Roller blind system for covering a cargo space and motor vehicle with such a roller blind system

Abstract

Roller blind system (20) for covering a cargo space (12) comprising: a. a winding shaft (22), a flexible sheet structure (24) that can be wound onto and unwound from it for covering the cargo space (12), and an extension rod (26) attached to a distal end of the sheet structure (24), and b. on opposite sides of the cargo space (12) guide rails (30) with an open guide channel (3) for guiding the extension rod between a first position in which the sheet structure (24) is wound onto the winding shaft (22) and a second position in which the sheet structure (24) is unwound from the winding shaft (22), characterized in that c. the guide channel (32) has at least one tapered channel section (34) for blocking the movement of the extension rod (26), which is formed by a fixed wall surface (34a) of the guide channel and an opposing counter surface (34b) that can be deflected transversely to the direction of extension, d. that the deflectable counter surface (34b) is subjected to force by a leaf spring (40) extending in the direction of extension (2) of the guide rail (30) in the direction of the fixed wall surface (34a), and e. that the opposite surface (34b) is formed by a surface (34b) integrally connected with the leaf spring (40).

Description

SCOPE OF APPLICATION AND STATE OF THE ART

[0001] The invention relates to a roller blind system for covering a cargo space and to a motor vehicle with such a cargo space including a roller blind system.

[0002] Roller blind systems for covering cargo areas are common in the automotive sector. Typically, they feature a winding shaft with a sheet of material that can be unwound from it. This sheet is designed to be unwound lengthwise towards the rear of the vehicle, essentially extending horizontally to completely cover the cargo area up to the vehicle's tailgate.

[0003] From DE 103 48 890 A1, a roller blind system for covering a cargo space is known, comprising a winding shaft on which a flexible sheet material is held so that it can be wound up and unwound. The sheet material is connected at its front end (in the direction of extension) to an extension rod, which is guided on opposite sides in vehicle-mounted guide rails.

[0004] From DE 41 35 663 C1, a cover system for a cargo space is known, comprising a surface structure stiffened by several reinforcing struts arranged parallel to each other at regular intervals. These reinforcing struts are slidably guided in vehicle-mounted guide rails. The cover system includes a cover sheet that can be stored compactly because all reinforcing struts, together with the flexible cover sheet, are pushed together to form a compact package and secured in lateral storage cassettes. These storage cassettes can be removed from the cargo space.

[0005] In addition to fully electric systems, manual systems are also known, in which the extension rod is manually pulled out at the end of the cover. In the fully extended position, this rod locks onto the guide rail. To release the rod and rewind the cover onto the winding shaft, most common roller blind systems for cargo area covers utilize an end plate attached to the rod. This end plate extends further back in the direction of extension than the cover itself. Its primary purpose is to ensure complete coverage of the cargo area, even if the tailgate has an outward-curving, convex shape. To bridge the gap between the rod and the corresponding curve on the inside of the tailgate, this end plate is typically designed with a curved edge.

[0006] In the context of handling, the end plate is used to release the locking connection between the extension rod and the guide rail. For this purpose, the end plate is manually pivoted downwards around an axis extending transversely to the vehicle, thereby releasing the extension rod from its locking position. The sheet can then be wound up by a coil spring associated with the winding shaft.

[0007] In this context, reference is made to FR 2 992 604 A1 as the state of the art.

[0008] However, the concept with the end panel has some disadvantages. In particular, the roller blind system takes up more space when stowed, which leads to further problems. TASK AND SOLUTION

[0009] The object of the invention is therefore to further develop a roller blind system in such a way that a cost-effective and functionally reliable mechanism is created which allows for convenient release even without the existence of an end board and pivotability of the extension rod.

[0010] According to the invention, this is achieved by a roller blind system according to claim 1.

[0011] This roller blind system comprises the typical components of the type: the winding shaft, the flexible sheet material that can be wound onto and unwound from it, and the pull rod at the distal end of the sheet material. The pull rod can be attached to the sheet material in various ways. For example, the pull rod can be surrounded by an end loop of the sheet material.

[0012] The roller blind system according to the invention further comprises, as is typical for this type of system, two guide rails arranged on opposite sides of the loading space, which have an open guide channel facing each other, in which the two ends of the extension rod are guided.

[0013] The winding shaft is typically positioned in front of the guide rails in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. As it unwinds, the sheet moves backwards in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0014] To prevent the movement of the extension rod in the winding direction within the guide channels, each of these guide channels has a tapered section. This tapered section is formed by two opposing surfaces: a fixed wall surface of the guide channel and a counter-surface that is deflectable perpendicular to the main direction of extension of the guide channel. Without external force being applied, these two surfaces are so close together that the outer end of the extension rod cannot pass through without deflecting the counter-surface.

