Vehicle trailer with lifting platform

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle trailer, in particular a semi-trailer, comprising a floor, a roof, two side walls, a rear wall, and a front wall, wherein at least the front wall is designed to be openable. At least one side wall is designed as an extendable side wall, such that when the extendable side wall is extended, the interior volume of the vehicle trailer is increased, wherein a lifting platform is arranged in the floor of the vehicle trailer, and the lifting platform is arranged and designed in such a way that the at least one extendable side wall can be extended and retracted via the lifting platform recessed in the floor.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle trailer according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a vehicle trailer, particularly in the form of a semi-trailer, is typically designed with an enclosed compartment. Furthermore, a lifting platform is arranged in the floor of the vehicle trailer. The vehicle trailer is thus designed as a mobile motor vehicle workshop.

[0002] A traditional auto repair shop is a fixed location. For maintenance and repairs, customers drive their vehicles to the respective repair shop. For customers, this means travel time to the shop and waiting time during the repair. For the repair shop, this means organizational effort, such as providing pick-up and drop-off services, supplying and organizing rental cars, etc. This represents a considerable amount of work for large commercial and fleet customers in particular.

[0003] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of proposing a solution that reduces the effort involved in providing services to a motor vehicle repair shop.

[0004] This problem is solved by a vehicle trailer according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the vehicle trailer according to the invention are found in the referenced claims 2 to 10. The wording of all claims is hereby explicitly incorporated into the description by reference.

[0005] The vehicle trailer according to the invention comprises at least a floor, a ceiling, two side walls, a rear wall, and a front wall. The front wall is designed to be opened, allowing a motor vehicle to be driven into the trailer for repair. At least one side wall is designed as an extendable side wall, increasing the interior volume of the vehicle trailer when the extendable side wall is extended. Furthermore, a lifting platform is arranged in the floor of the vehicle trailer. The lifting platform is recessed into the floor of the vehicle trailer and is designed such that the at least one extendable side wall can be extended and retracted over the lifting platform recessed in the floor. Preferably, the lifting platform is designed as a scissor lift. This results in the following advantages:

[0006] In contrast to a stationary vehicle repair shop, the vehicle trailer according to the invention offers advantages in terms of service and logistics as a mobile vehicle repair shop and overcomes the disadvantages listed above. The at least one extendable side wall provides a sufficiently large work area inside the trailer, independent of weather and time of day, enabling work to be carried out as in a stationary vehicle repair shop. The lifting platform simultaneously provides the necessary infrastructure within this mobile work area, independent of weather and time of day. The performance of the mobile vehicle repair shop is comparable to that of a stationary vehicle repair shop. At the same time, when the at least one extendable side wall is retracted, the trailer can be easily transported on public roads.

[0007] Preferably, the vehicle trailer is equipped as a workshop for repairing motor vehicles and contains all the necessary tools, equipment, and infrastructure. Preferably, the lifting platform has a lifting capacity of 3.5 tons.

[0008] The vehicle trailer according to the invention thus constitutes a mobile motor vehicle workshop and can be used virtually anywhere. This means that organizational effort is eliminated both for the customer in the form of travel and waiting times, and for the motor vehicle workshop in the form of pick-up and delivery services. For example, seasonal tire changes (summer / winter) can be carried out directly on-site at the customer's location. Furthermore, unregistered motor vehicles such as collector cars or classic cars can be repaired directly on-site without having to be driven on public roads. The mobile motor vehicle workshop can also be operated on-site at events in the areas of motorsport, classic cars, vehicle shows, etc., with minimal effort.

[0009] Preferably, the vehicle trailer is designed as a semi-trailer. This allows for the necessary mobility in a simple manner, as the vehicle trailer can be coupled to a conventional tractor unit and driven on public roads. Preferably, the semi-trailer is designed such that part of the weight rests on the axle of the semi-trailer and part on the axle of the tractor unit via the fifth wheel. The weight distribution varies depending on the design of the vehicle trailer and, in particular, the number of axles. In principle, the weight distribution can be implemented as known from the prior art.

