motor vehicle with a cargo space

Abstract

A motor vehicle with a cargo area and a cargo floor is proposed, wherein the cargo floor has a fixed portion and a height-adjustable portion. The motor vehicle is characterized in that, when the height-adjustable portion of the cargo floor is in a lower position, the upper surface of the height-adjustable portion is flush with the upper surface of the fixed portion.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle with a cargo space and a cargo floor, wherein the cargo floor has a fixed portion and a height-adjustable portion.

[0002] Most motor vehicles, and especially passenger cars, have at least one cargo area, often referred to as a trunk. Depending on the type and design of the vehicle, this cargo area can have different shapes and dimensions. In particular, the height of the loading sill, i.e., the lower, usually horizontal, boundary of the cargo area opening, can vary. Likewise, the absolute height of the cargo floor can vary considerably from one vehicle model to another. Especially if the cargo floor is relatively low and / or the loading sill is relatively high, loading the cargo area can be strenuous for the user and / or lead to increased strain on the back.

[0003] Especially in deep trunks or the newer "frunks" found particularly in electric vehicles, placing and removing heavy, low objects is unergonomic and strenuous, as it requires an awkward posture. In this context, a trunk refers to a cargo area located at the rear of the vehicle. A frunk, conversely, refers to a cargo area located at the front of the vehicle.

[0004] In some vehicles, it is possible to vary the height of the cargo floor, for example in a trunk (a cargo area located at the rear of the vehicle), using a removable or folding intermediate floor or a parcel shelf. In some designs, it is also possible to create two vertically separated cargo areas.

[0005] DE 10 2008 010 392 A1 describes a module that can be inserted into the trunk of a motor vehicle, which has a loading floor component that can be moved in height by means of an electric actuation of a spindle and can thus be brought to the height of a loading edge of the trunk of the motor vehicle.

[0006] From DE 197 37 712 A1, a loading system in the form of a lifting table is known, which can be arranged in various positions and, for example, folded away. The lifting table can also be raised to the height of a loading edge of the trunk of the motor vehicle.

[0007] Current state-of-the-art solutions often take up additional space in the cargo area, are structurally complex, or require relatively complicated and / or electrically driven adjustment mechanisms. A parcel shelf, often found in vehicles, can only support lightweight items and does not allow for legally compliant load securing. Furthermore, existing solutions such as a folding load floor or a parcel shelf only allow for variation of the trunk height between two fixed positions, which rarely results in ergonomic, low-stress, and safe loading and unloading of items.

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a motor vehicle in which a flexible and preferably space-saving possibility for varying the height of a cargo floor is available.

[0009] The object of the invention is solved by a motor vehicle of the type mentioned at the outset, which is characterized in that, when the height-adjustable part of the load compartment floor is in a lower position, an upper surface of the height-adjustable part is flush with an upper surface of the fixed part.

[0010] It can be designed so that when the height-adjustable section of the cargo floor is in a lower position, its upper surface forms a flat loading surface with the upper surface of the fixed section. Advantageously, there is only a small gap or no gap at all between the fixed and height-adjustable sections of the cargo floor.

[0011] This ensures, among other things, that the vehicle is indistinguishable from a conventional vehicle at first glance. When the height-adjustable section of the cargo floor is in a lower position, also known as the retracted or passive position, the vehicle's cargo space can be used just like a regular trunk. When the height-adjustable section of the cargo floor is activated and raised to a higher position, the usable cargo floor is positioned higher, which in many cases improves user comfort when loading and unloading. Furthermore, depending on the shape and geometry of the cargo opening, the portion of the cargo space now located below the height-adjustable section of the cargo floor can still be loaded.This results in a two-part cargo space with an upper section and a lower section, in which, for example, several smaller items can be transported without having to stack the items.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, the height-adjustable portion of the cargo floor is designed to be lockable in several positions in the vertical direction. The user can then select and set a suitable position for the height-adjustable portion in the vertical direction, depending on the current situation. In this way, the shape and layout of the cargo space can be adapted, for example, to the size, shape, and quantity of the items to be transported.

[0013] It is also advantageous for the height-adjustable section to be infinitely adjustable in the vertical direction. In other words, the height-adjustable section can then be locked at any desired height between its lower and upper positions. The resulting cargo space is then particularly flexible and adaptable to the individual needs of the user. Infinitely adjustable positioning can be achieved, for example, by providing a locking, stop, or ratchet mechanism that fixes the height-adjustable section of the cargo floor in a desired vertical position.

[0014] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the height-adjustable component is designed such that it can be moved vertically at least to the height of a parcel shelf in the vehicle. This results in a large adjustment range within which many different applications can be realized.

