GB2579837A

GB2579837A - Movable bulkheads for a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2579837A
Application number: GB1820539.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Neugebauer James; Sutherland Wright Ian; Gerhardt Torsten
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2018-12-17
Filing date: 2018-12-17
Publication date: 2020-07-08
Anticipated expiration: 2038-12-17
Also published as: GB201820539D0; DE202019106249U1; GB2579837B

Abstract

A movable bulkhead 120 for a vehicle, the bulkhead comprises a plurality of bulkhead panels 130 pivotally coupled to one another in a series arrangement, such that widths of the bulkhead panels can be arranged to extend across a width of an interior of the motor vehicle, wherein the plurality of bulkhead panels comprise: a first bulkhead panel 132 couplable to the vehicle; and a second bulkhead 134 panel provided within the series arrangement of bulkhead panels, wherein the width of the second bulkhead panel is adjustable. The moveable bulkhead may also comprise a third bulkhead panel 136 and may be slidably couple to the vehicle. The bulkhead may comprise followers for being slid in guide tracks. Finally, the moveable bulkhead may comprise one or more locks 150 for affixing the position of the bulkhead within the interior of the vehicle. The invention may also relate to a method of using the apparatus for adjusting the width of the bulkhead.

Description

Movable bulkheads for a motor vehicle

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to movable bulkheads for motor vehicles.

Background

Vehicles, e.g. motor vehicles, such as light commercial vehicles or light trucks may comprise a passenger compartment, in which one or more seats can be provided for occupants of the vehicle, and a cargo compartment for storage of cargo, such as goods being transported by the vehicle, tools, construction materials etc. The vehicle may comprise a bulkhead that separates the passenger compartment from the cargo compartment. The bulkhead may be provided in order to protect the occupants of the vehicle from items of cargo that may become loose during transit. The position of the bulkhead within the vehicle interior may define the proportion of the vehicle interior available for seating the vehicle occupants and the proportion of the vehicle interior available for storing cargo. Furthermore, the shape of the bulkhead may at least partially define the shape of cargo compartment and can determine the shape of cargo that can be carried by the vehicle.

Statements of Invention

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a movable bulkhead for a vehicle, e.g. a motor vehicle, the bulkhead comprising a plurality of bulkhead panels pivotally coupled to one another in a series arrangement, such that widths of the bulkhead panels can be arranged to extend across, e.g. substantially completely across, a width of an interior of the motor vehicle, wherein the plurality of bulkhead panels comprise: a first bulkhead panel couplable, e.g. detachably couplable, to the vehicle; and a second bulkhead panel provided within the series arrangement of bulkhead panels, wherein the width of the second bulkhead panel is adjustable.

The first panel may be movably, e.g. slidably and/or pivotally, couplable to the vehicle. The width of the first bulkhead panel may be variable.

The second bulkhead panel may comprise two or more bulkhead panel portions movably, e.g. slidably, coupled to one another and configured such that moving the bulkhead panel portions relative to one another varies the width of the second bulkhead panel.

The width of the first bulkhead panel may be defined between first and second sides of the first bulkhead panel. The first bulkhead panel may be couplable to the vehicle at the first side of the first bulkhead panel. The first bulkhead panel may be coupled to another of the bulkhead panels in the series arrangement of bulkhead panels at the second side of the first bulkhead panel. The first side of the first bulkhead panel may define a first end of the series arrangement of bulkhead panels.

The plurality of bulkhead panels may further comprise a third bulkhead panel. The third bulkhead panel may be couplable to the vehicle. For example, the third bulkhead panel may be detachably and/or movably, e.g. slidably and/or pivotally, couplable to the vehicle. The width of the third bulkhead panel may be defined between first and second sides of the third bulkhead panel. The width of the third bulkhead panel may be variable.

The third bulkhead panel may be couplable to the vehicle at the second side of the third bulkhead panel. The third bulkhead panel may be coupled to another of the bulkhead panels in the series arrangement of bulkhead panels at the first side of the third bulkhead panel. The second side of the third bulkhead panel may define a second end of the series arrangement of bulkhead panels.

The second bulkhead panel may be arranged between the first and third bulkhead panels in the series arrangement of bulkhead panels.

The bulkhead may comprise one or more followers, such as rollers, for being movably, e.g. slidably, received in guide tracks provided on the vehicle. The first bulkhead panel may be movably couplable to the vehicle by the one or more followers. For example, one or more of the followers may be coupled to the first side of the first bulkhead panel.

One or more followers may be provided on the second and/or third bulkhead panel for movably coupling the second and/or third bulkhead panels to the vehicle. For example, one or more of the followers may be provided between first and second sides of the second bulkhead panel, e.g. centrally across the width of the second bulkhead panel. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the followers may be coupled to the second side of the third bulkhead panel.

A movable bulkhead assembly for a vehicle, e.g. a motor vehicle, may comprise the above-mentioned movable bulkhead. The movable bulkhead assembly may further comprise a guide track to be provided on, e.g. coupled to, the vehicle within the interior of the vehicle. The first bulkhead panel may be movably, e.g. slidably and/or pivotally, coupled to the guide track.

For example, a follower, such as a roller, of the movable bulkhead may be movably, e.g. slidably and/or pivotally, coupled to the guide track. The follower may be pivotally coupled to the first bulkhead panel.

The assembly may further comprise a further guide track to be provided on, e.g. coupled to, the vehicle within the interior of the vehicle. The third bulkhead panel may be movably coupled to the further guide track.

A vehicle assembly, e.g. a motor vehicle assembly, may comprise a body structure at least partially defining an interior of the vehicle; and the above-mentioned movable bulkhead, wherein the movable bulkhead is coupled, e.g. detachably and/or movable coupled, to the body structure. The first bulkhead panel may be movably coupled to the body structure. For example, a guide track may be coupled to or formed integrally with the body structure, and the first bulkhead panel may be movably coupled to the body structure by the guide track.

The first bulkhead panel may be coupled to the body structure, such that the first side of the first bulkhead panel is adjacent to a first side wall of the body structure. The third bulkhead panel may be coupled to the body structure, such that the second side of the third bulkhead panel is adjacent to a second side wall of the body structure. The second side may define an opposite side, e.g. an opposite lateral side, of the vehicle interior to the first side.

The vehicle interior may comprise a passenger space and a cargo space. The movable bulkhead may be configured to separate the passenger space from the cargo space.

The vehicle assembly may comprise a guide track. The first bulkhead panel may be movably coupled to the body structure by the guide track. The guide track may extend along a first side of the vehicle interior. The guide track may be coupled to or may be formed integrally with the body structure.

The vehicle assembly may comprise a plurality of bulkhead fixings for detachably coupling the bulkhead panels to the body structure in a plurality of configurations of the movable bulkhead.

The movable bulkhead, e.g. first bulkhead panel, or the guide track may comprise a lock for fixing the position of the first bulkhead panel relative to the guide track or body structure. For example, the lock may fix the position of one of the followers coupled to first bulkhead panel relative to the guide track. The lock may thereby fix the position of a pivot axis of the first bulkhead. Additionally or alternatively, the lock may be configured to fix the orientation of the first bulkhead panel relative to the body structure. For example, the lock may be configured to couple with the bulkhead fixings.

