] If the load carrier 1 is now released, it is held rotatably stabilized on the trailer coupling 3 by the upper edge of the cap 29b of the clamping jaw 29, the cap-shaped end face 20a of the adjusting screw 20 on the head 3a, and the recessed edge 29c of the clamping jaw 29 on the ball neck 3c, slightly lowered on the side facing away from the vehicle. In addition to the cover 2c, the clamping jaw 29 now rests on both sides with parts of the side facing away from the cap 29b on the angle 2b, and the molded, open cylindrical surfaces 29d of the clamping jaw rest on the outer surface of the respective connecting rod 31, which is concentric with the pins 31a. The cylinder surfaces 29d and the outer surfaces of the connecting rods 31 serve as contact surfaces for transmitting compressive forces, which can be large compared to the (tensile) forces between the pins 31a and the bores 29e.This stabilized state makes it possible, with good accessibility, to plug in the electrical connection of the lights to the motor vehicle, to move the adjustment areas 9 into a predominantly horizontal position and to align the carrier 1 relative to the motor vehicle.

[0060] Instead of being supported on the end face 20a of the adjusting screw 20, the coupling ball could also be supported directly on the shell 2a. With appropriate dimensions, it is also possible to support it solely by the pins 29a in the guides 22 and the pins 31a in the lateral bores of the clamping jaw 29.

[0061] Both an adjusting screw 20 acting directly on the spherical head 3a via a front-face cap 20a and the concentric arrangement of pins 31a for guidance and open, cylindrical contact surfaces 29d for transmitting the clamping force and their combination are possible as a counter-stop in all coupling devices in which a clamping jaw 29 presses the head 3a of the trailer coupling 3 predominantly horizontally against a counter-stop on the side of the head 3a opposite the clamping jaw 29 - which counter-stop is fixed with respect to the base 4 during this clamping movement. This is shown, for example, by a coupling device arranged in the transverse direction of the carrier in Fig. 21 to Fig. 25. The function of the eccentric disc 23 is performed there by a crank plate 23'.Without adjusting screw 20 and with one-piece clamping lever 7, the tolerance compensation for the ball diameter can also be achieved by several locking positions for the bolt 71 in one notch, similar to the notch 4b on the base 4.

[0062] If the clamping lever 5, 7 is now moved in the direction of the base 4 into a predominantly horizontal position, the eccentric discs 23 rotate, and the axis 21 through the eccentric discs 23 moves the lower area of ​​the clamping jaw 29 in the direction of the adjusting screw 20 by means of the connecting rods 31 hinged thereto. With this driven clamping movement, first the end of the load carrier 1 facing away from the motor vehicle is lifted into the transport position, and then the spherical head 3a is firmly pressed by the clamping jaw 29 against the adjusting screw 20 serving as a counter-stop, i.e. the head 3a is clamped between the clamping jaw 29 and the adjusting screw 20 as a counter-stop and the load carrier 1 is thus fixed on the trailer coupling 3. The actuating force to be applied to engage the pawl 57 in the notch 4b leads to a deformation of the elastomer springs 55 and, with the intended clamping force, to a predetermined distance between the connecting tube 50 and the base 4.In this case, this distance serves as an indicator for the clamping force. Alternatively, an indicator on the connecting tube 50 could be conceivable, indicating the clamping force on a scale on the tab 51. A distance that is too small between the connecting tube 50 and the base 4 indicates insufficient preload. Based on this distance, with the clamping lever 5 predominantly in the vertical position, the adjusting screw 20 can be screwed in far enough so that the specified distance, and thus the specified clamping force, is maintained upon re-clamping.

[0063] If the clamping jaw 29 is not pushed into the stabilizing upper position, the stops 31c on the connecting rod 31 block the clamping movement through contact with the inner stop 23a, and the clamping lever 5, 7 cannot be locked. Each of the two toggle levers, the first gear element of which can be described by the connecting line between the axis of rotation of the eccentric disc 23 defined by the bearing bore 2f on the one hand and the bore for the axis 21 on the other hand, and the second gear element of which can be described by the connecting line between the bore 29e and the pin 31a of the connecting rod 31, is located approximately 20° before the extended position, so that when the clamping force drops, e.g. due to the displacement of residues on the head 3a during operation, the elastomer springs 55 continue to rotate the eccentric discs 23, and thus automatically tighten the coupling device 2 sufficiently again, i.e. automatically re-tensions it.The function described above of tilting or pivoting the base 4 with coupling device 2 towards the fastening frame 8, whereby the coupling device 2 does not protrude, particularly in the case of a longer coupling device for attachment to a Hitch Mount Receiver 45 (US standard), and thus the load carrier 1 can be folded up to save space for storage or transport, is illustrated by an example by considering planes XY arranged relative to one another and XZ perpendicular to them. The planes provide orientation in space according to the described coordinate axes and are not intended to be absolute location specifications. Rather, they are intended to clarify the arrangement of the components of the load carrier 1 and, in particular, to make the adjustment ranges 9 between an unfolded state as in Fig. 26 and folded states as in Figs. 27-30 comprehensible.