[0010] The front wall is preferably the wall facing a tractor and the rear wall is the wall on the side facing away from the tractor.

[0011] Connecting devices are provided to link the trailer to the tractor unit, enabling the trailer to be coupled to a conventional fifth wheel coupling of the tractor unit. These connecting devices are preferably in the form of pivoting connecting arms, hereinafter also referred to as a pivoting gooseneck. The connecting arms are designed such that the connecting piece between the fifth wheel coupling of the tractor unit and the trailer, preferably a kingpin, can be pivoted upwards over the trailer. The connecting arms are preferably hydraulically pivotable.

[0012] Preferably, the swiveling gooseneck is U-shaped, so that a vehicle can more easily drive into the mobile workshop when the U-shaped gooseneck is swung upwards. The swung-up gooseneck makes this possible in the first place, as it would otherwise block the entrance at the front of the vehicle trailer.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vehicle trailer is equipped with an entry ramp. The entry ramp is formed by the front wall, which is pivotable. Preferably, the front wall pivots about an axis towards the ground that corresponds to the lower edge of the front wall of the vehicle trailer. The front wall thus simultaneously constitutes a fold-out entry ramp. In the folded-out position, the entry ramp forms the front wall.

[0014] With the ramp extended, this opening in the trailer serves as an entry and exit point for the vehicle being repaired. This reduces the distance between the trailer and the ground and minimizes the ramp's angle of approach. The trailer's axle is located at the rear, away from the towing vehicle, forming an obstacle that cannot be driven over by the vehicles being repaired.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, both side walls are designed as extendable side walls. Both extendable side walls can be extended and retracted via the lifting platform recessed in the floor. This offers the advantage that, when both extendable side walls are extended, the interior volume of the vehicle trailer is further increased.

[0016] Preferably, both side walls of the vehicle trailer are designed as extendable side walls, preferably hydraulically extendable side walls. A key aspect of the invention is that the lifting platform is recessed into the floor of the vehicle trailer, allowing both side walls to be driven over the platform at ground level. This also offers the advantage that the vehicle being repaired can be driven onto the lifting platform at ground level. The combination of extendable side walls and recessed lifting platform provides the vehicle trailer according to the invention with sufficient space for repairs around the vehicle being repaired, while simultaneously requiring only a minimal width for transport, thus allowing the trailer to be registered for road use.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the front wall of the vehicle trailer is equipped with a roller door, preferably an electric roller door. Preferably, the front wall, i.e., the wall facing the towing vehicle, is equipped with a roller door. This roller door allows access to the vehicle trailer to be closed, for example, as weather protection, when the front wall is swung down.

[0018] To operate the vehicle trailer as a vehicle repair shop, the semi-trailer is uncoupled. The semi-trailer is then placed on the ground or, preferably, lowered hydraulically. Preferably, the rear axle of the semi-trailer is retracted electro-hydraulically, and the entire semi-trailer is leveled using four hydraulic supports. This offers the advantage that even on uneven ground, the four hydraulic cylinders level the vehicle trailer to a uniform height.

[0019] After leveling, the semi-trailer's mounting bracket is uncoupled from the tractor unit, and the swiveling gooseneck is tilted upwards using two hydraulic cylinders. This creates sufficient space at the front wall for a vehicle to enter and exit the semi-trailer. A further advantage is that the ramp's approach angle is kept to a minimum. As described above, this reduces the distance between the vehicle trailer and the ground, and the approach angle of the ramp is minimized. The combination of uncoupling the vehicle trailer, the entry on the side facing the tractor unit, and the swiveling gooseneck connecting the trailer and tractor unit creates a gently sloping entrance to the mobile vehicle workshop. This is advantageous so that a vehicle requiring repair can enter the trailer without damaging its bumper.Depending on its design and legal requirements, a motor vehicle has a minimum ground clearance of approximately 11 cm at the front bumper. Between 11 and 15 cm is typical. Vans and SUVs can have significantly more ground clearance. Therefore, when a vehicle drives up or down an incline, the bumper will touch the ground at steeper angles and be damaged. A flat driveway ramp prevents this.

