Assembly for arrangement on a motor vehicle with a protective element and method for protecting a bearing element

Abstract

The proposed solution relates to an assembly for arrangement on a motor vehicle, comprising a cargo space for storing objects in the motor vehicle, an access opening to the cargo space through which an object can be introduced into the cargo space for storage, a storage element arranged in front of the cargo space and the access opening, on which the object can be stored before being introduced into the cargo space, and at least one protective element that is adjustable relative to the storage element between a first position and a second position, wherein the second position is further away from the cargo space than the first position. The at least one protective element is adjustable between the first and second positions by an adjusting device having at least one drive motor.

Description

[0001] The proposed solution relates to an assembly for arrangement on a motor vehicle according to claim 1 and a method for protecting a bearing element according to claim 17.

[0002] Such an assembly has a cargo space for storing objects in the motor vehicle. An object can be introduced into the cargo space via an access opening for storage. Before passing through the access opening, the object typically passes through a loading section surrounding the cargo space. Especially with heavy objects, the loading section is typically used by a user as a storage element to put the object down. For example, putting the object down before it is placed in the cargo space may be necessary to grasp the object with the hands in order to push the object into the cargo space after it has been lifted onto the storage element. This allows the user to avoid having to bend over very far to put the object in the cargo space or at a desired location in the cargo space.

[0003] Typically, the bearing element is not optimized for placing an object on it, but rather for a specific function (e.g., a bumper or a seal) or for its appearance (e.g., a body section, particularly with a surface that is continuous along its curvature, e.g., a Class A surface according to STRAK). Placing the object on it (or any other type of contact between the object and the bearing element) can even damage the bearing element. If the element is painted, for example, the object can leave scratches on it. Furthermore, an object placed on the bearing element may be unstable, making it easy to fall off.

[0004] Against this background, the proposed solution is based on the task of providing an assembly for arrangement on a motor vehicle which facilitates the damage-free insertion of objects into the loading space.

[0005] This object is achieved according to a first aspect by an assembly for arrangement on a motor vehicle, which assembly has a loading space for storing objects in the motor vehicle and an access opening to the loading space, through which an object can be introduced into the loading space for storage. A storage element is arranged in front of the loading space and the access opening, on which storage element the object can be stored before being introduced into the loading space. Furthermore, the assembly has at least one protective element that can be adjusted relative to the storage element between a first position and a second position, wherein the second position is further spaced from the loading space than the first position. The at least one protective element can be adjusted between the first and the second position by means of an adjusting device which has at least one (in particular electric) drive motor.

[0006] A basic idea of the proposed solution is to provide flexibly deployable and visually unobtrusive protection for the storage element. The storage element can comprise at least one loading section, such as a loading edge or a collar around the loading space, which surrounds the loading space outside the access opening (if necessary, the storage element can have several components that are connected to one another in a form-fitting manner). In the second position, the at least one protective element can, for example, cover the storage element or at least partially overlap it. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one protective element can protrude at least partially beyond the storage element in the second position, so that it is closer to the user when the user accesses the loading space as intended than the storage element. The user can then be more inclined to place the object on the at least one protective element than on the storage element.

[0007] The adjusting device can be used to adjust the at least one protective element to the second position when a user of the motor vehicle wishes to use the cargo space to deposit or remove objects. The adjusting device can, for example, have a spindle drive. For example, the at least one drive motor can drive a spindle of the spindle drive. A spindle nut can be longitudinally adjustable with the spindle, to which at least one arm is coupled, on which the at least one protective element is mounted. The at least one arm can be positively guided (in a form-fitting manner) on a guide element. In one variant, the at least one arm and the guide element can be designed such that a longitudinal adjustment of the at least one arm directly via the at least one drive motor or indirectly via the spindle nut causes a translation of the at least one arm and a pivoting of the at least one arm.For this purpose, the at least one arm can, for example, have an arcuate section. The at least one protective element can be raised by pivoting the at least one arm during adjustment from the first to the second position.

[0008] The adjustment can be performed automatically, in particular, using the at least one drive motor, so that the user, who may already be holding an object, can place it safely. The user can also safely (indirectly) place the object on the storage element because it is protected by the at least one protective element. In principle, the at least one protective element can be used together with the storage element to form a single storage surface to store the object more securely before it is placed in (or removed from) the cargo space.

[0009] In the first position, the at least one protective element can be hidden - in particular when the cargo space is not currently being used to insert or remove objects. For example, the at least one protective element can be arranged in the cargo space or in a receptacle on the cargo space in the first position. Specifically, the distance between the cargo space and the at least one protective element can be zero in the first position (if the at least one protective element is arranged in the cargo space in the first position) or at least very small. In the second position, the at least one protective element can be at a greater distance from the cargo space. Furthermore, in the second position it can be located closer to an object that could potentially be inserted into the cargo space than the storage element to be protected.

[0010] The fact that the at least one protective element is further away from the loading space in the second position than in the first position can have the advantage that the user, after having lifted the object (e.g. from the ground), does not have to bend forward (over the storage element) to put the object down. Instead, the user can easily temporarily store the object on the at least one protective element after lifting it, grasp it and then push the object into the loading space. In particular, the at least one protective element in the second position can be further away from the loading space than the storage element (i.e., protrude beyond it, for example). In the first position, the at least one protective element can be arranged between the storage element and the loading space (or in the loading space).

[0011] In one embodiment, the bearing element comprises a body section for a body of the motor vehicle, a bumper, and / or part of a collar element, which is arranged at least partially in a collar-like manner around the cargo space. To ensure that objects can be securely stored in the cargo space, the cargo space can be arranged within a body of the motor vehicle during its intended use. The assembly can therefore have a section of the body with the bearing element, which is traversed by an object being inserted into or removed from the cargo space.The storage element can thus be characterized primarily by its function in relation to elements other than the cargo space and / or how it contributes to a desired appearance of the motor vehicle when the cargo space is not in use (for example, when the cargo space is separated from an exterior space by a partition element such as a flap for closing the cargo space). For this purpose, the storage element can, for example, have a paint layer, particularly if it comprises a body section.