[0015] To move the extension rod from the defined holding position beyond the tapered channel section, deflection of the opposing surface is required. The coil spring of the winding shaft alone does not exert sufficient force to guide the extension rod through the tapered channel section while simultaneously deflecting the opposing surface. This opposing surface is subjected to force by a leaf spring extending in the main direction of the guide rail towards the fixed wall surface.

[0016] In a roller blind system according to the invention, the guide rails are thus designed in a structurally very simple manner such that, until an external releasing force is applied, they are able to hold the extension rod against the force of a coil spring of the roller blind system and also against the force of vibrations typically occurring during vehicle operation. For this purpose, the aforementioned leaf spring is provided as part of the guide rail, extending parallel to the main direction of extension of the guide rail and attached at one end to a fixed section of the guide rail. The opposite end is provided on the aforementioned mating surface.

[0017] This design is not only very simple and cost-effective, but has also proven to be highly reliable. Furthermore, it allows for a very compact guide rail, particularly in terms of height. With regard to the installation situation, a guide rail can be achieved that does not exceed a height of approximately 20 mm, even in the area of ​​the tapered channel section. Depending on the specific structural conditions of the vehicle, this can represent a significant advantage.

[0018] The fixed wall surface is preferably formed by a component of the guide rail, which also forms the guide channel beyond the tapered channel section. Preferably, the guide channel in the area of ​​the tapered channel section is not specially shaped on the side of the fixed wall surface. The fixed wall surface is therefore preferably only a section of the continuous flat wall surface of the guide channel.

[0019] According to the invention, the mating surface is formed by a surface integrally connected to the leaf spring. This eliminates a component and a corresponding assembly or manufacturing step. In such a design, a type of bend is preferably provided at the end of the leaf spring, which forms the mating surface.

[0020] It is generally considered advantageous for the leaf spring to be a metallic component, particularly one made of spring steel, in order to prevent relaxation phenomena even over the long service life of a motor vehicle. To the same end, a flexible section of the leaf spring, at least 20 mm long, is provided between the guide rail and the opposing surface. This allows even slight deformation of the leaf spring to be sufficient to guide the extension rod through the tapered channel section. In a design according to the invention, the flexible section of the leaf spring is formed at least substantially parallel to the main extension direction of the guide rail (+ / - 20°).

[0021] The guide rails themselves are usually made of plastic, at least in the area of ​​the guide channel. In a special, but not preferred, design, the leaf spring could also be a plastic part, and in a particularly simple design, even be integral with the main component of the guide rail that forms the guide channel.

[0022] The leaf spring is guided, at least on the guide rail side, either at two spaced-apart support points or over a longer support section (>= 5 mm) to ensure that any deflection of the opposing surface is accompanied by a bending deformation of the leaf spring. Preferably, at least two support points or a longer support section (>= 5 mm) are also provided on the opposing section side, where the leaf spring is fixedly attached to the opposing section. The aforementioned flexible area is provided between the support sections or support points on both sides.

[0023] Since the arrangement of the tapered channel section is preferably such that the extension rod can be fixed in a rear end position when the surface structure is unwound, this tapered retaining section is preferably also provided at the end of the guide channel.

[0024] It is particularly advantageous if the leaf spring is attached to the fixed part of the guide rail on the side closer to the winding shaft. This also promotes a compact design, as the extension rod can be guided almost to the end of the guide rail and fixed there.

[0025] Because the extension rod does not need to be rotatable to allow for disengagement, it is possible to adapt the extension rod to the clear width of the guide channel in such a way that it cannot rotate within the channel. It is also possible for the extension rod to have a vertical extension at its end projecting into the guide channel that corresponds to at least 90% of the clear width of the guide channel. The clear width here refers to sections of the guide channel other than the tapered channel sections, i.e., to the clear width permanently defined by the guide channel.

[0026] These measures are also suitable for designing a very compact guide rail, especially in the vertical direction. The guide channel can be designed with a small clear width.

[0027] The extension rod, the tapered channel section, and the leaf spring are preferably matched such that a force of at least 3 Newtons is required to move the extension rod through the tapered channel section against the force of the leaf spring. This force specification refers to each guide rail individually and also includes an additional force applied to the restoring force of the coil spring. This force, acting in the direction of the winding shaft, is applied by an operator who can release the extension rod from either side with a short push. The specification of 3 Newtons indicates that when the extension rod is subjected to a total longitudinal force of 6 Newtons on the winding shaft, it is able to simultaneously traverse the tapered channel sections provided in the guide rails on both sides.

