ADJUSTABLE LOADING AREA DIVIDER SYSTEM FOR A PICK-UP

Abstract

Cargo bed partition system (40) for a pickup truck (12), comprising: a first guide rail (42) which can be connected to a first transverse side (30) of a loading platform (34), a second guide rail (44) which can be connected to a second transverse side (32) of the loading platform (34), a loading platform divider (54) which is held between the first guide rail (42) and the second guide rail (44), wherein the loading platform divider (54) comprises a first side (64), a second side (66) opposite the first side (64), a top edge (68) and a bottom edge (70), wherein the first side (64) is held by the first guide rail (42) and the second side (66) is held by the second guide rail (44), and an adjustment mechanism connectable to a front end (24) of the loading platform (34) and the loading platform divider (54), wherein the adjustment mechanism selectively moves the loading platform divider (54) between a first position adjacent to the front end (24) of the loading platform (34) and a second position adjacent to the rear end (26) of the loading platform (34), and wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a first element (80) pivotably connected to a second element (82), wherein the first element (80) comprises a first end (84) connectable to the front end (24) of the loading platform (34) and a second end (86) connected to the loading platform divider (54) adjacent to the first side (64), and the second element (82) comprises a first end section (90) connectable to the front end (24) of the loading platform (34) and a second end section (92),which is connected to the loading platform separating device (54) adjacent to the second end (86); characterized by the fact that the first end (84) and the second end (86) are selectively movable relative to each other in order to move the loading platform divider (54) along the first guide rail (42) and the second guide rail (44); and / or that the first end (84) of the first element (80) and the first end section (90) of the second element (82) move relative to each other along a first axis and the loading platform separating device (54) optionally moves along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicles and in particular to an adjustable loading platform partition system for a pickup truck according to the preamble of claim 1, as is essentially known from EP 1 314 610 A2.

[0002] A similar system is described in FR 2 892 363 A1. Regarding the further state of the art, reference is made here to publications DE 197 11 035 C1, US 5 697 742 A and US 2009 / 0 226 277 A1.

[0003] Pick-up trucks include cargo beds that can be used to store and transport cargo. Cargo can vary in shape and size, with some items occupying the entire bed while others fill only a small portion. In some cases, the bed may include a fixed divider that creates a smaller cargo area. However, cargo, especially small items, can be difficult to access from the bed, even from the smaller area. Some small loads are easily secured with straps. Other small loads, particularly those with more irregular shapes, are difficult to secure and, consequently, hard to access. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a system that improves both the storage and access of cargo within a pickup truck. SUMMARY

[0004] According to the invention, a loading platform partitioning system for a pickup truck is presented, characterized by the features of claim 1, claim 3 or claim 4.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a first actuator is connected to the first element and a second actuator is connected to the second element, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator selectively move the first end and the first end section relative to each other along the first axis.

[0006] Furthermore, a vehicle is described comprising a body with a passenger compartment and a loading platform having a front end, a rear end, a first transverse side, and a second transverse side, as well as a loading platform partitioning system arranged in the loading platform. The loading platform partitioning system comprises a first guide rail connected to the first transverse side of the loading platform, a second guide rail connected to the second transverse side of the loading platform, a loading platform partition held between the first guide rail and the second guide rail, and an adjustment mechanism connected to the front end of the loading platform and the loading platform partition. The adjustment mechanism selectively moves the loading platform partition between a first position adjacent to the front end of the loading platform and a second position adjacent to the rear end of the loading platform.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the loading platform divider comprises a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a top edge and a bottom edge, wherein the first side is held by the first guide rail and the second side is held by the second guide rail.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the adjustment mechanism comprises a first element pivotably connected to a second element, wherein the first element comprises a first end connected to the front end of the loading platform and a second end connected to the loading platform divider adjacent to the first side, and the second element comprises a first end section connected to the front end of the loading platform and a second end section connected to the loading platform divider adjacent to the second end.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first end and the second end are optionally movable relative to each other in order to move the loading platform divider along the first guide rail and the second guide rail.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first end of the first element and the first end section of the second element move relative to each other along a first axis, and the loading platform divider optionally moves along a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a first actuator is connected to the first element and a second actuator is connected to the second element, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator selectively move the first end and the first end section relative to each other along the first axis.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the loading platform divider comprises a first recess extending upwards from the lower edge along the first side, and a second recess extending upwards from the lower edge along the second side, the first recess being designed to accommodate a first wheel arch projecting upwards from the loading platform, and the second recess being designed to accommodate a second wheel arch projecting upwards from the loading platform.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a first flap optionally covers the first recess and a second flap optionally covers the second recess.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a first flap actuator is attached to the first flap and a second flap actuator is attached to the second flap, wherein the first flap actuator selectively moves the first flap to expose the first recess, and the second flap actuator selectively moves the second flap to expose the second recess.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the loading platform separating device includes a brush arranged along the lower edge.

