Vehicle with a loading device, method for operating the loading device and loading device modular system

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle (1) with a loading device (4) in a loading space (2), which has a fastening module (5) fastened to a loading space floor, a loading floor module (6), a drive module (7), and a drive control unit, wherein the drive module (7) has an adapter plate (8) fastened to the fastening module (5), an adapter plate (9) fastened to the loading floor module (6), and at least three independently length-adjustable linear drive units (10), which are each connected to the adapter plates (8, 9) via ball joints (11), wherein two of the linear drive units (10) are arranged next to one another and the at least one further linear drive unit (10) is arranged offset in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis, wherein a pivot drive unit is arranged on at least one of the linear drive units (10) such that this linear drive unit (10) is pivotable at least about a pivot axis parallel to the vehicle's transverse axis,wherein the loading floor module (6), driven by the drive units (10) controlled by the drive control unit, can be pivoted out of the open loading space (2) from an interior position in the loading space (2) into a pivoted-out position, in which the loading floor module (6) projects outwardly beyond a loading edge of the loading space (2) and is supported from below by the loading edge.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle with a loading device, a method for operating the loading device and a loading device modular system.

[0002] A loading device and a transport and loading arrangement are known from the prior art, as described in DE 20 2021 102 568 U1. The loading device for loading a transport trolley with multiple unwinding means and a transport receptacle into a cargo space of a motor vehicle extending as far as a rear opening comprises a storage device for attachment in the cargo space, a loading mechanism mounted on the storage device, which has a loading part that can be moved out of the cargo space for loading and / or unloading the transport trolley into or out of the cargo space, and a height adjustment device by means of which a height of the loading mechanism can be adjusted relative to the storage device. By means of the height adjustment device, an angle of inclination of the loading mechanism relative to a horizontal can be adjusted.

[0003] DE 10 2022 000 956 A1 describes a load compartment insert for the front load compartment of a motor vehicle. The load compartment insert has a continuous base body on which a drive device and several guide units are arranged. A loading floor is arranged in an interior space of the base body and can be moved linearly in a vertical direction. The loading floor is supported by movable support elements of the guide units, which can be moved vertically by means of the drive device.

[0004] The not yet published DE 10 2024 003 416 describes a loading space floor system for a loading space of a motor vehicle with an adjustable floor element.

[0005] DE 10 2023 111 936 A1 describes a system for adjusting the height of a rear loading floor in a motor vehicle, comprising a seat with a seat back pivotable about a pivot axis extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle, the loading floor, and a floor arranged below the loading floor. By pivoting the seat back about the pivot axis, the loading floor is height-adjustable using a loading floor adjustment device.

[0006] DE 10 2007 044 910 A1 discloses a loading floor for cargo spaces in motor vehicles with two loading floor segments arranged one behind the other in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis (X-axis). A first loading floor segment adjacent to the rear seats is connected to a rail system that can be pivoted about a pivot axis aligned in the direction of the Y-axis of the motor vehicle by means of a lifting device arranged in the region of a rear loading edge. This rail system adjusts the first loading floor segment translationally in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis (X-axis).

[0007] DE 198 15 466 A1 describes a loading and unloading device for use in the trunk of a passenger car, with a loading plate which can be moved manually from a transport position in which the loading plate is completely accommodated in the trunk, into a loading and unloading position in which the loading plate projects out of the trunk with a first end raised above a rear wall of the trunk.

[0008] DE 296 07 956 U1 describes a luggage carrier for a motor vehicle with a trunk, wherein it comprises a luggage receiving element which can be transferred from a non-use position in the trunk of the motor vehicle into a use position projecting outwards beyond the rear side of the trunk.

[0009] The invention is based on the object of specifying a vehicle with a loading device that is improved compared to the prior art, a method for operating the loading device that is improved compared to the prior art, and a loading device modular system that is improved compared to the prior art.

[0010] The object is achieved according to the invention by a vehicle with a loading device having the features of claim 1, a method for operating the loading device having the features of claim 8 and a loading device modular system having the features of claim 10.

[0011] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0012] A vehicle according to the invention has a loading device arranged in a rear loading space of the vehicle. The loading device has a lower fastening module fastened to a loading space floor of the vehicle, in particular to a floor of a loading recess of the loading space, in particular in a non-destructively detachable manner, an upper loading floor module, a drive module, and a drive control unit. The drive module is arranged between the fastening module and the loading floor module. It has a lower adapter plate fastened to an upper side of the fastening module, in particular in a non-destructively detachable manner, an upper adapter plate fastened to an underside of the loading floor module, in particular in a non-destructively detachable manner, and at least three, for example four, independently length-adjustable linear drive units.The linear drive units are each connected at a lower end to the lower adapter plate via a ball joint and at an upper end to the upper adapter plate via a ball joint.

[0013] The non-destructively detachable fastening of the respective adapter plate to the fastening module or loading floor module and / or the fastening module to the loading space floor is designed, for example, by screwing and / or clipping and / or in another, in particular form-fitting and / or force-fitting, manner.

[0014] If the drive module has only three linear drive units, then advantageously two of the linear drive units are arranged next to one another in the transverse axis direction of the vehicle and the further, i.e. third, linear drive unit is arranged offset from these two linear drive units in the longitudinal axis direction of the vehicle. The third linear drive unit is arranged in particular on a parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, in particular centrally, between the two other linear drive units. If the drive module has four linear drive units, then advantageously the linear drive units are arranged in pairs next to one another in the transverse axis direction of the vehicle, i.e. two of the linear drive units are arranged next to one another in the transverse axis direction of the vehicle and form a pair of linear drive units. The two pairs of linear drive units are arranged offset from one another in the longitudinal axis direction of the vehicle.

