LOAD MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR ONE VEHICLE AND VEHICLE

Abstract

Load management system (44) for a vehicle (10), comprising: a base element (50) which is slidably mounted in a loading area (26) of a vehicle (10); a foldable loading box (80) mounted to the base element (50), wherein the foldable loading box (80) includes a bottom wall (82) and several side walls (84) defining a storage area (85); an extension mechanism (108) which is functionally connected to the base element (50), wherein the extension mechanism (108) optionally causes a preloading of the base element (50) from the loading area (26); and an actuator (124) which is functionally connected to the extension mechanism (108), wherein the actuator (124) selectively triggers the extension mechanism (108) to push the base element (50) outwards in the loading area (26), wherein the multiple side walls (84) of the folding loading box (80) comprise a rearward-facing side wall (86), an inward-facing side wall (88) arranged opposite the rearward-facing side wall (86), a first lateral side wall (90) and a second lateral side wall (92) on the opposite side of the first lateral side wall (90), and the rearward-facing side wall (86) is optionally pivotable relative to the bottom wall (82); characterized by the fact that the first and second lateral side wall (90, 92) have folds (102, 104) which can optionally be folded into the storage area (85).

Description

Introduction

[0001] The present invention relates to a load management system for a vehicle and a vehicle with such a system. The present disclosure relates to the field of vehicle systems.

[0002] Document EP 1 955 894 A2 discloses a load management system for a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. Documents DE 10 2020 131 525 B4, DE 10 2010 010 199 B4, DE 10 2005 040 854 B4, DE 103 29 992 B4, DE 103 27 014 B4, DE 103 27 012 B4, DE 103 25 034 A1, DE 103 17 539 A1, DE 102 03 539 B4, DE 101 24 375 C1 and DE 100 18 148 B4 each disclose related systems.

[0003] Most vehicles contain a cargo area where users can temporarily or long-term store various items. Passenger cars have trunks where users can transport food or store spare tires and the like. Small vans have cargo areas for transporting items of various sizes. SUVs have a cargo area that can be expanded by adjusting seat configurations. Smaller items can often shift around in the cargo area, bags can tip over, spilling their contents, and other items can slide to a location that is difficult for a user to reach.

[0004] Many owners of passenger cars, vans, and SUVs use nets stretched across a section of the trunk to secure items. Often, these nets aren't sturdy enough to hold larger items. They tear and take up space. Plastic crates and cardboard boxes are also used to secure items in the trunk. However, using any kind of crate or box restricts the available cargo space and limits the size of items that can be transported. Furthermore, crates and boxes can slide around, making it difficult to remove items.

[0005] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a system for storing objects in the cargo space of a vehicle that not only prevents objects from moving around, but also facilitates their removal and is easy to store. Summary

[0006] The aforementioned problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments of the invention are shown in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0007] A load management system for a vehicle according to an example of the invention comprises a base element that is slidably mounted in a loading area of ​​the vehicle. A foldable loading box is mounted on the base element. The foldable loading box includes a bottom wall and several side walls that define a storage area. An extension mechanism is functionally connected to the base element. The extension mechanism selectively preloads the base element in the outward direction of the loading area. An actuator is functionally connected to the extension mechanism. The actuator selectively triggers the extension mechanism to push the base element in the outward direction of the loading area.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described here, several side walls of the folding cargo box include a rearward-facing side wall, an inward-facing side wall arranged opposite the rearward-facing side wall, a first lateral side wall, and a second lateral side wall on the opposite side of the first lateral side wall, wherein the rearward-facing side wall is optionally pivotable relative to the bottom wall.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the rearward-facing side wall contains a locking element that is optionally connected to the first and second lateral side walls.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described here, a release mechanism is connected to the locking element, wherein the release mechanism selectively separates the locking element from the first and second lateral side wall.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the release mechanism is mounted on the rearward-facing side wall.

[0012] According to the invention, the first and second lateral side walls have folding folds that can be optionally folded into the storage area.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the rearward-facing side wall and the inward-facing side wall are foldable relative to the floor wall.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described here, a support element containing a support bolt is connected to a side edge of the base element, wherein the support bolt can slide in a guide rail arranged on the side edge.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the extension mechanism has an electric motor.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described here, a control module is functionally connected to the electric motor, with the control module activating the electric motor to push the base element in the outward direction of the loading area.

