DE102007008436A1 - Tonneau cover - Google Patents

Abstract

Known cargo space covers for trunk of motor vehicles are moved and handled manually or are coupled with a tailgate operation. The present invention relates to a covering device according to claim 1 of the parent patent application no. 102007005185.0 of 29 January 2007, wherein the cover (10) has a stabilizing element (28) which supports a cover (10) or a pull-out profile (20). forms, in particular when releasing from the second end position or in positions between the first and second end position. The extension profile (20) of the cover (10) is pressed by spring force of the at least partially elastically deformable stabilizing element (28) up against the guide profile (40). The arrangement is intended for use in motor vehicles, especially in combination vehicles, in which the luggage compartment forms a spatial unit with the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Description

The This patent application relates to a covering device for the Cargo or luggage room a vehicle, in particular a car, with a cover in Shape of a movable between two end positions, at least partially flexible fabric, with the features of the preamble of claim 1 of the parent application No. 10 2007 005 185.0 of January 29, 2007.

at this parent application is provided a pivot mechanism for the cover device, in which a pivoting mechanism by means of a hinge assembly to a transverse to the direction of travel of the vehicle oriented pivot axis a defined pivot angle can be moved so that the cover moved between their end positions and their statement profile simultaneously Combined linear and curved motion can describe. This pivot axis is normally in the area of the winding device, in particular arranged the winding cassette and can, for example. By a hinged suspension realized by means of a scissor mechanism movable pivot arms be.

the across from the present invention aims to provide a simplified Swing mechanism available easy to set up that works reliably and the possible includes little moving parts.

This The aim of the invention is achieved with the subject matter of claim 1. Features of advantageous developments of the invention will become apparent the dependent Claims.

A Covering device with the features of claim 1 has a stabilizing element, that one support for the Cover or for forms an extract profile, in particular when releasing from the second end position or in positions between the first and second end positions. According to the present Further development of the invention is provided that the pull-out profile the cover by means of spring force of at least partially elastic deformable stabilizing element up against the guide profile depressed becomes. It can be provided in particular that at least one articulated arm the stabilizing element is elastically deformable and relaxing th Condition the pull-out profile and / or the cover upwards against the guide profile presses. On This way, the spring force of the prestressed articulated arms respectively provide a defined bias, so that the pull-out profile against a pressed mechanical stop becomes.

The Swing arms can at least in sections made of spring steel and / or elastically deformable Be made of light metal. Optionally, the pivot arms can at least sections of a fiber-reinforced composite material, in particular made of GRP, CFK o. The like. Be made.

From Advantage can continue to be when the pivot joints of the pivot arms Allow swivel movements in more than one level. For this purpose, the Pivot arms in particular be coupled with pivot joints, the have a ball joint.

These inventive arrangement the adjustable extension profile with flexible swivel arms for support needed very few moving parts. The definable flexibility of the arms can ensure, that the cover is kept free depending on the extension length, however when reaching the guideway against the spring force of the thereby deforming lever down depressed becomes.

From Advantage may also be, if the pivot arms with their levers so coupled with each other, that they move the cover execute synchronous movements between the two end positions. Preferably feature the swivel arms over a gear coupling, which only allows symmetrical pivoting movements. In this context, it can also be provided that a synchronous running gear for the Gelenkarmansteuerung is used, which is a damping device for at least a movement direction is assigned, in particular a hydraulic attenuator or a friction brake o.

Further Features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent the following description of a preferred embodiment of Invention, which serves as a non-limiting example and on the attached Drawings reference. The same components basically have the same Reference numerals and are partially not explained several times.

1 shows a schematic perspective view of a luggage compartment cover for the luggage compartment of a motor vehicle, in which the cover is in a first end position.

2 shows another view of the cargo compartment cover according to 1 ,

3 shows the cargo compartment cover in partially extended state.

4 shows the luggage compartment cover in the extended state.

5 shows a detailed view of the depiction development of 4 ,

6 shows the load compartment cover in the fully extended state in its second end position.

7 shows another view of the cargo compartment cover according to 6 ,

8th shows another view of the cargo compartment cover according to 6 ,

9 shows a detailed view of the representation of 6 ,

10 shows a detailed view of the cargo area cover located in its first end position.

