Control system for an extendable platform

Abstract

A control module (10) for controlling the powered operation of a platform (2, 30) for a vehicle interior (101) that is movable between a first position and a second position; wherein the control module is configured to control movement of the platform from the second position to the first position by first instructing a powered activator to move the platform from the second position through the first position to a third position, and then instructing the powered activator to bring the platform from the third position into contact with a movable structure of the vehicle to thereby bring the platform to the first position.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control system for a platform that can be extended from a storage compartment of a vehicle.

[0002] Aspects of the invention relate to a control module for controlling and / or monitoring the operation of a platform, to a platform system, to a vehicle and to a method for monitoring and / or controlling the operation of a platform. BACKGROUND

[0003] Many road vehicles have a storage compartment that is configured to be opened and closed by a tailgate.

[0004] From US 2007 / 0 071 567 A1, a holder for a vehicle load compartment, which is partially defined by a floor and a door that is movable between an open and a closed position, is known. The holder comprises a holding element that spans at least part of the load compartment, a rotating element that is operatively connected to the holding element, and a holding part that resiliently holds the holding element in its second position to facilitate the holding of cargo within the load compartment. The holding element rotates about the rotating element relative to the load compartment between a first position and a second position, wherein the holding element is inclined relative to the floor of the load compartment. When the door is open, the holder is normally in its second position to facilitate the holding of cargo in the load compartment.

[0005] Some vehicles have a split tailgate arrangement with upper and lower sections that can each be swung outward to allow access to the storage compartment from the outside of the vehicle.

[0006] The lower section can be configured to open into an extended position where the lower section extends outward from the storage compartment and can be used as a seat or cargo area.

[0007] The upper and lower parts can each be configured to be held in specified closed positions by appropriate locking mechanisms.

[0008] The upper and / or lower parts can be controlled by a powered activation system, in which case the closed and locked positions of the upper and lower parts can be used as reference points for controlling the extension of the upper and lower parts.

[0009] It may also be desirable to equip a vehicle that does not include such a split tailgate arrangement with an extendable loading or seating area that can be extended from a position within the storage compartment.

[0010] However, it can be difficult to accurately control the powered movement of such a platform if the platform does not include a locking mechanism to lock the platform in a defined starting position.

[0011] The aim of the present invention is to eliminate disadvantages associated with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a control module is provided for controlling the powered operation of a platform for a vehicle interior that is movable between a first position and a second position; wherein the control module is configured to control movement of the platform from the second position to the first position by first controlling a powered actuator to move the platform from the second position through the first position to a third position, and then controlling the powered actuator to move the platform from the third position into contact with a movable structure of the vehicle to thereby move the platform to the first position.

[0013] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a platform system for a vehicle with storage space, for example a rear storage compartment, and a closure, for example a tailgate, which is operable to open and close the storage space is provided.

[0014] The platform system may comprise a platform which is movable, for example pivotable, between a first position in which the platform is located within the storage space and an extended position in which the platform extends outwards from the storage space.

[0015] The platform system may further comprise a powered activation device configured to control the movement of the platform.

[0016] The platform system may further include a control module configured to control the operation of the powered activation device.

[0017] Movement of the tailgate can be controlled by separate, powered activation devices, the operation of which can also be controlled by the control module.

[0018] By first moving the platform to the third position, the control module can ensure that the movable structure does not collide with the platform during the movement of the movable structure.

[0019] The movable structure may, for example, be a tailgate or a backrest or another movable structure that interacts with a platform in a vehicle.

[0020] Furthermore, the control module is capable of returning the platform to a known position defined by engagement with the movable structure by subsequently moving the platform from the third position into contact with the movable structure to thereby bring the platform to the first position.

[0021] It is therefore not necessary to place the platform in a stop position at one end (e.g., an innermost end) of its travel or to incorporate a locking system for the platform (which would increase the cost and complexity of the platform system and extend into the vehicle interior) to return the platform to a known position before the start of the next movement of the platform.

[0022] It is then possible to use this known position as a reference point for monitoring and / or controlling the subsequent movement of the platform.

[0023] It should be noted that the control module can be configured to move the platform from the second position through the first position to the third position, either while the movable structure is in a fully open position or while the shutter is in a partially open position (including during the closing movement of the movable structure), provided that the platform is able to complete its movement without colliding with the movable structure.

[0024] It should also be noted that the control module can be configured to move the platform from the third position back to the first position either while the movable structure is in a fully closed position or while the movable structure is in a partially open position (including during the closing movement of the movable structure), although the platform preferably does not contact the movable structure until the movable structure has reached its fully closed position.

[0025] The control module can be configured to bring the platform into contact with the movable assembly immediately after the fully closed position of the movable assembly is reached, although in other cases the platform can be brought into contact with the movable assembly at a later time, for example immediately before the next opening operation of the shutter.

[0026] The fully closed position is typically a stop position.

[0027] The storage space may be a storage compartment, for example a main storage compartment located at the rear of a vehicle.

[0028] Alternatively, the storage space can also be another type of vehicle interior, for example a passenger compartment.

[0029] The platform can be pivoted between the first position and the second position.

[0030] The first position may be a position in which the platform is located in the storage space and engages with the movable structure as soon as the movable structure is in a stop position.

[0031] The second position can be an extended position in which the platform extends outwards from the storage space and can be used as a platform.

[0032] The third position may be a temporary storage position within the first position into which the platform may be moved before the platform is subsequently moved to the first position.

[0033] The third position may be a run-out position, with the control module configured to move the platform to this position before the platform is subsequently moved to the first position.

[0034] It should be noted that the term "run-out position" refers to a position that is not a stop position with maximum possible displacement for the platform, such as that defined by the operating limit of a hinge mechanism or an activation device.

[0035] In this case, the third position is between the maximum possible retracted position and the first position.

[0036] The use of a run-out position helps to reduce wear and fatigue on the platform system components and minimizes the noise level when using the platform system.

