Load securing system and vehicle comprising such a system and a method for load securing

Abstract

System for securing at least one container (2) stacked on a roller platform (1) in a cargo space of a vehicle, the system comprising at least one rod (3) and at least one retaining element (4, 4.1, 4.2) for securing the at least one container (2) against unintentional slippage, characterized in that the at least one retaining element (4, 4.1, 4.2) is arranged in or on the rod (3) for movement from a rest position to an operating and holding position and vice versa, wherein at least one drive (7) is assigned to the rod (3) or the retaining element (4, 4.1, 4.2) to move the retaining element (4, 4.1, 4.2) between the rest position and the operating and holding position, wherein a bearing device (8) of the at least one retaining element (4, 4.1, 4.2) is completely enclosed inside the rod (3).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a load securing system, in particular a system for securing containers stacked on a rolling board in a loading space of a vehicle, as well as a vehicle comprising such a system and a method for load securing according to the independent claims. State of the art

[0002] Such systems are already known. For example, DE 10 2018 122 634 A1 describes a generic load securing system. Adjusting and adapting the retaining elements disclosed in DE 10 2018 122 634 A1 is time-consuming and therefore costly, particularly due to manual handling by the user, and requires process-safe handling by the user to ensure the correct securing position.

[0003] DE 10 2015 108 034 A1 discloses a device for securing cargo on the loading area of ​​a transport vehicle.

[0004] DE 10 2018 121 631 A1 discloses a load carrier for at least one load.

[0005] EP 3 326 861 A1 discloses a device for laterally securing a load in a loading space of a vehicle. Object of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved load securing system, in particular to eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages. Solution to the task

[0007] The subject matter of the independent claims leads to the solution of the problem. Advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

[0008] A system according to the invention for securing at least one container stacked on a rolling board in a loading space of a vehicle comprises at least one rod and at least one holding element for securing the at least one container against unintentional slipping. The at least one holding element is arranged in or on the rod for movement from a rest position to an operating and holding position, wherein at least one drive is assigned to the rod or the holding element in order to move the holding element between the rest position and the operating and holding position, wherein a bearing device for the at least one holding element is completely accommodated within the rod.

[0009] The at least one holding element can preferably move reversibly from the rest position into the operating and holding position and vice versa.

[0010] If at least one holding element is in the operating and holding position, it can secure the containers stacked on a rolling board against accidental slipping. If at least one holding element is in the rest position, the containers are not secured, for example, to allow loading and unloading.

[0011] The holding element can be mounted so that it can be folded and / or extended and retracted. The at least one drive can be configured to move the holding element between an extended or unfolded position and a retracted or folded position. The extended or unfolded position is a variant of an operating and holding position, and the retracted or folded position is a variant of a rest position.

[0012] The folding and unfolding described above can be performed as a pivoting movement. A pivot axis can be provided for this purpose.

[0013] The rod can be assigned exactly one drive. This can involve rods with one or more retaining elements.

[0014] Multiple drives can also be assigned to the rod. It's important to remember that each of these drives is assigned to exactly one holding element.

[0015] It could therefore be considered that at least one of the holding elements is mounted in or on the pole in a foldable manner. A retractable and extendable storage system could also be considered.

[0016] Furthermore, a combination of folding and retractable / extendable mounting is also possible. The holding element can thus perform a mixed movement, which includes both a folding movement and a retractable / extendable movement.

[0017] The rod according to the invention is preferably releasably secured at both ends in a vehicle. For this purpose, the rod preferably comprises a fastening device at both ends.

[0018] The bar according to the invention can, for example, be a locking bar that can be mounted in airline rails or similar systems arranged in the floor and ceiling of a vehicle or on the side walls of the vehicle. This is described, for example, in DE 10 2018 122 634 A1 and the referenced DE 202 18 780 U1.

[0019] The content of DE 10 2018 122 634 A1 is incorporated in its entirety into the present application.

[0020] Since the holding elements according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention are not moved manually but automatically between the aforementioned positions with the aid of the drive, they are designed to be smaller and thus more space-saving. One reason for this is, for example, that no knob, handle, or the like is required for manual operation on the respective holding element.

[0021] Another advantage is that the movement from one of the aforementioned positions to the other is faster than is the case with manual adjustment. In contrast to manual adjustment, when using a system according to the present invention, the responsible operator does not have to walk to each rod to adjust the holding elements located there. According to the present invention, it is possible to control all holding elements simultaneously. However, it is also conceivable to control only individually selected or previously defined holding elements simultaneously. It is also conceivable to have the control of the individual holding elements carried out according to a preset algorithm.

