Invention Grant

Payload mechanism
Abstract:
A payload mechanism for a vehicle is provided. The payload mechanism comprises: a door (2) operable to be in a closed configuration or an open configuration within a recess of the vehicle, the recess having an aperture (10); a first bearing unit comprising a first bearing (3a) and a second bearing (4a), the first bearing unit being coupled to one end of the door such that the door can rotate about the axis of rotation (y) of the first bearing and wherein the first bearing unit can rotate about the axis of rotation (x) of the second bearing, wherein the axis of rotation of the first bearing is offset from the axis of rotation of the second bearing; and a drive unit arranged to selectively drive either: the first bearing and the second bearing simultaneously at opposite and equal angular rates of motion to rotate the door in a first direction about the axis of rotation of the first bearing and to rotate the first bearing unit in a second direction about the axis of rotation of the second bearing to move the door closer to or away from the aperture, or the first bearing but not the second bearing to rotate the door about the axis of rotation of the first bearing. Methods of operating said payload mechanism are also provided, along with a vehicle having the payload mechanism.
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