[0037] The second position can be a run-out position.

[0038] In this case, the second position may be within a position of the platform's most extended state.

[0039] The platform can be moved beyond the second position (in a direction opposite to the first position) by manual loading.

[0040] The control module can be configured to automatically return the platform to the second position when the platform is manually moved out of the second position (e.g., beyond the second position in a direction opposite to the first position).

[0041] The control module can be configured to monitor the position of the platform.

[0042] For example, the control module can be configured to monitor the position of the platform during the extension process, while the platform is extended and / or during the retraction process.

[0043] However, the control module can be configured to disable or otherwise stop monitoring the position of the platform after the platform has been retracted, e.g. into the first position.

[0044] In this case, the control module may remain switched off or otherwise not monitor the position of the platform until the start of the next operation.

[0045] The control module may be configured to monitor the position of the platform in response to a signal received from a sensor associated with the powered activation devices, such as a Hall effect sensor located in or on the powered activation devices.

[0046] The control module can be configured to monitor the position of the platform by counting sensor signals, such as Hall effect sensor signals, generated in response to the movement of the platform and / or the operation of the powered activation devices.

[0047] The control module can be configured to monitor the position of the platform by tracking the movement of the platform relative to a reference point.

[0048] The movement of the platform can be tracked indirectly, e.g. by tracking the movement of the powered activation devices.

[0049] The control module can be configured to use the first position as a reference point for monitoring the movement of the platform.

[0050] For example, the control module can be configured to automatically determine that the platform is in the first position (this is the position to which the platform is known to have been placed at the end of the previous retraction operation) before starting an extension operation, and to determine the position of the platform during an extension operation, while the platform is extended, and during a retraction operation by tracking the movement of the platform with respect to the reference point.

[0051] The control module can be configured to use the first position as a reference point for controlling the movement of the platform.

[0052] For example, the control module may be configured to assume that the platform is in the first position (this is the position to which the platform is known to have been placed at the end of the previous retraction operation) before starting an extension operation and to move the platform to the second position by moving the platform towards the second position a predetermined distance equal to the distance between the first position and the second position.

[0053] Likewise, the control module may be configured to move the platform back to the third position by moving the platform until it is determined that the platform is within the first position by a predetermined distance equal to the distance between the first position and the third position.

[0054] The control module can be configured to detect when the platform has moved into contact with the movable structure by detecting a change (e.g., an increase) in the current and / or voltage to the powered activation devices and / or a change (e.g., a decrease) in the operating speed of the powered activation devices.

[0055] The control module can be configured to stop the power supply to the powered activation devices once it is determined that the platform has come into contact with the moving structure.

[0056] The powered activation devices can be configured to lock as soon as the platform comes into contact with the moving structure.

[0057] The control module can be configured to prevent the movable structure from interfering with the platform during powered movement of the movable structure to the stop position and / or to prevent the platform from interfering with the movable structure during powered retraction of the platform, e.g., by preventing movement of the movable structure while the platform is in a collision zone and / or by preventing retraction of the platform while the movable structure is in a collision zone.

[0058] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a control module is provided for monitoring and / or controlling the movement of a platform for a vehicle interior, wherein the control module is configured to use a soft start position, which is located outside a maximum possible retracted position of the platform and in which the platform engages in a movable structure for the storage space as soon as the movable structure is in a stop position, as a reference point for monitoring and / or controlling the movement of the platform.

[0059] The control module can be configured to move the platform to the soft start position by first instructing a powered activating device to move the platform through the soft start position to a position within the soft start position, and then instructing the powered activating devices to bring the platform into contact with the movable structure to thereby move the platform to the soft start position.

[0060] It should be noted that the soft-start position is a starting position and not a stop position with maximum possible displacement for the platform, such as that defined by the operating limit of a hinge mechanism or an activation device, although the platform can be brought to a stop by contact with the moving structure in the soft-start position.

[0061] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a platform system for a vehicle is provided, the platform system comprising a control module as described above.

[0062] The platform system may further comprise a platform for a vehicle storage compartment, which is movable between a first position in which the platform engages a movable structure of the storage compartment once the movable structure is in a stop position, and a second position.

[0063] The platform system may further comprise a powered activation device for controlling the movement of the platform.

[0064] The operation of the powered activation device can be controlled by the control module.

[0065] The platform can be pivotally mounted on the vehicle.

[0066] The platform can be attached to the vehicle using a hinge.

[0067] The hinge may have a fixed pivot axis so that the platform pivots with a pure rotational movement, or alternatively the hinge may allow the platform to pivot with a combination of rotational and translational movement.

[0068] The hinge can be configured to hold the platform in a starting position using friction.

[0069] In this way, after completion of a retraction process, the platform can be conveniently held in its starting position until the start of the next extension process without the need to continue to supply power to the activation devices.

[0070] For example, the starting position can be the first position (where the platform engages the lock).

[0071] The platform can be configured to be used as a seat and / or loading area in the second position.

[0072] The platform may further be configured to act as a catcher or holder in the first and / or third position, e.g. to pick up or hold objects in the storage space, particularly when the movable structure is in an open position.

[0073] The platform can extend substantially over the width of an opening in the storage space, which is opened and closed by the movable structure.

[0074] The platform can have a height between 10% and 70% or between 20% and 40% of the height of the storage space opening.

[0075] The platform can be at least essentially flat.

[0076] The first position of the platform may be a substantially vertical position (e.g. when the surface of the platform does not deviate more than 20 degrees from the vertical when the vehicle is on level ground).

[0077] The second position of the platform may be a substantially horizontal position (e.g. when the surface of the platform does not deviate more than 20 degrees from the horizontal when the vehicle is on level ground).