The assembly may comprise a further guide track. The third bulkhead panel may be movably coupled to the body structure by the further guide track. The further guide track may be coupled, e.g. fixedly coupled, to or integrally formed with the body structure. The further guide track may extend along a second side of the vehicle interior opposite, e.g. laterally opposite, the first side.

The third bulkhead panel or the further guide track may comprise a lock for fixing the position of the third bulkhead relative to the body structure. For example, the lock may fix the position of a follower coupled to third bulkhead panel relative to the guide track or the body structure. The lock may thereby fix the position of a pivot axis of the third bulkhead. Additionally or alternatively, the lock may be configured to fix the orientation of the third bulkhead panel relative to the body structure. For example, the lock may be configured to couple the third bulkhead panel to the bulkhead fixings.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for a movable bulkhead of a vehicle, e.g. a motor vehicle, wherein the bulkhead comprises a plurality of bulkhead panels pivotally coupled to one another in a series arrangement, such that widths of the bulkhead panels can be arranged to extend across a width of an interior of the motor vehicle, wherein the plurality of bulkhead panels comprise: a first bulkhead panel movably coupled to the vehicle; and a second bulkhead panel provided within the series arrangement of bulkhead panels, wherein the width of the second bulkhead panel is adjustable, wherein the method comprises: moving the first bulkhead panel along the first side wall of the vehicle; and adjusting the width of the second bulkhead panel such that the movable bulkhead extends across, e.g. substantially completely across, the width of the interior. The first bulkhead may be coupled to the vehicle at a first side of the vehicle interior.

The method may further comprise decoupling one or more of the bulkhead panels, e.g. the first bulkhead panel, from the vehicle prior to moving the first bulkhead panel and coupling the first bulkhead panel to the vehicle after the first bulkhead panel has been moved.

The method may further comprise pivoting the second bulkhead panel relative to the first bulkhead panel, e.g. such that an angle of the first bulkhead panel remains substantially unchanged relative to the interior of the motor vehicle.

The method may further comprise decoupling the second bulkhead panel, from the vehicle prior to pivoting and/or prior to adjusting the width of the second bulkhead panel and coupling the second bulkhead panel to the vehicle after the second bulkhead panel has been pivoted and/or adjusted in width.

The plurality of bulkhead panels may further comprise a third bulkhead panel movably coupled to the vehicle. The third bulkhead panel may be coupled to the vehicle as the second side of the vehicle interior. The second bulkhead panel may be arranged between the first and third bulkhead panels in the series arrangement. The width of the second bulkhead panel may be adjusted such that the third bulkhead remains substantially stationary relative to the second side wall of the vehicle when the first bulkhead is moved. Alternatively, the method may comprise moving the third bulkhead panel within the vehicle interior. The third bulkhead panel may be decoupled from the vehicle prior to moving and may be coupled to the vehicle after moving.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of stowing a movable bulkhead of a vehicle, e.g. a motor vehicle, wherein the bulkhead comprises a plurality of bulkhead panels pivotally coupled to one another in a series arrangement, such that widths of the bulkhead panels can be arranged to extend across a width of an interior of the motor vehicle, wherein the plurality of bulkhead panels comprise: a first bulkhead panel movably coupled to the vehicle; and a second bulkhead panel provided within the series arrangement of bulkhead panels, wherein the width of the second bulkhead panel is adjustable, 10 wherein the method comprises: pivoting the plurality of bulkhead panels relative to one another in order to retract the movable bulkhead to one side of the vehicle interior; and adjusting the width of the second bulkhead panel, e.g. to reduce a dimension of the retracted bulkhead.

To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of text in the specification, certain features are described in relation to only one or several aspects or embodiments of the invention. However, it is to be understood that, where it is technically possible, features described in relation to any aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a vehicle assembly comprising a movable bulkhead assembly, according to arrangements of the disclosure, in a first deployed configuration; Figure 2 is a front view of movable bulkhead for the vehicle assembly depicted in Figure 1 in the first deployed configuration; Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of the vehicle assembly comprising the movable bulkhead assembly in a second deployed configuration; Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of a vehicle assembly comprising a movable bulkhead assembly according to another arrangement of the disclosure, in the first deployed configuration; Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of the vehicle assembly depicted in Figure 4 in the second deployed configuration; Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of the vehicle assembly depicted in Figure 4 in a third deployed configuration; Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of a vehicle assembly comprising a movable bulkhead assembly according to another arrangement of the disclosure, in the first deployed configuration; Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of the vehicle assembly depicted in Figure 7 in the second deployed configuration; Figure 9 is a schematic plan view of the vehicle assembly depicted in Figure 7 in the third deployed configuration; Figure 10 is a schematic plan view of the vehicle assembly depicted in Figure 7 in a secured storage configuration; Figure 11 is a schematic plan view of a vehicle assembly comprising a movable bulkhead assembly according to another arrangement of the disclosure, in a further configuration Figure 12 is a flow chart illustrating a method of adjusting the position of the movable bulkhead of the vehicle assembly; Figure 13 is a schematic plan view of the vehicle assembly comprising the movable bulkhead assembly, in a first stowed configuration; Figure 14 is a flow chart illustrating a method of stowing the movable bulkhead of the vehicle assembly; and Figure 15 is a schematic plan view of the vehicle assembly comprising the movable bulkhead assembly, in a second stowed configuration.

Detailed Description

With reference to Figure 1, a vehicle assembly 2, e.g. a motor vehicle assembly, according to arrangements of the present disclosure comprises a body structure 10, which defines an interior 4 of the vehicle, and a movable bulkhead assembly 100.

The body structure 10 comprises a first side wall 12 and a second side wall 14, which define first and second sides of the interior 4 respectively. The body structure 10 may further comprise a floor 16 and/or a ceiling 18, which respectively define lower and upper extents of the interior 4.

The interior 4 comprises a passenger space 6 for occupants of the vehicle to be seated in during use of the vehicle. One or more seats may be provided within the passenger space 6, which may be arranged in rows across the passenger space 6. For example, a driver's seat 5a and/or one or more passenger seats 5b may be provided in a front row 5 and one or more further passenger seats, such as a first rear passenger seat 7a and a second rear passenger seat 7b may be provided in a second row 7. As depicted, the second row 7 is positioned rearwards of the first row 5 within the passenger space 6. The interior 4 further comprises a cargo space 8, for storing cargo to be transported by the vehicle.

The movable bulkhead assembly 100 comprises a movable bulkhead 120. The movable bulkhead 120 comprises a plurality of bulkhead panels 130 pivotally coupled to one another in a series arrangement, such that width of the movable bulkhead panels, can be arranged across the width of the vehicle interior 4, e.g. between the first and second sides of the interior. As depicted in Figure 1, the plurality of bulkhead panels 130 may be arranged such that the movable bulkhead 120 extends across substantially the complete width of the vehicle interior 4.

With reference to Figure 2, the plurality of bulkhead panels 130 comprises a first bulkhead panel 132, a second bulkhead panel 134 and a third bulkhead panel 136. The bulkhead panels 130 are pivotally coupled to one another at lateral sides of the bulkhead panels in order to form the series arrangement of bulkhead panels.

