A motor vehicle and a method for operating a bicycle rack device

Abstract

Motor vehicle 10 with a bicycle rack device 12, which comprises a coupling device 20 for coupling to at least one bicycle 14 and a mounting device which holds the coupling device in a movable manner o

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automobiles. More specifically, the present invention relates to motor vehicle comprising a bicycle rack device. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for operating a bicycle rack device of the motor vehicle. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] “Piggyback transportation” is a useful form of intermodal transportation. It generally refers to a transfer of one or more vehicles that are onboard a carrier vehicle. It exists in many fascinating forms today, such as semi-trailers on railroad flat cars, passenger vehicles on marine ships, and even space shuttles on airplanes. However, many people may utilize a more common form of piggyback transportation in their daily lives: bicycles loaded on automobiles. There are many methods to load or mount bicycles onto automobiles in the known state of the art, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. For instance, many large SUVs comprise rear openings that are large enough to fit a bicycle or two bicycles. But this method may come at the cost of occupying passenger seats and interior space. Therefore, other methods may involve mounting bicycles externally onto vehicle roof racks instead. Unfortunately, however, this loading and unloading process may be impractical and strenuous particularly for tall vehicles and heavy bicycles. Thus, rear-mounted bike racks are often a more practical choice. They may be referred to as rear mounts. Some rear mounts may be securely attached to a towhitch of the vehicle. For vehicles without tow-hitches, some rear mounts are designed to hang off a rear of the motor vehicle using hooks and straps instead. Overall, rearmounted bike racks are well-suited for intermodal transport because users can quickly and easily transition between traveling by bike or automobile. However, rear mounts may unfortunately block cargo loading and unloading. Also, bicycle racks known from the state of the art may be difficult to set up, to take down, or to store. Therefore, many users may choose to keep them on their vehicles even when they are not in use. This may result in a vehicle that may suffer from an ungainly, obstructive, and inefficient protrusion. Lastly, a proliferation of electric bicycles (e-bikes) may further reduce a practicality of vehicle mounted bicycles. E-bikes may be too heavy for many people to lift and maneuver due to their integrated electric motors and batteries. This constraint may prevent bicycle loading and unloading, regardless of mount type. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a motor vehicle comprising a bicycle rack device, as well as a method for operating a bicycle rack device of a motor vehicle by which a bicycle can be transported in a particularly low effort manner.

[0004] This object is solved by a motor vehicle, as well as a method for operating a bicycle rack device of a motor vehicle according to the independent claims. Advantages and embodiments are presented in the dependent claims.

[0005] One aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is preferably designed as a passenger car. The motor vehicle comprises at least one bicycle rack device. The said bicycle rack device comprises at least one coupling device to direct coupling to at least one bicycle. In other words, the said coupling device is capable of being connected or is connected to the bicycle to attach the said bicycle to the bicycle rack device. Furthermore, the bicycle rack device comprises at least one mounting device by which the coupling device is held in a movable manner on a body component of the motor vehicle between a storage position and a position of use. This means that the bicycle rack device is attached to the said body component of the motor vehicle, wherein the bicycle rack device or the said coupling device, respectively, is capable of being moved or is moved between the said storage position and the said position of use. The position of use is a position different from the storage position. At least the coupling device, particularly the bicycle rack device, is stowed in a rear receiving space of the motor vehicle. This means that the said coupling device is in the said receiving space, if the bicycle rack device or the coupling device, respectively, is in the said storage position. The said receiving space may be referred to a storage space. The said rear receiving space is located on a rear side of the motor vehicle in vehicle longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle. At least the said coupling device, in particular the bicycle rack device, is arranged at the rear of the motor vehicle, in particular at the rear end of the motor vehicle, outside the said receiving space in the said position of use. This means that the coupling device is capable of being moved or is moved backwards in longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle out of the said receiving space in order to move the said coupling device from the storage position to the position of use. In the position of use, the bicycle coupled to the coupling device is capable of being mounted or is mounted on the motor vehicle via the bicycle rack device. In other words, the bicycle is capable of being held or is held on the motor vehicle by the bicycle rack device, in particular by the said coupling.

