ADJUSTABLE LOADING FLOOR SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

Adjustable loading floor system (50) for one vehicle (10), comprising: a support frame (52) comprising a first side element (60), a second side element (62) arranged opposite the first side element (60), and a support element (64) extending between the first side element (60) and the second side element (62); a first guide element (92) provided on the first side element (60), wherein the first guide element (92) comprises a first continuous guide track (96) with a first plurality of setting ribs (104); a second guide element (94) provided on the second side element (62), wherein the second guide element (94) comprises a second continuous guide track (98) with a second plurality of setting ribs (106); and a base plate (54) coupled to the support frame (52), wherein the base plate (54) comprises a support surface (142), a first guide element (158) and a second guide element (162), wherein the first guide element (158) of the base plate (54) is displaceable through the first continuous guide track (96) and the second guide element (162) of the base plate (54) is displaceable through the second continuous guide track (98) in order to position the support surface (142) in one of a plurality of adjustment positions defined by the first plurality of adjustment tabs (104) and the second plurality of adjustment tabs (106); characterized by the fact that the first guide element (158) of the base plate (54) comprises a teardrop shape with a first end (170) having a first radius (178) and a second end (172) having a second radius (180) that differs from the first radius (178).

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The subject matter of the disclosure relates to the technology of adjustable loading platforms. The present invention relates to an adjustable loading platform system for a vehicle.

[0002] The publication EP 1 728 684 A1 describes an adjustable loading floor system for a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. The publications DE 102 30 205 B3, DE 102 61 393 A1, JP 2007091105 A, DE 10 2007 042 371 A1, DE 10 2007 042 365 A1, JP 2009241825 A, DE 10 2009 032 892 A1, DE 10 2011 114 621 A1, DE 10 2014 225 630 B4, DE 10 2014 201 458 A1, DE 10 2015 111 703 A1 and DE 10 2019 102 985 A1 describe similar systems.

[0003] Vehicles offer various options for storing and transporting a wide range of items. These include rear storage areas, such as the trunk, and / or front storage areas, such as the front cargo area. The trunk and front cargo area typically have a fixed volume. SUVs and vans usually include rear storage areas whose volume can be adjusted, for example, by folding down or removing the seats. Fixed storage volumes are limited in their usability. Storage volumes that can be adjusted by moving the seats are often impractical, as a compromise must be made between seating and storage space.

[0004] Certain vehicles may include a storage area with a removable floor panel. When removed, this panel reveals additional cargo space. After removal, the removable floor panel must be stored. Storing the removable floor panel is inconvenient, especially since it is typically kept in an area away from the vehicle. In other cases, the removable floor panel may have only a single adjustment position. While a single adjustment position is better than no adjustment, the limited option is often inconvenient for the user.

[0005] Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide an adjustable support surface in a vehicle mounting surface. Furthermore, it is desirable to provide an adjustable support surface that can be arranged in several positions and yet remains in the vehicle. SUMMARY

[0006] The aforementioned problem is solved by an adjustable loading floor system for a vehicle according to claim 1 and a vehicle according to claim 9. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0007] An adjustable loading floor system for a vehicle according to an example of the invention comprises a support frame comprising a first side element, a second side element arranged opposite the first side element, and a support element extending between the first and second side elements. A first guide element is provided on the first side element. The first guide element comprises a first continuous guide track having a first plurality of adjustment tabs. A second guide element is provided on the second side element. The second guide element comprises a second continuous guide track having a second plurality of adjustment tabs. A base plate is coupled to the support frame. The base plate comprises a support surface, a first guide element, and a second guide element.The first guide element is displaceable by the first continuous guide track and the second guide element is displaceable by the second continuous guide track to position the support surface in one of a plurality of adjustment positions defined by the first plurality of adjustment tabs and the second plurality of adjustment tabs.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first side element comprises a first upper surface and the second side element comprises a second upper surface, wherein the first upper surface comprises a first opening connected to the first guide element and the second upper surface comprises a second opening connected to the second guide element.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, both the first continuous guideway and the second continuous guideway include an adjustment section and a reset section.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, each of the first plurality of setting ribs is spaced apart along the setting section of the first continuous guideway, and each of the second plurality of setting ribs is arranged along the setting section of the second continuous guideway.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first side element comprises a first lower edge and the second side element comprises a second lower edge, wherein one of the first plurality of adjustment tabs is arranged on the first lower edge and one of the second plurality of adjustment tabs is arranged on the second lower edge.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the base plate comprises a first side edge and a second side edge, wherein the first guide element projects outwards from the first side edge and the second guide element projects outwards from the second side edge.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the base plate comprises a lower surface, wherein the first guide element is attached to the lower surface at the first side edge and the second guide element is attached to the lower surface at the second side edge.

