TRANSPORT AND LOADING ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR OPERATION OF THE TRANSPORT AND LOADING ARRANGEMENT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a transport and loading arrangement for a motor vehicle or a motor vehicle trailer, in particular a passenger car with a cargo space extending to a rear opening, such as a tailgate, rear door, or trunk lid, according to the preamble of claim 1, and to an operating method for such a transport and loading arrangement. The passenger car can be, for example, a station wagon, high-roof station wagon, SUV, pickup truck, van, minivan, hatchback, or sedan, or it can be a trailer. The transport and loading arrangement comprises a transport trolley with a chassis and several adjustable rollers that are adjustable between a transport position, in which they rest against a surface, and a loading position, in which they are shifted towards the transport receiving point.The chassis, or the transport cart as a whole, can be adjusted between the transport position, in which the cart can be moved to transport the loaded items, and the loading position, in which the chassis and / or the cart as a whole has minimized external dimensions for easier loading and stowing in the cargo space. Furthermore, the transport cart has at least one fixed, removable, or interchangeable transport attachment. This attachment can be, for example, a basket, a container, a cooler, a child seat attachment, a tool attachment, or the superstructure of a tool cart, workshop cart, tradesman's cart, and / or an attachment for recreational equipment, or a combination thereof.Furthermore, the transport and loading arrangement includes a loading device designed for placement or attachment in the cargo area of ​​the vehicle, comprising a loading mechanism. This loading mechanism serves to at least partially automatically load the transport trolley into the cargo area and / or unload it from the cargo area. The transport trolley can be positioned on the loading mechanism in a loading / unloading position in which a tensile and / or shear-resistant connection, acting in a substantially horizontal loading direction, is established between the loading mechanism and the trolley. The rollers can be partially moved into the transport position and partially into the loading position, in which they are held at a distance from the ground.This creates an intermediate position for the loading / unloading position between the transport position and the loading position of the trolley, in which it is already held against the loading device but is simultaneously still supported on the ground by the rollers that remain in the transport position. This significantly reduces the tipping moment that the loading device has to absorb at the start of loading, which in turn allows for the loading of trolleys with a relatively high weight.

[0002] German patent DE102015220655A1 discloses a transport and loading system designed to make loading loads, particularly shopping bags, easier and more convenient. It also eliminates the need for the usual transfer of loads from a shopping cart to the trunk. For this purpose, the transport cart has a frame that can be folded and unfolded. Furthermore, a loading platform is provided that can be extended from the trunk and moved under the transport container to pick it up and automatically load it into the trunk. The platform is extended from the trunk until it reaches under the transport container along its entire length and is then lifted. During lifting, the chassis folds down so that it can be loaded into the trunk together with the transport container.

[0003] A disadvantage of such a transport and loading arrangement and corresponding operating method is that the loading platform generates a very long lever arm when lifting the transport container. This leads to a very high tipping moment, especially with heavy cargo in the transport trolley, which must be absorbed by the loading device or the vehicle. As a result, only transport trolleys with a relatively low weight can be moved using the known transport and loading arrangement, or special measures must be taken for heavier loads to absorb the tipping moment generated during loading.

[0004] EP 3020381 A1 describes a loading device for the stretcher of an ambulance. The loading device has a folding mechanism that moves a stretcher holder from an inclined unloading position to a horizontal position as soon as the extended stretcher holder is below and behind the center of gravity of the stretcher. A loading carriage is mounted on the stretcher holder and can be used to lock the stretcher in place, enabling motorized loading and unloading.

[0005] RU 2 646 019 C1 shows a loading arrangement in which a loading device housed in a car trunk grasps a shopping cart at the end facing the car, lifts it, and pivots it into the trunk. While lifted, the chassis of the shopping cart is also folded in.

[0006] WO 2012 / 175904 A1 discloses a shopping cart whose transport mechanism has additional rollers on its underside that can be slid onto two rails of a loading device installed in the trunk of a car. When slid onto the rollers, the chassis can then be folded in so that the shopping cart can be pushed into the trunk using the additional rollers on the rails.

[0007] US 5,649,718 A shows a transport cart with a folding chassis, which has a mounting rail on its underside that can be slid onto a support rail in a car trunk. When slid onto the chassis, the two wheels facing the car are folded in first, followed by the two rear wheels.

