Cover device for a cargo space

Abstract

Cover device (10) for covering a cargo space having a width B and a length L, comprising - a housing (30) which has the width B of the cargo space and can be detachably arranged in it, - a cover element (12) which is held on the housing (30) and which can be extended with a free end (13) from the housing (30) in a main covering direction so that it can assume a covering position in which the cargo space is covered, wherein - at least one retaining element (26) is arranged on the housing (30), which extends from the housing (30) in a gap-covering direction opposite to the main covering direction, and holds a shaft (20) extending parallel to the housing (30) outside the housing (30), - and the cover element (12) extends from the shaft (20) in the main cover direction, so that in the cover position the cover element (12) extends from the housing (30) both in the gap cover direction and in the main cover direction, characterized in that means for height compensation are provided which hold the shaft (20) at a constant height regardless of a gap width (S), wherein the retaining elements (26) are each arranged on the housing (30) by means of an associated connecting lever (50), and a movement of the retaining elements (26) in the gap cover direction can be compensated by pivoting the connecting levers (50) as a corresponding counter-movement such that the shaft (20) arranged on the retaining elements (26) is always held at the same height.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a cover device comprising a housing and a cover element arranged thereon, in particular to a cover device for the cargo space of a vehicle.

[0002] Cover devices for vehicle cargo areas, particularly vehicle interiors extending behind a rear seat, are known. In a typical embodiment, this is a rigidly designed cover plate that is held in the area of ​​the rear seat and extends towards the tailgate in a direction opposite to the usual direction of travel.

[0003] In another version, a cover element is flexible and extendable, and is attached to or housed within a casing. The vehicle interior is covered by pulling a free end of the cover element across the interior towards the rear of the vehicle, where the free end is fixed at a distance from the casing. The casing itself is usually detachably located in the area of ​​the rear seat, allowing it to be removed when not in use. Due to manufacturing tolerances, and also to facilitate the insertion and removal of the cover, a gap remains between the side of the casing facing the rear seat and the seat itself. This gap is not covered by the cover element, particularly when the position of the rear seat is changed by moving or folding it down.To solve this problem, various types of cover devices are known, comprising several cover elements that can be stretched in different directions. The shape of the cover elements is adapted to the shape of the vehicle interior to ensure optimal coverage. For example, the width may taper towards the rear.

[0004] Such a device is known, for example, from DE 102 08 642 A1. Shown is a cargo space cover device with a housing and a first cover element held therein, extending from the housing in a first direction, and two further cover elements extending in a second direction.

[0005] DE 10 2010 025 213 A1 shows a cargo space cover device with a housing which can accommodate two cover elements that can be extended in opposite directions.

[0006] These multi-part designs have the disadvantage that the assembly effort, and therefore usually the cost, is relatively high. Their use is also relatively complex, as several parts / cover elements must be aligned to achieve optimal coverage of the cargo area.

[0007] JP H07-149 188 A shows a rotatably mounted shaft on both side walls of a luggage compartment, parallel to a winding shaft. A contact rod extending across the width of the vehicle is located at the end of an arm projecting from the rotating shaft towards the rear of a seat backrest. By pulling a cover from the winding shaft, a coil spring pre-tensions the contact rod through the cover, rotating it in the direction in which it is pressed against the back of the seat backrest.

[0008] The present invention is based on the objective of providing an improved covering device with which a cargo space, in particular the cargo space of a motor vehicle, can be covered in such a way that the gap which forms between the housing and a vehicle part, in particular a rear seat, is concealed by a covering element which is simple and cost-effective in production and application.

[0009] This problem is solved by a covering device with the features of claim 1. It is provided that a single covering element extends from the housing in both a gap-covering direction and an opposite main-covering direction. The covering element extends from a shaft, which is arranged as close as possible to the backrest of the rear seat, in the main-covering direction. The shaft is held by at least one retaining element from the housing in a gap-covering direction opposite to the main-covering direction. Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

[0010] The cover device according to the invention is intended in particular for covering the vehicle interior, which extends from a rear seat towards the rear. The cargo area has a width B and a length L. Typically, the width B denotes the extent of the vehicle interior between two opposing side elements, which are arranged essentially symmetrically to a vertical vehicle center plane. The length L denotes the extent of the vehicle interior, or cargo area, between the rear seat and the rear.

