Floor structure, trailer for a vehicle, vehicle and method for producing a floor structure, a trailer or a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a floor structure (10) for a trailer (30) of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, or for a vehicle (40), in particular a commercial vehicle, wherein the floor structure (10) comprises a chassis (12) with longitudinal beams (14) and cross beams (16), and a plurality of floor plates (18), wherein the plurality of floor plates (18) are mounted on the longitudinal beams (12) and cross beams (14) of the chassis (10) in a non-destructively detachable manner. It is proposed that the plurality of floor plates (18) be mounted on the longitudinal beams (14) and cross beams (16) of the chassis (18) by means of a plurality of nails (20).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a floor structure, a trailer for a vehicle, a vehicle and a method for producing a floor structure, a trailer or a vehicle.

[0002] The floor structure of a commercial vehicle typically consists of a chassis frame and a floor plate. The chassis frame forms the basic framework of the commercial vehicle. The floor plate, which forms the actual loading area of ​​the commercial vehicle, is then mounted on this chassis frame. The side walls are connected to the floor plate and serve to secure the load, for example, against environmental influences. The side walls can be solid or have a tarpaulin. If the side wall has a tarpaulin, it is connected to the floor plate in such a way that the tarpaulin can be moved along the floor plate for opening and closing, or is guided along it in a guide.

[0003] The axles for the wheel suspension are attached to the chassis frame. These ensure the mobility of the commercial vehicles.

[0004] To position the floor panels on the chassis at the final assembly location, support plates or support areas are usually provided on the chassis frame. The floor panels only rest in the designated support areas of the chassis frame elements, to which they are also attached. For the subsequent screw connection between the floor panel and chassis, the floor panels and support areas of the chassis must be pre-drilled at the designated positions. It is often necessary to mark the screw positions. The floor panels are then positioned in the designated location and fastened to the chassis with a screw. The design and manufacture of the floor is time-consuming and expensive due to the many necessary intermediate steps.

[0005] The present invention is based on the object of providing a floor structure for commercial vehicles or for trailers of a commercial vehicle, and a trailer for a vehicle or commercial vehicles, wherein both the floor structure and the trailer can be manufactured with reduced time and at lower costs. Furthermore, a vehicle is to be provided that can be manufactured more quickly due to the reduced time expenditure. Furthermore, the invention is based on the object of providing a method for producing a floor structure, a trailer, or a vehicle that can be carried out both time-efficiently and cost-effectively.

[0006] This object is achieved by a floor structure for a trailer of a vehicle or for a vehicle according to claim 1, a trailer for a vehicle according to claim 8, a vehicle according to claim 9, and a method for producing a floor structure, a trailer or a vehicle according to claim 10.

[0007] A first aspect of the invention is a floor structure for a trailer of a vehicle or for a vehicle. The vehicle can preferably be a commercial vehicle. The floor structure comprises a chassis with longitudinal beams and crossbeams, and a plurality of floor plates. The plurality of floor plates are non-destructively detachably mounted on the longitudinal beams and crossbeams of the chassis. The plurality of floor plates are mounted on the longitudinal beams and crossbeams of the chassis by means of a plurality of nails, in particular screwable nails or screw nails or detachable nails.

[0008] The longitudinal beams are the beams of the chassis, i.e., the chassis frame, that run along the maximum extent, particularly in the longitudinal direction, of the chassis. The crossbeams run orthogonally to the longitudinal beams. The longitudinal beams can also be referred to as longitudinal members, and the crossbeams as cross members.

[0009] In this context, non-destructive removal means that at least the floor panels can be reused after the nails have been removed. In some cases, it may also be possible to reuse the nails themselves.

[0010] The use of nails simplifies assembly because they can be installed without tension. Furthermore, pre-drilling the numerous base plates and the chassis is eliminated, thus eliminating the need for chip extraction. This eliminates a step in the assembly process, reducing time and costs. Nails are also less expensive than the special screws otherwise used.

[0011] When installing the floor plate, the nails can be installed so that they are countersunk into the respective floor plate. This creates a flat surface for the loading area.

[0012] In a further embodiment, a support area can be arranged between the plurality of floor panels and the chassis. This support area can be made of metal and have a thickness of approximately 3 mm. The plurality of floor panels are then nailed indirectly to the longitudinal beams and the cross beams. The plurality of floor panels are preferably nailed directly to the longitudinal beams and the cross beams.

