Functional breakthrough for recreational vehicle or motorhome

Abstract

Motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle (1) comprising a body undercarriage (2), a roof area (3), at least one vehicle wall (4) with an inside (IS) and an outside (AS) and at least one connecting element (5), wherein the connecting element (5) is an A, B, C, or D vehicle pillar, wherein the connecting element (5) comprises a support profile (8) with at least two outer edges (8a, 8b) and at least one connection section (7, 7a, 7b), wherein the at least two outer edges (8a, 8b) are connected to each other via at least one profile section (8c), wherein the at least two outer edges (8a, 8b) are arranged with a lower end (E1) and an upper end (E2) between the body substructure (2) and the roof area (3), and wherein the at least one connection section (7, 7a, 7b) is connected to the body substructure (2) and / or the roof area (3) and / or the at least one vehicle wall (4), characterized by the fact that the connecting element (5) is interrupted at least sectionally along at least one outer edge (8a, 8b). and that at least one frame element (9) enabling stabilization of the interrupted connecting element is arranged at least in a partial area of ​​the interrupted connecting element (5) and / or at least one frame element (9) enabling stabilization of the interrupted connecting element is connected to the body substructure (2) and at least a partial area of ​​the connecting element (5) and / or to a wheel arch (12).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle comprising a body underframe, a roof area, at least one vehicle wall with an inside and an outside and at least one connecting element, in particular A, B, C, or D vehicle pillar, wherein the connecting element is interrupted.

[0002] Motorhomes or box-shaped recreational vehicles have been well known to the relevant professional circles for quite some time.

[0003] A long-standing problem with the aforementioned motorhomes or box-shaped recreational vehicles is the often very limited interior space. At the same time, the demands placed on the use of such vehicles are very high, particularly regarding the usability of the interior. For example, these vehicles are expected to replicate a very high standard of living, providing a kitchen, bathroom, sleeping and living areas, and possibly other utility spaces. This presents a significant challenge for the design and construction of such motorhomes or box-shaped recreational vehicles.

[0004] For example, the limited space in such vehicles presents a significant challenge with regard to the toilet, and especially its installation and removal. It is known that in certain models of motorhomes or recreational vehicles, the toilet, which is typically designed to be portable, can be removed and installed with considerable difficulty and often inconvenience. Experts are familiar with the fact that the removal and insertion of at least one tank or functional volume must be carried out from the outside of the vehicle. Therefore, an opening must be created in a vehicle wall through which the toilet or tank can be inserted and removed.This opening must also be positioned and arranged in the vehicle wall in such a way that the usability of the toilet inside the vehicle is ensured, at least in this area. According to current standards, this means that a sanitary area is located in the area of ​​the opening in the vehicle wall.

[0005] Creating additional spaces therefore requires a complex spatial design. Often, many different aspects cannot be constructively combined in this regard, resulting in limited usability of such vehicles due to their restricted spatial conditions, particularly the interior. This restricts flexibility in positioning and spatial planning.

[0006] DE 10 2013 002 306 A1 discloses a vehicle column of a motor vehicle in which the basic structure comprises or is formed from at least two interconnected tubular profiles. DE 10 2007 039 315 A1 discloses a transport vehicle in which the body has a continuously inwardly curved lateral tapered section on both the left and right sides at the rear. US 2015 / 001883 A1 discloses a wall section for a vehicle. DE 87 12 242 U1 discloses a caravan, camper van, or the like in which a rounding parallel to a plane spanned by the direction of travel and the vertical between two body walls is achieved by an arched connecting piece. US 8 262 153 B2 discloses an opening in a vehicle column with a receptacle for a belt spool.

[0007] The object of the invention is therefore to improve the usability of motorhomes or box-shaped recreational vehicles with regard to their limited spatial conditions, in particular the interior.

[0008] The problem is solved by a motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 12.

[0009] According to the invention, a motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle is proposed, comprising a body underframe, a roof area, at least one vehicle wall with an inner and an outer surface, and at least one connecting element, in particular an A, B, C, or D vehicle pillar. According to the invention, the connecting element is interrupted.