[0008] The object of the invention is to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages in a transport and loading arrangement of the generic type and to enable the loading of transport trolleys with larger weights using simple means.

[0009] This problem is solved by a transport and loading arrangement with the features of claim 1. A sensor arrangement is provided that acts between the loading device and the transport trolley, and depending on a signal from the sensor arrangement, the unwinding elements can be automatically moved into the loading position, thereby ensuring a particularly precise alignment between the loading device and the transport trolley to be loaded.

[0010] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the loading mechanism comprises a loading section that can be partially displaced from the loading area. A loading carriage, which is itself displaceable relative to the loading section, is provided on this loading carriage, enabling a tensile and / or shear-resistant connection to the transport trolley. This tensile and / or shear-resistant connection can be established by any known and suitable means of creating a positive and / or non-positive connection, such as interlocking positive locking elements. In this way, the transport trolley, or its transport receptacle, can be pulled essentially completely onto the loading section while the transport trolley remains supported by the ground. This allows even heavy cargo held in the transport receptacle to be loaded without a significant tipping moment occurring at the loading device.

[0011] Preferably, the chassis has at least two arrangements of the roll-off devices which can be adjusted independently of each other between the transport position and the loading position, making it particularly easy to move the transport trolley, which is supported on the loading part, into the loading / unloading position.

[0012] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the roll-off devices are height-adjustable relative to each other via at least one height adjustment device, which allows the transport trolley supported on the loading part to be moved into the loading / unloading position in a particularly convenient manner and also allows a desired orientation of the transport receiving relative to the horizontal to be set.

[0013] Advantageously, the height adjustment device has at least one telescopic mechanism, which allows for particularly precise and stepless height adjustment and alignment.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally, the height adjustment device has at least one scissor lever mechanism, which enables a particularly stable height adjustment and alignment.

[0015] Preferably, the loading mechanism can be automatically aligned with the transport trolley by means of at least one second height adjustment device in order to ensure a trouble-free loading process.

[0016] Furthermore, the aforementioned problem is solved by a method according to claim 9 for operating a transport and loading arrangement in one of the embodiments described above, wherein the transport cart is first brought close to the loading device installed in the cargo area of ​​the motor vehicle. For this purpose, the motor vehicle is parked in such a way that sufficient space is available in the area of ​​the rear opening for maneuvering and loading the transport cart. A special assistance system can also be provided on the motor vehicle for this purpose, which indicates or signals to the driver the space required in the rear area. In any case, before, during, or after the approach of the transport cart, the loading device is also partially moved out of the cargo area and arranged below the transport platform of the transport cart.In subsequent steps, the transport trolley is then picked up at the loading device and loaded into the loading space in the loading direction using the loading mechanism.

[0017] When the transport trolley is picked up by the loading device, a tensile and / or shear-resistant connection is established against the loading component in a peripheral area facing the vehicle, in the direction of gravity. The loading direction is essentially horizontal. For this purpose, the transport trolley can be lowered onto the corresponding area of ​​the loading component and / or the loading component can be raised against the underside of the transport trolley. Additionally, the rollers facing the vehicle are moved into the loading / unloading position. In this way, at the beginning of the loading process, the transport trolley is only partially supported downwards against the loading component and additionally connected in the loading direction.By additionally repositioning the rollers facing the vehicle, the transport trolley is in the loading / unloading position, ready to be moved into the cargo space, while still remaining supported by the floor. This prevents the loading device from being subjected to a significant tipping moment, particularly at the beginning of the loading process when the trolley is furthest away from the loading device, thus allowing even relatively heavy trolleys to be loaded without difficulty.

[0018] It is advantageous if the transport trolley, in the loading / unloading position, is pulled onto the loading section of the loading mechanism by means of the loading carriage, rolling along the floor on the rollers facing away from the vehicle. This allows the transport trolley to be moved into the loading area while it is still supported on the floor by the rollers facing away from the vehicle. In this way, the loading device is not subjected to a large tipping moment during the entire loading process.

[0019] Advantageously, once a support position is reached in which the weight of the load is fully transferred to the loading area, and before a minimum distance to the vehicle is reached, the rollers facing away from the vehicle are also moved into the loading position. This makes it possible to maintain the supporting effect of the rollers until they need to be retracted to prevent contact with the vehicle. In this way, the tipping moments that occur during the loading process can be reduced to a minimum.