[0006] In particular, to transport the said bicycle, in particular to attach the said bicycle to the motor vehicle, in a particularly effortless manner, the bicycle rack device comprises at least one actuator, by which the coupling device is capable of being moved or is moved from the said storage position into a pick-up position. The said pick-up position is a position different from the position of use and the storage position. Preferably, the pick-up position is an intermediate position in relation to the storage position, and the position of use. In the pick-up position, the said bicycle arranged on a ground, in particular on a roadway, is capable of being, in particular automatically, picked up or is picked up by the coupling device in order to couple the bicycle to the coupling device. This means that the bicycle is coupled to the said coupling device, while the bicycle is standing on the ground or the roadway, respectively. Furthermore, the said coupling device is capable of being moved or is moved, in particular automatically, by the actuator from the said pick-up position into the said position of use. Therefore, the said bicycle picked up by the said coupling device is capable of being lifted or is lifted from the ground or the roadway, respectively, and held on the motor vehicle by the bicycle rack device, in particular in order to transport the bicycle by the motor vehicle. In other words, the bicycle is also moved when the said coupling device is moved from the pick-up position to the position of use by the actuator, whereby the bicycle is lifted upwards and stowed on the motor vehicle by the bicycle rack device.

[0007] In the present invention, a rear-mounted bike rack is proposed. Because of the coupling device being stowed in the rear receiving space in the storage position, the said bike rack is integrated within the motor vehicle itself. To prevent ungainly, obstructive, and inefficient strenuous labor, the bicycle rack device, may be designed to deploy and / or retract autonomously. To minimize strenuous, manual labor, the bicycle rack device and / or the motor vehicle can load or unload the bicycle under their own power. In all, this invention may promote easy and practically transitions between bike and automobile transportation.

[0008] According to an embodiment, the coupling device comprises a base part, which is attached to the said body component via the mounting device. Furthermore, the coupling device comprises a first lever part, which is attached to the base part so as to be pivotable about a first pivot axis relative to the base part, and a second lever part, which is attached to the first lever part so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis relative to the first lever part.

[0009] In another embodiment, the second lever part is fork-shaped.

[0010] In another embodiment, the coupling device comprises at least one fastening element via which the bicycle is capable of being attached or is attached manually or automatically to the coupling device for coupling with the said coupling device.

[0011] In another embodiment, the motor vehicle is designed as a battery electric vehicle.

[0012] In another embodiment, the coupling device is hidden from view from outside the motor vehicle in the storage position.

[0013] In another embodiment, the said actuator is designed as an electric, hydraulic, and / or pneumatic actuator.

[0014] In another embodiment, the said actuator is capable of being controlled or is controlled by a user via a tactile button or touch screen button arranged in an interior of the motor vehicle, a voice command, and / or a mobile phone.

[0015] In another embodiment, the bicycle rack device comprises at least one sensor element for detecting the bicycle, wherein the actuator is capable of being controlled or is controlled as a function of the bicycle detected by the sensor element.

[0016] In another embodiment, the coupling device is capable of undergoing or undergoes folding and / or unfolding motions, for example in unison with a motion of the motor vehicle, to place a loading surface of the coupling device under a top tube of the bicycle or a similar structural component of the bicycle.

[0017] The said motion of the motor vehicle preferably includes: • forward and backward longitudinal movements, and / or • vertical, rolling, and / or pitching motion from a height-adjustable suspension of the motor vehicle, and / or • minor lateral or orientation adjustments.

[0018] In another embodiment, the coupling device is capable of being moved or is moved by the actuator to unload the bicycle, in particular to place the bicycle on the ground.

