Cover for the loading area of ​​a vehicle

Abstract

To provide covers (10, 20) for a load area (2) of a vehicle (1).SOLUTION: A cover (10, 20) for a load area (2) of a vehicle (1) comprises a concealer (11) that is configured to conceal a part of a load area of the vehicle and that includes a flexible membrane (14), at least one string (12A, 12B) for connecting the concealer to a movable member (4) of the vehicle, and at least one anchor (13) that is configured so that the concealer deforms between a deployed state that blocks an opening of the load area (2) and a retracted state that releases the opening of the load area (2) and so as to transmit tension applied to at least one string by the movable member to the concealer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of covers for vehicle load areas. A vehicle load area is typically provided between the passenger seating area of a vehicle and the front end / rear end of the vehicle. Examples of vehicle load areas include trunks (also known as boots, dickies or compartments, or in some cases also called "frunks").

Background Art

[0002] Typically, the boundary of a vehicle load area is defined by at least one door that is movable between an open position and a closed position relative to an opening in the vehicle body and the remaining part of the load area. Non-limiting examples of such doors include lids (such as trunk lids) and hatches. A door is an example of a movable member of the load area. Often, people desire that the load area be hidden.

[0003] Patent Document 1 (European Patent No. 1818217) discloses a cover that must be manually operated to hide or show the vehicle load area. Patent Document 2 (U.S. Patent No. 8844995) discloses a power-operated tonneau-type cover that can be operated over the entire vehicle load area.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The inventors have found that the cover should be easy to operate and convenient for the user. For this purpose, a cover can be provided according to the present disclosure. The cover includes a concealer configured to conceal a portion of the vehicle's cargo area. The cover includes at least one cord for connecting the concealer to a movable member of the vehicle. The cover includes at least one anchor. The anchor is configured to transmit tension applied by the movable member to the at least one cord to the concealer so that the concealer deforms between an extended state and a retracted state.

[0006] When installed on a vehicle, such a cover can switch states in response to the movement of its movable components without the need for a dedicated electrical and / or mechanical system. In the deployed state, the concealer hides a larger cargo area from view than it does in the stowed state.

[0007] The concealer may deform between the deployed and retracted states due to buckling.

[0008] The concealer may be provided as a flexible film.

[0009] The cover may include an extender configured to bias the concealer toward the deployed position. At least one string may be configured, when tension is applied by a movable member, to overcome the extender and move the concealer toward the retracted position.

[0010] The extender may include an elastic or partially elastic tensile element for connecting the first portion of the concealer to the surface of the loading area. The tensile element may be configured to pull the first portion of the concealer away from the second portion, thereby deploying the concealer.

[0011] The extension device may include an elastic portion of the concealer's frame. The frame portion may be configured to push the first portion of the concealer away from the second portion of the concealer, thereby extending the concealer.

[0012] At least one first portion of the cord may be configured to be connected to a movable member. At least one second portion of the cord may be connected to the first portion of the concealer. The first portion of the concealer may be further away from the second portion of the concealer in the deployed state than in the stowed state. The anchor may be connected to at least one cord midway between the first and second portions of at least one cord, such that at least one cord is movable relative to the anchor.

[0013] The anchor may be fixed to the second part of the concealer.

[0014] The anchor may be fixed to the cargo area at a position closer to the second part of the concealer than to the first part of the concealer when the concealer is deployed.

[0015] The second part of the concealer may be fixed to the loading area.

[0016] In addition or alternatively, a cover assembly is provided. The cover assembly includes a cover as described herein and a guide device configured to guide the concealer between an deployed and a retracted state. The guide device includes a guide component, which is configured to connect to a surface defining a loading area and to guide the frame of the concealer.

[0017] The guide device may include guide components connected to the concealer. The guide components connected to the concealer may be configured to be guideable and supported by guide components configured to be connected to a surface defining the loading area.

[0018] In addition or alternatively, a vehicle structure is provided in accordance with the present disclosure. The vehicle structure includes a load area and a cover or cover assembly as described above herein. The cover is configured to conceal an opening of the load area in a deployed state and expose the opening in a stowed state.

[0019] Guide components configured to be connected to a surface defining the load area may be integrally formed with an interior panel of the load area.

