Load carrier for a motor vehicle

The invention relates to a load carrier for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, with a support structure for supporting a load which projects into a working position of the load carrier rearwardly a rear region of the motor vehicle.

The load carrier covered in its working position when it is placed on the motor vehicle, a rear lamps arrangement of the passenger car. From behind the tail lights of the vehicle are therefore no longer visible. Porters therefore have their own taillights assemblies that are connected to the electrical system of the motor vehicle and are visible. However, in a prominent place on the rear load carrier arranged Taillights arrangements are prone to damage, for example when maneuvering in the car.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a load carrier with an improved operability.

To achieve the object is provided with a load carrier of the type mentioned in that it comprises a lower, arranged closer to the vehicle rear loading level and an upper distant from the vehicle's rear cargo plane that the tail lights assembly removed below the upper deck and from the rear, free end of the load carrier closer is arranged at the rear.

Under the upper deck, for example, a viewing region for a Taillights arrangement remains free.

also at least one intermediate layer may be between the upper and lower loading level can be provided, for example in the form of a staircase structure.

The lower loading level and the upper deck may have different load capacities. Preferably, the lower and the upper loading plane, however, have substantially the same charge capacity. For example, the two loading levels in the vehicle longitudinal direction are substantially the same length.

The upper deck is cantilevered advantageous relatively far back before the lower loading level before, so that the protection of the rear lamps assembly is guaranteed. Nevertheless, the tail lights assembly connected to the electrical system of the motor vehicle, accessible.

On the supporting structure a Taillights arrangement is advantageously arranged. The rear lamps arrangement expediently arranged below the upper deck and from the rear, free end of the load carrier flies closer to the rear of the vehicle. It is advantageous if the upper deck is arranged above the lower deck that views the area to the rear light assembly remains free is. The rear lamps assembly is disposed below the upper deck, that is set back to the motor vehicle, so that it is protected against damage.

The lower and / or upper deck can relative to the support structure may be stationary. For example, may be fixedly disposed on the support structure loading platforms, holders for sports equipment or the like.

Another advantage is a modular expansion concept, in which at least one expansion device can be arranged or mounted movably thereon on a base support of the load carrier. The base support forms as a part of the support structure or with respect to the supporting structure movable support assembly. In this way, the capacity of the carrier can be increased if necessary.

The expansion device is, for example, in its use position laterally, backwards or upwards before the bearing assembly before.

The expansion device comprises one or preferably two S-shaped or S-shaped support rods. The S-like support rods are preferably on the side of the base support releasably attachable. By S-shape, the support rods are diagonally behind front top. At least one expansion device at least one further support platform or at least one other sport equipment bracket, for example, attached or is attached.

The expansion part preferably forms an actuating handle for moving the supporting assembly in the loading position or the drive position. It can also be an operating handle, for example a handle may be arranged on the extension part.

The at least one expansion device is suitably prepared the upper deck. The expansion device is in the position of use back up in front of the example, the support structure or the support structure before.

The upper deck, for example, comprise a continuous loading platform.

An advantage of a load carrier according to the invention, if it has a relation to the support structure between a provided for a driving operation of the motor vehicle driving position and for loading and unloading of the vehicle provided for loading position adjustable support assembly for fitting the load, wherein the support structure with the arranged on their Load in the loading position a pivoting range of the tailgate or rear door of the vehicle releases. The support assembly preferably includes a bike rack, a support platform for placing loads or the like.

A basic idea is to leave a supporting structure fixed to the vehicle, so to speak, for example, back above support or support arms, and to store them at the support structure, the actual support assembly movable. The support assembly can be shifted from the driving position into the loading position, without having to remove on their resting load. The load can remain on the support assembly.

In principle, it is for example possible to arrange one or the tail lights assembly to the support structure or the movable support assembly, for example, behind the lower or the upper deck.

The supporting structure extends under the support arrangement expediently at least in the riding position. The support structure is advantageous at least in the riding position on the support structure, for example, directly or indirectly. Indirect eg on a linear guide or a straddle mount configuration. It is advantageous if the support assembly is also disposed in the loading position at least partially above the support structure.