[0013] Sheet metal can also be arranged between the base plate and the chassis in such a way that these sheets can be secured in position during the installation of the nails. It can be particularly advantageous if the base plate has a recess that corresponds to the sheet metal. The sheet metal can be arranged in such a way that the nails do not penetrate the sheet metal during installation.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment of the floor plate, the distance between individual nails corresponds to at least one sixteenth or at least one twelfth or at least one tenth or at least one eighth or at least one sixth of the minimum longitudinal extent of a floor plate of the plurality of floor plates.

[0015] The size of the loading area or the size of the respective floor panel can be taken into account to ensure that the numerous floor panels are firmly connected to the chassis. The smallest gap should be no less than 200mm to ensure reuse of the floor panel.

[0016] Furthermore, it can be advantageous in the floor construction if the nails in the plurality of floor panels or the respective floor panel are arranged at the same distance from each other. Additionally or alternatively, the nails in the floor panel can be arranged symmetrically to each other.

[0017] The spacing of the individual floor slabs within a floor structure can be varied, allowing for different positions of the floor slabs on the longitudinal and transverse beams, or allowing for reinforcement at critical points, such as an outer edge, by choosing smaller spacing. This increases the flexibility of the floor slab geometries.

[0018] It is particularly advantageous for the floor construction if the nails each have a shaft, whereby the shaft has waves or grooves that are inclined at an angle to a nail's longitudinal axis.

[0019] An angle of 70° to 85°, especially 75° to 80°, is advantageous. In a particularly advantageous design, the shaft has a thread.

[0020] The waves or grooves on the shaft of the nail ensure that the nail cannot come loose when the floor structure moves.

[0021] Furthermore, it can be advantageous in the floor construction if the nails each have a nail head with a drive, wherein the drive is an external hexagon drive or a hexalobular socket drive or a Phillips drive or an internal square drive.

[0022] A drive in the nail head securely transfers the tool's rotary motion to the nail. The tool and nail head have a complementary profile to ensure positive force transmission. This allows for the use of special drives that do not conform to standard shapes.

[0023] The drive of the respective nail thus means that the nail(s) can be removed from the floor slabs using a tool without damaging the respective floor slabs. It is also conceivable that the nails can be removed without causing any damage.

[0024] In order to ensure the position and fastening of the floor plate on the chassis of the floor structure, it is advantageous if a length of the nails is at least one nail diameter or at least 10 mm, preferably at least 12 mm, more preferably at least 15 mm, longer than a maximum thickness of a floor plate of the plurality of floor plates.

[0025] This nail length ensures that the nail(s) can be driven through the base plate, which can itself be 26 to 50 mm thick, into the chassis. It also ensures the strength of the connection and that it will not be loosened by vibrations during use of the vehicle or trailer with the base structure.

[0026] To ensure the stability of the floor structure, it is advantageous if the majority of the floor panels are each made of screen-printed panels or bamboo panels.

[0027] A second aspect of the invention is a trailer for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, with a floor structure according to the first aspect.

[0028] The trailer can be manufactured more quickly and cost-effectively due to the efficient floor structure.

[0029] A third aspect of the invention is a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, with a floor structure according to the first aspect.

[0030] Since the floor structure of the vehicle, especially the commercial vehicle, can be manufactured efficiently and cost-effectively, the vehicle itself can also be manufactured more time-efficiently and cost-effectively.

[0031] A fourth aspect of the invention is a method for manufacturing a floor structure according to a first aspect of the invention or a trailer for a vehicle according to the second aspect or vehicle according to the third aspect, the method comprising the following steps: - Placing a first base plate at the first mounting location on the longitudinal beams and cross beams of the chassis, - inserting a first nail into the first floor plate at a first position by means of a nailing machine, - Positioning the nailing machine to an nth position; - Inserting an nth nail at the nth position using the nailing machine, - Placing an m-th base plate at the m-th mounting location on the longitudinal beams and cross beams of the chassis, - Inserting a first nail into the nth floor slab at a first position using a nailing machine, - Positioning the nailing machine to an nth position; - Inserting an nth nail at the nth position using the nailing machine.

[0032] In this context, insertion refers to driving the nails through the base plate into the chassis. It is conceivable that the steps of placing the first base plate and the mth base plate are performed simultaneously using a suction cup, and the steps of inserting the first nail, positioning, and inserting the nth nail are performed first on a first base plate and then on the second or mth base plate.

