Utility vehicle with step

Abstract

The invention relates to a utility vehicle (10) having a driver's cab (12), at least one front wheel (16a-b), a step (18; 18') and a recess (20; 20') in an outer surface of the utility vehicle (10). The driver's cab (12) comprises a door opening (13) for a cab door (14). The recess (20; 20') forms a step receiving space, wherein the step (18; 18') can be moved into the step receiving space into a stowage position (A) and can be moved out of the step receiving space into a use position (B). The recess (20; 20') is arranged offset in a direction (L) towards a rear region (12a) of the driver's cab (12) next to the door opening (13) and, preferably directly or offset in the direction (L), above the at least one front wheel (16a-b).

Description

[0001] Commercial vehicle with step

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a commercial vehicle.

[0004] Depending on the application, trucks may require the ability to move behind the cab, for example to check conditions at cab height.

[0005] One exemplary application is the so-called construction site access, a step located to the side of the cabin, above the tires, to allow a view into the tipping skip.

[0006] Known designs of suitable tread surfaces are usually rigidly attached to an outer surface of the commercial vehicle.

[0007] In narrower cabins, these are located next to the cabin, which can be advantageous in terms of finding and walking on the platform.

[0008] Since a maximum vehicle width (e.g., due to legal regulations) must not be exceeded, a step positioned next to the cab (e.g., a step projecting laterally from the outer surface) is not feasible with wider cabs. Known solutions therefore include, for example, recesses in the side wall with an integrated recessed step.

[0009] In addition to the increased integration effort and the impairment of the cabin interior, a disadvantage can often be insufficient visibility of the footing during use, which leads to a reduction in comfort and even poses a potential hazard.

[0010] One object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved step. In particular, it is an object to provide a step that is improved in terms of detectability and / or slip resistance and that can also be used for very wide commercial vehicles just below the maximum permissible vehicle width.

[0011] According to a first aspect, a commercial vehicle is provided. The commercial vehicle has a driver's cab, at least one front wheel, a step, and a recess. The recess is formed in an outer surface of the commercial vehicle. The driver's cab includes a door opening for a cab door.

[0012] The recess forms a step-receiving space, wherein the step can be retracted into the step-receiving space into a stowed position (e.g., completely) and extended out of the step-receiving space (e.g., laterally) into a working position. The recess (e.g., the entire recess) is offset in one direction towards a rear area of ​​the driver's cab (e.g., completely and / or exclusively) next to the door opening and (e.g., completely) above at least one front wheel.

[0013] One advantage, for example, is that the step is clearly visible to a person in the driver's cab when in use. This can increase comfort and / or safety when stepping onto the step. The risk of accidents can therefore be reduced.

[0014] Furthermore, it may be possible to ensure that the maximum vehicle width in the stowed position is not increased by the step. This can be particularly advantageous, for example, for commercial vehicles that are just below the maximum permissible vehicle width.

[0015] Furthermore, advantages can arise, for example, in terms of aerodynamics, since the step in the stowed position does not protrude from the outer surface, but is located within the step's receiving space, so that no wind turbulence occurs.

[0016] Extending the step to the side ensures an ergonomically favorable working position next to the cabin.

[0017] Furthermore, the step can be positioned to protect against vandalism, damage and / or unauthorized access when stowed (e.g., when the commercial vehicle is parked).

[0018] Furthermore, the step cannot affect the building shell and the interior space of the cabin cannot be reduced.

[0019] Furthermore, especially in wider cabins, an ergonomically favorable step surface with sufficient dimensions can be provided without impairing the cabin interior.

[0020] It is conceivable that the recess is located exclusively next to, but not below, the door opening. The recess can be positioned directly above or offset in direction above (e.g., diagonally above) at least one front wheel.

[0021] In other words, the recess can be located above the level of the uppermost front wheel section of at least one front wheel.

[0022] In other words, the step does not have to be positioned directly vertically above the at least one front wheel, but can instead be positioned diagonally offset towards the rear area relative to the at least one front wheel.

[0023] For example, the recess is located behind the door opening in a forward direction of travel of the commercial vehicle.

[0024] In other words, the recess can be located between the door opening and a rear edge of the cab.

[0025] Preferably, the direction towards the rear of the vehicle should be a longitudinal direction. This direction can, for example, be parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the vehicle.