Each of the bulkhead panels 132, 134. 136 can be pivoted relative to the adjacent bulkhead panel in the series arrangement of bulkhead panels in order to adjust the configuration of the movable bulkhead within the vehicle interior 4. As depicted, the movable bulkhead 120 comprises one or more first pivots 135 for pivotally coupling a second side 132b of the first bulkhead panel 132 to a first side 134a of the second bulkhead panel 134. The movable bulkhead may further comprise one or more second pivots 137 for pivotally coupling a second side 134b of the second bulkhead panel 134 to a first side 136a of the third bulkhead panel 136.

Returning to Figure 1, the first bulkhead panel 132 may be movably, e.g. pivotally and/or slidably, couplable to the vehicle, e.g. to the body structure 10 of the vehicle, such that a first side 132a of the first bulkhead panel can be positioned adjacent, e.g. immediately adjacent, to the first side of the vehicle interior 4, e.g. such that a gap between the first side 132a of the first bulkhead panel 132 and the first side wall 12 is less than or approximately equal to a thickness of the bulkhead panel or a width of the guide track 110.

The third bulkhead panel 136 may be movably couplable to the vehicle 2, such that a second side 136b of the third bulkhead panel can be positioned adjacent to the second side of the vehicle interior.

The second bulkhead panel may be pivotally coupled to the first and third bulkhead panels between the bulkhead panels. As depicted, the second bulkhead panel 134 may be movably couplable to the vehicle 2 between the first and third bulkhead panels 132, 136, e.g. at a substantially central position between the first and second sides 134a, 134b of the second bulkhead panel, e.g. in order to guide movements of the second bulkhead panel relative to the vehicle. In other arrangements, the second bulkhead panel 134 may be supported in the vehicle by virtue of its connections to the first and/or third bulkhead panels and may not otherwise be coupled to the vehicle.

In the arrangements shown, the first and third bulkhead panels 132, 136 have a fixed length. However, the width of the second bulkhead panel 134 is adjustable. The width of the second bulkhead panel may be adjustable between a first width, which may be substantially equal to the width of the first and/or third bulkhead panels 132, 136; and a second width, which is greater than the first width. For example, the second width may be substantially equal to twice the first width. In alternative arrangements, the relationship between first and/or second widths may be different. For example, the second width may be less or may be greater than twice the first width. Additionally or alternatively, the first width may be less or may be greater than the width of the first and/or third bulkhead panel.

In the arrangement shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second bulkhead comprises two or more bulkhead panel portions 134c movably, e.g. slidably, coupled to one another. The bulkhead panel portions 134c can be moved relative to one another in order to adjust the width of the second bulkhead panel 134. In other arrangements, the second bulkhead panel 134 may be configured in any other way to enable the width of the second bulkhead panel 134 to be adjustable. For example, bulkhead panel portions 134c of the second bulkhead panel 134 may be pivotally coupled to one another and may pivot relative to one another in order to adjust the width of the second bulkhead panel 134. Alternatively again, the second bulkhead panel 134 may comprise a resilient extendable portion, such as an extendable bellows, to enable the width of the second bulkhead panel 134 to be adjusted.

In the arrangements shown in Figures 1 to 3, the movable bulkhead assembly 100 further comprises one or more guide tracks 110. The movable bulkhead 120 is movably, e.g. pivotally and/or slidably coupled to the vehicle, e.g. to the body structure 10, via the guide tracks 110.

The guide tracks 110 may be coupled to the body structure 10 of the vehicle for guiding movement of the movable bulkhead 120 within the interior 4 of the vehicle. As depicted in Figure 1, the guide tracks 110 may be coupled to the floor 16 and/or ceiling 18 of the vehicle body structure 10. Although in the arrangement shown, the guide tracks 110 are separate components mounted on the body frame, in other arrangements, the guide tracks 110 may be formed integrally with the body structure 10.

As shown in Figure 1, a first guide track 110a may be arranged within the vehicle interior to extend in a direction with a component, e.g. a principle component, in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. For example, the first guide track 110a may extend in a direction parallel with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. As depicted, the first guide track 110a may extend along, e.g. adjacent and substantially parallel to, the first side of the vehicle interior 4. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the first guide track 110a may extend in a direction with a component, e.g. a principle component, in a lateral direction of the vehicle.

The movable bulkhead assembly 100 may further comprise a second guide track 110b, and optionally a third guide track 110c. As shown in Figure 1, the second and third guide tracks 110b, 110c are arranged to extend through the interior of the vehicle in a direction with a component, e.g. a principle component, in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. For example, the second and third guide tracks 110b may extend in a direction parallel with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. However, in other arrangements, at least a portion of the second and/or third guide tracks may extend through the vehicle interior in a direction with a component, e.g. a principle component, in a lateral direction of the vehicle.

As depicted, the second guide track 110b is positioned substantially centrally within the vehicle interior 4, e.g. between the first and second side walls 12, 14 of the body structure 10 and the third guide track 110c may extend along, e.g. adjacent and substantially parallel to, the second side of the vehicle interior 4.

In the arrangement shown in Figure 1, the movable bulkhead assembly 100 comprises three guide tracks 110. However, in other arrangements, the movable bulkhead assembly 100 may comprise any other number of guide tracks. For example, in some arrangements, the second guide track 110b may be omitted. In other arrangements, the number of guide track assemblies may correspond to the number of movable bulkhead panels or may be a multiple of the number of movable bulkhead panels provided within the movable bulkhead assembly. For example, the movable bulkhead assembly may comprise two or more guide track for each of the movable bulkhead panels, e.g. corresponding to each of the movable bulkhead panels. Alternatively again, the movable bulkhead assembly may comprise a guide track corresponding to each pivot point, e.g. axis, about which one or more of the movable bulkhead panels are configured to pivot.

As depicted, the movable bulkhead 120 may be configured to at least partially separate 35 the passenger space 6 from the cargo space 8. For example, the passenger space 6 may be defined as the space within the interior 4 forward of the movable bulkhead 120 and the cargo space may be defined as the space within the interior 4 rearwards of the movable bulkhead 120. Hence, by adjusting the configuration of the movable bulkhead assembly 100 within the interior 4 of the vehicle, the sizes and/or shapes of the passenger space 6 and the cargo space 8 may be adjusted.

Returning to Figures 2, the movable bulkhead 120 comprises one or more followers 140 configured to movably couple the movable bulkhead 120 to the body structure, e.g. via the guide tracks 110.

Each of the followers 140 may be coupled to a different one of the guide tracks 110.

Alternatively, two or more of the followers 140 may be coupled to the same guide track.

The followers 140 may comprise rollers 142 arranged to engage surfaces of the respective guide tracks 110 to enable the followers 140 to move, e.g. slide or roll, along the guide tracks 110. The followers 140 and the guide tracks 110 may thereby enable the movable bulkhead 120 to be moved, e.g. translated, within the vehicle interior 4.

The followers 140 may be pivotally received in the respective guide tracks 110, or may be pivotally coupled to the movable bulkhead 120, so that the movable bulkhead 120 can be pivoted relative to the vehicle at the followers 140. In some arrangements, the followers 140 may consist of the rollers 142 pivotally coupled to the movable bulkhead 120.

