VEHICLE CARGO SPACE, ESPECIALLY PICKUP VEHICLE OR TRAILER CARGO SPACE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle loading space, in particular a pickup vehicle or trailer vehicle loading space, with uprights projecting from a base frame with a loading area, in particular for the attachment of loading space side walls, an extended loading area, a roof structure or the like.

[0002] Pickups have long been particularly popular small vehicles, particularly in the USA and also in Asia, for a wide variety of transport requirements for consumer goods, agricultural products, equipment, and sometimes even people, etc., and they have also become increasingly popular in Europe in recent years.

[0003] The following patent and patent application documents, the contents of which are briefly described in each case, reveal the various types, modifications, and expansion variants of pickups: WO 2004089671 A2: Pickup with tubular frame and extendable loading area, AT 516419 B1: Pickup with swap bodies, US 4842326 A: Pickup with swap bodies, AT 9270 U2: Trailer with a tubular frame, loading area, easily arrangeable uprights and arrangeable tail lifts, US 2014034409 A1: Pickup with extendable loading area, US 10166906 B1: Platform with retractable stanchions and side walls, US 9227675 B1: Pickup with removable side walls and swap bodies, DE 102016117133 A1: Multiple arrangement of side walls one above the other.

[0004] These essentially only involve modular bodies for vehicles, which can be placed and secured as a whole on the loading area of ​​the vehicle, especially pickup trucks.

[0005] Furthermore, both US 3,217,449 A and US 9,708,014 B1 disclose a scaffold-like frame system for the loading area of ​​a small van. The elements are connected to each other by additional connecting elements and separate fastenings.

[0006] None of these documents show body supports that are variable in height and shape, which limits the flexibility in the design of the overall structure.

[0007] The subject of the present invention is a vehicle loading space as mentioned at the outset, which is characterized in that it is designed so that the loading space volume can be changed, in particular so that the loading space height can be changed, and is provided with uprights of discrete, different overall lengths, which in turn are provided with tubular partial uprights of different lengths that can be stably plugged into one another, each with an outer tube and an inner or outer tube that is inserted into the same in the region of its end and connected to it.Insertion pipe section are formed, which projects beyond the end of the outer pipe and can be inserted with this projection piece into the open end of the outer pipe of an adjoining partial upright or a base and centering sleeve which is integrated into the loading space base frame and is open at the top and has the same internal cross-sectional area as the outer pipe, and that a rotatable rod with a thread, at least at its ends, in particular a threaded rod, which projects beyond the open end of the insertion pipe section is arranged axially within the outer pipe and the insertion pipe section which is fixedly connected to it, and which has a screw thread at its free end which can be screwed into an internal thread of a threaded nut, threaded plate or the like integrated into the same for the screw connection of the partial upright to the base frame.

[0008] The device according to the invention comprises a base loading platform and various elements that can be attached to one another in a modular manner. This allows for the attachment of extensions for the loading platform, side walls, uprights, etc., allowing for a wide variety of construction options.

[0009] In particular, the structure of the uprights and their fastening methods have not yet been disclosed. The partial uprights can be plugged into one another and then rigidly connected to one another using fastening and stabilizing elements. The fastening elements are primarily threaded rods secured with nuts. Additional elements important for cargo spaces can be placed on the uprights and engaged with the existing fastening elements, for example, by screwing them into the same nuts. This allows for a quick and highly flexible construction of pickup truck cargo spaces.

[0010] There can also be fasteners on the loading area of ​​the vehicle, with which, for example, extensions to the loading area can be easily connected or into which the uprights can be screwed.

[0011] Since, when joining the partial uprights and similarly when anchoring the uprights to the corners of the basic framework, turning operations are necessary for the screw connections, so that twisting of the partial uprights against each other must be avoided, it is advantageously provided that the outer tubes and the insertion tube pieces as well as the base and centering sleeve of the base frame preferably have a square or hexagonal cross-section.

[0012] Of course, other cross-sectional shapes that prevent the partial supports from twisting against each other are also possible.

[0013] Advantageously, it is provided that a transverse base is arranged in the outer tube of each of the partial uprights, by means of which a threaded nut or the like screw-connected to the rod is supported, to which - for the rotation of the rod for the screwing of its thread to the internal thread of the nut or a threaded plate of the base frame - a turning tool, optionally motorized, can be attached or connected from the open end of the outer tube.

[0014] In order to enable uncomplicated connection of tail lifts, straps, ropes, etc. to the partial uprights, it is advantageous if the partial uprights have tabs extending laterally from them for the attachment of loading space side wall elements, mutual bracing, etc.

[0015] For a safe and stable anchoring of the uprights to the base frame, a design variant is very important according to which a nut or a threaded plate with an internal thread for the screw anchoring of the rods, in particular threaded rods, of the partial uprights is arranged in the loading space base frame, at least in the immediate vicinity of, in particular directly at, the corners of which.