[0015] A swivel drive unit is arranged on at least one of the linear drive units such that this linear drive unit, driven by the swivel drive unit, can pivot with its lower end at least about a pivot axis parallel to the vehicle's transverse axis. This means that the pivot axis, in particular a virtual one, around which this linear drive unit pivots is located at the lower end of this linear drive unit. Mechanically, it is realized in particular by the ball joint with which this linear drive unit is connected to the lower adapter plate.

[0016] The drive control unit is coupled to the drive units and designed and configured to control the drive units. The loading device is designed and the drive control unit is designed and configured such that the loading floor module, driven by the drive units controlled by the drive control unit, can be pivoted out of the open loading space from an interior position in the loading space into a pivoted-out position, in which the loading floor module projects outward beyond a loading edge of the loading space and is supported from below by the loading edge. This means that in the pivoted-out position, the underside of the loading floor module and / or an underside of the upper adapter plate rests on an upper side of the loading edge of the loading space.

[0017] In a method according to the invention for operating the loading device in the vehicle, the drive units are controlled by means of the drive control unit in such a way that the loading floor module, driven by the drive units, is pivoted out of the open loading space from the inside position in the loading space into the pivoted-out position.

[0018] This solution eliminates the need to place or remove a load from inside the loading area, particularly over the loading edge, thus improving ergonomics and reducing strain, particularly on the back, for a person placing or removing the load.

[0019] The respective linear drive unit is designed, for example, to be telescopic. It thus comprises, in particular, several telescopic tubes or telescopic rails or other elongated telescopic units that are connected to one another and can be pushed into and out of one another in the axial direction of the linear drive unit to adjust its length.

[0020] The respective linear drive unit comprises, for example, an electric motor-driven spindle drive or worm drive, or a pneumatic or hydraulic adjustment drive for length adjustment. In a pneumatic or hydraulic adjustment drive, the respective linear drive unit is designed, in particular, as a pneumatic cylinder or hydraulic cylinder and is also referred to, for example, as a pneumatic or hydraulic linear motor. The respective linear drive unit is thus designed, for example, as an electric, in particular electric motor-driven, or pneumatic or hydraulic linear drive unit.

[0021] In one embodiment, the loading floor module has a border, particularly a peripheral border, which extends upwards above a surface of the upper side of the loading floor module. This border allows for support of the cargo.

[0022] In one embodiment, the loading floor module has a waterproof and / or rubberized coating.

[0023] In one embodiment, at least one position and / or acceleration sensor or several position and / or acceleration sensors is / are arranged on the loading floor module, for example on its underside, and / or on the upper adapter plate of the drive module, for example on its underside.

[0024] In one embodiment, the loading device comprises a camera-based and / or capacitive object detection device for detecting cargo on the loading floor module and / or a weight sensor on the loading floor module and / or on the upper adapter plate of the drive module for determining the weight of the cargo on the loading floor module. The capacitive object detection device is arranged, for example, on the loading floor module, for example, on its underside, and / or on the upper adapter plate, for example, on its underside. The weight sensor is arranged, for example, on the underside of the loading floor module or the upper adapter plate.

[0025] In one embodiment, the drive control unit is designed and configured to control the drive units, in particular the linear drive units, in such a way that the loading floor module in the interior position in the loading space, at least when no longitudinal acceleration and / or transverse acceleration caused by driving the vehicle acts on the loading floor module, ie at least when the vehicle is stationary, for example parked, or when the vehicle is traveling evenly straight ahead, is held in a horizontal, ie horizontal, orientation, both in the vehicle longitudinal axis direction and in the vehicle transverse axis direction.Accordingly, in one embodiment of the method it is provided in particular that the drive units, in particular the linear drive units, are controlled by means of the drive control unit in such a way that the loading floor module is held in the horizontal, i.e. horizontal, orientation in the interior position in the loading space, at least when no longitudinal acceleration and / or transverse acceleration caused by driving the vehicle acts on the loading floor module, both in the vehicle's longitudinal axis direction and in the vehicle's transverse axis direction.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, the drive control unit is designed and configured, for example, to control the drive units, in particular the linear drive units, in such a way that the loading floor module, in the interior position in the loading space, is pivoted into an orientation counteracting the longitudinal acceleration and / or lateral acceleration when a longitudinal acceleration and / or lateral acceleration caused by driving the vehicle acts on the loading floor module.Accordingly, in one embodiment of the method it is provided in particular that, alternatively or additionally, the drive units, in particular the linear drive units, are controlled by means of the drive control unit in such a way that the loading floor module in the interior position in the loading space, when a longitudinal acceleration and / or lateral acceleration caused by driving the vehicle acts on the loading floor module, is pivoted into the orientation counteracting the longitudinal acceleration and / or lateral acceleration.

[0027] If the longitudinal acceleration acts, for example, forwards, in particular when the vehicle is decelerating, the loading floor module is pivoted in particular such that the top side of the loading floor module rises towards the front. If the longitudinal acceleration acts, for example, backwards, in particular when the vehicle is accelerating, the loading floor module is pivoted in particular such that the top side of the loading floor module rises towards the rear. If the longitudinal acceleration acts, for example, to the right, in particular when driving through a left-hand bend, the loading floor module is pivoted in particular such that the top side of the loading floor module rises to the right. If the longitudinal acceleration acts, for example, to the left, in particular when driving through a right-hand bend, the loading floor module is pivoted in particular such that the top side of the loading floor module rises to the left.

[0028] For example, the loading device, in particular its drive control unit, is coupled to a so-called pre-crash system of the vehicle, i.e., a system that detects, in particular, an impending and unavoidable collision with the vehicle and advantageously initiates measures to mitigate the severity of the collision before the collision occurs. One of these measures is then advantageously pivoting the loading floor module into an orientation that counteracts the longitudinal and / or lateral acceleration expected upon the occurrence of the collision.