[0020] Alternatively, it is also within the scope of the invention that the roller door for the entry of the motor vehicle into the semi-trailer is provided in the rear wall facing away from the tractor unit.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vehicle trailer, in particular the front and rear walls, has a maximum external width of 2.55 m, preferably 2.5 m. The supporting frame is designed such that it is only this wide in the driving position to allow for road approval, but still provides the greatest possible passage width for a motor vehicle. This has the advantage that road approval according to the provisions of the road traffic regulations is possible. Preferably, the roller door has a minimum width of 2.0 m, more preferably a minimum width of 2.2 m, and particularly preferably a minimum width of 2.272 m. This has the advantage that the side mirrors of conventional motor vehicles do not need to be folded in when entering. Preferably, an entrance height of at least 2.2 m, more preferably 2.6 m, is provided. This ensures that there is sufficient lateral clearance in the entrance area for conventional motor vehicles.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a tire mounting and balancing machine is provided in the vehicle trailer. Preferably, various drawer systems and storage compartments for tools are also installed, so that the vehicle trailer essentially has the standard equipment of a motor vehicle workshop.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vehicle trailer includes a photovoltaic system. Preferably, the photovoltaic system is arranged on the roof of the vehicle trailer. Most preferably, supply batteries are provided, which are arranged and configured to interact with the photovoltaic system so that the photovoltaic system charges the supply batteries. Preferably, the photovoltaic system has a peak power of approximately 2,000 W. The corresponding supply battery is preferably designed as three 48 V / 100 Ah lithium-ion batteries. This offers the advantage that the vehicle trailer is self-sufficient and does not require an external power supply, while simultaneously being supplied with sustainable energy.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, an emergency power generator, preferably an inverter diesel generator with approximately 2,500 W output, can be provided. This offers the advantage that the vehicle trailer is self-sufficient and does not require an external power supply, thus being independent of external conditions.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vehicle trailer includes a compressed air supply. Preferably, the compressed air supply is in the form of a screw compressor, most preferably an electrically driven screw compressor. The electrically driven screw compressor preferably delivers a maximum pressure of 10 bar and has a motor output of 3 kW. This offers the advantage that the vehicle trailer is self-sufficient and does not require an external compressed air supply.

[0026] Alternatively, the vehicle trailer can be powered via an external supply of electricity and compressed air using external power or compressed air.

[0027] The vehicle trailer according to the invention is fundamentally suitable for applications where services of a motor vehicle repair shop are provided on a mobile basis, for example, at the customer's location. The mobile motor vehicle repair shop is typically transported via public roads. The vehicle trailer according to the invention is therefore preferably designed for use in combination with a road-legal towing vehicle.

[0028] Further preferred features and embodiments of the vehicle trailer according to the invention are explained below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures.

[0029] This shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a vehicle trailer according to the invention with two extended side walls; Fig. 2 with partial figures a and b a schematic representation of the embodiment from Fig. 1 with open entrance gate; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the embodiment Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in the top view.

[0030] In the Fig. Reference numerals 1-3 denote identical or equivalent elements. All dimensions are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a limitation beyond the patent claims.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle trailer 1 with floor 2, roof 3, two side walls 4a, 4b, a rear wall 5 and a front wall 6.

[0032] In the present case, both side walls 4a, 4b are designed as hydraulically extendable side walls, so that when the extendable side walls 4a, 4b are extended, the internal volume of the vehicle trailer 1 is increased. Fig. Figure 1 shows the extended state.

