Bumper protection device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a bumper protection device and a motor vehicle including the bumper protection device. A method of use is also disclosed. An exemplary bumper protection device includes, among other things, a protection belt movable between a retracted position and an extended position, a spring biasing the protection belt to the extended position, and a closure configured such that movement of the closure to a closed position causes the protection belt to move to the retracted position and such that movement of the closure to an open position allows the protection belt to move to the extended position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bumper protection device and a motor vehicle including the bumper protection device. A method of use is also disclosed. Background Art

[0002] To achieve an improved appearance, the bumpers of motor vehicles (especially passenger motor vehicles) are usually painted the same color as the motor vehicle. As a result, the overall visual impression of the vehicle is unified and thus enhanced. However, the painted bumper has a generally more sensitive outer surface and is particularly vulnerable to scratches or coating damage. As an example, such scratches or coating damage may occur on the rear bumper when loading and unloading the cargo space (especially the luggage compartment) of the motor vehicle and / or when a pet climbs in and out.

[0003] In the prior art, there are many loading systems with bumper protection structures. In DE10012767A1, a system includes an extendable cargo floor that can slide parallel to the vehicle floor in the rear area of the motor vehicle. To allow for convenient loading of the cargo space, the guiding device can be lifted relative to the vehicle structure through the loading edge of the cargo space. Then the cargo floor can be extended, manually or by an electric motor, to surround the loading edge.

[0004] DE 202013000332U1 discloses a loading system for a motor vehicle, which includes two movable loading platforms disposed in the luggage compartment. The first loading platform can be pulled out of the luggage compartment and has guide rails for laterally guiding the second loading platform. To load the motor vehicle, the first and / or second loading platforms are manually extended from the motor vehicle through corresponding handles.

[0005] As disclosed in DE 102006059670A1, an example of a separately configured loading edge protection system reduces the risk of damaging the rear bumper when loading and unloading the motor vehicle. The loading edge protection system can be made of a durable material (such as metal or stainless steel) and attached to the loading edge to protect the rear bumper as a cladding layer.

[0006] DE 102006043223 A1 discloses a bottom platform which can be inserted into the cargo space of a motor vehicle and can be releasably fixed to the bottom surface of the cargo space by an adhesive. The bottom platform has two guide rails which have integrated running rollers for receiving a transport element, and the transport element can be moved by a user within the cargo space by means of a handle. A roller shutter type loading edge protection system is provided below the bottom platform. The loading edge protection system can be extended by a user to a use position for covering the bumper of the motor vehicle by means of a pull tab. The loading edge protection system is held in the use position by its own gravity. In order to move the loading edge protection system back from the use position, a restoring mechanism is achieved by a power spring and a towing cable.

[0007] DE 19626582 C2 also discloses a retracting mechanism for a cargo space cover, the movement of which is associated with the closing or opening movement of a pivotably movable rear part. The cargo space cover is configured as a flat roller shutter which is held on a roller shutter shaft so as to be able to be rolled up and unrolled. A reset device in the form of a return spring is integrated in the roller shutter shaft. An additional reset device is associated with the pivoting movement of the rear part by means of a towing cable such that when the rear part is closed, the reset device causes the roller shutter to be tensioned.

[0008] GB 635187 A discloses a movable loading platform for a motor vehicle luggage compartment. The movement of the loading platform is associated with the movement of the luggage compartment cover such that the retraction and / or extension of the loading platform causes the closing and / or opening of the luggage compartment. In this case, the associated mechanism is achieved, for example, by a system of chains or connecting elements or by an electric or fluid motor.

[0009] DE 102008010923 A1 discloses a motor vehicle comprising a retractable and / or extendable cargo floor. The cargo floor is displaceably movable along the longitudinal extent of the motor vehicle by means of guide rails. When the cargo space is opened, the lower liftgate can be lowered by means of a hinge behind the rear bumper of the motor vehicle. The cargo floor is associated with the movement of the lower liftgate such that when the lower liftgate is opened, the cargo floor slides out of the cargo space. For this purpose, a gear mechanism is connected to the hinge such that the rotational movement of the hinge is converted into the movement of the cargo floor. The transmission ratio of the gear mechanism is designed such that the cargo floor completely surrounds the lower liftgate such that the liftgate is fully opened. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A bumper protection device for a motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a protective belt movable between a retracted position and an extended position, a spring biasing the protective belt to the extended position, and a closure configured such that movement of the closure to a closed position causes the protective belt to move to the retracted position and further such that movement of the closure to an open position allows the protective belt to move to the extended position.