For a linear movement capability, for example, a linear guide and / or a trolley can be provided.

However, particularly preferred is a pivot bearing arrangement, with which the support assembly is pivotally mounted to the support structure. It is understood that a pivot bearing arrangement can be additionally linearly with the aid of a linear guide.

It is possible that the bearing assembly on a displacement between the driving position and the loading position performs a superimposed linear and pivotal movement.

The support structure increases in the loading position expediently a one facing away from the vehicle inclination. For example, the support structure in the loading position of the motor vehicle is pivoted away.

The support assembly may be designed in the manner of a rocker.

A first Wipparmanordnung one hand the pivot bearing defining the lower loading level and define a second Wipparmanordnung other hand, the swivel bearing the upper deck. It is in a rocker-like support structure in principle also possible that the first and second Wipparmanordnung have an inverted vertical offset or no offset in height so that they have, for example, about the same distance to a road surface in the driving position.

The lower and / or upper deck are expediently arranged at the movable support assembly. It is understood that for example, the lower loading level can be provided by the supporting structure, while the upper loading plane forms a pivotable or linearly movable loading plane, which is movable relative to the lower deck.

A pivot axis of the pivot bearing arrangement runs with respect to the vehicle longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle expediently between a rear of the vehicle facing longitudinal end of the lower deck and a free, remote from the vehicle rear end portion of the upper deck. In this way it is possible to utilize a free space below the upper loading plane for pivotal movement. Although the pivot axis can be horizontal at an angle and / or obliquely to the vehicle transverse direction. but is preferably a substantially horizontal course.

The respective pivot axis, for example, run in the region of the lower deck. But also in the area between the two lower and upper loading planes or on the upper deck may be provided a pivot axis.

Conveniently, the respective pivot axis extends approximately in the region of a longitudinal center between the lower and the upper deck. Thus, the support structure is suitably balanced with and without load substantially. It is understood that here also a unique tilt position can be advantageous that the support assembly about the pivot axis in the loading position or the release position automatically swivels and remains there. At least in the other position, the bearing assembly is then advantageously maintained by a locking or holding device.

The pivot axis extends expediently by a pivot or a pivot pair of pivot bearing arrangement and is defined by this pivot bearing. Preferably, then only a single pivot axis is present.

It is also possible that, for pivoting of the support assembly relative to the support structure a plurality of pivot axes are provided.

But there are also one or more spatially remote from the pivot bearing assembly pivot axes possible. This at least one pivot axis may spatially fixed or movable in space, that is not fixed in space.

Preferably the pivot bearing arrangement as comprising a multi-joint assembly. For example, two spaced-apart in vehicle transverse direction, more joints are provided for pivoting the supporting assembly relative to the support structure.

Particularly preferred is a four-joint arrangement or a four-bar linkage. It is also possible to provide more or less than four joints.

The four-bar linkage may be configured to that the support structure occupies a substantially horizontal position in both the driving position as well as in the loading position.

But also to pivot in an inclined position at least a slightly inclined oblique position is advantageous. For example, the multi-joint arrangement comprises a pivot arm remote from the rear region and a rear region arranged closer the steering arm, wherein the steering arm is longer than the pivot arm. This makes the supporting assembly during adjustment of the driving position into the loading position a pivoting movement, but with a greater turning radius than would be the case with only a single pivot axis.

The support assembly expediently has at least laden such gravity that it remains automatically in the driving position and / or in the loading position. Thus, the support structure remains here without additional support or support in the current driving position or loading position.

Expediently passes through the bearing assembly between the driving position and the loading position an adjustment to a tipping point. The support assembly tilts then speak to the driving position or the loading position.

It is understood that for holding in the driving position and / or in the loading position supports, brackets or the like are advantageous. These can be provided as an additional safety measure.

It is understood that the rear lamps arrangement may be arranged pivotable or otherwise movable to the load carrier, for example on its supporting structure. A movable, in particular pivotable Taillights arrangement, for example release a pivot path for pivoting the support assembly.