[0019] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a bicycle rack of a motor vehicle, in particular, according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0020] The method comprises at least the following steps: • moving a coupling device of the bicycle rack device by an actuator from a storage position, in which the coupling device is stowed in a rear receiving space of the motor vehicle, out of the receiving space in vehicle longitudinal direction into a pick-up position, in which the bicycle arranged on ground is picked up by the coupling device in order to couple the bicycle to the coupling device, and • moving the coupling device by the actuator from the pick-up position into a position of use, whereby the bicycle picked up by the coupling device, is lifted from the ground and held on the motor vehicle by the bicycle rack device on a rear side of the motor vehicle.

[0021] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention derive from the following description of preferred embodiments as well as from the drawings. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figures and / or shown in the figures alone can be employed not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in any other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system and / or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0023] The drawings show in:

[0024] Fig. 1 a schematic side view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle and a bicycle at a first step;

[0025] Fig. 2 a schematic top view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle and a bicycle at a first step;

[0026] Fig. 3 a schematic side view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle and a bicycle at a second step; and

[0027] Fig. 4 a schematic top view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle and a bicycle at a second step;

[0028] Fig. 5 a schematic side view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle and a bicycle at a third step;

[0029] Fig. 6 a schematic top view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle and a bicycle at a third step;

[0030] Fig. 7 a schematic side view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle and a bicycle at a fourth step;

[0031] Fig. 8 a schematic top view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle and a bicycle at a fourth step;

[0032] Fig. 9 a schematic side view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle and a bicycle at a fifth step; and

[0033] Fig. 10 a schematic top view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle and a bicycle at a fifth step;

[0034] Fig. 11a schematic side view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle and a bicycle at a sixth step;

[0035] Fig 12 a schematic top view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle and a bicycle at a sixth step;

[0036] Fig. 13 a schematic side view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle and a bicycle at a seventh step;

[0037] Fig 14 a schematic top view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle and a bicycle at a seventh step;

[0038] Fig. 15 a schematic side view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle and a bicycle at an eighth step; and

[0039] Fig. 16 a schematic top view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle and a bicycle at an eighth step.

[0040] In the figures the same elements or elements having the same function are indicated by the same reference signs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0042] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawing and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0043] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion so that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by “comprises” or “comprise” does not or do not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

[0044] In the following detailed description of the embodiment of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawing that forms part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which the disclosure may be practiced. This embodiment is described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0045] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view according to an embodiment of a motor vehicle 10. Fig. 2 shows schematic top view of the motor vehicle 10. The motor vehicle 10 comprises a bicycle rack device 12, which is not visible in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The bicycle rack device 12 is designed as a rear bicycle rack device 12. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 also show a bicycle 14, which is located behind the motor vehicle 10 in vehicle longitudinal direction 16. The motor vehicle 10 and a bicycle 14 are located on a ground 18, which may be a roadway.

[0046] The said bicycle rack device 12 is capable of executing a method for operating the bicycle rack device 12. For instance, the method comprises several steps t1 to t8, which may be referred to as time steps or states. In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 the bicycle rack device 12 is in a first one of the said steps t1. In the first step t1 a coupling device 20 for coupling to at least the said bicycle 14 is in a storage position 22. In the said storage position 22 at least the said coupling device 20, in particular the bicycle rack device 12, is stowed in a rear receiving space of the motor vehicle 10, preferably in such a way that the said coupling device 20, in particular the bicycle rack device 12, is hidden from view from outside the motor vehicle 10. This means that the bicycle rack device 12 or a mechanism of the said bicycle rack device 12, respectively, is stowed in a compact, in particular horizontal, position within a center rear of the motor vehicle 10. Preferably, the said coupling device 20 or the said mechanism, respectively, is out of sight and separated by an exterior of the motor vehicle 10, for instance, by a small opening that may in its nominal state be closed with a flap, a sliding door or other similar mechanism.

[0047] The method or the said mechanism, respectively, may be defined by the following attributes and steps t2 to t8, which may be referred to as process steps. Preferably, the first step T1 is an initial step of the method.