[0016] Furthermore, according to the invention, it can be provided that uprights having a great length are designed in one piece, wherein a centering disc for the rods passing through the cover plate is arranged inside the outer tube which is closed on one side by a cover disc, the nut of which is screwed to it and is supported by the cover plate.

[0017] To facilitate the process of screwing the nested partial uprights together to form the uprights and to anchor them in the base frame, it is particularly advantageous if a motor depot with a drive motor for the turning tool is provided in a motor housing which fits over the outer tube of each of the partial uprights, for attaching a turning tool to the long nut and thus for turning the rod, in particular the threaded rod.

[0018] It should not go unmentioned that it is advantageously provided that the long nut screwed to the rod, in particular threaded rod, has an interior with a cross-sectional diameter that is larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the rod, in particular threaded rod.

[0019] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the drawing: Fig. 1 in oblique view the base frame of a pickup truck loading area with the wheel house, the Fig. 2 a post to be formed or formed with two partial posts in sectional view, the Fig. 3 the base frame with a post protruding from one of its corners in a state just before the partial posts forming it are fitted together and before they are inserted into the centering sleeve of the base frame, the Fig. 4 und 5 each in an oblique view of the base frame with loading area and the mounted partial uprights and uprights at its corners, and the Fig. 6 the base frame with four uprights, on which a stabilizing support frame is placed.

[0020] The Fig. 1 . shows the basic structure of a pickup loading space according to the invention with base frame 55, loading area 554, the two wheel arches 551, bumper 552 and tail lights 553, whereby the special design of the four corners 556 of the base frame 55 is not explained in more detail there.

[0021] Also indicated are three of the four lashing eyes 555 for securing the load by means of straps, ropes or the like.

[0022] The sectional view of the Fig. 2 shows - with otherwise identical reference symbol meanings - a new upright 10 formed with two identical sub-uprights 10' which are to be inserted into one another, before the two sub-uprights are put together and inserted into the base or centering sleeve 5 at one of the corners 556 of the base frame 55.

[0023] Each of the two partial supports 10', each with the same length l1, consists of an outer tube 2 and an insert tube piece 3 which is inserted into the same and fixedly connected to the same, for example by gluing or welding, and which projects beyond the lower end 25 of the outer tube 2 as an insert tube end 35 and in turn can be inserted with a precise fit into the upper end region 24 of the outer tube 2 of the lower partial support 10' to be connected.

[0024] Located inside the outer tube 2 and the insertion tube 3, preferably centrally or along their central axis - projecting beyond the free end of the insertion tube 3 - is the threaded rod 4, which is screwed at its upper end to a long nut 41 with an internal thread 42 and is supported, and thus also the threaded rod 4, on the transverse base 21 in the interior of the outer tube 2.

[0025] The end 43 of the threaded rod 4 projecting beyond the insertion pipe section 3 can be screwed to the internal thread of the long nut 41 of the lower partial post 10' after the insertion of the insertion pipe section 3 of the upper partial post 10' has been completed, whereby the precise insertion of the insertion pipe section 3 into the upper part 24 of the outer pipe 2 of this next, i.e. lower, partial post 10' has taken place synchronously.

[0026] The insertion tube section 3 of the lower upright 10' fits exactly into the base and centering sleeve 5 at one of the corners 556 of the base frame 55. Within this sleeve 5, a nut 51 or a threaded plate 501 with an internal thread 50 is arranged, which can be screwed to the thread of the lower end region 43 of the threaded rod 4 after the lower partial upright 10' has been precisely and firmly inserted into the sleeve 5.

[0027] The inner diameter qm of the internally threadless upper part of the long nut 41 of the lower sub-post 10" is larger than the outer diameter qs of the threaded rod 4.

[0028] Each of the two partial uprights 10' has a length l1 and they form - but only after they are firmly inserted into one another and screwed together - a upright 10 with a length L1.

[0029] The Fig. 3 shows - with otherwise identical reference numerals - an oblique view of the pickup base frame 55 with the two wheel arches 551, still without the loading area 554. It also shows an arrangement of a support 10 to be formed with two identical partial supports 10', each of the partial supports being equipped with a two-part side wall 102 via tabs (not shown), just before the two partial supports 10' are finally plugged into one another to form the support 10, the two different partial walls together forming an overall side wall 102.

[0030] From the Fig. 4 It is clearly evident - with otherwise identical reference symbol meanings - how from each of the corners 556 of the base frame 55, a post 10, formed from nested partial posts 10', 10" having different lengths l1, l2 and having different total lengths L1, L2, protrudes.

[0031] Fig. 5 shows - with otherwise identical reference numerals - how a stable support frame for a loading space for projecting longer loads can be constructed with the novel uprights 10 formed with partial uprights 10', 10", wherein two upper partial uprights 10' are inseparably connected to one another via a beam 104 each stabilized by diagonal struts 103, and these are connected to one another in the partial upright structures thus formed by means of two connecting rods 104.

[0032] In addition, two diagonal cross struts 106 are provided for the full stabilization of the loading space.