[0017] A vehicle according to an example of the invention comprises a body that defines a passenger compartment, which includes a passenger area and a loading area, as well as a load management system arranged in the loading area. The load management system has a base element that is slidably supported in the loading area. A hinged loading box is mounted on the base element. The hinged loading box includes a bottom wall and several side walls that define a storage area. An extension mechanism is functionally connected to the base element. The extension mechanism selectively preloads the base element in the outward direction of the loading area. An actuator is functionally connected to the extension mechanism. The actuator selectively triggers the extension mechanism to push the base element in the outward direction of the loading area.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described here, several side walls of the folding cargo box include a rearward-facing side wall, an inward-facing side wall arranged opposite the rearward-facing side wall, a first lateral side wall, and a second lateral side wall on the opposite side of the first lateral side wall, wherein the rearward-facing side wall is optionally pivotable relative to the bottom wall.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the rearward-facing side wall contains a locking element that is optionally connected to the first lateral side wall and the second lateral side wall.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described here, a release mechanism is connected to the locking element, wherein the release mechanism selectively separates the locking element from the first and second lateral side wall.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the release mechanism is mounted on the rearward-facing side wall.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the first and second lateral side walls have fold-in gussets that can be optionally folded into the storage area.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the rearward-facing side wall and the inward-facing side wall are foldable relative to the floor wall.

[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described here, a support element containing a support bolt is connected to a side edge of the base element, wherein the support bolt is slidably supported in a guide rail on the side edge.

[0025] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the extension mechanism has an electric motor.

[0026] In addition to one or more of the features described here, a control module is functionally connected to the electric motor, with the control module activating the electric motor to push the base element in the outward direction of the loading area.

[0027] The features and advantages described above, and further features and advantages of the disclosure, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings

[0028] Further features, advantages and details appear only as examples in the following detailed description, which refers to the drawings; they show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a vehicle from the right rear, which includes a load management system comprising a foldable loading box according to an example; Fig. 2. A cross-sectional view of the vehicle from the right rear according to Fig. 1, showing the foldable cargo box extending outwards on a sliding base element according to an example; Fig. 3. A cross-sectional view of the vehicle from the right rear according to Fig. 2, showing one side of the opened cargo box according to an example; Fig. 4 A cutaway view of the folding cargo box from the rear right, folded into a stowed configuration according to an example; Fig. 5 the foldable cargo box, which according to an example is placed on the folded-down backrests of the in Fig. The vehicle shown in section 1 was pushed; and Fig. 6. A flowchart showing a procedure for moving the base element according to an example. Detailed description

[0029] The following description is for illustrative purposes only. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate similar or corresponding sections and features. As used here, the term "module" refers to a processing circuit arrangement that may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or a group) with memory containing a non-transient, computer-readable medium in which instructions are stored that, when executed by one or more modules, can perform various functions, including the execution of one or more software programs, a combinational logic circuit, and / or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.

[0030] A vehicle according to an example is in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 generally shown at 10. The vehicle 10 is shown in the form of an off-road sedan. However, it should be noted that the vehicle 10 is not limited to the specific body type shown and can take various other forms, such as passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, panel vans, and the like. The vehicle 10 comprises a body 12, which is supported by several wheels, three of which are shown at 16. The body 12 defines a passenger compartment 20, which includes a passenger area 24 and a cargo area 26, which is accessible via a tailgate 27.

[0031] The loading area 26 includes a floor 28 on which a first slider 30 and a second slider 32 are arranged. The first slider 30 and the second slider 32 extend between a rear opening (not shown separately in the drawings) of the loading area 26 and a rear seat 34 located in the passenger compartment 24. The rear seat 34 includes a backrest 36 to which a third slider 38 and a fourth slider 40 are arranged. As shown in more detail here, the backrest 36 can be folded forward ( Fig. 5) to enlarge the entire loading area 26. When the backrest 36 is folded forward, the loading area 26 extends into the passenger area 24.