[0011] In another non - limiting embodiment of the foregoing bumper protection device, the device further includes a guide rail. Additionally, the spring is at least partially disposed within the guide rail.

[0012] In another non - limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing bumper protection devices, the guide rail includes an outer surface flush with the surface of the cargo space.

[0013] In another non - limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing bumper protection devices, the guide rail includes an outer surface fastened to the surface of the cargo space.

[0014] In another non - limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing bumper protection devices, when the protective belt is in the extended position, the protective belt protrudes beyond the bumper of the motor vehicle.

[0015] In another non - limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing bumper protection devices, when the protective belt is in the extended position, the protective belt protrudes further rearward than the bumper.

[0016] In another non - limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing bumper protection devices, the biasing force of the spring acts in the direction of movement of the protective belt.

[0017] In another non - limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing bumper protection devices, the spring is a return spring and is compressed in the retracted position to store potential energy, and the potential energy corresponds to the path length over which the protective belt is movable.

[0018] In another non - limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing bumper protection devices, the spring is one of a plurality of springs of the bumper protection device, the protective belt is one of a plurality of protective belts of the bumper protection device; and the guide rail is one of a plurality of guide rails of the bumper protection device.

[0019] In another non - limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing bumper protection devices, the outer protective surface of the protective belt is arranged in a complementary manner to the edge of the closure.

[0020] In another non - limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing bumper protection devices, the closure is a liftgate.

[0021] A motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a closure, a bumper, and a bumper protection device. The bumper protection device includes a protection belt movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and a spring biasing the protection belt to the extended position. Additionally, the closure is configured such that movement of the closure toward the closed position causes the protection belt to move to the retracted position, and movement of the closure toward the open position allows the protection belt to move to the extended position.

[0022] In another non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing motor vehicle, the vehicle further includes a guide rail. Additionally, the spring is at least partially disposed within the guide rail.

[0023] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing motor vehicles, the guide rail includes an outer surface flush with the surface of the cargo space of the motor vehicle.

[0024] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing motor vehicles, the guide rail includes an outer surface fastened to the surface of the cargo space of the motor vehicle.

[0025] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing motor vehicles, when the protection belt is in the extended position, the protection belt protrudes beyond the bumper.

[0026] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing motor vehicles, when the protection belt is in the extended position, the protection belt protrudes further rearward than the bumper.

[0027] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing motor vehicles, the closure is a liftgate.

[0028] A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, moving a protection belt from a retracted position to an extended position above a bumper of a motor vehicle under the biasing force of a spring when a closure of the motor vehicle is opened.

[0029] In another non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing method, when in the extended position, the protection belt protrudes further rearward than the bumper. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1A is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of an integrated bumper protection device, wherein the liftgate is in the closed position;

[0031] Figure 1B is according to Figure 1A an exemplary embodiment of, wherein the liftgate is in the open position;

[0032] Figure 2A is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a retrofit bumper protection device, wherein the liftgate is in the closed position;

[0033] Figure 2B is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment in accordance with Figure 2A wherein the liftgate is in the open position;

[0034] Figure 3A is a schematic view of an exemplary arrangement of a bumper protection device along a loading edge of a motor vehicle from a rear perspective;

[0035] Figure 3B is a schematic view of another exemplary arrangement of a bumper protection device along a loading edge of a motor vehicle from a rear perspective. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The present disclosure provides a bumper protection device that is simple in design, automatically deployable, and cost-effective, thereby allowing for retrofit onto different types of motor vehicles.

[0037] A bumper protection device for a bumper of a motor vehicle (particularly a passenger motor vehicle) is proposed. The bumper protection device includes at least one guide rail and a protection strap. The guide rail is fastened and / or fastenable within a cargo space (particularly a luggage compartment) of the motor vehicle and extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle. In one example, the protection strap moves along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle within the guide rail. The cargo space can be closed by a pivotable liftgate. Although the term "liftgate" is used herein, it should be understood that the present disclosure extends to luggage compartments and rear hatches.

[0038] In the open position of the liftgate, the protection strap can be set in an extended position. The protection strap includes an outer protection surface remote from the cargo space and projects beyond the bumper of the motor vehicle in the extended position. In one example, the outer protection surface of the protection strap in the extended position is the outermost component of the entire motor vehicle away from the exterior, such that the protection strap intercepts contact by objects, attempts to load the cargo space therefrom, and / or pets climbing in and out of the cargo space. Damage to the bumper is thereby avoided. In the closed position of the liftgate, the protection strap is set in a retracted position, wherein the protection strap is entirely located within the cargo space and particularly entirely within the guide rail. In one example, the protection surface terminates flush with the rear end of the guide rail facing the rear of the motor vehicle.

