Kit for integrating a living cell into a vehicle and a vehicle including such a kit

Abstract

The invention relates to a kit for integrating a living cell (20) into a vehicle, such as a goods transport vehicle. It comprises: the living cell (20) including a movable chassis (21); a fixed chassis (22) intended to be attached to a vehicle chassis near a cab thereof; and a lifting system providing rectilinear translation of the movable chassis (21) relative to the fixed chassis (22). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Kit for integrating a habitable cell into a vehicle and a vehicle comprising such a kit. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a kit for integrating a living cell into a vehicle. It applies, in particular, to the field of integrated or removable living cells intended to be installed on vehicles, especially goods transport vehicles such as trucks or heavy goods vehicles. Previous technique

[0002] Living units designed for integration into transport vehicles, such as trucks, are already known. These systems allow transport vehicles to be converted by adding living space, whether for recreational, professional, or emergency use. However, existing solutions have numerous drawbacks, both in terms of design and use.

[0003] Most current habitable cells are permanently or semi-permanently attached to the vehicle chassis, for example by being integrated into the vehicle's cab. This limits their modularity and prevents quick disassembly or replacement when needed, making the vehicle less versatile.

[0004] Existing systems are often designed for specific vehicle models, making their use difficult or impossible on other types of chassis. This lack of standardization complicates their widespread adoption.

[0005] Current systems suffer from limitations in terms of modularity, compatibility, safety and comfort. Presentation of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks with a completely innovative approach.

[0007] More specifically, the invention aims to provide a habitable cell with simple, safe and versatile integration, while offering advanced functionalities.

[0008] One objective of the invention is to provide such a technique, which can be easily adapted to existing systems.

[0009] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved, according to a first aspect, by means of a kit for integrating a habitable cell into a vehicle, such as a goods transport vehicle, remarkable in that it includes: - the habitable cell comprising a mobile chassis; - a fixed chassis intended to be attached to a vehicle chassis near a cab of the latter; - a lifting system ensures mobility of the mobile chassis in rectilinear translation relative to the fixed chassis.

[0010] The kit can be used with standard vehicles without major modifications to the original vehicle's chassis; only the chassis needs to be compatible with the vehicle's chassis. The fixed chassis and the mobile chassis of the living cell can thus be advantageously designed to fit a wide range of vehicles, including trucks. Alternatively, the kit according to the invention can be easily adapted for a specific type of vehicle, such as trucks of a given brand, by choosing a standardized fixed chassis, living cell, and lifting system.

[0011] The lifting system allows efficient use of space by creating a habitable cell without encroaching on the loading area while allowing the vehicle cab to be tilted for vehicle maintenance.

[0012] Rectilinear translation mobility offers simplified manipulation of the cell, without requiring complex external tools or equipment.

[0013] Thus, such a kit allows a vehicle to be equipped with a particularly short downtime. Furthermore, due to its standardization, in the event of a vehicle being immobilized or damaged, the living unit can easily be reused for another vehicle.

[0014] The invention is advantageously implemented according to the embodiments and variants set out below, which are to be considered individually or according to any technically operative combination.

[0015] In one embodiment, one of the fixed chassis and / or the mobile chassis includes at least one fixing lock, the fixed chassis advantageously having a substantially rectangular base, and the chassis and / or the mobile chassis preferably comprising four locks, each being associated with a respective corner of said base.

[0016] In one embodiment, said habitable cell comprises sandwich panels made of a core of insulating material, such as polyurethane foam, sandwiched between two layers of reinforced composite material.

[0017] In one embodiment, the fixed chassis is intended to be fixed by movable gussets and / or movable hooks to the chassis of the vehicle.

[0018] The movable gussets or hooks are configured in such a way as to allow for quick assembly and disassembly for maintenance purposes while providing secure attachment of the fixed chassis, and therefore of all the kit components, to the vehicle chassis. Furthermore, with such mobility of the gussets and / or hooks, the attachment of the fixed chassis can easily be adapted to the chassis of the vehicle on which this kit is to be installed.

[0019] In one embodiment, the system includes at least one rail or slide attached to the fixed frame arranged to guide the mobile frame during a rectilinear translational movement relative to the fixed frame.

[0020] In one embodiment, said habitable cell includes a liftable cabover.

[0021] In one embodiment, the habitable cell incorporates at least one of the following elements: openings for windows or ventilation hatches; a solar panel; a tank for containing a liquid, such as clean, grey or black water.

[0022] In one embodiment, said lifting system is hydraulic. The lifting system is advantageously designed to be powered by a pump integrated into the vehicle or by an external source.