[0012] The bumper can, for example, be a front or rear bumper for the motor vehicle. The bumper may have a paint layer that can be scratched, for example, by pets such as dogs that might jump into the cargo area, so at least one protective element can be beneficial here as well to prevent scratches or other damage.

[0013] In one variant, the collar element is provided to enclose the loading space (outside the access opening). The loading space can, for example, have a loading space edge that delimits the loading space and at which the collar element surrounds the loading space at least in sections. The collar element can improve the visual integration of the loading space into the body of the motor vehicle. The collar element can extend parallel to a floor element of the loading space. The collar element can be flat. In particular, in the case of a loading space designed as a frunk (“front trunk”, i.e. at the front of the motor vehicle), the collar element can be arranged in the same plane as the access opening.

[0014] The bearing element may alternatively or additionally comprise a sealing element between the loading space and the partition element for closing the loading space and / or a locking device for closing the partition element to the loading space.

[0015] In one embodiment, the at least one protective element has a depth of less than one meter along the storage element in the direction of the access opening, at least in the second position. In particular, the depth of the at least one protective element can be less than 20 cm. The depth can extend along the adjustment direction. In principle, the storage element can be in the way of the user of the cargo space during use. The user can be prevented by the storage element from approaching the cargo space as close as is desirable for depositing an object in the cargo space along a direction of use. The at least one protective element can therefore have a depth that is less than a depth of the storage element along the direction of use.In one variant, the at least one protective element can protect the storage element while, at the same time, advantageously not unnecessarily increasing the minimum distance that the user can maintain from the cargo space. In another variant, the at least one protective element protrudes from the storage element along the direction of use, allowing the user to more conveniently place the object on it (e.g., before placing it in the cargo space).

[0016] In one embodiment, the at least one protective element has a storage surface on which the object can be stored prior to being introduced into the cargo space, in addition to or as an alternative to storage on the storage element. In principle, the at least one protective element can be plate-shaped. The storage surface can then form an upper side of the plate. For example, the at least one protective element can be longitudinally extended in a strip-like manner along an edge of the cargo space. In order to enable simultaneous storage of the object on the at least one protective element and the storage element, the at least one protective element, together with the storage element, can form an overall storage surface that is available to the user for depositing the object. For example, the storage element can have a storage section for this purpose. In the first position, the at least one protective element can preferably cover the storage section so that it is not visible.In the second position, the bearing surface of the at least one protective element, together with the bearing section, can form the overall bearing surface. The bearing section can differ in its surface structure from a protective section of the bearing element to be protected (e.g., have a different coating layer).

[0017] An alternative storage of the object on the at least one protective element can be achieved in that the at least one protective element, in the first position, exposes the storage element for the storage of an object and covers it in the second position, so that an object can only be stored on the storage element or at least a section of the storage element to be protected via the at least one protective element. In principle, it can be left to the user to decide whether they wish to adjust the at least one protective element from the first to the second position. In principle, the adjustment of the at least one protective element can be carried out automatically with an adjustment of the separating element.

[0018] In principle, a plurality of protective elements with bearing surfaces can be provided, which, when adjusted to the second position, together provide a total bearing surface. Different (manual and / or automatic) adjustment devices can be provided for adjusting the plurality of protective elements. The plurality of protective elements can provide segmented protection of the bearing element. The adjustment of the at least one protective element can, in particular, be continuous.

[0019] In one embodiment, the bearing surface in the first position is parallel or perpendicular to the arrangement of the bearing surface in the second position. With respect to the entire assembly, in the second position, a normal vector of the bearing surface can be arranged parallel to a plane in the access opening (particularly in the case of an assembly to be arranged at the rear of the motor vehicle) or perpendicular to the plane of the access opening (particularly in the case of an assembly to be arranged at the front of the motor vehicle). In particular, the normal vector of the bearing surface in the first position can point in the opposite direction to the normal vector of the bearing surface in the second position (the at least one protective element can be adjusted for this purpose, for example by folding over).

[0020] If the bearing surface in the first position is parallel to the arrangement of the bearing surface in the second position, the adjustment of the at least one protective element can be carried out in such a way that the installation space required for the adjustment is minimal. If the bearing surface in the first position is arranged perpendicular (or at an angle) to the arrangement of the bearing surface in the second position, the at least one protective element in the first position can, under certain circumstances, be more easily concealed on the assembly, so that the appearance of the assembly (and of the motor vehicle on which the assembly is intended to be arranged) is not impaired by the at least one protective element.

[0021] The parallel arrangement of the bearing surface in the first and second positions can mean that the bearing surface is arranged in the same plane in the first and second positions or that the bearing surface is arranged in a first plane in the first position and in a second plane in the second position which is offset parallel to the first plane.

[0022] In one embodiment, the storage surface in the second position is formed parallel to a floor element of the loading space on the at least one protective element. The parallel design in particular comprises a design offset parallel to one another. An offset can in principle be provided between the storage element and the floor element, which makes it necessary to lift an object that is already stored on the storage element (e.g. a bumper) in order to transport it into the loading space (e.g. onto a floor of a trunk at the rear of the motor vehicle). The at least one protective element can provide a storage surface that has a smaller offset to the floor element than the storage element, so that a loading height from the storage element into the loading space can be reduced with the at least one protective element.

[0023] In one variant, the floor element and the storage surface are arranged in one plane, so that an object placed on the at least one protective element can be easily pushed into the loading space (e.g. in the case of a loading space in the rear area of the motor vehicle).

