EP3299308A1 - Foldable load carrier and method for providing a foldable load carrier - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a folding load carrier (1) with a bottom group (2), at least one first post group (3) and a second post group (4), which are each connected by means of a rotation axis (6, 7) movable with the bottom group (2) , and with a roof group (5) which is movably connected by means of a rotation axis (18) with one of the two pillar groups (3, 4). According to the invention, the charge carrier (1) has a first gas spring (11) for supporting a first folding movement (13) of the first and / or second pillar groups (3, 4) along the respective associated rotary axis (6, 7) and a second gas spring (22) for supporting a second folding movement (21) of the roof group (5) along its axis of rotation (18). The invention further relates to a method for providing a folding load carrier (1).

Description

The present invention relates to a hinged load carrier having a bottom group, at least one first pillar group and a second pillar group, which are each connected by means of a rotation axis movable with the bottom group, and with a roof group, which is connected by means of a Rotationsache with at least one of the two pillar groups ,

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for providing a folding load carrier with a bottom group, a first post group, a second post group and a roof group in which the two post groups are each moved about an axis of rotation in a vertical position or a first holding position and the roof group about an axis of rotation is moved relative to the rooftop group connected to the first or second post group in a horizontal position or a second holding position.

Such charge carriers are well known from the prior art. As a rule, charge carriers are used to transport components, with the empty load carrier having to be brought to its new location after unloading the components. For this purpose, it is expedient to fold the empty load carrier or to fold, so that this takes up as little space for transport. At the new site, the carrier is unfolded to be refilled. Due to the necessary stability of such carriers, they usually have a relatively high weight, so that the unfolding process for the contracting staff is feasible only under difficult conditions.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a carrier with improved ergonomics.

The object is achieved by a hinged charge carrier and a method for providing a hinged charge carrier according to the independent patent claims.

Proposed is a folding load carrier with a bottom group, at least a first pillar group and a second pillar group. The two stayer groups are each connected by means of a rotation axis movable with the bottom group. The charge carrier furthermore comprises a roof group. The roof group is connected by means of a rotation axis movable with one of the two stayer groups. To support a first folding movement of the first and / or second pillar group about the respective associated axis of rotation of the charge carrier comprises a first gas spring. To support a second folding movement of the roof group along its axis of rotation, the charge carrier comprises a second gas spring.

At least two different states are preferably provided for the charge carrier. On the one hand, the charge carrier is in an unfolded state for the transport of components to their destination. On the other hand, the load carrier is in a folded state for its own transport to its place of use. The charge carrier preferably has a smaller volume in the folded state than in the unfolded state. In the folded state, the bottom group is preferably arranged in the vertical direction at the lowest point. The two pillar groups are rotated about the respective axis of rotation, so that they are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction, in particular folded. One of the two stayer groups is connected to the roof group via the rotation axis. The roof group is preferably arranged in the folded state between the associated Stehergruppe and the floor group. In particular, the first folding movement of the roof group Connected Stehergruppe is extremely difficult to carry out, since in addition to the own weight of the Stehergruppe that of the roof group must be raised. The first gas spring is preferably designed to at least partially neutralize the weight of the stayer group connected to the roof group, so that the first folding movement can be carried out with significantly reduced expenditure of force. The first or second upright group, which is not connected to the roof group, can be manually raised to build up the load carrier. In principle, it is also conceivable that the charge carrier has an additional gas spring for lifting the first or second upright group not connected to the roof group.

After lifting the two stayer groups, the roof group is initially preferably still arranged almost parallel or slightly oblique to the associated Stehergruppe, in particular folded on this. So that the charge carrier is provided fully unfolded, the roof group must be raised by the rotation thing, so that it is arranged substantially horizontally. This second folding movement is now supported by the second gas spring, so that the high weight of the roof group, to which preferably means for receiving components are provided, is at least partially neutralized. The entire folding process can thus be carried out very ergonomically, since the force required for this purpose is significantly reduced by the two gas springs. Likewise, the folding of the charge carrier by the first and second gas spring can be supported.