It forms an independent basic idea according to the invention, when a movable with respect to a supporting structure of a load carrier arrangement carrying a first lower and an upper, distant from the vehicle rear second level comprises. A basic idea is that the upper deck is further away from the road surface than the lower loading level, so below the upper deck, below the support assembly, a greater range of motion, in particular pivoting area, remains free.

A rear lights arrangement may, but need not be arranged on the support structure. You could for example be arranged on the support assembly.

It is advantageous to Fußbetätigungseinrichtung for actuating the support assembly. In a foot operation relatively large actuation forces are available.

The Fußbetätigungseinrichtung acts as the support structure with respect to the movable bearing support assembly. For example, the Fußbetätigungseinrichtung with the support structure is fixedly or hinged or sliding on the support assembly to the actuator along.

It is also possible that the Fußbetätigungseinrichtung z. B. acts a linear guide and / or pivot bearing arrangement for the movable mounting of the support structure relative to the support structure. For example, the Fußbetätigungseinrichtung on an arm of the pivot bearing arrangement, in particular the multi-joint assembly or a single pivot bearing, act. The Fußbetätigungseinrichtung is z. B. with an arm firmly or articulated or is formed by an arm.

The Fußbetätigungseinrichtung expediently has a clearance so that they. Between a rest position, in which it is disengaged from the support structure, and a working position adjustable, at which it is to adjust the bearing assembly engaged therewith

Preferably, a locking device is provided for locking the support assembly relative to the support structure at least in the drive position. An unintentional pivoting or linear method of the support structure, which could be dangerous during driving is prevented by the locking device.

The carrier, in particular the movable support assembly may comprise, for example, a support platform for placing the load and / or sport device holder. The sports device holder is for example a bicycle mount. It is understood that sports equipment supports are expediently releasably connected to the support assembly connectable components.

The support structure includes, for example, one on the motor vehicle displaceably arranged carrier part. For example, the displaceable support member is a body of the vehicle at the pull-back support member, a pivot member or the like. It is particularly preferable if the support part forms a sort of drawer.

The supporting structure suitably comprises at least two spaced vehicle transversely spaced support elements or support rods.

These support elements can be inserted, for example, in shooting, passing, for example, by a bumper of the motor vehicle. Appropriately, the recordings with side members of a body of the vehicle are connected.

Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the support structure comprises a holder for detachably arranging to a trailer coupling of the motor vehicle.

It is in itself an independent idea is, a support assembly for supporting a load in the manner of a rocker to a supporting structure of a load carrier according to the preamble of claim 1 between a provided for a driving operation of the motor vehicle driving position and for loading and unloading of the vehicle provided loading position about a pivot axis pivotally to store, wherein the support assembly comprises a arranged closer to the vehicle rear loading plane and a more distant from the vehicle rear loading plane, and wherein the pivot axis runs between the loading planes. It is possible that in the driving position:<ul><li>both loading levels on a plane are, for example, extend horizontally essentially</li><li>in the manner described above, the said motor vehicle further loading plane is located below the more distant from the vehicle loading plane or</li><li>the arranged closer to the vehicle rear loading level a upper deck and the more distant from the vehicle's rear cargo plane form a lower loading level. The pivot axis may at Wip be a single spatially fixed axis or a spatially movable axis pen support assembly, for example when stored in a multi-joint. Moreover, in addition to the pivot bearing is a linear bearing of the bearing assembly is possible, so that a relative pivoting sequential or superimposed linear movement is possible. Furthermore, it is advantageous, but not mandatory, that the pivot axis of the rocker bearing assembly extends approximately in the region of a longitudinal center between the car nearby charging level and the more distant from the vehicle loading plane. The carrier may have with more of the above features, such as a lock for the driving position, a rear lamps assembly, a holder for removably disposing in a trailer coupling or plug ends for plugging into a rear of a motor vehicle, a sliding bearing on the motor vehicle or the like.</li></ul>