[0020] Furthermore, it is advantageous if, after all the uncoiling devices have been moved into the loading position on the loading platform, the transport trolley is moved into a fixed position in the cargo space where it is secured in a positionally stable manner in all directions. This ensures stable and quiet transport of the transport trolley in the vehicle.

[0021] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the loading device also has a second height adjustment device, which allows it to be adjusted and aligned in terms of height, particularly with respect to the transport trolley being loaded.

[0022] Advantageously, during the unloading process of the transport trolley from the loading area, once the minimum distance is reached, the rolling elements facing away from the vehicle are automatically moved into the transport position, and the transport trolley is pushed out of the loading area by means of the loading sled. In this way, even when unloading the transport trolley from the loading area, the tipping element to be received by the loading device can be reduced to a minimum.

[0023] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the rollers facing away from the vehicle are fixed at a specific height relative to the transport platform when they touch the ground, thus positioning the transport cart for loading / unloading. For example, sensors or pressure switches can be used to detect when the rollers touch the ground and lock them in place at the appropriate height. This allows the transport cart to be adjusted to the correct height during unloading.

[0024] The figures illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. They show: Figure 1 shows a side view of a transport and loading arrangement according to the invention, Figure 2 shows a rear view of the transport and loading arrangement according to the invention. Figure 1 Figure 3 shows a top view of the transport and loading arrangement according to Figure 1Figure 4 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the transport and loading arrangement with a two-part transport receptacle; Figure 5 is a rear exploded view of a loading device of the transport and loading arrangement; Figure 6 is a rear view of the loading device of the transport and loading arrangement with the loading mechanism removed; Figure 7 is a view of a partial transport trolley; and Figures 8A to 8F are views of the loading arrangement according to Figure 1 at different times during a loading process

[0025] The Figure 1 and 2 show a transport and loading arrangement 2 for a motor vehicle 4 in the exemplary form of a passenger car in SUV design with a cargo space 8 accessible via a rear opening 6.

[0026] The transport and loading arrangement 2 comprises a transport trolley 10 with a transport receptacle 12, which is detachably mounted on a chassis 14 with, for example, four rollers 16. Alternatively, the chassis 14 can also be permanently integrated into the transport receptacle 12. The rollers 16 can be designed as single rollers, or alternatively as rollers arranged in pairs or as multiple rollers, and are preferably spring-loaded on the chassis. In any case, the rollers 16 are adjustable via the chassis 14 between a transport position and a loading position. In the transport position, the transport trolley 10 can be placed on a surface G and moved via the rollers 16.In the loading position, the chassis 14 is positioned against the transport receptacle 12, or at least partially moved into a chassis receptacle 18 provided on the transport receptacle 12, or at least partially moved away from the transport receptacle 12. This allows the transport trolley 10 to be available for loading with reduced external dimensions.

[0027] For example, the chassis 14 can, as shown, have a height adjustment mechanism 19 with electrically operated telescopic devices 21, by means of which a respective distance A of the unwinding elements 16 relative to the transport receptacle 12 or relative to the chassis receptacle 18 can be adjusted. In addition to or as an alternative to the telescopic devices 21, the height adjustment mechanism 19 can also have any other known and suitable means for adjusting the distance of the unwinding elements 16 relative to the transport receptacle 12, such as folding devices, a scissor lever device or a spindle drive, or a combination thereof.

[0028] Both the transport receiver 12 and the chassis 14 can be made of any material known and suitable for the manufacture of transport trolleys 10. In particular, they can be made at least partially of a metal, plastic, glass or carbon fiber material, or of combinations thereof.

[0029] Furthermore, the transport and loading arrangement 2 includes a loading device 20, which can be secured in the cargo space 8 via a storage device 22. For this purpose, the storage device 22 includes, for example, a base plate 26 that can be fixed to a cargo space floor 24. Its fixation to the cargo space floor 24 can be either permanent, achieved by a welded connection, or detachably, for example, by a screw connection or by clamping the base plate 26 to any fastening devices of the vehicle 4 (not shown).