[0020] The concealer may be configured to assume a stowed state in response to an opening movement of the movable member relative to the opening.

[0021] The concealer may be configured to assume a deployed state in response to a closing movement of the movable member relative to the opening.

[0022] In addition or alternatively, a vehicle is provided in accordance with the present disclosure. The vehicle may include a vehicle structure as described above herein, or a cover or cover assembly as described above herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a partial cutaway view of an exemplary vehicle according to a first variant, its load area, and the deployment of an exemplary cover. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows the state of the cover shown in FIG. 1 when stowed. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a partial cutaway view of an exemplary cover according to a second variant having an exemplary vehicle, its load area, and a concealer in a deployed state. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 shows the state of the cover shown in FIG. 3 when stowed. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a detailed view of an exemplary guiding device according to the first variant. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the guiding device of FIG. 3. [Figure 7]Figure 7 shows a detailed view of an exemplary guide device according to a second modification. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the guide device shown in Figure 5. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the guide device according to the third modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] This disclosure can be understood more fully by considering the following detailed description of aspects thereof in conjunction with the attached drawings.

[0025] The term “exemplary” is used to mean “example” and not “ideal.” While various modifications and alternative forms are acceptable in the aspects of this disclosure, details of which are shown in the drawings as examples and described in detail below, it should be understood that the aspects of this disclosure are not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments described. On the contrary, the intent of this disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0026] As used in this disclosure and the attached claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" refer to multiple subjects unless explicitly indicated otherwise by the context. As used in this disclosure and the attached claims, the term "or" is adopted to generally include "and / or" unless explicitly indicated otherwise by the context.

[0027] Please read the following detailed description with reference to the drawings. The detailed description and drawings are not necessarily to a specific scale, but they illustrate exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. The illustrated exemplary embodiments are for illustrative purposes only.

[0028] Figure 1 shows an exemplary vehicle 1, in this example a partial cross-section of a hatchback car.

[0029] Vehicle 1 includes a loading area 2, which in this example is located near the rear end of the vehicle and therefore includes a rear loading area.

[0030] The cargo area 2 is located behind the seat 3 for at least one vehicle occupant and in front of the hatchback hatch 4.

[0031] In the conventional method, the hatch 4 is located at the rear end of the hatchback and is movable between a closed position, in which the hatch restricts access to the cargo area 2 for persons outside the vehicle, and an open position, in which the hatch provides access to the cargo area for persons outside the vehicle, relative to the rear end of the vehicle 1.

[0032] Seat 3 can define the front end of the cargo area 2. The lateral interior surface of vehicle 1 (in this case, interior panel 5) defines the lateral end of the cargo area 2. The lower end of the cargo area 2 can be defined, for example, by the cargo bed of vehicle 1. In the closed position, hatch 4 defines the rear end of the cargo area 2.

[0033] Hatch 4 is an example of a movable component in the loading area 2. As indicated by arrow 6 in the figure, hatch 4 is shown to move from the open position to the closed position.

[0034] Vehicle 1 also includes an exemplary cover 10 according to the first modification. As indicated by arrow 6A in the figure, the cover 10 is shown deployed across the opening of the loading area 2 in response to the closing operation of the hatch 4. The closing operation of a given movable member of the loading area is the movement of the member from the open position to the closed position.

[0035] The cover 10 includes a concealer 11, at least one string 12A / B, and at least one anchor 13. The movement of the hatch 4 between the open and closed positions causes the concealer 11 to switch between an deployed state and a retracted state. This allows the cover 10 to block or open the opening to the loading area 2 in response to the hatch 4 closing (performing a closing operation) or opening (performing an opening operation).

[0036] In this example, the concealer 11 includes a flexible membrane 14, an anterior connector 15, two lateral connectors 16, and a stretcher 17 (in this case, one stretcher 17 for each of the lateral connectors 16).

[0037] The membrane 14 is positioned between the front connection portion 15 and the lateral connection portion 16.