[0078] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a platform system for a vehicle having a storage space and a movable structure operable to open and close the storage space is provided, the platform system comprising: a platform movable between a first position, in which the platform engages the movable structure once the movable structure is in a stop position, and a second position; and a powered activation device configured to control the movement of the platform;wherein the platform system is configured to move the platform from the second position to the first position by first actuating the powered activation devices to move the platform from the second position through the first position to a third position, and then actuating the powered activation devices to move the platform from the third position into contact with the movable structure to thereby move the platform to the first position.;

[0079] The platform system may include a control module as described above configured to control the operation of the powered activation devices.

[0080] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided which comprises a control module as described above and / or a platform system as described above.

[0081] The vehicle may be a motor vehicle, such as a car.

[0082] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for moving a platform of a vehicle interior from a second position to a first position in which the platform engages a movable structure for the interior once the movable structure is in a closed position, the method comprising: operating a powered activating device to first move the platform from the second position through the first position and into a third position; and then operating the powered activating device to move the platform from the third position into contact with the movable structure to thereby move the platform to the first position.

[0083] The platform can be moved from the second position through the first position to the third position, either while the movable structure is in a fully open position or while the movable structure is in a partially open position (including during the closing movement of the movable structure), provided that the platform is able to complete its movement without colliding with the movable structure.

[0084] The platform may be moved from the third position back to the first position either while the movable structure is in a fully closed position or while the movable structure is in a partially open position (including during the closing movement of the movable structure), although the platform preferably does not come into contact with the movable structure until the movable structure has reached its fully closed position.

[0085] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for monitoring and / or controlling the movement of a platform of a vehicle interior is provided, the method comprising: using a soft start position, which is outside a position of maximum possible retraction for the platform and in which the platform engages a closed movable structure for the storage space once the movable structure is in a stop position, as a reference point for monitoring and / or controlling the movement of the platform.

[0086] The method may further comprise moving the platform to the soft start position by first moving the platform through the soft start position and into a position within the soft start position, and then moving the platform into contact with the movable structure to thereby move the platform to the soft start position.

[0087] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following descriptions and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be adopted independently or in any combination.

[0088] That is, all embodiments and / or features of an embodiment may be combined in any manner and / or combination, unless these features are incompatible.

[0089] The applicant reserves the right to amend an originally filed claim or to file a new claim accordingly, including the right to amend an originally filed claim to depend on another claim and / or to incorporate a feature of another claim even though it was not originally so asserted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0090] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a vehicle with a storage compartment and an extendable platform; The Fig. Figures 2 to 7 schematically show different positions into which the extendable platform can be moved during the extension process; Fig. Figure 8 schematically shows a control system for controlling the powered operation of the platform; Fig. Figure 9 schematically shows a folding seat assembly suitable for use with embodiments of the invention in a folded condition; The Fig. schematically the folding seat arrangement Fig. 9 in partially extended states; and Fig. 12 schematically shows the folding seat arrangement Fig. 9 in the fully extended state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0091] Fig. 1 shows a vehicle 100 with a rear storage compartment 101 located towards the rear of the vehicle.

[0092] The storage compartment is equipped with a platform system 1 according to a possible embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 2 is shown schematically.

[0093] The vehicle 100 includes a tailgate 102 for opening and closing the storage compartment 101.

[0094] The tailgate 102 is a movable vehicle body which is connected to the vehicle 100 via a hinge at its upper edge and which can be moved relative to the vehicle 100 between a closed position in which the tailgate 102 covers an opening formed in the rear of the vehicle to thereby close the storage compartment 101 (as in Fig. 2), and a fully open position in which the opening is exposed to allow access to the storage compartment 101 from outside the vehicle 100.

[0095] It should be noted that many different types of hinges are possible for the tailgate 102 and that the movement of the tailgate 102 between the closed and fully open positions is not required to be a pure rotational movement about a fixed pivot axis.

[0096] The tailgate 102 is provided at its lower edge with a lock which is configured to cooperate with a locking device present at a fixed point on the vehicle 100 in order to releasably hold the tailgate 102 in the closed position until the storage compartment 101 is to be opened.

[0097] The tailgate 102 is a powered tailgate configured to be selectively opened and closed by a first activation system 105 (not shown). Fig. 2, but schematically in Fig. 8).

[0098] In the present embodiment, the first activation system 105 comprises at least one extendable strut 106 connected to the tailgate 102 and a fixed point on the vehicle 100, and an electric motor 107 operable to drive the strut 106 and thus to control the position of the tailgate 102.

[0099] The strut 106 may be arranged at any suitable angle and coupled to the tailgate 102 at any suitable location, including via a bracket extending outwardly from the tailgate 102.

[0100] The operation of the first activation system 105 is controlled by a control module 10 located in the vehicle 100, as shown in Fig. 8 is shown schematically.

[0101] The fully open position of the tailgate 102 is a calibrated run-out position located within the position of maximum possible opening enabled by the tailgate hinge and the first actuation system 105.

[0102] For example, the fully open position can be set to 98% of the way from the closed position towards the position of maximum possible opening.

[0103] The closed position of the tailgate 102 is a stop position defined by the engagement of the tailgate latch with the fixed closure device.

[0104] The vehicle further comprises a platform 2 located within the storage compartment 101 and configured from a substantially vertical first position or starting position within the storage compartment 101, as shown in the Fig. shown, into a substantially horizontal second position or extended position, as shown in Fig. 4, whereby the platform 2 extends outwards from the storage compartment 101 and can be used, for example, as a loading area or seat.

[0105] The side of the platform 2 that faces upwards when the platform 2 is in the extended position can be padded, and the padding can optionally be removed.

[0106] The platform 2 is coupled to the vehicle via a hinge 3 located at its lower edge and is configured to be pivoted relative to the vehicle 100 between the starting position and the extended position.

[0107] As with the tailgate 102 described above, it should be noted that many different types of hinges are possible for the platform 2 and that the movement of the platform 2 between the starting position and the extended position does not have to be a pure rotational movement about a fixed pivot axis.

