Rack systems for motor vehicles

Abstract

A rack system (10) for a main motor vehicle (20) comprises: a rack unit (30) mountable to the rear side of the main motor vehicle (20), wherein the rack unit (30) is configured to carry at least one electric auxiliary vehicle (40), the at least one electric auxiliary vehicle (40) comprising at least one battery unit to provide power to the electric auxiliary vehicle (40); a charging unit configured to charge the battery unit of the at least one electric auxiliary vehicle (40) at more than 12 volts; wherein the charging unit is arranged at the rack unit (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a rack system for a motor vehicle, to the use of a rack unit and / or a charging unit in such a rack system and to an electric motor vehicle comprising at least one traction battery and such a rack system. Background Art

[0002] Micro-mobility is increasing rapidly, especially in urban areas. Electric scooters and other electric vehicles are powered by batteries that have to be charged at appropriate charging stations. In some cities, the use of cars or vehicles with internal combustion engines is already restricted, and this trend is likely to increase due to sustainability policies. This will further increase the use of electric mobility vehicles, especially for the so-called first and last mile.

[0003] In view of this, it is found that there is a further need to provide further options to support micro-mobility. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide further options for supporting micro-mobility.

[0005] These and other objects which become apparent after reading the following description are solved by the subject-matter of the independent claims.The dependent claims refer to preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a rack system for a main motor vehicle is provided, the rack system comprising: a rack unit mountable to a rear side of the main motor vehicle, wherein the rack unit is configured to carry at least one electric-assisted vehicle, the at least one electric-assisted vehicle comprising at least one battery unit to provide power to the electric-assisted vehicle; a charging unit configured to charge the battery unit of the at least one electric-assisted vehicle at more than 12 volts; wherein the charging unit is arranged at the rack unit.

[0007] A rack unit according to the present disclosure is to be understood as any arrangement suitable for carrying an electrically assisted vehicle in such a way that it can be securely held during movement of the host motor vehicle. The host motor vehicle is any vehicle capable of carrying the rack unit. The electrically assisted vehicle may be any electrically powered vehicle that can be mounted on a rack unit.

[0008] It has been found that by means of a rack unit including a charging unit, both the transport of electric assisted vehicles and the charging of electric assisted vehicles can be provided. By utilizing the traction battery of the electric vehicle, the rack can charge one or several electric assisted vehicles. The rack system also provides transportation and storage, allowing multimodal scenarios for the main electric vehicle user. In cities with restricted access or parking due to congestion or sustainability issues, if the rack system is used for semi-altruistic charging of, for example, free-floating e-mobility vehicles, the solution may allow access or free parking. This solution will also benefit free-floating service providers because the rack system can provide an alternative to manual charging. In cities with restricted access or parking due to congestion or sustainability issues, if the rack system is used for charging of, for example, free-floating electric vehicles, this solution may allow access or free parking. These vehicles need to be fixed to avoid scratches and damage to the car caused by misoperation by other users. The rack system can provide fixation while allowing charging.

[0009] In one possible embodiment, the charging unit can be configured to be connected to at least one traction battery of the main motor vehicle so that the charging unit obtains electrical energy from the traction battery of the main motor vehicle. A traction battery is a battery for driving the main motor vehicle. Therefore, a possible embodiment is that the main motor vehicle can be at least partially electrically drivable, rather than a vehicle with a drive system that only includes an internal combustion engine. This is preferred because such a vehicle includes a relatively powerful traction battery that can also provide a voltage higher than 12 volts, which is required for an electric assisted vehicle with a long distance and a long operating time. In this regard, in another possible embodiment, the charging unit can be configured to charge the battery cell of at least one electric assisted vehicle at a voltage of 24 volts, 36 volts, 42 volts and / or 48 volts.

[0010] Additionally, in one possible embodiment, the rack system may include an indicator device, such as a display or LED device, that displays whether the traction battery of the host motor vehicle still has sufficient charge to allow / enable charging of the electric assist vehicle.

[0011] In yet another possible embodiment, the charging unit may be configured to charge the battery of the electric-assisted vehicle independently of access to and / or operation of the main motor vehicle. This makes it possible to allow so-called altruistic loading of electric-assisted vehicles. In other words, a third party may use the rack system and load their electric-assisted vehicles. If such altruistic loading facilities are provided for third parties, drivers may be allowed to drive and park in otherwise closed areas in the city. It is also possible to provide special parking spots / facilities for the main motor vehicle, allowing / authorizing such altruistic loading of electric-assisted vehicles of third parties. Thus, by providing charging for these vehicles, the owner / user may benefit from other benefits such as access to parking spaces, free parking, access to restricted areas or similar monetary compensation.

[0012] In one embodiment, the charging unit may include an electrical connection means configured to provide an electrical connection to a battery unit of an electrically assisted vehicle arranged adjacent to the rack system. A charging cable may provide such a connection means. This makes it possible to load not only electrically assisted vehicles arranged on the rack unit, but also electrically assisted vehicles arranged next to the main motor vehicle.