[0064] When the adjustment areas 9 are folded out from the XY plane into the XZ plane, the base 4 with the coupling device 2 arranged thereon, for example in the form of a ball head receiver (as in Figures 5, 26, 27 and 28) or a plug-in element 45 (hitch mount receiver - Figures 29 and 30), can be at least partially pivoted between the adjustment areas via the pivot joint 41. The pivoting is possible partially into a projection of a surface formed by the fastening frame 8, or completely into this projection. This prevents the base 4 with the respective coupling device 2 from projecting out, in particular for transport purposes or storage. This can be a significant advantage, particularly when palletizing for shipping or storage purposes. Even when storing a disassembled load carrier, it can be arranged more compactly, e.g. on a wall bracket or in a shelf.The described projection in the XY surface, into which the base with the coupling device should be pivotable in order to achieve the compact transport and storage dimensions, is understood to include in particular the support tube 82a, since this also represents an essential perimeter of the load carrier.

[0065] For this purpose, the load carrier is constructed in particular such that the fastening frame 8 is designed as an H-shaped fastening frame 8 with at least one connecting element 81 for connecting hollow profiles 82 and 83 arranged longitudinally to the base 4. The H-shaped structure allows the clearance required for the pivoting process described above within a pivoting range. The connecting element 81 or several connecting elements are arranged on the side facing away from the pivot joint 41 with respect to the coupling device 2.

[0066] Preferably, the base 4 is formed by a central support tube 40, to whose end facing away from the mounting frame 8 the coupling device 2 is attached, and to whose end facing the mounting frame the pivot joint 41 is arranged, with the joint axis transverse to the longitudinal direction of the base 4. Particularly with further projecting coupling devices, sufficient clearance and pivot angle are possible to pivot the coupling device sufficiently partially, preferably completely.

[0067] A pivoting angle is preferably possible between -60° and +60°, particularly preferably -25° to +60°. In this way, the arrangement is achieved between the adjusting elements 9, or at least next to the support tube 82a.

[0068] The described load carrier has various aspects, for each of which a specific stress or division is expressly reserved. The explanations are given in the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments, to which reference is made. For example, these include a generic load carrier 1 with the central adjusting screw 20 with its dome-shaped end face 20a as a counter-stop to the clamping jaw 29, preferably at the height of the center of the spherical head 3a on the side facing away from the clamping jaw 29; a generic load carrier 1 with the concentric, axially offset arrangement of the contact surfaces intended for tensile forces between the pins 31a and the bores 29e and the contact surfaces intended for compressive forces between the connecting rods 29 and the open cylindrical surfaces 29d; automatic re-tensioning of the clamp by aligning the toggle levers before the extended position; and a spring element 55 in the clamping lever 5.the display of the clamping force by the deformation of the spring element 55 in the clamping lever 5 under tension and the resulting relative movement between the parts connected by means of the spring element, a clamping lever 5 that can be extended by folding out or pulling out to increase the clamping force in limited installation space, a lateral support tube 82a, bent at the top in the transverse direction of the carrier to the opposite side, for collision-free and more flexible attachment of the first bicycle by means of a pivoting support tube 84, a swivel joint inclined relative to the longitudinal direction of the carrier between the support tube 82 and the support tube 84, which enables vertical attachment of the (first) bicycle with different thicknesses of frame by selecting the attachment side (left or right), a support tube 82a that is arranged laterally offset from the base 4 to enable a coupling device 2 with a folding function in the case of a longer coupling device,e.g. when attached in the holder of a removable coupling and hitch mount receiver (US standard). List of reference symbols Load carrier Coupling device a Shell b Angle c Cover d Reinforcement f Bearing hole e Threaded bush Trailer coupling a (spherical) head b Flat top c Ball neck Base a Bearing tube b Detent Clamping lever One-piece clamping lever Mounting frame Adjustment range 0 Adjusting screw 0a Dome-shaped face 1 Axle 2 Link 3 Eccentric disc 3' Crank plate 3 a Inner stop 5 Locking plate Spacer bush,

[0069] Clamping jaw a pin b calotte c centrally recessed edge d open cylinder surface e bore

[0070] Connecting rod a pin b stop

[0071] Support tube

[0072] Swivel joint

[0073] Plug-in element (Hitch Mount Receiver)

[0074] Connecting pipe

[0075] tab

[0076] lower shell

[0077] profile tube

[0078] upper shell

[0079] Elastomer spring

[0080] Handle

[0081] pawl

[0082] axis

[0083] Lock cylinder

[0084] tab

[0085] Bar

[0086] cross tube

[0087] Pipe

[0088] Drawbar

[0089] Handle

[0090] Actuator TI

[0091] Connecting element

[0092] Hollow profile a support tube

[0093] hollow profile

[0094] Holding tube

[0095] holder

[0096] Locking unit

[0097] Drawbar

[0098] pedal

[0099] Joint element

[0100] Carrying tray

[0101] Cover shell

[0102] hollow profile

[0103] band

[0104] buckle

Claims

Patent claims 1. Load carrier (1), in particular a collapsible load carrier (1), which can be placed on a trailer coupling (3) and detachably fixed to a head (3a) of the trailer coupling (3) by means of a coupling device (2), and wherein the coupling device (2) is provided on a base (4) of the load carrier (1) and, for fixing the load carrier (1) on the trailer coupling (3), has at least one clamping jaw (29) which is movable relative to the base (4) and a counter-stop (20, 20a) which is fixed relative to the base (4), between which the head (3a) of the trailer coupling (3) can be clamped, characterized in that exactly one clamping jaw (29) with two degrees of freedom of movement is provided.

