Roof extension for a motorhome

Abstract

A motorhome 10 comprises a roof structure 20 and a roof hatch, the roof structure 20 comprising a floor panel, the floor panel 30 comprising a sleeping surface 34 suitable for at least partially accommodating a mattress. The floor panel 30 also includes a cutout 32 that is at least partially flush with the roof hatch 12.

Description

The present invention relates to a motorhome with a roof structure for providing a sleeping place on the roof of the motorhome and a corresponding roof structure. Roof structures for motorhomes are known from the prior art, which can provide a sleeping area for one or more users of the motorhome on the roof of the motorhome. For example, DE 10 2012 019 293 A1 describes a motorhome with a hinged roof, wherein the hinged roof is pivotally connected to the motorhome via a hinge extending longitudinally and essentially along a lateral roof edge, thus allowing a living, cooking and / or dining area inside the motorhome to be used independently of a sleeping area on the roof. However, these structures have the disadvantage that they are only accessible from outside the motorhome. This means that the user must leave the interior of the motorhome to climb onto the roof via a ladder or similar access structure to reach the sleeping area. Particularly in darkness, cold, or bad weather such as rain or snow, accidents can easily occur, and the climb can be perceived as unpleasant or even dangerous for the user. On the other hand, such roof-mounted structures have the further disadvantage that they are relatively high even when folded down, because the floor area of ​​the sleeping area section that is on the roof of the motorhome when unfolded and the floor area of ​​the sleeping area section that is next to the roof of the motorhome when unfolded are stacked on top of each other when the roof structure is folded down. Thus, the height of the motorhome with the roof structure is significantly increased even when folded down, which can make parking the motorhome in garages or parking garages difficult. Furthermore, the width of the lying area is very limited in these and other roof structures. The object of the present invention is to provide a motorhome with a roof-mounted structure for providing a sleeping area on the roof of the motorhome, which avoids the disadvantages described above. This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims. A motorhome comprises a roof structure and a roof hatch for access to the roof structure. The roof structure includes a floor panel with a sleeping surface suitable for at least one mattress, and the floor panel includes a cutout that is at least partially flush with the roof hatch. Preferably, the cutout and the roof hatch are completely flush. The cutout is preferably located at least partially within the sleeping surface. The floor panel is a panel that is connected to the motorhome as part of the roof structure. In conventional prior art designs, the width of the sleeping surface was severely limited, as will be explained in detail below in the description of the preferred embodiments. By using a floor panel, the width of the sleeping surface can be increased. This is a significant improvement over the known embodiments.The described overlap of the floor panel cutout with the sleeping area allows for a relatively long sleeping area of, for example, more than 1.9 m, such as 1.95 m. This is also a significant advantage, as the sleeping area was limited in conventional motorhomes based on standard SUVs or minibuses. A roof-mounted sleeping platform for use on a motorhome has external dimensions of at least 2.2 m in length and at least 1.6 m in width, and a base plate suitable for placing a mattress on it. The base plate includes a cutout suitable for accessing the roof-mounted sleeping platform, with the cutout located at least partially within the area intended for the mattress. Specifically, the roof-mounted sleeping platform can have a length of 2.4 m and a width of 1.7 m, with a tolerance of + / - 20 cm, particularly + / - 10 cm. The length of the sleeping area is at least 1.9 m. In particular, a locking device may be provided to close the aforementioned cutout. The locking device is preferably configured to open and close the cutout alternately. Since the cutout lies at least partially within the sleeping surface, the locking device is particularly necessary to provide mechanical support for the mattress, thereby ensuring a flat surface across the entire sleeping area. The closing device can be formed either from a sliding or folding panel or from a multi-part, in particular three-part, slatted construction that can be folded together and apart. Alternatively, it can be formed from a roller blind, which in particular comprises a plurality of slats to increase the blind's rigidity. The aforementioned elements can be coated on one or both sides with a warming layer, such as fabric or foam. It is advantageous if the cutout in the floor panel is located largely centrally, preferably in the center, in the transverse direction of the vehicle. This ensures that the floor panel includes free areas on both sides of the cutout, providing sufficient legroom for comfortable leg rest. Advantageously, a liquid seal can also be provided between the motorhome and the roof structure. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, a spoiler is provided at the front of the roof structure, which improves its drag coefficient (Cd). The described base plate has a certain vertical clearance from the vehicle's roof, and preferably a seal is provided between the base plate and the roof to prevent liquid from entering the vehicle interior, for example, through the roof hatch. The spoiler also serves to channel rain away, especially at higher speeds, and further enhances the seal. The Cd value is a measure of aerodynamic efficiency and thus indicates the resistance to airflow. The motorhome includes, in particular, a roof rack or support beam to which the roof structure is attached, and it is possible for a technician and / or a motivated amateur to install and / or remove the roof structure. This increases its range of uses. Especially if the roof hatch is an operable skylight, the motorhome can also be used without restriction even without the roof structure. It is particularly advantageous if the motorhome has a roof rail or support beam that can serve as a mounting point for the roof structure. The width of the floor panel is preferably greater than the outer distance between the roof rail or support beam. This makes it possible to obtain a sleeping area that is larger than in previously known designs. Thus, the width of the sleeping area is also wider than the distance between the roof rails or support beams arranged on the two long sides. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the cutout in the floor panel can be located at the foot end of the sleeping surface, and the width of the floor panel can be less at the foot end than at the head end. In particular, if the cutout is positioned in the front area of ​​the vehicle, the structure becomes wider in the longitudinal direction (towards the rear). This is a measure to optimize aerodynamic drag. This design is not disadvantageous for the user, as one typically requires less freedom of movement at the foot end than at the head end. Alternatively or additionally, a spoiler can be fitted, extending essentially across the width of the motorhome at the front. This spoiler can be bonded to the motorhome and / or extend lengthwise along the vehicle, essentially at least to the rear end of the roof hatch. This minimizes wind noise that might be generated by the roof structure. In a method for converting a commercially available vehicle, such as a large station wagon or minibus, into a campervan, a roof hatch can be cut into the vehicle's roof. If present, an existing skylight can also be used as the roof hatch. A roof structure can be mounted, which typically includes a base plate for a mattress. The length of the roof hatch in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is less than 100 cm. It has been recognized that greater roof hatch lengths can weaken the vehicle's structural integrity. This necessitated that, in conventional designs, the roof structure possess its own structural strength and be firmly connected to the vehicle to compensate for the reduced strength. The roof structure according to the invention only slightly increases the overall height of the vehicle and thus allows the motorhome with roof structure to be parked indoors, such as in garages or parking garages. In the motorhome according to the invention, the user is able to access the sleeping area on the roof of the motorhome directly and comfortably from the interior, without having to leave the interior first. In one embodiment, the roof structure on the roof of the motorhome can be constructed using a honeycomb panel as a floor plate, attached to at least one railing. The roof structure extends, in particular, over more than the width of the roof of the motorhome. In this embodiment, the roof structure can be attached stably and securely to the roof of the motorhome, and at the same time, a comfortably sized sleeping area for one or more users can be provided.In another embodiment of the motorhome, the roof structure can be foldable, allowing it to be folded into a first position and unfolded into a second position to provide a sleeping area on the roof of the motorhome. This embodiment allows for a particularly effective roof structure that is not only easily and safely accessible from inside the motorhome, but also only minimally increases the height of the motorhome with the roof structure, thus making it easy to park the motorhome indoors, for example in garages or parking garages.In a preferred embodiment of the motorhome, a device, for example, a device comprising an electric motor, a pneumatically operated device, and / or a mechanical device, can be provided, by which the roof structure can be moved into a first folded-in state and a second unfolded state, and vice versa. In a further preferred embodiment, the closing device comprises a multi-part folding panel or a roller shutter equipped with a foam layer, wherein the closing device can be closed off from the interior of the motorhome by the multi-part folding panel or the roller shutter in order to increase the sleeping area on the roof of the motorhome.This design offers the advantage that the sleeping area can be enlarged after the user enters and closes the passageway in the transition structure using the multi-part folding panel or the roller shutter equipped with a foam layer, as the closed passageway can also be used for sleeping. The multi-part folding panel can also be composed of, for example, two or three folding sections. If the multi-part folding panel consists of, for example, two or three folding sections, it can be arranged in a particularly space-saving manner within the roof structure. As described above, the sleeping area can be enlarged, and the height of the motorhome, including the roof structure, is only slightly increased due to the space-saving arrangement of the multi-part folding panel. In a preferred embodiment, a roof structure for a motorhome comprises a base, preferably configured as a floor panel, and an upper structure element, wherein a surrounding tent-like film or fabric is arranged between the floor panel and the upper structure element, so that the sleeping surface of the roof structure is formed in the enclosed area. Lifting elements, in particular scissor mechanisms, are arranged on the sides of the roof structure, with the scissor mechanisms being positioned at the front and rear when used in the longitudinal direction of the motorhome. In a preferred embodiment, at least