[0030] The loading device 20 further comprises a loading mechanism 28, which enables at least partially automatic loading and unloading of the transport trolley 10 into and out of the cargo space 8 of the motor vehicle 4. For this purpose, the loading mechanism 28 has a loading part 30 that can be extended from the cargo space 8, such as a plate, a support or telescopic arm or a rail, wherein the loading part 30 is movably held on a support 32 of the loading mechanism 28.

[0031] A second height adjustment device 34 is also provided between the loading mechanism 28 and the base plate 26. This device has, for example, four independently adjustable lifting elements 36, which according to Figure 3The lifting elements act on four corner areas of the loading mechanism 28. The lifting elements can have any known and suitable shape and can, for example, be piston-shaped, a scissor lever drive, a spindle drive, or combinations thereof.

[0032] The second height adjustment device 34 thus allows four height adjustment ranges 38, or all corners of the loading mechanism 28, to be adjusted relative to each other, thereby enabling the carrier 32, or the loading mechanism 28 as a whole, to be aligned with respect to the horizontal H, or with respect to the transport carriage 10. Depending on the design of the second height adjustment device 34, alternatively only three height adjustment ranges 38 can be provided. Furthermore, the loading mechanism 28, or the carrier 32, can be mounted on a ball joint and adjusted into a desired orientation by means of any displacement device, such as by applying compressive or tensile forces or a moment (not shown).

[0033] Regarding the longitudinal extent LF of the motor vehicle 4 according to Figure 1The alignment can be carried out both longitudinally L and perpendicularly to it in the transverse direction Q. This makes it possible to position the loading mechanism 28 relative to the horizontal H at a first inclination angle NLV in the longitudinal direction L, according to Figure 1 , as well as in a second inclination angle NQV in the transverse direction Q, according to Figure 2 The longitudinal tilt angle NLV can be adjusted, in particular depending on the current height HT of the transport platform 12 and / or the longitudinal tilt angle NLT of the transport trolley 10, while the transverse tilt angle NQV is adapted to the transverse tilt angle NQT of the transport trolley 10 Q. This alignment of the loading mechanism 28 with respect to the transport trolley 10 to be loaded enables an undisturbed and at least partially automated loading process.

[0034] For the automatic alignment of the loading mechanism 28 with respect to the position of the transport carriage 10 or for the adjustment of at least one inclination angle NLV, NQV of the loading mechanism to at least one inclination angle NLT, NQT of the transport carriage 10, according to Figure 1 Furthermore, a sensor arrangement 40 is provided, comprising first sensor means 42 on the transport trolley 10 and second sensor means 44 on the motor vehicle 4 or on the loading device 20. The sensor means 42, 44 on both sides interact in such a way that they detect the relative position and orientation of the transport receiver 12 and the loading mechanism 28 and transmit a signal to the second height adjustment device 34. The sensor means 42, 44 can comprise any known and suitable sensor technology for this purpose, such as tilt, contact, distance, or other sensors.

[0035] By means of the transmitted signal, the second height adjustment device 34 can be controlled in such a way that the loading mechanism 28 is aligned according to the position and / or at least one of the inclination angles NLT, NQT of the transport carriage 10 so that the loading part 30 can be set into a suitable position for loading the transport carriage 10.

[0036] The alignment is such that the extendable loading part 30 is positioned on the transport carriage 10 in such a way that the latter, or its transport receptacle 12, can be loaded onto the loading part 30 or connected to it in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner for the automatic execution of the loading process.

[0037] In addition, the height setting 19 can be used to set a suitable transport trolley height HT or a suitable inclination angle NLT, NQT of the transport trolley 10 for the loading process, or to create or separate a positive connection between the transport trolley 10 and the loading part 30, in particular automatically.

[0038] As an alternative to aligning the loading mechanism 28, the second height adjustment device 34 can also be used exclusively for vertical adjustment of the loading device 20 between a passive position close to the loading space floor 24 and an operating position raised accordingly.

[0039] The second height adjustment device 34 is in any case electrically operated and has the following features: Figure 3electrical connection means 46 which can be electrically connected to vehicle-side connection means 48 in order to provide the supply of the required electrical energy.

[0040] Both the second height adjustment device 34 of the loading device 20 and the height adjustment 19 of the transport trolley 10 can also be activated / deactivated or controlled by operating devices B, which are held directly on the loading device 20 or on the transport trolley 10, respectively. Alternatively or additionally, mobile operating devices in the form of a transponder TR or a smartphone SP can also be used, as shown in Figure 1 shown. Furthermore, the unwinding devices 16 can also be fixed at a specific distance from the transport receptacle 12 via the control device B, the transponder TR and / or the smartphone S.