[0010] Such a connecting element allows for more uses within the vehicle or in the vehicle's interior, as it provides increased space. Flexibility in spatial planning is not restricted by fixed points that cannot be interrupted for structural reasons. Rather, the invention provides for interruptions, for example, in the area of ​​structurally relevant body components, such as the vertically running A, B, C, or D pillars, in order to accommodate corresponding spaces in spatial planning.

[0011] For example, the interrupted area of ​​the connecting element can be used as storage space. It is also conceivable to use the space gained by means of the interrupted connecting element for an opening to the outside, in particular a flap or the like.

[0012] According to the invention, the connecting element comprises a support profile with at least two outer edges and at least one connection section, wherein the at least two outer edges are connected to each other via at least one profile section, wherein the at least two outer edges are arranged with a lower end E1 and an upper end E2 between the body substructure and the roof area, and wherein the at least one connection section is connected to the body substructure and / or the roof area and / or the at least one vehicle wall, wherein the connecting element is interrupted at least sectionally along at least one outer edge.

[0013] This creates the possibility of utilizing at least the interrupted area of ​​the outer edge or the interrupted area of ​​the connecting element. Contrary to the usual assumption of those skilled in the art, who reject such interruptions for reasons of body statics, such an interruption is advantageous for the interior design of motorhomes or recreational vehicles. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that at least one outer edge has at least one interruption in an area of ​​the body substructure.

[0014] Such a break thus enables usability in the ground-level area of ​​the motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle.

[0015] A further embodiment of the invention provides that the connecting element comprises a support profile with two outer edges, wherein both outer edges are interrupted and / or at least one outer edge has at least two interruptions.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the connecting element is completely interrupted along its longitudinal extent (L) at at least two different areas oriented in the transverse extent (Q).

[0017] From such an interrupted connecting element, which in other words is removed section by section, it follows that a volume or space is created corresponding to the size of the removed section of the connecting element.

[0018] According to the invention, at least one frame element is arranged at least in a partial area of ​​the interrupted connecting element and / or at least one frame element is connected to the body substructure and at least a partial area of ​​the connecting element and / or to a wheel arch.

[0019] Such a frame element enables stabilization of the interrupted connecting element.

[0020] The connecting element can be interrupted between the body substructure and the roof area in such a way that it is connected to both the roof area and the body substructure in the remaining area.

[0021] It is also possible that at least one vehicle wall has at least one opening which is located at least partially in the area of ​​at least one interrupted outer edge.

[0022] The opening in the vehicle wall is therefore located in an area of ​​the outer edge or in an area of ​​the connecting element. This allows the opening to be positioned anywhere in the vehicle wall. This allows for a particularly high degree of flexibility in the design of motorhomes or box-shaped recreational vehicles.

[0023] It is also possible that the frame element is not round and / or is made of one piece.

[0024] Such a frame element can be produced cost-effectively with minimal labor. A one-piece frame element can be designed as a bent sheet metal element or profile, which can be easily manufactured in a flat shape and formed using bending or folding mechanisms.

[0025] It may also be provided that the frame element is connected to at least the vehicle wall, the body substructure or the connecting element by means of at least one connecting element.

[0026] This stabilizes and secures the frame element, thereby increasing the overall stability of the entire motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle. The load-bearing function of the connecting element can thus be restored or even improved, as the frame element regains and provides the original structural integrity of the body.

[0027] An advantageous embodiment may also provide that the box-shaped frame element is connected at least to the body substructure or the connecting element by means of an adhesive and / or screw connection.

[0028] This provides a way of attaching the frame element that is simple and cost-effective and requires only a few pieces of equipment.

[0029] One embodiment of the invention may provide that a frame element is connected in a flange-like manner to the inside and outside of the vehicle wall.

[0030] A further embodiment of the invention may provide that at least the outside of the vehicle wall comprises an opening opposite the frame element.