[0011] The housing is typically located in the area of ​​the rear seat and extends along it across the entire width B of the vehicle interior. Preferably, the housing is detachably mounted, most often to the side elements of the vehicle. For example, the housing has retaining elements at opposite ends that can be positively connected to corresponding receiving devices on the side elements. The housing can be designed as a largely closed component or as a largely open frame construction.

[0012] Preferably, the covering device comprises two retaining elements, for example retaining ribs, arranged at opposite ends of the housing, each holding one end of a shaft outside the housing. The shaft can be fixedly or rotatably mounted between the retaining elements. The retaining elements extend from the housing in the gap-covering direction, forming an angle with the perpendicular. The gap-covering direction is opposite to the main covering direction, and the shaft is held at a clear distance from the housing in the gap direction, extending over approximately the entire width of the housing.

[0013] The cover element extends from the shaft in the main covering direction and is guided transversely to the housing, preferably through a guide gap in the housing. The clear distance and the diameter of the shaft are matched so that together they approximately correspond to the gap width, thus ensuring that the gap is optimally covered by the portion of the cover element extending between the shaft and the housing.

[0014] A handle is particularly preferred at the free end of the cover element, allowing the cover element to be fixed in the rear area. Specifically, the guide slot and the handle at the free end of the cover element act together as a locking device. For example, the handle at the free end is thicker than the guide slot in the housing. The free end with the handle can then no longer be pulled through the guide slot and holds the cover element against the housing.

[0015] To assume the covered position, the free end of the cover element can be pulled from the housing in the main covering direction. Specifically, the cover element is pulled out towards the rear of the vehicle and preferably detachably fixed at its free end in the rear area. For example, the cover element is guided through the guide slot of the housing and can be extended and compressed from there like an accordion.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the retaining element is pivotably arranged about a pivot point between a minimum and a maximum unfolding angle relative to the perpendicular to the housing, wherein a limiter is particularly preferably provided that determines the maximum unfolding angle. This limiter is intended to prevent the retaining element from falling down or folding over uncontrollably, especially when the cover is removed from the vehicle interior when not in use. In use, the backrest of the rear seat forms a stop point that limits the unfolding angle of the retaining elements.

[0017] Preferably, spacers are arranged in the end sections of the shaft, which find a stop point in the backrest. In particular, this prevents the cover element itself from coming into contact with the rear seat, thus preventing wear of the cover element due to abrasion. The spacers themselves can be either rotatably or fixedly mounted to the shaft.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the retaining elements are pre-tensioned in the gap-covering direction by a spring element, which automatically adjusts the optimal clear distance between the shaft and the housing.

[0019] In one embodiment, a connecting piece can be provided on the housing, to which the retaining elements are pivotally mounted. Depending on the vehicle type, the gap width that forms between one side of the housing and the rear seat can vary. In particular, the clear distance of the shaft, determined by the folding angle and the length of the retaining element, is adjusted according to the vehicle type to achieve optimal gap coverage. Preferably, the connecting piece projects beyond the housing in the gap-covering direction to be able to cover larger gap widths.

