MOTOR VEHICLE WITH LOAD CARRIER

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle with a load carrier and to the use of a platform with a kinematic assembly.

[0002] The invention enhances the functionality and / or flexibility of a motor vehicle, particularly a small car, especially one with an electric drive. In the event that a load needs to be transported outside the trunk, a platform projecting at least partially into the exterior of the vehicle can be used. This allows for simple transport, where a platform that would otherwise project into the interior can be used if necessary. Bulky and / or heavy items can be transported, particularly in urban areas.

[0003] It is possible to create the possibility of transport outside, or at least partially outside, the vehicle. A load can be arranged on a platform.

[0004] The invention provides a motor vehicle with a load carrier according to claim 1.

[0005] For the purposes of this description, the term "platform" refers to any structure onto which and / or on which a load can be placed. The platform may be designed to conform, at least partially, to the external shape of the load. The platform can support the load at specific points (possibly at multiple points) and / or over a larger area (on one or more surface-mounted support points). The term "platform" does not preclude the possibility that the load can be at least partially suspended from the platform. The platform may provide a means of fixing the load in place.

[0006] For the purposes of this description, the term "kinematic assembly" encompasses an assembly that can be directly or indirectly connected to the vehicle on one side via one or more (connection) points. On the other side, the kinematic assembly can be directly or indirectly connected to the platform. The kinematic assembly enables the platform to pivot, and in particular, two positions or end positions can be defined. The kinematic assembly can pivot the platform in such a way that the platform's position in the two positions results from a translational displacement, thus ensuring that the platform's inclination relative to the vehicle, the support surface, or the vehicle's underbody does not change. The platform can exhibit a slight inclination relative to the support surface in both positions.of the vehicle floor; essentially, the platform can extend transversely to the direction of gravity in both positions.

[0007] The term "load" as used in this description encompasses any load to be transported. The load may, in particular, be one or more, especially two, means of locomotion or transport on land or water. It may be intended that multiple loads can be transported. It may be intended that the load could be one or more wheelchairs. The load may be one or more one- or multi-wheeled vehicles. The load may, in particular, be one or more two-wheeled, three-wheeled, or four-wheeled land vehicles. It is also possible that the load could include sporting equipment, such as a surfboard, canoe, kayak, or Canadian canoe. The load may be any countable and / or uncountable item. The term "load" also includes any furniture, tool, electrical appliance, musical instrument, and / or container that is used, in particular, for the transport of goods.In particular, a container can hold one or more of the aforementioned goods. It is possible that the load is a picnic basket. The singularity of the definite or indefinite article, when referring to the load, also includes the possibility that the load may have several countable or uncountable elements. It may be intended that the load may contain elements of different or the same kind.

[0008] The term "motor vehicle" as used in this description generally encompasses a vehicle powered by an engine, not bound to rails, and moving on the ground. A motor vehicle as defined here can be a passenger car, particularly a small car. It is also possible that the motor vehicle in question is a golf course vehicle.

[0009] The load carrier can be positioned, particularly on a golf cart, in the area of ​​the rear seat. In the first position, the platform can be positioned under the seat, and the seat can be pivoted, folded, slid, and / or removed to allow the platform to be moved from the first to the second position. Alternatively, the platform or load carrier can be mounted laterally at the rear of the golf cart. A cover for the load carrier is possible to conceal it when not in use.

[0010] For the purposes of this description, a platform may include elements designed to support the load and / or to separate different loads or load components. For example, the platform may be designed to support at least two bicycles, with at least one support element for each bicycle, and at least one or both of these support elements being pivotable relative to the platform's surface and / or fixed to the platform. This can be advantageous when the load(s) are not to be transported and the platform can be in a resting position, particularly a primary position in a storage space.

[0011] The term "first position" of the platform encompasses a position of the platform in which the platform is arranged within, and in particular completely within, the motor vehicle. This can be understood as a position in which the platform is arranged within the outer shell of the motor vehicle.

[0012] The term "second position" of the platform encompasses a position of the platform that differs from the first position, in which the platform is not necessarily, and in particular not completely, located outside the motor vehicle.

[0013] In particular, it is possible that the kinematic assembly, the platform and / or a tailgate or rear door of the motor vehicle is / are designed in such a way that the tailgate or rear door of the motor vehicle can be closed when the platform is in the second position.