[0028] In a roller blind system according to the invention, each of the two guide channels has at least one tapered channel section of the type described, in order to allow the extension rod to be fixed in a defined position. However, a design is advantageous in which each guide channel has at least two tapered channel sections for blocking the extension rod in at least two different extension positions. This also makes it possible to achieve semi-open positions of the roller blind system, which may be desirable depending on the application.

[0029] The described roller blind system is preferably designed without an end panel, so that the extension rod, optionally by being wrapped around the surface structure, forms the rear edge. Thus, the rear edge defined by the extension rod is preferably straight along the transverse direction of the vehicle in a roller blind system according to the invention.

[0030] The use of such a roller blind system for the cargo area of ​​a motor vehicle is therefore particularly suitable for the following cases.

[0031] The use of this roller blind system is particularly advantageous when, to compensate for the lack of a curved end panel, the cargo compartment hatch has a specific design, namely a straight edge that faces inwards and rests parallel to the edge formed by the extension rod, creating a non-disruptive gap of no more than 30 mm, and preferably no more than 20 mm when the entire panel is fully extended. This straight edge on the cargo compartment hatch and the straight edge at the end of the flexible panel allow the cargo compartment to be largely and completely closed off from view.

[0032] The roller blind system is also suitable for use in motor vehicles where the winding shaft, in particular as part of a winding shaft cassette with integrated winding shaft, can be moved between a usage position and a stowed position, and where a storage compartment is provided in the cargo area to accommodate the winding shaft or the cassette with winding shaft.

[0033] Systems with a bulky end panel are problematic here, as they necessitate a significant enlargement of the storage compartment. The winding shaft, or the entire cassette with the winding shaft, is preferably repositioned along a vertically operating guide system also provided in the cargo space. The storage compartment for the winding shaft in its stowed position is preferably a compartment in the cargo floor accessible from above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Further aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the claims. Exemplary embodiments are described below, which serve to further explain the invention. Fig. 1a and Fig. Figure 1b shows a motor vehicle according to the invention with a roller blind system according to the invention in its operating state and its storage state. Fig. Figure 2 shows the cargo space of the motor vehicle according to the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b in a schematic top view. Fig. 3a and Fig. Figure 3b shows in detail the function of the guide rail and the tapered channel section provided for holding an extension rod. Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows alternative designs of such a guide rail. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION EXAMPLES

[0035] The Fig. 1a and Fig. Figure 1b shows a side view of a motor vehicle 10, which has a cargo space 12. A roller blind system 20 is provided to cover this cargo space 12, the main components of which are a winding shaft 22 within a winding shaft cassette 21, a surface structure 24 and an extension rod 26 closing the distal end of the surface structure 24.

[0036] The winding shaft cassette 21 is located between a storage position in a storage compartment 16, as shown in Fig. 1b, and a utility position, shown in Fig. 1a, vertically movable. In the operating position of the winding shaft cassette 21, the sheet structure 24 can be unwound from the winding shaft 22, in particular by manually applying tensile force to the extension rod 26. During extension, the extension rod 26 is guided in guide rails on both sides of the loading area. The extension rod, as also shown in particular by the Fig. As can be seen from Figure 2, a straight design is used, and together with an encirclement by the surface structure 24, it forms a rear end edge 26z of the surface structure 24. This end edge 26z is straight, unlike in many known roller blind systems. A rigid end panel, which significantly extends beyond the extension rod to the rear and thus contributes substantially to the coverage of the cargo space, is deliberately omitted.

[0037] As can be seen from the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b as well as the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the cargo door 14 of the motor vehicle 10 also has a closing edge 14z, which, despite the generally convex shape of the cargo door 14, is also straight. In the fully rearward-shifted state of the extension rod 26, the following is thus possible: Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the cargo space 12 is completely covered. Only a narrow gap remains between the end edges 14z and 26z, this gap having a constant width and preferably being less than 30 mm, and particularly less than 20 mm. Due to the straightness of the end edges 14z and 26z, a design with a significantly narrower gap, or even a gapless design, is also easily possible.

[0038] The Fig. 3a and Fig. Figure 3b shows a preferred embodiment of the guide rail 30. The guide rails 30 each have guide channels 32 facing each other, in which the outer ends of the extension rod 26 are guided.

[0039] To fix the extension rod 26 in a rear end position when the surface structure is unwound, a tapered channel section 34 is provided, which in the state of Fig. 3a has a clear width that is less than the diameter of the circular cylindrical extension rod 26. This tapered channel section 34 is defined by two wall surfaces, namely a fixed wall surface 34a and an opposing deflectable counter-surface 34b. The deflectable counter-surface 34b can be moved relative to its position of the Fig. 3a must be moved so that the extension rod 26 can be passed through. This is shown by the Fig. 3b explained. In the state of Fig. 3a the extension rod 26 is prevented by the surfaces 34a, 34b from being pulled to the right by the spring force of a coil spring not shown.