[0026] Preferably, the step is movable between the stowed position and the operating position in the transverse direction of the commercial vehicle (e.g. orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the commercial vehicle).

[0027] For example, the step is located under the driver's cab in the operating position during ferry operations.

[0028] In the stowed position, the step can be integrated within the maximum lateral width of the vehicle.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the commercial vehicle can have a front wheel fender, wherein the step and / or the recess is further arranged (e.g., completely) above the front wheel fender. As will be described later, the step and / or the recess can also be integrated into part of the front wheel fender.

[0030] The step can be positioned directly above the front fender or offset in direction. In other words, the step does not have to be positioned directly vertically above the front fender, but can also be positioned at an angle to it. According to one embodiment, the commercial vehicle can have an actuator designed to automatically move the step between the stowed position and the operating position.

[0031] For example, the actuator device can have a linear drive.

[0032] One advantage, for example, is that the step can be extended and retracted by a person in the driver's cab without leaving the cab, which can further increase comfort.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the commercial vehicle can have an input element, wherein the actuator device is designed to automatically move the step between the stowed position and the operating position depending on a user input made via the input element.

[0034] The input element can be, for example, a switch which, in a first switch position, sends an extension signal to the actuator device, causing the step to be extended by means of the actuator device, and in a second switch position sends a retraction signal to the actuator device, causing the step to be retracted by means of the actuator device.

[0035] For example, the input element can be located inside the driver's cab.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the actuator device can be in signal communication with a control unit of the commercial vehicle and be designed to automatically retract the step from the operating position to the stowed position when the control unit detects that a minimum speed of the commercial vehicle is present.

[0037] For example, it is conceivable that the control unit recognizes when the commercial vehicle exceeds a minimum speed and the actuator then automatically retracts the step.

[0038] The presence of a minimum speed can also refer to a speed other than zero. In other words, it's conceivable that the control unit detects a minimum speed when the commercial vehicle is set in motion from a standstill. This could, for example, prevent the step from being accidentally left retracted.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, the actuator device can be in signal communication with the control unit of the commercial vehicle and be designed to automatically retract the step from the stowed position to the operating position when the control unit detects that a certain driving mode is present.

[0040] Preferably, the specific driving mode indicates the commencement of ferry operations.

[0041] For example, the control unit can detect the presence of a specific driving mode when a user moves a selector lever from a park position to a drive position.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the commercial vehicle can have a fastening device by means of which the step is attached (e.g., directly) to a chassis (e.g., a vehicle chassis) of the commercial vehicle. Preferably, the step is attached to the chassis by means of the fastening device via a front fender attached to the chassis.

[0043] Alternatively or additionally, the step can be attached to the driver's cab using the fastening device (e.g. directly).

[0044] The mounting device can be, for example, a frame structure to which the step is attached. The frame structure can be attached to the chassis and / or the driver's cab, for example, using suitable fasteners (e.g., screws).

[0045] According to one embodiment, the recess can be arranged above an imaginary horizontal plane that is tangent to the upper surface of at least one front wheel. Preferably, the horizontal plane is tangent to the upper surface of several (e.g., two) front wheels.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the recess in a vertical direction H of the commercial vehicle can be arranged at a level that corresponds to at least 30%, at least 40%, or at least 50% of the total height of the commercial vehicle and / or the driver's cab. Alternatively or additionally, the recess in a longitudinal direction of the commercial vehicle can have a distance to a rear edge of the driver's cab that corresponds to at most 50%, at most 40%, or at most 30% of the total length of the driver's cab.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the step can be visible to a person in the driver's cab when the cab door is open and in the operating position.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the recess can be integrated into a front wheel fender of the commercial vehicle.

[0049] Alternatively, the recess can be integrated into a side exterior surface of the driver's cab.

[0050] The outer side surface can be, for example, a surface of a side section of the car body.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the step can be completely recessed into the step-receiving space in the stowed position.

[0052] In other words, the step cannot protrude from the outer surface when in the stowed position.

[0053] This can result in, for example, aerodynamic advantages in ferry operations.

[0054] Furthermore, the step can protrude from the outer surface in the operating position, in a transverse direction of a commercial vehicle.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the recess can be shaped to correspond to the step and / or be essentially cuboid in shape.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the step can be a single step.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, the step cannot be a cabin access step.

[0058] In other words, it is conceivable that the step is not part of one of the steps that a person uses to get into the driver's cab.