[0014] It may be provided that a drive mechanism, particularly in the form of a motor, is present to move the platform from the first position to the second position. The motor can be any type. Utilizing the resources provided by the motor vehicle is possible; in particular, the electrical system of an electric motor vehicle can be used to supply energy for the drive mechanism. A pneumatic motor / drive, a hydraulic motor / drive, and / or an electric motor / drive are all possible.

[0015] The movement of the platform into individual positions can be controlled by one or more actuators located in or on the vehicle. These actuators can be designed as manual, acoustic, and / or capacitive actuators. The actuator can also be implemented via a touchpad located in the vehicle.

[0016] The control of the platform's movement into individual positions, particularly the movement from the first position to the second position and vice versa, can be functionally linked to the operation of the vehicle's locking system, either alternatively or additionally. An actuating element for the load carrier can be integrated into the vehicle's locking system actuator. This allows the platform to be deployed, especially when the vehicle is parked and locked, and a load is to be transported.

[0017] The platform's movement into individual positions, particularly the movement from the first position to the second position and vice versa, can alternatively or additionally be controlled via an app, such as a smartphone. This makes retrofitting a vehicle with a load carrier and controlling it particularly easy. Furthermore, app control can offer increased convenience and / or enhanced functionality.

[0018] The terms "first position" and "second position" do not preclude the platform from assuming further positions. In particular, the platform can assume positions between the first and second positions, and vice versa. Specifically, the platform can pivot between the first and second positions. The "first position" and / or the "second position" can be end positions of the pivoting movement. It can also be provided that the platform can be moved to a "third position" relative to an "intermediate position," which can be the "second position," in which the platform can remain stable and / or be mechanically fixed. Preferably, the "third position" can be located outside the positions between the "first position" and the "second position."

[0019] The platform can be connected to a support structure, which in turn is connected to the kinematic assembly. The support structure can be used to impose the motion defined by the kinematic assembly on the platform, i.e., to move the platform together with the support structure. The platform can also be moved relative to the support structure. For example, at the end of the support structure's motion defined by the kinematic assembly, where the platform is in, say, the second position, the platform can be moved to the third position relative to the support structure. This movement of the platform relative to the support structure can be, in particular, a translational movement. For example, the platform can be extended out of the support structure.The movement of the platform, with any supporting structure present, can be predetermined between the first position and the second position by the kinematic assembly, whereas during the movement of the platform between the second position and the third position, the kinematic assembly remains at rest and the platform can be moved relative to the supporting structure.

[0020] The support structure can be a partial enclosure or an open-ended box or drawer construction that can at least partially accommodate the platform. The support structure can be designed to connect to the kinematic assembly for the platform, thereby increasing the platform's range of motion and / or decoupling its movement from that of the kinematic assembly. The kinematic assembly can enable pivoting, whereby the platform, mounted on the support structure, can pivot with the support structure, particularly as an initial movement. Relative to the support structure, the platform can be moved translationally, especially after pivoting.

[0021] The platform's effective area can be increased by means of one or more elements arranged on the platform, the support structure, and / or the kinematic assembly, by enabling the movement of the element(s) relative to the platform, the support structure, and / or the kinematic assembly. This movement is particularly advantageous when the platform is in a position different from the first position, especially the second and / or third position. The element(s) can be pivotally mounted on the platform, the support structure, and / or the kinematic assembly, or moved by a combination of pivoting and translational movements. The elements can be locked or fixed in intermediate and / or end positions on the platform, the support structure, and / or the kinematic assembly.

[0022] The term "effective area," as used in the context of the element(s) that can be moved relative to the platform, the supporting structure, and / or the kinematic assembly, encompasses the area that can be provided to support the load. In particular, the element(s) may provide a substantially horizontally oriented area in addition to the platform area, which can serve to support the load. However, this area need not necessarily be substantially horizontally oriented. There may also be one or more areas, in addition to the platform area, that can be arranged substantially vertically or at an angle other than 0° to the horizontal to support the load, at least partially laterally. The area provided for load support can be increased by the element(s).The cantilever of the "overall platform" can be increased, especially if required, and / or the effort required for the kinematic assembly can be reduced, which can result in greater flexibility in use, but also in design.

[0023] For the purposes of this description, the terms "rear storage space" and "trunk" are used synonymously to refer to a space provided in the rear area of ​​the motor vehicle, which is accessible from the outside through a rear opening.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the platform can be pivoted over the rear edge of the vehicle, particularly in an arc-shaped manner. For the purposes of this description, the term "rear edge" encompasses the bottom edge of the trunk or the space located in the rear of the vehicle. In this respect, the rear edge can be the bottom edge of the boundary of the rear opening.