[0038] The membrane 14 may be substantially opaque to the naked human eye, so as a result, when the concealer 11 is deployed, the interior of the cargo area 2 cannot be easily seen through the opening of the cargo area. In addition to this, or separately, the membrane 14 may be substantially opaque to sunlight, so as a result, when the concealer 11 is deployed, objects inside the cargo area 2 can be protected from exposure to sunlight. The membrane 14 may be made from any suitable material, such as cloth / textile, plastic (such as PVC), etc., so that the concealer 11 can move between the deployed and retracted states.

[0039] The front connection section 15 connects the membrane 14 to the front portion of the cargo area 2 (in this case, the interior panel 5 near the seat 3) by at least one (in this case, two) mounting points 18. The mounting points 18 are provided, for example, as one or more hooks that can be inserted into one or more corresponding holes provided in the interior panel 5. However, it is also conceivable that the holes be provided in the seat 3.

[0040] The lateral connection section 16 connects the membrane 14 to at least one (in this case, two opposing) side (in this case, provided by the lateral interior panel 5) near the rear end of the loading area (where the hatch 4 is located when it is in the closed position). The lateral connection section 16 includes at least one mounting point 19 for each side to which the concealer 11 is connected. The mounting points 19 are provided, for example, as one or more hooks that can be inserted into one or more corresponding holes provided in the interior panel 5.

[0041] The extender 17 is configured to bias the concealer 11 toward an unfolded state, so that the concealer is unfolded passively (without human intervention). The extender 17 includes at least one (in this case, two) tension elements 9 to bias the concealer 11 toward an unfolded state. Each tension element 9 is provided, for example, as a shock cord. Each tension element 9 may be connected to the membrane 14 by means of clamping, sewing, etc., to ensure durability.

[0042] The mounting point 18 of the front connection part 15 is connected to the mounting point 19 of the lateral connection part 16 via the tension element 9 and the membrane 14. The lateral connection part 16 is connected to the membrane 14 via the tension element 9. The front connection part 15 is connected to the tension element 9 via the membrane 14.

[0043] The front portion 14F of the membrane 14 is connected to the front connector 15. The rear portion 14R of the membrane 14 is connected to the tension element 9. Under the action of the tension element 9, the rear portion 14R of the membrane 14 is pulled away from the front portion 14F of the membrane, and the membrane extends substantially horizontally, for example, across the opening of the loading area 2 with respect to the vehicle body.

[0044] In this example, the cover 10 includes two cords 12A / B. The cords are made from, for example, natural or synthetic fibers. However, the term “cord” may be understood to refer to any elongated, flexible tension-transmitting member such as a cable, chain, or strap. The cords differ from the tension element 9 in that, while the tension element 9 is stretched more in the retracted state than in the deployed state, the length of the cord remains substantially constant during the transition between the deployed and retracted states.

[0045] Each cord 12A / B attaches the concealer 11 to the hatch 4. Because this is a partial cross-section, the attachment point between the hatch and the second cord 12B of the two cords is not visible, and it appears as if only the first cord 12A is attached to the hatch 4. If there are multiple cords 12A / B, these multiple cords can be attached to the hatch 4 in substantially the same way to each other. The attachment between the cords 12A / B and the movable member may be carried out, for example, by hooks or clips provided on the cords that cooperate with corresponding holes or clips provided on the movable member.

[0046] The strings 12A / B are pulled to varying degrees as the hatch 4 moves between the open and closed positions. As the hatch 4 moves from the open position towards the closed position, the tension in the strings 12A / B decreases.

[0047] As the tension of the strings 12A / B increases, the strings overcome the extender 17 and move the concealer 11 toward the retracted position.

[0048] At least one anchor 13 is configured to transmit tension applied to the cords 12A / B by the hatch 4 to the concealer 11 so that the concealer switches between an deployed and a retracted state.

[0049] Each anchor 13 is attached to the cover's strings 12A / B at a position midway between the first portion 12C and the second portion 12D of the string. Although each string 12A / B of the cover is shown to connect to its own corresponding anchor 13, it is also possible that a given anchor can connect to multiple strings (if multiple strings exist).

[0050] The end of the first portion 12C of each cord 12A / B is secured to the hatch. The second portion 12D of each cord 12A / B is positioned near the rear 14R of the membrane 14. The anchor 13 is attached to the cords 12A / B at a position midway between its first portion 12C and second portion 12D. As the hatch 4 closes, the second portion 12D of each cord 12A / B is pulled away from the anchor 13, and the first portion 12C of each cord is pulled towards the anchor.