[0033] It is also possible to place and fix the base plate after the previous one has been fixed by inserting nails 1 to n as described.

[0034] The variable "n" is a natural number (n = 1, 2, 3, ..., n-1, n) and is used to represent the number of nails and their positions. If n = 1, this corresponds to a first nail in a first position; if m = 2, this corresponds to a second nail in a second position; and so on, until the last nail, at N = n, is inserted—the nth nail in the nth position.

[0035] The variable "m" is a natural number (m = 1, 2, 3, ..., m-1, m) and is used for the number of floor panels and their installation locations. If m = 1, this corresponds to a first floor panel at a first installation location; if m = 2, this corresponds to a second floor panel at a second installation location; and so on, until the last floor panel at m = m—the mth floor panel at the mth installation location—is arranged and installed.

[0036] The base plates can be arranged in several rows next to each other and behind each other to cover the entire surface of the chassis.

[0037] In an advantageous embodiment of the method, the nailing machine can be operated manually, whereby a position of the individual nails is marked on the respective floor panel before the insertion step.

[0038] This is particularly advantageous for smaller trailers or vehicles. Manual insertion also allows for specific structural features of the floor structure or chassis to be accommodated.

[0039] In a further advantageous embodiment, the nailing machine can be stationary or robot-guided, whereby a position of the individual nails on the respective floor plate is automatically moved to for insertion.

[0040] The automated insertion of the nails ensures precise positioning of the nails.

[0041] During the production of the floor structure, the nails can be inserted both automatically and manually, so that special design features of the chassis or the floor plate can be taken into account.

[0042] For the production of the floor structure, it is particularly advantageous if the nailing machine is operated with compressed air.

[0043] This allows for the required pressure to be applied effectively to insert the nails using the nailing machine.

[0044] It is particularly advantageous in the manufacture of the floor structure if the method is used at least for the initial assembly of the plurality of floor panels on the chassis.

[0045] The figures described below relate to preferred embodiments of the floor structure, trailer, or method according to the invention. These figures are not intended to be limiting, but rather to illustrate the invention. Elements from different figures, but with the same reference numerals, are identical; therefore, the description of an element from one figure also applies to similarly designated or numbered elements from other figures.

[0046] At this point, it should be noted that all parts and features described above, viewed individually and in any combination, particularly the details shown in the drawings, are claimed as essential to the invention. Modifications to these are familiar to those skilled in the art. Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a floor structure in a plan view; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a floor structure in a sectional view along BB; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a floor slab in the installed state in a plan view; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a trailer of a commercial vehicle with a floor structure; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a method for producing a floor structure.

[0047] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows the floor structure 10 for a trailer 30 of a vehicle or for a vehicle 40. The vehicles 40 mentioned here can be, in particular, commercial vehicles. The floor structure 10 has a chassis 12 with longitudinal beams 14 and crossbeams 16, and a plurality of floor plates 18. The plurality of floor plates 18 are non-destructively detachably mounted on the longitudinal beams 12 and crossbeams 14 of the chassis 10. This non-destructively detachable assembly is made possible by the fact that the plurality of floor plates 18 are mounted on the longitudinal beams 14 and crossbeams 16 of the chassis 12 by means of a plurality of nails 20.

[0048] As in Fig. 1, the floor plates 18 are arranged on the chassis 12 and are also nailed directly to the longitudinal beams 14 and the cross beams 16 of the chassis 12 by means of the plurality of nails 20.

[0049] In the embodiment according to Fig. 2 is a landing area 17 ( Fig. 2) between the longitudinal beams 14 and the crossbeams 16 of the chassis 12 and the base plate 18, so that the base plate 18 and the chassis 12 are indirectly nailed together. Both variants of connecting the base plates 18 to the chassis 12 are possible.

[0050] In the representation of the floor slab in Fig. 3 shows that the distance A between individual nails 20 corresponds to at least one-sixth of the minimum longitudinal extent Lmin of a floor plate 18 of the plurality of floor plates 18. However, smaller distances A may also be possible here, such as at least one-twelfth, tenth, or one-eighth of the minimum longitudinal extent Lmin of a floor plate 18 of the plurality of floor plates 18.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the nails 20 in the base plate 18 are arranged at the same distance A and symmetrically to one another. In an embodiment not shown here, the nails 20 can also be arranged symmetrically but at different distances from one another.

