Motor vehicle with foldable separating device consisting of modules having respective frames and separating device

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle (10) with a partition (14) for separating a front area of ​​a passenger compartment from a rear area. The partition (14) comprises a plurality of modules (20) which are connected to one another. When the partition (14) is folded, the modules (20) can be stacked on top of each other. The partition (14) has retaining elements (32) which, in a functional position of the partition (14) in which the partition (14) is unfolded, are held on an inner side (28) of at least one trim panel (34, 36, 38) of the motor vehicle (10) that defines the passenger compartment. The respective modules (20) comprise a frame (22) and a textile surface structure (24) enclosed by the frame (22).At least one of the retaining elements (32) is arranged on a frame section (30) of at least one of the frames (22), wherein the frame section (30) having the retaining element (32) adjoins the inside (28) of the trim part (34, 36, 38) in the functional position. The invention also relates to the separating device (14) for the motor vehicle (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle with a partition device for separating a front section of the passenger compartment from a rear section of the passenger compartment. The partition device comprises a plurality of interconnected modules. When the partition device is folded, the modules can be stacked on top of each other. The partition device has a plurality of retaining elements which, in a functional position of the partition device, are held against the inner side of at least one trim panel of the motor vehicle, wherein the at least one trim panel defines the passenger compartment. In the functional position of the partition device, the partition device is at least partially unfolded. The invention further relates to the partition device for the motor vehicle.

[0002] In motor vehicles, it is desirable to ensure or provide privacy for the respective occupants of the passenger compartment. For this purpose, a curtain can be used, for example, to separate or demarcate the front and rear passenger compartments. If the curtain is attached to the roof of the passenger compartment and in the area of ​​the left and right B-pillars, it will sag, particularly at the corners where the respective B-pillar meets the headliner.

[0003] Light can then pass through at least one gap formed between the edge of the curtain and trim elements such as the headliner and the B-pillar trim. Furthermore, such gaps or crevices may allow a view into the area to be separated by the curtain. This is disadvantageous.

[0004] CN 219096622 U describes a partition curtain designed for use in a vehicle, which can be positioned between the front and rear sections of a passenger compartment. Individual partition panels of the curtain are connected to each other by suspension cords, and the panels are made of a composite material. Magnets located in pockets of the panels facilitate folding the partition curtain. An end panel is attached to a mounting bracket by hooks, and the mounting bracket has suction cups for securing it to the vehicle roof.

[0005] A disadvantage here is that even with such a partition curtain, a satisfactory separation between the front and rear areas of the passenger compartment cannot be achieved.

[0006] Further partition curtains for vehicles are described in CN 212529567 U and in CN 203974710 U.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to create a motor vehicle of the type mentioned at the outset in which the separating device enables improved separation in the passenger compartment, and to specify a corresponding separating device for the motor vehicle.

[0008] This problem is solved by a motor vehicle with the features of claim 1 and by a separating device with the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0009] The motor vehicle according to the invention has a partition device for separating a front area of ​​the passenger compartment from a rear area of ​​the passenger compartment. The partition device comprises a plurality of interconnected modules. When the partition device is folded, the modules can be stacked on top of each other. The partition device has a plurality of retaining elements which, in a functional position of the partition device in which it is at least partially unfolded, are held against the inner side of at least one body panel of the motor vehicle. The at least one body panel of the motor vehicle defines the passenger compartment. The individual modules of the partition device comprise a frame and a textile surface enclosed by the frame.In this case, at least one of the retaining elements is arranged on a frame section of at least one of the frames, wherein the frame section having the retaining element borders the inside of the at least one cladding part in the functional position of the separating device.

[0010] Due to the frames belonging to each module, the modules are inherently rigid. This effectively prevents the textile surface from sagging at any point when the partition is in its operating position, or from having such a gap from the vehicle's trim panel that separation is compromised. Accordingly, the partition allows for improved separation of individual compartments within the vehicle's passenger space.