[0022] The system according to the invention is therefore space-saving and enables fast and reliable load securing.

[0023] Furthermore, the system according to the invention offers increased process reliability compared to known systems. Since at least one holding element is moved by the drive or by a drive, rather than manually as was previously the case, it can no longer happen that, for example, only a portion of the holding elements required for a load securing task is / are unfolded or extended. This is also advantageous in terms of occupational safety, because previously, loads were dangerously unsecured if the unfolding or extension of a holding element was forgotten.

[0024] A hinged mounting preferably enables rotation of at least one holding element. Such a hinged mounting could also be referred to as a pivotable mounting. A retractable and extendable mounting preferably enables translation of the holding element. A hybrid of both mountings accordingly enables a mixed movement with rotational and translational components. All of the mountings described above are conceivable within the scope of the present invention.

[0025] A further advantage of the retractable and foldable or extendable retaining element is that these retaining elements provide a clear and easily recognizable indication when the load is properly secured. In the secured state, the retaining elements preferably protrude essentially orthogonally, i.e., radially, from the rod. This state can be easily detected, for example, using a smartphone camera or a camera installed in the cargo area. Alternatively or complementarily, a success message documenting the achievement of the secured state can also be stored. To detect whether the secured state has been achieved, the use of sensors is conceivable, such as position sensors, optical sensors, rotation or angle sensors, etc.

[0026] The aforementioned information can then be stored in an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system or a document management system in an audit-proof and tamper-proof manner with appropriate date and time stamps. This way, proper load securing can be documented in an audit-proof manner and also proven in an emergency.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the holding elements can alternatively or additionally be marked at least partially with a clearly visible color, for example, red or orange. In particular, if this clearly visible color contrasts with the color of the rods, for example, if the rods are gray or black, an operator can determine the condition of the holding elements at a glance. Any type of drive can be considered. Electrical energy is preferred as the primary power source, although the conversion can also be achieved pneumatically or hydraulically, for example.

[0028] The at least one holding element is reversibly movable between the above-mentioned positions.

[0029] Preferably, the system comprises a plurality of rods, each with a plurality of holding elements. Whenever reference is made below to a single holding element and / or a single rod, this always includes a plurality of rods, which in turn may comprise a single holding element or multiple holding elements.

[0030] On the one hand, it can be conceived that the drive alone moves the holding element from one position to the other. In addition or alternatively, however, at least one energy storage element can also be conceived, which supports the movement of the at least one holding element into at least one of the positions or can exclusively ensure this movement. For example, the holding element can be preloaded by an energy storage element in the form of a spring in such a way that it is always in the extended or unfolded position without the corresponding action of the drive. Therefore, if the drive or an actuating element described in more detail below, in particular an actuating rod, does not act on the holding element in order to move it into the retracted or folded position, the holding element will be in the unfolded or extended position.In the embodiment described above, the energy storage element serves to ensure operational safety.

[0031] The actuating element can be designed as an actuating rod. Alternative designs are conceivable.

[0032] The at least one holding element can be elongated. It is conceivable that the holding element, in the operating and holding position, particularly when needed, acts on a container oriented substantially orthogonally to an imaginary longitudinal axis of the holding element.

[0033] An elongated design preferably means that a width and, if applicable, a height of the holding element are significantly smaller than a length of the holding element.

[0034] The support element can be essentially rectangular or oval. It can also be designed as a round bar or have a different shape.

[0035] A case of need here means that the holding element performs its safety function, for example during cornering or when accelerating or decelerating the vehicle, and prevents a container located nearby from unwanted movement within the vehicle or holds the container back.

[0036] An actuating element, which is movable with the aid of the at least one drive, can be assigned to the at least one rod. The actuating element can be configured to reversibly move at least one holding element from the extended or unfolded position into the retracted or folded position and vice versa. Alternatively, the actuating element can be configured to reversibly move all holding elements mounted in or on this rod from the extended or unfolded position into the retracted or folded position and vice versa. For this purpose, the actuating element can be operatively connected to the at least one holding element in a manner described in more detail below.

[0037] Each rod can comprise one or more actuating rods. According to one embodiment, a rod comprises several holding elements but only one actuating element, which actuates all holding elements assigned to this rod. The actuating element can, for example, be an actuating rod mounted so that it can be moved or rotated within the rod and which can, for example, come into operative connection with the holding elements via guide slots or other types of recesses or the like in order to move them. In the embodiment described above, end sections of the holding elements can engage in the guide slots of the actuating rod, so that the guide slots serve as a guide or bearing for the holding element when the actuating rod moves.