[0020] Height compensation devices are provided to maintain the shaft at a constant height, regardless of the extension angle of the retaining elements. For example, the retaining elements are designed to be length-adjustable to compensate for height loss. Each retaining element is pivotably mounted on the housing by means of an associated connecting lever, preferably a double-jointed bearing similar to a lever arm. The retaining elements and their associated connecting levers share a common pivot point, and the connecting levers are pivotally mounted on the housing about a further pivot point. The directions of rotation and pivoting movements of the retaining elements and the respective connecting levers about the common pivot point are opposite.Movement of the retaining elements in the gap-covering direction can be compensated for by pivoting the connecting levers as a corresponding counter-movement, such that the shaft arranged on the retaining elements is always kept at the same height. Preferably, the movement of the common pivot point occurs along a guide rail, which is, for example, arranged on an inner wall of a housing. Preferably, locking means are provided that fix the retaining elements and the connecting levers in the respective positions that ensure optimal gap coverage. For example, various detents are provided within the guide rail at which the retaining elements and / or the associated connecting lever can engage.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the pivot points of the two retaining elements are connected via a connecting axis, ensuring that the retaining elements always pivot synchronously. This prevents tilting, particularly in the case of a split rear bench seat, if the seat backrests are oriented differently. The connecting axis provides additional support for smooth parallel movement of the shaft. It is then sufficient for one of the retaining elements, or a spacer, to find a stop point on the rear bench seat. The retaining elements and the shaft then align themselves according to the seat whose backrest is in the rearmost position and thus forms the first stop point. In the case of a split rear bench seat, the shaft itself would, in exceptional circumstances, strike the backrest of the middle seat if its backrest is in the rearmost position.In the latter case, a circular protective profile on the spacer plate can take over the protection of the cover element.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the cover element can be wound onto and unwound from a winding spool in the manner of a roller blind. For example, the rotatably mounted shaft serves as the winding spool.

[0023] Preferably, the housing is designed in a cassette-like form and has a receiving area for receiving at least one section of the cover element.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, in addition to the shaft, a separate winding spool is provided onto which the cover element can be wound and unwound. This spool is mounted in the receiving area of ​​the housing. The housing has an opening facing the rear seat, through which the cover element is first guided in the direction of the gap and then around the shaft. Starting from the shaft, it then extends in the main covering direction through a guide gap in the housing. To wind up the cover element, the winding spool rotates, for example, under spring tension or by a motor, in the opposite direction to the main covering direction.

[0025] By guiding the cover element around the shaft and extending the cover element in the main covering direction, it accordingly extends from the housing in the covering position both in the gap covering direction and in the main covering direction.

[0026] The invention also encompasses an arrangement of the housing in the vehicle interior that is rotated by approximately 90° relative to the arrangement described above. In this case, the housing would extend over the length L of the vehicle interior, and the aforementioned gap would form between the housing and one of the side elements. Such a design can be advantageous, for example, in a van. Embodiments are also conceivable in which the shaft is held only by a single, preferably central, retaining element. Arranging the retaining element in the center of the shaft is preferred, as otherwise stability would be difficult to guarantee.

[0027] It should be noted that the features listed individually in the following claims can be combined with each other in any technically meaningful way and demonstrate further embodiments of the invention.

[0028] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a non-limiting embodiment, which is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. The figures schematically show: Fig. 1: a covering device according to the invention in a preferred embodiment, Fig. 2: a detailed view of an area of ​​the cover device, Fig. 3: a detailed view of a retaining element and a shaft, Fig. 4: a section through the housing of the cover device according to the invention, Fig. 5: a detailed view of an area of ​​a cover device, Fig. 6: a representation of the pivoting of a holding element using means for height compensation.

[0029] In the different figures, parts that are equivalent in function are always provided with the same reference symbols, so that they are usually only described once.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 shows a cover device 10 according to the invention in a preferred embodiment and its arrangement in relation to a rear seat 40 in the rear area of ​​a vehicle, wherein the vehicle body with the side elements delimiting the cargo space is not shown for clarity. The cover device 10 is designed to cover the cargo space, also referred to as the vehicle interior, with a width B and a length L, which extends between the rear seat 40 and a tailgate.

[0031] The cover device 10 comprises a housing 30, which is dimensionally stable and has two ends 35, the distance between which corresponds approximately to the width of the vehicle interior and which extends along the entire rear seat 40. In the area of ​​its ends 35, the housing 30 is detachably arranged on the side elements, leaving a gap 32 between a longitudinal side 31 of the housing 30 and the backrest of the rear seat 40.