Advantageously, the first gas spring is in operative connection with at least one of the two pillar groups, in particular with that of the first pillar group. By the operative connection, preferably the first folding movement of the post group connected to the roof group relative to the floor group executable. The first gas spring preferably has at least one cylinder with a piston. The cylinder is preferably with the connected to the roof group Stehergruppe and the piston connected to the bottom group. To push the piston out of the cylinder and thus trigger the first folding movement, the piston is released in the cylinder, whereby the piston is pushed out by the prevailing in the cylinder pressure from this. By pushing out the cylinder at the same time the stayer group is pushed upwards. If, on the other hand, the charge carrier is to be folded up again, the piston is pushed back into the piston, so that the associated group of stanchions is lowered by executing the first folding movement. Depending on the weight and design of the load carrier, the upright groups and the bottom group can be in operative connection with several gas springs. Likewise, it can be individually determined how much the first folding movement should be supported by the first gas spring. Thus, the first gas spring, the weight completely or only partially compensate. Furthermore, it is conceivable that both stayer groups are each in operative connection with a gas spring. By the first gas spring, the weight of the connected to the roof group Stehergruppe is compensated, so that the installation of the charge carrier can be done with significantly reduced effort.

It is advantageous if the second gas spring is at least in operative connection with the roof group and the first post group or the second post group. As a result, the second folding movement of the roof group with respect to the associated Stehergruppe executable. The second gas spring preferably has at least one cylinder with a piston. The cylinder is preferably connected to the roof group and the piston to the upright group. Upon actuation of the second gas spring, the piston is pushed out of the cylinder, whereby the roof group is raised to perform the second folding movement. If required, several gas springs can be in operative connection with the roof group and the respective upright group. Similarly, the strength of the weight balance can be set individually to achieve optimal ergonomic success.

The first folding movement of the first and / or second pillar group preferably extends from a substantially horizontal position of the respective pillar group into a substantially vertical position of the pillar group. A first holding position is preferably achieved in the horizontal position. It is an advantage if the first and / or second pillar group by means of the first gas spring in this first holding position of the first folding movement is durable. Basically, both stayer groups can have such a gas spring. For this purpose, the piston is blocked in the cylinder of the first gas spring, so that the pillar group connected to the piston is held in the desired position, in particular the first holding position. As a result, injuries during assembly and / or dismantling of the charge carrier can be prevented because the respective pillar group is held almost automatically in the holding position when the person commissioned with the set-up releases the pillar group by mistake.

The roof group is moved from a substantially vertical position, which runs parallel or slightly oblique to the post group connected to the roof group, in a substantially horizontal position, in particular parallel to the floor group, or vice versa. This movement defines the second folding movement about the axis of rotation. It is advantageous if the roof group by means of the second gas spring in a second holding position of the second folding movement is durable. Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous if the roof group is durable by means of a holding mechanism in the second holding position of the second folding movement. The second holding position can be positioned in the region of the entire second folding movement. If the employee has to interrupt the erection process, for example, the roof group does not fall back into its vertical position, but remains in the current position, in particular in the second holding position, due to the corresponding design of the second gas spring. Damage to the load carrier is thereby prevented. With the holding mechanism, the roof group can preferably be fixed folded on the upright group, so that the roof group when folding of the carrier can not move unintentionally. In this case, the second stop position is already reached in the starting point of the second folding movement. As a result, the transport of the charge carrier itself is facilitated.

In order to be able to hold the first and / or second post groups operatively connected to the first gas spring as described in a first holding position along the movement radius of the first folding movement, it is advantageous if the first gas spring is designed as a blocking gas spring. Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous if the standing with the roof group in operative connection second gas spring is designed as a blocking gas spring. Blocking gas springs preferably allow the associated components, in particular the two post groups and / or the roof group, to be blocked in any desired holding position. The blocking can be arbitrarily solved and operated. As a result, a controlled and, in particular, power-saving construction of the charge carrier is made possible. Thus, for example, the roof group can be folded around the axis of rotation to the stayer group and held there, even without the use of an additional holding mechanism.

When folded, the two stayer groups, the roof group and the floor group are preferably arranged horizontally and folded over each other. In order to raise the first or second stayer group connected to the roof group, it is advantageous if the first gas spring is a self-locking gas spring. Selbstarretierende gas springs are preferably characterized by the fact that the piston can be detected mechanically in its retracted position. By applying pressure to the self-locking gas spring associated Sthergruppe the lock is released, so that the gas spring extends automatically. As a result, the stayer group is almost automatically offset in the first folding movement and thus raised. The person who is to provide the carrier can thus preferably only with his foot on with the self-locking Tilt the gas spring into an engaged group of posts so that it is pressed down slightly to trigger the first folding movement. It is therefore no longer necessary that the operator must stoop down to raise the stayer group under great effort. Likewise, the second gas spring may be formed as a self-locking gas spring to simply raise the roof group. The ergonomics of the load carrier is positively influenced by the corresponding design of the first and / or second gas spring.