[0038] A movable actuating rod is preferably mounted in a form-fitting manner within the rod and can only be moved along the rod's longitudinal direction. A rotatable actuating rod can also be mounted in a form-fitting manner. Depending on the actuation, rotation and, in some embodiments, additional translation of the rotatably mounted actuating rod, for example, in the form of a screw movement, may be permitted.

[0039] In further embodiments, it may be envisaged that a rod may comprise several, each of which reversibly moves only one holding element or only a portion of the holding elements of the respective rod from the extended or unfolded position to the retracted or folded position, and vice versa. In this way, individual holding elements of a rod or a portion of the holding elements of a rod can be moved in a targeted manner and separately from the remaining holding elements of this rod.

[0040] Such targeted movement of individual holding elements or a group of holding elements of a rod is also possible if each holding element is assigned a separate drive.

[0041] The system may comprise a control device. The control device is advantageously configured to control the drive(s) of at least one rod. As explained in more detail below, both individual rods and individual drives of a single rod can optionally be controlled separately.

[0042] A control device generally comprises physical components of a data processing system that can control the drive(s) of at least one rod. For example, it can be a microprocessor, a computer, a programmable logic controller, or the like.

[0043] The control device can be configured to control the drives of all rods synchronously. As described in more detail below, with such a system, for example, a single push of a button is sufficient to move all holding elements from one position to the other.

[0044] The control system can also be configured to control the rod drives variably. For example, the drives can be controlled individually in a timed fashion. In this case, all existing drives or individually definable groups of drives are controlled sequentially, in a specified order, and at specified time intervals.

[0045] In particular, the control device can be configured to control the drives in combination. This allows several drives to be combined into groups that are controlled synchronously. These groups can, in turn, be controlled in a clocked manner relative to one another.

[0046] Alternatively, the control device can be configured to control all drives individually and independently of one another. If the controlled drives are directly connected to the support elements to be moved, the support elements can be moved individually and independently of one another. If the controlled drives are connected to all support elements of a rod or to a group of support elements of a rod via an actuating element, these support elements can be moved independently of the support elements connected to the other actuating elements of the system.

[0047] The control device can be operated via an operating element. For example, a switch, a button, or a touchpad in the vehicle could be considered, which allows an operator to easily move the holding elements from one position to another by operating the switch, button, or touchpad, for example.

[0048] Such a switch or button can be located in the cabin of the vehicle or in the cargo space, where the system according to the invention is typically installed. It is also possible to provide several such control elements. Advantageously, at least one control element is located in the cabin and at least one control element is located in the cargo space.

[0049] Alternatively, other control elements may also be considered. Within the scope of the present invention, control elements preferably refer to elements permanently installed in the vehicle, which are preferably connected wirelessly or by cable to the at least one control device. In contrast, the control devices described below preferably refer to external devices such as smartphones or the like, which are not permanently installed in the vehicle and are generally connected wirelessly to the control device. Mixed forms and alternative embodiments are conceivable.

[0050] Furthermore, it is conceivable to operate the control device by movements, for example, hand movements, or by voice commands. For this purpose, the control device can be assigned at least one suitable device for detecting such movements or voice commands.

[0051] As an alternative or in addition to the wired or wireless control elements and, if applicable, operation via voice commands or hand gestures, the control device can be operated via application software for mobile devices, in particular for smartphones, tablets, or the like, or via another wireless control device. Such application software is often referred to as a "mobile app," "app," or "smartphone app."

[0052] All of the above-mentioned options for operating the control device can be combined with one another.

[0053] The control device can be connected to the operating element and / or the operating device and / or to a device for detecting movements or voice commands in a wired or wireless manner. A connection between the control device and the operating element or the operating device is preferably wireless. The control device can also be connected to the at least one drive in a wired or wireless manner.

[0054] The at least one rod can have recesses or depressions, in particular in the geometric shape of elongated holes, to accommodate the retaining elements at least partially and advantageously essentially completely in the retracted or folded position. In this way, the retaining elements are protected in the retracted or folded position from damage that can occur, for example, during installation and removal of the rods.

[0055] Furthermore, rods with essentially fully retractable or foldable holding elements can also be used as passive locking rods without any additional functionality, provided the drives are not connected to the vehicle electrical system or another energy source. Fully retractable or foldable means that the holding elements are completely recessed into the rod's recesses. In this case, it could be considered to arrange energy storage elements such that their preload force moves the holding elements into the folded or retracted position, provided they are not moved into the unfolded or extended position by the actuating element. In this embodiment, the energy storage elements serve to prevent the holding elements from accidentally emerging from the rod's recesses.