[0032] Furthermore, the cover device 10 has a shaft 20 that is arranged outside the housing 30 and extends approximately parallel to the housing 30. Two retaining elements 26, pivotably arranged at opposite ends 35 of the housing 30, extend from the housing 30 towards the rear seat 40, also referred to as the gap-covering direction. The retaining elements 26 each hold an end section 25 of the shaft 20, on which a spacer washer 22 is additionally arranged. The rear seat 40 forms a stop point for the spacer washers 22.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover element 12 is attached to a winding spool 36 (in Fig. (1 not shown), which is rotatably mounted within the housing 30 and can be rolled up and down like a roller blind. To cover the vehicle interior, the cover element 12 can extend from the housing 30 in a main covering direction.

[0034] In Fig. In position 1, the cover device 10 is in the covered position. The free end 13 of the cover element 12 is guided from the winding spool 36 around the shaft 20 in the gap-covering direction and from there through the housing 30 in the main-covering direction towards the tailgate. To hold the cover device 10 in the covered position, the free end 13 of the cover element 12 is detachably fixed in the area of ​​the tailgate, for example to the tailgate itself or to the vehicle body.

[0035] According to the invention, the cover element 12 extends substantially from the housing 30 in a main covering direction in the covering position, and a part of the cover element 12 extends in the opposite direction, which corresponds to the gap covering direction.

[0036] In Fig. 2 is a detailed view of the in Fig. The area of ​​the cover device 10 is shown in the circled section of Figure 1. It can be seen how one of the pivotally mounted retaining elements 26 projects from one end 35 of the housing 30 and holds an end section 25 of the shaft 20. Also visible is one of the spacer washers 22, which are arranged at each of the end sections 25 of the shaft 20. These spacer washers 22 engage with the rear seat 40 and ensure that a free area remains between the rear seat 40 and the shaft 20, through which the cover element 12 can pass without rubbing against the rear seat 40. The retaining element 26 shown forms a projection angle α with the perpendicular, with the retaining elements 26 arranged at opposite ends 35 being connected to each other via a connecting axis 27, so that they always have the same projection angle α.

[0037] The illustration further shows how the cover element 12 is guided out of the housing 30 around the shaft 20 in the gap-covering direction and from there through the housing 30 in the main-covering direction. The main-covering direction is shown in Fig. 2 is represented by an arrow. It is also shown how the gap 32 between the rear seat 40 and one side of the housing 30 is covered by the cover element 12.

[0038] Fig. Figure 3 shows a further detailed view of how the cover element 12 is guided around the shaft 20 and how the shaft is held by the retaining element 26. The retaining element 26 is designed as a retaining web with two ends, the first end being fixedly or rotatably connected to an end region 25 of the shaft 20. A second end is arranged on the housing 30 (not shown here) via a connecting piece 29 such that they form a pivot point 28. The retaining elements 26, and thus also the shaft 20, are pivotally mounted via this pivot point 28, so that the clear distance of the shaft 20 from the housing 30 can be varied in the gap-covering direction. Thus, gaps 32 with different gap widths S between the housing 30 and the rear seat 40 can be covered by the cover element 12. The distance of the shaft 20 automatically adjusts to the respective gap 32 by pre-tensioning the retaining element 26 in the gap-covering direction by spring force.

[0039] Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows a highly simplified cross-section through a cover device 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The embodiment shown corresponds approximately to the embodiment already described above, whereby, for the sake of clarity, the depiction of individual elements, such as the connecting piece 29 for arranging the retaining element 26 and means for holding the winding spool 36, has been omitted. The cross-section shows the winding spool 36, which is rotatably mounted in the housing 30 and holds the cover element 12. Black arrows indicate how the cover element 12 is guided from the winding spool 36 around the shaft 20 and then through the guide slot 38 of the housing 30. A protective profile 70, which is attached to the spacer discs 22 and extends between them, is also shown.The protective profile 70 is arranged between the shaft 20 and the rear seat 40, with a gap being created between the shaft 20 and the protective profile so that the cover element 12 is not pinched by the rear seat 40.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 20 is arranged at the same height relative to the guide gap 38 of the housing 30, so that the covering element 12 extends along a straight plane. The clear distance A in the gap-covering direction between the shaft 20 and a longitudinal side 31 of the housing 30, together with the diameter D of the shaft 20, corresponds approximately to the gap width S that forms at this height between the longitudinal side 31 of the housing 30 and the rear seat 40.