Likewise, the roof group can be fixed by means of the holding mechanism in the folded state on the upright group. The holding mechanism is advantageously a belt, Velcro or hooks. The holding mechanism is preferably formed on the connected to the roof group Stehergruppe and on the roof group itself.

In order to release the first and / or second posture group from the respective first holding position and to trigger the first folding movement, it is advantageous if this is done by the actuation of a release mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, it is also advantageous if the roof group can be released by actuating a release mechanism for receiving the second folding movement from the second holding position. The release mechanism is preferably a Bowden cable. The Bowden cable can be designed as a direct or indirect release mechanism. The direct Bowden cable is preferably formed by a release button with lever, by means of which the respective gas spring is triggered. The indirect Bowden cable comprises an actuating unit, which is arranged at a distance from the gas springs, and the Bowden cable itself. Via the Bowden cable, a trigger head is activated as a result of actuation of the actuating unit, so that the respective gas spring is triggered. The folding and positioning of the charge carrier can be done by the release mechanism very simple and ergonomic.

So that the pillar groups are reliably held in the unfolded state, the bottom group in the region of the axes of rotation of the two pillar groups each have a releasable axle connection. The two uprights are raised to perform the first folding movement and rotated substantially 90 degrees about the axis of rotation until they have reached a vertical position of the first folding movement. The detachable axle connection is designed in such a way that the respectively assigned upright group engages in the axle connection and is held in the vertical position.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the charge carrier comprises a third gas spring. The folding movement of the first posture group is preferably divided into two force ranges. In the first force range, in particular at the beginning of the first folding movement, an increased effort is required to raise the first group of stakes. To assist the first folding movement in this first force range, the third gas spring is connected to the first post group and the bottom group. Here, the range of action of the third gas spring is limited to this first force range in which the highest load occurs. In the second force range, which occurs towards the end of the first folding movement, a lesser amount of force is required to fully move the first group of stanchions into their first holding position. When the effective range of the third gas spring ends, the first gas spring is activated. The first gas spring acts with a lower force than the third gas spring, since the force in the second force range is to be set lower than in the first force range. The third gas spring is effective in the second force range, in particular by the limited effective range. The first force range is preferably described by the first two thirds of the first folding movement, whereas the second force range is described by the last third of the folding movement. By the third gas spring, it is possible to selectively act different forces in the different power ranges to make the opening and closing of the cargo container as simple as possible.

Advantageously, the third gas spring via a boundary, in particular a rail or a slot, connected to the floor assembly. This makes it possible, for example. that the action of the third gas spring or its stops can be changed depending on the position of attachment of the third gas spring in the boundary. The limitation allows a shift of the attachment point of the third gas spring in the floor assembly and causes, for example, that when fully off or retracted gas spring Stehergruppe can be moved further by the attachment point is moved within the limit.

Another advantage is when the roof group and the stayer group, which is not connected via the axis of rotation with the roof group, are connected by a releasable attachment mechanism. The roof group is thereby held in a horizontal position of the second folding movement. The horizontal position of the roof group is preferably achieved after the first or second post group connected to the roof group has been raised, preferably engaged in the detachable axle connection of the underbody and the roof group has been raised upwards along the second folding movement until it is aligned substantially parallel to the floor assembly , In this horizontal position of the roof group, the axis of rotation opposite side of the roof group is connected to the other Stehergruppe. Thus, for example, the roof group on the axis of rotation with the first Stehergruppe and by means of the releasable attachment mechanism with the second Stehergruppe. In this case, preferably the roof group and the second post group comprise a part of the attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism is preferably a spring latch. The charge carrier thus has a high stability.

It is advantageous if the support of the first gas spring in the first folding movement is regulated by a controller. Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous if the support of the second gas spring is adjustable with the controller. The controller preferably comprises at least one actuating element, by means of which the input and / or Ausschubgeschwindigkeit the first and / or second gas spring can be influenced. This allows the user to individually determine the support of the two gas springs when setting up or folding the load carrier.