[0015] In a further development of the invention, the height-adjustable portion can be secured in a lower position by a locking mechanism. This could, for example, be a push-push mechanism similar to that of a ballpoint pen. A firm downward push of the height-adjustable portion into its lower position activates the locking mechanism and fixes the portion in this lower position. Applying another downward force to the height-adjustable portion releases the locking mechanism. The height-adjustable portion is then movable again in the vertical direction and can be moved into the desired position. A spring mechanism can also be provided to assist this release.It is possible that the height-adjustable section is designed such that the locking mechanism can be released by applying pressure to any part of it. Alternatively, only a small portion of the height-adjustable section's surface interacts with the locking mechanism, allowing pressure to release it. This area could be visually marked. The locking mechanism could also be operated by a button or switch that works on the same principle. For example, the height-adjustable section of the cargo floor could automatically lock into place when lowered, and the locking mechanism could be released via a dedicated button.The upper surface of the button can also be flush with the top of the height-adjustable part of the cargo floor, or it can be slightly offset downwards, for example, to prevent unintentional activation.

[0016] One specific design provides that the height-adjustable portion of the cargo floor, or a part thereof, is designed to be movable in a horizontal direction. In other words, the height-adjustable portion of the cargo floor, or a part thereof, can be moved without changing its position in the vertical direction. The direction of movement is preferably parallel to the vehicle's direction of travel. However, movement in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle's longitudinal axis or perpendicular to the direction of travel is also conceivable.The described design allows a user to access the lower portion of the cargo area, which is divided into two sections by the height-adjustable part of the cargo floor, even if the geometry of the cargo opening, for example due to the positioning of the loading edge, would otherwise make access to the lower portion difficult or impossible. A flap or other closable opening can also be provided in the height-adjustable part of the cargo floor.

[0017] If only part of the height-adjustable section of the cargo floor can be moved vertically, it can be positioned so that it overlaps with the portion of the height-adjustable section that is not moved vertically. The vertically adjustable section can therefore be slid above or below the portion that is not vertically adjustable.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the motor vehicle has a scissor mechanism that supports the height-adjustable portion of the cargo floor. Such a scissor mechanism can, for example, have two intersecting struts in each of the left and right regions of the cargo area (viewed longitudinally), each strut being attached at one end to the cargo floor and at the other end to an underside of the height-adjustable portion of the cargo floor. At least one end can be movably arranged on the cargo floor in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, for example, in a rail. The two right and the two left struts can then be aligned almost parallel or parallel to the horizontal when the height-adjustable portion of the cargo floor is in the lowered position.When the height-adjustable section of the cargo floor is raised, the struts extend and support the height-adjustable section vertically. If the end of the strut, which is mounted in the rail, can be locked within the rail, the vertical position of the height-adjustable section of the cargo floor is automatically locked.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, the vehicle has a right-hand portion of the scissor mechanism, which is arranged in the region of a right edge of the height-adjustable portion of the cargo floor and extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a left-hand portion of the scissor mechanism, which is arranged in the region of a left edge of the height-adjustable portion of the cargo floor and extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. These portions of the scissor mechanism can, for example, be formed by the rails described above.

[0020] Alternatively, it is possible to achieve the vertical relocation of the height-adjustable portion of the cargo floor by means of a telescopic mechanism for changing the position of the height-adjustable portion of the cargo floor.

[0021] All previously described configurations can be implemented both when the cargo space is a trunk or rear cargo space, and when the cargo space is a front cargo space or frunk.

[0022] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings and the following description. The drawings show: Fig. 1: a schematic perspective view of a cargo space of a first embodiment of a motor vehicle according to the invention, and Fig. 2: a schematic perspective view of a cargo space of a second embodiment of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the cargo area of ​​a motor vehicle, which is not otherwise shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the cargo area is located in the rear of the vehicle and, viewed in the direction of travel, is bounded forward by a rear seat backrest 4. The cargo area has a cargo floor consisting of a fixed section 2 and a height-adjustable section 8. The fixed section 2 has an opening 6, or cutout, the circumference of which substantially coincides with or is congruent to the outer circumference of the height-adjustable section 8. When the height-adjustable section 8 is lowered to its lower position, it almost completely or completely fills the opening 6, resulting in a flat surface that encompasses the upper surfaces of both the height-adjustable section 8 and the fixed section 2 of the cargo floor.The movement that can be carried out in a vertical direction by the height-adjustable part 8 of the cargo floor is indicated by the vertically oriented double arrow.

[0024] The height-adjustable section 8 is shown in a central or upper position in the figure. The height-adjustable section 8 is supported by the struts 14 of the first scissor mechanism and by the struts 16 of the second scissor mechanism. The first scissor mechanism is located in the left-hand area of ​​the vehicle or cargo space when viewed in the direction of travel, and the second scissor mechanism is located in the right-hand area of ​​the cargo space when viewed in the direction of travel. Accordingly, the upper ends of the struts 14 of the first scissor mechanism are located at a left end of the height-adjustable section 8 and are spaced apart from each other when viewed in the direction of travel, and the upper ends of the struts 16 of the second scissor mechanism are located and attached at a right end of the height-adjustable section 8, also spaced apart from each other when viewed in the direction of travel.The attachment can be made to an underside of the height-adjustable part 8 or to a side surface of the height-adjustable part 8 of the cargo floor.