[0108] The platform 2 is provided with a cable holder 4 on each side edge.

[0109] The cable holders 4 are each connected to the vehicle 100 at fixed points and have a damping effect on the movement of the platform 2 in the direction of the extended position and represent an additional support for the platform 2 in the extended position.

[0110] The platform 2 forms an inner part of the vehicle 100 and is located entirely in the storage compartment 101 in the starting position and within the tailgate 102 when the tailgate is in the closed position.

[0111] The platform 2 is a driven platform that is configured to be moved selectively between the starting position and the extended position by a second activation system 5.

[0112] In the present embodiment, the second activation system comprises at least one extendable strut 6 connected to the platform 2 and a fixed point on the vehicle 100, and an electric motor 7 operable to drive the strut 6 and thus to control the position of the platform 2.

[0113] The simplified view of Fig. Figure 2 illustrates the strut 6 as being substantially horizontal and connected to the platform 2 at the location of the hinge 3, it being understood that the strut 6 may be arranged at any suitable angle and coupled to the platform 2 at any suitable location, including via a bracket extending outwardly from the platform 2.

[0114] The operation of the second activation system 5 is controlled by the control module 10, as shown in Fig. 8 (although in other embodiments separate control modules may be used to control the first and second activation systems 105, 5).

[0115] The extended position of the platform 2 is a calibrated run-out position located within the maximum possible extended position enabled by the platform hinge 3 and the second actuation system 5.

[0116] For example, the extended position can be set to 98% of the way from the start position to the maximum possible extended position.

[0117] The starting position of the platform 2 is a position in which the platform 2 abuts against the inner surface of the tailgate 102 when the tailgate is in the closed position.

[0118] The platform 2 is provided on its side towards the tailgate 102 with a cushion which is configured to provide a soft surface over which the platform 2 can engage the tailgate 102 while the platform 2 is in the starting position and the tailgate 102 is in the closed position.

[0119] The platform system 1 is configured to operate the second activation system 5 to return the platform 2 to the starting position in contact with the inner surface of the tailgate 102 at the end of all retraction and extension operations, as described in more detail below.

[0120] The platform hinge 3 is configured to hold the platform 2 in this starting position under friction until the second activation system 5 is subsequently actuated to move the platform 2 from the starting position.

[0121] Each of the first and second actuation systems 105, 5 is equipped with a sensor 108, 8, for example a Hall effect sensor, as shown in Fig. 8 is shown schematically.

[0122] Each of the first and second sensors 108, 8 is configured to output sensor signals, e.g., Hall-effect sensor signals, depending on the operation of its respective activation system 105, 5, e.g., depending on the retraction and extension of the strut or the rotation of the motor.

[0123] The control module 10 is configured to receive sensor signals from each of the first and second sensors 108, 8 and to determine the real-time positions of the tailgate 102 and the platform 2 by counting the received sensor signals, as described in more detail below using exemplary operating modes.

[0124] The control module 10 is also configured to receive command signals containing requests related to the operation of the tailgate 102 and / or the platform 2 generated in response to a user operating one of the plurality of user-operable controls 20.

[0125] For example, the controls 20 may include a plurality of buttons located on a dashboard of the vehicle to request: opening the tailgate and extending the platform; opening the tailgate only; retracting the platform and closing the tailgate; and closing the tailgate only.

[0126] The controls 20 may also include, for example, a button on the outside of the vehicle for requesting the opening of the tailgate alone, a button on the inside of the tailgate for requesting the closing of the tailgate alone, a button on the platform for requesting the extension of the platform or the retraction of the platform (depending on the current position of the platform), and one or more buttons on an external device, such as a separate key fob.

[0127] The controls 20 may also include one or more sensors for detecting gestures of a user.

[0128] The control module 10 is configured to determine whether or not a particular operation, for example a requested operation, should be performed and to output control signals to control the first and second activation systems 105, 5 when it is determined that a particular operation should be performed.

[0129] The exemplary operating modes of the platform system 1 are now explained using the Fig. described.

[0130] Fig. Figure 2 schematically illustrates the storage compartment 101 of the vehicle 100 while the tailgate 102 is in the closed position and the platform 2 is in the starting position.

[0131] When it is desired to move the tailgate 102 to the fully open position and the platform 2 to the extended position, a user of the vehicle 100 may press a button on the vehicle's dashboard to generate a command signal requesting the opening of the tailgate 102 and the extension of the platform 2, which is received at the control module 10.

[0132] To open the tailgate 102, the control module 10 first outputs a latch release control signal that instructs the tailgate lock to release the locking device and thereby unlock the tailgate 102.

[0133] The control module 10 then controls the first actuation system 105 to move the tailgate 102 from the closed position to the fully open position.

[0134] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the storage compartment 101 after the tailgate 102 has been moved from the closed position (and out of the field of view of Fig. 3) was moved while platform 2 remains in the starting position.

[0135] After the tailgate 102 has been moved to the fully open position (or alternatively during the movement of the tailgate 102 towards the fully open position), the control module 10 controls the second activation system 5 to move the platform 2 from the starting position to the extended position, as Fig. 4 shows schematically.

[0136] When the control module 10 is switched on to control the operation of the tailgate 102 and the platform 2, it knows the exact position of the tailgate 102 because the tailgate 102 is held in its closed position by the tailgate lock and the fixed closing device until the opening operation begins.

[0137] The position of the tailgate 102 in the closed position can be confirmed to the control module 10 by a sensor in the locking mechanism.

[0138] The control module 10 is therefore able to reliably determine the real-time position of the tailgate 102 during the opening process and to ensure that the tailgate is moved exactly to the fully open position by counting the sensor signals received from the first sensor 108 when the tailgate 102 is opened, so as to track the movement of the tailgate 102 with respect to the known closed position.