Another advantage is when the carrier has a flexible Innengefache for receiving components. The Innengefache is preferably removed from the charge carrier.

Also proposed is a method for providing a foldable charge carrier with a bottom group, at least a first and a second upright group and a roof group. The two post groups are each moved about an axis of rotation in a vertical position or a first stop position. The roof group is moved about an axis of rotation relative to the first or second post group connected to the roof group in a horizontal position or a second holding position. The movement of the first or second post group connected to the roof group and / or the movement of the roof group are assisted by means of a first gas spring and / or a second gas spring. The charge carrier is designed according to the preceding description, wherein said features may be present individually or in any combination.

In the folded state, the bottom group, the two upright groups and the roof group are preferably arranged one above the other in the vertical direction. In this case, the first pillar group is preferably connected to the roof group via the axis of rotation. The roof group is folded to the first Stehergruppe, the first Stehergruppe and the roof group are folded together on the axis of rotation of the first Stehergruppe on the floor group. The second upright group is pivoted about its axis of rotation, so that it is substantially vertical in relation to the above the roof group connected second Stehergruppe is arranged. It is also conceivable that the second post group is placed directly above the floor group and above it the first post group connected to the roof group. The order of arrangement of the two pillar groups in the vertical direction is irrelevant to the mode of operation of the charge carrier.

To set up the charge carrier, the overhead second upright group is first manually pivoted upwards, wherein it preferably engages in an axle connection of the underbody. The second upright group is thus moved from a horizontal position to the vertical position, whereby preferably the first folding movement is defined. In the vertical position, the second pillar group is preferably fixed, so that it can not accidentally fold down. In the course of the associated with the roof group first Stehergruppe is folded around its axis of rotation upwards. In this case, the first pillar group is preferably moved from the substantially horizontal position in the folded state of the charge carrier in its vertical position. For fixing the first pillar group this preferably also engages in an axle connection of the floor pan. This first folding movement of the first Stehergruppe is supported by the first gas spring according to the invention. The first gas spring neutralises the common weight of the first stayer group and the associated roof group.

The roof group is now in the vertical position together with the first post group, the roof group preferably being folded onto the first post group. For complete construction of the load carrier, the roof group is raised along its axis of rotation until it is in its horizontal position. The rotation of the roof group from the vertical position to the horizontal position preferably defines the second folding movement. The lifting of the roof group is supported according to the invention by the second gas spring. The weight of the roof group will be At least partially balanced by the second gas spring, so that this step with little effort is feasible. The installation of the load carrier can be done almost automatically by the two gas spring, so that the dangers of overloading the staff are significantly reduced.

It is advantageous if the first or second post group connected to the roof group is held in the first holding position by the first gas spring. The first gas spring is advantageously releasably locked. The first gas spring is configured such that its piston locks in the cylinder when the piston is pressed into the cylinder. Likewise, the first gas spring may be designed to block, in order to keep the respective post group in the intended holding position. This avoids that the stayer groups can unintentionally release from their holding position.

To further improve the ergonomics of the load carrier, it is an advantage if the locking of the first gas spring dissolves when it is pressed. The post group connected to the roof group is thus moved from the first holding position to the vertical position.

Figur 1

eine Vorderansicht eines zusammengeklappten Ladungsträgers,

Figur 2

eine Vorderansicht eines ersten Schritts vom Aufbau des Ladu ngsträgers,

Figur 3

eine Vorderansicht eines zweiten Schritt vom Aufbau des Ladu ngsträgers,

Figur 4

eine Vorderansicht eines dritten Schritts zum Aufbau des Ladungsträgers,

Figur 5

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Ladungsträgers,

Figur 6

eine Seitenansicht des Ladungsträgers, und

Figur 7

eine Vorderansicht eines alternativen Ausführungsbeispiels des Ladungsträgers.

Further advantages of the invention are described in the following exemplary embodiments. It shows:

FIG. 1

a front view of a folded load carrier,

FIG. 2

a front view of a first step of the construction of the load carrier,

FIG. 3

a front view of a second step of the construction of the load carrier,

FIG. 4

a front view of a third step for the construction of the charge carrier,

FIG. 5

a perspective view of the carrier,

FIG. 6

a side view of the carrier, and

FIG. 7

a front view of an alternative embodiment of the charge carrier.

The FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a folded charge carrier 1. The charge carrier 1 comprises a bottom group 2, a first pillar group 3, a second pillar group 4 and a roof group 5. The first pillar group 3 is rotatably connected via a first axis of rotation 6 with the bottom group 2. The second pillar group 4 is connected via a second axis of rotation 7 rotatably connected to the bottom group 2. In the region of the two axes of rotation 6, 7, the bottom group 2 each have a first axle connection 8 and a second axle connection 9. The two axle 8, 9 are each formed by two U-profiles 34, which are arranged one behind the other in the sheet direction. The two pillars 3, 4 each have a frame 35 (see. Fig. 5 ) arranged round or square profiles 36. The frame 35 is rotatable about the respectively associated first or second rotation axis 6, 7 relative to the bottom group 2. In the region of the two axes of rotation 6, 7, the axle 8, 9 not shown in detail locking means 37, which correspond respectively to the two pillar groups 3, 4, in particular the adjacent thereto frame part, so that the respective pillar group 3, 4, as in the FIG. 4 represented, can be held by the locking means 37 in the two axle 8, 9. The two pillars 3, 4 are in a horizontal position 10 and are arranged substantially one above the other. In this case, are the axle 8, 9, in particular the U-profiles 34, formed so high that the two pillars groups 3, 4 and the roof group 5 in the folded Condition of the carrier 1 can be completely absorbed. Thus, none of the components protrudes beyond the height of the axle connections 8, 9, as a result of which the charge carrier 1 has a very compact design.

The charge carrier 1 also has at least one first gas spring 11 and a second gas spring 22. The first gas spring 11 is connected to the first post group 3 and the bottom group 2, so that the first post group 3 can be raised and lowered about its axis of rotation 6. The first gas spring 11 is designed to neutralize the weight of the indirectly and / or directly connected components, in particular the first post group 3 and the roof group 5. The second gas spring 22 is connected to the first post group 3 and the roof group 5. The roof group 5 is rotatably connected to the first pillar group 3 about a rotation axis 18. The lifting and / or lowering of the roof group 5 is supported by the second gas spring 22.

In order to set up the charge carrier 1, first the overhead first or second upright group 3, 4 is raised. In the FIG. 2 the second pillar group 4 is arranged above the first pillar group 3. Likewise, the first pillar group 3 could be arranged below the second pillar group 4. The second posture group 4 is raised and moved from the horizontal position 10 to a vertical position 12. For fixing the second pillar group 4, this preferably engages in the second axle joint 9 of the floor assembly 2. The movement of the second posture group 4 from the horizontal position 10 into the vertical position 12 describes a first folding movement 13, which is indicated by an arrow.

In order to fold the charge carrier 1 again, the first folding movement 13 is carried out in the opposite direction, so that the second stake group 4 is lowered from the vertical position 12 into the horizontal position 10. For this purpose, the second axle connection 9 between the floor assembly 2 and the second support group 4 is previously released.

The FIG. 3 shows a third step of the construction of the charge carrier 1. The second pillar group 4 is held in the vertical position 12. The first upright group 3 and roof group 5 are initially arranged in the horizontal position 10. The first pillar 3 is operatively connected to the first gas spring 11, so that its weight is substantially neutralized during lifting. The first gas spring 11 is designed as a self-locking gas spring 14. In order to actuate the self-locking gas spring 14 and thus trigger the first folding movement 13 of the first pillar group 3, the first pillar group 3 must be pressed down along a z-axis. As a result, a detent, not shown, of the self-locking gas spring 14, so that a first piston 15 is pushed out of a first cylinder 16 of the self-locking gas spring 14 is released. The first piston 15 is connected to the bottom group 2 and the first cylinder 16 to the first pillar group 3. When the first piston 15 extends out of the first cylinder 16, at the same time the first pillar group 3 is pushed upwards. By executing the first folding movement 13 about the first axis of rotation 6, the first pillar group 3 is raised from its horizontal position 10 into the vertical position 12.