[0056] Embodiments can also be envisaged in which the holding elements are not, or at least not completely, received in recesses in the rod in the folded or retracted position. Rods without recesses can also be envisaged in this case. Such embodiments can be envisaged in particular when a substantially complete reception of the holding elements is not required in order to prevent damage during installation and removal or for the optional use of the rods as passive locking rods. Advantageously, even in the above-described embodiment, the at least one holding element allows movement of the at least one container after folding or retracting, even though it is not substantially completely received in a recess in the rod.

[0057] A bearing device for the at least one holding element can be completely accommodated in the at least one rod. The bearing device is thus protected from contamination and damage.

[0058] Consideration may be given to installing sensors to monitor whether the holding elements are fully deployed or extended. As mentioned above, this could include position sensors, optical sensors, rotation or angle sensors, etc. Incomplete deployment or unfolding indicates, for example, that the holding element in question encountered an obstacle during deployment or unfolding, and the load is not properly secured. This could result in a corresponding warning message.

[0059] It may also be worth considering monitoring that the holding elements are folding in or retracting properly. This can be done, for example, by recording and monitoring the force required to move the actuating element. This could be the force exerted by the drive on the actuating element, for example. Depending on the type of drive, the force can also be determined by recording the torque and / or the speed. If this force exceeds a predetermined value, this could indicate that an object or body part, such as a finger, has become trapped between one of the holding elements and the corresponding recess. If the holding elements are not folded in or retracted properly, this can also result in a corresponding warning message.

[0060] Such a warning message can be provided visually or acoustically, for example, in the cargo area or in the vehicle's cabin. If, as already described, a smartphone is used as the control device, a warning message can also be displayed on the smartphone. In general, a warning message can be communicated to an operator in any way, as a text message, visually, acoustically, and / or haptically, for example, by vibrating a smartphone or similar.

[0061] In addition to the warning messages described above, success messages are also conceivable, for example in the form of a green light installed in the vehicle or in the form of a success message displayed on the control element or control device, such as the smartphone.

[0062] The control device may further be configured to immediately cause the holding elements to fold out or extend when such a limit value is exceeded in order to keep the damage or injury as low as possible.

[0063] The monitoring steps described above are also intended to be part of an embodiment of the method according to the invention described in more detail below.

[0064] The present invention further relates to a vehicle for transporting cargo, wherein the vehicle has a cargo space comprising a vehicle roof, a vehicle floor, and vehicle side walls, and wherein the vehicle comprises a system as described above. To accommodate and secure the rods, the vehicle can be equipped with recesses or rails in the vehicle floor and in the vehicle roof, as described in DE 10 2018 122 634 A1. In this respect, the content of DE 10 2018 122 634 A1 is incorporated in its entirety into the present application. It is also conceivable that to accommodate and secure the rods, the vehicle is equipped with recesses formed or rails arranged in both vehicle walls.

[0065] A control element for operating the control device, as already mentioned above, can be installed in the vehicle. This can be a button, a switch, or the like. "Operating" here means influencing the control device to move the holding elements from one position to another.

[0066] Such a control element provided in the vehicle can be wired, for example, connected to the vehicle's electrical system. A vehicle's electrical system typically includes means for communication between the connected components, such as a bus system, and also provides power to the connected components. In this way, both the power supply to the control element and the flow of information to the control device can be carried out via the electrical system.

[0067] A wireless control element is also possible. A wireless connection can be provided between the control element, for example, located on a side wall of the vehicle's cargo area, and the control device. In this case, the control element can be equipped with a power source such as a battery or accumulator, or it can be connected to the vehicle's electrical system solely for power supply.

[0068] It is also possible to attach the control element to one of the system's rods installed in the vehicle. The control device can also be located in the rod supporting the control element. This creates a system that can be used flexibly and reversibly in the vehicle with minimal installation effort. The rod drives only need to be connected to the vehicle's electrical system for power supply. By operating the control element, the holding elements are moved between the two positions, with the necessary commands being sent wirelessly from the control device in the rod supporting the control element to the other rods using appropriate radio modules.

[0069] It may also be conceivable to control a first plurality of bars, for example, installed one behind the other in a row, using a control element on one of these bars, while a second plurality of bars in the same cargo space is controlled by another separate control element. The aforementioned additional control element can, for example, be attached to a bar of the second plurality of bars.