[0048] Fig 3 shows the motor vehicle 10 and the bicycle 14 in a schematic side view and Fig. 4 shows the motor vehicle 10 and the bicycle 14 in a schematic top view, wherein in Figs. 3 and 4 a second one of the steps t2 is illustrated. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the mechanism or the coupling device 20, respectively, in particular still in its compact, horizontal position, starts to protrude out of the rear of the motor vehicle 10 or the said receiving space, respectively. This means that there is a movement of the coupling device 20 in a direction 24 backwards in the longitudinal direction 16 of the motor vehicle 10. This movement is effected by an actuator of the bicycle rack device 12. Preferably, the vehicle longitudinal direction 16 and the direction 24 are parallel to each other. For example, the said movement is a translational movement. It becomes clear that the bicycle rack device 12 comprises a mounting device, by which the coupling device 20 is held in a movable manner on a body component 26 of the motor vehicle 10.

[0049] Fig. 5 shows the motor vehicle 10 and the bicycle 14 in a schematic side view and Fig. 6 shows the motor vehicle 10 and the bicycle 14 in a schematic top view, wherein Figs. 5 and Fig. 6 illustrate a third one of the said steps t3. In the third step t3 the mechanism or the said coupling device 20, respectively, may protrude until it is fully outside of the motor vehicle 10 or the said receiving space, respectively.

[0050] In the example, the coupling device 20 comprises a base part 28, which is attached to the said body component 26 via the said mounting device. Furthermore, the coupling device 20 comprises a first lever part 30, which is attached to the said base part 28 so as to be pivotable about a first pivot axis 32 relative to the base part 28. This means that the first lever part 30 is pivotable about the pivot axis 32 relative to the base part 28. Furthermore, the coupling device 20 comprises a second lever part 34, which is attached to the first lever part 30 so as to be pivotable about the second pivot axis 36 relative to the first lever part 34. In the present example, the base part 28 is arranged at one end of the first lever part 30 and the second lever part 34 is arranged at another end of the first lever part 30. It becomes clear that the second lever part 34 is pivotable about the pivot axis 36 relative to the first lever part 30. For example, the second lever part 34 is fork-shaped. In other words, the second lever part 34 is bifurcated.

[0051] Fig. 7 shows the motor vehicle 10 and the bicycle 14 in a schematic side view and Fig. 8 shows the motor vehicle 10 and the bicycle 14 in a schematic top view, wherein in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 a fourth one of the steps t4 is illustrated. In the fourth step t4 the first lever part 30 is pivoted about the first pivot axis 32 relative to the base part 28 by the actuator. This is illustrated by an arrow 38. Furthermore, the second lever part 34 is pivoted about the second pivot axis 36 relative to the first lever part 30 by the actuator. This is illustrated by a second arrow 40. This means that the coupling device 20 or the said mechanism, respectively, starts unfolding its forking arms.

[0052] Fig. 9 shows the motor vehicle 10 and the bicycle 14 in a schematic side view and Fig. 10 shows the motor vehicle 10 and the bicycle 14 in a schematic top view, wherein in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 a fifth one of the said steps t5 is illustrated. In the example shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the coupling device 20 or the said mechanism is shown, until it is roughly aligned with the bicycle 14, in particular with a top tube of the bicycle 14 or a similar structure or component of the bicycle 14.