[0013] In yet another embodiment, the rack unit may include mounting means configured to mount the rack unit to a tow bar and / or to the rear of a host motor vehicle. By connecting the rack unit to the tow bar, the rack unit may thereby be easily and securely connected to an existing connection system of the host motor vehicle without requiring further modification to the host motor vehicle.

[0014] In one possible embodiment, the rack unit may include a lifting device configured to lift the electric assisted vehicle from a street level position to an elevated level. This makes loading and unloading easier and also allows heavier electric assisted vehicles to be positioned on the rack unit.

[0015] In one embodiment, the rack unit may include a protective cover to protect the main motor vehicle from the electric auxiliary vehicle. This prevents damage to the main motor vehicle when loading and unloading the rack unit. For example, such a protective cover may be provided by a plastic wall or similar device.

[0016] In yet another possible embodiment, the rack unit may include a locking device configured to lock the power-assisted vehicle relative to the rack unit. Such a locking device may be used to lock the power-assisted vehicle with the rack unit so that an unauthorized third party cannot remove the power-assisted vehicle. Such a locking device may be provided by, for example, a lock, a strap element, and / or a bracket element.

[0017] In one possible embodiment, the rack unit may include a release device that is configured to allow the electrically assisted vehicle to be released from the rack unit independently of access to and / or operation of the main motor vehicle. This makes it possible, for example, for a third party who does not have access to the main vehicle to position their electrically assisted vehicle on or at the rack unit and to charge the electrically assisted vehicle via the main vehicle. Such a release device may, for example, be provided by a lock element, a strap element and / or a bracket element that includes a controllable locking element, with which the electrically assisted vehicle can be released from the rack unit.

[0018] In one possible embodiment, the rack system may further include a communication device configured to provide communication between the rack system and the mobile computer device in order to perform authentication and / or approval before the electric-assisted vehicle can be charged and / or before the electric-assisted vehicle can be released by the release device. The communication device may be a short-range communication device, such as a Bluetooth communication interface. However, it is also possible to use a mobile radio interface and for the communication between the rack system and the smartphone as the mobile computer device to occur via a mobile radio network. Such authentication may occur, for example, by means of an application installed on the smartphone, to which the user must first register and log in.

[0019] In this regard, in yet another possible embodiment, the rack system may include a timing unit to manage the charging duration relative to the estimated parking duration. Alternatively or additionally, a connection to an onboard computer of the host vehicle may be provided so that the onboard computer can manage the charging duration. In this context, it is also possible to provide a charging invoice based on the charging duration.

[0020] In one embodiment, the at least one electrically assisted vehicle to be carried by the frame unit can be an electrically assisted two-wheeled vehicle, wherein the frame unit can include at least one carrier element with a U-shaped cross section, in which the wheels of the electrically assisted vehicle can be arranged. This makes it easy to fit or slide the wheels of the electric vehicle into the carrier element from the freely accessible side. It is further possible that during the sliding-in process, the carrier element is positioned at the bottom, for example at street level.

[0021] Yet another aspect relates to the use of a rack unit and / or a charging unit in a rack system as described above.

[0022] Finally, a further aspect relates to an electric motor vehicle comprising at least one traction battery and a rack system as described above, wherein the charging unit is connected to the at least one traction battery of the electric motor vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In the following, the present disclosure is exemplarily described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a rack system arranged on a tow bar of a main motor vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the rack system and the electric assist vehicle shown in; and.

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the rack system and electric assist vehicle shown in .

[0027] It is noted that the figures are only schematic representations and serve only to illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure. In principle, identical or equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Figures 1 to 3 A rack system 10 is shown for a host motor vehicle 20. The rack system 10 includes a rack unit 30 mounted to the rear side of the host motor vehicle 20, preferably to a tow bar (not shown) of the host motor vehicle 20.

[0029] As in Figure 2 and Figure 3 As can be seen in the figure, the frame unit 30 is configured to carry at least one electrically assisted vehicle 40, here a two-wheeled vehicle 40. In this respect, the frame unit 30 preferably comprises a U-shaped carrying element / elongated rod 31, wherein the cross section of the carrying element 31 is adapted to the cross section of the tires of the electrically assisted vehicle 40, so that the tires of the electrically assisted vehicle 40 can be positioned in the carrying element 31. The frame unit 30 comprises a lifting device 32, which is configured to lift the electrically assisted vehicle 40 from a street level position to an elevated level as shown in the figure.