[0070] Alternatively, however, each rod can be equipped with a control element that exclusively controls the drive and thus also the holding elements of the respective rod. This eliminates the need for a control device.

[0071] All embodiments of the system according to the invention can preferably be reversibly fixed to airline rails or the like in the vehicle, as described, for example, in DE 10 2018 122 634 A1 and in DE 202 18 780 U1 referenced therein.

[0072] As an alternative to the operating element, the holding elements can also be controlled by the operating device mentioned above. It is conceivable, for example, to enable the control of individual actuating rods or all actuating rods, or individual holding elements, or all holding elements of individual rods, or all rods, via software.

[0073] The rods can be designed so that the holding elements can be manually moved from one position (extended or unfolded) to the other (retracted or folded), for example, in the event of a power failure. For this purpose, the actuating element can, for example, comprise a device for manual actuation. Any force exerted by the drive on the actuating element, even when stationary or during a power failure, is overcome during manual adjustment.

[0074] Features described above with regard to the system also advantageously apply to the vehicle and vice versa.

[0075] The present invention further encompasses a method for securing containers stacked on a rolling board in a cargo space of a vehicle. Features described above with regard to the system and / or the vehicle can also be used in the method, and vice versa.

[0076] The method according to the invention comprises the following steps: - Moving the at least one holding element into the rest position, in particular into the retracted or folded position - Positioning the rolling board with at least one container on it on the vehicle floor - Moving the at least one holding element into the operating and holding position, in particular into the extended or unfolded position, in order to prevent movement of the at least one container, wherein the movement of the at least one holding element is effected by a drive.

[0077] It is conceivable that an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic drive is used to effect the movement of the holding element.

[0078] In order to assume the operating and holding position, in particular in order to assume the extended or unfolded position, the at least one holding element can be aligned with the at least one container in such a way that the longitudinal axis of the holding element runs substantially parallel to a side wall of the container.

[0079] A movement of the actuating element already described above with regard to the system causes at least one holding element or all holding elements of the respective rod to be moved selectively either into the extended / unfolded position or into the retracted / folded position.

[0080] The control device can be operated by activating the application software for mobile devices (mobile app, smartphone app, app), by using the radio remote control, or by using another wireless control device. This can be done alternatively or in addition to operation using the previously described control element.

[0081] A connection to the vehicle's electrical system can be considered such that all retaining elements are moved to the extended position when the vehicle engine is started. For this purpose, the control device can detect when the vehicle engine is started via a bus system or similar. Character description

[0082] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings, which show schematically in: Fig. 1 a rod 3 with folded holding elements 4 in a side view; Fig. 2 one with Fig. 1 corresponding perspective view of an actuating element, in particular an actuating rod 6 and a bearing device 8 after removal of the rod 3; Fig. 3 the rod 3 according to Fig. 1 with unfolded holding elements 4; Fig. 4 one with Fig. 3 corresponding perspective view of the actuating element, in particular the actuating rod 6 and the bearing device 8 after removal of the rod 3; Fig. 5 a partial exploded view according to Fig. 4; Fig. 6 an interior view of a vehicle cargo space with a system mounted therein according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] In some cases, for the sake of clarity, all identical features have been omitted in the Fig. 1 to 6 with reference numbers. For example, not all rods 3 and holding elements 4 are Fig. 6 are provided with reference numbers. The same applies, for example, to holes 17 in the Fig. 2, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Example

[0084] In Fig. 1 shows a rod 3. Retaining elements 4 and recesses 9 are visible. The retaining elements 4 are in a folded state. Here, the retaining elements 4 are completely accommodated in the recesses 9 of the rod 3.

[0085] In Fig. 2 are the ones inside the rod 3 after Fig. 1. On the one hand, the actuating element 6 is in the form of an actuating rod 6 with guide slots 12 for receiving end sections 20, as in Fig. 5, the holding elements 4 can be seen. As will be explained below in connection with the functioning of the Fig. 1 to 6, end sections 20 of the holding elements 4 can move into the guide slots 12 when the actuating rod 6 is displaced along its longitudinal axis within the rod 3. On the other hand, the bearing device 8 can be seen, on which the holding elements 4 are movably mounted. By means of screws 18, as shown in Fig. 1, the storage device 8, as shown in Fig. 2, detachably connected to the rod 3.