[0052] In the cross section BB of the Fig. 2 shows that a metal sheet 22 is inserted between the chassis 12 and the base plate 18. This metal sheet 22 is fixed in position due to the fastening of the base plate 18 with the nails 20 without itself being penetrated by a nail 20.

[0053] Furthermore, Fig. 2, that the nails 20 each have a shank 24, wherein the shank 24 has waves or grooves that are inclined at an angle a of approximately 75°, i.e., in a range between 75° and 80°, to a nail longitudinal axis X_N. These grooves are designed as threads here to enable easy assembly and disassembly of the base plates 18.

[0054] The nails 20 each have a nail head 26 with a drive 28. The drive serves to transmit power from a tool to the nail. The drive of the Fig. The nail shown in Figure 2 has a Torx drive, which allows for higher torque to be transmitted with less force. However, the nails can also have an external hexagon or a Phillips drive.

[0055] To ensure sufficient strength of the connection between floor panels and chassis, a length L of the nails 20 is at least 10 mm longer than a maximum thickness Dmax of a floor panel 18 of the plurality of floor panels 18. The length L can be adapted both to the maximum thickness Dmax of the floor panel 18 and to the thickness of the chassis 12. Accordingly, the length L of the nails 20 can also be at least 12 mm or at least 15 mm longer than the maximum thickness Dmax of a floor panel 18.

[0056] Each of the numerous floor panels 18 of the floor structure 10 shown here is a screen-printed panel. This screen-printed panel 10 can also be replaced with a bamboo panel. Both floor panels 10 can be easily attached to a chassis 12 with nails 20.

[0057] In Fig. 4 is a trailer 30 for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, with a floor structure 10 according to one of the Fig. 1 to 3. This illustration can be understood analogously for a vehicle 40, in particular a commercial vehicle. Both the trailer 30 and the vehicle 40 have wheel axles 32, 42 and side walls 34, 44.

[0058] In Fig. 5 is a method 100 for producing a floor structure 10 according to the Fig. 1 to 3 or a trailer 30 for a vehicle or vehicle 40 according to Fig. 4. The method is used primarily for the initial assembly of the plurality of base plates 20 on the chassis 18.

[0059] The method 100 comprises the following steps: - Placing 110 a first base plate 18 at the first mounting location M1 on the longitudinal beams 14 and cross beams 16 of the chassis 12, - Inserting 120 a first nail 20 into the first floor plate 18 at a first position P1 by means of a nailing machine, - Positioning 130 of the nailing machine to a second position P2; - Inserting 140 a second nail at the second position P2 by means of the nailing machine, - Positioning 130 the nailing machine to an n-th position Pn; - Inserting 140 an n-th nail at the n-th position Pn using the nailing machine, - Placing 110 a second base plate 18 at the second mounting location M2 on the longitudinal beams 14 and cross beams 16 of the chassis 12, - Inserting 120 a first nail 20 into the second floor panel 18 at a first position P1 by means of a nailing machine, - Positioning 130 of the nailing machine to a second position P2; - Inserting 140 a second nail at the second position P2 by means of the nailing machine, - Positioning 130 the nailing machine to an n-th position Pn; - Inserting 140 an n-th nail at the n-th position Pn using the nailing machine.

[0060] The steps are repeated until the entire surface of the chassis 12 is covered with the base plates 18. The final steps are then as follows: - Placing 110 an m-th base plate 18 at the m-th mounting location Mm on the longitudinal beams 14 and cross beams 16 of the chassis 12, - Inserting 120 a first nail 20 into the m-th floor panel 18 at a first position P1 by means of a nailing machine, - Positioning 130 of the nailing machine to a second position P2; - Inserting 140 a second nail at the second position P2 by means of the nailing machine, - positioning 130 the nailing machine to a second n-th position Pn; - Inserting 140 an n-th nail at the n-th position Pn using the nailing machine.

[0061] In the process described, the nailing machine is operated with compressed air and guided by a robot. The individual positions of the nails 18 for insertion 120 on the respective base plate 18 are automatically moved.