[0033] All four upper partial uprights 10" together with their respective beams 104 and connecting rods 105 form a total attachment frame which is placed on the remaining uprights 10 or partial uprights 10'.

[0034] The Fig. 6a bis 6dshow - with otherwise identical reference numerals - four views of the same upright 10, whereby only the lower partial upright 10' is designed for connection to the pickup base frame 55 with the insertion tube piece 3. The individual threaded rods 4, which are screwed together to form a long rod, are screwed to a nut 40 which is supported on the cover 22 of the upper partial upright 10' and can be rotated from the outside in the usual way.

[0035] According to the invention, the vehicle loading space according to the invention is arranged or fastened on a vehicle, in particular a pickup vehicle or trailer vehicle.

Claims

1. Vehicle loading area, in particular pickup vehicle or trailer vehicle loading area, with vertical elements (10) projecting from a base frame (55) with a loading surface (56), in particular for the fastening of loading area side walls, an extended loading surface, a roof support structure or the like, characterized in that - the same vehicle loading area (100) is configured to have a variable loading area volume, in particular a variable loading area height, with vertical elements (10) of discretely differing total length (L1, L2, ...), which in turn are formed by tubular partial vertical elements (10', 10", ...), which have different lengths (l1, l2, ...) and can be inserted into one another in a stable manner, each with an outer tube (2) and an inner or insertion tube piece (3), which is inserted into and connected to the latter in the region of the end (25) of the outer tube (2), and with this projecting piece (33) can be inserted with a precise fit into the open end (24) of the outer tube (2) of an adjoining partial vertical element (10') or of a base and centering sleeve (5) which is integrated into the loading area base frame (55), is open at the top and has the same internal cross-sectional area (qi) as the outer tube (2), and - a rotatable rod, in particular a threaded rod (4), which projects beyond the open end (35) of the same insert tube piece (3), is arranged axially inside the outer tube (2) and the insert tube piece (3) fixed thereto, which rod has a screw thread (43) at is free end (45), which screw thread is used for the screw connection of the partial vertical element (10', 10') to the base frame (55), with an internal thread (50) of a nut (51), threaded plate (501) or the like integrated into the latter.

2. Vehicle loading area according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer tubes (2) and the insert tube pieces (3) as well as the base and centering sleeve (5) of the base frame (55) have a square or hexagonal cross-section.

3. Vehicle loading area according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a transverse base (21) is arranged in the outer tube (2) of each of the partial vertical elements (10', 10", ...), by means of which transverse base a threaded nut (41) or the like, which is screw-connected to the rod, in particular the threaded rod (4), is supported, to which - for the rotation of the rod, in particular the threaded rod (4), for screwing its thread (43) to the internal thread (50) of the nut (51) or a threaded plate (501) of the base frame (55) - an optionally motorized rotary tool can be attached or connected from the upper open end (24) of the outer tube (2).

4. Vehicle loading area according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the partial vertical elements (10', 10", ...) have lugs (101) projecting laterally away from them for the fastening of loading area side wall elements (102), mutual struts or the like.

5. Vehicle loading area according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that threaded plates (501) are arranged in the loading area base frame (55), at least in the vicinity of, in particular directly at, the corners (556) thereof, for screw-anchoring the rods, in particular the threaded rods (4), of the partial vertical elements (10', 10",...).

6. Vehicle loading area according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that according to one embodiment variant, in particular for vertical elements (10) with greater lengths l1, only the respective lowest partial vertical element (10') to be screwed to the base frame (55) is formed with the insertion tube piece (3), which can be inserted precisely into the base or centering sleeve (5) of the vertical element and protrudes from the underside of the outer tube (2), while the remaining partial vertical elements (10") - without the insert tube pieces (3) provided for insertion into one another - are screwed together solely by means of the rods, in particular the threaded rods (4) which are screwed together via the long nuts (41) supported on the inner transverse bases (21), are pressed tightly together via their respective ends to the vertical element (10), wherein a rotating nut (40), which is supported on a cover (22) of the uppermost vertical element (10') and screwed to the upper end region of the rod, in particular the threaded rod (4), is responsible for the rotation of the rods, in particular the threaded rods, of the partial vertical elements (10', 10") and can be actuated by means of a rotating tool.

7. Vehicle loading area according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that for attaching a rotary tool to the long nut (43) and thus for rotating the rod, in particular the threaded rod (4), a motor depot with a drive motor for the rotary tool is provided which extends beyond the outer tube (2) of each of the partial vertical elements (10', 10", ...).

8. Vehicle loading area according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the long nut (41) screwed to the rod, in particular the threaded rod (4), has an upper inner space (44) with a cross-sectional diameter (qm) which is larger than the cross-sectional diameter (qs) of the rotating rod (4), in particular threaded rod.

9. Vehicle, in particular pickup vehicle or trailer vehicle, comprising a vehicle loading area according to any one of claims 1 to 8.