[0014] According to the invention, the first guide element comprises a teardrop shape with a first end having a first radius and a second end having a second radius that differs from the first radius.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first guide element comprises a first curved side and a second curved side opposite the first side, the first curved side and the second curved side extending between the first end and the second end.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the described features, the first curved side is convex and the second curved side is concave.

[0017] A vehicle, according to an example of the invention, comprises a superstructure with a cargo area; and an adjustable loading floor system arranged in the cargo area. The adjustable loading floor system comprises a support frame with a first side element, a second side element arranged opposite the first side element, and a support element extending between the first and second side elements. A first guide element is provided on the first side element. The first guide element comprises a first continuous guide track having a first plurality of adjustment tabs. A second guide element is provided on the second side element. The second guide element comprises a second continuous guide track having a second plurality of adjustment tabs. A floor plate is coupled to the support frame.The base plate comprises a support surface, a first guide element, and a second guide element. The first guide element is displaceable along the first continuous guide track, and the second guide element is displaceable along the second continuous guide track to position the support surface in one of a plurality of adjustment positions defined by the first plurality of adjustment tabs and the second plurality of adjustment tabs.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first side element comprises a first upper surface and the second side element comprises a second upper surface, wherein the first upper surface comprises a first opening connected to the first guide element and the second upper surface comprises a second opening connected to the second guide element.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, both the first continuous guideway and the second continuous guideway include an adjustment section and a reset section.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, each of the first plurality of setting ribs is spaced apart along the setting section of the first continuous guideway, and each of the second plurality of setting ribs is arranged along the setting section of the second continuous guideway.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first side element comprises a first lower edge and the second side element comprises a second lower edge, wherein one of the first plurality of adjustment tabs is arranged on the first lower edge and one of the second plurality of adjustment tabs is arranged on the second lower edge.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the base plate comprises a first side edge and a second side edge, wherein the first guide element projects outwards from the first side edge and the second guide element projects outwards from the second side edge.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the base plate comprises a lower surface, wherein the first guide element is attached to the lower surface at the first side edge and the second guide element is attached to the lower surface at the second side edge.

[0024] According to the invention, the first guide element comprises a teardrop shape with a first end having a first radius and a second end having a second radius that differs from the first radius.

[0025] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first guide element comprises a first curved side and a second curved side opposite the curved first side, the first curved side and the second curved side extending between the first end and the second end.

[0026] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first curved side is convex and the second curved side is concave.

[0027] The aforementioned features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of the disclosure, are readily apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] 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 perspective view from the right rear of a vehicle with an adjustable loading floor according to a non-restrictive example; Fig. 2. A disassembled view of the adjustable loading floor with a support frame and base plate according to a non-restrictive example; Fig. 3 a perspective view from the top right of a guide track of the support frame of Fig. 2 is. Fig. 4 A perspective view from the top left of a guide element of the base plate of Fig. 2 according to a non-restrictive example; Fig. 5 is a perspective view from the top right onto the base plate, moving from a first setting position according to a non-restrictive example; Fig. 6 a perspective view from the top right of the base plate of Fig. 5 is, which, according to a non-restrictive example, goes through a second setting position; Fig. 7 a perspective view from the top right of the base plate of Fig. 6 is, which, according to a non-restrictive example, is arranged in a third setting position; and Fig. 8 is a top view of the guide element, which, according to a non-restrictive example, passes through the guide track from the first setting position via the second setting position to the third setting position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following description is for illustrative purposes only. It is understood that in the drawings, corresponding reference symbols denote identical or equivalent parts and features.