Embodiments of the invention are explained using the drawings. Show it:<dl id="dl0001"><dt>figure 1</dt><dd>a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a load carrier according to the invention in the driving position,</dd><dt>figure 2</dt><dd>the load carrier according to <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref> in the loading position,</dd><dt>figure 3</dt><dd>the load carrier according to <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref> with only one loading plane.</dd><dt>figure 4</dt><dd>a perspective view of the driving position of a second embodiment of the invention in the form of a load carrier which as the load carrier from <figref idrefs="f0003">figure 3</figref> having only one loading plane, but for example be extended by further loading plane with extension parts,</dd><dt>figure 5</dt><dd>the load carrier according to <figref idrefs="f0004">figure 4</figref> in the loading position,</dd><dt>figure 6</dt><dd>a schematic side view of a third embodiment of a load carrier according to the invention in the driving position,</dd><dt>figure 7</dt><dd>the load carrier according to <figref idrefs="f0006">figure 6</figref> in the loading position, and</dd><dt>figure 8</dt><dd>a load carrier with a fixed, step-like support structure with two loading levels.</dd></dl>

In the embodiments described below based on load carriers 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d, like components are given the same reference numerals. For the load carrier 10a specific components are identified by "a" for the carrier 10b, 10c and 10d-specific components with "b", c ° ° and "d".

The carrier 10a is disposed a rear area 11 of a motor vehicle 12th A support structure 13 with two longitudinal beams 14a, 14b is fixed to the vehicle is connected to the motor vehicle 12th

For example, the longitudinal members 14a, 14b inserted in receptacles 57, shown schematically on the body 15 from the rear.

The support structure 13a may be removably attached to a trailer hitch bracket 16 to a ball neck 17 of a trailer coupling 18 of the motor vehicle 12th The longitudinal members 14a, 14b and the trailer hitch mount 16 are connected by one or more cross-member 54th

At the longitudinal beams 14 a bearing assembly 19a is movably supported by a supporting frame 20 between a driving position and a loading position F L. In the loading position L, the bearing assembly is rotated 19 with respect to the motor vehicle 12 obliquely back away, so they are a pivotal portion 21 of the tailgate 22 free. The tailgate 22 can pivot past on bicycles 23, which are mounted on the support structure 19a with sports equipment holders 24th The bicycle 23 is a system adapted to the support assembly 19a Last 34th

To adjust, especially for pivoting, the support structure 19a with respect to the supporting structure 13a is a pivot bearing arrangement 25 is provided between these two components.

The pivot bearing assembly 25 includes two multi-joint assemblies 26a, 26b, which are presently configured as a four-bar linkages 27a, 27b.

The four-bar linkages 27a, 27b include pivotal arms 28 and link arms 29 which are pivotally mounted on pivot bearings 30, 31 mounted on the longitudinal beams 14a, 14b. The pivot bearings 30, 31 are located at a longitudinal end of the arms 28, 29. At one this longitudinal end opposite longitudinal end are more pivot bearings 32, 33 between the arms 28 and 29 on the one hand and the bearing assembly 19a other hand.

If equally long swinging arms and steering arms are provided, would the support assembly during pivoting of the driving position F in the loading position L and vice versa through a parallelogram movement, ie its top would always horizontal or at least substantially horizontally.

In the embodiment, however, the swing arms 28 are shorter than the steering arms 29. This pivots the support assembly 19a, so that it is inclined in the loading position L from the vehicle rear of the motor vehicle 12 away. This measure increases the swivel range 21st

To actuate the support assembly 19a, in particular for displacing the driving position F in the loading position L, are a foot 35a, 35b appropriately.

The Fußbetätigungseinrichtung 35a includes, for example, a pedal 36, which is operatively connected to one of the shorter pivot arms 28th Conveniently, the pedal 36 is rotatably and pivotally secured to the swing arm 28 is connected. A one-piece construction, in which the swing arm 28 is extended so to speak, to the pedal 36, there is also conceivable.

The pedal 36 is angled in front before the arm 28th A simple foot control pedal 36, the support assembly can be rotated 19 in the loading position L.

