DEVICE FOR SUPPORTING A MOVABLE LOAD-BEARING COMPONENT

Abstract

Device (40) for supporting a movable load-bearing component (22), comprising: a base (42) configured to be fixedly mounted on a vehicle support structure (26) and located near the load-bearing component (22), wherein the load-bearing component (22) is configured to be moved between a first position and a second position; a support element (44) pivotally connected to the base (42) and rotatable between a retracted position and a load position, wherein the support element (44) supports the load-bearing component (22) when the support element (44) is in the load position, and wherein the support element (44) is configured to move automatically between the retracted position and the load position based on the load-bearing component (22) being moved between the first position and the second position;and a prestressing component (52) configured to prestress the support element (44) in the direction of the load position; characterized in that the support element (44) has an engagement surface (54) at a free end located away from the connection point with the base (42), oriented transversely to the longitudinal extent of the support element, which in the load position bears flatly against one side of the load-bearing component (22), wherein the support element (44) in its retracted position is prestressed by the prestressing component (52) against the same side of the load-bearing component (22).

Description

INTRODUCTIONThe present invention relates to load-bearing components of vehicles and more particularly to a device for supporting a movable load-bearing component according to the preamble of claim 1, as substantially known in the art from DE 10 2018 100 685 A1.Further support devices for load-bearing components, such as for example loading floors of vehicles, are evident from the publications EP 2 444 285 B1, DE 10 2009 043 388 A1, DE 10 2019 102 985 A1, DE 10 2011 010 458 A1, DE 10 2017 205 533 A1, DE 10 2021 106 973 B3 and EP 2 184 206 B1.Many vehicles, including passenger vehicles, such as sedans, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), trucks, and others, include cargo holds or areas for storage. Some are equipped with movable components, such as movable trays, that allow a user to customize the cargo hold to accommodate different items and to increase comfort. One challenge in the design of such cargo floors is to ensure that the cargo floors can adequately support the weight of the cargo while being able to be stowed in the vehicle in an imperceptible manner when not in use.The invention is therefore based on the object of mastering the challenge.SUMMARYThis object is achieved with a device which is distinguished by the features of claim 1.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the support member is configured to be moved from the load position to the retracted position by a force applied by the load-bearing component when the load-bearing component is moved from the second position to the first position, and the support member is configured to be held in the retracted position by the load-bearing component when the load-bearing component is in the first position.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the apparatus further comprises a biasing component configured to bias the support member toward the load position.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the load-bearing component is a cargo floor in a vehicle compartment.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first position is a default position and the second position is a raised position relative to the first position, and the load floor is configured to be moved by longitudinally displacing the load floor.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the support member is configured to be moved from the load position to the retracted position through the load floor when the load floor is moved from the raised position to the standard position and is maintained in the retracted position by a weight of the load floor when the load floor is in the standard position.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the support member is configured to rotate from the retracted position to the load position by a biasing component when the load floor is moved from the default position to the raised position.Further described is a method of supporting a movable load bearing component. The method includes moving the load-bearing component in a vehicle compartment between a first position and a second position, the vehicle compartment including a support device having a base fixedly disposed on the vehicle compartment and located proximate the load-bearing component, the support device including a support member connected to the base and movable between a retracted position and a load position. The method also includes automatically moving the support member between the retracted position and the load position based on the load-bearing component being moved between the first position and the second position, the support member supporting the load-bearing component when in the load position.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the support member is moved from the load position to the retracted position by a force applied by the load-bearing component when the load-bearing component is moved from the second position to the first position, and the support member is maintained in the retracted position by the load-bearing component when the load-bearing component is in the first position.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the support device includes a biasing component configured to bias the support member toward the load position.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, moving the support member includes rotating the support member about a pivot member of the base.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the load-bearing component is a cargo floor in a vehicle compartment.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first position is a default position and the second position is a raised position relative to the first position, and moving the load floor includes longitudinally displacing the load floor.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the support member is moved from the load position to the retracted position by the load floor when the load floor is moved from the raised position to the default position and is maintained in the retracted position by a weight of the load floor when the load floor is in the default position.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the support member is rotated from the retracted position to the load position by a biasing component as the load floor is moved from the default position to the raised position.In an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle system includes a load-bearing component disposed in a space of the vehicle, the load-bearing component configured to be moved from a first position to a second position. The vehicle system also includes a support device having a base and a support member connected to the base, the base configured to be fixedly disposed in the space and located proximate the load-bearing component. The support member is movable between a retracted position and a load position, and the support member is configured to support the load-bearing component when the support member is in the load position. The support member is configured to automatically move between the retracted position and the load position based on the load-bearing component being moved between the first position and the second position.