VEHICLE, PREFERABLY COMMERCIAL VEHICLE, WITH A FRAME

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle, preferably a commercial vehicle, e.g. a bus, comprising a lattice frame and at least one equipment component, preferably an interior equipment component.

[0002] It is common practice, for example, to equip buses with a vehicle skeleton or a lattice frame as a mechanically supporting structure. The lattice frame can be composed of several profiles connected to each other at connection points and protectively surround the passenger compartment of the bus.

[0003] For example, WO 2008 / 155008 A1 discloses a framework structure for a bus, each comprising at least two framework columns arranged in the region of an associated side wall, which extend between a belt edge of the associated side wall and a roof, wherein the at least two framework columns associated with one another form an at least substantially triangular stiffening structure.

[0004] US 2,119,655 A relates to a form of vehicle body primarily suitable for use as a bus for transporting a relatively large number of passengers. The seats to be mounted inside the body consist of a generally rectangular base frame formed from suitable tubular members connected at their ends to the lowest, longitudinally extending frame member.

[0005] CN 202 463 930 U D1 discloses a full-load vehicle body structure of a bus. The full-load vehicle body structure comprises a front wall assembly, a rear wall assembly, a top cover assembly, a chassis assembly, and a support post assembly. This document discloses a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0006] US 2017 / 174269 A1 discloses a sightseeing touring vehicle with a stage, featuring an open architecture with wide windows surrounding the sightseeing touring occupants. The open architecture provides optimal views of the surrounding sights, including a view of a large video display, while maintaining the comfort of a conventional vehicle for the occupants.

[0007] US 2012 / 160589 A1 discloses a vehicle body frame having a main frame including a floor member and a pair of right and left side members, and a subframe for reinforcing the main frame.

[0008] The invention is based on the object of creating an alternative and / or improved vehicle with a lattice frame.

[0009] The problem is solved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims and the description.

[0010] The invention provides a vehicle, preferably a commercial vehicle, for example a bus, comprising a lattice frame (e.g., tubular space frame and / or profiled space frame) that forms a skeleton support structure of the vehicle and delimits (e.g., partially or completely encloses or surrounds) a passenger compartment (e.g., passenger compartment and / or driver's workplace) of the vehicle (e.g., on one or more sides). The vehicle has at least one equipment component, preferably an interior equipment component (e.g., interior component), that is arranged in the passenger compartment and is at least partially integrated into the lattice frame as a load-bearing section of the lattice frame (e.g., directly and / or during the manufacture of the remaining lattice frame), preferably to form a new load path in the lattice frame.

[0011] According to the invention, the vehicle structure, preferably the bus structure, can be considered in its entirety. Equipment components in the passenger compartment can be integrated into the lattice frame as load-bearing sections. In contrast to the prior art, partition walls, grab bars, shelves, platforms, and steps, for example, can be integrated directly into the lattice frame or the skeleton structure, instead of being subsequently mounted in or on the lattice frame without a load-bearing function. Traditionally, platforms, for example, are additionally mounted in the passenger compartment and do not perform a load-bearing function for the lattice frame. They are arranged to create additional installation space, which is needed, for example, for ancillary units (e.g., air compressor or additional tank or an axle). It is therefore possible to incorporate the equipment components for power transmission into the lattice frame. In this way, they perform additional functions in the vehicle.Thanks to the new, dedicated application of equipment components, they can be designed precisely for a fixed position. To ensure the plurality of functions, geometric changes (e.g., thickness, cross-section, shape, etc.) may still be possible. The functionally integrated components allow for new power transmission within the vehicle. New load paths are created. Thanks to the new load paths, other sections of the space frame can be relieved of load and thus made smaller. This can lead to a reduced overall vehicle weight. Furthermore, the use of equipment components as load-bearing sections of the space frame can be used to better compensate for existing asymmetries in the space frame (e.g., door openings only on one side of the vehicle). This can also improve the vehicle's handling.