11 shows a further detail view of the cargo area cover located in its first end position.

Based on 1 to 11 Embodiments of the covering device according to the invention for the loading or luggage compartment of a vehicle will be described below. The figures show partially different views and positions of the cover device movable between two end positions or their flexible fabric.

The schematic perspective view of 1 shows a covering device according to the invention 10 , which forms a luggage compartment cover of a vehicle, and which is simultaneously combined with a partition wall. This is behind the backrests of the rear seats 50 attached to the vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the partition, not shown, for example. Be formed from a net-like fabric or fabric, which is wound on a winding roll, wherein the winding roll in a receiving holder 12 located. This box 12 is in the illustrated embodiment with a further receiving holder 14 combined, the winding roll 16 for the cargo compartment cover. The cargo compartment cover 10 consists of an at least partially flexible sheet 18 which can at least partially be rolled up. The front in the extension direction or in the direction of travel of the vehicle rear Stirnendbereich 20 of the fabric 18 consists of a dimensionally stable material, for example. A solid plastic, and has a recessed grip 24 on, where the user can manually move the luggage compartment cover. At the end of the cover 20 is also the investment management in the form of the side of the dimensionally stable end portion 20 arranged sliding or rolling elements, hereinafter referred to as guide rollers 26 be designated.

Alternatively, the free end 20 Also be designed as a rod o. Ä., At the investment management in the form of each side guide rollers 26 is appropriate. For easier handling of the rod, for example, it may have a grip loop or the like.

Furthermore, the shows 1 the contour part, on which the loading cover by means of investment management 26 is guided along. This contour part is designed such that it has an opening radius in the direction of the second end position. The contour part forms a guide profile 40 where the guide rollers 26 along to slide from the first end position in the defined second end position (see. 6 to 9 ) to get. The leadership profile 40 is an integral part of a vehicle interior lining, behind a side window 42 of the vehicle is arranged as a vertical interior trim. The leadership profile 40 is essentially formed by a curved contact edge whose radius of curvature increases in the rear direction and describes a downward curve. The guide profile finally leads into a horizontally extending guide slot 44 that have a minimum width for holding the guide roller 26 so that it can slide in the rear end stop, in which it by means of a locking pin 46 fixed or can be optionally released. Below the locking pin 46 indicates the guidance 44 however, an extension down to, so the cover 10 also manually from its second end position can be brought by the end portion 20 is pressed down slightly.

The 1 and 2 show the covering device according to the invention 10 with rolled-up fabric 18 so that the cover in its first end position near the top edge of the backrest 50 located. The load compartment floor 52 the vehicle is visible in this first end position of the cover freely from the outside, which may be undesirable under certain circumstances. For this reason, the cover can be brought into its second end position, in which the cargo space completely covered and the ground 52 is no longer visible. While the 1 a view of the cover 10 from obliquely illustrated above, shows the 2 a view of the loading cover obliquely from below, wherein a stabilizing element 28 or a stiffening device can be clearly seen. In the stabilizing element 28 These are essentially two two-part swivel arms 30 with a total of three pivoting and / or rotatable or sliding guides movable joints that allow a pivoting movement in a defined plane. In 2 are the two swing arms 30 visible, their two levers 32 and 33 each are folded. The first lever 32 is on a bracket 34 hinged to the recording cassette 14 for the winding roll 16 is fixed and pivotable at the other end with the second lever 33 connected, the other end in turn with a connecting plate 29 pivotally connected to the underside of the elongated, flat end portion 20 of the flexible fabric 18 is fixed.

The directions and movements of the guide rollers 26 are illustrated by a few arrows. A guideway of the rollers 26 initially runs from the retracted state of the cover or the end portion or extract profile 20 obliquely against the direction of travel to the rear, until the role 26 the surface of the laterally located in the panel guide profile 40 reached and touched. Due to the biasing force of the cover 10 or the stabilization device 28 to the top are the extract profile 20 and the roles 26 during the further course of movement in the direction of the second end position permanently upwards to the guide profile 40 pressed until the cover 10 and the flexible sheet 18 is largely horizontal and the role in the horizontal section of the guide slot 44 dips. There the rollers reach 26 the rear end stop, which is also the second end position for the now closed cover 10 Are defined.