[0029] The drive control unit is thus advantageously designed and configured to control the drive units, in particular the linear drive units, in the event of an imminent and unavoidable collision with the vehicle in such a way that the loading floor module, in the interior position in the loading space, is pivoted into an orientation counteracting the longitudinal acceleration and / or lateral acceleration expected upon the occurrence of the collision. Accordingly, one embodiment of the method provides, in particular, that the drive units, in particular the linear drive units, are controlled by means of the drive control unit in the event of an imminent and unavoidable collision with the vehicle in such a way that the loading floor module, in the interior position in the loading space, is pivoted into an orientation counteracting the longitudinal acceleration and / or lateral acceleration expected upon the occurrence of the collision.

[0030] For example, the vehicle has an AI system (AI = Artificial Intelligence) which, depending on the determined longitudinal and / or lateral acceleration during vehicle operation and / or depending on the longitudinal acceleration and / or lateral acceleration expected upon occurrence of the collision and / or depending on a determined type and / or a determined weight of the load, determines the orientation of the loading floor module, into which the loading floor module is then pivoted by means of the drive units, in particular linear drive units, controlled accordingly by the drive control unit.

[0031] For the described pivoting of the loading floor module, for example, the at least one pivot drive unit can also be controlled accordingly, in particular such that a center point of the upper side of the loading floor module does not change its position in the vehicle's longitudinal axis direction and / or transverse axis direction. For this purpose, for example, pivoting of the linear drive unit on which the pivot drive unit is arranged in the longitudinal axis direction and / or transverse axis direction is required, depending on the pivoting of the loading floor module. The pivot drive unit can thus, for example, also be provided for pivoting the linear drive unit on which the pivot drive unit is arranged about a pivot axis parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal axis, iethe swivel drive unit is arranged on this linear drive unit in such a way that this linear drive unit, driven by the swivel drive unit, can also be swiveled with its lower end about the swivel axis parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal axis.

[0032] In particular, the swivel drive unit advantageously ensures that the loading floor module, when not moved, is held stably in a respective position, in particular by ensuring that the swivel drive unit is not driven, in particular not controlled by the drive control unit, and does not have a freewheel. This prevents wobbling of the loading floor module in the vehicle's longitudinal axis direction and / or transverse axis direction, which would occur due to the connection of the linear drive units to both the lower adapter plate and the upper adapter plate via the ball joints without the stabilization provided by the at least one swivel drive unit.

[0033] The presence or absence of a longitudinal acceleration and / or lateral acceleration caused by the driving operation of the vehicle and / or a current orientation of the loading floor module, ie whether it is aligned horizontally or begins to deviate from the horizontal orientation, is determined in particular by the at least one position and / or acceleration sensor and / or by the plurality of position and / or acceleration sensors.

[0034] Whether the control of the drive units for the horizontal alignment and / or for the alignment of the loading floor module counteracting the longitudinal and / or lateral acceleration is required or not, and / or how strong the alignment of the loading floor module counteracting the longitudinal and / or lateral acceleration must be, is determined, for example, by the camera-based and / or capacitive object recognition device for detecting cargo on the loading floor module and / or by the weight sensors on the loading floor module for determining the weight of the cargo on the loading floor module. For example, no change in the alignment of the loading floor module is required if there is no cargo on the loading floor module, and is then also not carried out. For example, the strength, ieA swivel angle, the orientation of the loading floor module, which counteracts longitudinal and / or lateral acceleration, is specified depending on the type and / or weight of the load. The type of load can be detected in particular by the camera-based and / or capacitive object recognition system, for example, in combination with the weight sensor. The weight of the load can be detected by the weight sensor.

[0035] The described solution, i.e., in particular, the described horizontal holding of the loading floor module and / or the pivoting of the loading floor module to counteract longitudinal and / or lateral acceleration, avoids or at least significantly reduces the risk of the load slipping, particularly if it is not secured or cannot be secured. This avoids or at least significantly reduces the risk of damage to the load and / or vehicle components with which the load could collide, and / or the risk of injury to vehicle occupants caused by the load.

[0036] Advantageously, the fastening module has recesses and / or free spaces for cable routing of cables of the drive module and / or the at least one or respective position and / or acceleration sensor and / or the camera-based and / or capacitive object detection device and / or the weight sensor system.

[0037] A loading device modular system according to the invention has, for use in vehicles with differently designed loading spaces, a plurality of differently designed variants of the fastening module and / or a plurality of differently designed variants of the loading floor module and / or a plurality of differently designed variants of the drive module. At least one combination of a variant of the fastening module, a variant of the loading floor module, and a variant of the drive module is designed for use in the vehicle described above. The loading device modular system thus has at least one variant of each of these components: fastening module, loading floor module, and drive module, wherein it has a plurality of differently designed variants of at least one of these components or of two or all three components.

[0038] The variants differ, for example, in shape and / or size, particularly the variants of the loading floor module and / or the fastening module. The variants of the drive module differ, for example, in the type of drive units and / or in a maximum and / or minimum length and / or in the number of linear drive units. This allows the loading device to be easily and cost-effectively adapted to different vehicles, especially to differently shaped vehicle loading spaces, eliminating the need for costly vehicle-series-specific or derivative-specific solutions.

[0039] The further embodiment of the loading device described above, in particular the presence of the drive control unit and the possible presence of at least one position and / or acceleration sensor and / or the camera-based and / or capacitive object recognition device and / or the weight sensor system, can be provided for all possible combinations of the variants loading floor module, fastening module and drive module, in particular in the same way. With regard to the drive control unit, however, a device, i.e. in particular programming, of the drive control unit is advantageously provided that is adapted to the respective combination of the variants loading floor module, fastening module and drive module and / or to the respective vehicle, in particular to the respective design of the loading space.