Along the first folding movement 13, the first pillar group 3 can, if necessary, in a first holding position 17, which in the FIG. 3 is shown dashed, held. The first holding position 17 preferably occupies the first post group 3 in the horizontal position 10. In principle, any further holding position 17 would be conceivable for the convenient construction and dismantling of the load carrier 1. Thus, the charge carrier, for example, according to the FIG. 4 a Innengefache 29, which warp when folding up the first Stehergruppe 3 and thereby block the structure of the charge carrier 1. To eliminate the unwanted blockage, the first upright group 3 can be positioned in the first holding position 17. For this purpose, the first piston 15 is locked in the first cylinder 16, so that the first posture group 3 can no longer be raised. After the mistake has been resolved, the locking of the first piston 15, in particular by briefly pressing the first piston 15 of the first gas spring 11, are released, so that the first folding movement 13 is carried out further. For reasons of clarity, the self-locking gas spring 14 is shown only in the horizontal position 10 and the vertical position 12. Of course, the upright group 3 also in the first holding position 17, the first gas spring 11, in particular the self-locking gas spring 14, on. The first holding position 17 can be taken along the entire folding movement 13, as well in the vertical position 12 and in the horizontal position 10. In the vertical position 12, the first group of stanchions 3 engage in the detachable first axle connection 8 of the underbody.

The roof group 5 is in FIG. 3 Folded to the first Stehergruppe 3 and is with her in each occupied horizontal position 10, vertical position 12 or first stop position 17. The roof group 5 is held by a holding mechanism 19 to the first posture group 3, so that the roof group 5 can not move unintentionally. The holding mechanism 19 is a belt 20. After the first upright group 3 in the vertical position 12, in particular in the first axle 8 of the floor assembly 2, is locked, the roof group 5 itself is to perform a second folding movement 21. The belt 20 is released for this purpose.

For folding the charge carrier 1, first the first axle connection 8 between the bottom group 3 and the first pillar group 3 is released. The first upright group 3 is folded down on the bottom group 2 along the first folding movement 13 until it is arranged essentially in the horizontal position 10. The second folding movement 13 is supported by the first gas spring 11 when lowering the first pillar 3 as well as in the lifting. However, it would also be conceivable that the first gas spring 11 is provided only for equalizing the force during installation of the charge carrier. In order to keep the first posture group 3 in the horizontal position 10, the self-locking gas spring 14 is locked again. The fixation However, the first pillar 3 can also be done by any other suitable means.

The FIG. 4 shows the third step of setting up the charge carrier 1. The first upright group 3 is connected via the rotation axis 18 with the roof group 5. The roof group 5 is from its vertical position 12 (see. Fig. 3 ), in which it is folded onto the first upright group 3, raised to the horizontal position 10. This lifting of the roof group 5 about the axis of rotation 18 describes the second folding movement 21. The roof group 5 is in operative connection with the second gas spring 22. The second gas spring 22 is a blocking gas spring 23 with a second piston 24 and a second cylinder 25. The piston 24 is connected to the first pillar group 3 and the second cylinder 25 to the roof group 5.

As a result of actuation of the second gas spring 22, the second piston 24 moves out of the second cylinder 25, whereby the roof group 5 is pushed upwards. In this case, the strength of the support of the second gas spring 22 can be determined individually. The charge carrier 1 comprises in particular a controller 27 for controlling the intensity of the support of the first and / or second gas spring 11, 22. The controller 27 is preferably connected to at least one of the two gas springs 11, 12, so that for example by actuation of the control of Overpressure in the cylinder 25, 16 can be additionally increased, so that the pistons 15, 24 with increased force from the respectively associated cylinder 25, 16 pushed out. Likewise, the controller 27 can only be used to trigger the gas spring 11, 12.

After raising the roof group 5 to the horizontal position 10, this is in a fastening mechanism 28 (see. Fig. 5 ) fixed. The attachment mechanism 28 may be formed as a bar, strap or hook. The roof group 5 is indirectly connected to the second pillar group 4.

The blocking gas spring 23 is preferably in the vertical position 12 (see. Fig. 3 ), so that the roof group 5 can not move unintentionally about the axis of rotation 18. In FIG. 4 the roof group 5 no additional holding mechanism 19 according to the FIG. 3 on, since the blocking gas spring 23 fulfills the function of holding the roof group 5 in a predetermined position. The roof group 5 can be held by means of the blocking gas spring 23 a second holding position 26. So it would be possible, for example, the roof group 5 according to the dashed version of FIG. 4 to position in order to perform possibly necessary intermediate steps.