[0051] Each anchor 13 is provided as an eyelet hanging from the front 14F of the membrane 14. However, the anchors 13 could also be provided as pulleys or as any other suitable components for positioning the ropes 12A / B between the concealer 11 and the movable members of the loading area 2. Furthermore, instead of hanging directly from the front 14F of the membrane 14, it is conceivable to provide a given anchor hanging from the seat 3 (e.g., its backrest).

[0052] As the cover expands in response to the closing action of the movable member, the opening of the loading area 2 can be shielded without requiring the user to make any special effort to expand (or remember to expand) the cover 10.

[0053] Figure 2 shows the cover 10 as seen in Figure 1 when it is retracted (indicated by arrow 7A in the figure) in response to the opening of the hatch 4 (indicated by arrow 7 in the figure). The opening of a given movable member in the loading area is the movement of the member from the closed position to the open position. As the hatch 4 moves from the closed position to the open position, the tension of the strings 12A / B increases.

[0054] When the tension of the string 12A / B overcomes the stretcher 17, the first portion 12C of the string is pulled away from the anchor 13. The tension element 9 of the stretcher 17 is stretched, and the second portion 12D of the string 12A / B is pulled toward the anchor 13.

[0055] The second portion 12D of the string 12A / B moves toward the front portion 14F of the film 14 of the concealer 11, in a direction substantially parallel to the film. The second portion 12D of the string 12A / B pulls the rear portion 14R of the film 14 in conjunction.

[0056] As the rear portion 14R of the membrane 14 moves toward the front portion 14F of the membrane, the membrane buckles. The opening 8 of the loading area 2 is exposed, and a person can cross the opening to access the interior of the loading area. The movement of the rear portion 14R of the membrane 14 toward the front portion 14F of the membrane may be substantially horizontal with respect to the vehicle body.

[0057] In response to the opening movement of the movable member, the cover switches from the deployed state to the retracted state, making it possible for a person to open the opening 8 of the loading area even if both hands are full with items they intend to place in the loading area 2.

[0058] The elastic energy stored in the extension device 17 during the transition from the deployed state to the retracted state is used to deploy the concealer 11 in response to the subsequent closing movement of the movable member.

[0059] Figure 3 shows a partial cross-section of an exemplary vehicle 1 (a hatchback as shown in Figures 1 and 2) and its cargo area 2, but this time it has an exemplary cover 20 according to a second modification. The cover 20 is shown deployed across the opening of the cargo area 2 (as shown by arrow 6A in the figure) in response to the closing operation of the hatch 4 (as shown by arrow 6 in the figure). The cover 20 according to the second modification is identical to the cover 10 according to the first modification shown in Figures 1 and 2, except for the following points.

[0060] The concealer 11 includes an elastic or partially elastic frame 21 on which the membrane 14 is positioned. The frame 21 functions as an extender 17 for the cover 20. The frame 21 pushes the rear portion 14R of the membrane 14 away from the front portion 14F of the membrane, stretching the membrane across the opening of the loading area 2. The rear portion 14R of the membrane 14 may be pushed substantially horizontally away from the front portion 14F of the membrane relative to the vehicle body.

[0061] The second portion 12D of each string 12A / B is connected to the frame 21.

[0062] The frame 21 can be made from any suitable material, including spring steel, elastomer, and plastic.

[0063] Figure 4 shows the cover 20 shown in Figure 3 in its retracted position (as indicated by arrow 7A in the figure) in response to the opening of the hatch 4 (indicated by arrow 7 in the figure). When the tension of the straps 12A / B of the cover 20 overcomes the biasing force of the frame 21, the frame collapses at least partially, allowing the membrane to buckle so that the rear portion 14R of the membrane 14 moves toward the front portion 14F of the membrane. The rear portion 14R of the membrane 14 may move toward the front portion 14F of the membrane in a direction substantially horizontal to the vehicle body.

[0064] The anchors 13 of the cover 20 may be located at the front end of the cargo area, for example, on the seat 3. The anchors 13 may substantially coincide with the mounting points 18 of the front connection section 15. However, as shown in Figure 4, the anchors 13 of the cover 20 may also hang down from the frame 21.