[0030] A vehicle according to a non-restrictive example is generally rated at 10 in Fig. 1. The vehicle 10 comprises a superstructure 12, which is supported on a plurality of wheels 16. The superstructure 12 partially defines a passenger compartment 20, in which a plurality of seats 23 can be arranged, and a cargo area 34, shown in the form of a trunk 36. The cargo area 34 can be used as storage space for various items, both vehicle-related (e.g., spare tires, tools, and the like) and non-vehicle-related items such as shopping bags, suitcases, and the like. The cargo area 34 includes an adjustable loading floor system 50, which can change the amount of storage volume available in the trunk 36. It is understood here that the adjustable loading floor system 50, even when connected to a rear storage area (e.g., trunk 36), can also be used in a front storage area, e.g., a front trunk (not shown).

[0031] With reference to Fig. 2 and with further reference to Fig. 1. The adjustable loading floor system 50 comprises a support frame 52 and a floor panel 54. As explained in more detail herein, the floor panel 54 is selectively height-adjustable to modify the overall configuration of the cargo area 34. As further explained herein, the cargo area 34 can be configured so that the floor panel 54 does not need to be removed and stored outside the vehicle 10. It should be understood that while the support frame 52 is shown as a separate element, it can also be integrated into the vehicle 10. That is to say, internal components (not shown) can be shaped to form features of the support frame 52.

[0032] In a non-restrictive example, the supporting frame 52 comprises a first side element 60, a second side element 62, a support element 64, and an end wall 66. The support element 64 and the end wall 66 extend between and are connected to the first side element 60 and the second side element 62. The first side element 60 comprises a first upper surface 68 and a first lower edge 70. Similarly, the second side element 62 comprises a second upper surface 74 and a second lower edge 76. A bottom wall 78 extends between and is connected to the first lower edge 70 and the second lower edge 76. The bottom wall 78 may also be connected to the support element 64 and the end wall 66.

[0033] In a non-restrictive example, the first side element 60 comprises a first end 80, a second end 82, and an inner surface 84. The second side element 62 comprises a first end section 86, a second end section 88, and an inner surface section 90. A first guide element 92 is arranged in the first side element 60, and a second guide element 94 is arranged on the second side element 62. In a non-restrictive example, the first guide element 92 is formed in the first side element 60 adjacent to the first end 80. The second guide element 94 is formed in the second side element 62 adjacent to the first end section 86. While the guide elements 92 and 94 are formed integrally within their respective side elements 60 and 62, they can also be designed as separate structures connected to each side element 60 and 62.

[0034] With further reference to Fig. 2. The first guide element 92 comprises a first continuous guide track 96, and the second guide element 94 comprises a second continuous guide track 98. The first continuous guide track 96 comprises a first plurality of adjustment tabs 104, and the second continuous guide track 98 comprises a second plurality of adjustment tabs 106. The first plurality of adjustment tabs 104 and the second plurality of adjustment tabs 106 define discrete adjustment positions for the base plate 54. That is, by repositioning the base plate 54 between selected positions of the first and second plurality of adjustment tabs 104 and 106, the height above the base wall 78 is changed.

[0035] With the following reference to Fig. 3 with further reference to Fig. 2 The first guide element 92 is described under the assumption that the second guide element 94 comprises a similar structure. In a non-restrictive example, the first continuous guide track 96 comprises an adjustment section 110 and a return section 112. Each of the first plurality of adjustment lugs 104 is spaced along the first continuous guide track 96 in the adjustment section 110. The return section 112 is an uninterrupted path between the lowest of the first plurality of adjustment lugs 104 and one of the highest of the first plurality of adjustment lugs 104.