[0041] How Fig. Figure 5 shows that the retaining elements 26 are each arranged at the ends 35 of the housing 30 via a connecting piece 29. The retaining elements 26 and the connecting pieces 29 each form a pivot point 28 around which the retaining elements 26 are pivotally mounted, with the connecting pieces 29 being able to project beyond the housing 30. This makes it possible to cover gaps 32 with larger gap widths S.

[0042] In Fig.Figure 6 shows a retaining element 26 pivotally mounted about a pivot point 52, or joint 52, on a connecting piece 29 designed as a connecting lever 50. The connecting lever 50 is also pivotally mounted about a pivot point 54, with the directions of rotation of the pivoting movements of the retaining element 26 and the connecting lever 50 being opposite. These interact in such a way that a movement of the retaining element 26 in the gap-covering direction, shown here by a dotted arrow, can be compensated for by a counter-movement of the connecting lever 50. This ensures that a shaft 20 (not shown in the figure) arranged on the retaining element 26 is always held at the same height H. Such an arrangement, similar to a hinged lever, is suitable as a means for height compensation in a covering device according to the invention.Preferably, locking means are provided in the area of ​​the housing 30, which hold the retaining element 26 and the connecting lever 50 in their positions. Also shown, in dashed lines, is an optional guide rail 60, along which the movement of the common pivot point 52 of the retaining element 26 and the connecting lever 50 takes place. Reference sign 10 Cover device 12 Cover element 13 free ending 20th wave 22 spacer 25 End range 26 retaining element 28 Joint point 29 Connecting piece 30 cases 31 Long side 32 gaps 35 End 36 winding spool 38 Guide gap 40 rear seat 50 connecting levers 52 Joint point, joint 54 Joint point 60 guide rail 70 Protection profile S gap width

Claims

[1] Covering device (10) for covering a cargo space having a width B and a length L, comprising - a housing (30) which has the width B of the cargo space and can be detachably arranged in it, - a cover element (12) which is held on the housing (30) and which can be extended with a free end (13) from the housing (30) in a main covering direction so that it can assume a covering position in which the cargo space is covered, wherein - at least one retaining element (26) is arranged on the housing (30), which extends from the housing (30) in a gap-covering direction opposite to the main covering direction, and holds a shaft (20) extending parallel to the housing (30) outside the housing (30), - and the cover element (12) extends from the shaft (20) in the main cover direction, so that in the cover position the cover element (12) extends from the housing (30) both in the gap cover direction and in the main cover direction, characterized by , that means for height compensation are provided which keep the shaft (20) at a constant height regardless of a gap width (S), wherein the retaining elements (26) are each arranged on the housing (30) by means of an associated connecting lever (50), and a movement of the retaining elements (26) in the gap-covering direction can be compensated by pivoting the connecting levers (50) as a corresponding counter-movement such that the shaft (20) arranged on the retaining elements (26) is always kept at the same height. [2] Cover device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the retaining element (26) is arranged pivotably about a pivot point (28) on the housing (30). [3] Covering device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the retaining element (26) is pre-tensioned in the gap-covering direction by a spring element. [4] Cover device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that two retaining elements (26) are provided, which are arranged at opposite ends (35) of the housing (30). [5] Covering device (10) according to the preceding claim and claim 2, characterized by , that the pivot points (28) of the two retaining elements (26) are connected to each other via a connecting axis (27). [6] Cover device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cover element (12) can be wound onto and unwound from a winding spool (36). [7] Covering device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the shaft (20) forms the winding coil (36). [8] Cover device (10) according to claim 4, characterized by, that the winding coil (36) is arranged in a receiving area of ​​the housing (30). [9] Covering device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a spacer disk (22) is arranged at each of the end regions (25) of the shaft (20). [10] Cover device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a protective profile (70) is arranged between the shaft (20) and the rear seat (40), and that the protective profile (70) extends between the two end regions (25) of the shaft (20).

Images