[0012] The lattice frame can be used as a supporting vehicle structure.

[0013] Preferably, the load-bearing section can act as one of the load paths of the lattice frame.

[0014] In one exemplary embodiment, the at least one equipment component comprises at least one, preferably a straight or curved, rod-shaped or tubular support (e.g., a frame), preferably a longitudinal support, cross support, vertical support, and / or diagonal support (e.g., as a tube and / or profile), of the lattice frame as the load-bearing section. This allows the equipment component to be integrated directly into the lattice frame, at least in sections, in a particularly simple manner.

[0015] It is also possible that, for example, the load-bearing section is formed as a solid body, which can be manufactured, for example, by means of an additive manufacturing process or by forging or casting, etc.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the at least one equipment component is arranged above a floor of the passenger compartment and / or below a roof of the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0017] According to the invention, the at least one equipment component comprises a (preferably at least partially vertically extending, horizontally extending, and / or diagonally extending) handhold bar as the supporting section of the lattice frame. The handhold bar can thus perform two functions in particular. On the one hand, it can serve as a means of holding on for passengers. On the other hand, it can provide a new load path in the lattice frame.

[0018] In a non-claimed embodiment, the at least one equipment component comprises an interior partition wall, which preferably has at least one or more (e.g., longitudinal, transverse, and / or diagonal) beams as the load-bearing section of the grid frame. The interior partition wall can thus perform two functions in particular. On the one hand, it can subdivide the passenger compartment. On the other hand, it can provide a new load path in the grid frame.

[0019] In a further unclaimed embodiment, the at least one equipment component comprises a vehicle seat device and / or a leaning device, which preferably has at least one or more (e.g., longitudinal, transverse, and / or diagonal) supports as the supporting section of the grid frame, wherein the support is preferably designed as a fastening support for fastening a seat or a backrest (e.g., a standing backrest). The vehicle seat device can thus perform two functions in particular. On the one hand, it can serve as a seat for persons in the passenger compartment. On the other hand, it can provide a new load path in the grid frame.

[0020] In a further unclaimed embodiment, the at least one equipment component comprises a luggage rack and / or a storage compartment, which preferably comprises at least one or more (e.g., longitudinal, transverse, and / or diagonal) supports as the supporting section of the grid frame. The luggage rack and / or the storage compartment can thus perform two functions in particular. On the one hand, they can serve as a storage or storage area for luggage in the passenger compartment. On the other hand, they can provide a new load path in the grid frame.

[0021] For example, the luggage rack and / or the storage compartment can be arranged on the floor, wall and / or roof side in the passenger compartment.

[0022] In a non-claimed embodiment, the vehicle further comprises a platform, preferably a foot platform, engine platform, seat platform, or axle platform, or a step, which has at least one or more (e.g., longitudinal, transverse, and / or diagonal) beams as the supporting section of the lattice frame. The platform can thus perform two functions in particular. On the one hand, it can serve, for example, as a footrest for people in the passenger compartment and / or create installation space for an auxiliary unit. On the other hand, it can provide a new load path in the lattice frame.

[0023] For practical purposes, the platform may have an internal structure (e.g., in the form of a space frame) that serves or acts as the load-bearing section or part thereof. The platform thus differs particularly from a simple sheet metal part or an empty, box-shaped platform, i.e., a platform without an internal structure.

[0024] In one design variant, the lattice frame forms one or both longitudinal outer sides, a front, a rear, a floor assembly and / or a roof of the vehicle.

[0025] The space frame can expediently comprise several ring frames running around a longitudinal axis of the vehicle and several beams in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle, e.g., to form a roof, a floor pan, and / or a longitudinal outer side wall. The beams and ring frames can be present both in the interior and the exterior, depending on the desired load paths.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the supporting section is detachably connected to the remaining lattice frame, preferably by screwing. Alternatively, the supporting section can be permanently connected to the remaining lattice frame, for example, preferably by gluing or welding.