[0041] Furthermore, according to Figure 3The loading device 20 is provided with engagement means 50, which enable a tensile and / or shear-resistant connection with the transport carriage 10. For this purpose, a positive locking connection with engagement counter-measures 52 of the transport carriage 10 can be established by means of the engagement means 50, for example.

[0042] As in Figure 3As shown, the engagement means 50 are attached to the loading part 30 and can be moved together with it out of and into the loading space 8 by means of a motor, for example by a drive motor M1 which acts on a drive element A1 connected to the loading part 30, such as a rack and pinion. Furthermore, the engagement means 50 are provided on a loading carriage 54, which in turn can be moved relative to the loading part 30 by means of a motor, for example by a drive motor M2 which acts on a drive element A2 connected to the loading carriage 54, such as a belt drive.

[0043] The anti-intervention devices 52 are formed by interlocking means which, as in the Figure 1 and 2The elements shown are provided on an underside U of the transport carriage 10. These are adapted in shape and size to create a positive fit with the engagement means 50 and, according to Figure 1 , an undercut 56, which is secured by a locking bolt 58 of the engagement means 50, according to Figure 3 , can be engaged to secure a formed interlock, particularly in the vertical direction, against unintentional separation. The locking bolt 58 can be adjusted manually, semi-automatically, or fully automatically between a release and a locking position.

[0044] As shown, the engagement anti-locking means 52 are designed as male positive locking elements that can engage with the engagement elements 50, which are designed as female positive locking elements. Alternatively, the engagement elements 50 can be designed as male positive locking elements and the engagement anti-locking means 52 as female positive locking elements. As a further alternative embodiment, the engagement anti-locking means 52 can also be formed by existing or integrated areas or parts of the transport carriage 10 that enable a tensile and / or shear-resistant connection with the correspondingly adapted engagement elements 30 of the loading device 20.

[0045] Figure 4Figure 1 shows an alternative embodiment of the transport and loading device 2, in which the loading mechanism 28 has two independently extendable loading parts 30A, 30B and the transport carriage 10 has at least two separable / connectable partial fixtures 12A, 12B as well as two separable / connectable chassis parts 14A / 14B. This makes it possible, as in Figure 2, to carry the load in a way that allows for the following configurations: Figure 4 shown, only one of the loading parts 30B is moved out of the loading space 8 and thereby the relevant partial support 12B and the associated chassis part 14B are separated from the partial support 12A and the associated chassis part 14B which are located on the other loading part 30A.

[0046] Both the two partial recordings 12A, 12B as well as the two chassis 14A, 14B indicate this, as shown from Figure 5As can be seen, connecting elements 60 and connecting elements 62 are formed on a first wall section 15A of the first partial receptacle 12A and on a second wall section 15B of the second partial receptacle 12B such that they can be pushed into one another by relative horizontal displacement to create a positive-locking connection. The existing positive-locking connection can also be released again by relative horizontal displacement in order to use the two partial receptacles 12A, 12B separately.

[0047] As from Figure 5Furthermore, it can be seen that the loading mechanism 28 can be detachably attached to the base plate 26, so that it can be removed from the cargo space 8 when not needed, while the base plate 26 can remain permanently in the cargo space 8 of the vehicle 4. Removing the loading mechanism 28 thus frees up a larger loading volume for other transported goods.

[0048] According to Figure 5 For this purpose, a separable fastening device 64 is provided on the loading device 20 between the base plate 26 and the loading mechanism 28. This device has fastening means 66 on the base plate 26, which can be detachably connected to counter fastening means 68 of the loading mechanism 28. The connectable / separable fastening means 66 and counter fastening means 68 can form any known and suitable detachable connection type, such as a snap-fit, locking, or screw connection.

[0049] According to the exemplary embodiment of Figure 5 The fastening means 66 have two locking bolts 70, each pre-tensioned by a spring force F, which, when the loading mechanism 28 is placed on the base plate 26, can be displaced into a locking receptacle 72 of the loading mechanism 28 formed by the counter-fastening means 68. To separate the fastening device 64, the two locking bolts 70 are displaced out of the locking receptacle 72 against the spring force F in order to release the respective locking connection.