Likewise in the FIG. 4 is shown, the charge carrier 1 on a Innengefache 29 for receiving components, not shown. The Innengefache 29 is preferably flexible. For this purpose, for example, textile and / or pliable materials are suitable. The inner compartment 29 has a plurality of juxtaposed and each other arranged compartments 37, which are separated by side walls 38 from each other. The Innengefache 29 is preferably connected by not shown loops or rings with the roof group 5. For this purpose, the roof group 5 is formed, for example, from one or more in the sheet direction one behind the other arranged round profiles 39, so that the Innengefache 29 can be moved by means of loops or rings along the roof group 5.

To the roof group 5 for folding the load carrier 1 in its initial position, the vertical position 12 (see. Fig. 3 ), the attachment mechanism 28 is released. For activating the second gas spring 22, in particular the blocking gas spring 23, the charge carrier has a release mechanism 30. The release mechanism 30 may be, for example, a Bowden cable, which is not shown in detail. Likewise, the second gas spring 23 can be actuated manually or by means of a release mechanism 30. When the roof group 5 has reached the vertical position 12, the blocking gas spring 23 again blocked. Alternatively, the roof group 5 by means of holding mechanism 19 (see. Fig. 3 ) held in their position.

The FIG. 5 shows the established carrier 1 in a perspective view. The charge carrier 1 is set up according to the preceding description. The roof group 5 is connected to the second pillar 4 by means of the fastening mechanism 28. The fixing mechanism 28 is a spring latch 31. The spring latch 31 is released, for example, by the release mechanism 30, so that the roof group 5 can be lowered along its axis of rotation 18.

The FIG. 6 shows the charge carrier 1 according to another embodiment. Here, the focus is placed on different embodiments of the solution mechanism 30a, 30b. A release mechanism 30a is arranged in the region of the first or second axle connection 8, 9 of the floor assembly 2 in order to release this axle connection 8, 9, so that the first folding movement (cf. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 ) of the first or second pillar group 3, 4 is triggered. The FIG. 6 shows the second pillar group 3, wherein the first pillar group 4 may be formed analogously. The release mechanism 30a comprises transverse struts 32 which have to be compressed, whereby the operative connection between the axle connections 8, 9 and the respectively assigned first or second upright group 3, 4 is interrupted. The pillar groups 3, 4 can then be moved along their axes of rotation 6, 7 (cf. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 ).

Another release mechanism 30b is arranged in the region of the roof group 5. The release mechanism 30b is designed to hold the attachment mechanism 28, in particular the spring latch 31, according to FIG FIG. 5 to solve. The release mechanism 30b comprises a latch 33 operatively connected to the attachment mechanism 28. When this latch 33 is released, the roof assembly 5 can be folded to fold the charge carrier 1 along its axis of rotation (see FIG. Fig. 4 ) to be turned around.

The FIG. 7 shows the charge carrier 1 according to a further embodiment. In addition to the first gas spring 11, in order to support the first folding movement 10 of the first pillar group 3, the charge carrier 1 additionally comprises a third gas spring 40. The first gas spring 11 is arranged substantially parallel to the first pillar group 3. By contrast, the third gas spring 40 is arranged obliquely to the first pillar group 3. The third gas spring 40 is connected via a boundary 41, in particular a rail or a slot, with the bottom group 2. By means of the boundary 41, an area of action of the third gas spring 40 is defined.

The first folding movement 13 can essentially be classified into a first load region 42 with a high load and a second force region 43 with a load that is lower in comparison to the first force region 42. The first force region 42 is described when the first pillar group 3 from its horizontal position 10 in accordance with FIG. 3 is raised. The end of the first force range 42 is approximately reached when the first post group 60 to 80 percent of the first folding movement 13 has executed. The boundary 41 of the third gas spring 40 is designed such that the third gas spring 40 supports the lifting of the first pillar group 3 in this first force region 42. The further the first pillar group 3 is moved in the direction of the vertical position 12, the lower the load to be supported. The region of the lower load is described by the second force region 43. Here, the lifting of the first pillar 3 is supported by the first gas spring 11. When the first gas spring 11 is activated, the third gas spring 40 is preferably, in particular by the boundary 41, without effect.

The present invention is not limited to the illustrated and described embodiments. Variations within the scope of the claims are also possible as a combination of features, even if they are shown and described in different embodiments.