[0065] The lateral connection portion 16 is provided as a guide device 22. The guide device 22 is configured to guide the concealer 11 between the deployed and retracted states. The guide device 22 includes a guide component 23, which is connected to a surface defining the loading area 2 (in this case, the side of the loading area) and is configured to guide and support the frame 21. An exemplary guide device will be discussed in more detail with reference to Figures 5 to 9.

[0066] The frame 21 is attached to the mounting point 18 of the front connection 15. The frame 21 can be attached to the front connection 15 in a hinged manner. If the frame 21 is removed from the guide component 23 connected to the loading area, the hinged connection allows, for example, the concealer 11 to swing up and down. However, the front connection 15 may also be identical to that of the first modification of the cover 10.

[0067] Figure 5 shows a detailed view of an exemplary guide device 30 according to the first modification. A guide component 31 connected to a surface defining the loading area (in this case, the side of the loading area) is provided as a shelf 32 for guiding and supporting the frame 21 of the concealer 11. The shelf 32 extends toward the front and rear ends of the loading area and projects laterally inward from the side 29 of the loading area.

[0068] Because this is a partial cross-section, only one guide component 31 connected to the loading area is visible. However, it is also possible that the guide device 30 includes a second guide component, for example, located on the opposite side of the loading area and connected to the loading area.

[0069] The frame 21 rests on the shelf 32 and slides along the shelf 32 while the concealer moves between the retracted and deployed states.

[0070] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the guide device 30 shown in Figure 5.

[0071] The guide component 31 connected to the loading area is integrally formed with the interior panel 5 that forms the inner surface (the side surface 29) of the loading area. However, it is also conceivable that the guide component 31 connected to the loading area could be provided as a separate component that is assembled to the inner surface of the loading area (for example, the interior panel that forms the side surface).

[0072] The frame 21 may be provided with an abrasion layer 33 to protect the frame and / or membrane 14 and / or shelf 32 from excessive wear.

[0073] Figure 7 shows a detailed view of an exemplary guide device 40 according to a second modification. The second modification of the guide device 40 differs from the first modification of the guide device 30 shown in Figures 5 and 6 as follows.

[0074] The guide component 41 connected to the loading area is provided as a groove 42 extending toward the front and rear ends of the loading area.

[0075] For each guide component 41 connected to the loading area, the guide device 40 includes a guide component 43 connected to the concealer 11. The guide component 43 connected to the concealer is configured to be guided by the guide component 41 connected to the loading area.

[0076] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the guide device 40 in Figure 7. The groove 42 is recessed laterally outward on the side surface 29 of the loading area.

[0077] The guide component 43 connected to the concealer is provided as a slider 44, which is configured to pass through a groove 42 of the guide component connected to the loading area and slide within it toward the front and rear ends of the loading area. In this case, the slider 44 is positioned to protrude laterally outward from the frame 21 into the groove 42.

[0078] The outer lateral end 45 of the slider 44 may be tapered to facilitate penetration into the groove 42.

[0079] When the slider 44 is inserted into the groove 42, it is held vertically within the groove 42.

[0080] The slider 44 includes a mounting portion 46 configured to surround the frame 21. Reinforcement components 47 may be positioned to protect the film 14 from abrasion caused by the slider 44.

[0081] The frame of the concealer may be foldable laterally so that the slider can be removed from the groove of the guide device.

[0082] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the guide device 50 according to the third modified example. The third modified example of the guide device 50 differs from the second modified example of the guide device 40 shown in Figure 8 in the following ways.

[0083] The groove 42 includes a first portion 51 recessed laterally outward on the side 29 of the loading area, similar to the groove in the second modification of the guide device. The groove 42 includes a second portion 52 recessed at the outermost end of the first portion 51, either obliquely or perpendicularly to the first portion. In this example, the second portion 52 is substantially vertically upward, while the first portion 51 is substantially horizontal.

[0084] The slider 44 is configured to penetrate the groove 42 such that a first portion 53 of the slider is positioned within the first portion 51 of the groove, and a second portion 54 of the slider, which is oblique or perpendicular to the first portion 53, is positioned within the second portion 52 of the groove. When the second portion 54 of the slider 44 is positioned within the second portion 52 of the groove 42, the slider 44 can be held laterally within the groove 42.