[0033] A lifting platform 7 is arranged in the floor 2 of the vehicle trailer 1. The lifting platform 7 is recessed into the floor of the vehicle trailer and designed in such a way that the extendable side walls 4a, 4b can be extended and retracted over the lifting platform 7 recessed in the floor. In this case, the lifting platform 7 has a load-bearing capacity of 3.5 t. Fig. Figure 1 shows the lifting platform in the raised position.

[0034] The vehicle trailer 1 is equipped as a workshop for the repair of motor vehicles and contains all the necessary tools, equipment, and infrastructure. Additionally, the vehicle trailer 1 includes a tire mounting and balancing machine (not shown). Furthermore, various drawer systems and storage compartments for tools are installed, so that the vehicle trailer essentially has the standard equipment of a motor vehicle workshop.

[0035] The front wall 6 is the wall facing a tractor unit (not shown), and the rear wall 5 is the wall on the side facing away from the tractor unit. The front wall 6 forms the entrance ramp into the vehicle trailer 1 for the motor vehicle to be repaired (see figure). Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b). For this purpose, the front wall 6 is designed to pivot. In this case, the front wall 6 is pivoted about a pivot axis S towards the ground, which corresponds to the lower edge of the front wall 6 of the vehicle trailer. The front wall 6 thus simultaneously constitutes a fold-out entrance ramp. This condition is in Fig. 2b is shown. In the folded position, the entrance ramp forms the front wall. This state is shown in Fig. 2a shown.

[0036] The front wall 6 of the vehicle trailer is fitted with a roller door, preferably an electric roller door. This roller door provides access to the vehicle trailer 1 and, when the entrance ramp is extended, offers weather protection for the interior of the vehicle trailer 1.

[0037] The roller door has a minimum width of 2.272 m and an entrance height of 2.6 m. This ensures that there is sufficient lateral clearance in the entrance area for conventional motor vehicles.

[0038] Fig. Figure 2, with partial illustrations 2a and 2b, shows the design of the vehicle trailer 1 as a semi-trailer. Connecting means are provided to link the vehicle trailer to the tractor unit, enabling the vehicle trailer to be coupled to a conventional fifth wheel coupling of the tractor unit. The semi-trailer mounting is designed in this case as a support frame 9 with a kingpin 10. The support frame 9 is designed in this case as pivoting connecting arms (pivoting gooseneck). The connecting arms are hydraulically pivotable so that the kingpin 10 can be pivoted upwards over the vehicle trailer.

[0039] Fig. 2a shows the state with the support frame 9 lowered and the front wall 6 folded in.

[0040] The swiveling gooseneck 9 is U-shaped, as shown in Fig. 3 in the top view. The U-shaped, swiveling gooseneck makes it easier for a vehicle to drive into the mobile workshop. The swiveling gooseneck makes this possible because the connecting elements would otherwise block the entrance at the front of the vehicle trailer.

[0041] This allows the necessary mobility to be achieved in a simple way, as the vehicle trailer can be attached to a conventional semi-trailer truck and moved in road traffic.

[0042] To operate the vehicle trailer as a motor vehicle workshop, the semi-trailer is uncoupled. Subsequently, the swiveling gooseneck 9 with kingpin 10 is tilted upwards by means of two hydraulic cylinders. This creates sufficient space at the front wall for a motor vehicle to enter the vehicle trailer 1. An entry ramp 8 for a motor vehicle is provided for this purpose. This condition is in Fig. 2b shown.

[0043] The vehicle trailer 1, in the form of a semi-trailer, is placed on the ground and lowered hydraulically. During this process, the rear axle of the semi-trailer is retracted electro-hydraulically, and the entire semi-trailer is leveled using four hydraulic supports. Leveling the vehicle trailer 1 is necessary because the lifting platform must be horizontal to safely lift the vehicle. Alternatively, the vehicle trailer can be leveled manually, for example, by placing wooden supports underneath it.