[0062] However, the nailing machine can be operated manually for the insertion 120 of the nail or nails 20. Before the insertion step 120, a position of the individual nails 20 is marked 140 on the respective floor plate 18. This is shown in the Fig. 5 is shown as an optional step in a dashed box. List of reference symbols 10 Floor structure 12 chassis 14 longitudinal beams 16 crossbeams 17 Touchdown area 18 Base plate 20 nails 22 sheet metal 24 shaft 26 nail head 28 Drive 30 followers 40 vehicles / commercial vehicles 32, 42 wheel axles 34, 44 side walls 100 procedures 110 Hang up 120 Insert 130 Positioning 140 Mark A distance Lmin minimum longitudinal extension of the base plate α angle X_N Nail longitudinal axis L Length of the nail Dmax thickness of the base plate M1 first assembly location M2 second mounting port Mm m-th installation location P1 first position P2 second position Pn n-th position ND nail diameter

Claims

[1] Floor structure (10) for a trailer (30) of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, or for a vehicle (40), in particular a commercial vehicle, wherein the floor structure (10) - a chassis (12) with longitudinal beams (14) and transverse beams (16), and - a large number of floor panels (18) comprising, wherein the multitude of base plates (18) are mounted on the longitudinal beams (12) and transverse beams (14) of the chassis (10) in a non-destructively detachable manner, characterized by , that the multiple base plates (18) are mounted on the longitudinal beams (14) and transverse beams (16) of the chassis (18) by means of a multiple of nails (20), in particular screwable nails or screw nails or removable nails. [2] Floor structure (10) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the distance (A) between individual nails (20) corresponds to at least one sixteenth or at least one twelfth or at least one tenth or at least one eighth or at least one sixth of the minimum longitudinal extent (Lmin) of a base plate (18) of the plurality of base plates (18). [3] Floor structure (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the nails (20) in the plurality of base plates (18) are arranged at an equal distance (A) from each other and / or that the nails (20) in the base plate (18) are arranged symmetrically to each other. [4] Floor structure (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the nails (20) each have a shank (24), wherein the shank (24) has waves or grooves which are inclined at an angle (α), preferably at an angle (α) of 70° to 85°, more preferably 75° to 80°, to a nail longitudinal axis (X_N), in particular the shank (24) has a thread. [5] Soil structure according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterized by that the nails (20) each have a nail head (26) with a drive (28), wherein the drive (28) is an external hexagon drive or an internal hexagon drive or a cross-recess drive or an internal square drive. [6] Soil structure according to one of claims 1 to 5 characterized by , that a length (L) of the nails (20) is at least one nail diameter (ND), preferably at least 10 mm, further preferably at least 12 mm, further preferably at least 15 mm, longer than a maximum thickness (Dmax) of a base plate (18) of the plurality of base plates (18). [7] Soil structure according to one of claims 1 to 6 characterized by , that the multitude of floor panels (18) are each a screen printing panel or a bamboo panel. [8] Trailer (30) for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, with a floor structure (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7. [9] Vehicle (40), in particular commercial vehicle, with a floor structure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. [10] Method (100) for producing a floor structure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or a trailer (30) for a vehicle according to claim 8 or vehicle (40) according to claim 9, wherein the method (100) comprises the following steps: - Placing (110) a first base plate (18) at the first assembly location (M1) on the longitudinal beam (14) and transverse beam (16) of the chassis (12), ◯ Inserting (120) a first nail (20) into the first base plate (18) at a first position (P1) using a nailing machine, ◯ Positioning (130) the nail machine at an nth position (Pn); ◯ Inserting (140) an nth nail at the nth position (Pn) using the nailing machine, - Placing (110) a m-th base plate (18) at the m-th mounting location (Mm) on the longitudinal beam (14) and transverse beam (16) of the chassis (12), ◯ Inserting (120) a first nail (20) into the m-th base plate (18) at a first position (P1) using a nailing machine, ◯ Positioning (130) the nail machine at an nth position (Pn); ◯ Inserting (140) an nth nail at the nth position (Pn) using the nail machine. [11] Method (100) according to claim 10 characterized by , that the nailing machine is operated manually, whereby before the insertion step (120) a position (P1-Pn) of the individual nails (20) is marked on the respective base plate (18) (140). [12] Method (100) according to claim 10 characterized by that the nailing machine is stationary or robot-guided, whereby for insertion (120) a position (P1-Pn) of the individual nails (20) on the respective base plate (18) is automatically traversed. [13] Method (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 12 characterized by that the nail gun is powered by compressed air. [14] Method (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 13 characterized by , that the method is used for the initial assembly of the plurality of base plates (20) on the chassis (18).

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