[0040] As an alternative to arranging the loading device in the rear loading space, in another embodiment of the vehicle, the loading device can be arranged, for example, in a front loading space of the vehicle, or in another embodiment of the vehicle, a loading device can be arranged in the rear loading space and in the front loading space. For example, the vehicle is designed as an electric vehicle and has such a front loading space.

[0041] The described solution enables, in particular, a dynamic-active adjustment of the drive units and thus a dynamic-active multi-dimensional adjustment of the loading floor module.

[0042] Advantageously, the described solution also enables a, in particular stepless, height adjustment of the loading floor module by means of the drive units, in particular by means of the linear drive units.

[0043] For example, the described solution enables automated or semi-automated adjustment of the loading floor module when the vehicle is stationary, for example, height adjustment and / or pivoting from the inside position to the swiveled-out position and / or pivoting from the swiveled-out position to the inside position. For example, with the tailgate open, the loading floor module is only pivoted from the inside position to the swiveled-out position and / or pivoted from the swiveled-out position to the inside position after a control element, such as a control button, has been actuated.

[0044] The above-described holding of the loading floor module in a horizontal orientation and / or the above-described pivoting into an orientation that counteracts longitudinal and / or lateral acceleration can be activated and deactivated, for example, by means of a control element, such as a control button, in the cargo area and / or by means of a human-machine interface in the vehicle, in particular in a passenger compartment of the vehicle. This human-machine interface can, for example, be an interface that can be operated manually and / or by voice control.

[0045] For example, a plurality of height and / or pivot positions of the loading floor module can be specified and, in particular, stored and called up using an operating element. For example, it can be provided that the loading floor module is moved into the respective height and / or pivot position by actuating an operating element of the vehicle or by operating a control program of the loading device on a mobile device, in particular a smartphone, i.e. the drive control unit is controlled accordingly, which then controls the drive units accordingly, and the height and / or pivot position achieved in this way is then saved as a default. This default can then be called up again, whereby the loading floor module is then automatically moved to this predetermined height and / or pivot position.

[0046] For example, a height and / or pivot position of the loading floor module, which is already specified and stored by a vehicle manufacturer, for example, is a level loading floor position when the rear seat backrests of the vehicle are folded forward. In this height and / or pivot position, the loading floor module is aligned in particular such that, together with the rear seat backrests folded forward, it forms a level loading floor. For example, it is provided that this specified and saved height and / or pivot position of the loading floor module is automatically called up when the rear seat backrests are pivoted forward, i.e. when the rear seat backrests are pivoted forward, the loading floor module is automatically moved into this specified height and / or pivot position by means of the drive units controlled accordingly by the drive control unit.

[0047] Thanks to the described modular design of the loading device, if one of the modules, for example the drive module, fails, it can be replaced easily and cost-effectively, eliminating the need to replace the entire loading device. Furthermore, it also makes it possible, for example, to further develop the modules independently of one another, so that the respective module, for example the drive module, can then be easily and cost-effectively replaced with a more advanced module. Modules that have not been further developed can therefore remain in the vehicle, eliminating the need for a costly replacement of the entire loading device.

[0048] Due to the modular design described, for example, different modules can be provided for the same vehicle or for the same vehicle type, which can be selected, for example the above-mentioned loading floor module with the border that enables support of the load, and / or the above-mentioned loading floor module with the waterproof and / or rubberized coating.

[0049] The loading device can be offered, for example, as special equipment or a retrofit solution, whereby, in particular, the modular design described above allows for different expansion stages of the loading device to be offered.

[0050] The upper adapter plate and the lower adapter plate advantageously ensure that a preferably standardized drive module can be accommodated and that the mounting positions in the direction of the drive module, i.e., in particular, the positions for mounting the drive units, especially the linear drive units, are always the same. This allows for the use of different mounting modules and / or loading floor modules specifically adapted to the respective vehicle, while simultaneously ensuring that a standardized drive module can always be adapted to the respective mounting module and / or loading floor module.

[0051] If the term “drive units” is used in this application text, this refers to the linear drive units and at least one rotary drive unit.

[0052] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0053] Showing: Fig. 1 schematically shows a side view of a vehicle, Fig. 2 schematically shows a rear section of the vehicle Fig. 1 with a loading device arranged in a rear loading space, Fig. 3 schematic view of the rear section of the vehicle with various adjustment positions of the loading device, Fig. 4 schematically shows a rear view of the vehicle with different adjustment positions of the loading device, and Fig. 5 schematically different adjustment positions of the loading device.

[0054] Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0055] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a vehicle 1. A rear cargo area 2 and a front cargo area 3 of the vehicle 1 are marked.

[0056] Vehicle 1 has a vehicle as shown in the examples in accordance with Fig. 2 to 4 have a loading device 4 arranged in the rear loading space 2. In other examples, the loading device 4 or another loading device 4 can also be arranged in the front loading space 3.

[0057] Fig. 5 shows the loading device 4 without the vehicle 1.

[0058] The loading device 4 has a lower fastening module 5 which is non-destructively detachably fastened to a loading space floor of the vehicle 1, an upper loading floor module 6, a drive module 7 and a drive control unit (not shown).

[0059] The drive module 7 is arranged between the fastening module 5 and the loading floor module 6. It has, as shown in Fig. 5, a lower adapter plate 8, which is non-destructively and detachably fastened to an upper side of the fastening module 5, an upper adapter plate 9, which is non-destructively and detachably fastened to an underside of the loading floor module 6, and at least three, for example four, independently length-adjustable linear drive units 10. The linear drive units 10 are each connected at a lower end via a ball joint 11 to the lower adapter plate 8 and at an upper end via a ball joint 11 to the upper adapter plate 9, as shown in Fig. 5 shown.