[0025] The lower ends of the struts 14, 16 are attached to the rails 10, 12. In particular, at least one of the lower ends of the two struts 14 of the first scissor mechanism is attached to the first rail 10. The corresponding end of the strut 14 attached to the first rail 10 is designed to be movable in the direction of travel and can thus slide back and forth within the first rail 10. This sliding movement is indicated by the double arrows pointing in the direction of travel. This movement of the described lower end of the strut 14 changes the angle formed by the two struts 14 with each other, as well as the angle formed by the two struts 14 with the horizontal. The larger the angle formed by the two struts 14 with the horizontal, the higher the height-adjustable portion 8 of the cargo floor is raised.Analogous to the first scissor mechanism and the first rail 10, the second scissor mechanism is operatively connected to the second rail 12 on the right side of the vehicle. The first rail 10 and the second rail 12 rest on a lower floor, which, viewed vertically, is located below the top of the fixed section 2 of the cargo floor. The lower floor can be used as the cargo floor of a lower section of the cargo space divided by the height-adjustable section 8 when the height-adjustable section is not in the lower position or in the retracted position. The first rail 10 and the second rail 12 are attached to the lower floor and transmit the weight of the height-adjustable section 8 of the cargo floor, as well as forces acting on it, to the supporting structures of the vehicle.

[0026] The height-adjustable section 8 of the cargo floor divides the cargo space into a lower and an upper area. In the upper area, a first item 18 in the form of a box is shown as an example of a possible load, and in the lower area, a second item 20 in the form of a pair of boots is shown as another possible load.

[0027] Fig. 2 shows analogous to Fig. 1 also a schematic perspective representation of the cargo space of a motor vehicle that is otherwise not shown. The in Fig. The embodiment shown in 2 differs from the one in Fig.In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the first scissor mechanism and the second scissor mechanism are replaced by a first telescopic mechanism 22 and a second telescopic mechanism 24, which enable the height adjustment of the height-adjustable portion 8 of the cargo floor. The first telescopic mechanism 22 and the second telescopic mechanism 24 can also be considered a single, combined telescopic mechanism. The telescopic mechanism can be operated manually or automatically.

[0028] For example, an electric or hydraulic repositioning device is conceivable. In the illustrated embodiment, the telescopic mechanism 22, 24 is formed from four telescopic units, each attached in the region of a corner of the height-adjustable section 8 of the cargo floor. The front left and rear left telescopic units form the first telescopic mechanism 22, and the front right and rear right telescopic units form the second telescopic mechanism 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the telescopic units are connected to the underside of the height-adjustable section 8 of the cargo floor, but they can also be attached to a side surface of the height-adjustable section 8 of the cargo floor. Reference symbol list 2 fixed portion of the cargo floor 4 Rear seat backrest 6 Opening 8 height-adjustable sections of the cargo floor 10 first rail 12 second rail 14 struts of the first scissor mechanism 16 struts of the second scissor mechanism 18 Item 20 Item 22 first telescopic mechanism 24 second telescopic mechanism QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2008 010 392 A1

[0005] DE 197 37 712 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle with a loading space with a loading space floor, wherein the loading space floor has a fixed part (2) and a height-adjustable part (8), characterized by that, when the height-adjustable part (8) of the loading space floor is in a lower position, an upper side of the height-adjustable part (8) is flush with an upper side of the fixed part (2). [2] Motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized by that a position of the height-adjustable part (8) is continuously adjustable in the vertical direction. [3] Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that, when the height-adjustable part (8) of the loading space floor is in a lower position, the upper side of the height-adjustable part (8) forms a flat loading surface with the upper side of the fixed part (2). [4] Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the height-adjustable part (8) can be secured in a lower position by a locking mechanism. [5] Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the height-adjustable part (8) can be locked in several positions in the vertical direction. [6] Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the height-adjustable part (8) can be locked in the vertical direction at any desired height between the lower position of the height-adjustable part (8) and an upper position of the height-adjustable part (8). [7] Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a scissor mechanism (14, 16) for changing the position in the vertical direction of the height-adjustable part (8) of the loading space floor. [8] Motor vehicle according to claim 7, characterized bya right-hand portion of the scissor mechanism (16) which is arranged in the region of a right-hand edge of the height-adjustable portion (8) of the loading compartment floor and extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and by a left-hand portion of the scissor mechanism (14) which is arranged in the region of a left-hand edge of the height-adjustable portion (8) of the loading compartment floor and extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction. [9] Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a telescopic mechanism (2) for changing the position of the height-adjustable part (8) of the loading compartment floor. [10] Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cargo space is a front cargo space.

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