Vehicle with a walk-in interior and a cargo area

Abstract

Vehicle (2) with a walkable interior (4) and with a cargo space (6) which is arranged partially or completely below the walkable interior (4) of the vehicle (2), wherein the cargo space (6) comprises: a) a cargo compartment opening (18) connecting the cargo compartment (6) with the walkable interior space (4), and b) a transfer device (16) for transferring items (22) within the cargo space (6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle with a walk-in interior and a cargo space, a system consisting of such a vehicle and a plurality of containers, and a method for loading a vehicle with an interior suitable for living.

[0002] For trips with frequently changing locations or for vacations, so-called motorhomes or caravans consisting of a towing vehicle and a caravan are regularly used. These are vehicles equipped with interiors suitable for living. In particular, there is usually at least one sleeping berth in the vehicle. Before starting a trip, for example, before the start of a vacation, the vehicle must be laboriously and manually loaded with food, clothing, etc. These items are stored in cupboards and compartments arranged for this purpose in a walk-in interior space of the vehicle, such as a living area. The living area may also include seating, a bathroom, a cooking area, entertainment facilities, or additional sleeping accommodations.When stowing items in cupboards, shelves, chests, and boxes, it's crucial to ensure they are secured so they don't shift during driving maneuvers. Often, dedicated cupboards are provided for specific items, such as clothing, dishes, or supplies. These compartments are sometimes labeled. However, items are frequently stored wherever space is available, making retrieval often a lengthy search. Items must be manually distributed throughout the vehicle's storage space. Before each journey, used items must be securely returned to their designated places. Furthermore, transporting items into the vehicle for storage can be time-consuming.As a rule, the items are transported individually, or separate containers are used for transport, from which the items are then removed in the vehicle and then safely stowed in the vehicle again.

[0003] From DE 20 2014 006 906 U1, a storage device for a motorhome or caravan is known, wherein the storage device comprises a substantially cuboid storage body with an interior for holding objects and a support frame as an arrangement and holder for this storage body, wherein the support frame is attached to at least one guide rail of at least one full extension slide arranged in a storage space, in particular a rear garage of a motorhome or caravan. The storage body has an opening on one of its end faces for receiving objects to be stored.This design achieves advantageous use of storage space, as not only is the floor of the storage area used for placing items, but also, if items placed on the floor do not occupy the full height of the storage area, a foldable container located in an upper area can be used to create additional storage options. The container is mounted on a rail system, ensuring that it remains accessible to the user even when the lower part of the storage area is loaded.

[0004] The German patent DE 20 2019 000 300 U1 describes a convertible vehicle, in particular a camper van, with multifunctional spaces. It includes retractable beds that can be converted into seating, as well as foldable sanitary facilities (washbasin and shower) with a shared wastewater collector, to allow for flexible use of the interior for various purposes.

[0005] German patent DE 20 2006 006 151 U1 describes a vehicle with a box body that includes a height-adjustable platform. This platform can be used as a sleeping area or to create a walk-in cargo space and is equipped with a lifting device and locking mechanisms to allow for various interior configurations.

[0006] US 2023 / 0351315A1 describes systems and methods for the dynamic organization and presentation of packages in a vehicle. It includes modular storage units that are positioned using shifting mechanisms and control systems to efficiently prepare packages for delivery.

[0007] US 2023 / 0311738A1 describes a storage and dispensing unit (Storage Pod) for delivery vehicles that automatically transports packages from the storage area to a dispensing station.

[0008] The unit uses conveying systems, such as pushers or elevators, and can deliver packages to the correct location based on GPS positions.

[0009] The invention is based on the objective of designing a vehicle of the type mentioned above in such a way that loading and unloading of required items or access to these items can be carried out in a particularly simple and safe manner.

[0010] The problem is solved by a vehicle of the type mentioned above, wherein the cargo space is located partially or completely below the vehicle's walkable interior and has a cargo opening connecting the cargo space to the walkable interior, as well as a transfer device for moving items within the cargo space. Such a vehicle offers the possibility of accessing the cargo space from the vehicle's interior. The transfer device makes it possible to transport a selected item to the cargo opening so that it can be easily removed from the cargo space by a user. The user does not need to enter the cargo space, nor does he need to move or rearrange any other items located within the cargo space to access the desired item.For example, it is possible that the relocation device transports the desired item directly to the loading bay opening, and the user can then simply remove the item.