[0085] When the first portion 53 of the slider 44 is positioned within the first portion 51 of the groove 42, the slider 44 is held vertically within the groove 42.

[0086] The slider 44 may be rounded at the joint 55 between its first portion 53 and second portion 54. The slider 44 is removed from the groove 42 by, for example, rotating the slider in the groove so that the second portion 54 of the slider moves into the first portion 51 of the groove, and then moving the slider laterally inward to remove the second portion 54 of the slider from the first portion 51 of the groove.

[0087] The frame 21 may be foldable by bending toward the bottom of the loading area and / or toward away from the bottom of the loading area, so that the slider 44 can be removed from the groove 42.

[0088] The above example shows the string being fixed to the movable element and the concealer, but it is also possible that the given string is attached to the movable element and / or concealer by, for example, one or more pulleys, so that the amount of movement of the movable element matches the amount of movement of the concealer.

[0089] The example above shows the concealer's front connection section including two mounting points, but the front connection section may also include three or more mounting points or even just one mounting point.

[0090] The aforementioned example is presented in the context of a hatch being a movable element, but other movable elements are also possible. For example, a gas spring to facilitate the movement of the hatch could function as a movable element. The extension and compression of the gas spring would correspond to the opening and closing motion.

[0091] The example above uses seats to define the boundary at the front of the rear cargo area, but other structures could also define the boundary at the front of the rear cargo area.

[0092] For example, the rear panel of the passenger compartment may define the boundary of the front end of the rear cargo area.

[0093] The aforementioned examples are presented in the context of movable elements being movable in the sense that they provide or restrict access to the cargo area for people outside the vehicle, but it is also possible for movable elements to be movable in the sense that they provide or restrict access to the cargo area for people inside the vehicle.

[0094] For example, if seats exist and define the boundaries of the cargo area, the seats themselves may be movable elements. For example, if movable seats are configured for vehicle occupants to sit on, they may be considered to be in a closed position. For example, if movable seats are folded, moved, or stored, they may be considered to be in an open position.

[0095] For example, the covers shown in Figures 1 to 4 may be retracted in response to the seats being folded toward the front of the vehicle.

[0096] The aforementioned example is presented in relation to a hatchback vehicle, but other vehicle architectures are also possible.

[0097] For example, a rear door (such as those found on vans, station wagons, or sports utility vehicles) may function as a movable element.

[0098] For example, a vehicle with a trunk (such as a sedan or coupe) may be provided with a cover that extends and retracts across the entire trunk in response to the movement of the trunk lid.

[0099] For example, vehicles with a cargo bed (such as pickup trucks) may be provided with a cover that extends and retracts across the entire cargo bed in response to the movement of the cargo bed gate.

[0100] The aforementioned example is presented in relation to the rear cargo area, but other cargo areas are also possible.

[0101] For example, the front cargo area (sometimes called the "flank") may be provided with a cover that expands and contracts in response to the movement of the front cargo area lid (sometimes called the "bonnet"). The front of the concealer may be substantially movable, and the rear of the concealer may be substantially movable. The front of the concealer may move toward the rear end of the cargo area when stowed and toward the front end of the cargo area when extended.

[0102] For example, a central loading area (accessible, for example, through the left or right door of the vehicle) includes a concealer that retracts laterally away from the door as the door opens and extends laterally toward the door as the door closes.

[0103] While the embodiments described are provided as various exemplary embodiments, it is assumed that such embodiments are combinable or, if non-contradictory, the features described in the embodiments are interchangeable. Furthermore, the features enumerated in the embodiments described are not closely related to one another unless such a relationship is explicitly shown between two given features.

[0104] Throughout the entire description, including the claims, the term “to possess” should be understood to be synonymous with “to possess at least one” unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the scope of any description, including the claims, should be understood to include its end value unless otherwise specified. It should be understood that any specific value of the described element is known to those skilled in the art and within the acceptable limits of manufacture or industry. The use of the terms “substantially” and / or “about” and / or “approximately” should be understood to mean within the acceptable limits.