[0011] And since the retaining elements are arranged on at least some of the frame sections belonging to a frame adjacent to the inside of at least one fairing part, a very simple and reliable mounting of the separating device on the inside of the at least one fairing part can be implemented in the motor vehicle.

[0012] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the self-supporting modules can be stacked on top of each other when the partition is folded. This allows both the folding and the deployment of the partition—by at least partially unfolding it—to be carried out very quickly and effortlessly by a vehicle user. This contributes to the convenient use of the partition, which is designed like a folding curtain and is composed of individual or small parts in the form of modules.

[0013] Furthermore, the design of the modules as frames with the textile surface enclosed within each frame results in a very low weight for the separating device. This is advantageous for easy handling of the separating device when moving it into its operating position and also when folding it up. Due to its foldability, the separating device can be handled very quickly and advantageously. This foldability means that the modules can be brought into contact with each other when folding the separating device, and that the edges of the modules can be moved away from each other when unfolding the device.

[0014] In particular, the user can unfold the partition within seconds and without significant physical effort and attach it to the inside of at least one trim panel of the vehicle using the retaining elements. This facilitates the improved separation of sections of the passenger compartment from one another, which is made possible by the partition.

[0015] Attaching the respective textile surfaces to the frame of each module also advantageously prevents the folded or collapsed partition from creasing. Furthermore, the folded partition can be stored very easily and with minimal effort in the vehicle. This also contributes to the ease of use of the partition in the vehicle.

[0016] Preferably, each retaining element and a corresponding fixing point formed on at least one panel part comprise a magnet and a ferromagnetic metal part. In the operating position of the separating device, the magnet is held against the metal part. This makes installing the separating device in the passenger compartment particularly easy. The user simply needs to move the retaining element sufficiently far towards the desired position, where the magnet is held against the metal part. The magnet then assists in moving the retaining element into this position. Accordingly, the inclusion of magnets and corresponding metal parts makes installing the separating device in the passenger compartment especially simple and convenient. Furthermore, the magnet can be easily and quickly removed from the metal part.

[0017] Preferably, the metal part is provided on the side of the trim panel, with the magnet associated with the metal part being arranged on the frame section of the at least one frame. This makes it particularly easy to provide the fixing points in the form of the metal parts, which can be designed in particular as small metal plates or metal discs, in the motor vehicle. Furthermore, by integrating the magnets into the modules, the weight of the separating device can be advantageously kept particularly low.

[0018] Preferably, the metal part is concealed beneath a surface of the trim panel. This allows the metal part to effectively perform its function of holding the magnet without being visible to a user in the passenger compartment. This is advantageous in terms of maintaining an attractive appearance of the passenger compartment.

[0019] It has also proven advantageous to conceal the magnet associated with the metal part within the frame section. This allows for an attractive appearance even for those modules that have at least one retaining element within the frame section. This is beneficial.

[0020] Preferably, a shape of frame sections of those frames which, in the functional position of the separating device, adjoin the at least one cladding part, corresponds to a contour of the cladding part formed by the inside of the at least one cladding part. In this way, a very precise fit of the separating device to the inside of the at least one cladding part can be achieved when the separating device is in its functional position.

[0021] Furthermore, this largely prevents gaps or openings between the paneling and the frame through which one could see or through which light could pass. This allows the partition to provide a high degree of privacy for the user in the enclosed section of the passenger compartment.

[0022] At least one trim panel can be provided, for example, by the vehicle's headliner and / or by the B-pillar trim. This makes the partition particularly suitable for separating the front and rear passenger compartments.

[0023] Preferably, for moving the separating device into its operating position, respective groups of modules are pivotable about pivot axes which, in the operating position, are aligned parallel or substantially parallel to a transverse axis of the vehicle. This makes unfolding the separating device particularly easy for a user or occupant of the vehicle. This is especially true if the user has placed the folded separating device on their thighs or on a seat cushion of the vehicle seat.