[0016] The aforementioned features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of the invention, are readily apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Further features, advantages and details are listed only as examples in the following detailed description, which refers to the drawings in which: Fig. 1. A vehicle with a loading platform equipped with an adjustable loading platform divider system, shown in a top view, showing a loading platform divider in a first position according to an example. Fig. 2. A vehicle with a loading platform equipped with an adjustable loading platform divider system, shown in a top view, showing a loading platform divider in a second position according to an example. Fig. 3 the loading platform partition device which travels over a wheel arch, shown in a perspective partial view according to an example, Fig. 4 shows the loading platform separating device after it has passed over a wheel arch, according to an example in a perspective partial view, Fig. 5 the loading area partition with a brush element according to an example in a top view shows, Fig. Figure 6 shows a guide rail of the loading platform separating device system according to an example in a perspective partial view, Fig. 7 shows the loading area with a loading area cover according to an example in a perspective partial view and Fig. Figure 8 shows a block diagram illustrating a control actuation system for the loading platform separating device system according to an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] A vehicle according to an example is in Fig. 1 generally designated by 10. The vehicle 10 has the form of a pickup truck 12 with a body 14. The pickup truck 12 comprises a passenger compartment 18 and a box or loading area 20 arranged behind the passenger compartment 18. The loading area 20 comprises a front end 24 ( Fig. 2) a rear end 26, partially defined by a tailgate 28, a first transverse side 30, and a second transverse side 32. The first transverse side 30 and the second transverse side 32 extend between the front end 24 and the rear end 26. A loading platform 34 is arranged in the loading area 20, surrounded by a front end 24, a rear end 26, a first transverse side 30, and a second transverse side 32. The loading area 20 includes a first wheel arch 36, projecting upward from the loading platform 34 at the first transverse side 30, and a second wheel arch 37, projecting upward from the loading platform 34 at the second transverse side 32.

[0019] In one example, the pickup truck 12 includes an adjustable cargo bed divider system 40 that can be moved between the front end 24 and the rear end 26 of the cargo area 20 to create a storage zone of a user-selected size. The cargo bed divider system 40 comprises a first guide rail 42 attached to the first transverse side 30 of the cargo area 20 and a second guide rail 44 attached to the second transverse side 32 of the cargo area 20. The first guide rail 42 includes a first end section 46 located adjacent to the front end 24, a second end section 48 located adjacent to the rear end 26, and an intermediate section 50 extending between the first end section 46 and the second end section 48. The second guide rail 44 is similarly shaped and arranged.

[0020] In one example, the loading platform partition system 40 comprises a loading platform partition 54 arranged in the loading area 20. The loading platform partition 54 extends between the first transverse side 30 and the second transverse side 32. As explained in more detail below, the loading platform partition 54 is connected to an adjustment system 60. The adjustment system 60 can selectively position the loading platform partition 54 between the front end 24 and the rear end 26. In one example, the loading platform partition 54 comprises a first side 64, a second side 66, and a top edge 68 ( Fig. 4) and a lower edge 70 ( Fig. 4), which is arranged adjacent to the loading platform 34. The loading platform partition 54 also comprises a forward-facing surface 72, which faces the front end 24, and a rearward-facing surface 74, which faces the rear end 26.

[0021] The adjustment system 60 comprises a first element 80 and a second element 82, which extend between the front end 24 and the forward-facing surface 72 and form a scissor mechanism (not separately shown). It is understood that the respective attachment points may vary. It is also understood that not only the location but also the specific mechanism may vary. The adjustment system 60 can be integrated into the first and second transverse sides 30 and 32 or into the loading platform 34. In one example, the first element 80 comprises a first end 84 located at the front end 24, a second end 86 connected to the forward-facing surface 72, and an intermediate section 88 extending between the first end 84 and the second end 86.The second element 82 comprises a first end section 90, which is arranged at the front end 24, a second end section 92, which is connected to the forward-facing surface 72, and an intermediate section 94, which extends between the first end section 90 and the second end section 92.

