motor vehicle

Abstract

Motor vehicle (1) comprising an engine compartment, a passenger compartment, a trunk and a further additional storage space (12) accessible from the outside of the motor vehicle (1), wherein the additional storage space (12) is designed to accommodate a compact scooter (2), wherein the additional storage space (12) - in a longitudinal beam (10) and / or - is arranged in a sill, wherein the additional storage space (12) has a charging station for charging a battery (20) of the compact scooter (2), characterized in that the additional storage space (12) has a slot (11) which is designed in such a way that it contains a charging tray for the compact scooter (2), wherein the slot (11) is arranged so that after the slot (11) is inserted into the longitudinal member (10) the charging tray is connected to a battery system of the motor vehicle (1).

Description

[0001] The high traffic density of motor vehicles in metropolitan areas is increasingly leading to the demand to park vehicles outside the city center or at the city limits and to bridge the so-called "last mile" with an individual mobile solution. In particular, this mobile solution should be transportable by the vehicle itself.

[0002] German patent DE 10 2015 110 730 A1 discloses a lifting device for a vehicle, designed to be attached to the vehicle. A lifting arm is rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket. Furthermore, a docking structure is supported by the lifting arm. The docking structure is designed to lift the personal mobility device. The docking structure also includes an electrical connection for connecting to the electrical connection of the personal mobility device.

[0003] Another last-mile mobility solution is disclosed in US Patent 9,211,932 B1. This patent discloses a self-propelled unicycle. The self-stabilizing unicycle can be used either independently of a motor vehicle as a standalone means of transportation or disassembled and integrated into the motor vehicle. The self-stabilizing unicycle consists of a wheel body and a wheel rotatably attached to the wheel body, as well as a motor that drives the wheel. The assembled self-stabilizing unicycle is an individual means of transportation. Furthermore, the unicycle can be disassembled, and the disassembled wheel can be used for the motor vehicle's suspension.

[0004] German patent DE 10 2013 020 180 A1 discloses a vehicle with a receiving unit for a folded folding vehicle. The receiving unit is at least partially arranged in a bumper unit.

[0005] DE 10 2012 018 219 A1 discloses a rear-mounted transport device for a motor vehicle with a container that can be arranged below a floor plate of the motor vehicle and is movably mounted between a transport position and a loading and unloading position extended at the rear, and which is designed to receive and releasably fix a folding wheel.

[0006] DE 10 2013 003 567 A1 discloses a receiving unit for arranging at least one foldable two-wheeler in or on a vehicle and a vehicle with at least one such receiving unit.

[0007] DE 10 2005 032 643 A1 discloses a storage device for a vehicle.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide an advantageous motor vehicle for transporting a mobile solution for overcoming the so-called "last mile". In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a solution that does not reduce the available storage space.

[0009] This problem is solved by a motor vehicle according to claim 1. The dependent claims contain advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0010] The present invention discloses a motor vehicle with which a compact scooter can be transported. The motor vehicle comprises an engine compartment, a passenger compartment, a trunk, and an additional storage compartment. The additional storage compartment is accessible from the outside of the motor vehicle and is designed to accommodate a compact scooter. According to the invention, the additional storage compartment is arranged in a longitudinal member and / or in a sill. The additional storage compartment has a charging station for charging the compact scooter's battery. The additional storage compartment has a slot designed to contain a charging tray for the compact scooter, the slot being configured such that, after being inserted into the longitudinal member, the charging tray is connected to the motor vehicle's battery system.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the dimensions of the additional storage space correspond to the dimensions of the compact scooter. The dimensions of the compact scooter can vary considerably depending on its use. Examples include a foldable kick scooter as a vehicle for one person or a foldable transport scooter suitable for carrying suitcases.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the vehicle according to the invention, the additional storage space has a cover designed to open and close, and according to a further embodiment, this cover can also be electrically operated. This cover is designed to close the storage space completely or partially. The covers can be of various designs. For example, covers with a hinge for opening, covers with a sliding rail hinge, separate covers with a plug-in closure, covers with a bayonet closure, or foldable covers are possible. The aforementioned types of covers are only examples and represent only a portion of the many variations of a cover on a vehicle.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the cover is an integral part of the vehicle's outer skin. The cover serves, for example, as a privacy screen and / or as protection against dirt and / or as an aerodynamic element. The design of the cover can be coordinated with the design of the vehicle's outer skin.