two, preferably at least four or more, air columns can be functionally arranged between the floor panel and the upper structure element and can be filled with air to support the function of the scissor mechanism in the open position of the roof structure or when opening the roof structure.In a particularly preferred embodiment, a two-layer, surrounding tent-like film or a two-layer, surrounding textile is used to form the side walls of the roof structure. In this embodiment, both the scissor-like structures described above and the four or more air columns, if present, are arranged between the two layers of the surrounding tent-like film or the surrounding tent-like textile, so that the scissor-like structures and / or the air columns are not visible inside the roof structure. The cutout in the floor panel can be closed with a flap, in particular a two-part flap. It can be formed from two pivotally mounted elements, with the pivot axis of the preferably two-part flap lying in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Air columns can also be provided, which are mounted relative to or on the floor panel and are connected to a superstructure upper element, in order to either lift the superstructure upper element when the air columns are filled with air, stabilize it in a raised position, or, by means of a vacuum, assist in bringing the roof structure into its closed position. The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to preferred embodiments. Figure 1 shows a side view of a motorhome with a roof structure, Figure 2 a top view of the roof structure of Figure 1, Figure 3 the roof structure in the configuration shown, Figure 4 a side view of the base plate with a locking device, Figure 5 a variant of the roof structure and the spoiler, Figure 6 a side view of the variant of Figure 5, Figure 7 a variant of the roof structure 20, and Figure 8 a variant of the scissor mechanism for unfolding and closing the roof structure. Fig. 1 shows a motorhome 10 in a schematic side view, and Fig. 2 shows a top view of the roof structure of the motorhome in Fig. 1. The motorhome 10 is preferably a commercially available minibus, i.e., a vehicle for, for example, 6 to 9 people, which has been subsequently converted into a motorhome or campervan. For this purpose, the interior fittings are adapted accordingly, and a roof structure 20 is attached to the roof. The roof structure 20 can be folded up, as shown in Fig. 3, and is attached to mounting points on the vehicle, such as a roof rail 14 or a crossmember, so that the roof structure can be subsequently installed or removed. To allow the user access to the roof structure, the roof of the vehicle 10 includes a roof hatch 12, and a cutout 32 is provided in the roof structure 20. Preferably, the roof hatch 12 and the cutout 32 are aligned with each other. The dimensions are at least 550 mm wide and preferably up to 700 mm wide, and the length is between 400 and 700 mm. Preferably, the width can be 600 mm and the length 500 mm ± 10% (each measured in the vehicle orientation). Fig. 3 shows the roof structure 20 in its assembled position. It comprises an upper assembly element 29, which can be a plastic or metal plate that, as shown, can be raised by means of a scissor mechanism 23. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the upper assembly element 29 of the roof structure 20 can be raised not, or not exclusively, by means of the scissor mechanism 23, but by means of a mechanism in which the upper assembly element 29 of the roof structure 20 is raised by means of compressed air using, for example, an electrically operated air pump and then fixed in the raised position by means of a linkage. In a preferred embodiment, the lifting can be achieved by a combination of a scissor mechanism 23 and by means of, for example, an electrically operated air pump using compressed air. In the raised position, a person can climb up from inside the motorhome 10 into the roof structure 20.For this purpose, it can use one or more access points 19, which may be provided on structural elements of the motorhome 10, such as a post for a table (not shown) or similar. The mattress 60 is preferably an air mattress, and the lying direction is preferably oriented towards the rear of the vehicle. The term "scissor mechanism" refers to any embodiment in which, for example, a motor or hydraulic mechanism is used to unfold the roof structure. Alternatively, such a mechanical solution is not used, so that this unfolding effect can be achieved solely by the air columns 80. The air columns can, for example, have a diameter between 5 and 15 cm. They do not have to be round but can also be flat, a technique used, for example, in SUP boards.In another alternative embodiment, a combination of a scissor linkage 23 and air columns is used to unfold the roof extension. Due to the overall length of the vehicle, combined with a required lying length of at least 190 cm, preferably approximately 195 cm, it is preferred that the roof hatch 12 and the cutout 32 in the floor panel 30, which are arranged overlapping each other, are positioned so that they partially project into the lying area. To ensure that the lying experience remains comfortable and secure, a locking device 40 is preferably provided for the cutout in the floor panel. Generally speaking, this can be any device that allows a person to support the floor panel 30 in order to prevent the mattress 60 from sagging in the overlap area. For example, Fig. 4 shows a slatted construction, in particular consisting of three boards, which can be extended and retracted like an accordion.Alternatively, this could be one or more boards that can be slid over the opening 32 from a free area 36 to the left and right of the opening. Or it could be a roller blind structure, which, particularly to increase rigidity, can comprise a large number of slats. The free areas 36 to the left and right of the opening also