[0032] In one example, a load management system 44 is arranged in the loading area 26. The load management system 44 includes a base element 50, which, as shown in more detail here, is optionally slidably arranged on the floor 28 of the loading area 26. The base element 50 has a top surface 52, a bottom surface 54, a first side edge 56, and a second side edge 58. The first side edge 56 includes a guide rail 60. The second side edge 58 also includes a guide rail (not shown). A first support element 62 is connected to the first side edge 56, and a second support element 64 is connected to the second side edge 58. A support bolt 66 connects the first support element 62 to the first side edge 56. The support bolt 66 can slide in the guide rail 60 while the base element 50 moves into / out of the loading area 26.

[0033] In one example, a foldable loading box 80 is mounted on the base element 50. The term "mounted" is to be understood as meaning that the foldable loading box 80 can simply rest on the base element 50 or can be attached to the base element 50 with fastening elements. The foldable loading box 80 includes a bottom panel 82 ( Fig. 3) and several side walls 84 defining a storage area 85. The several side walls 84 comprise a rearward-facing side wall 86, a forward- or inward-facing side wall 88, a first lateral side wall 90, and a second lateral side wall 92. A locking element 94 is arranged on the rearward-facing side wall 86, having a first end 96 engaging with the first lateral side wall 90 and a second end 98 engaging with the second lateral side wall 92. A release mechanism 100 is connected to the locking element 94 and is also arranged on the rearward-facing side wall 86. The release mechanism 100 selectively releases either the first end 96 and the second end 98 of the locking element 94 from the first lateral side wall 90 or the second lateral side wall 92, respectively. This allows the rearward-facing side wall 86 to fold over relative to the bottom wall 82, as shown in Fig. 3 shown to provide better access to storage area 85.

[0034] According to the invention, the first lateral side wall 90 comprises a first set of folds 102 and the second lateral side wall 92 comprises a second set of folds 104. The first set of folds 102 allows the first lateral side wall 90 to be folded inwards. Likewise, the second set of folds 104 allows the second lateral side wall 92 to be folded inwards. In the same way that the first lateral side wall 90 and the second lateral side wall 92 can be folded inwards, the rearward-facing side wall 86 and the inward-facing side wall 88 can also be folded inwards, so that the collapsible cargo box 80 can be folded as flat as in Fig. 4 shown can be folded up.

[0035] In one example, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a first extension mechanism 108 is functionally connected to the base element 50. The first extension mechanism 108 includes an electric motor 111 which, when activated, pushes the base element 50 out of / into the loading area 26. In addition to the electric motor 111, the extension mechanism 108 includes a first sensor 114, which is connected to a tailgate (not shown) of the vehicle 10, and a second sensor 116, which is connected to the base element 50. A control module 118 is connected to the electric motor 111, the first sensor 114, and the second sensor 116. In addition to the pushing movement out of the loading area 26, the backrest 36 of the rear seat 34 can be folded forward, and the folding loading box 80 can be pushed into the passenger compartment 24 by means of the third slider 38 and the fourth slider 40, as shown in Figure 1. Fig. 5 shown to provide additional storage space in the loading area 26.

[0036] An actuator 121 is connected to the extension mechanism 108 and is activated to start the electric motor 111. Another actuator, for example a wireless actuator 124, which could be attached to a key fob, can also be connected to the extension mechanism 108. A second extension mechanism 126 can also be connected to the base element 50. The second extension system 126 is manually operated and contains a spring 130 coupled to a spring relief element 132. If the electric motor 111 fails, the spring relief element 132 can be activated to activate a release mechanism 134, which relieves the spring 130 so that the base element 50 can extend from the loading area 26. In this context, it should be noted that the vehicle 10 may have a first extension mechanism 108 and / or a second extension mechanism 126 depending on the vehicle configuration.

[0037] Now, the focus will shift to... Fig.6. Reference is made when a procedure 300 for moving the base element 50 into / out of the loading area 26 is described. According to an example, the control module 118 contains a non-transient, computer-readable data carrier on which instructions are stored which, when executed by one or more processors, perform the steps that define the procedure 300. In the control module 118, block 306 determines whether the first extension mechanism 108 is present and operational. If it is not present or not operational, block 308 can trigger the manual activation of the second extension mechanism 126, and block 310 can activate the spring release element 132 to release the spring 130 so that the base element 50 is pushed out of the loading area 26.In block 312 the base element 50 can be manually returned to the loading area 26 and in block 314 it is determined whether the base element 50 is in a driving position.