[0024] In one variant, the at least one protective element adjoins the floor element so that the object can be moved into the loading space without a section of the storage element arranged between the at least one protective element and the loading space being damaged by the object.

[0025] The at least one protective element can, for example, cover a bearing element in the form of a section of a sealing element and / or a bumper. The sealing element can comprise a seal running all the way around an edge of the cargo space (e.g., a rear trunk of a motor vehicle). By covering the sealing element, the section can be protected from damage caused by the storage of an object and / or from dirt.

[0026] In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a partition element that is adjustable between a closed position, in which the partition element closes the access opening (to the cargo space), and an open position, in which the partition element exposes the access opening. The partition element can be used to separate an exterior space from the cargo space. For example, the cargo space can be at least part of a trunk. The partition element can then be a tailgate or a trunk lid. Alternatively, the cargo space can be at least part of a frunk. The partition element can then be a front hood. The partition element can comprise any desired form of adjustable flaps, doors, and / or blinds.

[0027] In one embodiment, the assembly comprises an electronic control unit configured and provided to adjust the at least one protective element from the first to the second position when the partition element is adjusted from the closed position to the open position. Alternatively or additionally, the electronic control unit can be configured and provided to (conversely) adjust the at least one protective element from the second to the first position when the partition element is adjusted from the open to the closed position. This allows a synchronized adjustment of the at least one protective element with the partition element to be achieved, which allows the user comfortable use of the cargo space.

[0028] In principle, it is conceivable and possible for the adjustment of the at least one protective element to be carried out by the electronic control unit independently of the separating element. For example, the adjustment can be triggered by the user. Adjusting the at least one protective element coupled with the adjustment of the separating element can have the advantage that the electronic control unit can ensure that the at least one protective element is in the first position when the separating element is in the closed position. This can prevent a collision between the separating element and the at least one protective element.

[0029] In one embodiment, at least one coupling element is provided, via which the at least one protective element can be adjusted into the first position by the separating element when the separating element reaches the closed position. The at least one coupling element can thus ensure (in the form of a mechanical fail-safe) that the separating element does not collide with the at least one protective element.

[0030] Furthermore, the at least one protective element can be arranged in the second position or in an intermediate position between the first and the second position such that an adjustment of the separating element into the closed position is blocked by the at least one protective element. The at least one coupling element can prevent such a blockage from occurring. For example, the at least one coupling element can have a lever arm via which the at least one protective element can be actuated in order to adjust it into the first position via a mechanical adjusting force. The separating element can have an actuating element that can cooperate with the at least one coupling element in order to actuate the at least one protective element.

[0031] In one embodiment, the assembly comprises at least two protective elements, wherein the adjusting device has an interface via which one of the at least two protective elements can be connected to the adjusting device and, in a connected position, can be adjusted via the adjusting device. In principle, the at least one protective element can be arranged, in particular detachably, on the interface (in the manner of an attachment). The at least two protective elements can form a kit with the adjusting device. For example, a first protective element can be provided which is arranged on the adjusting device and has become worn, damaged, or unsightly during operation. The user can then remove the first protective element from the adjusting device and instead arrange the second protective element, which is new and undamaged, on the adjusting device.

[0032] In one embodiment, the at least one protective element can be adjusted between the first and the second position using the adjustment device by means of a translational and / or rotational adjustment movement. The translational adjustment movement can, for example, comprise a linear adjustment movement along an adjustment direction. The adjustment direction can point away from the cargo space when adjusting from the first to the second position and towards the cargo space when adjusting from the second to the first position. The rotational adjustment movement can take place about a pivot axis. The pivot axis can be arranged parallel to a plane of the access opening (or at least not intersect it). In addition, the pivot axis can be arranged inside or outside the at least one protective element.Arranging the pivot axis within the at least one protective element can enable an adjustment movement that requires less installation space. Arranging the pivot axis outside the at least one protective element can enable a longer adjustment path between the first and second positions and / or easier concealment of the at least one protective element on the assembly in the first position.

[0033] In a further embodiment, the adjusting device has a flexible transmission means with which an adjusting force generated by the at least one drive motor for adjusting the at least one protective element can be transmitted to the at least one protective element. The flexible transmission means can be a (V-)belt, for example. During a rotational adjustment of the at least one protective element, the belt can, for example, engage the pivot axis in order to drive the rotational adjustment movement. In principle, the at least one drive motor can alternatively engage the pivot axis via a gear in order to drive the rotational adjustment movement. The use of a flexible transmission means, on the other hand, can make it possible to arrange the at least one drive motor at a greater distance from the pivot axis, so that the installation space for the assembly can be designed more flexibly.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, the adjusting device has at least one (dimensionally stable) arm with which an adjusting force generated by the at least one drive motor for adjusting the at least one protective element can be transmitted to the at least one protective element. The arm can be fixedly connected to the at least one protective element. Alternatively, the arm can be rotatably mounted on the at least one protective element. The adjusting movement can then comprise a combined translational and rotational movement. The at least one arm can, for example, act on an end region of the at least one protective element on the loading space side. In particular, two arms can be provided in order to realize a stable adjusting movement of the at least one protective element.

[0035] In one embodiment, the at least one arm has at least two arm sections arranged at an angle to one another. Using an arm designed in this way, the adjusting device can be designed in a space-saving manner, yet complex adjusting movements for the at least one protective element can still be realized. For example, using an arm designed in this way, the at least one protective element can be adjusted from the first to the second position via a combined translational and rotational movement, wherein the bearing surface of the at least one protective element is arranged parallel to or at an angle to the bearing surface in the second position in the first position.