[0031] One embodiment of the invention can be realized, for example, by the following method for creating an opening in a wall section of a motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle, wherein the following steps are carried out. a) Cutting out at least one section of a vehicle pillar (A, B, C or D pillar) and b) Removing a section of a vehicle wall to create an opening which is predominantly located in an area of ​​the removed column section, wherein steps a) and b) may be carried out successively in any order or simultaneously.

[0032] The procedure may also provide that a frame element is inserted into at least a partial area of ​​the wall section and / or the column section.

[0033] Furthermore, the method may provide that at least one device for opening and closing is installed in the area of ​​the vehicle wall, such that the device covers a predominant area of ​​the opening.

[0034] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the drawings of an exemplary embodiment described below.

[0035] It shows: Fig. 1 A schematic representation of a section of a motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle from the prior art; Fig. 2 A schematic representation of a section of a motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle according to the invention; Fig. 3 A schematic representation of a further embodiment of a section of a motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle according to the invention. Fig. 4 A schematic detail view of the connecting element. Fig. 5 A sectional view along line AA of the Fig. 4

[0036] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows a section of a motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle 1, as known from the prior art. The motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle 1 comprises a body underframe 2, a roof section 3, and a vehicle wall 4. The section shown relates to the usable area, which is largely oriented away from the cockpit or the front of the motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle 1. The vehicle wall 4 is connected to the roof section 3 and the body underframe 2. Such a connection can be made, for example, using an adhesive. However, it is also conceivable to achieve the connection without the use of adhesives, for example, by using screws, rivets, etc.Due to the fact that the vehicle wall 4 has only a small thickness, connecting elements 5 are provided to stabilize it and thus the entire motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle 1. This is known from the prior art, particularly in the field of body construction. The term "vehicle pillar" is usually used synonymously with the term connecting element 5. It is also common practice to designate the vehicle pillars, which are essentially load-bearing elements or significantly influence the statics of a vehicle, with the letters A, B, C, etc., starting from the front. In the case of a motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle 1, the terms A-, B-, C-, D-, etc. pillar can therefore be used, which are equivalent to the term connecting element 5. For the purposes of the invention, the term connecting element 5 refers to a vertical alignment, corresponding to this arrangement of known vehicle pillars.The one in the . Fig. The connecting element 5 shown in Figure 1 can be equated with a so-called C-pillar.

[0037] The connecting element 5 is connected to the body substructure 2 via a corner profile 13. Furthermore, the corner profile 13 is connected to the wheel arch 12. This generally achieves stabilization of the vehicle wall 4.

[0038] In the Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a section of a motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle 1 according to the invention. The motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle 1 according to the invention similarly comprises a body underframe 2, a roof area, a corner profile 13, and a wheel arch 12. The motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle also similarly comprises a vehicle wall 4.

[0039] The connecting element 5, however, is no longer continuously arranged between the body substructure 2 and the roof area 3. Rather, a section of the connecting element 5 is missing. In other words, the connecting element 5 is interrupted in sections.

[0040] According to the invention, it is irrelevant whether the connecting element 5 is interrupted in the area of ​​the body substructure 2 or in the area of ​​the roof area 3. It is also possible that the connecting element is interrupted approximately in the middle with respect to the body substructure 2 and the roof area 3.

[0041] Due to the fact that the connecting element 5 is connected to the inside IS of the vehicle wall 4 despite the interruption shown or despite the part being cut out, it is also possible that the connecting element 5 is interrupted in several places.

[0042] A dashed line indicates an opening 14 in the vehicle wall 4. This opening 14 allows, for example, the installation or removal of a toilet (not shown) or a tank into the motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle 1. A particular advantage is that the opening 14 can now be located in an additional area of ​​the vehicle wall 4 that was previously inaccessible for openings. This opens up entirely new possibilities for the interior design and use of such motorhomes or box-shaped recreational vehicles 1. A sanitary area can be arranged, as not shown, in the area of ​​the opening 14 on the inside IS of the vehicle wall 4 or in the interior IR of the motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle 1.This would make it possible to connect an interior IR of the motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle, for example from such a sanitary room, practically through the interrupted connecting element 5 an opening 14 in the vehicle wall 4 with an exterior of the motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle 1.

