Modular vehicle configuration for converting a standard semi-integrated motorhome into a vehicle with a raised Skydancer® cabin module by structurally replacing the front body structure

Abstract

Modular vehicle configuration for a motorhome, characterized by the fact that a standard semi-integrated motorhome (11.) - in the area of ​​its front body structure above the chassis immediately behind the front edge of the living area entrance door, is structurally separated (13) and removed from the rest of the motorhome (11.), where - the complete original chassis including the cowl (4.) remains fully intact and - instead of the removed front body structure, a cabin module system Skydancer® (12.) with displacement frame (3.) is structurally connected to the chassis as well as to the remaining living structure (5.), which is characterized by the following features: - creates a cabin floor level that is higher than that of the original driver's cab, - the driver and passenger area is spatially shifted upwards, - and creates a load-bearing connection between the wind tunnel, chassis and side walls of the living structure.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of recreational vehicles, in particular motorhomes on standard chassis (e.g. Fiat Ducato® or identical platforms), and describes a structural redesign of a standard semi-integrated motorhome.

[0002] The invention does not relate to the complete redesign of a vehicle, but to the targeted structural reduction and substitution of defined body structures while retaining the original chassis. State of the art

[0003] Semi-integrated motorhomes consist of: - a continuous series chassis, - including the so-called wind run, - a standard cab body, - and an adjoining residential building.

[0004] Skydancer® vehicles according to DE 50 2011 000 168.1, on the other hand, are based on independently designed cabin structures with a displacement frame and a raised driver's cab.

[0005] However, the state of the art does not disclose: - the systematic removal of the standard cab and front bodywork of a semi-integrated motorhome, - while fully retaining the original chassis including the cowl, - as well as the structural replacement of this removed body structure with an independent, raised cabin module. Definition of "wind run"

[0006] For the purposes of this application, the term "wind run" refers to the load-bearing front structure of the base vehicle without the outer cab body, in particular without the roof, doors, outer skin and front fairing, which accommodates the engine, front axle, steering and brake system. Description of the invention

[0007] The core of the invention consists of the structural transformation of a standard semi-integrated motorhome by replacing the front body structure above the chassis.

[0008] This will be: 1. A semi-integrated motorhome is selected as the base vehicle, wherein the distance between the front axle and the front edge of the living area entrance door is at least approximately 2000 mm, preferably at least 2050 mm; 2. the front body structure above the chassis immediately behind the front edge of the living area entrance door is structurally separated; 3. the standard cab body and the front body components above the chassis removed; 4. retain the complete original chassis including the cowl; 5. In place of the removed structure, a self-contained cabin module with a displacement frame was installed.

[0009] The transfer frame is designed in particular according to German utility model DE 20 2018 000 142.2, known approved version: Additional frame Skydancer 21 / DD 22.

[0010] The transfer framework causes: - a raised cabin floor level compared to the original driver's cab, - a spatial relocation of the driver and passenger area upwards, - a load-bearing connection between the wind tunnel, chassis and side walls of the remaining living structure. Technical effect.

[0011] The transformation according to the invention results in: - a two-story spatial structure with a raised driver's cab and deeper living space, - an improved panoramic viewing position, - a structural stabilization of the remaining residential structure through force-transmitting connection with the displacement frame, - a reduction in custom design features compared to completely redesigned Skydancer® vehicles, - the use of industrially manufactured series-produced residential structures.

[0012] The invention is thus based on a new spatial-physical overall structure through structural substitution. Example of an embodiment.

[0013] As an exemplary embodiment, a standard semi-integrated motorhome based on a Fiat Ducato® chassis serves, in particular a vehicle of type Carado® T448 or a structurally identical model.

[0014] In such a vehicle, the distance between the front axle and the front edge of the living area entrance door is at least approximately 2000 mm, preferably approximately 2050 mm, so that there is sufficient installation space in the front area for accommodating a raised cabin module.