[0036] In one embodiment, the adjustment device comprises a guide device on which the at least one protective element is guided, at least in sections, during an adjustment between the first and second positions. The guide device can comprise a C-shaped guide element, a guide element with a T-shaped guide recess, a telescopic guide, and / or a sliding guide. In principle, the guide device can comprise one or more, in particular two, guide elements. These can be designed in the manner of rails.

[0037] In one embodiment, the drive device has two drive motors. In principle, the drive device can have two or more drive motors. With the two drive motors, the adjustment of the at least one protective element can be carried out uniformly, even if the at least one protective element extends along an entire edge length of the cargo space.

[0038] A motor vehicle may include the assembly according to the first aspect of the proposed solution. For example, the assembly may be mounted on a front or rear of the motor vehicle.

[0039] According to a second aspect of the proposed solution, the object is achieved by a method according to claim 17. The method serves to protect a storage element arranged at an access opening to a cargo space of a motor vehicle, which is used for storing objects. It comprises the steps: - Adjusting a partition element from a closed position, in which the partition element closes the access opening, to an open position, in which the partition element releases the access opening, - Adjusting, by an adjusting device with at least one drive motor, at least one protective element from a first position to a second position in which the at least one protective element is further away from the loading space than in the first position.

[0040] The adjustment of the separating element and / or the adjustment of the at least one protective element can be carried out by an electronic control device (optionally simultaneously). At least the adjustment of the at least one protective element can be completed before the adjustment of the separating element is completed. In particular, the electronic control device can be configured such that the first position is reached before the adjustment movement of the separating element from the open to the closed position is completed. Furthermore, the electronic control device can be configured such that the second position is only reached after the adjustment movement of the separating element from the closed to the open position has begun.After adjusting the at least one protective element to the second position, an object can be introduced into the cargo space by first storing the object on the storage element and then moving it into the cargo space. Alternatively or additionally, an object can be removed from the cargo space by first moving it from the cargo space to the storage element and then removing it from the storage element.

[0041] Furthermore, the at least one protective element can be adjusted from the second position to the first position by the adjustment device. The separating element can then be closed by the electronic control device.

[0042] The method according to the second aspect of the invention may have features and advantages described in connection with the first aspect of the invention.

[0043] The concept underlying the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. They show: Fig. 1 a side view of a motor vehicle with a loading space; Fig. 2 a perspective view of an assembly with a protective element in a first position; Fig. 3 a perspective view of an assembly with a protective element in a second position; Fig. 4 a view of a translatorily adjustable protective element; Fig. 5 a view of a rotationally adjustable protective element; Fig. 6 a plan view of an assembly with a rotationally adjustable protective element; Fig. 7 a sectional view of a rotationally adjustable protective element; Fig. 8 shows a further sectional view of a rotationally adjustable protective element; Fig. 9A is a view of a protective element in a first position; Fig. 9B is a view of a protective element in a second position; Fig. 10 is a plan view of an assembly with an adjustable protective element; Fig. 11 a view of an assembly with a translatory and rotationally adjustable protective element; Fig. 12 a further view of an assembly with a translatorily and rotatorily adjustable protective element; Fig. 13 a cross-section through a guide device with a T-guide; Fig. 14 is a plan view of an assembly with a guide device having a T-guide; Fig. 15 a cross-section through a guide device with a sliding guide; Fig. 16 is a plan view of an assembly with a guide device having a sliding guide; Fig. 17 a cross-section through a guide device with a C-guide; Fig. 18 is a plan view of an assembly with a guide device having a C-guide; Fig. 19 a cross-section through a guide device with a telescopic guide; Fig. 20 a plan view of an assembly with a telescopic guide; Fig. 21 a perspective view of an assembly with two drive motors; Fig. 22 a bottom view of the assembly with two drive motors of the Fig. 21; Fig. 23 a side view of a motor vehicle with an assembly with a coupling element; and Fig. 24 a schematic view of an assembly with an electronic control unit.

[0044] Fig. Figure 1 shows a side view of a motor vehicle 1 having a vehicle body 10 and a cargo space 11 arranged in a front region of the motor vehicle 1. The cargo space 11 can be closed by a front hood 12. Such a cargo space 11 arranged in a front region is also referred to as a frunk. An object G that is to be introduced into the cargo space 11 can, particularly if the object G is heavy, be stored on a storage element 100 before being introduced, as shown in Fig. 1. The bearing element 100 is arranged in front of the cargo space 11. Specifically, the bearing element 100 forms a body section of the motor vehicle 1.

[0045] How this Fig. 2, the cargo space 11 in the form of the frunk provides additional storage space in the front area of the vehicle 1. Particularly in modern vehicle concepts, for example in electrically powered motor vehicles 1 (electric vehicles), a front space in the motor vehicle 1 may no longer be used for a drive, but may be available for additional storage space that can be used to transport objects such as luggage.

[0046] In this case, the storage space is provided by two trough-shaped base bodies that are incorporated into the front compartment. In principle, the assembly can have one or more loading compartments 11. Objects G can be introduced into the loading compartments 11 via access openings 13. The access openings 13 are delimited by edges of the base bodies. A large part of the front compartment outside the access openings 13 is covered by a collar element 5 that protrudes from the loading compartments in a collar-like manner. The collar element 5 is flat and can improve the visual appearance of the front compartment by allowing components of the motor vehicle 1 to be concealed underneath.

[0047] The bearing element 100 primarily has sections that are arranged at an angle to the earth's gravity when the motor vehicle 1 is parked on a level surface. Furthermore, the bearing element 100 is painted, so that scratches can easily occur on the bearing element 100 when an object G is placed on it. In the embodiment of the assembly according to Fig. 2, a protective element 2 is therefore provided, which is arranged on an edge delimiting the loading space. The protective element 2 is intended to protect the storage element 100 and to provide a storage surface 20 on which an object G that is to be introduced into the loading space 11 or has been removed from the loading space 11 can be (temporarily) stored. For example, the object G can be lifted by the user and placed on the protective element 2. The user can then, for example, grasp the object G in order to safely insert it from the protective element 2 through an access opening 13 into the loading space 11, or can brace themselves against it so that it slides into the loading space 11. The removal of the object G can be carried out in the opposite direction.