[0059] Alternatively or additionally, no further steps can be attached to the step.

[0060] For example, no additional steps are installed above and / or below the existing step. This can, for instance, further reduce the technical effort.

[0061] According to one embodiment, an outer surface of the step facing an external environment can be essentially flush with the outer surface of the commercial vehicle in the stowed position.

[0062] This can, for example, further reduce wind turbulence during ferry operations of the commercial vehicle, which can advantageously lower the drag coefficient (Cd value).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the commercial vehicle can have a body (e.g., a tipper body). The body can be arranged in a longitudinal direction behind the driver's cab (e.g., behind the driver's cab in the forward direction of travel). The opening can be positioned on the commercial vehicle such that the body is visible to a person standing on the step.

[0064] For example, the step can be positioned on the commercial vehicle in such a way that the head of a person standing on the step is above the level of the uppermost section of the vehicle body. The person's height can be determined as a statistical value (e.g., as the 50th percentile or range) for a female or male adult.

[0065] The step can be advantageously used as a so-called construction site access route.

[0066] A commercial vehicle can be a motor vehicle that, by its design and equipment, is specifically designed for the transport of persons, the transport of goods, or the towing of trailers. For example, a commercial vehicle could be a truck and / or a dump truck.

[0067] The embodiments, variants, and features of the invention described above can be combined with one another as desired. Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show:

[0068] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a commercial vehicle according to one embodiment (side view);

[0069] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a commercial vehicle according to one embodiment (side view); Figure 3A is a schematic representation of a commercial vehicle according to one embodiment (top view; sectional view; step in stowed position); and

[0070] Figure 3B shows a schematic representation of a commercial vehicle according to one embodiment (top view; sectional view; step in use position).

[0071] The embodiments shown in the figures are at least partially identical, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals and, to avoid repetition, reference is also made to the description of the other figures for their explanation.

[0072] For better orientation, the figures show a commercial vehicle longitudinal direction L, a commercial vehicle vertical direction H and a commercial vehicle transverse direction Q.

[0073] The longitudinal direction L of the commercial vehicle can, for example, be oriented parallel to a longitudinal center axis of the commercial vehicle 10. Preferably, the longitudinal direction L, the vertical direction H, and the transverse direction Q of the commercial vehicle coincide with Cartesian coordinate axes.

[0074] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a commercial vehicle 10 in side view.

[0075] The commercial vehicle 10 has a driver's cab 12, at least one front wheel 16a-b, a step 18, and a recess 20. The recess 20 is formed in an outer surface of the commercial vehicle 10, for example, by being integrated into a side surface of the driver's cab 12. The side surface can, for example, be a surface of a side body section.

[0076] The driver's cab 12 includes a door opening 13 for a cab door 14. Since the door opening 13 is hidden by the cab door 14 in Figures 1 and 2, it is indicated by a dashed line.

[0077] Preferably, the commercial vehicle 10 also has a vehicle body (not shown here), which may be, for example, a tipper body.

[0078] In certain situations, it may be necessary to inspect the condition of the vehicle body or the objects on it (e.g., the cargo). Therefore, it may be necessary for a person (e.g., the driver of the commercial vehicle 10) to be able to see the vehicle body. For example, due to legal regulations, installing a step 18 next to the driver's cab 12 is not always possible.

[0079] Therefore, the recess 20 forms a step-receiving space, wherein the step 18 can be retracted into the step-receiving space into a stowed position A (e.g., fully) and extended from the step-receiving space into a working position B. The recess 20 is offset in a direction L towards a rear area 12a of the driver's cab 12 next to the door opening 13 and (e.g., fully) above the at least one front wheel 16a-b.

[0080] The step 18 does not have to be arranged directly vertically above the at least one front wheel 16a-b, but can instead be arranged diagonally offset in the direction L towards the rear area 12a to the at least one front wheel 16a-b.

[0081] For example, the recess 20 is located behind the door opening 13 in a forward direction V of the commercial vehicle 10.

[0082] The recess 20 can be arranged above an imaginary horizontal plane E that is tangent to the upper surface of at least one front wheel 16a-b. Preferably, the horizontal plane is tangent to several (e.g., two) front wheels 16a-b.

[0083] In a commercial vehicle high direction H, the recess 20 can be arranged at a level that corresponds to at least 30%, at least 40% or at least 50% of the total height of the commercial vehicle 10 and / or the driver's cab 12.