Bezuaszeichenliste

1

charge carrier

2

underbody

3

First Steher Group

4

Second stayer group

5

roof group

6

First axis of rotation

7

Second axis of rotation

8th

First axle connection

9

Second axle connection

10

Horizontal position

11

First gas spring

12

vertical position

13

First folding movement

14

Self-locking gas spring

15

First piston

16

First cylinder

17

First stop position

18

axis of rotation

19

holding mechanism

20

belt

21

Second folding movement

22

Second gas spring

23

Blocking gas spring

24

Second piston

25

Second cylinder

26

Second stop position

27

control

28

fastening mechanism

29

inner compartments

30a, b

release mechanism

30

spring bolt

31

crossbars

32

bars

33

U-profile

34

frame

35

Square profile

36

latching means

37

subject

38

Side wall

39

round profile

40

Third gas spring

41

limit

42

first force range

43

second force range

Claims (17)

Foldable load carrier (1) with
a floor group (2),
at least one first upright group (3) and one second upright group (4) which are each movably connected to the underbody (2) by means of a rotation axis (6, 7),
and with a roof group (5) which is movably connected to at least one of the two pillar groups (3, 4) by means of a rotation axis (18),
characterized
in that the charge carrier (1) has a first gas spring (11) for supporting a first folding movement (13) of the first and / or second pillar group (3, 4) about the respective associated rotary axis (6, 7) and a second gas spring (22) for Supporting a second folding movement (21) of the roof group (5) around its axis of rotation (18). A charge carrier according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the charge carrier (1) comprises a third gas spring (40) for supporting the first folding movement (13) of the first stake group. Charge carrier according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the third gas spring (40) via a boundary (41), in particular a rail or a slot, with the bottom group (2) is connected. Charge carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first gas spring (11) and / or the third gas spring (40) at least with one of the two pillar group (3, 4) and the bottom group (2) is in operative connection, so that the first folding movement (13) of these pillar groups (3, 4) relative to the bottom group (2) is executable. Charge carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the second gas spring (22) is in operative connection at least with the roof group (5) and the first or second post group (3, 4), so that the second folding movement (21) of the roof group (5) relative to this post group (3 , 4) is executable. Charge carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the first upright (3) group and / or second uprights group (4) by means of the first gas spring (11) (19) in a first holding position (17) are durable to the first folding movement (13). Charge carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the roof group (5) by means of the second gas spring (22) and / or a holding mechanism (19) in a second holding position (26) of the second folding movement (21) is durable. Charge carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the first and / or second gas spring (11, 22) is a blocking gas spring (23) and / or a self-locking gas spring (14). Charge carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the holding mechanism (19) is a belt (20), Velcro or hooks. Charge carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the first pillar group (3) and / or the second upright group (4) and / or the roof group (5) each by actuating a release mechanism (30a, 30b) for receiving the first and / or second folding movement (13, 21) from the first and / or second holding position (17, 21 ) are detachable. Charge carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the bottom group (2) in the region of the axis of rotation (6, 7) of the first and / or the second post group (3, 4) each have a releasable axle connection (8, 9) for locking the respectively associated first or second post group ( 3, 4), so that the respective upright group (3, 4) is held in a vertical position (12). Charge carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the roof group (5) and the second upright group (4) by a releasable fastening mechanism (28), in particular a spring latch (31) are interconnected, so that the roof group (5) in a horizontal position (10) of the second Folding movement (21) is held. Charge carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the support of the first gas spring (11) and / or the second gas spring (22) in the first folding movement (13) and / or second folding movement (21) by means of a controller (27) is adjustable. Charge carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the charge carrier (1) has a flexible Innengefache (29) for receiving components. Method for providing a foldable load carrier (1) with a bottom group (2), at least one first upright group (3) and a second upright group (4) and a roof group (5),
in which the two pillar groups (3, 4) in each case about an axis of rotation (6, 7) in a vertical position (12) or a first holding position (17) are moved and
the roof group (5) is moved about a rotation axis (18) relative to the first or second post group (3, 4) connected to the roof group (5) into a horizontal position (10) or a second holding position (17),
characterized in that
at least the movement of the first or second post group (3, 4) connected to the roof group (5) and / or the movement of the roof group (5) by means of a first gas spring (11) and / or a second gas spring (22) is supported. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first or second upright group (3, 4) connected to the roof group (5) is held in the first holding position (17) by the first gas spring (11), which is releasably locked. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the locking of the first gas spring (11) dissolves when it is pressed so that the group of stanchions (3, 4) connected to the roof group (5) moves from the first holding position (17) to the vertical position (12) becomes.

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