[0050] To ensure a smooth loading process into the loading space 8 even with a high transport weight of the transport trolley 10, additional support means 74 can be provided on the underside U of the transport receiver 12 and / or on the top of the loading part 30, as shown in Figure 5This can be seen from the following. These support means 74 can, for example, be in the form of rollers, cylinders or sliding bearings, which can be displaced on a support surface 76 of the other part extending in the loading direction V, as can be seen from the Figure 3 and 4 This can be seen. Alternatively, the underside U of the transport receptacle 12 can also rest flat against the loading part 30 during loading.

[0051] As in Figure 6As shown, after removing the loading mechanism 28, the cargo space 8 can also be made available for other vehicle equipment 78, such as a dog crate, sports equipment, a spare wheel and / or a toolbox or similar item. To attach this other vehicle equipment 78 in place of the loading mechanism 28, it either has the necessary counter-fastening means 68 itself or is attached via a suitable adapter 79, to which the vehicle equipment 78 can be fixed and which also has the counter-fastening means 68, as shown in Figure 6 Shown as an example of a dog crate.

[0052] According to Figure 7Due to the two-part design of both the transport trolley 10 and the loading mechanism 28, and by separating the wall sections 15A, 15B, only a portion of the transport trolley 10 can be provided, for example, for transporting smaller quantities of goods or for shopping. To ensure stable positioning on the ground G even with the partial trolley, a support trolley 80 can be provided on the relevant chassis section 14B. This support trolley can be, for example, extendable, foldable, or, in an alternative embodiment shown in dashed lines, detachably attached to the chassis section 14B. Here, too, the rollers 16 can be designed as single rollers or, alternatively, as rollers arranged in pairs or as multiple rollers.

[0053] Furthermore, the rolling means 16 can be held, as shown, on an intermediate frame 82 that can be rotated in the vertical plane and rotated over stair steps, thereby forming a kind of stair climbing aid. The stair climbing aid can, as shown, be provided only on one side of the transport trolley 10 in order to move it manually or by motor over a staircase, particularly at an angle.

[0054] Alternatively, the stair climbing aid can also be provided on opposite ends of the transport trolley 10 and additionally connected to the height adjustment device 19 of the chassis 14. This allows the transport trolley 10 to be moved, particularly by motor, over steps, with the telescopic devices 21 of the height adjustment 19 being adjusted relative to each other in such a way that the transport platform 12 remains essentially horizontally oriented.

[0055] In a further alternative embodiment, the stair climbing aids can also be designed such that they can be attached or clipped onto the chassis 14 as needed, either on the rolling elements or in place of the rolling elements 16 (not shown). The stair climbing aids can be attached to only one telescopic unit or to any number of telescopic units.

[0056] Before the start of a loading process, the transport trolley 10 is located according to Figure 8A in its transport position with the height HT, which is suitable for movement on the surface G, such as during shopping or other manual transport of goods. The loading device 20 is, for example, still in the passive position at this time, in which the loading mechanism 28 is positioned in the loading space 8 as close as possible to the loading space floor 24.

[0057] At the beginning of the loading process, the transport trolley 10 is first positioned according to Figure 8BThe transport trolley 10 approaches the vehicle 4 or its loading device 20 in the loading direction V. The loading device 20 is activated before, during, or after the approach of the transport trolley 10 by control via the operating unit B, the transponder TR, the smartphone SP, or by automatic activation via a corresponding signal from the sensor arrangement 40. The lifting elements 36 then move the loading mechanism 28 into the illustrated operating position with a suitable inclination angle NLV or a suitable height relative to the loading space floor 28, at which the loading part 30 can be moved out of the loading space 8. The sensor means 42, 44 detect the position and orientation of the transport trolley 10 relative to the loading device 20. Depending on the signal from the sensor arrangement 40, a suitable height HT1 is set on the transport trolley 10 for the system on the loading part 30.