[0023] In one embodiment, at least one of the moving chassis and the fixed chassis includes at least one shock absorber or elastically deformable element arranged to reduce the transmission of vibrations between the moving chassis and the fixed chassis.

[0024] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle comprising such a kit, in which the fixed chassis is attached to the vehicle.

[0025] The advantages, purposes and special characteristics of this vehicle being similar to those of the kit which is the subject of the present invention, they are not recalled here. Brief description of the figures

[0026] Other advantages, purposes and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given for explanatory purposes only and not as a limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Fig. 1 represents a perspective view of a kit for integrating a habitable cell into a vehicle;

[0028] Fig. 2 represents another perspective view of a kit for integrating a habitable cell into a vehicle;

[0029] Fig. 3 represents a perspective view of part of the kit for integrating a habitable cell into a vehicle;

[0030] Fig. 4 represents a profile view with a passenger cell and a folded-down cab;

[0031] Fig. 5 represents a profile view with a passenger cell positioned on a truck. Description of the implementation methods

[0032] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a kit for integrating a habitable cell 20 into a vehicle.

[0033] The habitable cell 20 allows for the comfortable accommodation of one or more people and other ancillary activities (toilet, kitchen, office, etc.). The cell's layout can also be dedicated to professional activity (laboratory, office, workshop, recording / measurement, etc.).

[0034] The present kit is designed for the integration and transport of a habitable cell 20. It consists mainly of two mechanical structures: a mobile chassis 21 and a fixed chassis 22. The fixed chassis 22 is designed to be securely attached to a vehicle chassis, so as to be positioned close to the vehicle cab (not shown in the figures).

[0035] This kit is equipped with a lifting system which allows the mobile chassis 21 to move in rectilinear translation relative to the fixed chassis 22. This feature facilitates assembly, adjustment and access operations to the cell.

[0036] The mobile frame 21 is equipped with fastening devices designed to ensure secure anchoring of the housing unit. These devices, or fastening locks, guarantee perfect immobilization once the unit is in position. In addition, both frames (fixed and mobile) each have a substantially rectangular base, thus facilitating their complementarity.

[0037] For transport, a locking mechanism is integrated to prevent any unwanted movement in rectilinear translation. In a first configuration, the mobile chassis 21 is equipped with four locks, each associated with a corner of the base of the fixed chassis 22. Once engaged, these locks prevent any movement of the mobile chassis 21. An alternative design provides that the fixed chassis 22 is equipped with four locks, each corresponding to a corner of the base of the mobile chassis 21. This locking system is designed to offer optimal safety during vehicle movement.

[0038] Each of these locks can be a twist lock (or, according to the English term, a "twist lock"). This allows for a rigid and perfectly secure attachment of the mobile chassis 21 (and therefore the living cell) to the fixed chassis 22 (and therefore to the vehicle chassis).

[0039] The integrated lifting system allows for smooth movement of the mobile chassis 21 relative to the fixed chassis 22, thus offering great flexibility for installing or removing the cell. This mechanism is particularly useful during the tilting and maintenance phases of the vehicle cab.

[0040] The habitable cell 20 itself is made of sandwich panels, a technology that combines lightness, robustness, and thermal insulation. These panels comprise a core made of insulating material, such as polyurethane foam, sandwiched between two layers of reinforced composite material. This choice of materials allows the cell to offer excellent thermal insulation and soundproofing while maintaining a structure resistant to weathering and mechanical stresses.

[0041] According to an example of embodiment, the habitable cell 20 includes aluminium corner pieces and the interior, sanitary and exterior fittings will be specifically chosen.

[0042] The habitable cell 20 has a polyester coating configured to provide protection against the elements.

[0043] The fixed chassis 22 is attached to the vehicle chassis by means of movable gussets and / or movable hooks. Such movable fastening systems thus allow for easy adaptation

[0044] The lifting system includes a rail or slide attached to the fixed frame 22 arranged to guide the mobile frame 21 during a rectilinear translational movement relative to the fixed frame 22.

[0045] The habitable cell 20 incorporates at least one of the following elements: openings for windows or ventilation hatches; a solar panel; a tank for containing a liquid, such as clean, grey or black water.

[0046] The lifting system is advantageously hydraulic and can be intended to be powered by a pump integrated into the vehicle or by an external source.

[0047] According to one example, specific equipment is added to ensure the safety of goods (anti-telescoping sequencing) and people (parachute valve and / or ratchet rack).

[0048] One of the mobile chassis 21 and the fixed chassis 22 includes at least one shock absorber or elastically deformable element arranged to reduce vibrations.