[0025] According to the invention, the kinematic assembly and the linkage of the kinematic assembly to the platform and / or the motor vehicle are designed such that the position of the platform in the first position and the position of the platform in the second position result from a displacement in space, thus simplifying the design and planning. It is not excluded that the displacement in space also includes a rotation about an axis that is located centrally within the platform with respect to the direction of travel of the motor vehicle.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the platform extends substantially such that the surface normal of the platform forms an angle of less than 30°, particularly less than 25°, particularly less than 20°, particularly less than 15°, particularly less than 10°, and particularly less than 5°, with the surface normal of a contact surface of the motor vehicle. This allows the platform to be used in the first position and / or the second position, for example, by serving as a contact surface for objects.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, at least two attachment points are provided between the platform and the kinematic assembly, which stabilize the position of the platform.

[0028] It may be provided that a stabilizing reinforcement is present with the frame of the motor vehicle in order to absorb or redirect the forces introduced at the (pivot) point(s) of the kinematic assembly with the motor vehicle.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, a guide is provided for at least one phase of the pivoting movement of the support structure and / or platform, which stabilizes the platform and / or support structure in the second position. For the purposes of this description, the term "guide" includes one or more elements that support the platform and / or support structure during the movement.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, at least one passage for at least one arm of the kinematic assembly is provided at the closure of a rear opening of the motor vehicle, through which the arm can extend when the platform is in the second and / or third position. For the purposes of this description, an arm of the kinematic assembly is understood to be an element that is at least partially beam-, rod-, and / or bar-shaped.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one passage can be formed by separating at least one section at the closure of the rear opening, so that as long as the platform is in the first position and the platform is not needed, a tight enclosure of the interior of the motor vehicle is possible, which can be optionally opened to allow the arm of the kinematic assembly to pass through and closed again after use.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, at least one insert is provided for the at least one passage, which, when inserted into the passage, closes the passage, and an insert adapted to the arm can be used when the arm of the kinematic assembly protrudes through.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the closure of the rear opening is divisible, so that part of the closure can be used for operation.

[0034] The invention also provides for the use of a platform with a kinematic assembly for the rear area of ​​a motor vehicle.

[0035] The invention further provides a method for moving a load carrier on a motor vehicle, wherein the load carrier comprises a platform, in particular for carrying a two-wheeler or the like, and at least one kinematic assembly connected to the platform and a rear area of ​​the motor vehicle, wherein the platform can be pivoted from a first position within the motor vehicle to a second position by means of the kinematic assembly, and a tailgate or rear door is closed when the platform is in the second position.

[0036] The invention is described in relation to a motor vehicle, a use, and a method, wherein the aspects in the form of the motor vehicle, the use, and the method complement each other, so that descriptions of one of the aspects, in particular the motor vehicle, also describe the aspect of the use or the method.

[0037] The foregoing statements, as well as the following description of exemplary embodiments, do not constitute a waiver of certain embodiments or features.

[0038] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to two exemplary embodiments shown in the figures.

[0039] The figures show Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a rear area of ​​a motor vehicle in a partial sectional view according to a first embodiment; Figure 2 shows the representation of the Figure 1 with the tailgate open; Figure 3, the illustration of the Figure 2 with an additionally swiveled platform; Figure 4 shows a section of the illustration of the Figure 3 with an additionally translationally extended platform; Figure 5 a schematic representation of a rear area of ​​a motor vehicle in a partial sectional view according to a first embodiment; Figure 6 the representation of the Figure 5with the tailgate open; Figure 7, the illustration of the Figure 6 with an additionally swiveled platform; and Figure 8, the representation of the Figure 7 with the boot floor lifted and inserted.

[0040] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic, partially cutaway view of the rear section of a motor vehicle 1. The motor vehicle 1 has a load carrier 2. The load carrier 2 has a platform 3 which, when required, i.e., when transporting bulky and / or heavy goods that cannot be stowed in the trunk, can be extended from a first position (see Figure 2). Figure 1 and 5 ) into a second position (cf. Fig. 3 and 7 ) is swivel-mounted.

[0041] Platform 3 is designed to carry one or more two-wheeled vehicles or the like.