Although in the arrangement shown the followers 140 are provided at lower ends of the movable bulkhead panels and are to be received within guide tracks coupled to the floor 16 of the vehicle 2. In other arrangements, the followers 140 may be provided at upper ends of the bulkhead panels 130 and may be received within guide tracks coupled to the ceiling of the vehicle. In some arrangements, followers may be provided at both the lower and upper ends of the bulkhead panels, which may be received within guide tracks coupled to the floor 16 and ceiling 18 of the vehicle 2 respectively. The followers provided at the upper end of the bulkhead panels may be aligned, e.g. laterally and/or longitudinally aligned with the followers provided at the lower end of the bulkhead panels. Alternatively, the followers provided at the upper end may not be aligned with the followers provided at the lower end in the longitudinal or lateral directions of the vehicle. For example, the followers may alternate between being provided at the lower and upper end of the movable bulk head along the length of the movable bulkhead.

As depicted, the movable bulkhead comprises a first follower 140a coupled to the first bulkhead panel 132. The first bulkhead panel 132 is movably, e.g. slidably and/or pivotally, coupled to a first guide track 110a by the first follower. As depicted, the first follower is coupled to the first bulkhead panel at the first side 132a of the first bulkhead panel 132. The first bulkhead panel 132 is thereby slidably and pivotally coupled to the vehicle at a first pivot axis 132c of the first bulkhead panel 132 at the first side 132a of the first bulkhead panel 132.

The movable bulkhead 120 may further comprise a second follower 140b coupled to the second bulkhead panel 134. The second follower 140b may be similar to the first follower 140a and may be pivotally coupled to the second bulkhead panel 134. The second bulkhead panel is movably, e.g. slidably and/or pivotally, coupled to the second guide track 110b by the second follower 140b.

In the arrangement depicted in Figure 2, the second follower 140b is coupled to the second bulkhead panel 134 at a position between the first and second sides 134a, 134b of the second bulkhead panel. For example, the second follower 140b may be coupled at a central position between the lateral sides of the second bulkhead panel 134. The second bulkhead panel is thereby movably coupled to the vehicle at a pivot axis 134d of the second bulkhead panel 134.

The movable bulkhead 120 may further comprise a third follower 140c coupled to the third bulkhead panel 136. As depicted, the third follower 140c is coupled to the second side 136b of the third bulkhead panel 136. The third bulkhead panel 136 is movably, e.g. slidably and/or pivotally, coupled to a third guide track 110c by the third follower. The third bulkhead panel 136 is thereby movable and pivotally coupled to the vehicle at a pivot axis 136c of the third bulkhead panel 136 at the second side 136b of the third bulkhead panel 136.

In the arrangement shown in Figure 2, the movable bulkhead assembly comprises three followers as described above. However, in other arrangements, the movable bulkhead assembly may comprise any number of followers.

The movable bulkhead 120 may comprise a number of followers corresponding to the number of bulkhead panels, or a multiple of the number of bulkhead panels, forming the movable bulkhead. Alternatively, the bulkhead assembly may comprise fewer followers than the number of bulkhead panels. For example, the second follower 140b and/or the third follower may be omitted. Alternatively again, the movable bulkhead 120 may comprise more followers than the number of bulkhead panels.

The movable bulkhead 120 may comprise a follower corresponding to each pivot point, e.g. axis, about which one or more of the movable bulkhead panels are configured to pivot. Followers may therefore be coupled to the bulkhead at each of the sides of the bulkhead panels. For example, the second follower 140b may be coupled the second bulkhead panel 134 at one of the first and second sides 134a, 134b of the second bulkhead panel and a further follower may be coupled to the second bulkhead panel 134 at the other of the first and second sides 134a, 134b.

Regardless of the arrangements of followers 140 and guide tracks 110 provided within the movable bulkhead assembly, the followers and guide tracks are configured to guide the movement, e.g. translation and/or rotation, of the bulkhead panels within the interior 4 of the vehicle.

The movable bulkhead 120 may comprise one or more locks 150 for fixing the position of the movable bulkhead 120 within the vehicle interior 4. As depicted, the locks 150 may be provided on the movable bulkhead panels 130. For example, a first lock 150a may be provided on the first bulkhead panel 132, a second lock 150b may be provided on the second bulkhead panel 134 and a third lock 150c may be provided on the third bulkhead panel 136. In other arrangements, the lock may omitted from one or more of the movable bulkhead panels. Additionally or alternatively, more than one lock may be provided on one or more of the movable bulkhead panels. For example, a lock 150 may be provided at each of the pivot points, e.g. axes, about which one or more of the movable bulkhead panels are configured to pivot.

In one arrangement, locks are provided at each end of the series arrangement of bulkhead heads, e.g. at the sides of the bulkhead panels forming the ends of the series arrangement. Locks may be provided at each of the pivot axes about which the movable bulkhead panels are configured to pivot relative to one another.

The locks 150 may correspond to the followers 140 provided on the movable bulkhead panels and may be configured to couple, e.g. fixedly coupled, the follower 140 to the corresponding guide tracks 110, or otherwise fix the position and/or orientation of the followers 140 relative to the corresponding guide track 110. For example, the first lock 150a may correspond to the first follower 140a and may be configured to fix the position and/or orientation of the first follower relative to the first guide track 110a.

In other arrangements, the locks 150 may not be associated with the followers 140 and may be configured to fix the positions of the movable bulkhead panels 130 relative to the vehicle. For example, the locks 150 may be configured to couple to bulkhead fixings 400 provided on the vehicle, as described below with reference to Figures 4 to 6.

In the arrangement described above, the locks 150 are provided on the movable bulkhead 120 however in other arrangements, the locks may be provided on the vehicle. For example, locks may be provided in positions on the body structure 10 at which the movable bulkhead may be fixed. When the locks are provided on the vehicle, the locks may be configured to fix the positions and/or orientations of the followers 140 or may be configured to couple to fixings on the bulkhead panels for securing the movable bulkhead panels directly.

Furthermore, in the arrangement shown in Figure 2 the locks 150 are provided at lower ends of the movable bulkhead panels 130, for coupling to the floor 16 of the vehicle or securing the position of followers 140 provided at the lower ends of the movable bulkhead panels 130. However, in other arrangements the locks 150 may additionally or alternatively be provided at the upper ends of the movable bulkhead panels 130, e.g. for coupling to the ceiling 18 of the vehicle interior or securing the position of followers 140 provided at the upper ends of the movable bulkhead panels 130.

In Figure 1, the movable bulkhead assembly 100 is depicted in a first deployed configuration, in which the bulkhead panels 132, 134, 136 are positioned substantially laterally across the interior of the vehicle behind the second row of seats 7. In the configuration depicted in Figure 1, the movable bulkhead 120 may be in a rearmost position of the movable bulkhead, in which the size of the cargo space 8 is at a minimum.