[0022] The first end 84 is connected to a first linear actuator 96, and the first end section 90 is connected to a second linear actuator 98. The first linear actuator 96 and the second linear actuator 98 move along a rail 100 to establish a relative position of the first end 84 and the first end section 90. Specifically, when the first end 84 and the first end section 90 move towards each other, the cargo bed divider moves in a direction away from the front end 24 to the rear end 26. Likewise, when the first end 84 and the first end section 90 move away from each other, the cargo bed divider moves in a direction away from the rear end 26 to the front end 24.

[0023] The loading platform separating device system 40 can comprise one or more locking elements 104 extending along the first guide rail 42, as shown in Fig. 6 shown. Additional detent elements (not shown) can extend along the second guide rail 44. The detent elements 104 interact with the first locking pawls 106 on the first side 64 and the second locking pawls on the second side 66 (in Fig. (8 in 108 shown schematically), to lock the loading platform separating device 54 in a selected position relative to the front end 24 and the rear end 26. In one embodiment, the locking pawls can be optionally released to allow additional movements.

[0024] The loading platform divider 54 comprises a first recess 110 and a second recess 112, which can accommodate the first wheel arch 36 and the second wheel arch 37 respectively, when the loading platform divider 54 moves between the front end 24 and the rear end 26, as shown in Fig. Figures 3-5 show the first recess 110 extending from the lower edge 70 to the upper edge 68 along the first side 64. The second recess 112 extending from the lower edge 70 to the upper edge 68 along the second side 66. A first flap 114 can optionally be positioned above the first recess 110. A second flap 116 can optionally be positioned above the second recess 112. The first flap 114 includes a first flap actuator 118, and the second flap 116 includes a second flap actuator 120. The first flap actuator 118 can have the form of one or more first rollers 122, and the second flap actuator 120 can have the form of one or more second rollers 124.

[0025] In one example, the first rollers 122 engage with the first wheel arch 36 and the second rollers 124 engage with the second wheel arch 37 when the loading platform divider 54 moves between the front end 24 and the rear end 26 and back again. The first rollers 122 and the second rollers 124 move upwards on inclined surfaces (not separately marked) of the first wheel arch 36 and the second wheel arch 37 ( Fig. 3) and cause the first flap 114 and the second flap 116 to selectively release either the first recess 110 or the second recess 112. In this way, the loading platform divider 54 is allowed an unobstructed path of movement between the front end 24 and the rear end 26 without the need for fixed openings in the first side 64 and the second side 66 to accommodate the first wheel arch 36 and the second wheel arch 37. The absence of fixed openings allows the user to transport loads such as mulch, soil, and the like behind the loading platform divider 54 while preventing the load from entering the front part of the loading area 20.

[0026] In one example, which is in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5, the load bed divider 54 comprises a brush 130 arranged along the lower edge 70. In one example, the brush 130 comprises a first brush section 133 located at the first flap 114, a second brush section 135 located at the second flap 116, and a third brush section 137 located at the lower edge 70 between the first recess 110 and the second recess 112. The brush 130 sweeps across the load bed 34 while the load bed divider 54 moves between the front end 24 and the rear end 26. In one example, the brush 130 allows the user to move loose cargo, such as mulch, toward the rear end 26 with the load bed divider 54.Furthermore, the loading platform separating device 54 can include additional brushes 140 on the first side 64 and 142 on the second side 66, as well as brushes 144 and 146 on the (not separately marked) side panels of the first flap 114 and the second flap 116. Furthermore, the loading area 20 can include a cover 148 extending over the loading platform 34, as shown in . Fig. 3 and Fig. 7 shown.

[0027] At a Fig.In the example shown in Figure 8, the vehicle 10 can include a control unit 150, which serves to actuate the first and second actuators 96 and 98 to move the cargo space divider 54 between the front end 24 and the rear end 26. The control unit 150 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 152, which is operatively connected to a non-volatile memory 154. The control unit 150 can also include an actuator module 156 and a locking module 158. The non-volatile memory 154 can contain a set of instructions for the actuator module 156 to actuate the first actuator 96 and the second actuator 98, as well as one or more stored positions for the cargo space divider 54. The locking module 158 can selectively release the first locking pawl 106 and the second locking pawl 108 to release the loading platform separating device 54 based on instructions transmitted by the actuating module 156.

[0028] An actuator 160 can be connected to the control unit 150. The actuator 160 can have various forms and be located in different places. For example, the actuator 160 can be in the form of a soft switch that forms part of an infotainment system (not shown) in the passenger compartment 18, a solid-state switch in the passenger compartment 18 and / or in the cargo area 20, or the like. It should be noted here that although the cargo area partition 54 is described as electronically adjustable, it can alternatively also be equipped with a manual system for adjusting its position.