[0053] Fig 11 shows the motor vehicle 10 and the bicycle 14 in a schematic side view and Fig. 12 shows the motor vehicle 10 and the bicycle 14 in a schematic top view, wherein in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 a sixth one of the said steps t6 is illustrated. In the sixth step t6, the bicycle rack device 12 or the coupling device 20, respectively, is in a pick-up position 42. This means that the coupling device 20 is capable of being moved or is moved from the storage position 22 into the pick-up position 42, in particular out of the said receiving space in the vehicle longitudinal direction 16 by the said actuator. As illustrated Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 the said mechanism may undergo finer folding and / or unfolding motions, for example in unison with a motion of the motor vehicle 10 to place a loading surface of the coupling device 20 under the top tube of the bicycle 14 or the said similar structural component. Forking arms of the coupling device 20 or the said mechanism, respectively, may fold and / or unfold in unison or independently of each other. The said motion of the motor vehicle 10 may include but is not limited to forward and backward longitudinal movements, vertical, rolling, or pitching motion from a height-adjustable suspension of the motor vehicle 10, and if necessary, minor lateral or orientation adjustments. In the pick-up position 42, the bicycle 14 arranged on the ground 18 is capable of being picked up or is picked up by the coupling device 20, in order to couple the bicycle 14 to the coupling device 20, for this purpose, the second lever part 34, in particular forking arms of the second lever part 34, comprise a fastening element 44 for coupling the bicycle 14 to the coupling device 20, or the bicycle rack device 12, respectively. Once in position, the said mechanism may pause so that the bicycle 14 can be securely attached to a loading mechanism or the said fastening element 44, respectively. This may be done manually. For example, a user may close a velcro loop around a frame of the bicycle 14. This means that there may be a manually mechanical solution for attaching the bicycle 14 to the coupling device 20. For example, the fastening element 44 is designed as a springloading clamp. Alternatively, it is also possible that this may be done autonomously, for example, via clamping actuators. This means that the fastening element 44 may be designed as a clamping actuator. It becomes clear that the bicycle 14 is capable of being attached or is attached manually or automatically to the coupling device 20 coupling with the coupling device 20 via the said fastening element 44.

[0054] Fig. 13 shows the motor vehicle 10 and the bicycle 14 in a schematic side view and Fig. 14 shows the motor vehicle 10 and the bicycle 14 in a schematic top view, wherein Figs. 13 and Fig. 14 a seventh one of the said steps t7 is illustrated. In the seventh step t7 the bicycle 14 coupled to the coupling device 20 is lifted from the ground 18. For this purpose, the first lever part 30 is pivoted about the pivot axis 32 relative to the base part 28 and the second lever part 34 is pivoted about the second pivot axis 36 relative to the first lever part 30. For example, the mechanism and the motor vehicle 10 move in unison to lift the bicycle from the ground 18 into a loaded position.

[0055] Fig 15 shows the motor vehicle 10 and the bicycle 14 in a schematic side view and Fig. 16 shows the motor vehicle 10 and the bicycle 14 in a schematic top view, wherein in Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 the eighth one of the said steps t8 is illustrated. In the eighth step t8 the coupling device 20 or the bicycle rack device 12, respectively, is in a position of use 46. This means that the coupling device 20 is capable of being moved or is moved by the actuator from the pick-up position 42 into the position of use 46, whereby the bicycle 14 picked up by the coupling device 20 is capable of being lifted or is lifted from the ground 18 and held on the motor vehicle 10 by the bicycle rack device 12. In other words, the coupling device 20 or the bicycle rack device 12, respectively, is capable of being moved or is moved from the storage position 22 via the pick-up position 42 into the position of use 46 by the actuator. In the position of use 46 the coupling device 20 is arranged at a rear end of the motor vehicle 10 outside the said receiving space. As a result, in the position of use the bicycle 14 coupled to the coupling device 20 is capable of being mounted or is mounted on the motor vehicle 10 via the bicycle rack device 12. This means that in the position of use 46 a loading process of the bicycle 14 may be completed. As a result, the bicycle 14 may be security-mounted to the motor vehicle 10 and the motor vehicle 10 may be free to drive away. Preferably, internal locks may be used to constrain the mechanism to its current position. Preferably, for unloading the described process is carried out in reverse.

[0056] In the example shown in Fig. 15, the lever parts 30, 34 are perpendicular to each other in the position of use 46. For instance, the base part 28 and the first lever part 30 are related to each other in the position of use 46.