[0084] The step 18 can be arranged (e.g. completely) above a front wheel fender 22 of the commercial vehicle 10.

[0085] In the longitudinal direction L of a commercial vehicle, the recess can have a distance to a rear edge of the driver's cab 12 that corresponds to a maximum of 50%, a maximum of 40% or a maximum of 30% of the total length of the driver's cab 12.

[0086] This means that, in operating position B with the cab door 14 open, the step 18 can be visible to a person inside the driver's cab 12. The step 18 can be a single step 18. Therefore, the step cannot be a cab access step. In other words, it is conceivable that the step is not part of one of the steps used by a person to enter the driver's cab 12.

[0087] It is also conceivable that no further steps can be attached to step 18. For example, no further steps are attached above and / or below the step.

[0088] According to one embodiment, an outer surface of the step 18 facing an external environment can be essentially flush with the outer surface of the commercial vehicle 10 in the stowed position A.

[0089] There are several possibilities regarding the fastening of step 18.

[0090] As shown by way of example in Figure 1, the step 18 can be attached directly to the driver's cab 12 by means of a fastening device.

[0091] The fastening device can be, for example, a frame structure to which the step 18 is attached. The frame structure can be attached to the chassis and / or the driver's cab 12, for example, by means of suitable fastening devices (e.g., screws).

[0092] As shown by way of example in Figure 2, the step 18' can be attached directly to a chassis (e.g. a vehicle chassis) of the commercial vehicle 10 by means of the fastening device (e.g. via a front wheel fender 22 attached to the chassis).

[0093] Furthermore, the recess 20' can be integrated into the front wheel fender 22 of the commercial vehicle 10.

[0094] Figures 3A and 3B show schematic representations of a commercial vehicle 10 in top and sectional views. In Figure 3A, the step 18 is in stowed position A. In Figure 3B, the step 18 is in operating position B.

[0095] The step 18 can be completely recessed into the step compartment in stow position A. In other words, the step 18 cannot protrude from the outer surface in stow position A. Furthermore, in operating position B, the step 18 can protrude from the outer surface in the transverse direction Q of the commercial vehicle.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the recess 20 can be shaped to correspond to the step 18 and / or be essentially cuboid in shape.

[0097] To move the step 18 between the stow position A and the operating position B, the utility vehicle 10 can have an actuator device 24.

[0098] The actuator device 24 is designed to automatically move the step 18 between the storage position A and the operating position B.

[0099] For example, the actuator unit 24 can have a linear drive.

[0100] The step 18 can therefore be automatically extended and retracted.

[0101] Furthermore, the commercial vehicle 10 can have an input element 26, wherein the actuator device 24 is designed to move the step 18 automatically between the stow position A and the operating position B depending on a user input made via the input element 26.

[0102] The input element 26 can be, for example, a switch which, in a first switch position, sends an extension signal to the actuator device 24, causing the step 18 to be extended by means of the actuator device 24, and in a second switch position sends a retraction signal to the actuator device 24, causing the step 18 to be retracted by means of the actuator device 24.

[0103] For example, the input element 26 can be located inside the driver's cab 12.

[0104] Furthermore, the actuator device 24 can be in signal communication with a control unit 28 of the commercial vehicle 10 and be designed to automatically retract the step 18 from the operating position B to the stow position A when the control unit 28 detects that a minimum speed of the commercial vehicle 10 is present.

[0105] For example, the control unit could detect when the commercial vehicle 10 exceeds a minimum speed, and the actuator 24 could then automatically retract the step 18. The presence of a minimum speed could, for instance, also refer to a speed other than zero. In other words, the control unit could detect that a minimum speed has been reached when the commercial vehicle 10 is set in motion from a standstill. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator 24 could be in signal communication with the control unit 28 of the commercial vehicle 10 and be configured to automatically retract the step 18 from the operating position B to the stowed position A when the control unit 28 detects that a specific driving mode is in effect.

[0106] Preferably, the specific driving mode indicates the commencement of a ferry operation. For example, the control unit 28 can detect the presence of the specific driving mode when a user moves a selector lever from a Park position to a Drive position.

[0107] The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a multitude of variants and modifications are possible, which also make use of the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection.

[0108] Furthermore, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and features of the dependent claims independently of the referenced features and claims.