[0039] According to one example of the present disclosure, the bumper protection device includes at least one spring having a spring force. The spring force can be adjusted. A spring in the sense of the present disclosure is any energy storage device that stores energy when tensioned and releases that energy when relaxed. Thus, a spring in the sense of the present disclosure can be, for example, a helical spring or a piston-cylinder unit (such as a pneumatic spring), and these exemplary embodiments are not intended to act in a limiting manner.

[0040] By opening the liftgate, the protective belt automatically moves from the retracted position to the extended position by spring force over a predetermined path length. In this way, the protection function automatically exists to reduce damage to the bumper by the protective belt that extends as the liftgate is opened. When the liftgate is closed, the protective belt can move from the extended position to the retracted position against the spring force over the same path length. In an advantageous embodiment, the protective belt is made of a rigid and durable material and is operatively connected to the liftgate in a force-transmitting manner through a protective surface when the liftgate is closed and / or folded.

[0041] According to an example of the present disclosure, to generate the spring force, at least one spring is disposed within the guide rail or at least partially surrounded by the guide rail. In this example, the spring includes a front end that faces the front direction of the motor vehicle and contacts the rear inner surface of the guide rail. The spring also includes a rear end that contacts the front force-applying surface of the protective belt.

[0042] In a particular embodiment, the at least one spring is configured as a return spring. For example, in the closed position of the liftgate, the spring is compressed to store potential energy. When the liftgate is in the closed position, the inner surface of the liftgate facing the front direction of the motor vehicle contacts the protective surface of the protective belt, whereby the force for compressing the spring is transmitted thereto. The potential energy stored by the spring (especially the spring path) corresponds to the path length by which the protective belt can automatically move by opening the liftgate. Therefore, through the spring stiffness and / or the spring path, the path length is adjustable and adaptable to the different geometries of the cargo space and / or the bumper.

[0043] In an alternative and / or additional embodiment, the bumper protection device can have only one or more springs, and / or only one or more guide rails, and / or only one or more protective belts. For example, two guide rails are provided along the outer edges of the loading surface parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and each guide rail has a protective belt whose protective surface is provided along at least a portion of the loading edge of the cargo space. In another variant, the guide rails extend over the entire width of the loading surface and / or along the entire loading edge (i.e., at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle) and are designed to receive one or more springs and one or more protective belts. Additionally, the protective surfaces of one or more protective belts can extend along the entire loading edge such that the protection function exists along the entire path of the rear bumper.

[0044] When closing the liftgate, it is advantageous to arrange the protective surface of the protective belt in a complementary manner to the lower liftgate edge in order to move the protective belt to the retracted position in the most convenient possible way.

[0045] For retrofitting a motor vehicle, a bumper protection device can be releasably or fixedly fastened and / or connected in the cargo space of the motor vehicle by means of one or more fastening means. In particular, guide rails can be fastened to the loading surface of the cargo space and / or to the lateral cargo space boundaries, in particular to the lining of the inner surface of the vehicle body. In the present disclosure, connections by means of clips and / or screws and / or adhesives are considered to be fastening means. A specific embodiment includes a hook-and-loop fastener (i.e., Velcro ) connecting means, wherein the lower surface of the guide rail is connected to the fabric-covered loading surface by means of the hook-and-loop fastener connecting means.

[0046] A motor vehicle according to the present disclosure has a bumper protection device integrated in the cargo space. In this case, the upper surface of the guide rail terminates flush with the loading surface of the motor vehicle, or the guide rail is partially or completely covered by the loading surface, wherein in particular only the protective surface of the protective belt remains visible to the observer.

[0047] In the different figures, the same parts have the same reference numerals and are generally only described once.

[0048] In Figure 1A an exemplary embodiment of the bumper protection device 1 is schematically shown. The bumper protection device 1 is integrated in the cargo space 3 of a motor vehicle (not shown). In this example, the motor vehicle is a sports utility vehicle (SUV), and thus reference is made to a "liftgate". It should be understood that the present disclosure can be extended to other types of vehicles, including vehicles having a trunk or a tailgate.