[0024] Furthermore, if one of the retaining elements is already fixed to the inside of the trim panel, gravity can be used, at least as an aid, to unfold the partition, provided the pivot axes run essentially parallel to the vehicle's transverse axis. This also simplifies the installation of the partition in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0025] It has also proven advantageous if, for moving the separating device into the operating position, respective groups of modules can be pivoted about pivot axes which, in the operating position, are aligned parallel or substantially parallel to a vehicle vertical axis. This allows the separating device to be moved into the operating position particularly quickly.

[0026] Preferably, in a stowed state of the separating device, in which the modules are stacked on top of each other, the packed dimensions of the separating device in the width and length directions essentially correspond to the length and width of one of the frames. This ensures that the separating device in the stowed state has a particularly small packed size, i.e., a particularly small extent in the width, length, and height or depth directions. This is advantageous for easy stowing of the folded separating device.

[0027] The frames, which are adjacent to each other in the operating position of the separating device, can be connected by fixing elements such as cords or straps. This makes folding and unfolding the separating device particularly easy.

[0028] Furthermore, fixing elements can be arranged on the frame, designed to secure the modules against separation when the separating device is stowed. This makes handling the stowed separating device particularly easy. This is advantageous.

[0029] Preferably, the module frames are made of a plastic. This is advantageous for a low weight of the separating device and simultaneously high inherent rigidity of the modules.

[0030] It has also proven advantageous to clamp the textile fabric of the respective module within the frame, and the textile fabric can be particularly elastic. This reliably prevents creasing of the textile fabric or the frame's covering. This is beneficial for an attractive appearance of the separating device.

[0031] Finally, it has proven advantageous for the textile surface to be opaque. This allows for a very reliable visual barrier when separating the different areas of the passenger compartment, thanks to the partition mechanism in its functional position. This contributes to providing the high level of privacy desired by the passenger compartment occupants.

[0032] The partition device according to the invention is intended for use in the motor vehicle according to the invention. The partition device is designed to separate the front area of ​​the passenger compartment from the rear area in its functional position, wherein, in this position, the frame sections of the modules, which have the retaining elements, abut the inside of at least one body panel of the motor vehicle. Accordingly, the partition device can be used very effectively in the motor vehicle to achieve improved separation of the two sections of the passenger compartment.

[0033] The advantages and preferred embodiments described for the motor vehicle according to the invention apply analogously to the separating device according to the invention and vice versa.

[0034] The invention therefore also includes further developments of the separating device according to the invention, which have features as already described in connection with the further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the separating device according to the invention are not described again here.

[0035] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus.

[0036] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0037] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 schematically a motor vehicle in which a front area of ​​a passenger compartment is separated or partitioned from a rear area of ​​the passenger compartment by means of a partition device designed in the manner of a folding curtain; Fig. 2 schematically the separating device in its stowed position, in which sections of the separating device designed as modules are placed on top of each other, the modules comprising respective frames and textile surface structures enclosed by the respective frames; Fig. 3 first steps in unfolding the separating device according to Fig. 2; Fig. 4 schematically the already partially unfolded separating device according to Fig. 2 in the installation position provided for the separating device in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle; and Fig. 5 the separating device in its functional position, in which the separating device is fully unfolded and separates the front area of ​​the passenger compartment from the rear area of ​​the passenger compartment.

[0038] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0039] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0040] In Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a motor vehicle 10 in whose passenger compartment 12 a partition device 14 is arranged, which is designed in the manner of a foldable partition curtain. The partition device 14 is in Fig. Figure 1 shows a possible functional position in which a front area 16 of the passenger compartment 12 is delimited or separated from a rear area 18 of the passenger compartment 12 by means of the separating device 14. Fig. Figure 1 shows the separating device 14 in a side view, i.e., in a view of a narrow side of the separating device 14.