[0109] Reference symbol list

[0110] 10 commercial vehicles

[0111] 12 Driver's cab

[0112] 12a Rear area of ​​the driver's cab

[0113] 13 Door opening

[0114] 14 Cabin door

[0115] 16a-b front wheels

[0116] 18 T step

[0117] 18' T step

[0118] 20 Exclusion

[0119] 20' recess

[0120] 22 Front wheel fender

[0121] 24 A ktu ato re in ri chtu ng

[0122] 26 Actuating device

[0123] 28 Control unit

[0124] A storage position

[0125] B Operating position

[0126] E Horizontal plane

[0127] H Upward direction

[0128] L Longitudinal direction

[0129] Q transverse direction

[0130] V Forward direction

Claims

1. Patent claims 1. Commercial vehicle (10) comprising: a driver's cab (12) comprising a door opening (13) for a cab door (14); at least one front wheel (16a-b); a step (18; 18'); and a recess (20; 20') in an outer surface of the commercial vehicle (10), wherein the recess (20; 20') forms a step receiving space, wherein the step (18; 18') is retractable into the step receiving space into a stowed position (A) and is extendable from the step receiving space into a use position (B), wherein the recess (20; 20') is arranged offset in a direction (L) towards a rear area (12a) of the driver's cab (12) next to the door opening (13) and, preferably directly or offset in the direction (L), above the at least one front wheel (16a-b).

2. Commercial vehicle (10) according to claim 1, comprising a front wheel fender (22), wherein the step (18; 18') and / or the recess (20; 20') is further arranged, preferably directly or offset in the direction (L), above the front wheel fender (22).

3. Utility vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an actuator device (24) configured to move the step (18; 18') automatically between the stowed position (A) and the operating position (B).

4. Commercial vehicle (10) according to claim 3, comprising an input element (26), wherein the actuator device is configured to move the step (18; 18') automatically between the stowed position (A) and the operating position (B) depending on a user input made via the input element (26).

5. Commercial vehicle (10) according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the actuator device (24) is in signal communication with a control unit (28) of the commercial vehicle (10) and is configured to automatically retract the step (18; 18') from the operating position (B) to the stowed position (A) when at least one of the following retraction conditions is met: the presence of a predetermined minimum speed detected by the control unit (28); and the presence of a predetermined driving mode detected by the control unit (28).

6. Commercial vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a fastening device by means of which the step (18; 18') is: attached to a chassis of the commercial vehicle (10), preferably via a front wheel fender (22) attached to the chassis; and / or attached to the driver's cab (12).

7. Commercial vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the recess (20; 20') is arranged above an imaginary horizontal plane (E) which is tangent to the upper side of at least one front wheel (16a-b), preferably several front wheels (16a-b).

8. Commercial vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the recess (20; 20') is arranged in a vertical direction (H) of the commercial vehicle at a level which corresponds to at least 30%, at least 40% or at least 50% of a total height of the commercial vehicle (10) and / or the driver's cab (12); and / or in a longitudinal direction of the commercial vehicle has a distance to a rear edge of the driver's cab (12) which corresponds to at most 50%, at most 40% or at most 30% of a total length of the driver's cab (12).

9. Commercial vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the step (18; 18') is visible to a person in the driver's cab (12) in the operating position (B) when the cab door (14) is open.

10. Commercial vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the recess (20; 20') is: integrated into a front wheel fender (22) of the commercial vehicle (10); or is integrated into a side outer surface of the driver's cab (12).

11. Commercial vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the step (18; 18') is fully recessed in the step receiving space in the stowed position (A) and protrudes from the outer surface in the operating position (B) in a commercial vehicle transverse direction (Q). 16 / 17 12. Utility vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the recess (20; 20') is shaped to correspond to the step (18; 18') and / or is substantially cuboid in shape.

13. Commercial vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the step (18; 18') is a single step (18; 18') and / or is not a cabin access step and / or no further steps are attached to the step (18; 18').

14. Commercial vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an outer surface of the step (18; 18') facing an external environment is substantially flush with the outer surface of the commercial vehicle (10) in the stowed position (A).

15. Commercial vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a vehicle body, preferably a tipper body, wherein the vehicle body is arranged in a longitudinal direction of the commercial vehicle behind the driver's cab (12) and wherein the recess (20; 20') is positioned on the commercial vehicle (10) such that the vehicle body is visible to a person standing on the step (18; 18').

Images