provide space that can offer sufficient legroom for comfortably resting one's legs. A seal (not shown) is provided around the roof hatch 12 and connects the body of the motorhome 10 to the roof structure 20. This seal ensures that no moisture (e.g., rainwater) can enter the vehicle interior through the roof hatch. In conventional vehicle conversions to campervans, a large section of the roof is cut out, and an insert for the campervan conversion kit is installed in this opening. The cutout is essentially the same size as the desired sleeping area. This has the disadvantage of significantly weakening the vehicle's internal structure. Therefore, the conversion kit must include a robust frame to restore the vehicle's rigidity. Furthermore, a disadvantage arises from the fact that the maximum width of the cutout is severely limited. This means that if the vehicle has roof rails or a corresponding support beam, these cannot be removed. A support beam is, for example, a recessed C-profile made of a load-bearing material with sufficient strength to which attachments can be mounted. A roof rail is a longitudinal, upward-projecting structure that can also serve as a support for attachments. The sleeping surface can therefore only be located between the roof rail or support beam, which severely limits its maximum width. By using a base plate 30, which can be as wide as the vehicle, this disadvantage is eliminated, and a correspondingly larger sleeping surface width of, for example, 150 cm becomes possible. Preferably, the sleeping surface width is at least 140 cm, which is larger than in known embodiments.The significantly smaller opening of the roof hatch 12 described above does not weaken the internal structure of the vehicle. Figure 5 shows a preferred variant in which the roof structure 20 essentially has a trapezoidal shape. The roof structure 20 can be slightly narrower at the access point 19 than on the side facing the rear of the motorhome 10, thus having a conical shape. This improves wind resistance. Since a person sleeping in the roof structure 20 requires less space at the feet than at the head, as freedom of movement in the arms and shoulders is perceived as particularly comfortable, this modification improves the user experience. Furthermore, a variant of the spoiler 50 is shown in this figure. The spoiler 50 is bonded to the motorhome 10, thus permanently attaching it. This minimizes potential wind noise. It is also shown that the spoiler 50 is extended in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. This measure also reduces potential wind noise.This extension is so large that it corresponds at least to the longitudinal length of the roof hatch 12. The spoiler 50 can have a U-shaped basic geometry. Furthermore, Fig. 6 shows this spoiler 50 in a side view and with its orientation in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Fig. 7 shows a variant of the roof structure 20 in which, unlike in Fig. 3, the scissor mechanism is not arranged on the sides of the sleeping platform 34, but rather in front of and behind the sleeping platform 34 in the direction of travel. This increases the lateral extension of the sleeping platform 34, resulting in greater sleeping comfort. A variant of the recess in the sleeping platform 34, necessary for accessing the roof structure 20, is also shown. This recess is closed by two-part flaps 38, which are pivotally mounted relative to the sleeping platform 34. The preferred orientation of the bearing axis 34a is in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The outer contour of the mattress 60 is shown with dashed lines in Fig. 7, and it can be seen that the mattress 60 has a recess in the area of ​​the flaps 38. For a comfortable sleeping experience, the upper surface of the flap elements is coated with a soft material.Preferably, the two elements of the hatch 38 are electrically controlled, so that the hatch 38 can be opened or closed by pressing a button. If two people are lying in the roof structure 20, and one person wants to leave the roof structure during the night, they press the corresponding button. If the other person's legs are resting on the hatch 38, they are gently moved outwards. The person can then get down through the opening 32 that opens in this way. Alternatively, the hatch 38 can also be operated directly by hand. Fig. 8 shows the scissor linkage 70, which consists of two coupling elements. One end of each coupling element is rotatably mounted on the base plate 30 or the upper superstructure element 29, or another part that is fixedly arranged on the motorhome 10, and the other end of each coupling element is slidably arranged in a longitudinal slot of the upper superstructure element 29 or the base plate 30. The upper superstructure element 29 is, in particular, a rigid plate, which can be made of a stiff plastic or metal. The upper superstructure element 29 is connected to a tarpaulin (not shown in Fig. 8) of the roof superstructure 20, which forms the sides of the roof superstructure. As described above, in a preferred embodiment, a two-layer circumferential film or a two-layer circumferential textile is used as the side walls.In this embodiment, the scissor linkage and, optionally, the air columns described below are arranged between the two layers of textile or film. To enhance wind and torsional rigidity, optional air columns 80 are provided, which are filled with high-pressure air to create a stable lifting effect. As shown in Fig. 8, the scissor linkage acts primarily on the left side, so the air column(s) 80 shown on the right have a particular influence. Fig. 7 shows four centering points distributed around the perimeter, formed by a pin-bore pairing, which ensure that the upper superstructure element 29 is centered relative to the rest of the structure when it is lowered. The upper superstructure element 29 can be fixed in place to the rest of the roof structure 20 by means of locking devices (not shown), as may be necessary, for example, when driving. Reference symbol: 10 Motorhome 11 Roof of the motorhome 12 Roof hatch 14 Roof rail or support beam 19 Access 20 Roof structure 23 Scissor linkage 29 Upper body element 30 Floor panel 32 Cutout 34 Sleeping area 36 Free area 38 Double flap 38a Bearing axle 40 Locking device 50 Spoiler 60 Mattress 70 Alternative scissor linkage 80 Air column 85 Centering points QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION 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 DE 10 2012 019 293 A1