With reference to Figure 3, the configuration of the movable bulkhead 120 may be adjusted to a second deployed configuration. As depicted in Figure 3, one of the seats, e.g. the second rear passenger seat 7b, in the second row of seats 7 may be removed from the vehicle interior 4, e.g. from the passenger space 6, and the movable bulkhead 120 may be moved to the second deployed configuration in order to increase the size of the cargo space 8 to incorporate the space made available by removing the seat.

When the movable bulkhead assembly 100 comprises the guide tracks 110 and the followers 140, the configuration of the movable bulkhead 120 may be adjusted by moving the followers 140 along the corresponding guide tracks 110.

In the arrangements described above, three guide tracks are provided. However, in other arrangements a different number of guide tracks may be provided. For example, 2, 4, or more than 4 guide tracks may be provided within the vehicle. In some arrangements, the guide tracks 110 may be guide tracks to which the seats of the motor vehicle are coupled, e.g. movably coupled, and the positions of the seats within the vehicle may be adjustable by moving the seats along the guide tracks 110. The guide tracks 110 may be provided as part of an adjustable seating system of the vehicle.

As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the vehicle comprises six guide tracks 110 provided as part of a seating system of the vehicle. The second row of seats 7 comprises three seats and each of the seats is movably coupled to two of the guide tracks 110.

The movable bulkhead 120 comprises two or more followers 140 for movably coupling the movable bulkhead to the vehicle. As depicted, the movable bulkhead comprises four followers. One or more of the followers 140 may be provided on the first bulkhead panel 132 and one or more of the followers 140 may provided on the third bulkhead panels 136. The second bulkhead panel 134 may not be provided with followers.

Instead, the movement of the second bulkhead panel may be guided by its connections with the first and third bulkhead panels 132, 136.

As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the pivots 135, 137 between the movable bulkhead panels 130 may not align with the guide tracks 110, and hence, the followers 140 may be spaced apart from the pivots 135, 137 along the length of the movable bulkhead panels 130. However, in other arrangements, one, two or more than two of the followers 140 may be aligned with the positions of the pivots between the movable bulkhead panels 130.

With reference to Figures 7, 8 and 9, the vehicle may comprise a plurality of bulkhead fixings 400 at which the movable bulkhead panels 130 may be coupled to the vehicle.

The locks 150 provided on the bulkhead panels 130 may be configured to couple to the bulkhead fixings 400 in order to secure the movable bulkhead 120 within the vehicle.

In the arrangement shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9, the bulkhead fixings 400 are provided on the floor 16 of the vehicle interior. However it will be appreciated that bulkhead fixings may be provided on the ceiling 18 of the vehicle interior in additional or as an alternative to being provided of the floor 16. For example, corresponding fixings may be provided on the floor and ceiling of the vehicle in each of the positions depicted in Figures 7, 8 and 9.

In the arrangements shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9, the guide tracks 110 and followers 140 are omitted from the movable bulkhead assembly 100 and the movable bulkhead assembly is coupled to the vehicle by the locks 150 and bulkhead fixings 400.

In other arrangements, the bulkhead fixings 400 may be provided in addition to the guide tracks 110. For example, the guide tracks may be provided at one of the floor and ceiling of the vehicle interior and the bulkhead fixings 400 may be provided at the other of the floor and ceiling. Alternatively, guide tracks and bulkhead fixings may be provided at the floor and ceiling.

When the movable bulkhead 120 is moved within the vehicle interior, one or more of the locks 150 may be decoupled from the corresponding bulkhead fixings 400 to enable one or more of the bulkhead panels 130 to be moved, e.g. translated and/or pivoted relative to the other bulkhead panels 130. The locks 150 may then be coupled to bulkhead fixings 400 in different positions in order to secure the movable bulkhead in a different position.

In some arrangements, the locks 150 may pivotally couple the movable bulkhead panels 130 to the vehicle at the bulkhead fixings 400, e.g. so that a movable bulkhead panel can be pivoted whilst the position of the bulkhead is secured by a lock and associated bulkhead fixing.

As depicted, the bulkhead fixings 400 may be provided in a plurality of locations which enable the movable bulkhead 120 to be moved between a plurality of configurations within the vehicle interior 4 and be secured within the vehicle interior by the locks 150 and bulkhead fixings 400.

For example, as depicted in Figures 7, 8 and 9, the plurality of bulkhead fixings 400 may comprise a first row of bulkhead fixings 410, which may comprise four fixings 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d spaced laterally across the width of the vehicle interior. As shown in Figure 7, when the locks 150 provided on the bulkhead panels are coupled to bulkhead fixings in the first row of bulkhead fixings 410, the movable bulkhead 120 is secured within the vehicle such that the bulkhead 120 extends across the width of the vehicle interior, e.g. in the first deployed configuration.

The plurality of bulkhead fixings 400 further comprises a second row of bulkhead fixings 420 comprising four fixings 420a, 420b, 420c, 420d spaced laterally across the width of the vehicle interior. As depicted, the second row of bulkhead fixings 420 may be spaced apart from the first row of bulkhead fixings in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. For example, the second row of bulkhead fixings may be positioned forwards of the first row of bulkhead fixings within the vehicle interior. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, when one or more of the seats in the second row of seats 7 is removed from the vehicle interior, the locks 150 provided on the bulkhead panels may be coupled to bulkhead fixings in the second row of bulkhead fixings 420. The movable bulkhead 120 is thereby secured within the vehicle such that at least part of the bulkhead 120 extends across the width of the vehicle interior at a position longitudinally offset from, e.g. forwards of, the first configuration.

The movable bulkhead 120 may be moved within the vehicle interior and secured using any desirable combination of the bulkhead fixings 400, e.g. provided in the first and/or second rows, in order to provide the desired configuration of the movable bulkhead 120. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the movable bulkhead 120 may be moved into the second deployed configuration and secured to two of the bulkhead fixings in the first row of bulkhead fixings 410 and two of the bulkhead fixings in the second row of bulkhead fixings 420. Alternatively, as depicted in Figure 9, the movable bulkhead 120 may be moved into a third deployed configuration and secured to four of the bulkhead fixings in the second row of bulkhead fixings 420, e.g. each of the locks may be secured to bulkhead fixings in the second row 420.

In the arrangement shown in Figures 7 to 9, the bulkhead fixings 400 are arranged in two rows. However, in other arrangements, additional rows of bulkhead fixings may be provided, e.g. to enable the movable bulkhead to be secured in further longitudinal positions within the vehicle.

As shown in Figure 10, the movable bulkhead panels 130 may be moved into a secure storage configuration, in which a portion 700 of the cargo compartment 8 is separated from the remaining area of the cargo compartment. The locks 150 may be configured to securely lock the movable bulkhead 120 in the secure storage condition, so that items, e.g. valuable or fragile items, can be stored within the portion 700 of the cargo compartment 8 and access to the items from within the cargo compartment is restricted. Alternatively, the portion 700 of the cargo compartment 8 may be accessible from outside the vehicle via an exterior door provided adjacent to the portion 700. In such arrangements, the movable bulkhead 120 may act to restrict access to the remaining portion of the cargo compartment 8 when accessing items within the portion 700 from outside the vehicle 2.

Although in the arrangement shown in Figure 10, the movable bulkhead assembly 100 does not comprise the guide tracks 110 or followers 140, the movable bulkhead assemblies 100 having guide tracks and followers, described above, may also be moved into the secure storage configuration.