[0041] In contrast, in Fig. Figure 5 shows the separating device 14 in this functional position, viewed from a broad side of the separating device 14. The viewing direction corresponds to the direction of a longitudinal axis x of the motor vehicle 10. The longitudinal axis x, a vertical axis y, and a transverse axis z of the motor vehicle 10 are approximately in Fig. 1 and Fig. 5 illustrated by respective coordinate systems.

[0042] The separating device 14 is not provided by a flexible or soft fabric in the form of a curtain, but by a plurality of small modules 20. One of the modules 20, which at least largely conceals a module 20 behind it, is in Fig. 2 shown in a front view, i.e., a view of a visible side of module 20.

[0043] According to Fig. Each module 20 comprises a frame 22 and a textile surface structure 24 enclosed by the frame 22. Each module 20 is connected to at least one other module 20, so that the separating device 14 can be easily unfolded. The figures schematically show respective bands or cords as fixing elements 26 for connecting the modules 20 to one another.

[0044] To explain the placement or installation of the separating device 14 in the passenger compartment 12 of the motor vehicle 10, reference should first be made to the illustration in Fig. 5. Accordingly, those frames 22 of the modules 20 which, in the functional position of the separating device 14, adjoin respective inner sides 28 of trim parts of the motor vehicle 10, have frame sections 30 with respective retaining elements.

[0045] In the variant of the separating device 14 shown in the figures, these retaining elements are designed as magnets 32. The magnets 32 are integrated into those frame sections 30 of the respective frame 22 which, in the functional position of the separating device 14, adjoin the inner side 28 of the body panels of the motor vehicle 10.

[0046] The in Fig. The five schematically shown trim parts comprise a headliner 34, a first pillar trim 36 of the left B-pillar of the motor vehicle 10 (as seen in the direction of travel when the motor vehicle 10 is moving forward), and a second pillar trim 38 of the opposite right B-pillar of the motor vehicle 10. These trim parts, in the form of the headliner 34 and the pillar trims 36, 38, are bordered according to Fig. 5 frame sections 30 of the frames 22 of the modules 20, wherein the frame sections 30 adjacent to the inside 28 of the cladding parts have the magnets 32.

[0047] Out of Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 clearly shows that metal parts 40 or small metal plates are integrated into the trim panels, namely the headliner 34 and the pillar trims 36, 38, which provide fixing points for the magnets 32. For the sake of clarity, not all of these metal parts 40 are labeled with a reference numeral in the figures.

[0048] The ferromagnetic metal parts 40 are preferably arranged concealed beneath a surface of the respective trim panel. Nevertheless, the metal parts 40 enable the magnets 32 to adhere reliably to the fixing points in the passenger compartment 12 of the motor vehicle 10, which feature the metal parts 40.

[0049] Each of the modules 20 has its respective frame 22 and the fabric clamped therein in the form of the textile surface structure 24. The textile surface structure 24 is preferably opaque. Thus, in the functional position of the partition device 14, the sections of the passenger compartment 12, in this case the front section 16 and the rear section 18 of the passenger compartment 12 (see Figure 1), are separated. Fig. 1) are separated from each other in a way that offers very good privacy in the respective sub-area.

[0050] Since the magnets 32 are integrated into the frame sections 30 or parts of the frames 22, the foldable partition curtain in the form of the partition device 14 can be attached very quickly to the headliner 34 and to the pillar trims 36, 38. For this purpose, the metal sheets or metal parts 40 are already integrated into these trim parts of the motor vehicle 10.

[0051] Especially from Fig. Figure 5 clearly shows that the shape of the frame sections 30 of those modules 20 which, in the functional position of the partition 14, adjoin the trim panels, correspond to the contour of the passenger compartment 12 formed by the inside of the trim panels. In other words, the curtain provided by the partition 14 is fitted very precisely and in a coordinated shape into the template of the motor vehicle 10. Consequently, the partition 14 provides very good privacy.