[0049] The bumper protection device 1 has a guide rail 5, a spring 7 which in this case is configured, for example, as a coil spring, and a protective belt 9. The upper outer surface 11 of the guide rail 5 faces the cargo space and terminates flush with the loading surface 13 which also faces the cargo space 3. The spring 7 is arranged inside the guide rail 5 and is supported at its front end 15 facing the front of the motor vehicle on the rear inner surface 17 of the guide rail 5 facing the rear of the motor vehicle. The rear end 19 of the spring 7 facing the rear of the motor vehicle is supported on the force application surface 21 of the protective belt 9. The liftgate 23 is pivotally mounted about an axis (not shown) and is in Figure 1A the closed position A in Figure 1A . The liftgate edge 25 is arranged in a complementary manner to the protective surface 27 of the protective belt 9 and acts thereon in a force-transmitting manner, thereby compressing the spring 7. As

[0050] shown in Figure 1BIn [description], the liftgate 23 has been rotated about an axis (likewise not shown) and is shown in the open position B. In the open position, the liftgate edge 25 no longer acts on the protective surface 27, and thus the spring 7 relaxes and the protective belt 9 is moved by the spring force over a path length X to the extended position Z. The protective surface 27 protrudes beyond the loading edge 29 of the cargo space 3 and the bumper (not shown) of the motor vehicle. In particular in this example, the protective surface 27 protrudes further rearward than the loading edge 29. Thus, the protective surface 27 provides a protective function.

[0051] Figure 2A and 2B shows a schematic view of the modified bumper protection device 1 with the liftgate 23 in the closed position A ( Figure 2A ) and the liftgate 23 in the open position B ( Figure 2B ). The modified design differs from the integrated design (according to Figure 1A and 1B ) in that the guide rail 5 is provided on the loading surface 13 of the cargo space 3 and is fixedly or releasably connected to the loading surface 13. For this purpose, the guide rail 5 has fastening elements (such as screws, clips, clamps, or hook-and-loop fasteners) or an adhesive connection on its lower outer surface 31. In this example, the protective surface 27 of the protective belt 9 abuts against the inner surface 33 of the liftgate 23 in the closed position A above the liftgate edge 25 and is in the retracted position Y. In the open position B, the protective belt 9 is in the extended position Z, where the protective surface 27 protrudes beyond the loading edge 29. Due to the provision of the bumper protection device, a gap is formed between the protective belt 9 and the loading edge 29. In Figure 2B again, the protective surface 27 protrudes further rearward than the loading edge 29.

[0052] As Figures 1A to 2B shown, the guide rail 5 is designed in the form of a housing. Viewed in cross-section, the guide rail 5 can be designed in a U-shaped manner with a bottom web 35 and two U-shaped arms 37. The two U-shaped arms 37 can have the same length. The spring 7 is supported on the bottom web 35, and the spring has its opposite ends arranged on the protective belt 9. The guide rail 5 is advantageously open relative to the bottom web 35. As shown, if the liftgate 23 is closed, the liftgate at least partially forms a closure for the guide rail 5 relative to the bottom web 35. The guide rail 5 can also be sealed relative to the bottom web by appropriate measures to prevent the intrusion of external objects. It is conceivable to provide sealing elements on both U-shaped arms, or even only on one U-shaped arm and oriented towards the corresponding other U-shaped arm. In Figure 1A and 1B the exemplary embodiment shown, the upper U-shaped arm 37 in the plane of the drawing is arranged flush with the loading surface 13. In Figure 2A and2B In the exemplary embodiments shown, as disclosed, the lower U-shaped arm in the illustrated plane (lower outer surface 31) is fastened to the loading surface 13. The housing of the guide rail 5 is designed such that the movement of the protective belt 9 can reach the corresponding position unobstructed, where intrusion of external objects into the guide rail 5 can be avoided. According to Figure 1A and 1B 's design and according to Figure 2A and 2B 's design can both be provided as mass-production designs or as improved kits.

[0053] Figure 3A and 3B show schematic views of two embodiments of the bumper protection device 1 provided along the loading edge 29 of the cargo space 3 of a motor vehicle from a rear view. In Figure 3A , the bumper protection device 1 extends along the entire length of the loading edge 29. One bumper protection device 1 has a single guide rail 5, one or more springs 7, and one or more protective belts 9. A plurality of springs 7 can be arranged at intervals within the guide rail 5 and respectively supported on a single continuous protective belt 9. In Figure 3B , two bumper protection devices 1 spaced apart from each other are shown. The bumper protection devices 1 respectively have a guide rail 5, at least one spring 7, and at least one protective belt 9. In addition to the two bumper protection devices 1, any number of bumper protection devices 1 adjacent to each other at a certain distance can also be provided along the loading edge 29 of the cargo space 3.