The swivel range, which is indicated by a further arrow, illustrates the maximum swivel angle to the pull-out profile 20 together with the Sta bilisierungseinrichtung about a horizontal pivot axis is pivotable. This horizontal pivot axis extends in the horizontal direction and transverse to the vehicle longitudinal direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the winding roll 16 , The broken arrows finally clarify the extension directions of the investment profile 20 and the roles attached to it 26 between the first end position and the achievement of the guidance profile 40 , so the linear extension area, as long as the rollers are not yet on the guide profile 40 issue.

Through a defined flexibility of the swivel arms 30 or the two levers 32 and 33 can the stabilizer 28 and thus the extendable part of the cover 10 pivot. The two levers 32 and 33 are thus not only pivotable within a plane that of the holder 34 in connection with the interaction of leadership roles 26 and the leadership profile 40 is given, but allow the movement of the cover along a curved track by their flexibility and by the design of their joints.

The retracted state of the luggage compartment cover is referred to below as the first end position. When pulling the cover from the first end position, the pivot arms are stretched until the investment management 26 in the contour part 40 engages (central position) and is guided by this in the second horizontal end position. Based on 3 and 4 the direction of movement of the cover is clarified when this from its first end position ( 1 and 2 ) into its second end position ( 6 to 9 ) should be brought. The stabilizing element 28 ensures during the pull-out as well as during a withdrawal movement of the fabric 18 at any time for its stabilization, without parts of the cover or the end section 20 sag downwards. The two pairs of levers 32 and 33 are pivoted in the pull-out movement from their initially folded position, where they can bend controlled due to their inherent flexibility. The predetermined preload of the resilient lever 32 and 33 First, make sure that the extension direction of the cover 10 in the direction of the second end position, that runs counter to the direction of travel of the vehicle obliquely above.

In the position accordingly 3 is the end section 20 free in the room and is only from the swivel levers 32 and 33 the stabilization device 28 held. When the cover is extended further, the two guide rollers finally come 26 on both sides of the end section 20 in contact with management profile 40 which defines the further extension movement of the cover. The schematic representation of 4 illustrates the contacting of the guide rollers 26 with the guide profile 40 , The two levers 32 and 33 are already noticeably bent. The defined flexibility of the lever 32 and 33 ensures that the leadership roles 26 in the further course of movement in the direction of the second, horizontal end position upwards to the guide profile 40 be pressed and there can slide in steady contact along. The presentation of the 6 again shows the cover in its second end position obliquely from below, in which the guide rollers 26 in contact with the leadership profile 40 are and in the other episode in the guide curve are guided obliquely behind and below.

The schematic representation of 7 clarified in a further view, the extended in the direction of the second end position cover, which is already in a horizontal position, wherein the guide rollers 26 within the first and then horizontally and laterally obliquely downwardly and rearwardly extending guide slot 44 are located. The two pairs of levers 32 and 33 the stabilization device 28 are already almost stretched in this position, but clearly curved.

The presentation of the 9 further shows a detailed view of the present in its second end position in a horizontal extension position cover, wherein the flexible sheet 18 largely from the winding roll 16 unrolled and from their Kas sette pulled out. The two leadership roles 26 are here in the rear, slightly sloping down area of the guide slot 44 , In the presentation of 9 becomes clear that the leadership role 26 in the downwardly extended area of the guide slot 44 , below one possibly in the upper area of the guide slot 44 arranged locking pin (not shown) over and in the rear end position can slide. From this end position, the cover can be brought manually at any time by the end portion 20 pushed forward in the direction of travel, causing the guide rollers 26 can dip underneath the locking pins and move forward. In their second end position are the levers 32 and 33 the stabilization device 28 largely stretched and at the same time support the flexible sheet 18 downwards so that it can not sag appreciably downwards even if tension is insufficient.