[0105] While this disclosure has been described in this specification with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of this disclosure.

[0106] The specification and examples are for illustrative purposes only, and the true scope of this disclosure is intended to be indicated by the claims. The inventions disclosed herein include the following embodiments: <Aspect 1> A cover (10, 20) for the loading area (2) of a vehicle (1), A concealer (11) configured to hide a portion of the loading area of ​​the aforementioned vehicle, At least one string (12A, 12B) for connecting the concealer to the movable member (4) of the vehicle, At least one anchor (13) configured to transmit tension applied to the at least one string by the movable member to the concealer, such that the concealer deforms between an deployed state and a retracted state, A cover (10, 20) comprising the following. <Aspect 2> The concealer (11) is provided with an extension device (17) configured to bias it toward the extended state, The cover (10, 20) according to embodiment 1, wherein at least one string (12A, 12B) is configured to overcome the extender and move the concealer toward the stored state when tension is applied by the movable member (4). <Aspect 3> The cover (10, 20) according to embodiment 2, wherein the extender (17) comprises an elastic or partially elastic tensile element (9) for connecting a first portion (14R) of the concealer (11) to the surface of the loading area (2), the tensile element being configured to pull the first portion of the concealer away from the second portion (14F) of the concealer to bring the concealer into the deployed state. <Aspect 4> The cover (10, 20) according to embodiment 2, wherein the extension device (17) comprises an elastic portion of the frame (21) of the concealer (11), the portion of the frame being configured to push the first portion (14R) of the concealer away from the second portion (14F) of the concealer, thereby extending the concealer to the extended state. <Aspect 5> The first portion (12C) of at least one string (12A, 12B) is configured to be connected to the movable member (4), The second portion (12D) of at least one string is connected to the first portion (14R) of the concealer (11), and the first portion (14R) of the concealer (11) is further away from the second portion (14F) of the concealer in the deployed state than in the stored state. The cover (10, 20) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the anchor (13) is connected to at least one string in the middle of the first portion (12C) and the second portion (12D) of the at least one string (12A, 12B) such that the at least one string is movable relative to the anchor. <Aspect 6> The cover (10, 20) according to embodiment 5, wherein the anchor (13) is fixed to the second portion (14F) of the concealer (11). <Aspect 7> The cover (10, 20) according to embodiment 6, wherein the anchor (13) is fixed to the loading area (2) at a position closer to the second portion (14F) of the concealer than to the first portion (14R) of the concealer (11) when the concealer is in the deployed state. <Aspect 8> The cover (10, 20) according to any one of embodiments 2 to 7, wherein the second portion (14F) of the concealer (11) is fixed to the loading area (2). <Pattern 9> The cover (10, 20) described in Embodiment 4, combined with any one of Embodiments 4 to 8, Guide devices (22, 30, 40, 50) configured to guide the concealer (11) between the deployed state and the stored state, including guide components (23, 31, 41, 42) configured to be connected to a surface defining the loading area (2) and to guidely support the frame (21) of the concealer, and A cover assembly comprising the following: <Aspect 10> The cover assembly according to embodiment 9, wherein the guide device (40, 50) includes guide components (43, 44) connected to the concealer (11), the guide components (43, 44) are configured to be guided and supported by the guide components (41, 42) configured to be connected to the surface defining the loading area (2). <Aspect 11> A vehicle structure comprising a loading area (2) and cover (10, 20) as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 8, or a cover assembly as described in embodiment 9 or 10, The cover is configured to conceal the opening (8) of the cargo area in the deployed state and to expose the opening in the stowed state, as a vehicle structure. <Aspect 12> The vehicle structure according to embodiment 11, wherein the guide components (23, 31, 41, 42) configured to be connected to the surface defining the loading area (2) are integrally formed with the interior panel (5) of the loading area. <Aspect 13> The vehicle structure according to embodiment 11 or 12, wherein the concealer (11) is configured to enter the retracted state in response to the opening operation (7) of the movable member (4) relative to the opening (8). <Aspect 14> The vehicle structure according to any one of embodiments 11 to 13, wherein the concealer (11) is configured to be in the deployed state in response to the closing operation (6) of the movable member (4) with respect to the opening (8). <Aspect 15> A vehicle (1) comprising a cover (10, 20) as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 8, a cover assembly as described in embodiment 9 or 10, or a vehicle structure as described in any one of embodiments 11 to 14.