[0086] Analogous to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 the rod 3 and its interior with each of the unfolded holding elements 4. Analogous to Fig. 1 are in Fig. 3 the recesses 9 and the screw 18 are visible. Analogous to Fig. 2 are in Fig. 4 the actuating rod 6 or the actuating element 6 and the bearing device 8 can be seen.

[0087] In the Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 also shows holes 17, which are in relation to Fig. 5 will be explained in more detail below.

[0088] In Fig. 5, the rotary axes 13 and leg springs 14 are visible. In the operating position, ie in the assembled state, the rotary axes 13 are mounted in bores 17. In Fig. 5 two holding elements 4.1, 4.2 and other features are also visible, which have already been mentioned with regard to the Fig. 1 to 4. Furthermore, an imaginary longitudinal axis 5 of one of the holding elements 4.2 is indicated. With respect to the holding element 4.1, a length L, a width B, and a height H are indicated.

[0089] In Fig. For the sake of clarity, only two rotary axes 13 with only two leg springs 14, only two holding elements 4.1, 4.2, etc. are shown in Fig. 5. Each holding element 4.1, 4.2 is rotatably mounted on a rotary axis 13. Fig. However, it is immediately apparent from Figure 5 that a holding element 4, 4.1, 4.2 with associated rotation axis 13 etc. can be fastened on all four sides of the bearing device 8 and this is also preferred.

[0090] Out of Fig. 5 shows that the rotation axes 13 each extend through two aligned holes 17. For mounting each holding element 4, 4.1, 4.2, the mounting device 8 comprises a pair of aligned holes 17. Here, as can be seen from Fig. 5, two opposing pairs of bores 17 are arranged in an imaginary plane, which in the operating position runs orthogonally to an imaginary longitudinal axis of the actuating rod 6. These two imaginary planes are in turn arranged parallel to each other and one above the other.

[0091] Fig. 6 shows a system comprising a plurality of substantially vertically aligned rods 3 in the installed state in the cargo space 23 of a vehicle. Side walls 15 and a rear wall 16 of the vehicle, as well as a vehicle floor 10, are visible. The rods 3 extend from the vehicle floor 10 to a vehicle ceiling (not shown here). Furthermore, containers 2 on rolling boards 1 are visible. Drives 7 are visible at the head end, in particular at a distal end of the rods 3 aligned with the vehicle ceiling.

[0092] Referring to the Fig. 1 to 6, the functioning of the device according to the invention is explained as follows: If the holding elements 4 are in the position, in particular in the non-operating position, which is in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the rolling boards 1 and containers 2 are not secured. In the position according to the Fig. 3 to 5, particularly in the operating position, the rolling boards 1 and the containers 2 are secured against rolling away and falling down.

[0093] By actuating the operating element 11 in the form of, for example, a button or switch, in particular a foot button or foot switch, on the vehicle side wall 15, the holding elements 4 of the rods 3 are moved back and forth between the folded-in and the unfolded position.

[0094] The holding elements 4 are folded in before or at least temporarily during the loading or unloading of transport goods, in particular the containers 2 located on the roller boards 1. After completion of a complete or partial loading process or after completion of a partial unloading process, the holding elements 4 are folded out by actuating the control element 11 and secure the containers 2 against unwanted movements, for example against unwanted rolling out / moving out of their previously assumed position.

[0095] The operating element 11 is preferably connected to a control device 22, which is Fig. 6 is only indicated. This control device 22 is in turn connected wirelessly or by cable to the drives 7.

[0096] The drive 7 can comprise a linear motor (e.g., an axial actuator) or a linear drive. Such a linear motor or linear drive can move the actuating rod 6 or the actuating element 6 along its longitudinal axis within the rod 3. If the actuating rod 6 is moved upwards, end sections 20 of the spring-loaded holding elements 4 move into the guide slots 12, and the holding elements 4 move into the unfolded position. If the actuating rod 6 is moved downwards, this translational movement, through the engagement between an end section 20 of the holding element 4 facing towards the rod interior and an edge of the guide slot 12, causes a corresponding rotation of the holding element 4, which is in the folded position at the end of the rotational movement. Folding with the aid of the actuating rod 6 is comparable to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 on the one hand and 3 and 4 on the other.

[0097] The Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, it can be seen that the imaginary longitudinal axes 5 of the holding elements 4 run parallel to the side walls of the containers 2. If necessary, when the containers 2 slide or roll along the side walls 15, the holding elements 4 are loaded orthogonally to their longitudinal axes 5.

[0098] A bevel 21 ensures that, when folded in, the holding element 4 is flush with the rod 3 and does not increase its width.