2. Load carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that in order to stabilize the load carrier (1) on the trailer coupling (3) during placement, the clamping jaw (29) can be moved by the head (3a) by means of a forced pushing and tilting movement from an open position into a stabilizing position in which the load carrier (1) can be stabilized on the trailer coupling (3).

3. Load carrier according to claim 2, characterized in that for fixing the load carrier (1) on the trailer coupling (3) a clamping movement of the clamping jaw (29) is provided, driven by operatively connected elements (21, 23, 25, 31) of the coupling device, from the stabilizing position towards the counter-stop (20, 20a) in order to clamp the head (3a).

4. Load carrier according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping jaw (29) can be driven by at least one rotatable eccentric disc (23), preferably by means of at least one connecting rod (31) articulated on the eccentric disc (23) and the clamping jaw (29).

5. Load carrier according to claim 3 and 4, characterized in that a stop surface (31b) on the connecting rod (31) in cooperation with a stop (23a) on the eccentric disc (23) only allows the clamping movement when the clamping jaw (29) is in its stabilizing position.

6. Load carrier according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the toggle lever formed by the eccentricity of the eccentric disc (23) and the connecting rod (31) remains below the extended position when driving the clamping movement of the clamping jaw (29).

7. Load carrier according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a clamping lever (5, 7) preferably encompassing the coupling device (2) controls the movement of the elements (21, 23, 25, 31) of the coupling device (2) which are operatively connected to the clamping jaw (29), wherein the clamping lever (5, 7) is preferably designed as a foldable clamping lever (5) or as a rigid clamping lever (7).

8. Load carrier according to claim 7, characterized in that the clamping lever (5, 7) can be locked in a predominantly horizontal position under pretension, the clamping lever (5, 7) reaching this position at the end of the clamping movement of the clamping jaw (29) controlled by it.

9. Load carrier according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a shell (2a) is provided on the base (4), which surrounds the head (3a) preferably on both sides when the load carrier (1) is placed on it, and which movable elements (23, 29) of the coupling device (2), in particular guides the clamping jaw (29) by means of at least one link (22) with play.

10. Load carrier according to claim 9, characterized in that flat side surfaces of the shell (2a) preferably extend in a straight line into side surfaces of the base (4) connected thereto, and wherein the shell (2a) can be supported laterally on the head (3a) preferably at the transition from the flat side surfaces to an arch opening towards the base (4).

11. Load carrier (1), in particular a collapsible load carrier (1), which can be attached to a trailer device of a motor vehicle by means of a coupling device (2a), in particular can be placed on a trailer coupling (3) and can be releasably fixed to a head (3a) of the trailer coupling (3) by means of the coupling device (2) in the form of a ball head receptacle, - wherein the coupling device (2a) is formed on a base (4) of the load carrier (1), - wherein the load carrier (1) comprises at least one fastening frame (8) movable relative to the base (4), - wherein adjustment areas (9), in particular adjustment areas (9) for loads to be picked up, are formed on the fastening frame (8) in such a way that they can be pivoted via joint elements (90) from a predominantly horizontal plane (XY) formed by the fastening frame (8) in the transport position parallel to a vertical plane (XZ) arranged approximately at right angles to the fastening frame (8), characterized in that - the base (4) can be pivoted in the plane (XZ) in the direction of the support tube (82a), preferably at least partially between the adjustment areas (9) aligned parallel to the vertical plane (XZ). - the base is pivoted relative to the mounting frame (8) steering (81) is pivotable in the vertical plane (XZ), wherein a pivoting range starting from the horizontal plane (XY) of -60° to +60° pivoting angle, preferably -45° to +45°, particularly preferably -25° to +60° is possible.

12. Load carrier according to claim 11, characterized in that the coupling device (2) is designed according to the germ symbol of one of claims 1 to 10.

13. Load carrier according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the fastening frame (8) is designed as an H-shaped fastening frame (8) with at least one connecting element (81) for connecting longitudinally arranged hollow profiles (82) and (83), and wherein the connecting element (81) or several connecting elements are arranged on the side facing away from the swivel joint (41) in relation to the coupling device (2).

14. Load carrier according to claim 13, characterized in that the base (4) is formed by a central support tube (40), at the end of which facing away from the fastening frame (8) the coupling device (2a) is fastened, and at the end of which facing the fastening frame the pivot joint (41) is arranged with the joint axis transverse to the longitudinal direction of the base (4).

15. Load carrier according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the base (4) can be pivoted completely into a projection of the surface of the fastening frame (8), preferably with the adjustment areas (9) oriented parallel to the XZ plane.

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