[0048] The illustrated assembly, in particular, has two cargo compartments 11. In principle, the assembly can have one or more cargo compartments 11. The protective element 2 extends along the sum of the edge lengths of the two cargo compartments 11. In principle, one (long) protective element 2 can be provided for one or more cargo compartments 11. Alternatively, a protective element 2 can be assigned to a group of cargo compartments 11 or to each individual cargo compartment 11.

[0049] The protective element 2 is arranged on a side of the loading space 11 that is arranged at the front along a direction of travel of the motor vehicle 1. This allows an object G that is to be inserted into or removed from the loading space 11 from the front to be temporarily stored on the protective element 2. Additionally or alternatively, a protective element 2 can be arranged on one or both of the sides of the loading space 11 arranged parallel to the direction of travel. This allows objects to be inserted into or removed from the loading space 11 from the sides of the motor vehicle 1 and to be temporarily stored on the protective element 2.

[0050] The protective element 2 can generally be rigid or have at least one flat, rigid section. For example, the protective element 2 can be made of plastic or comprise at least one section made of plastic. In particular, the bearing surface 20 of the protective element 2 can be made of plastic. This can provide a scratch-resistant bearing surface 20. Alternatively, the protective element 2 or a body of the protective element 2 can be made of metal. Optionally, the protective element 2, particularly if its body is made of metal, can have a support element (for example a damper or a pad made of an elastic material such as rubber) via which the body is supported relative to the bearing element 100. This can prevent scratches on the bearing element 100 caused by the protective element 2.

[0051] The protective element 2 is adjustable relative to the bearing element 100 between a first position and a second position. The second position is further away from the loading space 11 than the Fig. 2 first position shown.

[0052] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the assembly with the protective element 2 in the second position. In the second position, the bearing element 100 is partially covered by the protective element 2. In addition, the protective element 2 is adjusted forward in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle 1 and thus accommodates a user who wishes to insert an object G into the cargo space 11. Storing the object G on the protective element 2 is therefore easier because the user does not have to bend forward as much. In the first position, the protective element 2 is arranged on a receptacle 101 on the bearing element 100. The receptacle 101 is empty in the second position because the protective element 2 is adjusted out of it. The bearing surface 20 of the protective element 2 and an edge of the cargo space 11 are arranged in one plane, so that an object G can be stably stored on the bearing surface 20 and the edge without touching the receptacle 101.The receptacle 101 can thus be painted, for example, just like other sections of the bearing element 100.

[0053] In this case, the adjustment of the protective element 2 between the first and second positions takes place along a linear adjustment direction R. Other adjustment directions (e.g., arcuate shapes) are also conceivable and possible. For adjustment between the first and second positions, an adjustment device 3 is provided (concealed by the bearing element 100) which has at least one drive motor 31.

[0054] The examples of the Fig. 1 to 3 show a cargo space 11 in the form of a frunk. An assembly with a cargo space 11 in the form of a trunk at the rear of a motor vehicle 1 can have the same features and advantages, with the adjustment direction R correspondingly extending from the first to the second position opposite to the direction of travel.

[0055] Fig. 4 shows a view of a translatorily adjustable protective element 2. The protective element 2 is adjustable between the first and second positions by a drive motor 31. In the present case, an adjustment of the protective element 2 along the adjustment direction R from the first to the second position is shown. To transmit an adjustment force that effects the adjustment of the protective element 2, the drive motor 31 is operatively connected to the protective element 2 via a transmission means 33. In this case, the transmission means 33 comprises a gear with several gears. Such a design of the transmission means 33 allows a compact design of the assembly.

[0056] The bearing element 100 is formed by a body section of the motor vehicle 1, which has the shape of a bumper. For example, the loading space 11 can be designed as a trunk that can be closed by a flap (tailgate). The flap, with the bumper in the closed position of the flap, can create an attractive visual appearance. When the flap is open, when an object G is to be introduced into the loading space 11, the bumper can be protected by the protective element 2 if the protective element 2 is arranged in the second position.

[0057] Fig. 5 shows a view of a rotationally adjustable protective element 2. The drive motor 31 adjusts the protective element 2 by pivoting it about a pivot axis S. A transmission means 33 in the form of a V-belt is provided to transmit the adjusting force. This allows the drive motor 31 to be arranged more flexibly on the assembly and is not limited to a specific distance from the pivot axis or angle of attack. The pivoting allows the bearing surface 20 of the protective element 2 to be concealed in the first position (a normal vector of the bearing surface 20 and a normal vector on the bearing element 100 face each other). In the second position, the bearing surface 20 points away from the bearing element 100, so that the latter can be protected by the bearing surface 20 (the normal vectors of the bearing surface 20 and the bearing element 100 point in the same direction).

[0058] Fig. 6 shows a top view of an assembly with a rotationally adjustable protective element 2. The protective element 2 is rotatably mounted on the bearing element 100 via hinges on the pivot axis S. The hinges are arranged on an underside of the bearing element 100, which, during intended use on the motor vehicle, faces away from an object placed thereon, so that they are hidden from a user.

[0059] Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 show sectional views of alternative embodiments of a rotationally adjustable protective element 2. The protective element is adjusted by folding (clockwise or counterclockwise around the pivot axis S) between the first and the second position. According to Fig. 7, the protective element 2 is pivotable about the pivot axis S in the opposite direction to a normal vector of the bearing surface 20. According to Fig. 8, the protective element 2 can be pivoted (inversely) about the pivot axis in the direction of the normal vector of the bearing surface 20. By pivoting along the normal vector, the protective element 2 can be more easily concealed from the user when it is in the first position.