[0049] Naturally, the invention is described above by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is able to carry out different embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0050] According to one variant, the habitable cell 20 includes a liftable overcab.

[0051] Figure 2 shows another perspective view of a kit for integrating a cell habitable 20 to a vehicle. This figure reproduces the description of [Fig. 1] and shows the rear of the passenger compartment. Rails or slides fixed to the passenger compartment are visible.

[0052] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of part of the kit for integrating a passenger cell 20 into a vehicle. This figure reproduces the description in Figure 1 or 2. The passenger cell itself is not shown. The lifting system ensures the mobility of the movable chassis 21 in rectilinear translation relative to the fixed chassis 22. It is visible from the rails or slides attached to the passenger cell.

[0053] These rails or slides are securely anchored and arranged to guide the linear movement of the mobile chassis 21, ensuring optimal precision and fluidity during of the translation. This mechanism ensures perfect alignment between the two chassis, preventing any imbalance or excessive friction.

[0054] The rails or slides, fixed on the passenger cell, interact with complementary elements located on the mobile chassis 21, such as rollers, bearings or pads, which ensure controlled movement.

[0055] The lifting system can be activated manually or via an electric motor or hydraulic cylinder, allowing for smooth lifting and translation. This makes it possible to adjust the position of the passenger cell with minimal effort, particularly during the loading or unloading phase of the cell or during vehicle maintenance operations.

[0056] Fig. 4 shows a profile view with a passenger cell and a folded-down vehicle cab.

[0057] Fig. 4 highlights the inclined position of the vehicle's cabin, which pivots around an axis located at its base.

[0058] This figure illustrates a profile view of a truck. This schematic representation highlights two main elements: the raised passenger compartment and the folded-down cab.

[0059] This inclination exposes the essential mechanical components of the vehicle, such as the engine, transmission system, and associated components, making them directly accessible for maintenance. It also provides access to the locking system of the fixed chassis 22 on the vehicle chassis, represented by hooks or fastening mechanisms, which secures the present kit during vehicle movement.

[0060] Shock absorbers or hydraulic cylinders, in their deployed configuration, serve to facilitate tilting and to secure the cab in an inclined position.

[0061] Fig. 5 shows a profile view with a passenger cell positioned on a truck.

[0062] This figure illustrates a profile view of a truck in transport.

[0063] It is emphasized that all the characteristics, as they emerge for a A person skilled in the art, from this description, drawings and attached features, even if specifically described only in relation to other specific features, both individually and in any combinations, may be combined with other features or groups of features disclosed herein, provided that this has not been expressly excluded or that technical circumstances do not render such combinations impossible or meaningless. List of reference signs

[0064] [Tables 1] References Designations 20 habitable cell 21 mobile chassis 22 fixed chassis

Claims

Demands

1. Kit for integrating a habitable cell (20) into a vehicle, such as a goods transport vehicle, characterized in that it comprises: - the habitable cell (20) comprising a mobile chassis (21); - a fixed chassis (22) intended to be attached to a chassis of the vehicle near a cab of the latter; - a lifting system ensures mobility of the mobile chassis (21) in rectilinear translation relative to the fixed chassis (22).

2. Kit according to claim 1, wherein one of the fixed chassis (22) and / or the mobile chassis (21) comprises at least one fixing lock, the fixed chassis (22) advantageously having a substantially rectangular base, and the chassis and / or the mobile chassis (21) preferably comprising four locks, each being associated with a respective corner of said base.

3. Kit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said habitable cell (20) comprises sandwich panels made of a core of insulating material, such as polyurethane foam, sandwiched between two layers of reinforced composite material.

4. Kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixed chassis (22) is intended to be fixed by movable gussets and / or movable hooks to the chassis of the vehicle.

5. Kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting system comprises at least one rail or slide attached to the fixed frame (22) arranged to guide the movable frame (21) during a rectilinear translational movement relative to the fixed frame (22).

6. Kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said habitable cell (20) comprises a liftable overcab.

7. Kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the habitable cell (20) incorporates at least one of the following: openings for windows or ventilation hatches; a solar panel; a tank for containing a liquid, such as clean, grey or black water.

8. Kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said hydraulic lifting system is intended to be powered by a pump integrated into the vehicle or by an external source.

9. Kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the movable chassis (21) and the fixed chassis (22) comprises at least one shock absorber or elastically deformable element arranged to reduce the transmission of vibrations between the fixed chassis and the movable chassis.

10. Vehicle comprising a kit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the fixed chassis (22) is fixed to the vehicle.