[0011] It is also possible for the transfer device to be designed in such a way that the selected item can be moved through the cargo opening into the vehicle's walk-in interior. After the desired item is selected, it can be transported to the cargo opening, the opening opened, and the item moved through it into the vehicle's interior. Once the user has taken possession of the item, the cargo opening can then be closed again. The process can be fully or semi-automatic. For example, the cargo opening can be opened manually, while the subsequent steps are performed automatically. The items can be, for example, containers or bins whose dimensions can be adapted to the cargo space and / or the transfer device.Such a container can then be loaded outside the vehicle with items such as clothing, food, or toiletries and subsequently transferred into the cargo area. This eliminates the need to distribute individual items into different compartments within the vehicle. Loading the vehicle in this way can be done quickly and efficiently.

[0012] The vehicle can be equipped with a drive system for the transfer device. This makes using the cargo space and the transfer device particularly convenient for the user. It also allows for a higher degree of automation, as such a transfer device, equipped with a drive (e.g., an electric drive), can be connected to and controlled by a control unit. The transfer device can be designed to move an object from a storage position through the cargo opening into the vehicle's walk-in interior, where it can then be easily handled by a user.

[0013] The storage system according to the invention allows a user to stow all the items needed for a trip in the containers outside the vehicle. This eliminates the time-consuming and laborious task of stocking individual cabinets. The items are securely stored and easily accessible at any time.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vehicle is a motor vehicle or a trailer with an interior suitable for living. With such a vehicle, the aforementioned problem often arises: a large number of individual items need to be carried, and these items should ideally be readily accessible at all times. It is also necessary to stow the items securely before each journey, since, firstly, they are often fragile items such as dishes or similar, and secondly, due to the vehicle's design, users may remove items from the cabinets and other storage compartments, which are often located in the upper part of the vehicle, and these items could fall and potentially even injure the user.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cargo space is arranged partially or completely below the accessible interior of the vehicle. This configuration offers the possibility of flexibly arranging the cargo space within the vehicle. A conventional cargo space located below the vehicle's interior is often inconvenient to use, so, for example, in motorhomes, the cargo space is often located in the rear of the vehicle. However, this reduces the usable floor space of the vehicle compared to its total floor space. By arranging the cargo space in the vehicle's underbody or generally at least partially below the vehicle's interior, the usable interior space can be increased. Of course, it is also possible for the cargo space to be arranged partially or completely in the rear of the vehicle.

[0016] It is advantageous for the vehicle to have a loading opening that connects the cargo area to the vehicle's surroundings. The cargo area then has at least two openings: the loading opening and the cargo opening facing the vehicle's interior. This allows the vehicle to be loaded from the outside. The loading opening and the cargo opening can be similar or identical in shape and / or size. In particular, the loading opening can also be adapted to a container or bin of the aforementioned type. The cargo opening and / or the loading opening can be lockable.For example, it is conceivable to close one or more openings of the cargo space in the form of the cargo space opening or in the form of the loading opening by means of a door, a flap, a plate that can be moved parallel to a boundary of the cargo space, for example parallel to a floor or to a wall of the cargo space, by means of a folding door, a sliding door or by means of another structure.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transfer device is designed to move objects vertically within the cargo space. If the cargo space is located below the vehicle's interior, the selected object can then be transported directly into the interior by the transfer device. This also makes it possible to stow objects on multiple levels within the cargo space. This can be advantageous, for example, if the cargo space is located in the rear of the vehicle and occupies the entire height or a predominant portion of the vehicle's height.

[0018] It is also advantageous for the transfer device to be designed to move items horizontally within the cargo space. The transfer device can be configured to move items within the cargo space in the direction of travel and / or perpendicular to the direction of travel. It is possible for the transfer device to pick up, transport, and then set down the item to be moved. For this purpose, a gripping device or other transport device may be used. It is also possible for the transfer device to include a conveyor belt and / or link chains. For example, the transfer device may have a ring-shaped or continuous structure in which the items to be stowed are permanently supported by the transfer device and can be transported continuously in a closed loop.This closed track can then pass by the cargo opening, allowing a selected item to be transported in a single removal position.