[0036] In a non-restrictive example, the first set of setting lugs 104 includes a first setting lug 116 located near the first upper surface 68, a second setting lug 118, and a third setting lug 120 located at the bottom wall 78. It is understood that the number and spacing of the setting lugs 104 can vary. The first setting lug 116 defines the uppermost setting lug, and the third setting lug 120 defines the lowermost setting lug. Thus, the return section 112 defines an uninterrupted path between the third setting lug 120 and the first setting lug 116. In a non-restrictive example, the first upper surface 68 includes a first opening 128 that defines an entry into the first guide element 92.

[0037] With the following reference to Fig. 2. A description of the base plate 54 follows. In a non-restrictive example, the base plate 54 comprises a support surface 142 and a lower surface 144 opposite the support surface 142. The base plate 54 further comprises a first side edge 146, a second side edge 148 opposite the first side edge 146, a first end section 150, and a second end section 152 opposite the first end section 150. The second end section 152 selectively rests on the support element 64 when the base plate 54 is in its uppermost setting position.

[0038] In a non-restrictive example, a first guide element arrangement 156, comprising a first guide element 158, is arranged along the first side edge 146, and a second guide element arrangement 160, comprising a second guide element 162, is arranged along the second side edge 148. As explained in more detail herein, the first guide element arrangement 158 ​​and the second guide element 162 move through the first guide element 92 and the second guide element 94 to establish the setting positions for the base plate 54.

[0039] With the following reference to Fig. Section 4 describes the second guide element arrangement 160, assuming that the first guide element arrangement 156 comprises a corresponding structure. The first guide element arrangement 160 includes a connecting piece 163 that can be attached to the lower surface 144, which adjoins the second side edge 148. The connecting piece 163 consists of a support 165 with an outer surface 167. The second guide element 160 projects outwards from the outer surface 167. The second guide element 160 has a teardrop or raindrop shape with a first end 170 and a second end 172. The second end 172 is opposite the first end 170.

[0040] The first end 170 comprises a first radius 178, and the second end 172 comprises a second radius 180, which differs from the first radius 178 and thus gives the second guide element 160 the shape of a teardrop or raindrop. The second guide element 160 also comprises a first side 182 and a second side 184. The first side 182 is convex, and the second side 184 is concave, giving the teardrop shape a curve. The special shape of the second guide element 160 ensures a smooth transition along the second continuous guide track 98 and a stable fit on each of the second set of adjustment lugs 106.

[0041] With the following reference to Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and Fig. Section 8 describes a transition of the base plate 54 between several adjustment positions according to a non-restrictive example. The base plate 54 can, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the second end section 152 can be raised by lifting the support element 64. At this point, the base plate 54 can be lifted, as shown in Figure 5. Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the first guide element 158 ​​and the second guide element 162 are pushed forward so that they run along the corresponding continuous first guide track 96 and the second continuous guide track 98 into a second setting position. As shown in Fig. 8. In the second setting position, the first guide element 158 ​​rests on the second setting rib 118 ( Fig. 3) The second guide element 162 would occupy a corresponding position in the second continuous guide track 98.

[0042] A further forward movement of base plate 54, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the first guide element 158 ​​is placed in the third setting bar 120 and establishes a corresponding position for the second guide element 162. Fig. 8. At this point, the base plate 54 is in its lowest setting position. To return the base plate 54 to its first setting position, Fig. To move the base plate, a rearward force is exerted, causing the first guide element 158 ​​to move back along the return section 112 to the first adjustment lug 116. The use of continuous guide tracks 96 and 98 in the first and second guide elements 92 and 94 allows the user to move the base plate between several adjustment positions. Furthermore, the need for external storage is eliminated, as the base element can simply be placed in the lowest adjustment position.