The in 3 indicated locking pin 72 can with the tailgate of the vehicle (not shown) for the pull-out profile 20 not manu ell moved up and forward and the cover 10 can be unlocked mechanically from the second end position. This may be desirable, for example, with the tailgate closed and the rear window to be opened separately, so that the cover 10 can only be opened with the tailgate open or optionally with controlled activation of the locking pin or opens automatically after unlocking by spring force or with motor support.

The figures show an example of a variant with a continuous connection plate 29 , Here you can choose the pull-out profile 20 from the connection plate 29 be resolved, but the leadership roles 26 on the extract profile 20 should remain, otherwise the definition of the cover 10 in its second end position by means of the guide slot 44 as well as in cooperation with the locking pins and / or the locking pins 72 would require an additional component.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention is a motor drive (not shown) for the extension movement of the cover 10 provided in the second end position, in particular an electric motor drive. Optionally, a hydraulic, pneumatic or other type of drive can be provided. This drive can be pressed for a closing movement of the cover 10 provide in the second end position, while the opening movement can be done either mechanically or by motor. In a mechanical, automatic closing movement, a spring device within the winding roll is required, which is for an automatic retraction movement of the flexible sheet 18 ensures as soon as the leadership roles 26 out of the guide 44 can slide, or as soon as the locking pin the guide rollers 26 release. The spring tension in the holder 34 now ensures during the closing movement of the first end position in the direction of the second end position that the cover 10 together with the associated stabilization device 28 runs obliquely upwards until the guide rollers 26 to the leadership profile 40 approach or touch this. The downward curve of the integrated in the interior trim of the vehicle guide profile 40 now ensures that the further extending cover 10 along the guideway 40 is pressed down against the tension of the flexible lever 32 and 33 until the leadership roles 26 finally in the rear end region of the guide profile 40 the horizontal backwards or obliquely downwardly extending guide slot 44 reach, with which the second end position is reached.

The retraction movement can optionally - as already mentioned - also motor or manually or automatically done, which can be done by the spring bias of the winding roll. The drive for the extension movement can in this case, for example. Via a freewheel device o. The like. Have, so that the automatic retraction movement can be done in the open first end position without disturbing resistance by pure spring biasing force. Again, during the return movement, the spring bias of the spring elements in the holder ensures again 34 for the movement of the cover 10 first up, along the guideway 40 until the leadership roles 26 in a middle area, finally, from the guide profile 40 stand out and together with the end area 20 the cover towards the receiving bracket 14 and the winding roll 16 move.

The second lever 33 are preferably by means of ball joints 36 at the connection plate 29 or on the extract profile 20 stored so that the profile 20 or the plate 29 regardless of the location of the lever 33 can be pivoted, as this example. In the 10 and 11 is indicated. Preferably, the connection joints between the first and second levers 32 and 33 sufficiently flexible, so that the movements shown are not hindered by too rigid joints. The joints of the first lever 32 on the bracket 34 however, should allow only one pivotal movement in a plane so that the flexible levers can perform their supporting task properly.

Furthermore, it can be provided that a not shown in the embodiments shown tailgate of the vehicle with suitable locking pins 72 coupled or sol che, preferably the guide rollers 26 or the end section 20 the cover 10 appropriately engage, leaving the cover 10 remains fixed in its second end position. This in the horizontal direction and in the vehicle longitudinal direction movable back and forth locking pins 72 are in 3 indicated. They can, for example, be moved by an electric motor, electromagnetically or in some other way. In this way, an intentional or unintentional unlocking of the cover 10 be prevented by the end section 20 is pressed down manually. In the case of a separately open rear window with the tailgate still closed, it may, for example, be desirable for the cover to be desirable 10 can not be accidentally opened. In this case, with the tailgate closed unlocking the cover 10 only possible because the locking pins are pivoted upwards or pulled and in this way the guide slot 44 release. However, if this feature is disabled and the locking pins 72 with closed tailgate, the guide rollers 26 do not dodge down, the cover remains 10 locked in its second end position. Usually the locking pins 72 moved rearward by opening the tailgate, leaving it out of the engagement area of the guide link 44 to be pulled. This also allows the leadership roles 26 not with the pins anymore 72 collide; the cover 10 can thus be opened by the end portion or the pull-out profile 20 pressed down and the cover 10 together with the flexible part 18 and the profile 20 through the return spring in the direction of the winding roll 16 pulled and the surface section 18 there is wound up.