[0014] Preferably, the cover is designed to be lockable. This allows it to be locked, for example, via the central locking system while driving or when the vehicle is locked after driving. This prevents the scooter from being removed by an unauthorized person, for example, at a traffic light or in a parking lot.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the additional storage space has a receiving device designed to enable a tool-free, force-fit or form-fit connection between the compact scooter and the receiving device. Tool-free here means that no additional tools are required to open the receiving device. Nevertheless, the receiving device is designed such that a compact scooter is held in position during driving without falling out of its anchorage due to vibrations. Spring clamps, for example, can be used to hold the compact scooter firmly in position and can be easily opened by the driver of the motor vehicle to remove the compact scooter.

[0016] The receiving device can be electrically operated according to one embodiment. Operation can be via a control panel in the passenger compartment and / or via controls on a vehicle key and / or via controls located in the storage compartment.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the additional storage space has a slot, such as a drawer or a drawer.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the vehicle according to the invention, the storage compartment includes a charging station for charging the compact scooter's battery. The compact scooter's battery is connected to the charging station of the additional storage compartment as soon as the compact scooter is placed, hung, or otherwise secured within the additional storage compartment. This can be achieved using a simple cable with a plug connection, a charging cradle, or inductive charging methods.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the charging station is designed to charge the compact scooter's battery while driving. Charging the compact scooter's battery while driving has the advantage that the battery is partially or even fully charged when the journey ends. The compact scooter is then available for use at the end of the journey.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the vehicle has a battery system that powers an electric motor. In such a vehicle, the charging station can be configured to also charge the compact scooter's battery while the vehicle's battery system is being charged. For example, the vehicle's battery system can be charged externally. Charging the compact scooter's battery while the vehicle's battery system is being charged maintains the full power of the vehicle's battery system. The vehicle's range is not affected. Alternatively, the vehicle's battery system can be charged by an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell. In this case as well, charging the battery system also charges the compact scooter's battery.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the vehicle according to the invention, the charging station is designed to transmit the charging status of the compact scooter's battery to one of the vehicle's instruments. This instrument then transmits the charging status to the driver. Preferably, the instrument is integrated into the vehicle's console. For example, the driver can read or have the charging status of the compact scooter's battery announced while driving, so that the driver receives information while driving as to whether the vehicle's compact scooter is available to cover the so-called "last mile."

[0022] The present invention further discloses a motor vehicle according to the invention comprising a compact scooter.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, which includes a compact scooter, the compact scooter is equipped with a battery. The compact scooter is designed to be electrically powered. Alternatively, other drive systems can be installed, for example, solar-powered drive systems or drive systems based on fuel cell technology.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention with a compact scooter, the compact scooter is designed to be charged by the motor vehicle during operation of the motor vehicle and / or to be charged along with a battery system of the motor vehicle during charging.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, comprising a compact scooter, the compact scooter is foldable. Different types of compact scooters can achieve similar dimensions when folded by means of a suitable folding mechanism.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, which includes a compact scooter, the compact scooter has at least one wheel. Compact scooters come in a variety of types. These include single-wheeled scooters, two-wheeled scooters (such as kick scooters or scooter-scooters), three-wheeled scooters, and four-wheeled scooters, which can be used as transport scooters or as cargo scooters. Scooter bikes are also a possible alternative. Furthermore, compact scooters with more than four wheels are possible.

[0027] Further features, properties and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying figures. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment for the transport of a compact scooter in a longitudinal beam of a motor vehicle. Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a foldable compact scooter, which is schematically depicted in an unfolded state.

[0028] The following will be based on the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 an embodiment of a motor vehicle for transporting a compact scooter is described.

[0029] The present invention provides a motor vehicle 1 for transporting a compact scooter 2. In densely populated areas, there is a particular need for a simple solution to bridge the distance between the parked vehicle and the actual destination of the driver of the motor vehicle 1. The desired means of transport should be readily available and easily removable after the journey with the motor vehicle 1 has ended. Furthermore, the means of transport should not reduce the usable space in the motor vehicle 1. An electrically powered so-called "last mile" scooter would be ideal for this purpose. The compact scooter 2 of the present invention is, among other things, such a "last mile" scooter, which is helpful in large metropolitan areas.