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the support member is configured to be moved from the load position to the retracted position by a force applied by the load-bearing component when the load-bearing component is moved from the second position to the first position, and the support member is configured to be held in the retracted position by the load-bearing component when the load-bearing component is in the first position.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the support device includes a biasing component configured to bias the support member toward the load position.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the load-bearing component is a cargo floor in a vehicle compartment, the first position is a default position, and the second position is a raised position relative to the first position, wherein the cargo floor is configured to be moved by longitudinally displacing the cargo floor. The support member is configured to be moved from the load position to the retracted position by the load floor when the load floor is moved from the raised position to the default position and is maintained in the retracted position by a weight of the load floor when the load floor is in the default position and the support member is configured to rotate from the retracted position to the load position by a biasing component when the load floor is moved from the default position to the raised position.The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSOther features, advantages, and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description, wherein the detailed description refers to the drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a motor vehicle including a cargo bay having a convertible and movable load floor, according to an exemplary embodiment; FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the movable load floor in a first position and a second position; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a support device according to an exemplary embodiment; FIGS. 4A and 4B are side views of the support device of FIG. 3 ; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the support device of FIG. 3 taken along the line '5- 5' shown in FIG. 4B ; FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the support apparatus of FIG. 3 in a load position and a retracted position relative to the movable load floor of FIGS. 2A and 2B, according to an example embodiment; FIG. 7 illustratively illustrates the support device of FIG. 6A in the retracted position; FIG. 8 illustratively illustrates the support device of FIG. 6B in the load position; FIG. 9 illustratively illustrates the support device of FIGS. 6A and 6B as the load floor is moved from a raised position to a lower position; FIG. 10 illustratively illustrates the support device of FIGS. 6A and 6B as the load floor is moved from the raised position to the lowered position, and illustrates rotation of a support member of the support device; FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a support device according to an exemplary embodiment; FIGS. 12A and 12B are side views of the support device of FIG. 11 ; and FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the support device of FIG. 11 taken along line '13-13' shown in FIG. 12B.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe following description is merely exemplary in nature. It is to be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts and features.According to an exemplary embodiment, methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for supporting a movable or convertible load bearing component of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the load-bearing component is a convertible cargo floor (e.g., in a trunk or rear cargo area) that can be moved manually or automatically between two or more positions.An embodiment of a support device is configured to be attached to a support structure in a vehicle, such as a base or fixed floor of a cargo bay, and automatically provides support to the load-bearing component as the load-bearing component is moved from a first position (e.g., a default position) to a second position (e.g., a raised or load-bearing position). The support device includes a support member movable between a retracted position and a load position in response to movement of the load-bearing component. In one embodiment, the support element is biased towards the load position. In the load position, the support member engages the load-bearing component and provides support to the load-bearing component. The support member also helps distribute load forces when in the load position.Embodiments described herein provide numerous advantages and technical effects. The embodiments provide a simple and efficient mechanism for reinforcing or supporting a convertible load floor or other load bearing component. The support apparatus described herein is simple to use, provides automatic support without requiring additional actuators or steps, is compact, and can be installed and used without disturbing the operation of the load bearing component.The embodiments described herein are not limited to use with any specific vehicle, device, or system, and may be applicable to various devices and systems. For example, embodiments may be used with automobiles, trucks, aircraft, construction equipment, agricultural equipment, automated factory equipment, and / or any other device or system that includes convertible load-bearing components.FIG. 1 shows a portion of an embodiment of a motor vehicle 10, which may be an internal combustion engine vehicle, an electrically driven vehicle (EV), or a hybrid vehicle. The vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 12 at least partially defining a passenger compartment 14 and a rear cargo compartment 16 defined by the vehicle body 12 and a vehicle seat 18. The cargo hold is accessible via a rear doorway 20. Cargo bay 16 includes a movable or convertible load floor 22 that can be moved between two or more positions. For example, the load floor 22 may be moved from a first or default position, as shown in FIG. 1, to one or more other positions (not shown). The load floor 22 may be moved manually by a user (e.g., via a handle 24) or via a control system and actuator.FIGS. 2A and 2B show a cross-section of cargo bay 16 and illustrate examples of load floor positions. The cross section is taken along a plane represented by the line '2-2' shown in Fig. 1. FIG. 2A shows the load floor 22 in a first or standard position, which in this example is a lower position, where the load floor 22 rests on a fixed structure or base 26 (e.g., a fixed load floor). FIG. 2B shows the load floor 22 in a second position or raised position.The load floor 22 is made in this example of two flat plates connected by a sliding hinge connector 28. To move the cargo floor 22, a user engages the cargo floor 22 (e.g., via the handle 24) and raises and pulls an end 30 of the cargo floor 22 longitudinally (e.g., in directions of the rear of the vehicle 10) such that the cargo floor 22 forms a flat surface supported by end supports 32 and 34.When a sufficient load is placed on the load floor 22 in the raised position, the load floor 22 may potentially deform or displace. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the load floor 22 may potentially bend downward due to weight and curvature, as shown by line 36.FIGS. 3, 4A, 4B, and 5 illustrate an embodiment of a cargo floor support device 40 configured to be installed in the vehicle 10 (e.g., a vehicle cargo compartment). The support device 40 provides support to the cargo floor 22 when the cargo floor 22 is in the raised position and prevents some or all of deformation of the cargo floor 22. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the support device 40, and FIGS. 4A and 4B are opposing side views. FIG. 5 is a front cross-sectional view of the support device 40 taken along a plane represented by the line '5 shown in FIG. 4B.The support device 40 is configured as a movable mount, in one embodiment, that includes a base 42 and a support member 44. The support member 44 is configured to be rotated or otherwise moved between a load position and a retracted position. The base 42 may be bolted or otherwise secured to a solid component or surface of the vehicle 10, such as the fixed floor 26. The base 42 is disposed proximate a movable load-bearing component, such as the load floor 22, such that the support member 44 can engage the component when in the load position.In one embodiment, the support member 44 is secured to the base 42 and is rotatable between the retracted position, where the support member 44 does not support the floor 22 and is retracted below the floor 22, to the load position, where the support member 44 engages the load floor 22 when the load floor 22 is in the raised position. The support member 44 provides support to the load floor 22 and helps distribute a load to avoid deformation or over-load of the load floor 22.The support member 44 is secured to the base in one embodiment such that the support member 44 can be moved between the positions. For example, one end of the support member 44 is attached to a pivot point, such as a pivot member 46, that is attached to the base 42 or is integrally formed with the base 42. The support member 44 is mounted on the pivot member 46 via, for example, a screw 48. A mechanical stop component, such as a rotary lock 50 of the support member 44, limits rotation so that the support member 44 does not rotate beyond the load position. A biasing member, such as a spring 52, biases the support member 44 toward the load position such that the support device 40 automatically moves to the load position when no load is applied thereto.The support member 44 includes an engagement surface 54 that contacts or otherwise engages the load floor 22 when the load floor 22 is in the raised position. The engagement surface 54 includes a curved front end 56 configured to allow the support member 44 to rotate as the floor 22 is raised and moved longitudinally.FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a cross-section of an example of the cargo bay 16 with the support device 40 disposed therein. FIG. 6A shows the support device 40 in a retracted position. The support member 44 is held in the retracted position by the weight of the load floor 22, and is retracted below the load floor 22 when the load floor 22 is in the default position. In this example, the support device 40 is hidden from view when looking into the cargo bay 16, although the support device 40 does not need to be hidden.FIG. 6B shows the support device 40 in the load position. As shown, the additional support provided by the support device prevents the load floor 22 from deforming or bending.FIGS. 7-10 illustrate aspects of an embodiment of a method for converting a vehicle component, such as a cargo floor 22, and actuating the support device 40 to support the cargo floor 22. Aspects of the method may be performed by a processor or processors (e.g., to control an actuator to move the load floor) or by a user (e.g., by manually moving the load floor 22 to the raised position).The method comprises a number of steps or steps explained in connection with Figures 7-10. The method is not limited to the number or order of steps therein, because some steps may be performed in an order different from that described below, or less than all of the steps may be performed. In addition, the method is not limited to being used with the loading floor 22, and may be used with any movable support component.In the method, a user or actuator moves the load floor 22 between a first position, such as a default position or a lower position, as shown in FIG. 7, to a second position, such as a raised position, as shown in FIG. 8. Based on the movement of the load floor 22, the support member 44 automatically moves between the retracted position and the load position.FIG. 7 shows the load floor 22 in the standard or lower position. In this position, the weight of the load floor 22 overcomes the biasing force of the spring 52 (e.g., the spring 52 has a reaction force of about one Newton) and maintains the support device 40 in the retracted position.When the user (or actuator) causes the load floor 22 to be moved from the default position to the raised position, the support member 44 is caused to automatically move to the load position by the spring 52. The support member 44 is oriented vertically in the load position and is prevented from rotating further by the stop member or rotary lock 50.FIG. 8 shows the load floor 22 after the load floor 22 has been moved to the raised position. As shown, the support member 44 rotated to the load position.If desired, the floor 22 may be returned to the default position. When the floor 22 is moved to the default position, the floor 22 applies a force to the support member 44 that causes the support member 44 to move back to the retracted position.For example, to return the load floor to the default position, the user initially pulls the load floor 22 in a direction generally indicated by arrow 60 (FIG. 8 ). The load floor 22 is pulled past the support member 44 as shown in FIG. 9. The load floor 22 is then slid longitudinally in the opposite direction (shown by arrow 62).As shown in FIG. 10, the load floor 22 exerts a force in the direction of arrow 62 when the load floor 22 is slid, causing the support member 44 to rotate toward the retracted position. The load floor 22 is continuously slid until the floor 22 is fully in the default position. At this point, the support member 44 is fully retracted and below the load floor 22.In the above embodiments, the support member 44 has two positions (i.e., the retracted and support positions). However, the support device 40 is not so limited and could have more than two positions.FIGS. 11, 12A, 12B, and 13 illustrate an embodiment of the support device 40 configured to be installed in the vehicle 10. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the support device 40, and FIGS. 12A and 12B are opposite side views. FIG. 13 is a front cross-sectional view of the support device 40 taken along a plane represented by the line '13-13' shown in FIG. 12B.The support device 40 includes the base 42 and the support member 44. As discussed above, the support member 44 is configured to be rotated or otherwise moved between a load position and a retracted position.In this embodiment, the base 42 includes an internal pivot member 46 on which the support member 44 is mounted. Rotation may be restricted via the rotary lock 50 or by the structure of the base 52. For example, the support member 44 includes a feature, such as a protrusion 74, that forms a vertical surface that contacts a surface 76 of the base 42 to prevent the support structure from rotating beyond a vertical load position and to ensure that the surface 54 has maximum contact with the load floor 22.In this embodiment, the base 42 is made of opposing halves 70 and 72 that pair together to partially enclose a lower portion of the support member 44. The halves 70 and 72 may be mated in any suitable manner, such as a snap fit connection or via an adhesive or screw.