[0057] Preferably, the coupling device 20 is capable of being moved or is moved by the actuator to unload the bicycle 14, in particular to place the bicycle 14 on the ground 18. This means that while the bicycle 14 is coupled to the coupling device 20, the actuator moves the coupling device 20 from the position of use 46 into the pick-up position 42. In the pick-up position 42 the bicycle 14 may be unloaded from the bicycle rack device 12. Then the coupling device may be moved into the storage position 22 by the actuator. It becomes clear that the described process or the method, respectively, in particular the steps of the method, may be performed in reverse, in order to unload the bicycle 14.

[0058] Preferably, the motor vehicle 10 is designed as a battery electric vehicle. In other words, the motor vehicle 10 is preferably at least in part electrically operated or full electrically operated. Therefore, the motor vehicle 10 may comprise at least one electric motor. While the described mechanism is not limited to battery electric vehicles (BEVs). battery electric vehicles may offer more packaging flexibility, compared to their internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle counterparts.

[0059] Most notably, ICE vehicles often have an exhaust system and rear differential where the described mechanism or the said coupling device 20, respectively, is stored within the motor vehicle 10. This process is a significant packing constraint that does not exist for battery electric vehicles.

[0060] An actuation type of the said actuator may be implementation specific. The mechanism may be driven by electric, pneumatic, hydraulic actuators. In other words, the said actuator may be designed as an electric, hydraulic and / or pneumatic actuator.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the said actuator is capable of being controlled or is controlled by a user via a tactile or touchscreen button arranged in an interior of the motor vehicle 10, via a voice command and / or via a mobile phone, in particular a smart phone. It is also possible that the bicycle rack device 12 comprises a sensor element for detecting the bicycle 14, wherein the actuator is capable of being controlled or is controlled as a function of the bicycle 14 detected by the sensor element. For example, the bicycle rack device 12 or the motor vehicle 10, respectively, comprises, an electronic computing device, via which the said sensor element is coupled to the said actuator. This means that the actuator is capable of being controlled or is controlled as a function of the bicycle 14 detected by the sensor element via electronic computing device.

[0062] This means that the described process may be triggered in various ways: • manually triggered by tactile or touchscreen buttons by passengers in the motor vehicle 10, • manually triggered by voice commands, • manually triggered by a user’s connected phone with a corresponding phone application, and / or • automatically triggered by perception algorithms that utilize sensors near the rear of the motor vehicle 10.

[0063] Furthermore, the process may be triggered and controlled in various ways: • manually, via tactile or touchscreen buttons in the vehicle motor vehicle 10, • manually, via a connected phone and corresponding phone application, • manually, via voice commands, and / or • automatically, via sensors and perception algorithms (e.g. a rearward bicycle detection algorithm).

[0064] This process may proceed if it meets all safety requirements. Similarly, the process must stop if it senses irregularities or impeding obstacles. This may be implemented in the following ways: • The user must monitor the process and continue to press down a “dead man’s switch”, • the user must monitor the process and control each component’s motion and the component motion may be controlled individually or in unison, • the user must monitor the process and be in reach of an emergency “stop” button, • the forces of the mechanism are estimated (e.g. via electric motor current readings) and monitored for irregularities, and / or • sensors and perception algorithms are responsible for autonomously monitoring the process, detecting obstacles, and controlling the motion of the mechanism the motor vehicle 10.

[0065] It becomes clear that the bicycle rack device 12 may enable an automated loading and unloading process of the bicycle 14. For this purpose, coordinated motions of the motor vehicle 10 and the bicycle rack device 12 may be used to unload and load the bicycle 14. This may prevent users from strenuous and manual labor, particularly when lifting heavy e-bikes. Their presented mechanism, may be specifically designed to enable this functionality. The bicycle rack device 12 may enable a mechanism and a process for an automated, deployable, and integrated bicycle rack on an automobile. Reference Signs 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 t1 t2 t3 t4 t5 t6 t7 t8 motor vehicle bicycle rack device bicycle vehicle longitudinal direction ground coupling device storage position direction body component base part first lever part first pivot axis second lever part second pivot axis arrow arrow pick-up position fastening element position of use first step second step third step fourth step fifth step sixth step seventh step eighth step