[0019] Once a container has been introduced into the loading system—that is, the unit consisting of the cargo space and the transfer mechanism—via the airlock or loading opening, it can connect to the integrated electric transport system, for example, by means of wheels or separate connecting elements. The vehicle may also have a lift that raises and moves the container into the vehicle. The transfer mechanism moves the containers to the airlocks, which are the openings connecting the cargo space to the interior and, optionally, to the vehicle's surroundings. In other words, both the loading opening and the cargo space opening can be referred to as airlocks.The transport system consists, for example, of an electrically driven conveyor belt system or a chain conveyor system. Free space within the system or on the transfer device ensures that all containers can be moved systematically. At the discharge interface, i.e., at the cargo area opening, the user then has access to the container and its contents. The user can remove the container from the transport system and move it to another location within the vehicle. Alternatively, the container can remain in the cargo area, and the user can access its contents simply through the cargo area opening.For this purpose, the container may, for example, have a door or flap pointing towards the loading area opening, or a drawer or corresponding pull-out that opens towards the interior.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cargo space opening is provided to have an open cross-section of less than 2 m². 2 , preferably less than 1 m 2 , especially less than 0.5 m 2This means that, for example, in the case of a rectangular opening, the aforementioned surface areas describe the product of the length and width of the cargo opening. This allows the cargo opening to be discreetly integrated into the vehicle's interior, taking up minimal space. The size of the cargo opening can also be adapted to the size of the items being stored. For instance, the shape of the opening's perimeter can roughly correspond to the perimeter of a side surface of a container or bin adapted to the cargo space and the loading mechanism.

[0021] It is possible for the cargo space to be designed to accommodate a number of essentially identical containers that can be inserted through the opening. This allows for particularly efficient use of the cargo space, as the containers and the cargo space can be dimensioned in such a way that the dimensions of the cargo space in a specific direction—for example, its width, length, or height—correspond essentially to an integer multiple of the dimensions of a container in a parallel direction. The cargo space can then have multiple stowage positions, each capable of accommodating one of the containers, arranged side by side or one above the other in one of the aforementioned directions.For example, three, four or five containers, or any other number of containers, can be arranged next to or on top of each other in the cargo space, whereby the unused cargo space volume can be minimized when all storage positions in the cargo space are fully occupied.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vehicle is equipped with a device for digitally recording imported items. This allows for the creation of an intelligent organization system that can detect and track containers, for example, using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. This enables the creation of a database that provides an overview of the items and / or containers contained in the cargo space. The items and / or containers can each be assigned to a specific storage position.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vehicle has a control device configured to cause the transfer mechanism to transport a selected object from a storage position within the cargo space to the cargo opening or loading opening. Such a control device can, for example, be connected to the database described above. It is then possible to easily select an object or container to be removed from or accessed from the cargo space. The control device can then cause the transfer mechanism to transport this selected object to the cargo opening, from where it can then be removed by a user.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transfer device has a user interface, which can be a so-called "human-machine interface" (HMI), an interface for an app, a wireless communication interface, or a physical input device. This enables the tracking of each item, container, or receptacle via an app or the vehicle's integrated HMI at any time. Thus, the items, containers, or receptacles can be directed by a user to the loading and unloading points (the loading opening and the cargo compartment opening), where they are then accessible to the user. The containers or receptacles can be assigned contents by the user via an app or HMI, allowing for a more precise allocation of containers and contents.Integrating a camera into a container allows the contents of that container to be displayed in the app or HMI. Accordingly, the vehicle can be configured to receive and display images transmitted by a camera located in the cargo space or in a container stowed within the cargo space.

[0025] It is also possible that the vehicle has a weighing device for weighing items, such as containers or bins, in the cargo space. This allows, firstly, the loading status of a specific stowage position to be easily characterized and / or checked, and secondly, by setting a suitable maximum limit, overloading of the transfer mechanism can be avoided.

[0026] It is possible that the transfer system is designed to be controlled from outside the vehicle. This could be done, for example, via an app or another communication interface, such as a wireless communication interface. This would then allow third parties, such as suppliers, access to the feed-in hatch, in other words, the loading opening, and enable them to replenish supplies such as food or other consumables.

[0027] The object of the invention is further achieved by a system comprising a vehicle according to the invention and a plurality of containers, the containers having a height and / or width that is between 70% and 99%, preferably between 80% and 99%, particularly preferably between 90% and 99% of the height and / or width of a loading area opening of the vehicle. Such a system enables a particularly good compromise between a discreet loading area opening and efficient use of the loading space.