[0060] The non-destructively detachable fastening of the respective adapter plate 8, 9 to the fastening module 5 or loading floor module 6 and / or the fastening module 5 to the loading space floor is designed, for example, by screwing and / or clipping and / or in another, in particular form-fitting and / or force-fitting, manner.

[0061] In the example shown, the drive module 7 has only three of the linear drive units 10, as can be seen in particular in Fig. 4. Two of the linear drive units 10 are arranged next to one another in the transverse direction of the vehicle axis, and the further, i.e. third, linear drive unit 10 is arranged offset in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle relative to these two linear drive units 10, in the example shown offset to the rear. In other embodiments, the third linear drive unit 10 can also be arranged offset to the front relative to the two other linear drive units 10 arranged next to one another in the transverse direction of the vehicle axis. The third linear drive unit 10 is arranged, in particular, viewed in the transverse direction of the vehicle axis, between the two other linear drive units 10, as shown in Fig. 4, ie on a parallel to the vehicle longitudinal axis running, in particular centrally, between the two other linear drive units 10.

[0062] As already mentioned, in other embodiments, the drive module 7 can have four linear drive units 10. In this case, the linear drive units 10 are arranged in pairs next to one another in the transverse direction of the vehicle's axis, i.e., two of the linear drive units 10 are arranged next to one another in the transverse direction of the vehicle's axis, forming a pair of linear drive units. The two pairs of linear drive units are arranged offset from one another in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle's axis.

[0063] A swivel drive unit (not shown) is arranged on at least one of the linear drive units 10 in such a way that this linear drive unit 10, driven by the swivel drive unit, can be swiveled with its lower end at least about a swivel axis parallel to the vehicle transverse axis.

[0064] The drive control unit is coupled to the linear drive units 10 and the at least one pivot drive unit and is designed and configured to control the linear drive units 10 and the at least one pivot drive unit. The loading device 4 is designed and the drive control unit is designed and configured such that the loading floor module 6, driven by the linear drive units 10 controlled by the drive control unit and the at least one pivot drive unit controlled by the drive control unit, can be pivoted out of the open rear loading space 2 from an inner position in the rear loading space 2 into a pivoted-out position in which the loading floor module 6 projects outward beyond a loading edge of the rear loading space 2 and is supported by the loading edge from below, as shown in Fig. 3 schematically indicates the position of the loading device 4, represented by solid lines. This means that, in the pivoted-out position, the underside of the loading floor module 6 and / or an underside of the upper adapter plate 9 rests on an upper side of the loading edge of the rear loading space 2.

[0065] In a method for operating the loading device 4 in the vehicle 1, the linear drive units 10 and the at least one pivot drive unit are controlled by means of the drive control unit such that the loading floor module 6, driven by the linear drive units 10 and the at least one pivot drive unit, is pivoted out of the open rear loading space 2 from the interior position in the rear loading space 2 into the pivoted-out position.

[0066] This solution eliminates the need to place or remove a load from the interior of the rear loading space 2, in particular over the loading edge, so that ergonomics are improved and strain, in particular back strain, for a person placing or removing the load is reduced.

[0067] The respective linear drive unit 10 is designed to be telescopic, for example. It thus comprises, in particular, several telescopic tubes or telescopic rails or other elongated telescopic units that are connected to one another and can be pushed into one another and pushed out from one another in the axial direction of the linear drive unit 10 to adjust the length, as shown in the Fig. 2 to 5 are shown schematically.

[0068] The respective linear drive unit 10 comprises, for example, an electric motor-driven spindle drive or worm drive, or a pneumatic or hydraulic adjustment drive for length adjustment. In the case of a pneumatic or hydraulic adjustment drive, the respective linear drive unit 10 is designed, in particular, as a pneumatic cylinder or hydraulic cylinder.

[0069] In an embodiment not shown, the loading floor module 6 has a border, in particular a peripheral border, which projects upwards above a surface of an upper side of the loading floor module 6. This border enables support of the cargo.

[0070] In one embodiment, the loading floor module 6 has a waterproof and / or rubberized coating.

[0071] As in Fig. 5, at least one position and / or acceleration sensor 12 or a plurality of position and / or acceleration sensors 12 can be arranged on the loading floor module 6, in particular on its underside, and / or in other embodiments not shown on the upper adapter plate 9 of the drive module 7, for example on its underside.

[0072] The loading device 4 has, for example, a camera-based and / or capacitive object detection device (not shown) for detecting cargo on the loading floor module 6 and / or a weight sensor (not shown) on the loading floor module 6 and / or on the upper adapter plate 9 of the drive module 7 for determining a cargo weight on the loading floor module 6.

[0073] The drive control unit is advantageously designed and configured to control the linear drive units 10 and advantageously also the at least one pivot drive unit such that the loading floor module 6 is held in a horizontal orientation in the interior position in the rear loading space 2, at least when no longitudinal acceleration and / or lateral acceleration caused by driving the vehicle 1 acts on the loading floor module 6.Accordingly, the method advantageously provides that the linear drive units 10 and advantageously also the at least one pivot drive unit are controlled by means of the drive control unit such that the loading floor module 6 is held in the horizontal orientation in the interior position in the rear loading space 2, at least when no longitudinal acceleration and / or transverse acceleration caused by driving the vehicle 1 acts on the loading floor module 6.

[0074] Alternatively or additionally, the drive control unit is advantageously designed and configured to control the linear drive units 10 and advantageously also the at least one pivot drive unit such that the loading floor module 6, in the inner position in the rear loading space 2, is pivoted into an orientation counteracting the longitudinal acceleration and / or lateral acceleration when a longitudinal acceleration and / or lateral acceleration caused by driving the vehicle 1 acts on the loading floor module 6.Accordingly, in one embodiment of the method it is provided in particular that, alternatively or additionally, the linear drive units 10 and advantageously also the at least one pivot drive unit are controlled by means of the drive control unit in such a way that the loading floor module 6 in the inner position in the rear loading space 2, when a longitudinal acceleration and / or lateral acceleration caused by driving the vehicle 1 acts on the loading floor module 6, is pivoted into the orientation counteracting the longitudinal acceleration and / or lateral acceleration.