[0042] Platform 3 of the load carrier 2 is connected to the vehicle 1 at the rear by means of a kinematic assembly 4. Platform 3 is moved from the first position ( Figure 1 or Figure 5 ) inside the motor vehicle 1 into the second position ( Figure 3 and 7 ) pivotable in both embodiments.

[0043] In the Figures 1 to 4 In the illustrated embodiment, platform 3 is, in addition to being pivoted from the in Figure 1 the first position shown in the Figure 3The second position shown can also be extended translationally relative to the vehicle 1 into the outer area. For this purpose, a support structure 6 of the load carrier 2 is provided, against which the platform 3 can be extended in the opposite direction of travel. In the first embodiment, the platform 3 can thus be arranged at least partially outside the vehicle 1 in order to place one or more loads or load elements on or at the platform 3. The Figure 4 The load can be placed on platform 3 as shown. A load that is attached to the platform shown in Figure 4 The structure shown on platform 3 can extend above platform 3 and can also be arranged at least partially below platform 3.

[0044] In the Figures 5 to 8In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 3 is pivoted from a first position inside the vehicle 1, where the platform 3 is located entirely within the area of ​​the trunk floor, to a second position located entirely outside the vehicle 1. A section of the kinematic assembly 4 projects out of the vehicle 1, to which the platform 3 is attached at its end. In the second embodiment, the platform 3 can thus be positioned at least partially, but also entirely, outside the vehicle 1 in order to place one or more loads or load elements on or at the platform 3. At the Figure 8 The load can be arranged on the platform 3 shown and can protrude above the platform 3, in particular to both sides essentially transverse to the direction of travel and to the rear.

[0045] In the Figures 5 to 8In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 3 is arranged below a cover 5 for the trunk floor. When the platform 3 is pivoted, the cover 5 located above the platform 3 is initially moved along with it. The cover 5 can be reinserted once the platform has been pivoted out of the trunk floor. Figure 8 ) and thus enable the trunk to offer an essentially flat surface both with and without a load to be transported.

Claims

1. Motor vehicle (1) with a load carrier (2) having a platform (3), in particular for carrying a two-wheeled vehicle or the like, and at least one kinematic assembly (4) connected to said platform (3) and a rear region of the motor vehicle (1), by means of which the platform (3) can be pivoted from a first position within the motor vehicle (1) into a second position, characterised in that the kinematic assembly (4) and the linkage of the kinematic assembly (4) to the platform (3) and / or the motor vehicle (1) are configured such that the positioning of the platform (3) in the first position and the positioning of the platform (3) in the second position are obtained by a displacement in space.

2. Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the platform (3) is arranged in the first position within the motor vehicle (1) in the region of the floor of a rear storage space of the motor vehicle (1).

3. Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the platform (3) is arranged in the second position outside the motor vehicle (1).

4. Motor vehicle (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the platform (3) can be pivoted over the rear edge of the motor vehicle (1), in particular in an arcuate manner.

5. Motor vehicle (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the surface of the platform (3) extends substantially such that the surface normal of the platform (3) encloses an angle of less than 30°, in particular less than 25°, in particular less than 20°, in particular less than 15°, in particular less than 10°, in particular less than 5°, with the surface normal of a contact surface of the motor vehicle (1).

6. Motor vehicle (1) according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least two fastening points are present between the platform (3) and the kinematic assembly (4), which stabilise the positioning of the platform (3).

7. Motor vehicle (1) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein a support structure (6) is provided, which is connected to the kinematic assembly (4), and the platform (3) and the support structure (6) are configured to move the platform (3) relative to the support structure (6), in particular translationally.

8. Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 7, wherein a guide is provided for the support structure (6) and / or platform (3) at least for one section of movement during pivoting, which stabilises the platform (3) and / or support structure (6) in the second position.

9. Motor vehicle (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein elements are present on the platform (3) and / or the kinematic assembly (4) that are movable relative to the platform (3) in order to increase the effective area of the platform (3), in particular in the second position.

10. Motor vehicle (1) according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one passage for at least one arm of the kinematic assembly (4), through which the arm can extend when the platform (3) is in the second position, is provided at a closure of a rear opening of the motor vehicle (1).

11. Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 10, wherein the at least one passage is formable by separating at least one section at the closure of the rear opening.

12. Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein at least one insert is present for the at least one passage, which insert, when inserted into the passage, closes the passage.

13. Motor vehicle (1) according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the closure of the rear opening is divisible.