When the load carrier 10b an alternative operating concept is provided. His Fußbetätigungseinrichtung 35b includes, for example, an operating part 37, which extends in the vehicle transverse direction of the motor vehicle 12th

The operating member 37 is pivotally mounted to the support structure 13a. The operating member 37 acts on two spaced-apart points of engagement on the support assembly or the pivot bearing arrangement.

The operating member 37 includes a swivel bracket 38 with arms 39, between which an operable with eg a foot actuating rod 60 runs 40th The operating rod 40 is welded, for example, to the arms 39 at one longitudinal end.

Instead of the formed multi-component swivel bar 38 also an integral swivel bracket could be provided.

Now it would be possible, for example, the swing arms are extended out 39 28 to the arms and connected to or form the arms. 39 Then, the actuating rod 40 would always take one with the pivotal position of the pivot arms 28 corresponding pivot position. In the embodiment, however, another camp concept is selected:

The arms 39 are pivotally supported on the support structure 13a. For a pivot bearing of an actuator part according to the invention, although separate swivel bearings can be provided on the support structure. The arms 39, however, are pivotally supported on the pivot bearing 30th The operating rod 40 is mounted on the pivot bearings 30 relative to the pivot arms 28 pivotally.

Thus, a clearance 41 is present, in which the swivel bracket 38 between a rest position R, in which actuating ends 42 of the arms 39 are disengaged from the pivot arms 28, and a working position A is adjustable, wherein the actuating member 42 engage the pivot arms 28th For example Betätigungsausnehmungen 43 are provided on the actuating member 42 for this purpose.

It is advantageous if the Fußbetätigungseinrichtung 35b has such gravity that it remains independent in the rest position R.

The the Fußbetätigungseinrichtung 35b is pivoted into its rest position R, for example, upwards. The Fußbetätigungseinrichtung 35b then needs less space for example.

Appropriately, the operating rod 40 is in its rest position R on the two side members 14a, 14b at positions 56a, 56b.

The carrier 10a, 10b have a flexible expansion concept.

The supporting frame 20 includes a base support 44, which provided by a supporting platform 53 load capacity can be increased by extension parts 45th The extension parts 45 are for example support bars 46 which protrude rearward from the base support 44th

Before the support platform 53 also available as extension parts before carrying elements 58, for example, for parking of bicycles 23. The support members 58 are advantageously telescopic and / or relative to the base support 44 displaced so that they can be pushed when not in use under the support platform 53rd

The support rods 46 have a stepped or S-shaped curve. Fixing portions 47 of the carrier bars 46 which have a substantially horizontal course in the driving position F are fixed to extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction support members 48 of the support frame 20th Thus, the attachment portions 47 extend in correspondence with the support elements 48. The mounting portions 47 can be laterally fastened to the support elements 48, for example. For fixing, for example, splints, pins or the like can be provided. The fixing portions 47 may also be L-shaped or U-shaped, so that they can be trailed on the support elements 48 so to speak, and are supported at least on the upper side of the support elements 48th

At the fixing portions 47 to include inclined portions 49 of the support bars 46 at. The inclined portions 49 extend in the driving position F obliquely away from the motor vehicle 12 is inclined. At the inclined sections 49 to 50 include supporting portions at the support bars 46, which are horizontal in the driving position F substantially. On the support portions 50, for example, a support platform or load-holders, including sports equipment holders 24 are attached.

The support sections 50 or disposed thereon sport Holder 24 preferably form actuating handles to adjust the carrier arrangement 19a of the driving position F to the loading position L and / or vice versa. The support sections 50 and / or sports equipment holders 24 collar relative to the pivot bearing 30 relatively far from and thus constitute operating arms or actuating levers that allow easy manual operation of the bearing assembly 19a during an adjustment of the driving position F to the loading position L and vice versa. The operability of the carrier 10b is not so limited, even if, for example, the foot-operating part 37 is 45 more difficult to access by expanding using the expansion parts.