In the arrangements described above, the series arrangement of bulkhead panels comprises three bulkhead panels. However, in other arrangements, the movable bulkhead assembly 100 may comprise any other number of bulkhead panels 130. For example, in one arrangement, the third bulkhead panel may be omitted. Alternatively, more than three bulkhead panels, e.g. four, five or more than five bulkhead panels, may be provided within the series arrangement of bulkhead panels.

Furthermore, in other arrangements, more than one of the panels may have an adjustable width. For example, the first and second movable bulkhead panels 132, 134, first and third 132, 136 or second and third movable bulkhead panels 134, 136 may have adjustable widths. In further arrangements, the width of each of the movable bulkhead panels 130 may be adjustable, e.g. individually adjustable.

Configuring more than one of the movable bulkhead panels 130 to have an adjustable width increases the number of possible configurations of the movable bulkhead 120 within the vehicle. This increases the flexibility with which the bulkhead can be moved and positioned within the vehicle interior 4.

For example, as depicted in Figure 11, when two or more of the movable bulkhead panels 130 have adjustable widths, such as the second and third movable bulkhead panels 134, 136, the movable bulkhead 120 may be arranged into a further deployed configuration in which the size of the passenger compartment 6 and the length of the length of the cargo compartment 8 are maximised.

Movable bulkheads 120 having more than one movable bulkhead panels 130 with an adjustable width may be particularly beneficial when the seating system of the vehicle allows the seats to be arranged in multiple different seating configurations. Furthermore, when the movable bulkhead comprises more than one movable bulkhead panels 130 with adjustable widths, the widths of the bulkhead panels may be adjusted in order to change the size and shape of the portion 700 of the cargo compartment 8 when the movable bulkhead is in the secure storage condition depicted in Figure 10.

With reference to Figure 12, the configuration of the movable bulkhead may be adjusted using a method 900.

The method 900 comprises a first step 902 in which a bulkhead panel, e.g. the first bulkhead panel 132, is moved within the vehicle interior, e.g. along the first side wall 12 of the vehicle.

When the movable bulkhead assembly 100 comprises the guide tracks 110 and the followers 140, the movable bulkhead 120 may be moved by moving the appropriate followers along the corresponding guide tracks.

Alternatively, if the guide tracks 110 and followers 140 are omitted, the movable bulkhead 120 may be moved by decoupling one or more of the locks 150, securing the position of the bulkhead panel, from the corresponding bulkhead fixings 400 and moving the movable bulkhead panel 130. The movable bulkhead 120 may be moved such that the locks 150 are aligned with different ones of the bulkhead fixings 400. After the bulkhead panel has been moved, the locks 150 may be recoupled to bulkhead fixings 400 provided on the vehicle.

As shown in Figures 3 and 5, it may be desirable for the third bulkhead panel 136 to remain substantially stationary, e.g. in the same position and orientation relative to the vehicle 2, when the first bulkhead panel 132 is moved. Moving the first bulkhead panel 132 when the third bulkhead panel 136 is maintained in the same position and orientation may allow the size of the cargo space 8 to be maximised, as the third bulkhead panel 136 can remain adjacent to and parallel to the rear of the first rear passenger seat 7a, which the first bulkhead panel 132 moves forwards.

Returning to Figure 12, to allow the third bulkhead panel 136 to remain substantially stationary, the method 900 may comprise a second step 904, in which the second bulkhead panel 134 is pivoted relative to the first bulkhead panel 132; and may further comprise a third step 906, in which the width of the second bulkhead panel 134 is adjusted. Adjusting the width of the second bulkhead panel 134 may enable the movable bulkhead 120 to remain extending across the width, e.g. substantially the complete width, of the vehicle interior 4 when the position of the first bulkhead panel 132 is adjusted.

When the movable bulkhead assembly comprises the locks 150, one or more of the locks 150 may be decoupled, e.g. from the bulkhead fixings 400 to enable the second bulkhead panel to be pivoted and/or to allow the width of the second bulkhead panel to be adjusted. However, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, decoupling the locks 150 to enable the first bulkhead panel 132 to be moved may also enable the second bulkhead panel 134 to be pivoted and adjusted in width without additional locks being decoupled.

The first, second and third steps 902, 904, 906 of the method 900 may be at least partially performed at the same time as one another, e.g. substantially simultaneously, when the configuration of the movable bulkhead is being adjusted.

Although the method 900 of moving the movable bulkhead 120 has been described above with reference to the first and second deployed positions depicted in Figures 1 and 3, and 4 and 5, it will be appreciated that the method 900 may be used to move the movable bulkhead 120 into any desirable position by moving the bulkhead panels and adjusting the widths of the bulkhead panels having adjustable width. The first, second and third steps 902, 904, 906 may be repeated any number of times in order to move the movable bulkhead into the desired position. Furthermore, different ones of the seats may be removed from the passenger compartment 6 to allow one or more of the movable bulkhead panels 130 to be moved further forwards, in order to further increase the size of the cargo compartment 8.

Additionally, it will be appreciated that although the third deployed configuration and the secure storage configuration are described above with reference to the arrangement in which the guide tracks are omitted. The movable bulkhead 120 may also be moved into these configurations when the guide tracks 110 and followers 140 are provided.

The method 900 may comprise unlocking and locking steps in which the locks 150 are operated to unlock the movable bulkhead 120 before moving the bulkhead and to lock the movable bulkhead 120 in the desired position after moving the movable bulkhead 120.

With reference to Figure 13, in some cases, it may be desirable to stow the movable bulkhead 120, such that the cargo space 8 is not separated from the passenger space 6. This may increase a maximum dimension of an item of cargo that can be loaded into the vehicle. In such configurations, the passenger seats 5b, 7a, 7b may be removed from the vehicle in order to maximum the space available for storing cargo.

As depicted, when the movable bulkhead 120 is in a stowed configuration, one or more of the followers 140 may be decoupled from the guide tracks 110. However, in other arrangements, the guide tracks 110 may be shaped such that the followers can remain coupled to the guide tracks 110 when the movable bulkhead is moved into the stowed position.

Although in the arrangement shown in Figure 13, the movable bulkhead assembly 100 comprises the guide tracks 110 and the followers 140. It will be appreciated that when the guide tracks 110 and followers 140 are omitted, the movable bulkhead 120 may be moved into the position depicted in Figure 13 by decoupling one or more of the locks 150 from the bulkhead fixings 400 and moving the movable bulkhead 120 in the same way With reference to Figure 14, the movable bulkhead 120 may be stowed, e.g. moved into a stowed configuration, according to a method 1100. The method 1100 comprises a first step 1102 in which one or more of the bulk head panels are moved, e.g. pivoted, into the stowed configuration, e.g. depicted in Figure 14. The method 1100 may comprise a second step 1104 in which the width of one or more of the bulkhead panels, such as the second bulkhead panel 134, is adjusted, e.g. reduced. Adjusting the width of the bulkhead panel may allow the size of the movable bulkhead 120 to be reduced when in the stowed configuration and/or may allow the shape of the movable bulkhead in the stowed configuration to be adjusted in order to better fit the cargo being transported by the vehicle around the stowed bulkhead.