[0075] For example, the loading device 4, in particular its drive control unit, is coupled to a pre-crash system (not shown) of the vehicle 1, i.e., to a system that detects, in particular, an impending and unavoidable collision with the vehicle 1 and advantageously initiates measures to mitigate the severity of the collision before the collision occurs. One of these measures is then advantageously pivoting the loading floor module 6 into an orientation that counteracts the longitudinal and / or lateral acceleration expected upon the occurrence of the collision.

[0076] The drive control unit is thus advantageously designed and configured to control the linear drive units 10 and advantageously also the at least one pivot drive unit in the event of an imminent and unavoidable collision with the vehicle 1 such that the loading floor module 6 in the interior position in the rear loading space 2 is pivoted into an orientation counteracting the longitudinal acceleration and / or lateral acceleration expected upon the occurrence of the collision.Accordingly, in one embodiment of the method, it is provided in particular that the linear drive units 10 and advantageously also the at least one pivot drive unit are controlled by means of the drive control unit in the event of an imminent and no longer avoidable collision with the vehicle 1 such that the loading floor module 6 is pivoted in the inner position in the rear loading space 2 into an orientation counteracting the longitudinal acceleration and / or lateral acceleration expected upon the occurrence of the collision.

[0077] For example, the vehicle 1 has an AI system which, depending on the determined longitudinal and / or lateral acceleration during the driving operation of the vehicle 1 and / or depending on the longitudinal acceleration and / or lateral acceleration expected upon occurrence of the collision and / or depending on a determined type and / or a determined weight of the load, determines the orientation of the loading floor module 6, into which the loading floor module 6 is then pivoted by means of the linear drive units 10 and pivot drive unit controlled accordingly by the drive control unit.

[0078] For the described pivoting of the loading floor module 6, in particular, the at least one pivot drive unit is also controlled accordingly, in particular such that a center point of the upper side of the loading floor module 6 does not change its position in the vehicle's longitudinal axis direction and / or transverse axis direction. For this purpose, for example, pivoting of the linear drive unit 10, on which the pivot drive unit is arranged, in the longitudinal axis direction and / or transverse axis direction is required, depending on the pivoting of the loading floor module 6. The pivot drive unit can thus, for example, also be provided for pivoting the linear drive unit 10, on which the pivot drive unit is arranged, about a pivot axis parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal axis, iethe swivel drive unit is arranged on this linear drive unit 10 in such a way that this linear drive unit 10, driven by the swivel drive unit, can also be swiveled with its lower end about the swivel axis parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal axis.

[0079] In particular, the pivot drive unit advantageously ensures that the loading floor module 6, when not moved, is held stably in a respective position, in particular by the pivot drive unit not being driven, in particular not being controlled by the drive control unit, and not having a freewheel. This prevents wobbling of the loading floor module 6 in the vehicle's longitudinal axis direction and / or transverse axis direction, which would occur due to the connection of the linear drive units 10 to both the lower adapter plate 8 and the upper adapter plate 9 via the ball joints 11 without the stabilization provided by the at least one pivot drive unit.

[0080] The presence or absence of a longitudinal acceleration and / or lateral acceleration caused by the driving operation of the vehicle 1 and / or a current orientation of the loading floor module 6, ie whether it is aligned horizontally or begins to deviate from the horizontal orientation, is determined in particular by the at least one position and / or acceleration sensor 12 and / or by the plurality of position and / or acceleration sensors 12.

[0081] Whether or not the control of the linear drive units 10 and / or the at least one pivoting drive unit is required for the horizontal alignment and / or for the alignment of the loading floor module 6 that counteracts the longitudinal and / or lateral acceleration, and / or how strong the alignment of the loading floor module 6 that counteracts the longitudinal and / or lateral acceleration must be, is determined, for example, by the camera-based and / or capacitive object recognition device for detecting cargo on the loading floor module 6 and / or by the weight sensor on the loading floor module 6 for determining a cargo weight on the loading floor module 6. For example, the strength, i.e. a pivoting angle, of the alignment of the loading floor module 6 that counteracts the longitudinal and / or lateral acceleration is specified depending on the type and / or weight of the cargo.The type of load can be detected, in particular, by the camera-based and / or capacitive object recognition system, for example, in combination with the weight sensor. The weight of the load can be detected by the weight sensor.

[0082] The described solution, i.e., in particular, the described horizontal holding of the loading floor module 6 and / or the pivoting of the loading floor module 6 to counteract longitudinal and / or lateral acceleration, avoids or at least significantly reduces the risk of the load slipping, particularly if it is not secured or cannot be secured. This avoids or at least significantly reduces the risk of damage to the load and / or vehicle components with which the load could collide, and / or the risk of injury to vehicle occupants caused by the load.

[0083] Advantageously, the fastening module 5 has recesses and / or free spaces (not shown) for cable routing of cables (not shown) of the drive module 7 and / or of the at least one or respective position and / or acceleration sensor 12 and / or of the camera-based and / or capacitive object detection device and / or of the weight sensor system.

[0084] A loading device modular system advantageously comprises, for use in vehicles 1 with differently designed loading spaces 2, 3, several differently designed variants of the fastening module 5 and / or several differently designed variants of the loading floor module 6 and / or several differently designed variants of the drive module 7. Advantageously, at least one combination of a variant of the fastening module 5, a variant of the loading floor module 6 and a variant of the drive module 7 is suitable for use in the above-described and in the Fig. 1 to 4. The loading device modular system thus has at least one variant of each of these components: fastening module 5, loading floor module 6, and drive module 7, wherein it has several differently designed variants of at least one of these components or of two or all three components.