[0030] The rack unit 30 further includes a charging unit (not shown) configured to charge a battery cell of at least one electric assisted vehicle 40 at more than 12 volts. In this regard, it is preferred that the charging unit is connected to at least one traction battery of the main motor vehicle 20 so that the charging unit obtains electrical energy from the traction battery of the main motor vehicle 20. It is preferred that the main motor vehicle 20 is at least partially electrically drivable, rather than a vehicle with a drive system that only includes an internal combustion engine. This is preferred because such a vehicle includes a relatively powerful traction battery that can also provide a voltage higher than 12 volts, which is required for the electric assisted vehicle 40 with a long range and a long operating time. The charging unit includes an electrical connection device configured to provide an electrical connection to the battery cell of the electric assisted vehicle 40. In addition, the charging unit may also include an electrical connection device configured to provide an electrical connection to the battery cell of the electric assisted vehicle arranged adjacent to the rack system 10, i.e., adjacent to the main motor vehicle 20.

[0031] The rack unit 30 further comprises a locking device configured to lock the power-assisted vehicle 40 relative to the rack unit 20. Here, the locking device is exemplarily provided by a bracket rod 33 and a strip 34. It is worth noting that the locking device may also include a release device configured to allow the power-assisted vehicle 40 to be released from the rack unit 20 independently of access to and / or operation of the main motor vehicle 20. This makes it possible, for example, for a third party who does not have access to the main vehicle 20 to position his power-assisted vehicle 40 on or at the rack unit 30 and charge the power-assisted vehicle 40 via the main motor vehicle 20. For example, such a release device may be provided by a controllable locking element (not shown), by which the power-assisted vehicle 30 can be released from the rack unit 30.

[0032] From a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims, other variations to the disclosed embodiments may be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed disclosure. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in a claim should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claim.

[0033] Reference numerals list

[0034] 10 Rack System

[0035] 20 Main motor vehicle

[0036] 30 rack units

[0037] 31 Carrier element

[0038] 32 Lifting device

[0039] 33 Bracket rod

[0040] 34 strips

[0041] 40 Electric assisted vehicles

Claims

1. A rack system (10) for a main motor vehicle (20), the rack system (10) comprising: a frame unit (30) mountable to a rear side of the main motor vehicle (20), wherein the frame unit (30) is configured to carry at least one power-assisted vehicle (40), the at least one power-assisted vehicle (40) including at least one battery unit to provide power to the power-assisted vehicle (40); a charging unit configured to charge a battery unit of the at least one electric assisted vehicle (40) at more than 12 volts; The charging unit is arranged at the rack unit (30), wherein the charging unit is configured to charge the battery of the electric-assisted vehicle (40) independently of access to and / or operation of the host motor vehicle (20), wherein the rack unit (30) is configured to provide free parking for the main motor vehicle (20) by charging a battery unit of the at least one electric auxiliary vehicle (40), and The rack system (10) further includes a communication device configured to provide communication between the rack system (10) and a mobile computer device to perform authentication and / or approval before the electric-assisted vehicle (40) can be charged and before the electric-assisted vehicle (40) can be released from the rack unit (30).

2. The rack system (10) of claim 1, wherein the charging unit is configured to be connected to at least one traction battery of the host motor vehicle (20) such that the charging unit obtains electrical energy from the traction battery of the host motor vehicle (20).

3. The rack system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the charging unit includes an electrical connection device configured to provide an electrical connection to a battery unit of an electric assisted vehicle arranged adjacent to the rack system (10).

4. The rack system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the charging unit is configured to charge the battery unit of the at least one electric auxiliary vehicle (40) at a voltage of 24 volts, 36 volts, 42 volts and / or 48 volts.

5. The rack system (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the rack unit (30) comprises mounting means configured to mount the rack unit (30) to a tow bar and / or to the rear of the host motor vehicle (20).

6. The rack system (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the rack unit (30) includes a lifting device (32) configured to lift the power-assisted vehicle (40) from a street level position to an elevated level.

7. The rack system (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the rack unit (30) includes a protective cover to protect the main motor vehicle (20) from the power-assisted vehicle (40).

8. The rack system (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the rack unit (30) includes a locking device configured to lock the power-assisted vehicle (40) relative to the rack unit (30).

9. A rack system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rack unit (30) includes a release device, which is configured to allow the electric-assisted vehicle (40) to be released from the rack unit (30) independently of access to the main motor vehicle (20) and / or operation of the main motor vehicle (20).

10. The rack system (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the rack system (10) comprises a timing unit to manage charging duration relative to an estimated parking duration.

11. A rack system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one electric assisted vehicle (40) to be carried by the rack unit (30) is an electric two-wheeled vehicle, wherein the rack unit (30) includes at least one carrier element (31) having a U-shaped cross-section, and the wheels of the electric assisted vehicle (40) can be arranged in the at least one carrier element (31).

12. Use of a rack unit (30) and / or a charging unit in a rack system (10), the rack system (10) being a rack system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. An electric motor vehicle comprising at least one traction battery and a rack system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the charging unit is connected to the at least one traction battery of the electric motor vehicle.

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