[0060] Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B show an embodiment of the assembly with a bearing element 100, which has a bearing section 100a on which an object G can be stored, and which has a protective section 100b that is covered by the protective element 2 when the protective element 2 is in the second position. The bearing section 100a is used to form an overall bearing surface with the bearing surface 20 of the protective element 2 when the protective element 2 is in the second position. The user can store an object G more stably and thus more securely on the overall bearing surface than on the bearing surface 20 of the protective element 2 alone. To enable the formation of the overall bearing surface, the protective section 100b is set back from the bearing section 100a, opposite a direction of a normal vector of the bearing section 100a. In the second position, the protective element 2 is arranged in a recess defined by the setback.In the first position, the protective element 2 can be arranged on the bearing section 100a. This makes it possible, for example, to form the bearing section 100a from plastic and to cover it with the protective element 2 in the first position. The protective section 100b, on the other hand, can be painted, so that a high-quality visual appearance of the bearing element 100 can be achieved in the second position of the protective element 2.

[0061] Particularly suitable for such a configuration of the bearing element 100 with bearing section 100a and protective section 100b is an adjusting device 3 for the protective element 2 with two (or more) arms 34, 35, via which the protective element 2 can be pivoted between the first and the second position in the manner of a four-bar linkage. However, the embodiment is not limited to such an adjusting device 3. The two arms 34, 35 are each pivotably mounted on the side of the bearing element 100 and also on the side of the protective element 2. Furthermore, the arms 34, 35 extend parallel to one another. The pivoting of the protective element 2 thus takes place without rotation of the protective element 2 about an axis that overlaps with the protective element 2.This allows a translational movement from the bearing section 100a of the bearing element 100 to the protective section 100b (in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle 1) and a rotational movement from the plane of the bearing section 100a to the plane of the protective section 100b into the recess (transverse to the direction of travel of the motor vehicle 1).

[0062] Fig. 10 shows a plan view of an assembly with an adjusting device 3 according to Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B. The arms 34, 35 are arranged on edges of the protective element 2, which are arranged on the sides transverse to a longitudinal axis of the protective element 2. This allows the protective element 2 to be adjusted precisely and stably between the first and second positions.

[0063] Fig. 11 shows a view of an assembly with a translatorily and rotatably adjustable protective element 2. The protective element 2 is adjustably mounted relative to the bearing element 100 via two arms 34, 35. By way of example, the bearing element 100 comprises a base element 36 (for example a plate) on which the two arms 34, 35 are mounted. The arms 34, 35 are each rotatably mounted on the side of the bearing element 100 and on the side of the protective element 2. A first arm 34 extends straight between the bearing element 100 and the protective element 2. A second arm 35 has a first arm section 35a and a second arm section 35b, which are arranged at an angle to one another. The protective element 2 can be driven for adjustment by a drive motor 31 via the second arm 35. To transmit an adjusting force from the drive motor 31 to the second arm 35, a transmission means 33 is provided, which has a plurality of gears. An alternative transmission means 33 (e.g.,B a belt) is also conceivable and possible.

[0064] The angle between the first and second arm sections 35a, 35b is acute on a side of the second arm 35 facing away from the first arm 34. The second arm section 35b (on the side of the protective element 2) is longer than the first arm section 35a. A vertex of the angle is thus located on a side of a straight line defined by the support points of the arms 34, 35 on the side of the bearing element 100, which is located far from the protective element 2.

[0065] During an adjustment movement from the first to the second position, the second arm 35 lifts the protective element 2 in the direction of the bearing surface 20. At the same time, the protective element 2 is moved translationally away from the loading space 11 (to the right). Upon completion of this combined translational and rotational movement, the protective element 2 reaches a second position which is displaced from its first position. The second arm section 35b is longer than a depth of the bearing element 100 to be covered by the protective element 2 (towards the loading space). In principle, the second arm section 35b can be at least as long as a depth of a protective section 100b of the bearing element 100 to be covered. The first arm section 35b can be at least as long as a distance between a bearing point of the second arm 35 on the side of the bearing element 100 and the protective section 100b.

[0066] Fig. 12 shows yet another view of an assembly with a translatorily and rotatably adjustable protective element 2. While in the embodiments according to the preceding figures the bearing surface 20 in the first position is parallel to the arrangement of the bearing surface 20 in the second position, Fig. 12 shows an embodiment in which the bearing surface 20 in the first position is perpendicular to the arrangement of the bearing surface 20 in the second position. In principle, the normal vectors on the bearing surface 20 in the first position and in the second position can point in the same direction or be at an angle to each other.

[0067] The protective element 2 is adjustably mounted relative to the bearing element 100 (on a base element 36 shown as an example) via two arms 34, 35. A first arm 34 extends straight between a mounting point on the bearing element 100 and a mounting point on the protective element 2. A second arm 35 has a first arm section 35a and a second arm section 35b, which are arranged at an angle to one another. The protective element 2 can be driven for adjustment by a drive motor 31 via the first arm 34. To transmit an adjustment force from the drive motor 31 to the first arm 34, a transmission means 33 is provided, which has a plurality of gears. Another transmission means 33 is also conceivable and possible.

[0068] In contrast to the otherwise identical embodiment of the arms 34, 35 Fig. 11, in which the first arm section 35a and the second arm section 35b are rigidly connected to one another, the first arm section 35a and the second arm section 35b are rotatably mounted on one another according to the present embodiment. An angle facing away from the first arm 34 between the two arm sections 35a, 35b can therefore be obtuse in the first position and acute in the second position. This allows, in particular, rotation of the protective element 2 about a bearing point on the first arm 34 into a first position in which the bearing surface 20 is arranged perpendicular to the bearing surface 20 of the protective element 2 in the second position.