[0027] According to the invention, the lattice frame forms (e.g., among other things) an outer side wall of the vehicle, wherein the outer side wall has a plurality of supports of the lattice frame that meet at a connection point (e.g., node point); and the load-bearing portion of the at least one equipment component meets the outer side wall at the connection point of the outer side wall.

[0028] This allows the load-bearing section to directly absorb loads from multiple beams on the exterior wall and transfer loads directly to multiple beams on the exterior wall. The beams on the exterior wall and the load-bearing section of the fixtures and fittings component can thus effectively function as a space frame.

[0029] In a further embodiment, the lattice frame forms (e.g., among other things) a roof of the vehicle, wherein the roof has a plurality of lattice frame supports that meet at a connection point. Preferably, the load-bearing section of the at least one equipment component can meet the roof at the roof connection point. Thus, the load-bearing section can absorb loads directly from a plurality of roof supports and transfer loads directly to a plurality of roof supports. The roof supports and the load-bearing section of the equipment component can thus expediently function as a space frame.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the lattice frame forms (e.g., among others) a floor assembly of the vehicle, wherein the floor assembly comprises a plurality of lattice frame supports that meet at a connection point. Preferably, the load-bearing section of the at least one equipment component can meet the floor assembly at the connection point of the floor assembly. This allows the load-bearing section to absorb loads directly from a plurality of floor supports and to transfer loads directly to a plurality of floor supports. The floor supports and the load-bearing section of the equipment component can thus expediently function as a space frame.

[0031] For practical purposes, the load-bearing section can meet at least two connection points of the outer wall, the roof and / or the floor group.

[0032] For example, the load-bearing section may extend between a connection point of the exterior wall and a connection point of the floor assembly or roof.

[0033] It is also possible for the load-bearing section of the at least one equipment component to coincide with a common connection point of the roof and the outer side wall, the front or the rear, or with a common connection point of the floor assembly and the outer side wall, the front or the rear.

[0034] The connection points of the lattice frame can connect the respective beams in any known way, e.g., by means of separate node elements, by screwing, by gluing, and / or by welding, etc. Combinations of connection techniques are also possible.

[0035] In a further embodiment, the supporting section is designed as a space frame (suitably with supports that run in the x, y and z directions).

[0036] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a vehicle as disclosed herein. The method comprises manufacturing (for example, joining, preferably welding, gluing, and / or screwing, optionally with or without additional components such as node elements, sheets, screws, bolts, etc.) the space frame, wherein (expediently simultaneously) the at least one equipment component is at least partially integrated directly into the space frame as a load-bearing section of the space frame, preferably simultaneously with the production of the remaining space frame.

[0037] The above-described preferred embodiments and features of the invention can be combined with one another as desired. Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary grid frame of a commercial vehicle according to the present disclosure; Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view through an exemplary grid frame of a commercial vehicle according to the present disclosure; Figure 3 shows another cross-sectional view through an exemplary grid frame of a commercial vehicle according to the present disclosure; and Figure 4 shows another cross-sectional view through an exemplary grid frame of a commercial vehicle according to the present disclosure.

[0038] The embodiments shown in the figures correspond at least partially, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals and for their explanation reference is also made to the description of the other embodiments or figures in order to avoid repetition.

[0039] Figure 1 shows a lattice frame 10 of a vehicle designed as a commercial vehicle 12. Particularly preferably, the commercial vehicle 12 is designed as a bus, as shown. However, it is also possible for the commercial vehicle 12 to be designed differently, for example, as a truck or as another suitably motorized vehicle.