[0139] For example, if the movement of the tailgate 102 from the closed position to the fully open position corresponds to 100 sensor signals, the control module 10 may control the first activation system 105 to move the tailgate 102 to the fully open position for 100 sensor signals.

[0140] It is therefore possible to bring the tailgate 102 into the calibrated, fully open position without reaching the stop position of the maximum possible opening permitted by the tailgate hinge and the first activation system 105.

[0141] Unlike the tailgate 102, the platform 2 is not equipped with a locking mechanism to keep it in the starting position between extension operations.

[0142] However, since the platform 2 is returned to a known start position (in which the platform 2 is in contact with the tailgate 102 while the tailgate remains in the closed position) at the end of all deployment operations (as described in more detail below) and is held in this position by friction in the hinge 3 until the next deployment operation, it is possible that the control module 10, after being switched on to start an deployment operation, assumes that the platform 2 is in the start position and uses the start position as a reference point for monitoring the position of the platform 2 and controlling the movement of the platform 2.

[0143] The control module 10 can thus determine the real-time position of the platform 2 during the extension process and, by counting the sensor signals received from the second sensor 8 during the extension process of the platform 2, ensure that the platform 2 is brought exactly into the extended position, thereby tracking the movement of the platform 2 with respect to the known starting position.

[0144] For example, if the movement of the platform 2 from the start position to the extended position corresponds to 100 sensor signals, the control module 10 can control the second actuation system 5 to move the platform 2 towards the extended position for 100 sensor signals.

[0145] It is therefore possible to bring the platform 2 into the calibrated, fully extended position without reaching the maximum possible extended stop position allowed by the platform hinge 3 and the second activation system 5.

[0146] The control module 10 remains awake and continues to monitor the real-time positions of the tailgate 102 and the platform 2 by counting sensor signals from the first and second sensors 108, 8 until the tailgate 102 has been returned to the closed position and the platform 2 has been returned to the home position, so that subsequent control operations for the tailgate 102 and the platform 2 can be accurately controlled and collisions between the tailgate 102 and the platform 2 can be prevented.

[0147] If it is subsequently desired that the platform 2 be retracted and the tailgate 102 be closed, a user of the vehicle 100 can press another button on the vehicle's dashboard to generate a command signal requesting the retraction of the platform 2 and closing of the tailgate 102, which is received at the control module 10.

[0148] To retract the platform 2, the control module 10 first controls the second activation system 5 to move the platform 2 from the extended position through the start position to a third position or temporary storage position within the start position, as shown in Fig. 5 is shown schematically.

[0149] The temporary stowage position is a calibrated run-out position located outside the maximum possible retraction position permitted by the platform hinge 3, the second activation system 5 and the geometry of the platform 2 and the storage compartment 101 (“outside” means further towards the extended position).

[0150] For example, the temporary storage position can be set to 98% of the way from the extended position towards the position of maximum possible retraction.

[0151] Alternatively, the temporary jam position can be set to a fixed displacement (e.g., a fixed number of sensor signals) within the start position.

[0152] The control module 10 is capable of precisely moving the platform 2 from the extended position to the temporary storage position by continuing to count the sensor signals of the second sensor 8 to thereby monitor the real-time position of the platform 2.

[0153] For example, if the platform 2 is in the extended position with a signal count of +100 at the start of a retraction operation and the temporary stowage position is known to be -10 sensor signals within the start position, then the control module 10 controls the second trigger system 5 to retract the platform for 2110 sensor signals, thereby moving the platform 2 from the extended position through the start position to the temporary stowage position.

[0154] After the platform 2 has moved within the starting position, e.g. into the temporary storage position, the control module 10 then controls the first activation system 105 to move the tailgate 102 towards and into the closed position, as Fig. 6 schematically illustrates the latch and locking device securing the tailgate 102 in the closed position.

[0155] In some embodiments, the control module 10 may be configured to move the tailgate 102 to the closed position simultaneously with the retraction of the platform 2.

[0156] In this case, the control module 10 can be configured to begin retracting the platform 2 before initiating the closing of the tailgate 102 and / or to retract the platform 2 at a higher angular velocity than the closing speed of the tailgate 102 to ensure that the tailgate 102 and the platform 2 do not collide when retracting the platform 2 and closing the tailgate 102.

[0157] When the tailgate 102 has returned to the closed position, the control module 10 then controls the second activation system 5 to move the platform 2 toward and into contact with the inner surface of the closed tailgate 102, as Fig. 7 schematically, in which case the motor 7 of the second actuation system 5 stops.

[0158] When the standstill is detected, the control module 10 stops supplying power to the motor 7 of the second activation system 5, and the platform 2 is held in the starting position (in contact with the tailgate) by friction in the platform hinge 3.

[0159] By moving the platform 2 into a temporary storage position within the starting position, it can be ensured that the tailgate 102 does not impact the platform 2 when moving into the closed position.

[0160] Furthermore, by moving the platform 2 from the temporary storage position back to the extended position and in contact with the tailgate 102 while the tailgate 102 is in the closed position, it is possible to leave the platform 2 in a known final position, which can be used as a reference point for monitoring and controlling the subsequent movement of the platform 2 during the next extension cycle.

[0161] The control module 10 may be turned off after the tailgate 102 has returned to the closed position and may remain turned off until the next time the tailgate 102 is requested to open.

[0162] It is not necessary for the control module 10 to continue monitoring the positions of the tailgate 102 and the platform 2 or to maintain the last known positions of the tailgate 102 and the platform 2 between the closing of the tailgate 102 and the start of the next opening operation, since the control module 10 is capable of determining the initial positions for the tailgate 102 and the platform 2 in the manner described above.

[0163] In an alternative embodiment, the control module 10 could also be configured to leave the platform 2 in the temporary storage position (or another position within the start position) after the tailgate 102 has returned to the closed position, rather than bringing the platform 2 into contact with the tailgate 102 in the start position once the tailgate 102 reaches the closed position.