Claims

1. A motor vehicle (10) comprising a bicycle rack device (12), which comprises a coupling device (20) for coupling to at least one bicycle (14) and a mounting device by which the coupling device (20) is held in a movable manner on a body component (26) of the motor vehicle (10) between a storage position (22) and a position of use (46), wherein the coupling device (20) is stowed in a rear receiving space of the motor vehicle (10) in the storage position (22) and is arranged at the rear of the motor vehicle (10) outside the receiving space in the position of use (46), whereby in the position of use (46) the bicycle (14) coupled to the coupling device (20) is capable of being mounted on the motor vehicle (10) via the bicycle rack device (12), characterized in that the bicycle rack device (12) comprises an actuator, by which the coupling device (20) is capable of being moved from the storage position (22) into a pick-up position (42), in which the bicycle (14) arranged on a ground (18) is capable of being picked up by the coupling device (20) in order to couple the bicycle (14) to the coupling device (20), wherein the coupling device (20) is capable of being moved by the actuator from the pick-up position (42) into the position of use (46), whereby the bicycle (14) picked up by the coupling device (20) is capable of being lifted from the ground (18) and held on the motor vehicle (10) by the bicycle rack device (12).

2. The motor vehicle (10) according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe coupling device (20) comprises a base part (28), which is attached to the body component (26) via the mounting device, a first lever part (30), which is attached tothe base part (28) so as to be pivotable about a first pivot axis (32) relative to the base part (28), and a second lever part (34), which is attached to the first lever part (30) so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis (36) relative to the first lever part (32).

3. The motor vehicle (10) according to claim 2, characterized in thatthe second lever part (34) is fork-shaped.

4. The motor vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in thatthe coupling device (20) comprises a fastening element (44) via which the bicycle (14) is capable of being attached manually or automatically to the coupling device (20) for coupling with the coupling device (20).

5. The motor vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in thatthe coupling device (20) is hidden from view from outside the motor vehicle (10) in the storage position (22).

6. The motor vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that• the actuator is designed as an electric, hydraulic, and / or pneumatic actuator; and / or• the actuator is capable of being controlled by a user via:-a tactile or touchscreen button arranged in an interior of the motor vehicle (10),^a voice command, and / or-a mobile phone.

7. The motor vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in thatthe bicycle rack device (12) comprises a sensor element for detecting the bicycle (14), wherein the actuator is capable of being controlled as a function of the bicycle (14) detected by the sensor element.

8. The motor vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in thatthe coupling device (20) is capable of undergoing folding and / or unfolding motions, for example in unison with a motion of the motor vehicle (10), to place a loading surface of the coupling device (20) under a top tube of the bicycle (14) or a similar structural component of the bicycle (14), wherein the said motion of the motor vehicle (10) preferably includes:• forward and backward longitudinal movements, and / or• vertical, rolling, and / or pitching motion from a height-adjustable suspension of the motor vehicle (10), and / or• minor lateral or orientation adjustments.

9. The motor vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in thatthe coupling device (20) is capable of being moved by the actuator to unload the bicycle, in particular to place the bicycle on the ground (18).

10. Method for operating a bicycle rack device (12) of a motor vehicle (10), comprising at least the following steps:• moving a coupling device (20) of the bicycle rack device (12) by an actuator from a storage position (22), in which the coupling device (20) is stowed in a rear receiving space of the motor vehicle (10), out of the receiving space in vehicle longitudinal direction (16) into a pick-up position (42), in which the bicycle (14) arranged on a ground (18) is picked up by the coupling device (20) in order to couple the bicycle (14) to the coupling device (20); and• moving the coupling device (20) by the actuator from the pick-up position (42) into a position of use (46), whereby the bicycle (14) picked up by the coupling device (20) is lifted from the ground (18) and held on the motor vehicle (10) by the bicycle rack device (12) on a rear side of the motor vehicle (10).19

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