[0040] The lattice frame 10 forms a main frame of the commercial vehicle 12 in a rigid structure. The lattice frame 10 can be constructed, for example, as a tubular space frame made of several interconnected tubes and / or a lattice profile frame made of several interconnected profiles, preferably longitudinal profiles (e.g., round or square profiles). The profiles can be open or closed profiles, for example. The lattice frame 10 can, for example, be made at least partially from a metal or a metal alloy. The lattice frame 10 can be formed not only from tubes and profiles, but can also be additionally stiffened in places, for example, by additional sheet metal elements (e.g., above a door portal). The lattice frame 10 can further comprise, for example, node elements (cast parts, milled parts), brackets (e.g., axle brackets), semi-finished products, printed parts, forged parts, etc.

[0041] The supports (e.g., tubes or profiles) of the lattice frame 10 are connected to one another at connection points, thus forming a self-supporting load-bearing structure of the commercial vehicle 12. The connections can be at least partially detachable, for example, by screwing, and / or at least partially non-detachable, for example, by gluing or welding. For example, the lattice frame 10 can be a welded construction.

[0042] The lattice frame 10 forms a roof, a floor, a rear, a front and both outer longitudinal sides of the commercial vehicle 12. However, it is also possible, for example, that one or more of the roof, the floor, the rear, the front and the two outer longitudinal sides are not formed by the lattice frame 10, but in another way, for example as a module that can be individually mounted on the lattice frame 10.

[0043] The lattice frame 10 can have a plurality of ring frames extending around a longitudinal axis of the commercial vehicle 12 and a plurality of beams in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the commercial vehicle 12. Additional frames or beams in a truss structure can provide the necessary rigidity to the lattice frame 10.

[0044] The grid frame 10 further defines a passenger compartment 14 of the commercial vehicle 12 on the outside. During operation of the commercial vehicle 12, the passenger compartment 14 accommodates people, for example, passengers and a driver. The passenger compartment 14 can expediently comprise a passenger compartment and / or a driver's workstation. One function of the grid frame 10 can be to ensure a defined survival space in the passenger compartment 14.

[0045] The lattice frame 10 has the special feature that it not only forms the supporting structure of the commercial vehicle 12, but also integrates additional functions. Preferably, it can be provided that equipment components 16 - 22 (see Figures 1 to 4 ), in particular interior components, of the commercial vehicle 12 are at least partially integrated directly into the lattice frame 10. In other words, the lattice frame 10 assumes functions of equipment components, and the equipment components themselves contribute to the supporting structure of the commercial vehicle 12 as load-bearing sections of the lattice frame 10.

[0046] For example, the equipment component comprises at least one beam, preferably a longitudinal beam, a cross beam, a vertical beam, and / or a diagonal beam (e.g., a tube and / or profile), of the lattice frame 10 as the load-bearing section. It is also possible for the equipment component to comprise multiple beams that collectively function as a load-bearing section of the lattice frame 10. For example, the multiple beams can be arranged in the form of a space frame.

[0047] The sections of the equipment components serving as load-bearing sections of the lattice frame 10 can be connected to the lattice frame 10 detachably, for example by screwing, or permanently (fixedly), for example by gluing or welding. The functionally integrated equipment components can be used to introduce new loads into the commercial vehicle 12. New load paths are advantageously created, as can be seen from the Figures 2 to 4is described by way of example. Thanks to the new load paths, the lattice frame 10 can be relieved of load at another location and thus preferably made smaller, enabling, for example, a reduced overall weight of the commercial vehicle 12.

[0048] In Figure 2 exemplary equipment components 16 and 18 are shown which can be integrated into the grid frame 10.

[0049] For example, a handhold bar 16 can be integrated into the lattice frame 10. The handhold bar 16 can be used, for example, by passengers to hold on while the commercial vehicle 12 is moving. The handhold bar 16 thus serves both as a support for passengers and as a load-bearing section of the lattice frame 10.