Claims

1. A cover (10, 20) for the loading area (2) of a vehicle (1), A concealer (11) including a flexible membrane (14) configured to conceal a portion of the cargo area of ​​the vehicle, At least one string (12A, 12B) for connecting the concealer to the movable member (4) of the vehicle, At least one anchor (13) is configured to transmit tension applied to the at least one string by the movable member to the concealer, such that the concealer deforms between an extended state that blocks the opening of the loading area (2) and a retracted state that opens the opening of the loading area (2), An extension tool (17) configured to bias the concealer (11) toward the extended state, It is equipped with, The cover (10, 20) is configured such that, when tension is applied by the movable member (4), it overcomes the extension and moves the concealer toward the stored state.

2. The cover (10, 20) according to claim 1, wherein the extender (17) comprises an elastic or partially elastic tensile element (9) for connecting a first portion (14R) of the concealer (11) to the surface of the loading area (2), the tensile element being configured to pull the first portion of the concealer away from the second portion (14F) of the concealer to bring the concealer into the deployed state.

3. The cover (10, 20) according to claim 1, wherein the extension device (17) comprises an elastic portion of the frame (21) of the concealer (11), and the portion of the frame is configured to push the first portion (14R) of the concealer away from the second portion (14F) of the concealer, thereby extending the concealer to the extended state.

4. The first portion (12C) of at least one string (12A, 12B) is configured to be connected to the movable member (4), The second portion (12D) of at least one string is connected to the first portion (14R) of the concealer (11), and the first portion (14R) of the concealer (11) is further away from the second portion (14F) of the concealer in the deployed state than in the stored state. The cover (10, 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the anchor (13) is connected to the at least one string at the middle of the first portion (12C) and the second portion (12D) of the at least one string (12A, 12B) such that the at least one string is movable relative to the anchor.

5. The cover (10, 20) according to claim 4, wherein the anchor (13) is fixed to the second portion (14F) of the concealer (11).

6. The cover (10, 20) according to claim 5, wherein the anchor (13) is fixed to the loading area (2) at a position closer to the second portion (14F) of the concealer than to the first portion (14R) of the concealer (11) when the concealer is in the deployed state.

7. The cover (10, 20) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the second portion (14F) of the concealer (11) is fixed to the loading area (2).

8. The cover (10, 20) according to claim 4, wherein the second portion (12D) of at least one string moves toward the second portion (14F) of the concealer in a direction parallel to the membrane (14) when tension is applied by the movable member (4).

9. The cover (10, 20) according to claim 3, or any one of claims 4 to 8 that references claim 3, Guide devices (22, 30, 40, 50) configured to guide the concealer (11) between the deployed state and the stored state, including guide components (23, 31, 41, 42) configured to be connected to a surface defining the loading area (2) and to guidely support the frame (21) of the concealer, and A cover assembly comprising the following:

10. The cover assembly according to claim 9, wherein the guide devices (40, 50) include guide components (43, 44) connected to the concealer (11), the guide components (43, 44) being supported in a guideable manner by the guide components (41, 42) configured to be connected to the surface defining the loading area (2).

11. A vehicle structure comprising a loading area (2) and cover (10, 20) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, or a cover assembly according to claim 9 or 10, The cover is configured to conceal the opening (8) of the cargo area in the deployed state and to expose the opening in the stowed state, as a vehicle structure.

12. The vehicle structure according to claim 11, referencing claim 9 or 10, wherein the guide components (23, 31, 41, 42) configured to be connected to the surface defining the cargo area (2) are formed integrally with the interior panel (5) of the cargo area.

13. The vehicle structure according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the concealer (11) is configured to return to the stored state in response to the opening operation (7) of the movable member (4) relative to the opening (8).

14. The vehicle structure according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the concealer (11) is configured to be in the deployed state in response to the closing operation (6) of the movable member (4) with respect to the opening (8).

15. A vehicle (1) comprising a cover (10, 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a cover assembly according to claim 9 or 10, or a vehicle structure according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

Images