[0069] Fig. Figure 13 shows a cross-section through a guide device 4 with a T-guide. The protective element 2 is guided via a foot 21 on a guide element 40 of the guide device 4. The guide element 40 has a T-shaped guide receptacle. The protective element 2 is securely mounted on the guide device 4. In particular, the protective element 2 cannot be displaced transversely to the adjustment direction R (a linear direction along the guide element 40).

[0070] Fig. 14 shows a plan view of an assembly with a guide device 4 with a T-guide. The Fig. The design of the guide element 40 described in Figure 13 allows the guide device 4 to be arranged below the protective element 2, on a side facing away from the bearing surface 20.

[0071] Fig. 15 shows a cross-section through a guide device 4 with a sliding guide. The protective element 2 has a guide surface 22 opposite the bearing surface 20 (transverse to the adjustment direction R), on which guide surface a plurality of guide grooves 220 are arranged. The guide grooves 220 extend parallel to one another. The guide device 4 has a guide element 40 on which a plurality of sliding elements 41 are provided. The plurality of sliding elements 41 interact with the plurality of guide grooves 220 to enable sliding bearing of the protective element 2 on the guide element 40. For this purpose, a sliding element 41 engages in each guide groove 220. The plurality of sliding elements 41 can be made of metal. The plurality of guide grooves 220 can be made of a plastic, for example, so that low sliding friction is enabled between the materials.

[0072] Fig. Figure 16 shows a plan view of an assembly with a guide device 4 with a sliding guide. The sliding guide enables a linear adjustment movement of the protective element 2 along an extension direction of the guide grooves 220.

[0073] Fig. Figure 17 shows a cross-section through a guide device 4 with a C-shaped guide. The guide device 4 has two C-shaped guide elements 40, between which the protective element 2 is arranged.

[0074] Fig. Figure 18 shows a top view of an assembly with a guide device 4 with a C-guide. The two guide elements 40 of the guide device 4 are arranged at opposite ends of the protective element 2 along a longitudinal direction of the protective element 2. This allows for space-saving mounting of the protective element 2 relative to the bearing element 100.

[0075] The embodiments according to the Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 enable the guide device 4 to be designed with rail-shaped guide elements 40. A guide on such guide elements 40 can be particularly resistant to undesired displacements of the protective element 2 transversely to the adjustment direction R between the first and the second position (in particular a lifting off from the bearing element 100).

[0076] Fig. 19 shows a cross-section through a guide device 4 with a telescopic guide. The guide device 4 has a guide element 40 on which a sliding element is (linearly) slidably mounted. The guide element 40 is designed such that the sliding element can be inserted telescopically into the guide element 40 along the adjustment direction R and can thus be completely received by the guide element 40. The protective element 2 is arranged on the sliding element 41. It protrudes therefrom in the adjustment direction R. The protective element 2 can be adjusted between the first and the second position by inserting (or pulling out) the sliding element 41 into the guide element 40.

[0077] Fig. 20 shows a plan view of an assembly with a telescopic guide. The assembly has two guide devices 4 according to the embodiment of Fig. 19, on which the protective element 2 is mounted. The guide devices 4 are arranged spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal direction of the protective element 2 on the sides of the protective element 2.

[0078] Fig. 21 and Fig. 22 show different views of an assembly with an adjustment device 3 having two drive motors 31. Such drive motors 31 can be used to adjust the protective elements 2 of the previously described embodiments. The drive motors 31 are arranged on a collar element 5, which surrounds the access openings 13 of two cargo spaces 11 (or any number of cargo spaces 11). For the access openings 13, the collar element 5 has two recesses 50 through which the cargo spaces 11 can be accessed through the collar element 5.

[0079] An object G, which is to be introduced into one of the loading spaces 11, can be stored on a bearing element 500 of the collar element 5. In order to prevent damage to the bearing element 500 and / or to expand the bearing element 500, the protective element 2 is provided, which can be adjusted between a first and a second position by the drive motors 31. The drive motors 31 are arranged on a side of the collar element 5 facing away from the protective element 2, so that they are hidden from the user by the collar element 5. A foot 21 of the protective element 2 protrudes through openings 51 in the collar element 5 to the drive motors 31 in order to transmit an adjusting force generated by the drive motors 31 to the protective element 2. The drive motors 31 can, for example, each drive a spindle, which, via a spindle nut, effects the adjustment of the protective element 2 (via the foot 21).

[0080] The adjusting device 3 has several stops in the form of damping elements 32 which limit an adjusting movement of the adjusting device 3.

[0081] Fig. 23 shows a side view of a motor vehicle 1 with an assembly having a cargo space 11 that can be closed by a partition element in the form of a front hood 12. In the illustrated open position of the front hood 12, the protective element 2 is arranged in the second position, so that a user can conveniently store an object G on the protective element 2. In addition, the protective element 2 covers a storage element 100 in the form of a body section of a body of the motor vehicle 1 in order to protect it.

[0082] In the second position of the protective element 2, the protective element 2 prevents the front hood 12 from closing. Therefore, the protective element 2 must be adjusted to the first position before the front hood 12 reaches the closed position. To avoid the undesirable situation of the protective element 2 being in the second position when the front hood 12 is to be adjusted to the closed position (for example, in the event of a failure of an adjusting device 3), the assembly comprises a coupling element 6, for example a lever, by actuating which the protective element 2 can be adjusted to the second position (along the adjusting device 3). The coupling element 6 couples the protective element 2 to the front hood 12 for adjustment to the first position. The front hood 12 has an optional actuating element 121 for this purpose. During a closing movement of the front hood 12, the actuating element 121 actuates along the Fig. 23, the coupling element 6 is engaged before the front hood 12 reaches the closed position. This ensures that the protective element 2 is arranged in the first position when the front hood 12 reaches the closed position.