As described above, one or more of the followers 140 may be decoupled from the guide tracks 110 when the movable bulkhead is moved into the stowed configuration.

Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the locks 150 may be decoupled, e.g. from the bulkhead fixings 400. The method 1100 may comprise a further step in which the followers 140 are decoupled from the guide tracks 110 and/or the locks 150 are decoupled. The further step may be performed before or during the first or second steps of the method. In some arrangements, the first step, second step, and optionally the further step, may be at least performed at the same time as each other.

With reference to Figure 15, in some arrangements, the movable bulkhead may be positionable when in the stowed configuration, such one, more than one or each of the movable bulkhead panels, e.g. the movable bulkhead, is positioned behind the driver's seat. The at least one of the movable bulkhead panels may be positioned adjacent to and may extend at least partially across, e.g. laterally across, the driver's seat. As depicted in Figure 15, the movable bulkhead panel or panels may extend parallel to the rear of the driver's seat. The movable bulkhead 120 may thereby act to at least partially separate the space within the vehicle 2 occupied by the driver from the cargo compartment 8.

The movable bulkhead 120 may be moved into the configuration shown in Figure 15, by pivoting one or more of the movable bulkhead panels 130 from the stowed configuration shown in Figure 13.

It will be appreciated that the movable bulkhead may be moved from a stowed configuration, such as one of the configurations depicted in Figure 13 and 15, back to a configuration in which the movable bulkhead panels extend across the width of the vehicle interior 4, e.g. the first or second configurations depicted in Figures 1 and 3 respectively, by performing the steps of the method 1100 in the opposite order.

The following additional, numbered statements of invention are also included within the specification and form part of the present disclosure: Statement 1. A movable bulkhead for a motor vehicle, the bulkhead comprising a plurality of bulkhead panels pivotally coupled to one another in a series arrangement, such that widths of the bulkhead panels can be arranged to extend across a width of an interior of the motor vehicle, wherein the plurality of bulkhead panels comprise: a first bulkhead panel couplable the vehicle; and a second bulkhead panel provided within the series arrangement of bulkhead panels, wherein the width of the second bulkhead panel is adjustable.

Statement 2. The movable bulkhead of statement 1, wherein the width of the first bulkhead panel is defined between first and second sides of the first bulkhead panel, and wherein the first bulkhead panel is detachably coupled to the vehicle at the first side of the first bulkhead panel.

Statement 3. The movable bulkhead of statement 1 or 2, wherein the first bulkhead is movably couplable to the vehicle at the first side of the first bulkhead.

Statement 4. The movable bulkhead of any of statements 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of bulkhead panels further comprises a third bulkhead panel and wherein the third bulkhead panel is couplable to the vehicle.

Statement 5. The movable bulkhead of statement 4, wherein the width of the first bulkhead panel and/or the third bulkhead panel is variable.

Statement 6. The movable bulkhead of statement 4 or 5, wherein the width of the third bulkhead panel is defined between first and second sides of the third bulkhead panel, wherein the third bulkhead panel is couplable to the vehicle at the second side of the third bulkhead panel.

Statement 7. The movable bulkhead of any of statements 4 to 6, wherein the second bulkhead panel is arranged between the first and third bulkhead panels in the series arrangement of bulkhead panels.

Statement 8. The movable bulk head of any of statements 4 to 7, wherein the third bulkhead panel is slidably couplable to the vehicle.

Statement 9. The movable bulkhead of any of the preceding statements, wherein the first bulkhead panel is slidably couplable the vehicle.

Statement 10. The movable bulkhead of any of the preceding statements, wherein the bulkhead comprises one or more followers, for being slidably received in guide tracks mounted on the vehicle.

Statement 11. The movable bulkhead of statement 10, wherein the first bulkhead panel is movably couplable to the vehicle by the one or more followers.

Statement 12. A movable bulkhead assembly for a vehicle, the assembly comprising the movable bulkhead accordingly to any of the preceding statements; and a guide track for mounting on the vehicle within the interior of the vehicle, wherein the first bulkhead panel is movably coupled to the guide track.

Statement 13. The movable bulkhead assembly of statement 12 when depending on statement 4, wherein the assembly further comprises a further guide track for mounting on the vehicle within the interior of the vehicle, wherein the third bulkhead panel is movable coupled to the further guide track.

Statement 14. A motor vehicle assembly comprising:

a body structure at least partially defining an interior of the vehicle; and the movable bulkhead of any of statements 1 to 11, wherein the movable bulkhead is coupled to the body structure.

Statement 15. The motor vehicle assembly of statement 14, wherein the first bulkhead panel is detachably coupled to the body structure, such that the first side of the first bulkhead panel is adjacent to a first side wall of the body structure.

Statement 16. The motor vehicle assembly of statement 14 or 15, wherein the first bulkhead panel is movably coupled to the body structure.

Statement 17. The motor vehicle assembly of any of statements 14 to 16 when depending on statement 4, wherein the third bulkhead panel is coupled to the body structure, such that the second side of the third bulkhead panel is adjacent to a second side wall of the body structure.

Statement 18. The motor vehicle assembly of any of statements 14 to 17, wherein the motor vehicle assembly further comprises a plurality of bulkhead fixings for detachably coupling the bulkhead panels to the body structure in a plurality of configurations of the movable bulkhead.

Statement 19. The motor vehicle assembly of any of statements 14 to 18, wherein the interior comprises a passenger compartment and a cargo compartment, wherein the movable bulkhead is configured to separate the passenger compartment from the cargo compartment.

Statement 20. The motor vehicle assembly of any of statements 14 to 19, wherein the assembly comprises a guide track, wherein the first bulkhead panel is movably coupled to the body structure by the guide track.

Statement 21. The motor vehicle assembly of statement 20, wherein the guide track extends along a first side of the vehicle interior.

Statement 22. The motor vehicle assembly of statement 20 or 21, wherein the guide track is formed integrally with the body structure.

Statement 23. The motor vehicle assembly of any of statements 14 to 22, wherein the first bulkhead panel comprises a lock for fixing the position of the first bulkhead panel relative to the body structure.

Statement 24. The motor vehicle of statement 17 or any of statements 18 to 23 when depending on statement 17, wherein the assembly comprises a further guide track, wherein the third bulkhead panel is movably coupled to the body structure by the further guide track.

Statement 25. The motor vehicle assembly of statement 24, wherein further guide track extends along a second side of the vehicle interior opposite the first side.

Statement 26. The motor vehicle assembly of statement 24 or 25, wherein the third bulkhead panel or the further guide track comprises a lock for fixing the position of the third bulkhead relative to the body structure.

Statement 27. A method for a movable bulkhead of a motor vehicle, wherein the bulkhead comprises a plurality of bulkhead panels pivotally coupled to one another in a series arrangement, such that widths of the bulkhead panels can be arranged to extend across a width of an interior of the motor vehicle, wherein the plurality of bulkhead panels comprise: a first bulkhead panel couplable the vehicle; and a second bulkhead panel provided within the series arrangement of bulkhead panels, wherein the width of the second bulkhead panel is adjustable, wherein the method comprises: moving the first bulkhead panel along the first side wall of the vehicle; and adjusting the width of the second bulkhead panel such that the movable bulkhead extends across the width of the interior.