Claims

An apparatus (40) for supporting a movable load-bearing component (22), comprising: a base (42) configured to be fixedly disposed on a vehicle support structure (26) and located proximate the load-bearing component (22), the load-bearing component (22) configured to be moved between a first position and a second position; a support member (44) pivotally connected to the base (42) and rotatable between a retracted position and a load position, wherein the support member (44) supports the load-bearing component (22) when the support member (44) is in the load position, and wherein the support member (44) is configured to automatically move between the retracted position and the load position based on the load-bearing component (22) being moved between the first position and the second position; and a biasing component (52) configured to bias the support element (44) towards the load position; characterized in that the support element (44) has, at a free end remote from the connection point to the base (42), an engagement surface (54) oriented transversely to the longitudinal extent of the support element, which in the load position bears flat against one side of the load-bearing component (22), wherein the support element (44) in its retracted position is biased by the biasing component (52) against the same side of the load-bearing component (22).The device (40) of claim 1, wherein the support member (44) is configured to be moved from the load position to the retracted position by a force applied by the load-bearing component (22) when the load-bearing component (22) is moved from the second position to the first position, and the support member (44) is configured to be held in the retracted position by the load-bearing component (22) when the load-bearing component (22) is in the first position.The apparatus (40) of claim 1, wherein the load-bearing component (22) is a load floor (22) in a vehicle compartment, the first position is a default position and the second position is a raised position relative to the first position, and the load floor (22) is configured to be moved by longitudinally displacing the load floor (22).The apparatus (40) of claim 3, wherein the support member (44) is configured to be moved from the load position to the retracted position by the load floor (22) when the load floor (22) is moved from the raised position to the standard position and is held in the retracted position by a weight of the load floor (22) when the load floor (22) is in the standard position.The apparatus (40) of claim 4, wherein the support member (44) is configured to rotate from the retracted position to the load position by a biasing component (52) when the load floor (22) is moved from the default position to the raised position.

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