[0050] The hand-holding bar 16 can, for example, have a round cross-section. However, other cross-sectional shapes or other geometries are also conceivable.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the handhold bar 16 runs in a vertical transverse plane of the lattice frame 10 or the commercial vehicle 12. As shown, the handhold bar 16 can, for example, extend diagonally between a floor assembly and an outer side wall of the lattice frame 10. The handhold bar 16 integrated in the lattice frame 10 thus creates a new diagonal load path for the lattice frame 10. The inclined design can thus create a diagonal in the passenger compartment 14, which increases the rigidity of the lattice frame 10, for example, in the event of a lateral tipover. The handhold bar 16, thanks to its diagonal extension, can also provide an additional function by separating the passenger compartment 14.

[0052] For example, the hand-holding rod 16 can be connected at one end to the floor assembly of the lattice frame 10, for example, by screwing, welding, and / or gluing. At an opposite end, the hand-holding rod 16 can be connected to a longitudinal outer side wall of the lattice frame 10, for example, by screwing, welding, and / or gluing. However, it is also possible for the hand-holding rod to be designed differently and / or to extend differently, for example, at least partially vertically and / or at least partially horizontally.

[0053] As in Figure 1As shown by way of example, the hand-holding rod 16 can, in particular, be connected to the remaining lattice frame 10 in such a way that it meets the floor assembly and the longitudinal outer side wall of the lattice frame 10 at points where the floor assembly and the longitudinal outer side wall already have connection points 16A, 16B consisting of several converging supports of the floor or the longitudinal outer side wall. The load-bearing sections of other equipment components of the commercial vehicle can also be connected in this way to connection points in the roof, the floor, the longitudinal outer sides, the rear, and / or the front of the lattice frame 10 / the commercial vehicle 12.

[0054] It is also possible that, for example, an internal partition wall 18 is at least partially integrated (e.g. as a support or sheet) into the grid frame 10, as in Figure 2 is shown.

[0055] The interior partition wall 18 can have a support, in particular a diagonal support, 18A and a wall element 18B. The support 18A can extend, for example, between a floor assembly and a longitudinal outer side wall of the lattice frame 10. The wall element 18B can be arranged between the support 18A, the floor assembly, and the longitudinal outer side wall of the lattice frame 10. It is possible for the support 18A to additionally or alternatively extend at least partially horizontally and / or at least partially vertically. It is also possible for the support 18A to extend, for example, to a roof of the lattice frame 10.

[0056] As shown, the interior partition wall 18 can, for example, run in a vertical transverse plane of the grid frame 10 or the commercial vehicle 12. However, it is also possible for the interior partition wall 18 to run differently, for example, in a vertical longitudinal plane of the grid frame 10 or the commercial vehicle 12 or to run diagonally thereto.

[0057] The Figure 3 shows a further exemplary embodiment. Here, a vehicle seat device 20 of the commercial vehicle 12 is partially integrated into the grid frame 10 as an equipment component. In particular, a fastening support 20A of the vehicle seat device 20 can be integrated into the grid frame 10 as a diagonal support. Seats 20B of the vehicle seat device 20 can be releasably fastened to the fastening support 20A, for example. It is possible for additional or alternative fastening supports to be arranged that extend at least partially horizontally and / or at least partially vertically.

[0058] Alternatively or in addition to the vehicle seat device 20, a leaning device for leaning can also be partially or completely integrated into the grid frame 10 (not shown).

[0059] The Figure 4shows a further exemplary embodiment. Here, a luggage rack 22 of the commercial vehicle 12 is partially integrated into the grid frame 10 as an equipment component. In particular, at least one support 22A, 22B of the luggage rack 22, for example, a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal support of the luggage rack 22, can be integrated into the grid frame 10. The luggage rack 22 can be open, as shown, or closed, e.g., in the form of a storage compartment.

[0060] Of course, additional or alternative equipment components in the passenger compartment 14 of the commercial vehicle 12 can also be integrated at least partially as load-bearing sections of the grid frame 10 directly into the grid frame 10.