A further advantageous variant of the covering device according to the invention not shown in the figures may consist in that the flexible surface element 18 and the stiffer rear end portion 20 or the extract profile 20 from the stabilizer 28 can be solved, which also serves as a guide. For relatively bulky luggage, usually with the stabilizer linkage levers 28 collide and closing the cover 10 could possibly prevent the flexible surface element 18 be closed alone without the stabilization 28 is pulled out. For this it is necessary that the stabilization device 28 is provided with releasable connections, for example. With snap locks on a continuous connection plate 29 , so that optionally a separation of the connecting plate 29 on which the toggle lever 30 are articulated, from the extract profile 20 can be done. The surface element 18 can be pulled over the luggage in this case, where it may bulge upwards. Because the leadership roles 26 continue at the end section or on the pull-out profile 20 are arranged, the cover can be closed without the stabilizing element 28 is moved to the second end position.

The special advantage of the in the 1 to 11 illustrated variant with the largely rigid to the holder 34 hinged, but otherwise flexibly formed and flexibly interconnected lever 30 is that no elaborate support and spring device is necessary, but that the desired course of movement of the cover between their end positions can be ensured by the flexibility and defined deflection of the lever. There are only very few moving parts required and the entire kinematics is relatively simple, so robust and trouble-prone, making it suitable for a longer-lasting use over a lifetime of a motor vehicle.

As material for the flexible levers 32 and 33 For example, spring steel, a suitable light metal alloy or composite material, for example glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) or carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is suitable.

The The invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Much more is a variety of variants and modifications conceivable by the idea according to the invention Use and therefore also fall within the scope of protection.

The invention relates to the load compartment cover 10 and can also be used without combination with a partition.

10

covering

12

receiving holder

14

receiving holder

16

Winding roller / roller blind body

18

flexible Sheet / flexible cover

20

End / pull-

24

Grip / handle cut

26

Leadership / Barge / Konturabtaster

28

stabilizing element

29

connecting plate

30

Pivot / hinge arm

32

first lever

33

second lever

34

bracket

36

ball joint

40

guide profile

41

guide rail

42

side window

44

guide link

50

Rear seat back

52

Load floor

72

locking pin

Claims (10)

Covering device according to claim 1 of the parent patent application no. 10 2007 005 185.0 of 29 January 2007, wherein the cover ( 10 ) a stabilizing element ( 28 ) having a support for the cover ( 10 ) or for an extract profile ( 20 ), in particular when releasing from the second end position or in positions between the first and second end position, characterized in that the extension profile ( 20 ) of the cover ( 10 ) by means of spring force of the at least partially elastically deformable stabilizing element ( 28 ) upwards against the guide profile ( 40 ) is pressed. Covering device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one articulated arm ( 30 ) of the stabilizing element ( 28 ) is elastically deformable and in the relaxed state the pull-out profile ( 20 ) and / or the cover ( 10 ) upwards against the guide profile ( 40 ) presses. Covering device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spring force of the prestressed articulated arms ( 30 ) provides a defined preload and the extract profile ( 20 ) presses against a mechanical stop. Cover device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivot arms ( 30 ) with their levers ( 32 . 33 ) are coupled to each other in such a way that during movements of the cover ( 10 ) perform synchronous movements between the two end positions. Cover device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivot arms ( 30 ) are at least partially made of spring steel and / or elastically deformable light metal. Cover device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivot arms ( 30 ) are at least partially made of a fiber-reinforced composite material, in particular of fiberglass, CFK o. The like. Are made. Cover device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivot joints of the pivot arms ( 30 ) Allow pivoting movements in more than one plane. Cover device according to claim 7, characterized in that the pivot arms ( 30 ) are coupled with pivot joints, which have a ball joint. Cover device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivot arms ( 30 ) have a transmission coupling, which only allows symmetrical pivoting movements. Covering device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that a synchronously running transmission for the Gelenkarmansteuerung is used, which is a damping device for at least a movement direction is assigned, in particular a hydraulic attenuator or a friction brake o.