[0083] Fig.24 shows an assembly with an electronic control unit 7, which is configured and provided to adjust a partition element in the form of a front hood 12 of the motor vehicle 1 from a closed position, in which the partition element closes an access opening 13 to a cargo space 11, and an open position in which the partition element releases the access opening 13. The electronic control unit 7 is also configured and provided to adjust a protective element 2. This is done via an adjusting device 3 for adjusting the protective element 2, which can be actuated by the electronic control unit 7. The adjusting device 3 comprises a drive motor 31 for generating an adjusting force and a transmission means 33 with which the adjusting force can be transmitted from the drive motor 31 to the protective element 2.The electronic control unit 7 can be designed and provided to carry out the adjustment of the separating element and the adjustment of the protective element 2 in a synchronized manner with one another.

[0084] Embodiments of the assembly that show an assembly for a frunk can alternatively be used for a trunk at the rear of the motor vehicle, and vice versa. Embodiments that show a flap can alternatively include any partition element that can be used to separate the cargo space from an exterior space when the partition element is in a closed position.

[0085] The module can also be used in a wide variety of motor vehicles. Its use is not limited to electric vehicles. List of reference symbols 1 motor vehicle 10 Vehicle body 100 bearing elements 100a storage section 100b Protection Section 101 Recording 11 Cargo space 12 Front hood 121 Actuating element 13 Access opening 2 protective element 20 storage space 21 feet 22 Guide surface 220 guide groove 3 Adjustment device 31 Drive motor 32 damping elements 33 means of transmission 34, 35 arm 35a, 35b arm section 36 Basic element 4 Guide device 40 guide element 41 Sliding element 5 collar element 50 recess 500 bearing element 51 Opening 6 coupling element 7 Control unit G Object P Arrow R Adjustment direction S swivel axis

Claims

[1] Assembly for arrangement on a motor vehicle (1), with - a loading space (11) for storing objects in the motor vehicle (1), - an access opening (13) to the loading space (11), through which an object (G) can be introduced into the loading space (11) for storage, - a storage element (100, 500) arranged in front of the loading space (11) and the access opening (13), on which the object (G) can be stored before being introduced into the loading space (11), and - at least one protective element (2) which is adjustable relative to the bearing element (100, 500) between a first position and a second position, wherein the second position is further away from the loading space (11) than the first position, characterized by that the at least one protective element (2) is adjustable between the first and the second position by means of an adjusting device (3) which has at least one drive motor (31). [2] Assembly according to claim 1, characterized bythat the bearing element (100, 500) comprises a body section for a body of the motor vehicle, a bumper and / or a part of a collar element (5) which is arranged at least in sections in a collar-shaped manner around the loading space (11). [3] Assembly according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized by that the at least one protective element (2) has, at least in the second position, a depth of less than one meter along the bearing element (100) in the direction of the access opening (13). [4] Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the at least one protective element (2) has a storage surface (20) on which the object (G) can be stored prior to being introduced into the loading space (11) in addition to or as an alternative to storage on the storage element (100, 500). [5] Assembly according to claim 4, characterized bythat the bearing surface (20) in the first position is parallel or perpendicular to the arrangement of the bearing surface (20) in the second position. [6] Assembly according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized by that the storage surface (20) is arranged in the second position parallel to a floor element of the loading space (11). [7] Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a separating element (12) which is adjustable between a closed position in which the separating element (12) closes the access opening (13) and an open position in which the separating element (12) releases the access opening (13). [8] Assembly according to claim 7, characterized byan electronic control unit (7) which is designed and provided to adjust the at least one protective element (2) from the first to the second position when the separating element (12) is adjusted from the closed position to the open position, and / or to adjust the at least one protective element (2) from the second to the first position when the separating element (12) is adjusted from the open position to the closed position. [9] Assembly according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized by at least one coupling element (6), via which the at least one protective element (2) can be adjusted into the first position by the separating element (12) when the separating element (12) reaches the closed position. [10] Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byat least two protective elements (2), wherein the adjusting device (3) has an interface via which one of the at least two protective elements (2) can be connected to the adjusting device (3) and can be adjusted in a connected position via the adjusting device (3). [11] Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one protective element (2) is adjustable with the adjusting device (3) by a translatory and / or rotary adjusting movement between the first and the second position. [12] Assembly according to claim 11, characterized by that the adjusting device (3) has a flexible transmission means (33) and / or at least one arm (34, 35) with which an adjusting force generated by the at least one drive motor (31) for adjusting the at least one protective element (2) can be transmitted to the at least one protective element (2). [13] Assembly according to claim 12, characterized by that the at least one arm (34, 35) has at least two arm sections (35a, 35b) which are arranged at an angle to one another. [14] Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the adjusting device (3) has a guide device (4) on which the at least one protective element (2) is guided at least in sections during an adjustment between the first and the second position and the - has a C-shaped guide element (40), - a guide element (40) with a T-shaped guide recess, - provides a telescopic guide and / or - provides a sliding guide. [15] Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the drive device has two drive motors (31). [16] Motor vehicle (1) with an assembly according to one of claims 1 to 15. [17] Method for protecting a storage element (100) arranged at an access opening (13) to a loading space (11) of a motor vehicle used for storing objects, comprising the steps of: - Adjusting a separating element (12) from a closed position, in which the separating element (12) closes the access opening (13), to an open position, in which the separating element (12) releases the access opening (13), - Adjusting, by an adjusting device (3) with at least one drive motor (31), at least one protective element (2) from a first position to a second position in which the at least one protective element (2) is further away from the loading space (11) than in the first position.

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