[0002]

Claims

Motorhome (10) with a roof structure (20), wherein the motorhome (10) includes a roof hatch (12) to allow access to the roof structure (20), and the roof structure (20) includes a floor plate (30), wherein the floor plate (30) includes a sleeping surface (34) suitable for at least partially arranging a mattress on it, wherein the floor plate (30) includes a cutout (32) which is at least partially aligned with the roof hatch (12). Motorhome (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cutout (32) lies at least partially in the sleeping area (34). Roof structure (20) for use on a motorhome (10), wherein the roof structure (20) has an external dimension of a length of at least 2.2 m and a width of at least 1.6 m and comprises a base plate (30) suitable for arranging a mattress on it, and the base plate (30) includes a cutout (32) suitable for entering the roof structure (20), wherein in particular the cutout (32) is at least partially located in the area intended for the mattress. Roof structure (20) for a motorhome (10), in particular the motorhome of claim 1 or 2, comprising a base, wherein the base is in particular designed as a base plate (30), and a superstructure upper element (29), and a surrounding tent-like film or textile between the base plate (30) and the superstructure upper element (29), so that the sleeping area of ​​the roof structure (20) is formed in the enclosed area, and comprising lifting elements, in particular scissor arms (70), which are arranged on the sides of the roof structure (20), which are at the front and rear in the longitudinal direction of the motorhome, and in particular comprising at least two, preferably at least four, air columns (80) which are functionally located between the base plate (30) and the superstructure upper element (29) and which can be filled with air in order to support the function of the scissor arms (70) in the open position of the roof structure (20) or when opening the roof structure (20). Motor home (10) or roof structure (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a locking device (40) is provided to close the cutout (32). Motor home (10) or roof structure (20) according to claim 5, characterized in that the locking device (40) is formed either by, - a sliding or foldable plate, - a multi-part, in particular three-part, louver construction which can be folded together and apart, or - a roller blind which in particular comprises a plurality of strips which increase the strength of the roller blind. Motor home (10) or roof structure (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutout (32) of the floor plate (30) is arranged centrally or eccentrically in the transverse direction to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, so that the floor plate (30) comprises free areas (36) in addition to the sleeping area (34) and a part of the cutout (32) lies between the free areas (36). Motorhome (10) or roof structure (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a liquid seal is provided between the motorhome (10) and the roof structure (20) and / or wherein a spoiler (50) is arranged at the front in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, which improves the drag coefficient of the roof structure (20). Motorhome (10) with a roof structure (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a roof rail or a support beam (14) is provided on the roof of the motorhome (10) and the roof structure (20) is attached to the roof rail or support beam (14) and the width of the base plate (30) is greater than the outer distance of the roof rails or support beams (14) attached in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Motorhome (10) or roof structure (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutout (32) of the floor plate (30) is arranged at the foot end of the sleeping area (34) and the width of the floor plate (30) is less at the foot end than at the head end and / or the cutout (32) can be closed with a two-part flap (38) formed from two pivotably mounted elements, wherein the bearing axis (38a) of the two-part flap (38) lies in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and / or air columns (80) are provided which are mounted relative to or on the floor plate (30) and are connected to a superstructure upper element (29) in order to either raise the superstructure upper element (28) or stabilize it in a raised position when the air columns (80) are filled with air. Motorhome (10) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that a spoiler (50) extends substantially across the width of the motorhome (10) at the front of the vehicle and is preferably bonded to the motorhome (10) and / or the spoiler (50) extends substantially at least to the rear end of the roof hatch (12) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Method for converting a commercially available vehicle, such as a large station wagon or a minibus, into a motorhome, wherein a roof hatch (12) is cut into the roof (11), or an existing roof window is used as the roof hatch (12), and a roof structure (20) is attached, which in particular comprises a floor plate (30) for receiving a mattress (60), wherein the length of the roof hatch (12) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is less than 100 cm.

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