[0043] An opening or closing device, e.g., a flap, is provided for the opening 14 in a manner not shown in detail. For example, this opening or closing device can be located on the outside AS of the vehicle wall 4 or on the inside IS of the vehicle wall 4. It is also possible that two opening or closing devices are provided, one on the inside IS and one on the outside AS of the vehicle wall 4 of the motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle 1.

[0044] In the Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a section of a motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle 1 according to the invention, which equally comprises a body underframe 2, a roof section 3, a vehicle wall 4, a wheel arch 12 and a corner profile 13. The motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle 1 also comprises a connecting element 5. In the illustrated embodiment, this is connected to and interrupted from the roof section 3 and the vehicle wall 4.

[0045] Between the body substructure 2 and the roof area 3, a frame element 9 is arranged in addition to the connecting element 5. In other words, a section of the connecting element 5 has been removed and replaced by the frame element 9. The frame element 9 serves to stabilize the area created by the interrupted connecting element 5.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the frame element is non-circular, essentially rectangular. Furthermore, the frame element 9 is formed in one piece, e.g., as a bent sheet metal element.

[0047] It is also possible that frame element 9 is polygonal. Furthermore, it is possible that frame element 8 is multi-part.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the frame element 9 has an opening 15. The frame element can also have multiple openings, though this is not shown in detail. The frame element 9 can be connected to the connecting element 5, the body substructure 2, the corner profile 13, or the wheel arch 12. Combinations of these connections are also possible.

[0049] The frame element 9 has an opening 15. This opening 15 is essentially identical to the opening 14 of the vehicle wall 4. Thus, a connection is created between the exterior of the motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle 1 and its interior IR, the connection being made through the interrupted connecting element 5 and the frame element 9. It is therefore possible to insert or remove an object, for example a portable toilet or a tank, from the exterior to the interior of the motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle 1.

[0050] It is also conceivable that openings 14 and 15 are not a perfect fit or perfectly aligned. For example, it is possible that openings 14 and 15 are different sizes.

[0051] In a manner not shown in detail, it is conceivable that the frame element 9 is arranged in the vehicle wall 4 such that it is located on the inside IS and the outside AS of the vehicle wall 4.

[0052] Furthermore, it is conceivable, though not shown in detail, that the frame element 9 is flange-mounted on the inside IS of the vehicle wall 4 and / or the outside AS of the vehicle wall 4. In particular, the frame element 9 can be inserted into the opening 14 from the outside as a plug-in element with a collar, in order to provide a secure connection to the vehicle wall 4 and the remaining sections of the connecting element 5.

[0053] It is also conceivable, in a manner not shown in detail, that the frame element 9 is arranged flush with the outside AS of the vehicle wall 4.

[0054] The Fig. Figure 4 shows a detailed view, highlighting in particular the connecting element 5 and the frame element 9. It can be seen that the frame element 9 is connected to the connecting element 5 and to the body substructure 2 by means of connecting elements 10, 10a.

[0055] It is also possible that the frame element 9 is connected to the connecting element 5, the wheel arch 12 or the corner profile 13 by means of only one connecting element 10, 10a.

[0056] It is also conceivable that several, i.e. more than two, connecting means 10, 10a are connected to the frame element 9, the wheel arch 12 or the corner profile 13.

[0057] Furthermore, it is possible that no connecting means 10, 10a are present and that the frame element 9 is connected to the body substructure 2, the corner profile 13 or the wheel arch 12 by means of an adhesive and / or screw connection, whereby combinations are also conceivable.

[0058] It is also conceivable, though not shown in detail, that several frame elements 9 are arranged between the body substructure 2 and the roof area 3, with the arrangement occurring at least partially in the area of ​​the connecting element 5. Accordingly, it is also conceivable that the vehicle wall 4 has several openings 14, thus creating multiple connections between the outer surface AS of the vehicle wall 4 and the inner surface IS of the vehicle wall 4.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the frame element 9 is arranged flush with the body substructure.