[0164] In this case, the control module 10 could still be switched off or otherwise stop monitoring the position of the platform 2 after the tailgate 102 has been closed.

[0165] In this case, however, the control module 10 could be configured to automatically move the platform 2 into contact with the tailgate 102 to establish a reference start position for the platform 2 before the tailgate 102 is moved from the closed position the next time opening of the tailgate 102 is requested.

[0166] In the operating modes described above, the tailgate 102 and the platform 2 are operated together in response to a single request.

[0167] However, it is also possible for a user to request only the opening or closing of the tailgate 102 or only the extension and retraction of the platform 2.

[0168] For example, if the tailgate 102 is to be opened while the platform 2 remains in the starting position (e.g., as a catch to prevent objects from falling out of the storage compartment 101 when the tailgate 102 is opened), a user of the vehicle 100 can press another button on the vehicle's dashboard to generate a command signal requesting the opening of the tailgate 102.

[0169] The control signal is received at the control module 10, which controls the first activation system 105 to move the tailgate 102 to the fully open position in the manner described above.

[0170] In this case, the control module 10 does not output a control signal to the second activation system 5, and the platform 2 remains in the starting position due to the friction in the platform hinge 3.

[0171] In some embodiments, the control module 10 may be operable to drive the motor 7 of the second activation system 5 while the tailgate 102 is in an open position and the platform 2 has not been extended in order to more securely position the platform 2 in the launch position (e.g., to better prevent luggage from falling out of the storage compartment 101 when the tailgate 102 is opened).

[0172] If extension of the platform 2 is desired while the tailgate 102 is already in the fully open position, a user of the vehicle 100 can press a button located on the platform 2 while the platform 2 is in the start position to generate a command signal requesting extension of the platform 2.

[0173] The control signal is received at the control module 10, which controls the second activation system 5 to bring the platform 2 into the extended position in the manner described above.

[0174] The platform 2 can also be extended when the tailgate 102 is in an intermediate position between the fully open position and the closed position (also when the tailgate 102 is opened).

[0175] However, if the tailgate 102 is at a certain angle to the closed position, the platform 2 may hit the tailgate 102 during extension.

[0176] The range of positions for the tailgate 102 in which the platform 2 can hit the tailgate 102 during extension can therefore be regarded as a collision zone.

[0177] The collision zone can be defined as any position within a specified number of sensor signals of the closed position and can include a safety margin.

[0178] The control module 10 is configured to determine that the platform 2 should not be extended if a command signal requesting the extension of the platform 2 is received while the tailgate 102 is located in the collision zone. In this case, the control module 10 will not instruct the second activation system 5 to move the platform 2 to the extended position.

[0179] In this way, a possible collision between the platform 2 and the tailgate 102 can be avoided.

[0180] Likewise, if the platform 2 is to be retracted while the tailgate 102 remains open, a user of the vehicle 100 can press the button on the platform 2 while the platform 2 is in the extended position to generate a command signal requesting the retraction of the platform 2.

[0181] The control signal is received at the control module 10, which controls the second activation system 5, to move the platform 2 through the start position and into the temporary storage position in the manner described above.

[0182] The platform 2 is then held in the temporary storage position until the tailgate 102 has returned to the closed position, whereupon the control module 10 automatically controls the second activation system 5 to move the platform 2 towards the inner surface of the closed tailgate 102 and bring it into contact with it, whereby the platform 2 returns to the starting position.

[0183] As explained above, in an alternative embodiment, the platform 2 could similarly only be moved into contact with the tailgate 102 at the start of the next opening operation for the tailgate 102.

[0184] As with the extension of the platform 2 alone, the retraction of the platform 2 alone can occur either in the fully open position of the tailgate 102, or alternatively while the tailgate 102 is in an intermediate position between the fully open position and the closed position.

[0185] However, the control module 10 is configured to determine that the platform 2 should not be retracted if a command signal requiring the retraction of the platform 2 is received while the tailgate 102 is in the collision zone. In this case, the control module 10 will not instruct the second activation system 5 to move the platform 2 to the extended position.

[0186] In this way, a possible collision between the platform 2 and the tailgate 102 can be avoided.

[0187] Finally, if the tailgate 102 is to be closed when the platform 2 is already in a retracted position (e.g., when the platform 2 is still in the start position because it has not been extended, or when the platform 2 is in the temporary storage position because it has already been retracted), a user of the vehicle 100 can press a button on the tailgate 102 to generate a command signal requesting the closing of the tailgate 102.

[0188] The control signal is received at the control module 10, which instructs the first activation system 105 to move the tailgate 102 to the closed position in the manner described above.

[0189] If the platform 2 is already in the temporary storage position, the control module 10 may instruct the second activation system 5 to move the platform 2 toward and into contact with the inner surface of the tailgate 102 after the tailgate 102 has returned to the closed position, thereby returning the platform 2 to the starting position.

[0190] If the platform 2 is already in the start position upon receiving the control signal to close the tailgate 102, the control module 10 may automatically instruct the second activation system 5 to retract the platform 2 into the temporary storage position before the tailgate 102 reaches the closed position so as to prevent the tailgate 102 from hitting the platform 2 during its closing movement, and may then instruct the second activation system 5 to move the platform 2 toward and bring it into contact with the inner surface of the tailgate 102 after the tailgate 102 has returned to the closed position, whereby the platform 2 returns to the start position.

[0191] When the platform 2 is in the extended position (or any other position outside the starting position), the platform 2 is in a collision zone in which it is possible that the tailgate 102 may hit the platform 2.

[0192] However, the control module 10 is configured to prevent the tailgate 102 from colliding with the platform 2 by determining that the tailgate 102 should not be closed if a command signal requesting the closing of the tailgate 102 is received while the platform 2 is in the collision zone. In this case, the control module 10 will not instruct the first activation system 105 to move the tailgate 102 to the closed position.