[0058] With this set height HT1, the transport trolley 10 is moved in a second step according to Figure 8C The transport trolley 10 is attached to the loading section 30. The transport trolley 10 can be aligned, for example, by means of angled guide aids FH, which are horizontally pivotable and mounted on the loading carriage 54, thereby encompassing the corners of the transport trolley 10 facing the motor vehicle 4. Simultaneously, the engagement means 50 of the loading carriage 54 are positioned below the engagement counter-measures 52. The extendable loading section 30, 30A, 30B can be used for this purpose, as shown in the diagram. Figure 3 and 4 can be seen to have a lateral extent E which is less than a distance A between the rolling means 16 of the respective transport trolley 10.

[0059] In a third step according to Figure 8DThe transport trolley 10 is then lowered from height HT1 to a lower height HT2, at which point the transport receiver 12 is placed onto the loading part 30, 30A, 30B, and the engagement elements 50 are brought into a positive-locking connection with the engagement counter-elements 52. By adjusting the locking bolt 58, the positive-locking connection can also be secured upwards. Alternatively, instead of lowering the transport trolley 10 onto the loading part 30 as shown, the latter can also be raised into contact with the underside U of the transport trolley 10 using the lifting elements 36 or by adjusting the tilt angle NLV. Furthermore, as shown, the tilt NLT of the transport trolley 10 can also be adjusted to the tilt NLV of the loading device 20.

[0060] After establishing the tensile and / or shear-resistant connection, the two telescopic devices 21 facing the motor vehicle 4 can now be attached in a fourth step according to Figure 8E The transport receiver 12 is moved into a loading / unloading position in order to shift its rolling element 16 towards the corresponding part of the chassis mount 18. Subsequently, the transport receiver 12 can now be pulled into a support position by motorized movement of the loading carriage 54 in the loading direction V via the tensile and / or shear-resistant connection onto the loading part 30, in which the entire weight of the transport carriage 10 can be supported by the loading mechanism 28.

[0061] Once this support position is achieved, a fifth step can then be taken according to Figure 8FThe telescopic extensions 21 facing away from the motor vehicle 4 are also retracted before a minimum distance to the motor vehicle 4 is breached. In doing so, the rolling elements 16 of these telescopic extensions 21 facing away from the motor vehicle 4 are also moved towards the chassis mount 18 or received in it, as shown. In addition to this sequential repositioning of the telescopic extensions 21 into the loading position to reduce the tipping moment, when loading an empty transport trolley 10 or a transport trolley 10 with a low weight, all telescopic extensions 21 can also be moved into the loading position simultaneously after the upwardly secured tensile and / or shear-resistant connection has been established. In any case, the transport trolley 10 is thereby moved into the position shown in Figure 8F The depicted final position is shifted, in which it is completely accommodated in cargo space 8.

[0062] Upon reaching this end position, the loading mechanism 28 can be brought closer to the loading area floor 24 again by means of the lifting elements 36, and the loading carriage 54 and / or the transport trolley 10 can be additionally fixed relative to the loading device 20 or to the motor vehicle 4 (not shown). The transport and loading arrangement 2 is thus in a fixed position that ensures safe and positionally stable transport of the transport trolley 10 with the motor vehicle 4.

[0063] Furthermore, electrical connection devices may be provided on the transport trolley 10, which, in the fixed position in the loading space 8, connect the connection devices 48 (according to Figure 3 ) of the motor vehicle 4 in order to be able to charge an accumulator of the transport vehicle 10 by means of an electrical power supply unit of the motor vehicle 4, such as a car battery and / or an alternator (not shown).

[0064] Regardless of the embodiment, the transport trolley 10 received in the loading space 8 can later be moved in an unloading process by relocating the at least one loading part 30, 30A, 30B and the telescopic devices 21 facing away from the motor vehicle 4 into the loading / unloading position according to Figure 8E and subsequent extension of the telescopic devices 21 facing the motor vehicle in accordance with the Figures 8D and 8CThe load can also be unloaded from the vehicle 4. For this purpose, sensors, such as pressure or tilt sensors, can be provided to detect contact between the, in particular spring-mounted, roll-off devices 16 and the surface G, so that the relevant telescopic devices G can be fixed at a suitable height HT of the transport trolley. Alternatively, the roll-off devices 16 can also be fixed at a suitable distance from the transport receptacle 12 using the control devices B, the transponder TR and / or the smartphone S.

[0065] To separate the transport trolley 10 from the loading device, the transport receiver 12 is raised again from height HT2 to height HT1 in order to separate the engagement means 50 of the loading device 20 from the engagement countermeasures 52 of the transport trolley 10 and thus release the tensile and / or shear-resistant connection.