[0061] With further reference to Figure 1This also shows that, in addition to the equipment components, for example, a platform 24, preferably a foot platform, can be advantageously integrated into the lattice frame 10 as an equipment component, for example in the form of a space frame made up of several supports, expediently with an internal structure (as shown). The platform 24 can thus also function as a load-bearing section of the lattice frame 10. Other platforms (e.g., engine platforms, axle platforms) or, for example, (floor, entry or exit) steps are also conceivable, which can be integrated into the lattice frame as load-bearing sections. However, the invention is limited to the scope of the appended claims.

[0062] In addition to the vehicle according to the invention, the present disclosure also discloses a method for manufacturing a vehicle. The method comprises at least one equipment component 16-24 being at least partially integrated into the lattice frame 10 as a load-bearing section of the lattice frame 10 directly during production of the lattice frame 10, e.g., detachably or permanently.

[0063] The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. List of reference symbols

[0064] 10Grid frame 12Commercial vehicle 14Personnel lounge 16Handhold bar (equipment component) 16AConnection point 16BConnection point 18Interior partition wall (equipment component) 18ADiagonal beam 18BWall element 20Vehicle seat device (equipment component) 20AFastening beam 20BSeat 22Luggage rack (equipment component) 22A / BBeam 24Foot platform

Claims

1. A vehicle, preferably a utility vehicle (12), for example a bus, having: a lattice frame (10), which forms a framework structure of the vehicle (12) and delimits a person-accommodating space (14) of the vehicle (12); and at least one equipment component (16, 18, 20, 22, 24), preferably an internal equipment component, which is arranged in the person-accommodating space (14) and is at least partly integrated into the lattice frame (10) as a supporting section of the lattice frame (10), preferably for forming a new load path in the lattice frame (10), wherein: the at least one equipment component (16, 18, 20, 22, 24) has a hand-held retaining bar as the supporting section of the lattice frame (10); characterized in that the lattice frame (10) forms an outer side wall of the vehicle, wherein the outer side wall has a plurality of supports of the lattice frame (10), which meet one another at an attachment point, and the supporting section of the at least one equipment component (16, 18, 20, 22, 24) meets the outer side wall at the attachment point of the outer side wall.

2. The vehicle according to Claim 1, wherein: the at least one equipment component (16, 18, 20, 22, 24) has at least one support, preferably a straight or curved rod- or tube-like support, preferably a longitudinal support, transverse support, vertical support and / or diagonal support, of the lattice frame (10) as the supporting section.

3. The vehicle according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein: the at least one equipment component (16, 18, 20, 22, 24) is arranged above a floor of the person-accommodating space (14) and / or underneath a roof of the person-accommodating space (14) of the vehicle.

4. The vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the lattice frame (10) forms one or both longitudinal outer sides, a front, a rear, a floor assembly and / or a roof of the vehicle.

5. The vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the supporting section is connected detachably, preferably bolted, to the remainder of the lattice frame (10); or the supporting section is connected non-detachably to the remainder of the lattice frame (10), preferably adhesively bonded or welded.

6. The vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the lattice frame (10) forms a roof of the vehicle, wherein the roof has a plurality of supports of the lattice frame (10), which meet at an attachment point; and the supporting section of the at least one equipment component (16, 18, 20, 22, 24) meets the roof at the attachment point of the roof.

7. The vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the lattice frame (10) forms a floor assembly of the vehicle, wherein the floor assembly has a plurality of supports of the lattice frame (10), which meet at an attachment point, and the supporting section of the at least one equipment component (16, 18, 20, 22, 24) meets the floor assembly at the attachment point of the floor assembly.

8. The vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the supporting section is formed as a space frame.

9. A method for producing a vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, including: fabrication of the lattice frame (10), wherein the at least one equipment component (16, 18, 20, 22, 24) is at least partly integrated directly into the lattice frame (10) as a supporting section of the lattice frame (10), preferably at the same time as the fabrication of the remainder of the lattice frame.