[0028] The problem is also solved according to the invention by a method for loading a vehicle's cargo space with interior furnishings suitable for living, comprising the steps a) Loading at least one container with items to be transported; b) Opening a loading hatch of the vehicle; c) Loading at least one container through the loading opening into the cargo space of the vehicle; d) Moving at least one container within the cargo space using a moving device; e) Closing the vehicle's loading opening.

[0029] The loading opening can be either the previously described cargo compartment opening or the previously described loading opening. The method can be extended, for example, by a step in which a selected item is transported within the cargo compartment to a removal opening, such as the previously described cargo compartment opening, and can be removed there by a user. The transport, communication, management, and selection processes previously described in connection with the vehicle can, of course, also be part of the method according to the invention. The method according to the invention can be carried out, in particular, with a vehicle of the type described above. For example, it is advantageous for carrying out the method according to the invention if the loading opening has a free cross-section of less than 1 m². 2 , preferably of less than 0.5 m 2features. In this way, the concept according to the invention can be integrated into the vehicle in a flexible and discreet manner.

[0030] Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the other features mentioned in the dependent claims.

[0031] Unless otherwise stated in individual cases, the various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another.

[0032] The invention is explained below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic horizontal section through a second embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention, Fig. 3 a schematic horizontal section through a third embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention, Fig. 4 a first embodiment of a container, Fig. 5 a second embodiment of a container, Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a user interface on an electronic device, and Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a user interface on a screen.

[0033] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a vehicle 2 according to the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle is a motorhome and has a habitable interior 4, which can be accessed through a door 8. A first cargo space 6.1 and a second cargo space 6.2 are shown schematically. To illustrate the possible configuration of the vehicle according to the invention, both cargo spaces 6.1 and 6.2 are shown in one figure; however, it is of course also possible that only either the first cargo space 6.1 or the second cargo space 6.2 is present. If two cargo spaces 6.1 and 6.2 are present, both cargo spaces can be equipped with a transfer unit and cargo openings as described above.

[0034] The first cargo compartment 6.1 is accessible from the outside via a loading opening 10. This loading opening can, for example, be closed with a flap. The second cargo compartment 6.2, located in the rear of the vehicle 2, can also be closed with a door (not visible in the figure) or a flap located in the rear wall of the vehicle 2. Alternatively, the loading opening of the second cargo compartment 6.2 could be located in a side wall of the vehicle 2.

[0035] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic horizontal section through a second embodiment of a vehicle 2 according to the invention. The cargo space 6, which is connected to the vehicle's surroundings 24 by a loading opening 10, is visible. Items can thus be loaded into the cargo space 6 along the loading direction 42, which in the illustrated case runs parallel to the Y-axis. The four wheels 12 and the rear section 14 of the vehicle 2, as well as a control device 28, are also shown. The transfer unit 16, which carries a plurality of items 22.1 to 22.8, is arranged in the cargo space 6.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the cargo space 6 contains a total of nine stowage positions arranged in a 3 x 3 matrix. The transfer unit 16 can transport each of the items 22 from its current stowage position to the transfer position. In the illustrated situation, this transfer position is occupied by item 22.1. The transfer position can simultaneously be a stowage position. The items 22 can be transferred by the transfer unit 16 in different directions 20.1 to 20.6. These directions 20.1 to 20.6 correspond to directions in the positive or negative X or Y direction. In other words, the items 22 can be moved forward and backward in the direction of travel, as well as laterally to the direction of travel, for example, to the right and to the left. From the transfer position, an item, in the illustrated embodiment this is item 22, can be moved.1, are brought into the cargo space through the loading opening 18. This movement takes place along the unloading direction 44, which in the illustrated embodiment runs parallel to the Z-axis. When loading the items 22, they can be detected by a scanner 26. The scanner 26 can be, for example, an optical scanner or an RFID scanner. The scanner 26 can be connected to the control device 28.

[0037] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic horizontal section through a third embodiment of a vehicle 2 according to the invention. The illustrated third embodiment differs from the one in Fig. In the second embodiment shown in Figure 2, the cargo space 6 is arranged in the rear section 14 of the vehicle 2, and the loading opening 10 and the cargo space opening 18 are positioned accordingly. In contrast to the second embodiment, in the third embodiment shown, the loading opening 10 is also located in the rear section of the vehicle 2, more precisely in the rear wall of the vehicle 2. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the loading direction 42 runs in the direction of travel, i.e., in the X-direction shown. The cargo space opening 18 is located in a vertical partition between the cargo space 6 and the interior 4 of the vehicle 2. The unloading direction 44 therefore runs in a horizontal direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the unloading direction 44 runs parallel to the loading direction 42, also in the direction of travel, i.e., in the X-direction.