[0085] The variants differ, for example, in shape and / or size, in particular the variants of the loading floor module 6 and / or the fastening module 5. The variants of the drive module 7 differ, for example, in the type of linear drive units 10 and / or the at least one pivot drive unit and / or in a maximum and / or minimum length and / or in a number of linear drive units 10. As a result, the loading device 4 can be easily and cost-effectively adapted to different vehicles 1, in particular to differently shaped loading spaces 2, 3 of vehicles 1, so that no cost-intensive vehicle series-specific or derivative-specific solutions are required.

[0086] The above-described further embodiment of the loading device 4, in particular the presence of the drive control unit and the possible presence of at least one position and / or acceleration sensor 12 and / or the camera-based and / or capacitive object detection device and / or the weight sensor system, can be provided for all possible combinations of the variants loading floor module 6, fastening module 5 and drive module 7, in particular in the same way. With regard to the drive control unit, however, a device, i.e. in particular programming, adapted to the respective combination of the variants loading floor module 6, fastening module 5 and drive module 7 and / or to the respective vehicle 1, in particular to the respective configuration of the loading space 2, 3, is advantageously provided.

[0087] The described solution enables in particular a dynamic-active adjustment of the linear drive units 10 and in particular also of the at least one swivel drive unit and thereby a dynamic-active multi-dimensional adjustment of the loading floor module 6, as in the Fig. 3 to 5 each schematically illustrate possible further positions of the loading device 4, in particular of the loading floor module 6, by means of movement arrows and / or dashed lines.

[0088] Advantageously, the described solution also enables a, in particular stepless, height adjustment of the loading floor module 6, in particular by means of the linear drive units 10, ie by a corresponding control of the linear drive units 10, and, if necessary, also of the at least one swivel drive unit by means of the drive control unit.

[0089] For example, the described solution enables automated or semi-automated adjustment of the loading floor module 6 when the vehicle 1 is stationary, for example, height adjustment and / or pivoting from the inside position to the pivoted-out position and / or pivoting from the pivoted-out position to the inside position. For example, with the load compartment lid open, the loading floor module 6 is pivoted from the inside position to the pivoted-out position and / or pivoted from the pivoted-out position to the inside position only after actuation of a control element, for example a control button.

[0090] The above-described holding of the loading floor module 6 in the horizontal orientation and / or the above-described pivoting into an orientation counteracting longitudinal and / or lateral acceleration can, for example, be activated and deactivated, for example by means of an operating element, for example a control button, in the rear loading space 2 and / or by means of a human-machine interface in the vehicle 1, in particular in a passenger compartment of the vehicle 1. This human-machine interface can, for example, be an interface that can be operated manually and / or by voice control.

[0091] For example, a plurality of height and / or pivot positions of the loading floor module 6 can be specified and, in particular, stored and called up using an operating element. For example, it can be provided that the loading floor module 6 is moved into the respective height and / or pivot position by actuating an operating element of the vehicle 1 or by operating a control program of the loading device 4 on a mobile device, in particular a smartphone, i.e. the drive control unit is controlled accordingly, which then controls the linear drive units 10 and / or the at least one pivot drive unit accordingly, and the height and / or pivot position achieved in this way is then saved as a default. This default can then be called up again, whereby the loading floor module 6 is then automatically moved to this predetermined height and / or pivot position.

[0092] For example, a height and / or pivot position of the loading floor module 6, which is already specified and stored, for example, by a manufacturer of the vehicle 1, is a level loading floor position when the rear seat backrests of the vehicle 1 are folded forward. In this height and / or pivot position, the loading floor module 6 is aligned in particular such that, together with the rear seat backrests folded forward, it forms a level loading floor. For example, it is provided that this predetermined and stored height and / or pivot position of the loading floor module 6 is automatically called up when the rear seat backrests are pivoted forward, i.e. when the rear seat backrests are pivoted forward, the loading floor module 6 is automatically moved into this predetermined height and / or pivot position by means of the linear drive units 10 controlled accordingly by the drive control unit and, if necessary, the at least one pivot drive unit.

[0093] Due to the described modular design of the loading device 4, if one of the modules 5, 6, 7, for example the drive module 7, fails, it can be replaced simply and cost-effectively, eliminating the need to replace the entire loading device 4. Furthermore, this also makes it possible, for example, to further develop the modules 5, 6, 7 independently of one another, so that the respective module 5, 6, 7 can then be easily and cost-effectively replaced with a further developed module 5, 6, 7. Modules 5, 6, 7 that have not been further developed can thus remain in the vehicle 1, eliminating the need for a cost-intensive replacement of the entire loading device 4.

[0094] Due to the described modular design, for example, different modules 5, 6, 7 can be provided for the same vehicle 1 or for the same vehicle type, which can be selected, for example the above-mentioned loading floor module 6 with the border that enables support of the load, and / or the above-mentioned loading floor module 6 with the waterproof and / or rubberized coating.

[0095] The loading device 4 can be offered, for example, as special equipment or a retrofit solution, whereby, in particular, the described modular design allows different expansion stages of the loading device 4 to be offered.

[0096] The upper adapter plate 9 and the lower adapter plate 8 advantageously ensure that a preferably standardized drive module 7 can be accommodated and that the fastening positions in the direction of the drive module 7, i.e., in particular, the positions for fastening the linear drive units 10 and / or the at least one pivot drive unit, are always the same. This allows different fastening modules 5 and / or loading floor modules 6 that are specifically adapted to the respective vehicle 1 to be used, while simultaneously ensuring that a standardized drive module 7 can always be adapted to the respective fastening module 5 and / or loading floor module 6.