[0099] Although only a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described and illustrated, it is obvious that those skilled in the art can add numerous modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, the following alternatives to features of the Fig. 1 to 6 are planned: Instead of the control element 11 in the form of a foot switch or foot pedal, a higher-mounted button or switch can be provided, which is operated manually. Alternatively or complementarily, operation of the drives 7 can be considered, either directly, but preferably via a control device 22, using application software for mobile devices, by voice command or hand gesture, or the like. Furthermore, it is also possible to arrange a control element 11 in the driver's cab in addition to or as an alternative to the control element 11 arranged in the cargo area of ​​the vehicle.

[0100] Instead of holding elements 4 mounted for rotation about the rotation axis 13, it is also possible to use translationally movable holding elements. These can, for example, be mounted for essentially radial movement relative to an imaginary central longitudinal axis of the rod 3, i.e., can be retractable and extendable.

[0101] Instead of the leg spring 14, other force storage elements, preferably other springs, such as spiral springs, leaf springs and the like, can be used.

[0102] Furthermore, it may be considered to completely dispense with leg springs and other force storage elements. In such an embodiment, the actuating rod or the actuating element could be part of a gear, which is designed, for example, as a helical gear or coupling gear, and wherein each (translational or rotational) movement of the actuating rod or the actuating element is directly translated into a movement of the holding element 4. In contrast to the particularly Fig. 5, in which the arrangement of the holding element 4 and the guide slot 12 preferably provides a certain amount of play, any movement of the actuating element or the actuating rod 6 would be directly translated into a rotation of the holding element 4. In such an embodiment, a force storage element, such as a spring, could be arranged in the rod 3 in such a way that the actuating rod 6 is subjected to a force which ensures that the holding elements 4 are always in the unfolded position, unless the drive 7 causes something else. Such a loading of the actuating rod 6 serves to ensure operational safety.

[0103] It should be mentioned that the Fig. 5 is very robust with regard to the unfolding of the holding elements 4. Due to the large longitudinal extent of the guide slots 12 in comparison to the height of the end sections 20 of the holding elements 4 pointing inwards towards the actuating rod 6, the linear motor can be designed in such a way that it can fold out the actuating rod 6 starting from the Fig. 2 shown position so far upwards that the end sections 20 of the holding elements 4 are located approximately centrally in the guide slots 12. In this way, the holding elements 4 fold out reliably thanks to the leg springs 14 even when the actuating rod 6 is moved from the position shown in Fig. 2 is moved a little further or a little less upwards.

[0104] Regardless of whether leg springs 14 or other energy storage elements are used, it is conceivable to use a rotatably mounted actuating element instead of the linearly movable actuating element 6, which can also be referred to as an actuating rod 6. By appropriately designing sections of the holding element and actuating element that are operatively connected to one another, both a translational movement of the actuating element (for example, along its longitudinal axis) and a rotational movement of the actuating element (for example, about its longitudinal axis) can be translated into a rotational movement (folding in / out) or translational movement (extending / in) of the holding element. Mixed forms of both movements are also possible. Corresponding elements of known guides and gear types are known to those skilled in the art.

[0105] For safety reasons, it is advisable to preload the retaining elements 4 such that the leg springs 14 or, more generally, the energy storage elements provide a preload force that causes the retaining elements 4 to move into the extended position. Depending on the system requirements, however, it may also be possible to install the leg springs 14 or, more generally, the energy storage elements in such a way that a preload force causes the retaining elements 4 to move into the retracted position.

[0106] As shown in the figures, the cross-section of the rod 3 is preferably square. Alternatively, a rod with a rectangular or other cross-section may be considered.

[0107] How this Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 can be seen at least partially in summary, four holding elements 4 can be provided in the storage device 8 along an imaginary longitudinal axis of the rod 3 at approximately the same height, so that a holding element 4 can extend or fold out from each side surface of the rod at this height. It can be considered to provide several storage devices 8, each with four holding elements 4, at several heights along the longitudinal direction of the rod 3. The rod 3 then expediently has corresponding recesses 9 at the appropriate locations. Alternatives to this configuration are conceivable. For example, storage devices 8 with only one, two or three holding elements 4 can be considered. Furthermore, rods 3 with only one storage device 8 can be considered.

[0108] A connection between rod 3 and bearing device 8 can generally be positive or non-positive.

[0109] In a system and a vehicle according to embodiments of the present invention, in addition to the bars 3 described above, known locking bars without holding elements, i.e. passive locking bars, can also be used, which are used in addition to the locking bars 3 for load securing.