[0043] The terms "a / an" do not denote a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the referenced items. The term "or" means "and / or" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Whenever the patent specification refers to "an aspect," this means that a specific element (e.g., a feature, a structure, a step, or a property) described in connection with that aspect is included in at least one of the aspects described therein and may or may not be present in other aspects. Furthermore, it is understood that the described elements in the various aspects may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0044] When an element, such as a layer, film, area, or substrate, is described as being "on" another element, it may be located directly on top of that other element, or there may be elements in between. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly on" another element, there are no elements in between.

[0045] Unless otherwise stated herein, all testing standards are the latest standard in force on the filing date of this application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the testing standard appears.

[0046] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as they are generally understood by a person skilled in the field to which this disclosure belongs.

Claims

[1] Adjustable loading floor system (50) for a vehicle (10), comprising: a support frame (52) comprising a first side element (60), a second side element (62) arranged opposite the first side element (60), and a support element (64) extending between the first side element (60) and the second side element (62); a first guide element (92) provided on the first side element (60), wherein the first guide element (92) comprises a first continuous guide track (96) with a first plurality of setting ribs (104); a second guide element (94) provided on the second side element (62), wherein the second guide element (94) comprises a second continuous guide track (98) with a second plurality of setting ribs (106); and a base plate (54) coupled to the support frame (52), wherein the base plate (54) comprises a support surface (142), a first guide element (158) and a second guide element (162), wherein the first guide element (158) of the base plate (54) is displaceable through the first continuous guide track (96) and the second guide element (162) of the base plate (54) is displaceable through the second continuous guide track (98) in order to position the support surface (142) in one of a plurality of adjustment positions defined by the first plurality of adjustment tabs (104) and the second plurality of adjustment tabs (106); characterized by , that the first guide element (158) of the base plate (54) comprises a teardrop shape with a first end (170) having a first radius (178) and a second end (172) having a second radius (180) that differs from the first radius (178). [2] Adjustable loading floor system (50) according to claim 1, wherein the first side element (60) comprises a first upper surface (68) and the second side element (62) comprises a second upper surface (74), wherein the first upper surface (68) comprises a first opening (128) connected to the first guide element (92) and the second upper surface (74) comprises a second opening connected to the second guide element (94). [3] Adjustable loading floor system (50) according to claim 1, wherein both the first continuous guide track (96) and the second continuous guide track (98) comprise an adjustment section (110) and a return section (112). [4] Adjustable loading floor system (50) according to claim 3, wherein each of the first plurality of adjustment ribs (104) is spaced apart along the adjustment section (110) of the first continuous guide track (96) and each of the second plurality of adjustment ribs (106) is arranged along the adjustment section (110) of the second continuous guide track (98). [5] Adjustable loading floor system (50) according to claim 1, wherein the first side element (60) comprises a first lower edge (70) and the second side element (62) comprises a second lower edge (76), wherein one of the first plurality of adjustment tabs (104) is arranged on the first lower edge (70) and one of the second plurality of adjustment tabs (106) is arranged on the second lower edge (76). [6] Adjustable loading floor system (50) according to claim 1, wherein the floor plate (54) comprises a first side edge (146) and a second side edge (148), wherein the first guide element (158) of the floor plate (54) projects outwards from the first side edge (146) and the second guide element (162) of the floor plate (54) projects outwards from the second side edge (148). [7] Adjustable loading floor system (50) according to claim 6, wherein the floor plate (54) comprises a lower surface (144), the first guide element (158) of the floor plate (54) is attached to the lower surface (144) at the first side edge (146) and the second guide element (162) of the floor plate (54) is attached to the lower surface (144) at the second side edge (148). [8] Adjustable loading floor system (50) according to claim 1, wherein the first guide element (158) of the floor plate (54) comprises a first curved side (182) and a second curved side (184) opposite the first side (182), wherein the first curved side (182) and the second curved side (184) extend between the first end (170) and the second end (172). [9] Vehicle (10), comprising: a structure (12) with a cargo area (34); and an adjustable loading floor system (50) according to claim 1, which is arranged in the cargo area (34).

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