[0040] The deflectable counter surface 34b is manufactured here as a component made of the same material and in a similar design to the other sections defining the guide channel 32. The deflectability is achieved by a leaf spring 40 in the form of a flat metal strip, which is attached to both the fixed part of the guide rail 30 and the counter surface 34b by means of two support points 42a and 42b, respectively. The section 44 of the leaf spring 40 located between these support points forms a bending zone within which the elastic deformation of the leaf spring takes place to deflect the counter surface 34b.

[0041] As shown by the Fig. 3a and Fig. As is readily apparent in 3b, this design results in a very compact structure and allows for a guide rail 30 that is very small in volume in relation to the vehicle's vertical direction.

[0042] The holding force, indirectly provided by the leaf spring 40, is overcome by the operator striking the extension rod 26 briefly or moving it a few centimeters towards the winding shaft to overcome the tapered channel section, allowing the sheet material to then be wound onto the winding shaft. The force required for this is preferably 6 Newtons or more to overcome the tapered channel sections on both sides.

[0043] Based on the Fig. 4 explains that several tapered channel sections 34 can also be provided on the same guide rail 30 in order to enable the extension rod 26 to be fixed in different extension states.

[0044] The design of the Fig.The embodiment 5 differs from the preceding embodiments in that the counter surface 34b is a direct section of the leaf spring 40, thus eliminating the need for a further component. This allows for a particularly economical design.

Claims

[1] Roller blind system (20) for covering a cargo space (12) comprising: a. a winding shaft (22), a flexible sheet structure (24) that can be wound onto and unwound from it for covering the cargo space (12), and an extension rod (26) attached to a distal end of the sheet structure (24), and b. on opposite sides of the cargo space (12) guide rails (30) with an open guide channel (3) for guiding the extension rod between a first position in which the sheet structure (24) is wound onto the winding shaft (22) and a second position in which the sheet structure (24) is unwound from the winding shaft (22), characterized by , that c. the guide channel (32) has at least one tapered channel section (34) for blocking the movement of the extension rod (26), which is formed by a fixed wall surface (34a) of the guide channel and an opposing counter surface (34b) that can be deflected transversely to the direction of extension, d. that the deflectable counter surface (34b) is subjected to force by a leaf spring (40) extending in the direction of extension (2) of the guide rail (30) in the direction of the fixed wall surface (34a), and e. that the opposite surface (34b) is formed by a surface (34b) integrally connected with the leaf spring (40). [2] Roller blind system (20) according to claim 1, characterized by , that a. the leaf spring (40) is mounted on the guide rail (30) on the side of the counter surface (34b) facing the winding shaft (22). [3] Roller blind system (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a. the extension rod is adapted to a clear width of the guide channel in such a way that it is not rotatable in the guide channel and / or b. that the extension rod (26) has a vertical extension of its end projecting into the guide channel (32) which corresponds to at least 90% of a clear width of the guide channel (32). [4] Roller blind system (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a. the drawbar (26), the tapered channel section (34) and the leaf spring (40) are matched to each other in such a way that a force of at least 3 Newtons is required to move the drawbar (26) against the force of the leaf spring (40) through the tapered channel section (34). [5] Roller blind system (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a. the guide channel (30) has at least two tapered channel sections (34) for blocking the extension rod (26) in at least two different extension states. [6] Roller blind system (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a. the leaf spring (40) has a bending area (42) whose length in the extension direction of the guide channel (30) is at least 20 mm, and / or b. the tapered channel section (34) is arranged in the guide rail (30) such that the extension rod (26) is thereby blocked in a rear end position within the guide channel (32), and / or c. the leaf spring (40) is made of metal, and / or d. the guide rails (30) have a maximum height of 20mm. [7] Motor vehicle (10) with a cargo space (12) and a roller blind system (20) for covering the cargo space (12), characterized by , that a. the roller blind system (20) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 6. [8] Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 7, characterized by , that a. the cargo space (12) is limited at its rear end by a pivoting cargo door (14), b. the cargo compartment flap (14) has an inwardly facing straight end edge (14z) at the level of the guide rails (30) of the roller blind system (20), and c. the extension rod (26) has a straight end edge (26z) at its distal end. [9] Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by , that a. the winding shaft (22) in the cargo space (12) is positionally variable between a usable position and a stowed position, and that b. a storage compartment (16) is provided in the cargo space to accommodate the winding shaft (22) in the stowed position.

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