[0193] In an alternative embodiment, the control module 10 could also be configured to automatically retract the platform 2 into the temporary storage position as soon as the platform 2 is determined to be in the collision zone upon receipt of a request to close the tailgate 102, in which case the closing of the tailgate 102 can be carried out as requested.

[0194] In the operating modes described above, the control module 10 instructs the first and second activation systems 105, 5 to move the tailgate 102 and the platform 2 between defined positions (for the tailgate 102, the closed position and the fully open position and the start position, and for the platform 2, the extended position).

[0195] However, it is also possible to move the tailgate 102 and the platform 2 manually into other positions.

[0196] Because the control module 10 remains awake and continues to monitor both the position of the tailgate 102 and the position of the platform 2 when the tailgate 102 is open, the control module 10 can take manual changes in the position of the tailgate 102 and the platform 2 into account when controlling the subsequent movement of the tailgate 102 and the platform 2.

[0197] For example, platform 2 can be moved beyond the extended position towards the maximum possible extended position under load.

[0198] In this case, the control module 10 determines the new position of the platform 2 by continuing to count the sensor signals of the second sensor 8 while the platform 2 is moved manually.

[0199] The control module 10 is therefore still able to retract the platform 2 into the intended temporary storage position, since the real-time position of the platform 2 is still known at the beginning of the retraction process.

[0200] In some embodiments, the control module 10 may be configured to return the platform 2 to the calibrated extended position after the load is removed.

[0201] The invention has been described herein with reference to a platform 2 in a storage compartment 101 of a vehicle 100 which is movable in contact with a tailgate 102 of the vehicle 100, the platform 2 being movable so that it can serve as a seat or loading area.

[0202] However, embodiments of the invention are also suitable for use with other movable platforms in vehicles, in which the movable platform interacts with an alternative movable structure of the vehicle.

[0203] For example, the movable platform can be part of a cover for a folding seat arrangement that is arranged below the loading area of ​​the vehicle.

[0204] In this embodiment, the folding seat assembly 25 may be disposed in a storage compartment 101 and provide a second or third row of passenger seats in the vehicle 100.

[0205] This is advantageous because the second or third row of passenger seats, when unoccupied, can be stowed under the movable platform 30 forming part of the loading area in the storage compartment 101 to provide increased capacity for luggage carriage.

[0206] The folding seat arrangement 25 is now based on the Fig. described in more detail.

[0207] With reference to Fig. 9, the folding seat arrangement 25 is shown schematically in the stowed state.

[0208] The folding seat assembly 25 includes a seat cushion 32 on which a user of the seat assembly 25 can sit.

[0209] A backrest 34 is pivotally connected to the seat cushion 32 and is movable between a stowed position as shown in the Fig. shown, and an unfolded position as shown in the Fig. shown, pivotable.

[0210] In this embodiment, the backrest 34 can be considered as a movable vehicle body.

[0211] When the backrest 34 is in the deployed position, the backrest 34 is configured to support a user of the backrest of the seat assembly.

[0212] The backrest 34 can be moved by an actuator (not shown), such as a DC motor, to move the backrest 34 between the stowed and deployed positions.

[0213] A movable platform 30 is pivotally connected to the vehicle 100 within the storage compartment 101, so that when the backrest 34 is stowed, the platform 30 forms part of the loading area and thus covers the seating arrangement 25.

[0214] The movable platform 30 is between a closed position according to Fig. 9 and an open position.

[0215] When the backrest 34 is in the stowed position, the movable platform 30 serves as a cover for the folding seat assembly 25 and is part of the vehicle loading area.

[0216] The movable platform 30 can thus protect the foldable seat assembly 25 and form a loading area within the storage compartment 101 onto which the users of the vehicle 100 can load the luggage.

[0217] The movement of the movable platform 30 is driven by a platform actuator 36, which is controlled by a controller 40, for example via the Fig. Control module 10 shown in Figure 8.

[0218] A user of the vehicle 100 may request movement of the folding seat assembly 25 by providing input to the controller 40 via, for example, a button on a touchscreen in the vehicle's instrument panel.

[0219] The controller 40 outputs a signal to the platform actuator motor 36 and the folding seat actuator motor (not shown) to activate the movement of the folding seat assembly 25 to the extended position.

[0220] The steps for moving the folding seat assembly 25 from the stowed state to the extended state are shown in the Fig. shown.

[0221] The controller 40 first outputs a control signal to the platform actuator 36 to move the movable platform 30 from the closed position to the open position, as shown in Fig. 10 shown.

[0222] The actuator 36 moves the platform 30 to a run-out position approximately 10 degrees beyond a stop position (as described below).

[0223] Moving the platform 30 to this position provides space for the backrest 34 to be moved from the stowed position to the deployed position without risking a collision between the movable platform 30 and the backrest 34.

[0224] The controller 40 then sends an output signal to the folding seat actuator (not shown) to activate the movement of the backrest 34 from the stowed position to the deployed position, as shown in Fig. 11 shown.

[0225] In the unfolded position, the backrest 34 is moved into a stop position.

[0226] In this position, the backrest 34 can support the back of a user sitting in the seating arrangement 25.

[0227] The stop position may be a locked position wherein the backrest 34 is locked to a fixed component within the storage compartment 101 of the vehicle 100.

[0228] Moving the backrest 34 to a stop position ensures that the controller 40 has an accurate reference position of the backrest 34 in the deployed position and also provides the advantage of reducing noise and vibration within the folding seat assembly 25 since the backrest 34 is held by a solid lock.

[0229] Finally, the controller 40 sends a signal to the platform actuator 36 to move the movable platform 30 into a resting position in which the platform 30 rests against the backrest 34.

[0230] The adjacent position is between the closed and the fully open position.

[0231] The backrest 34 acts as a stop for the movable platform 30 and thus provides a repeatable, known reference position to which the movable platform 30 can be moved.