[0038] Fig. Figure 4 shows a first embodiment of a container 30 suitable for storage in the cargo space of a vehicle according to the invention. The container 30 has a cuboid shape. Optionally, the container 30 can be equipped with wheels 46. The wheels 46 can be used, for example, to move the container 30 outside and / or inside the vehicle. The interior of the container 30 is accessible through a flap 34 located on the top of the container 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 30 is further equipped with a drawer 32. It is possible for the container 30 to have the drawer 32, the flap 34, or both.

[0039] Fig. Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of a container 30 suitable for stowing in the cargo space of a vehicle according to the invention. In contrast to the first embodiment, the second embodiment does not have a flap on the top, but rather a drawer 32 and a door 36. Both the door 36 and the drawer 32 are arranged on a front side of the container or can be pulled out from this front side.

[0040] Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a user interface on an electronic device 38. The electronic device 38 could be, for example, a smartphone or a tablet PC. The cargo space 6, the loading opening 10, the cargo space opening 18, and objects 22 located in the cargo space 6 are shown. A user can now select one of the objects 22, for example, via touch gestures or voice input, and trigger transport to the cargo space opening 18 or to the loading opening 10. It can also be provided that information about the object 22, for example, the contents of a container, can be retrieved via the user interface.

[0041] Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a user interface on a screen 40, which can be part of the motor vehicle. The control of the transfer device and the information processes can be carried out in the same way as in the previous one with regard to Fig. The electronic device described in section 6 will operate as described. For example, screen 40 can be part of a vehicle's "Human-Machine Interface" (HMI). Reference symbol list 2 vehicles 4 Interior 6 cargo space 8 Door 10 Loading opening 12 wheel 14 Rear 16 Relocation device 18 Cargo area opening 20 Direction of displacement 22 Subject 24 Vehicle environment 26 scanners 28 Control device 30 containers 32 drawers 34 flap 36 Door 38 electronic device 40-inch screen 42 Loading direction 44 Discharge direction 46 wheel

Claims

[1] Vehicle (2) with a walkable interior (4) and with a cargo space (6) which is arranged partly or entirely below the walkable interior (4) of the vehicle (2), wherein the cargo space (6) comprises: a) a cargo compartment opening (18) that connects the cargo compartment (6) with the walkable interior space (4), and b) a relocation device (16) for relocating items (22) within the cargo space (6). [2] Vehicle (2) according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle (2) is a motor vehicle or a trailer with an interior suitable for living. [3] Vehicle (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer device (16) is designed to transfer objects (22) within the cargo space (6) in a vertical direction. [4] Vehicle (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle (2) has a loading opening (10) that connects the cargo space (6) with a surrounding area of ​​the vehicle (2). [5] Vehicle (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cargo compartment opening (18) and / or the loading opening (10) has an open cross-section of less than 2 m² 2 , preferably less than 1 m 2 , especially those less than 0.5 m 2 exhibits or exhibit. [6] Vehicle (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle (2) has a control device (28) configured to cause the transfer device (16) to transport a selected object (22) from a storage position within the cargo space (6) to the cargo space opening (18) or to the loading opening (10). [7] Vehicle (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer device (16) is configured to transfer an object (22) from a storage position through the cargo opening (18) into the walkable interior (4) of the vehicle (2). [8] System comprising a vehicle (2) according to one of the preceding claims and a plurality of containers having a height and / or width that is between 70% and 99%, preferably between 80% and 99%, particularly preferably between 90% and 99% of a height and / or width of a loading compartment opening (18) of the vehicle (2). [9] Method for loading a cargo space (6) of a vehicle (2) with interior fittings suitable for living, comprising the steps a) Loading at least one container with items to be transported; b) Opening a loading opening of the vehicle (2); c) Inserting at least one container through the loading opening into the cargo space (6) of the vehicle (2); d) Moving at least one container within the cargo space (6) using a moving device (16); e) Closing the vehicle's loading opening (2).

Images