Claims

1. Transport and loading assembly (2) for a motor vehicle (4), such as, in particular, a passenger car, with a loading space (8) extending up to a tailgate (6), with a transport cart (10), which has a chassis (14) with multiple adjustable rollers (16) and at least one transport receptacle (12), wherein the rollers (16) can be adjusted between a transport position, in which they are supported on a base (G), and a loading position, in which they are displaced in the direction of the transport receptacle (12), and with a loading device (20) for installation in the loading space (8), which has a loading mechanism (28) for loading and / or unloading the transport cart (10) into or out of the loading space (8), wherein the transport cart (10) can be received on the loading mechanism (28) in a loading / unloading position, in which a tension-resistant and / or shear-resistant connection acting in a loading direction (V) can be produced between the loading mechanism (28) and the transport cart (10) and the rollers (16) can be partly brought into the transport position and partly into the loading position, in which they are held at a distance from the base (G), characterized in that a sensor arrangement (40) is provided, which acts between the loading device (20) and the transport cart (10), and the rollers (16) can be automatically brought into the loading position as a function of a signal from the sensor arrangement (40).

2. Transport and loading assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the loading mechanism (28) has a loading section (30) that can be partly displaced out of the loading space (8), on which a loading carriage (54) that can in turn be displaced relative to the loading section (30) is provided, on which the tension-resistant and / or shear-resistant connection with the transport cart (10) can be produced.

3. Transport and loading assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the chassis (14) has at least two arrangements of the rollers (16), which can be adjusted independently of one another between the transport position and the loading position.

4. Transport and loading assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the rollers (16) can be adjusted in terms of height relative to one another via at least one height adjustment apparatus (19).

5. Transport and loading assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the height adjustment apparatus (19) has at least one telescopic apparatus (21).

6. Transport and loading assembly according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the height adjustment apparatus (19) has at least one scissor-type lever drive.

7. Transport and loading assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the loading device (20) also has a second height adjustment apparatus (34).

8. Transport and loading assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the loading mechanism (28) can be automatically aligned relative to the transport cart (10) by means of the at least one second height adjustment apparatus (34).

9. Method for operating a transport and loading assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, when as a function of claim 2, wherein the transport cart (10) is first brought close to the loading device (20) installed in the loading space (8) of the motor vehicle (4) and the loading device (20) is partly arranged below the transport receptacle (12) of the transport cart (10), and in subsequent steps, the transport cart (10) is received on the loading device (20) and loaded in the loading direction (V) into the loading space (8) by means of the loading mechanism (28), characterized in that, during receipt of the transport cart (10) on the loading device (20), the transport cart (10) is brought into the loading / unloading position, in which it is supported on the loading section (30) in the direction of gravity (GR) by producing a tension-resistant and / or shear-resistant connection acting in a loading direction (V) and the rollers (16) facing the motor vehicle (4) are automatically displaced into the loading position, while the rollers facing away from the motor vehicle are still supported on the base.

10. Operating method according to claim 9, characterized in that the transport cart (10) is pulled into the loading / unloading position by means of the loading carriage (54) on the loading section (30) of the loading mechanism (28) and thus rolls over the rollers (16) facing away from the motor vehicle (4) on the base (G).

11. Operating method according to claim 10, characterized in that after reaching a support position, in which the weight of the transport receptacle (12) is transferred entirely to the loading section (30) and, before falling below a minimum distance from the motor vehicle (4), the rollers (16) facing away from the motor vehicle (4) are also automatically brought into the loading position.

12. Operating method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, after all the rollers (16) have been brought into the loading position on the loading section (30), the transport cart (10) is brought into a fixing position in the loading space (8), in which it is secured in a stable position in all directions.

13. Operating method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that, during an unloading operation of the transport cart (10) from the loading space (8), after reaching the minimum distance, the rollers (16) facing away from the motor vehicle (4) are automatically brought into the transport position and the transport cart (10) is pushed out of the loading space (8) by means of the loading carriage (54).

14. Operating method according to claim 13, characterized in that, during positioning on the base (G), the rollers (16) facing away from the motor vehicle (10) are fixed in terms of height relative to the transport receptacle (12) and the transport cart (10) is thereby brought into the loading / unloading position.