[0052] Especially from Fig. Figure 5 clearly shows that most of the modules 20 are essentially rectangular. Only a few of the modules 20, whose shape is adapted to the adjacent cladding parts, have a shape that deviates from the essentially rectangular form. The in Fig. The preferably rectangular shape of at least a large part of the modules 20 shown in Figure 5 is advantageous for the simple folding or collapsing of the separating device 14. Furthermore, this is beneficial for the compact size of the folded separating device 14.

[0053] According to Fig. 2. When the modules 20 of the separating device 14 are stacked on top of each other in the stowed state, the packed dimensions of the separating device 14 are particularly small. This is because, in the stowed state, the packed dimensions of the separating device 14, in both the width and length directions, essentially correspond to a length 60 and a width 62 of one of the frames 22. This facilitates the stowing of the folded separating device 14, which is thus placed in the stowed position, in the motor vehicle 10.

[0054] With reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. Section 4 will explain possible steps for unfolding the separating device 14. Starting from the in Fig. In the stowage position of the separating device 14 shown in Figure 2, a first group of modules 20 are pivoted about a first pivot axis 42, which in the functional position (compare Figure 2) Fig. 5) is aligned parallel to the vehicle's transverse axis y. A corresponding pivoting movement when pivoting the first group of modules 20 about the first pivot axis 42 is in Fig. 3 illustrated by a first curved arrow 44.

[0055] Subsequently, when the separating device 14 is unfolded, a further group of modules 20 can be pivoted about a second pivot axis 46, which is aligned parallel to the first pivot axis 42. A further curved arrow 48 indicates Fig. Figure 3 illustrates the corresponding movement during the further unfolding of the separating device 14.

[0056] After this unfolding, one of the magnets 32 serving as retaining elements can be attached, for example, to the metal part 40 integrated into the headliner 34 (compare Fig. 4) Subsequently, further groups of modules 20 can be pivoted about further pivot axes 50, 52 in order to further unfold or unfold the separating device 14.

[0057] For example, a first group of modules 20 can be rotated around the associated pivot axis 50, which in the functional position (compare Fig. 5) aligned parallel to the vehicle's vertical axis z, towards the point in Fig. 4. The right pillar trim 38 can be pivoted. A corresponding movement arrow 54 is shown in Fig. 4 shown schematically. Through this pivoting movement, the magnets 32 of this group of modules 20 move towards the fixing points, which are formed at a transition of the headliner 34 to the right pillar trim 38 and on the right pillar trim 38.

[0058] Subsequently, another group of modules 20 can be rotated around the further pivot axis 52, which is aligned parallel to the pivot axis 50, towards the one in Fig. 4 left pillar trim 36 are pivoted. This allows the magnets 32 of this group of modules 20 to reach the fixing points, which are provided at the transition of the headliner 34 to the left pillar trim 36 and in the left pillar trim 36.

[0059] In Fig. Figure 5 shows the separating device 14 in its fully unfolded state. Accordingly, in this functional position of the separating device 14, a lower end 56 of the separating device 14 can be spaced apart from a floor 58 of the passenger compartment 12.

[0060] Alternatively, it is (as in Fig. (4 shown schematically) it is possible that in the fully unfolded functional position of the separating device 14 the lower end 56 of the separating device 14 borders the floor 58 of the passenger compartment 12.

[0061] At the in Fig. In the embodiment of the partition device 14 shown in Figure 5, a particularly large legroom is provided for vehicle occupants located in the rear area 18 of the passenger compartment 12 when the partition device 14 is in its functional position.

[0062] Overall, the examples show how the separating device 14 can be used to provide a foldable curtain made of small parts in the form of modules 20 for the vehicle interior or passenger compartment 12. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] CN 219096622 U

[0004] CN 212529567

[0006] CN 203974710 U

[0006]

Images