Statement 28. The method of statement 27, wherein the plurality of bulkhead panels further comprises a third bulkhead panel couplable to the vehicle, wherein the second bulkhead panel is arranged between the first and third bulkhead panels in the series arrangement, wherein the width of the second bulkhead panel is adjusted such that the third bulkhead remains substantially stationary relative to a second side wall of the vehicle when the first bulkhead is moved.

Statement 29. The method of statement 27 or 28, wherein the method further comprises decoupling the first bulkhead panel from the vehicle prior to moving the first bulkhead panel and coupling the first bulkhead panel to the vehicle after the first bulkhead panel has been moved.

Statement 30. A method of stowing a movable bulkhead of a motor vehicle, wherein the bulkhead comprises a plurality of bulkhead panels pivotally coupled to one another in a series arrangement, such that widths of the bulkhead panels can be arranged to extend across a width of an interior of the motor vehicle, wherein the plurality of bulkhead panels comprise: a first bulkhead panel couplable the vehicle; and a second bulkhead panel provided within the series arrangement of bulkhead panels, wherein the width of the second bulkhead panel is adjustable, wherein the method comprises: pivoting the bulkhead panels relative to one another in order to retract the movable bulkhead to one side of the vehicle interior; and adjusting the width of the second bulkhead panel.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the invention has been described by way of example, with reference to one or more exemplary examples, it is not limited to the disclosed examples and that alternative examples could be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A movable bulkhead for a motor vehicle, the bulkhead comprising a plurality of bulkhead panels pivotally coupled to one another in a series arrangement, such that widths of the bulkhead panels can be arranged to extend across a width of an interior of the motor vehicle, wherein the plurality of bulkhead panels comprise: a first bulkhead panel couplable to the vehicle; and a second bulkhead panel provided within the series arrangement of bulkhead panels, wherein the width of the second bulkhead panel is adjustable.
2. The movable bulkhead of claim 1, wherein the width of the first bulkhead panel is defined between first and second sides of the first bulkhead panel, and wherein the first bulkhead panel is detachably couplable to the vehicle at the first side of the first bulkhead panel.
3. The movable bulkhead of claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of bulkhead panels further comprises a third bulkhead panel and wherein the third bulkhead panel is couplable to the vehicle.
4. The movable bulkhead of claim 3, wherein the width of the first bulkhead panel and/or the third bulkhead panel is variable.
5. The movable bulkhead of claim 3 or 4, wherein the second bulkhead panel is arranged between the first and third bulkhead panels in the series arrangement of bulkhead panels.
6. The movable bulk head of any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the first and/or third bulkhead panels are slidably couplable to the vehicle.
7. The movable bulkhead of any of the preceding claims, wherein the bulkhead comprises one or more followers, for being slidably received in guide tracks mounted on the vehicle.
8. The movable bulkhead of claim 7, wherein the first bulkhead panel is movably couplable to the vehicle by the one or more followers.
9. A movable bulkhead assembly for a vehicle, the assembly comprising the movable bulkhead accordingly to any of the preceding claims; and a guide track for mounting on the vehicle within the interior of the vehicle, wherein the first bulkhead panel is movably coupled to the guide track.
10. The movable bulkhead assembly of claim 9 when depending on claim 3, wherein the assembly further comprises a further guide track for mounting on the vehicle within the interior of the vehicle, wherein the third bulkhead panel is movable coupled to the further guide track.
11. A motor vehicle assembly comprising: a body structure at least partially defining an interior of the vehicle; and the movable bulkhead of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the movable bulkhead is coupled to the body structure.
12. The motor vehicle assembly of claim 11, wherein the first bulkhead panel is detachably coupled to the body structure, such that the first side of the first bulkhead panel is adjacent to a first side wall of the body structure.
13. The motor vehicle assembly of claim 11 or 12 when depending on claim 3, wherein the third bulkhead panel is coupled to the body structure, such that the second side of the third bulkhead panel is adjacent to a second side wall of the body structure.
14. The motor vehicle assembly of any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the motor vehicle assembly further comprises a plurality of bulkhead fixings for detachably coupling the bulkhead panels to the body structure in a plurality of configurations of the movable bulkhead.
15. The motor vehicle assembly of any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the interior comprises a passenger compartment and a cargo compartment, wherein the movable bulkhead is configured to separate the passenger compartment from the cargo compartment.
16. The motor vehicle assembly of any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the assembly comprises a guide track, wherein the first bulkhead panel is movably coupled to the body structure by the guide track.
17. The motor vehicle assembly of claim 16, wherein the guide track extends along a first side of the vehicle interior.
18. The motor vehicle assembly of claim 16 or 17, wherein the guide track is formed integrally with the body structure.
19. The motor vehicle assembly of any of claims 11 to 18, wherein the first bulkhead panel comprises a lock for fixing the position of the first bulkhead panel relative to the body structure.
20. The motor vehicle of claim 13 or any of claims 14 to 19 when depending on claim 13, wherein the assembly comprises a further guide track, wherein the third bulkhead panel is movably coupled to the body structure by the further guide track.
21. The motor vehicle assembly of claim 20, wherein the third bulkhead panel or the further guide track comprises a lock for fixing the position of the third bulkhead relative to the body structure.
22. A method for a movable bulkhead of a motor vehicle, wherein the bulkhead comprises a plurality of bulkhead panels pivotally coupled to one another in a series arrangement, such that widths of the bulkhead panels can be arranged to extend across a width of an interior of the motor vehicle, wherein the plurality of bulkhead panels comprise: a first bulkhead panel couplable the vehicle; and a second bulkhead panel provided within the series arrangement of bulkhead panels, wherein the width of the second bulkhead panel is adjustable, wherein the method comprises: moving the first bulkhead panel along the first side wall of the vehicle; and adjusting the width of the second bulkhead panel such that the movable bulkhead extends across the width of the interior.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the plurality of bulkhead panels further comprises a third bulkhead panel couplable to the vehicle, wherein the second bulkhead panel is arranged between the first and third bulkhead panels in the series arrangement, wherein the width of the second bulkhead panel is adjusted such that the third bulkhead remains substantially stationary relative to a second side wall of the vehicle when the first bulkhead is moved.
24. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein the method further comprises decoupling the first bulkhead panel from the vehicle prior to moving the first bulkhead panel and coupling the first bulkhead panel to the vehicle after the first bulkhead panel has been moved.
25. A method of stowing a movable bulkhead of a motor vehicle, wherein the bulkhead comprises a plurality of bulkhead panels pivotally coupled to one another in a series arrangement, such that widths of the bulkhead panels can be arranged to extend across a width of an interior of the motor vehicle, wherein the plurality of bulkhead panels comprise: a first bulkhead panel couplable the vehicle; and a second bulkhead panel provided within the series arrangement of bulkhead panels, wherein the width of the second bulkhead panel is adjustable, wherein the method comprises: order to retract the pivoting the bulkhead panels relative to one another in movable bulkhead to one side of the vehicle interior; and adjusting the width of the second bulkhead panel.