[0038] When the control module 118 in block 306 determines that the first extension mechanism 108 is present and operational, the actuator 121 in block 330 is activated and signals the control module 118 to start the electric motor 111. In block 334, the electric motor 112 pushes the base element 50 out of the loading area 26. In block 336, the actuator 121 can be activated again, signaling the control module 118 to start the electric motor 111 to slide the base element 50 back into the loading area 26. In block 338, a user can activate a tailgate closing switch, which may be located on a key fob or provided as a dedicated switch on the vehicle 10. In block 340, the tailgate closes, and in block 314, the base element 50 is back in the driving position.

[0039] The control module 118 can control the operation of the electric motor 111 using the first sensor 114 and / or the second sensor 116. For example, the control module 118 prevents the motor from operating and the base element 50 from extending when the tailgate is closed. Similarly, the control module 118 prevents the motor from operating and the base element 50 from extending when the motor torque increases, indicating that the base element 50 may be blocked.

[0040] The terms "a" and "an" do not denote a limit on the number of elements, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the referenced element. The term "or" means "and / or" unless clearly indicated otherwise by context. A reference to "an aspect" in the application text means that a specific element (e.g., a feature, a structure, a step, or a property) described in connection with that aspect is contained in at least one aspect described therein and may or may not be present in other aspects. It should also be understood that the described elements in the various aspects may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0041] When an element, such as a layer, a thin layer, an area, or a substrate, is described as being "attached" to another element, it may be located directly adjacent to that other element, or there may be intervening elements. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly adjacent" to another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0042] Unless otherwise specified herein, all testing standards shall be the most recent valid standard as of the filing date of this application or, if priority is claimed, as of the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the testing standard appears.

[0043] Unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used herein may have the same meaning as normally understood by relevant experts in the field to which this disclosure belongs.

Claims

[1] Load management system (44) for a vehicle (10) comprising: a base element (50) which is slidably mounted in a loading area (26) of a vehicle (10); a foldable loading box (80) mounted to the base element (50), wherein the foldable loading box (80) includes a bottom wall (82) and several side walls (84) defining a storage area (85); an extension mechanism (108) which is functionally connected to the base element (50), wherein the extension mechanism (108) optionally causes a preloading of the base element (50) from the loading area (26); and an actuator (124) which is functionally connected to the extension mechanism (108), wherein the actuator (124) selectively triggers the extension mechanism (108) to push the base element (50) outwards in the loading area (26), wherein the multiple side walls (84) of the folding loading box (80) comprise a rearward-facing side wall (86), an inward-facing side wall (88) arranged opposite the rearward-facing side wall (86), a first lateral side wall (90) and a second lateral side wall (92) on the opposite side of the first lateral side wall (90), and the rearward-facing side wall (86) is optionally pivotable relative to the bottom wall (82); characterized by , that the first and second lateral side wall (90, 92) have folds (102, 104) which can optionally be folded into the storage area (85). [2] Load management system (44) according to claim 1, wherein the rearward-facing side wall (86) has a locking element (94) which is selectively connected to the first and the second lateral side wall (90, 92). [3] Load management system (44) according to claim 2, further comprising a release mechanism (100) connected to the locking element (94), wherein the release mechanism (100) selectively separates the locking element (94) from the first and the second lateral side wall (90, 92). [4] Load management system (44) according to claim 3, wherein the release mechanism (100) is mounted on the rearward-facing side wall (86). [5] Load management system (44) according to claim 1, wherein the rearward-facing side wall (86) and the inward-facing side wall (88) can be folded relative to the bottom wall (82). [6] Load management system (44) according to claim 1, wherein the extension mechanism (108) comprises an electric motor (111). [7] Loading management system (44) according to claim 6, further comprising a control module (118) functionally connected to the electric motor (111), wherein the control module (118) activates the electric motor (111) to push the base element (50) outwards in the loading area (26). [8] Vehicle (10) comprising: a body (12) which defines a passenger compartment (20) comprising a passenger area (24) and a loading area (26); and a load management system (44) according to claim 1, which is arranged in the loading area (26).

Images