[0060] In one embodiment of the invention, it is also conceivable to arrange the frame element 9 not flush with the body substructure 2.

[0061] In Fig. 5 is a section along line AA in Fig.Figure 4 shows the frame element 9 schematically as a profile with a right outer edge 8a, a left outer edge 8b, and a connecting edge 8c. The frame element 9 is connected to the vehicle wall 4 in a known manner (spot weld, rivet, adhesive bond, etc.). The frame element 9 is located on the inside IS of the vehicle wall 4, opposite the outside AS. A support profile 6 and a profile section 11 are also shown. Reference symbol list: 1 motorhome or box-shaped recreational vehicle 2 Body underbody 3 Roof area 4 Vehicle wall 5 Connecting element 6 Support profile 7 Connection section 8a, right outer edge 8b left outer edge 8c Connecting edge 9 frame element 10, 10a Fasteners 11 Profile section 12 Wheel arch 13 Corner profile 14 Opening (in the vehicle wall (4)) 15 Opening (in the frame element (9)) IS inside IR interior AS Outside E1 Lower end E2 Upper End L Longitudinal extent Q transverse extension

Claims

[1] Motorhome or box-shaped leisure vehicle (1), comprising a body substructure (2), a roof area (3), at least one vehicle wall (4) with an inner side (IS) and an outer side (AS) and at least one connecting element (5), wherein the connecting element (5) is an A-, B-, C-, or D-vehicle pillar, wherein the connecting element (5) comprises a supporting profile (8) with at least two outer edges (8a, 8b) and at least one connecting section (7, 7a, 7b), wherein the at least two outer edges (8a, 8b) are connected to one another via at least one profile section (8c), wherein the at least two outer edges (8a, 8b) are arranged with a lower end (E1) and an upper end (E2) between the body substructure (2) and the roof area (3), and wherein the at least one connecting section (7, 7a, 7b) is connected to the body substructure (2) and / or the roof area (3) and / or the at least one vehicle wall (4), characterized by , that the connecting element (5) is interrupted at least in sections along at least one outer edge (8a, 8b) and that at least one frame element (9) which enables stabilization of the interrupted connecting element is arranged at least in a partial region of the interrupted connecting element (5) and / or at least one frame element (9) which enables stabilization of the interrupted connecting element is connected to the body substructure (2) and at least a partial region of the connecting element (5) and / or to a wheel house (12). [2] Motorhome or box-shaped leisure vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the at least one outer edge (8a, 8b) has at least one interruption in a region of the body substructure (2). [3] Motorhome or box-shaped leisure vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the connecting element (5) comprises a support profile (6) with two outer edges (8a, 8b), wherein both outer edges (8a, 8b) are interrupted and / or at least one outer edge (8a, 8b) has at least two interruptions. [4] Motorhome or box-shaped leisure vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connecting element (5) is completely interrupted along its longitudinal extent (L) in at least two different regions oriented in the transverse extent (Q). [5] Motorhome or box-shaped leisure vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one vehicle wall (4) has at least one opening which is arranged at least partially in the region of at least one interrupted outer edge (8, 8a). [6] Motorhome or box-shaped leisure vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat an opening (15) of at least one frame element (9) arranged predominantly on the inner side (IS) and at least one opening (14) in the vehicle wall (4) are aligned with one another. [7] Motorhome or box-shaped leisure vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a frame element (9) is predominantly non-circular and constructed in one piece. [8] Motorhome or box-shaped leisure vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a frame element (9) is connected by means of at least one connecting means (10, 10a) at least to the vehicle wall (4), the body substructure (2) or the connecting element (5). [9] Motorhome or box-shaped leisure vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a frame element (9) is connected at least to the body substructure (2) or the connecting element (5) by means of an adhesive and / or screw connection. [10] Motorhome or box-shaped leisure vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a frame element (9) is flange-connected to the inside (IS) and to the outside (AS) of the vehicle wall (4). [11] Motorhome or box-shaped leisure vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least the outer side (AS) of the vehicle wall (4) comprises an opening opposite the frame element (9).

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