[0054] Directional terms such as "forward", "backward", etc. are used with reference to the normal operating attitude of the vehicle and should not be considered restrictive. It should be understood that terms such as "about", "substantially", and "generally" are not intended to be unbounded terms and should be interpreted in a manner consistent with how those skilled in the art interpret these terms.

[0055] Although different examples have specific components shown in the drawings, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these specific combinations. Some components or features from one example can be combined with features or components from another example. Additionally, the various drawings of the present disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or reduced to show certain details of specific components or arrangements.

[0056] Those of ordinary skill in the art understand that the above embodiments are exemplary and not restrictive. That is, modifications to the present disclosure will fall within the scope of the claims. Therefore, the following claims should be studied to determine their true scope and content.

Claims

1. A bumper protection device for a motor vehicle, comprising: a guide rail fixed within the cargo space of the motor vehicle; a protective belt movably disposed within the guide rail, the protective belt being movable along a linear path between a retracted position and an extended position; when the protective belt is in the extended position, the protective belt protrudes beyond the bumper of the motor vehicle; when the protective belt is in the retracted position, the protective belt is entirely within the cargo space; a spring biasing the protective belt to the extended position; and a closure member configured such that movement of the closure member to a closed position urges the protective belt from the extended position to the retracted position by the spring, and further such that movement of the closure member to an open position allows the protective belt to move from the retracted position to the extended position by the spring.

2. The bumper protection device according to claim 1, wherein the spring is at least partially disposed within the guide rail.

3. The bumper protection device according to claim 2, wherein the guide rail includes an outer surface flush with the surface of the cargo space.

4. The bumper protection device according to claim 2, wherein the guide rail includes an outer surface fastened to the surface of the cargo space.

5. The bumper protection device according to claim 1, wherein when the protective belt is in the extended position, the protective belt protrudes further rearward than the bumper.

6. The bumper protection device according to claim 1, wherein the biasing force of the spring acts in the direction of movement of the protective belt.

7. The bumper protection device according to claim 6, wherein the spring is a return spring and is compressed at the retracted position to store potential energy, and wherein the potential energy corresponds to the path length over which the protective belt is movable.

8. The bumper protection device according to claim 2, wherein: the spring is one of a plurality of springs of the bumper protection device; the protective belt is one of a plurality of protective belts of the bumper protection device; and the guide rail is one of a plurality of guide rails of the bumper protection device.

9. The bumper protection device according to claim 1, wherein the outer protective surface of the protective belt is arranged in a complementary manner to the edge of the closure member.

10. A motor vehicle, comprising: a closure member; a bumper; and a bumper protection device including a guide rail fixed within the cargo space of the motor vehicle; a protective belt movably disposed within the guide rail, the protective belt being movable along a linear path between a retracted position and an extended position; when the protective belt is in the extended position, the protective belt protrudes beyond the bumper of the motor vehicle; when the protective belt is in the retracted position, the protective belt is entirely within the cargo space; and a spring biasing the protective belt to the extended position; Wherein, the closure is arranged such that movement of the closure towards the closed position causes the protective belt to move from the extended position to the retracted position by means of the spring, and further such that movement of the closure towards the open position allows the protective belt to move from the retracted position to the extended position by means of the spring.

11. The motor vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the spring is at least partially arranged within the guide rail.

12. The motor vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the guide rail includes an outer surface that is flush with the surface of the cargo space of the motor vehicle.

13. The motor vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the guide rail includes an outer surface that is fastened to the surface of the cargo space of the motor vehicle.

14. The motor vehicle according to claim 10, wherein when the protective belt is in the extended position, the protective belt protrudes further rearward than the bumper.

15. A method for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 10 - 14, comprising: causing the protective belt to move from the retracted position to the extended position along a linear path above the bumper of the motor vehicle under the spring force of the spring when the closure is open; when the protective belt is in the extended position, the protective belt protrudes beyond the bumper of the motor vehicle; causing the protective belt to move from the extended position to the retracted position against the spring force of the spring when the closure is closed; when the protective belt is in the retracted position, the protective belt is completely within the cargo space of the motor vehicle; wherein, the protective belt is movably arranged within a guide rail that is fixed within the cargo space of the motor vehicle.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein when in the extended position, the protective belt protrudes further rearward than the bumper.

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