The bearing assembly 19a can be locked to a locking device 51 of the supporting structure 13a. The locking device 51 includes, for example, a with the bearing assembly 19a firmly connected, but movable locking element 52, for example a locking screw or a locking bolt, which engages for locking in a locking catch 55 of the support structure 19a.

The bearing assembly 19a provides with the crops by extension parts 45 a lower loading plane 65 and an upper deck 66 ready. Thus, below the upper deck 66, a free space 67 for pivoting the support assembly 19a toward a road surface 69 is present. Further, the upper deck can 66 have a look at a range Taillights assembly 70 free, which is located at remote from the motor vehicle 12 free end of the support structure. 13 The tail lights assembly 70 includes rear lights 71, which can be connected to a power supply 72, for example, via a connection 73 in which a plug of the load beam 10a is plugged into a socket of the motor vehicle 12th

When the load carrier 10c a stepped support structure 19c is pivotally mounted on a pivot bearing assembly 25c to a supporting structure 13c. The supporting structure 13c includes, for example, side member 14c, which are inserted into slots on the rear area of ​​the vehicle 12 and / or secured for example to the towbar 18th The supporting structure 13c provides a horizontal support level. The support assembly 19c is stair-like and provides a lower and an upper deck 65, 66 ready.

On each charge level 65, 66 are in each bracket, not shown, for example, sports equipment Holder for example bicycles 23 fixed, removably or movably supported. For example, are the lower 23 bicycles on a lower platform 74 while the bicycle located on the upper deck 66 23 are arranged on an upper platform 75th The word "platform" is here to be understood in a broad sense, ie although it can scale shelves, eg shelves or the like may be provided, or be provided for the wheels of the bicycle 23 on the two planes 65, 66 for example, keepers.

The support assembly 19c includes frame 85 that is pivotally supported in the manner of a rocker to the supporting structure 13c. One can the frame 85 therefore designate as a rocker.

The pivot bearing assembly 25c includes two pivot bearings 83, which are arranged at the free end region of the longitudinal beams 14 and the support structure 13c. The pivot bearing 76 to define a pivot axis 77 about which the support structure 19c pivots between a driving position and a loading position F L.

The pivot axis 77 extends horizontally. The pivot axis 77 extends with respect to a vehicle longitudinal direction 78 of the vehicle 12 about a longitudinal center between the two platforms 74 and 75. In the embodiment, the pivot axis extends 77 approximately in the region of the lower deck 65. It is understood that a history of, for example, upper deck 66 is quite conceivable, for example, when an L-shape would protrude upward protruding portion to the support structure 13c upwards. The approximately longitudinally central arrangement of the pivot axis 77 facilitates pivoting about the pivot axis 77 because the arranged on the two loading planes 65, 66 loads 34 exert approximately the same lever arms and thus somewhat similar forces of the support assembly 19c on both sides of the pivot axis 77th

In addition, due to the substantially longitudinally central arrangement of the pivot axis 77 of the swivel angle by which the bearing assembly 19c pivots between the driving position and loading position F L, small.

The support assembly 19c includes, for example, two lateral support 79 with the driving position F horizontally extending the loading planes 65, 66 defining support sections 80, 81, between which a connecting portion extends 82nd The carrier 79 is like for example metal profiles or.

The rear lamps arrangement 70c is expediently arranged pivotally on the support structure 13c. the tail lights assembly 70c is rotated, for example down to or during the pivoting of the support structure 19c in the loading position L. This is for example causes the connecting portion 82 acts from above on the rear light assembly 70c. The rear lamps arrangement 70c, for example, under spring action or the like pivot back upward in a substantially vertical, the driving position assigned F driving position.

The carrier 10d has a fixed, step-like support structure 84 with a lower and an upper deck 65 and 66, which are provided by a supporting structure 13d. stepped carrier 79d of attaching to the vehicle 12 side members 14d are backwardly above. The lower loading level is defined by the side members 14d, the upper loading plane 66 provided by the support 79d.

The supporting portions 80, 81 are substantially equal in length, so that it is approximately equal to the loading planes 65, 66 standing by cargo capacity.