[0097] In Fig.5 schematically shows screw positions 13 for fastening the fastening module 5 to the loading compartment floor, for fastening the lower adapter plate 8 to the fastening module 5 and for fastening the upper adapter plate 9 to the loading floor module 6. Advantageously, the screw positions 13 for fastening the lower adapter plate 8 to the fastening module 5 and for fastening the upper adapter plate 9 to the loading floor module 6 are always the same, so that different variants of the fastening module 5 can be connected to the lower adapter plate 8 and different variants of the loading floor module 6 can be connected to the upper adapter plate 9. The screw positions 13 for fastening the fastening module 5 to the loading compartment floor can be different for different variants of the fastening module 5, since the respective variant of the fastening module 5 is advantageously adapted to a respective loading compartment floor variant and the fastening options available there.

Claims

[1] Vehicle (1) with a loading device (4) arranged in a rear loading space (2), wherein the loading device (4) has a lower fastening module (5) fastened to a loading space floor, an upper loading floor module (6), a drive module (7) and a drive control unit, wherein the drive module (7) is arranged between the fastening module (5) and the loading floor module (6) and has a lower adapter plate (8) fastened to an upper side of the fastening module (5), an upper adapter plate (9) fastened to an underside of the loading floor module (6), and wherein the drive control unit is coupled to the drive units (10) and is designed and configured to control the drive units (10), and wherein the loading device (4) is designed and the drive control unit is designed and configured such that the loading floor module (6), driven by the drive units (10) controlled by means of the drive control unit,can be pivoted out of the open loading space (2) from an inside position in the loading space (2) into a pivoted-out position, in which the loading floor module (6) projects outwards beyond a loading edge of the loading space (2) and is supported from below by the loading edge, , characterized byin that the drive module (7) has at least three independently length-adjustable linear drive units (10), each of which is connected by a lower end to the lower adapter plate (8) via a ball joint (11) and each of which is connected by an upper end to the upper adapter plate (9) via a ball joint (11), wherein two of the linear drive units (10) are arranged next to one another in the direction of the vehicle's transverse axis and the at least one further linear drive unit (10) is arranged offset from these two linear drive units (10) in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis, wherein a pivot drive unit is arranged on at least one of the linear drive units (10) in such a way that this linear drive unit (10), driven by the pivot drive unit, can be pivoted with its lower end at least about a pivot axis parallel to the vehicle's transverse axis. [2] Vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the drive module (7) has four independently length-adjustable linear drive units (10), each of which is connected at its lower end to the lower adapter plate (8) via a ball joint (11) and at its upper end to the upper adapter plate (9) via a ball joint (11), wherein the linear drive units (10) are arranged next to one another in pairs in the direction of the vehicle's transverse axis and the two pairs of linear drive units are arranged offset from one another in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis, wherein the pivot drive unit is arranged on at least one of the linear drive units (10) in such a way that this linear drive unit (10), driven by the pivot drive unit, can pivot with its lower end at least about the pivot axis parallel to the vehicle's transverse axis,wherein the drive control unit is coupled to the drive units (10) and is designed and configured to control the drive units (10), and wherein the loading device (4) is designed and the drive control unit is designed and configured such that the loading floor module (6), driven by the drive units (10) controlled by means of the drive control unit, can be pivoted out of the open loading space (2) from the interior position in the loading space (2) into the pivoted-out position, in which the loading floor module (6) projects outwards beyond the loading edge of the loading space (2) and is supported from below by the loading edge. [3] Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the respective linear drive unit (10) is designed to be telescopic. [4] Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the respective linear drive unit (10) has an electromotive spindle drive or worm drive or a pneumatic or hydraulic adjustment drive for length adjustment. [5] Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one position and / or acceleration sensor (12) is arranged on the loading floor module (6) and / or on the upper adapter plate (9) of the drive module (7). [6] Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the loading device (4) has a camera-based and / or capacitive object recognition device for detecting cargo on the loading floor module (6) and / or a weight sensor on the loading floor module (6) and / or on the upper adapter plate (9) of the drive module (7) for determining a cargo weight on the loading floor module (6). [7] Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the drive control unit is designed and configured to control the drive units (10) in such a way that the loading floor module (6) in the interior position in the loading space (2), - at least when no longitudinal acceleration and / or lateral acceleration caused by driving the vehicle (1) acts on the loading floor module (6), is held in a horizontal orientation, and / or - when a longitudinal acceleration and / or lateral acceleration caused by driving the vehicle (1) acts on the loading floor module (6), it is pivoted into an orientation counteracting the longitudinal acceleration and / or lateral acceleration. [8] Method for operating the loading device (4) in the vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive units (10) are controlled by means of the drive control unit such that the loading floor module (6), driven by the drive units (10), is pivoted out of the open loading space (2) from the inside position in the loading space (2) into the pivoted-out position. [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized by that the drive units (10) are controlled by means of the drive control unit in such a way that the loading floor module (6) in the interior position in the loading space (2), - at least when no longitudinal acceleration and / or lateral acceleration caused by driving the vehicle (1) acts on the loading floor module (6), is kept in the horizontal orientation, and / or - when a longitudinal acceleration and / or lateral acceleration caused by driving the vehicle (1) acts on the loading floor module (6), it is pivoted into the orientation counteracting the longitudinal acceleration and / or lateral acceleration. [10] Loading device modular system, comprising, for use in vehicles (1) with differently designed loading spaces, a plurality of differently designed variants of the fastening module (5) and / or a plurality of differently designed variants of the loading floor module (6) and / or a plurality of differently designed variants of the drive module (7), wherein at least one combination of a variant of the fastening module (5), a variant of the loading floor module (6) and a variant of the drive module (7) is designed for use in the vehicle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7.

Images