[0015] The front body structure above the chassis is structurally separated immediately behind the front edge of the living area entrance door.

[0016] From this defined cutting line forward in the direction of travel, all body and superstructure components above the chassis are removed, in particular: - the outer side walls of the original driver's cab, - the roof, - the front fairing including the front mask, - the doors, - the standard cab body, - the seats of the original driver's cab, - the dashboard and associated interior trim panels.

[0017] Only the continuous original chassis, including the cowl as the load-bearing front structure for accommodating the engine, front axle, steering and brake system, remains.

[0018] In place of the removed front body structure, a Skydancer® cabin module with a transfer frame is fitted, in particular a transfer frame according to German utility model DE 20 2018 000 142.2.

[0019] The relocation frame is designed to create a cabin floor level that is higher than that of the original cab, allowing the driver and passenger area to be moved upwards.

[0020] The cabin module includes in particular: - a load-bearing frame structure to support the cabin loads, - a four-seater driver's cab with integrated seat mounts, - a newly designed vehicle front with a structural connection to the wind tunnel, - side cabin walls with large glazing areas, - a raised windshield and raised glazing surfaces all around, - an openable roof arranged above the cabin, similar to a convertible roof, - integrated mounting areas for steering column, pedals and controls, - Electrical interfaces for connection to the original chassis.

[0021] The transfer frame is connected to the wind tunnel, the chassis, and the side walls of the remaining residential structure in a force-transmitting manner.

[0022] The front side walls of the cabin module (module 1) are structurally connected to the front edges of the remaining side walls of the living structure (module 2).

[0023] For this purpose, overlapping connecting elements can be provided, for example glued-in aluminum profiles in H-shape, which overlap both the rear wall of the cabin module and the front wall of the remaining living structure and connect them in a form-fit and force-fit manner.

[0024] The H-profiles serve as load-bearing connecting elements and provide a surface stabilization of the transition area between the cabin module and the living structure.

[0025] This constructive redesign creates a two-story spatial structure with a raised driver's area and a lower-lying living area, utilizing a standard production living structure. Drawings: Fig. 1: Semi-integrated motorhome (Module 2) Fig. 2: like 1 without the front part of the vehicle Fig. 3: Vehicle configuration according to the invention (includes module 1 and parts of module 2). 1 Standard cab 2 Windlauf 3 Transfer framework DD2 4. Open roof 11 Semi-integrated motorhome 12 Skydancer ® cabin module (module 1). 13. Dividing line for the removal of the front part of the semi-integrated vehicle. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 50 2011 000 168.1

[0004] DE 20 2018 000 142.2 [0009, 0018]

Claims

Modular vehicle configuration for a motorhome, characterized in that a standard semi-integrated motorhome (11.) is structurally separated (13.) and removed from the rest of the motorhome (11.) in the area of ​​its front body structure above the chassis immediately behind the front edge of the living area entrance door, wherein the continuous original chassis including the cowl (4.) is fully retained and, instead of the removed front body structure, a cabin module system Skydancer® with displacement frame (3.) is structurally connected to the chassis and to the remaining living area (5.), which is characterized by the following features: forming a cabin floor level raised compared to the original driver's cab, spatially relocating the driver and passenger area upwards, and establishing a load-bearing connection between the cowl, chassis and side walls of the living area. Vehicle configuration according to claim 1, characterized in that the displacement frame is formed. Vehicle configuration according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cabin module (12.) comprises: - a four-seat driver's cabin, - side cabin walls with large-area glazing, - a newly designed vehicle front, - all-round increased glazing surfaces, in particular a raised windshield, - and an openable roof (4.) arranged above the cabin in the sense of a convertible roof. Vehicle configuration according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance between the front axle and the front edge of the living space entrance door is at least approximately 2000 mm, preferably at least 2050 mm. Vehicle configuration according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the displacement frame (3.) is connected to the wind tunnel (2.) and to the side walls of the remaining living structure (5.) in a force-transmitting manner.

Images