[0030] An electrically powered compact scooter can solve the so-called "last-mile" problems of individual mobility. In particular, European metropolitan areas, such as London with 3 million inhabitants in the city center plus 8 million in the greater metropolitan area plus an additional 14 million in the surrounding region, or Chinese megacities like Shanghai with 15 million inhabitants in the city center, demand a clever solution to the "last mile" problem. Due to the lack of space in city centers and the lack of usable space in vehicles that must be readily available, one option for additional storage space is to integrate it into the vehicle's body or underbody. This additional storage space can then be equipped with a simple battery-powered scooter.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle 1 for transporting a compact scooter 2, wherein in this embodiment the additional storage space in the motor vehicle 1 is one of the longitudinal members 10 of the motor vehicle 1. The use of the longitudinal member 10 for the additional storage space does not reduce the otherwise usual usable storage space of the motor vehicle 1. The full availability of the storage space in the motor vehicle 1 is thus maintained. The longitudinal member 10 of a motor vehicle 1 is only one example of the integration of the additional storage space. Alternatively, the additional storage space can also be integrated into the sill of one of the doors of the motor vehicle 1. Furthermore, additional storage space can be integrated into a cavity in the body or in a cavity in the underbody structure.

[0032] The opening of the longitudinal beam 10 in Fig. 1 is equipped with a cover 3. The cover 3 serves as a privacy screen and / or protects against dirt. At the same time, it ensures that the aerodynamics of the vehicle 1 are not impaired by an open storage compartment. The design of the cover 3 is coordinated with the design of the vehicle's outer body panel. Fig. Figure 1 shows the cover 3 as a flap. It is attached to a hinge and, in this embodiment, can be operated manually and / or electrically. Alternatively, other covers 3 can be used. Examples include a cover 3 that is slid in front of the opening, a foldable cover 3, or a cover 3 that is not connected to the body and can be removed like a lid 3.

[0033] For the use of the additional storage space in the longitudinal beam 10 of the motor vehicle 1 in Fig. 1. The compact scooter is folded and inserted into a slot 11. The slot 11 has dimensions such that it can be inserted into the additional storage space of the longitudinal beam 10. Furthermore, the slot 11 is designed to accommodate a foldable compact scooter 2. Additionally, the slot 11 is designed to contain a charging tray for the compact scooter 2 (in Fig. (1 not shown). The insert 11 is received by the receiving device 4 and transported into the additional storage space 12. The receiving device 4 can be designed to extend or retract from the storage space 12, for example, in the form of a drawer or a telescopic extension. In the present embodiment, the receiving device 4 is designed as a telescopic extension and can be operated electrically either via a control panel in the passenger compartment or via controls on a vehicle key. Furthermore, controls are arranged on the additional storage space 12, which also allow operation of the receiving device 4 directly at the storage space 12. After the insert 11 is pushed into the longitudinal member 10, the charging tray is connected to the battery system of the vehicle 1.

[0034] To keep the compact scooter in position while riding, it is secured with spring clamps in this example. This type of fastening requires no tools and can be opened and closed quickly.

[0035] An electrically powered, foldable compact scooter 2, which in its folded state does not exceed the dimensions of the slot 11, is inserted into the slot 11 and connected to the charging cradle of the slot 11. The compact scooter 2 can be inserted precisely into the charging cradle.

[0036] In this embodiment, the battery in the compact scooter 2 is charged while driving. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vehicle 1 is a hybrid vehicle, so that the battery of the compact scooter 2 is charged either by an internal combustion engine or by a battery system used for the electric motor. In this embodiment, the battery of the compact scooter 2 is also charged when the battery system for the electric motor of the hybrid vehicle is being charged.

[0037] The charging status of the battery of the compact scooter 2 is transmitted to the driver in an instrument of the motor vehicle 1.

[0038] A foldable compact scooter 2 is in Fig. 2 shown. The one in Fig.The compact scooter 2, shown in its unfolded state, has a battery and is electrically powered. In addition to the electric drive, the compact scooter 2 in this embodiment also features a freewheel. This gives the compact scooter 2 greater flexibility in its use. In cases where the battery of the compact scooter 2 is not charged or the battery power is insufficient to cover the distance, the compact scooter 2 can also be used without the electric drive.