Claims

[1] Loading platform partition system (40) for a pickup truck (12), comprising: a first guide rail (42) which can be connected to a first transverse side (30) of a loading platform (34), a second guide rail (44) which can be connected to a second transverse side (32) of the loading platform (34), a loading platform divider (54) which is held between the first guide rail (42) and the second guide rail (44), wherein the loading platform divider (54) comprises a first side (64), a second side (66) opposite the first side (64), a top edge (68) and a bottom edge (70), wherein the first side (64) is held by the first guide rail (42) and the second side (66) is held by the second guide rail (44), and an adjustment mechanism connectable to a front end (24) of the loading platform (34) and the loading platform divider (54), wherein the adjustment mechanism selectively moves the loading platform divider (54) between a first position adjacent to the front end (24) of the loading platform (34) and a second position adjacent to the rear end (26) of the loading platform (34), and wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a first element (80) pivotably connected to a second element (82), wherein the first element (80) comprises a first end (84) connectable to the front end (24) of the loading platform (34) and a second end (86) connected to the loading platform divider (54) adjacent to the first side (64), and the second element (82) comprises a first end section (90) connectable to the front end (24) of the loading platform (34) and a second end section (92),which is connected to the loading platform separating device (54) adjacent to the second end (86); characterized by , that the first end (84) and the second end (86) are selectively movable relative to each other in order to move the loading platform divider (54) along the first guide rail (42) and the second guide rail (44); and / or that the first end (84) of the first element (80) and the first end section (90) of the second element (82) move relative to each other along a first axis and the loading platform separating device (54) optionally moves along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. [2] Loading area separating device system (40) according to claim 1, further comprising a first actuator (96) connected to the first element (80) and a second actuator (98) connected to the second element (82), wherein the first actuator (96) and the second actuator (98) selectively move the first end (84) and the first end section (90) relative to each other along the first axis. [3] Loading platform partition system (40) for a pickup truck (12), comprising: a first guide rail (42) which can be connected to a first transverse side (30) of a loading platform (34), a second guide rail (44) which can be connected to a second transverse side (32) of the loading platform (34), a loading platform divider (54) which is held between the first guide rail (42) and the second guide rail (44), wherein the loading platform divider (54) comprises a first side (64), a second side (66) opposite the first side (64), a top edge (68) and a bottom edge (70), wherein the first side (64) is held by the first guide rail (42) and the second side (66) is held by the second guide rail (44), and an adjustment mechanism which can be connected to a front end (24) of the loading platform (34) and the loading platform divider (54), wherein the adjustment mechanism moves the loading platform divider (54) selectively between a first position adjacent to the front end (24) of the loading platform (34) and a second position adjacent to the rear end (26) of the loading platform (34); characterized by , that the loading platform partition device (54) comprises a first recess (110) extending upwards from the lower edge (70) along the first side (64) and a second recess (112) extending upwards from the lower edge (70) along the second side (66), wherein the first recess (110) is designed to accommodate a first wheel arch (36) and the second recess (112) is designed to accommodate a second wheel arch (37); wherein the loading platform partition system (40) further comprises a first flap (114) which optionally covers the first recess (110) and a second flap (116) which optionally covers the second recess (112); and wherein the loading platform separating device system (40) further comprises a first flap actuator (118) attached to the first flap (114) and a second flap actuator (120) attached to the second flap (116), wherein the first flap actuator (118) selectively moves the first flap (114) to expose the first recess (110) and the second flap actuator (120) selectively moves the second flap (116) to expose the second recess (112). [4] Loading platform partition system (40) for a pickup truck (12), comprising: a first guide rail (42) which can be connected to a first transverse side (30) of a loading platform (34), a second guide rail (44) which can be connected to a second transverse side (32) of the loading platform (34), a loading platform divider (54) which is held between the first guide rail (42) and the second guide rail (44), wherein the loading platform divider (54) comprises a first side (64), a second side (66) opposite the first side (64), a top edge (68) and a bottom edge (70), wherein the first side (64) is held by the first guide rail (42) and the second side (66) is held by the second guide rail (44), and an adjustment mechanism which can be connected to a front end (24) of the loading platform (34) and the loading platform divider (54), wherein the adjustment mechanism moves the loading platform divider (54) selectively between a first position adjacent to the front end (24) of the loading platform (34) and a second position adjacent to the rear end (26) of the loading platform (34); characterized by, that the loading platform separating device (54) comprises a brush (130) arranged along the lower edge (70).

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