[0044] A further advantage is that the vehicle to be repaired can be driven onto the lifting platform 7 at ground level via the entrance ramp 6. Through the combination of "extendable side walls" and "recessed lifting platform," the vehicle trailer 1 according to the invention offers sufficient space for repairs around the vehicle to be repaired, while at the same time requiring only a minimal width for transport, which allows for road approval of the vehicle trailer 1.

[0045] Fig. Figure 3 shows the schematic representation from Fig. 2 in the top view. Fig. Figure 3 shows the state with the support frame 9 swung upwards and the front wall 6 folded in.

[0046] The extendable side walls 4a, 4b create a sufficiently large working area in the vehicle trailer 1, independent of weather and time of day, enabling work to be carried out as in a stationary motor vehicle workshop. The lifting platform 7 (see below) Fig. 1) The necessary infrastructure is simultaneously available in the mobile work area, which is independent of weather and time of day. The lifting platform 7 is recessed into the floor of the vehicle trailer 1 so that both side walls 4a, 4b can be driven over the lifting platform 7 at ground level. The performance of the mobile vehicle workshop is comparable to a lifting platform workstation in a stationary vehicle workshop.

[0047] A photovoltaic system (not shown) is installed on the roof of vehicle trailer 1. Three 48 V / 100 Ah lithium-ion batteries are used as storage for the photovoltaic system, so that the photovoltaic system charges the batteries. The photovoltaic system has a peak power output of approximately 2,000 W.

[0048] For an independent compressed air supply, a screw compressor, in this case an electrically driven screw compressor, is provided in equipment compartment 11. The electrically driven screw compressor delivers a maximum pressure of 10 bar and has a motor output of 3 kW. The upper equipment compartment 11 contains the screw compressor, a parking heater, power management equipment, and the necessary hydraulic components.

Claims

[1] Vehicle trailer, in particular semi-trailer, formed with a floor, roof, two side walls, a rear wall and a front wall, where at least the front wall is designed to be openable; wherein at least one side wall is designed as an extendable side wall, so that when the extendable side wall is extended the internal volume of the vehicle trailer is increased, wherein a lifting platform is arranged in the floor of the vehicle trailer, wherein the lifting platform is arranged and designed in such a way that the at least one extendable side wall can be extended and retracted over the lifting platform recessed in the floor. [2] Vehicle trailer according to claim 1, characterized by that the vehicle trailer is equipped as a workshop for the repair of motor vehicles. [3] Vehicle trailer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the vehicle trailer is designed with an entry ramp, preferably that the entry ramp is formed by the front wall by making the front wall pivotable, in particular preferably about a pivot axis that corresponds to the lower edge of the front wall of the vehicle trailer. [4] Vehicle trailer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the vehicle trailer comprises pivotable connecting arms 9, preferably hydraulically pivotable connecting arms 9, for connection with a tractor unit, which carry a coupling element, preferably a kingpin 10, so that the coupling element can be pivoted upwards over the vehicle trailer 1. [5] Vehicle trailer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connecting arms 9 in conjunction with the coupling element 10 are U-shaped. [6] Vehicle trailer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the front wall is equipped with a roller door, preferably an electric roller door. [7] Vehicle trailer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the roller door has a minimum width of 2 m, preferably 2.2 m, particularly preferably 2.272 m. [8] Vehicle trailer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that a tire mounting and balancing machine is provided in the vehicle trailer. [9] Vehicle trailer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the vehicle trailer includes a photovoltaic system, which is preferably arranged on the roof of the vehicle trailer, and that, most preferably, supply batteries are provided which are arranged and designed to interact with the photovoltaic system, so that the photovoltaic system feeds the supply batteries. [10] Vehicle trailer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the vehicle trailer includes a compressed air supply, preferably that the vehicle trailer includes a screw compressor, most preferably an electrically driven screw compressor.

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