[0110] Based on the Fig. The arrangement shown in Figure 6 can also be arranged differently, particularly depending on a given loading situation or a desired loading situation. Furthermore, it is possible to fully or partially integrate at least one rod into one of the side walls 15.

[0111] The holding element 4 can also be designed without a bevel 21. List of reference symbols 1 skateboard 2 containers 3 bars 4, 4.1, 4.2 Holding element 5 Longitudinal axis 6 Actuating rod / actuating element 7 Drive 8 Storage facility 9 Recess 10 Vehicle floor 11 Control element 12 guide slot 13 axis of rotation 14 torsion spring 15 Side wall 16 Rear wall 17 Hole 18 Screw 19 20 final section 21 slopes 22 Control device 23 cargo space 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 L length B Width H Height

Claims

[1] System for securing at least one container (2) stacked on a rolling board (1) in a loading space of a vehicle, the system comprising at least one rod (3) and at least one holding element (4, 4.1, 4.2) for securing the at least one container (2) against unintentional slipping, characterized by in that the at least one holding element (4, 4.1, 4.2) is arranged in or on the rod (3) for movement from a rest position into an operating and holding position and vice versa, wherein the rod (3) or the holding element (4, 4.1, 4.2) is assigned at least one drive (7) in order to move the holding element (4, 4.1, 4.2) between the rest position and the operating and holding position, wherein a bearing device (8) of the at least one holding element (4, 4.1, 4.2) is completely accommodated in the interior of the rod (3). [2] System according to claim 1, characterized bythat the at least one holding element (4, 4.1, 4.2) is mounted in or on the rod (3) so as to be foldable and / or retractable and extendable, and wherein the drive (7) is designed to move the holding element (4, 4.1, 4.2) between an extended or unfolded position and a retracted or folded position. [3] System according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by in that the at least one holding element (4, 4.1, 4.2) is elongated, wherein the holding element (4, 4.1, 4.2) in the operating and holding position acts on a container (2) aligned substantially orthogonally to an imaginary longitudinal axis (5) of the holding element (4, 4.1, 4.2). [4] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byan actuating element (6) which is assigned to the at least one rod (3), wherein the actuating element (6) is movable with the aid of the drive (7) and is further configured to reversibly move the at least one holding element (4, 4.1, 4.2) mounted in or on this rod (3) or all of the holding elements (4, 4.1, 4.2) mounted in or on this rod (3) from the operating and holding position, in particular from the extended or unfolded position, into the rest position, in particular into the retracted or folded position, and vice versa. [5] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a control device (22). [6] System according to claim 5, characterized by that the control device (22) can be operated via a wireless operating device and / or via a wireless or wired operating element (11). [7] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the rod (3) has recesses (9) in order to completely accommodate the holding elements (4, 4.1, 4.2) in the rest position, in particular in the retracted or folded position. [8] Vehicle for transporting cargo, the vehicle having a loading space comprising a vehicle roof, a vehicle floor (10) and vehicle side walls (16), characterized by a system according to at least one of the preceding claims. [9] Vehicle according to claim 8 characterized by a system according to claim 5 or 6 and by at least one wireless or wired operating element (11) and / or at least one wireless operating device for operating the control device (22). [10] Method for securing at least one container (2) stacked on a rolling board (1) in a loading space of a vehicle according to either one of claims 8 or 9 or with a system according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized byfollowing steps: - Moving the at least one holding element (4, 4.1, 4.2) into the rest position - Positioning the rolling board (1) with at least one container (2) on it on the vehicle floor - Moving the at least one holding element (4, 4.1, 4.2) into the operating and holding position to prevent movement of the at least one container (2), wherein the movement of the at least one holding element (4, 4.1, 4.2) is effected by the drive (7). [11] Method according to claim 10, characterized by that the at least one holding element (4, 4.1, 4.2) is aligned with the at least one container (2) in order to assume the operating and holding position in such a way that the longitudinal axis (5) of the holding element (4, 4.1, 4.2) runs substantially parallel to a side wall of the container. [12] Method according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized bythat by actuating the actuating element (6), the at least one holding element (4, 4.1, 4.2) or all holding elements (4, 4.1, 4.2) of a rod (3) are moved selectively into the operating and holding position, in particular into the extended or unfolded position, or into the rest position, in particular into the retracted or folded position. [13] Method according to one of claims 10 or 11, in conjunction with a vehicle according to claim 9 and / or a system according to claim 6, characterized by that the control device (22) is operated by actuating the wireless operating device and / or the wireless or wired operating element (11).

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