[0232] This is advantageous because it minimizes errors in the position of the movable platform 30 that may cause the movable platform 30 to inadvertently strike another component within the vehicle 100.

[0233] The controller 40 can measure the current in the platform actuator motor 36 and stop the activation of the movable platform 30 when a current spike is detected, indicating that the movable platform 30 has reached the stop and is thus in the abutting position.

[0234] It also offers the advantage of reducing noise and vibration within the movable platform 30 since the backrest 34 is held in position, supported against the engaged folding seat assembly 25.

[0235] When a user of the vehicle 100 desires that the folding seat assembly 25 be moved from the deployed position to the stowed position, the controller 40 first outputs a signal to activate the movement of the platform 30 from the stop position to the fully open position, as shown in Fig. 11 shown.

[0236] It is advantageous that the controller 40 has an exact reference point for the position of the platform 30 before activation, since the platform 30 starts in the adjacent position, ie the platform 30 is located at a known position.

[0237] When the platform 30 is in the fully open position, the controller 40 outputs a control signal to the seat actuator motor to first release the backrest 34 from its stop and then initiate the movement of the backrest 34 to the stowed position, as shown in Fig. 10 shown.

[0238] The controller 40 then outputs a control signal to the platform actuator 36 to initiate the movement of the platform 30 from the fully open position through the adjacent position to the fully closed position, as shown in Fig. 9 shown.

[0239] The fully closed position for the platform 30 is also considered the stop position, since the platform 30 is driven until it rests against supporting tabs under the loading area.

[0240] This provides a known reference position for the platform 30, which can be used by the controller 40 before all subsequent operations of the platform 30.

[0241] Many changes may be made to the above examples without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0242] For example, in the embodiment described above, the tailgate opens upwards using a hinge at its upper edge.

[0243] However, the present invention equally applies to a vehicle having a tailgate opening laterally about a hinge located along a side edge of the door, or to a vehicle having a split tailgate, for example having two doors each opening laterally about hinges located on their outwardly facing side edges.

[0244] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the maximum possible retracted position for the platform is an approximately vertical position.

[0245] However, in some embodiments, the platform may also be pivotable into a substantially horizontal position extending toward the front of the vehicle along the floor of the storage compartment. Those skilled in the art will also recognize many other variations.

Claims

[1] A control module (10) for controlling the powered operation of a platform (2, 30) for a vehicle interior (101) that is movable between a first position and a second position; wherein the control module is configured to control movement of the platform from the second position to the first position by first instructing a powered activator to move the platform from the second position through the first position to a third position, and then instructing the powered activator to bring the platform from the third position into contact with a movable structure of the vehicle to thereby bring the platform to the first position. [2] Control module (10) according to claim 1, wherein the third position is a run-out position, the control module (10) being configured to move the platform (2, 30) into this position before the platform (2, 30) is subsequently moved into the first position. [3] Control module (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control module (10) is configured to monitor the position of the platform (2). [4] Control module (10) according to claim 3, wherein the control module (10) is configured to monitor the position of the platform (2) in dependence on a signal received from a sensor (8) associated with the driven activation devices (5). [5] Control module (10) according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the control module (10) is configured to monitor the position of the platform (2) by counting sensor signals generated in dependence on the movement of the platform (2) and / or the operation of the driven activation devices (5). [6] Control module (10) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the control module (10) is configured to monitor the position of the platform (2) by tracking the movement of the platform (2) with respect to a reference point. [7] Control module (10) according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the control module (10) is configured to use the first position as a reference point for monitoring the movement of the platform (2). [8] Control module (10) according to one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the control module (10) is configured to use the first position as a reference point for controlling the movement of the platform. [9] Control module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control module (10) is configured to detect when the platform has moved into contact with the movable structure (102) by detecting a change in the current and / or voltage at the driven activation devices (5) and / or a change in the operating speed of the driven activation devices (5). [10] Control module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control module (10) is configured to stop driving the driven activation devices (5) as soon as it is detected that the platform (2) has moved into contact with the movable structure (102). [11] Control module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first position is a soft start position used as a reference point for monitoring and / or controlling the movement of the platform (2). [12] Platform system (1) for a vehicle (100), wherein the platform system (1) comprises a control module (10) according to one of the preceding claims. [13] Platform system (1) according to claim 12, comprising a platform (2) for a vehicle interior (101) which is movable between a first position in which the platform (2) engages in a movable structure (102) of the storage space (101) as soon as the movable structure (102) is in a stop position, and a second position. [14] Platform system (1) according to claim 12 or claim 13, comprising a powered activation device (5) for controlling the movement of the platform (2), wherein the operation of the powered activation device (5) is controlled by the control module (10). [15] Platform system (1) according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the platform (2) is pivotally attached to the vehicle (100). [16] Platform system (1) according to claim 15, wherein the platform (2) is attached to the vehicle (100) via a hinge (3). [17] Platform system (1) according to claim 16, wherein the hinge (3) is configured to hold the platform (2) in the first position under friction. [18] Platform system (1) according to one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the platform (2) is configured to be used as a seat and / or as a loading area in the second position. [19] Vehicle (100) comprising a control module (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11 and / or a platform system (1) according to one of claims 12 to 18. [20] A method for moving a platform (2, 30) of a vehicle interior from a second position to a first position in which the platform engages a movable structure for the storage space when the movable structure (34, 102) is in a stop position, the method comprising: operating a powered activation device (5, 36) to first move the platform (2, 30) from the second position through the first position to a third position; and then operating the powered activation devices (5, 36) to move the platform from the third position into contact with the movable structure (34, 102) so as to bring the platform (2, 30) into the first position. [21] The method of claim 20, wherein the first position is a soft start position used as a reference point for monitoring and / or controlling the movement of the platform. [22] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing computer-readable instructions for a computer processor to perform the method of claim 20 or claim 21.

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