[0039] The different versions of the Compact Scooter 2 vary considerably. Some models have a single handlebar or a handlebar on which a mobile device or navigation system can be mounted. Others are designed for transporting luggage, heavy loads, elderly people, or people with disabilities. These are usually four-wheeled models. These four-wheeled Compact Scooters 2 can be flexibly configured by using two separate units. However, two-wheeled Compact Scooters 2 are more commonly used as kick scooters. Alternatively, a second Compact Scooter 2 can be used as a trailer.

[0040] To ensure the Compact Scooter 2 is lightweight and therefore easy for everyone to store, remove, and use, it can be made of a composite material. Alternatively, any other type of lightweight material can be used for its construction. The Compact Scooter 2's light weight combined with its small folded dimensions is particularly advantageous for businesspeople, tourists, residents of suburban areas, tradespeople, and the elderly.

[0041] The present invention is explained in detail with reference to an exemplary embodiment for illustrative purposes. However, a person skilled in the art will recognize that deviations from this exemplary embodiment are possible. For example, the compact scooter 2 can be a single-wheel scooter or a three-wheel scooter. The use of a scooter bicycle is also possible. Scooters with wheels several inches in diameter can also be accommodated in very large vehicles with a correspondingly large body. Other compact scooters 2 than those mentioned are also possible, as a person skilled in the art will readily recognize. Therefore, the invention is not intended to be limited by the exemplary embodiment, but only by the appended claims. Reference symbol list: 1 motor vehicle 2 compact scooters 3 Cover 4 Recording device 10 longitudinal beams 11 Insert 12 additional storage spaces 20 batteries

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle (1) comprising an engine compartment, a passenger compartment, a trunk and a further additional storage space (12) accessible from the outside of the motor vehicle (1), wherein the additional storage space (12) is designed to accommodate a compact scooter (2), wherein the additional storage space (12) - in a longitudinal beam (10) and / or - is arranged in a sill, wherein the additional storage space (12) has a charging station for charging a battery (20) of the compact scooter (2), characterized by , that the additional storage space (12) has a slot (11) which is designed to contain a charging tray for the compact scooter (2), wherein the slot (11) is arranged so that after the slot (11) is inserted into the longitudinal member (10) the charging tray is connected to a battery system of the motor vehicle (1). [2] Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the dimensions of the additional storage space (12) correspond to the dimensions of the compact scooter (2). [3] Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the additional storage space (12) has a cover (3) designed to open and close, and that the cover (3) is designed to completely or partially close the additional storage space (12). [4] Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 3, characterized by , that the cover (3) is electrically operable. [5] Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by , that the cover (3) is a component of the outer skin of the motor vehicle (1). [6] Motor vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the additional storage space (12) has a receiving device (4) designed to enable a tool-free, force- or form-fit connection between the compact scooter (2) and the receiving device (4). [7] Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the receiving device (4) is electrically operable. [8] Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 7, characterized by , that the receiving device (4) - via a control panel in the passenger compartment and / or - via controls on a vehicle key and / or - can be operated via controls located on the additional storage space (12). [9] Motor vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the charging station is designed to charge the battery (20) of the compact scooter (2) while driving. [10] Motor vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the motor vehicle (1) has a battery system supplying an electric motor and the charging station is designed to also charge the battery (20) of the compact scooter (2) while the battery system is being charged. [11] Motor vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , - that the charging station is designed to transmit a charging status of the battery (20) of the compact scooter (2) to one of the instruments of the motor vehicle (1) and - that the instrument of the motor vehicle (1) transmits the charging status of the compact scooter (2) to the driver. [12] Motor vehicle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11 with a compact scooter (2). [13] Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 12, characterized by , that the compact scooter (2) has a battery (20) and is designed to be electrically powered. [14] Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 13, characterized by , that the compact scooter (2) is designed in such a way, - to be charged by the motor vehicle (1) during operation of the motor vehicle (1) and / or - to be charged while charging a motor vehicle battery system (1). [15] Motor vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized by , that the compact scooter (2) is foldable. [16] Motor vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized by , that the compact scooter (2) has at least one wheel.

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