DE102013004837A1 - Commercial vehicle and modular system for a commercial vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a commercial vehicle (10) with at least one drive unit (54, 66, 68) for driving the commercial vehicle (10), with at least one front axle (22), with at least one rear axle (28), with a driver's cab (18) and with at least one loading device (32) for transporting transport goods, the utility vehicle (10) comprising a front module (12) comprising the front axle (22) and the driver's cab (18) as the first module element, a freight module (14) comprising the loading device (32) ) as the second module element and a drive module (16) comprising the rear axle (28) and the drive unit (43, 66, 68) as the third module element, the module elements being connected to one another in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a modular system for such a commercial vehicle ( 10).

Description

The invention relates to a commercial vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1 and a modular system for such a commercial vehicle.

Such utility vehicles usually comprise at least one front and rear axle, of which at least one axle is coupled to a drive unit and on which a structure is supported. In this case, a driver's cab is mounted on a frame of the superstructure and at least one loading device for transporting transported goods, for example a box body or a flatbed or the like, is supported.

To provide a simpler structure is out of the DE 10 2004 005 153 B4 already known a cultivation system for commercial vehicles, whose front axle comprehensive chassis forms a longitudinal, central support structure for attachments and aggregates, components and / or devices. The units, components and / or devices are to be connected to the support structure as lateral attachments, one of which is arranged on either side of the support structure on the rear side adjacent to the front axle. The provided as lateral attachments units, components and / or devices are modular and arranged in modular housings. Furthermore, it is provided that the modules are mutually exchangeably connected to the support structure, and that the module housings are composed of components and adapted by replacement of components to the respective mounting situation.

It has been shown that current vehicle concepts for commercial vehicles, which are designed in particular as so-called heavy-duty trucks (distributor truck), requirements for efficient and thus low-emission operation with a very low CO ₂ emissions not or only at very high Effort can be met. For example, a particularly great effort is required to adapt the heavy truck distribution to different, different purposes, thus enabling efficient operation.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a commercial vehicle and a modular system for such a commercial vehicle, by means of which a particularly efficient operation of the commercial vehicle can be realized in a simple, cost-effective manner.

This object is achieved by a commercial vehicle having the features of patent claim 1 and by a modular system having the features of patent claim 10. Advantageous embodiments with expedient and non-trivial developments of the invention are specified in the remaining claims.

In order to develop a commercial vehicle, in particular a heavy distribution truck, the type specified in the preamble of claim 1 such that a particularly efficient operation of the commercial vehicle can be realized in a simple manner, it is inventively provided that the commercial vehicle, a front axle and the driver's cab comprehensive front module as the first module element, a cargo module comprising the cargo module as a second module element and a rear axle and the drive unit comprehensive drive module as the third module element. The module elements in the vehicle longitudinal direction are connected successively with each other. The respective module element is an at least substantially independent component unit which can be manufactured independently of the respective other module elements or component units and can be modularly connected in the finished state to the other module elements or component units. Accordingly, the module elements can each also as a whole, d. H. without having to disassemble the respective module element itself, be solved or separated from each other. Thus, for example, the front axle in conjunction with the driver's cab can be detached from the cargo module without having to separate the driver's cab from the front axle. Likewise, the drive unit in conjunction with the rear axle of the freight module can be disassembled or disassembled without having to release the rear axle of the drive unit. In other words, the module elements are each reversibly releasably connected to each other.

The commercial vehicle according to the invention thus has a modular construction, wherein by the three module elements, a so-called three-module concept of the designed for example as a heavy distributor truck commercial vehicle is realized. By selectively and thus needs-based connection of the module elements with each other, the commercial vehicle can be adapted in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner to a variety of different purposes, so that a particularly efficient operation of the commercial vehicle can be realized. There is a great deal of flexibility in terms of the composition of the entire vehicle, so that the commercial vehicle, for example, targeted at the transport of a few and very large and heavy goods or transport of many small cargo and in different traffic situations in which the commercial vehicle during his daily Operation is moved, can be adjusted. This means that the commercial vehicle in particular in terms Its drive module, for example, can be adapted to the needs of urban driving, overland driving or highway driving. Furthermore, this makes it possible, for example, to adapt the aerodynamics of the commercial vehicle to the intended use, so that a particularly efficient operation with only low CO ₂ emissions as a result of only low driving resistance can be realized.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the freight module is arranged in the vehicle longitudinal direction between the front module and the drive module. As a result, a particularly advantageous and simple structure is created, since, for example, in a simple manner, only the front module can be exchanged for another front module to flexibly adapt the commercial vehicle to the respective application.

A further embodiment is characterized in that the cargo module has a loading surface, which is arranged in the vehicle vertical direction at least substantially at or below a rotation axis of respective wheels of the front axle and / or the rear axle. As a result, an especially deep or low arrangement of the loading surface is provided in the vertical direction of the vehicle, wherein, for example, a loading edge of the loading surface which is at least almost at floor level can be realized. As a result, the cargo module can be loaded with cargo in a particularly ergonomic and time-efficient manner. In addition, a particularly effective space utilization can be realized so that a very efficient operation of the commercial vehicle can be created.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the drive module comprises at least one energy store for supplying the drive unit with energy. Thus, the assembly or disassembly of the drive module with or from the freight module can also be associated in time with the assembly or disassembly of the energy storage, so that the commercial vehicle is particularly easy, time and cost adaptable to the particular application. A separate assembly and disassembly of the drive unit of the associated energy storage is not provided and not required.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the drive module and the energy storage are combined to form a sub-module element, which is connected as a whole with the rest of the drive module and to be solved by this. The previously described in the following and to the respective module element can also be readily transferred to the sub-module element, so that the drive module can be easily equipped with the drive unit and the associated energy storage. Moreover, it is possible to equip the drive module in a simple manner with different drive units and respective, associated energy storage, so as to be able to represent, for example, different types of drive the utility vehicle in a simple manner.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the drive module comprises two different drive units for driving the commercial vehicle. Preferably, the drive module also includes respective, mutually different energy storage for supplying the respective drive unit with energy. As a result, a hybrid drive train of the commercial vehicle can be realized in a simple manner, so that the drive type can be adapted to the intended use and in particular to currently present traffic situations in the commercial vehicle already produced by connecting the module elements.

For example, depending on the traffic situation, it is possible to drive the commercial vehicle by means of the first drive unit, wherein driving through the second drive unit is omitted. Furthermore, it can be provided to drive the commercial vehicle by means of the second drive unit, while driving by the first drive unit is omitted. Furthermore, it is possible, depending on the traffic situation, to drive the commercial vehicle by means of the first drive unit and at the same time by means of the second drive unit.

The invention also includes a modular system for a commercial vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle according to the invention. The modular system has at least one front module comprising at least one front axle and a driver's cab for the utility vehicle as the first module element, at least one cargo module for the commercial vehicle as the second module element and at least one drive module for the commercial vehicle as the third module element on, wherein the module elements in the vehicle longitudinal direction can be connected successively with each other. Advantageous embodiments of the commercial vehicle according to the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the modular system according to the invention and vice versa. By providing the module elements, the commercial vehicle can be adapted to the needs of its particular application and therefore provided with the corresponding module element. This adaptation can be particularly simple and inexpensive, since the module elements can be at least substantially independently constructed or designed and manufactured and finally in their finished state in a simple manner can be connected to each other. For this purpose, the module elements, for example, respective, in particular standardized interfaces or connecting and connecting elements, via which, for example, forces and / or torques and / or media can be transmitted between the individual module elements.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the modular system comprises at least a second freight module with a different from the charging device, second charging device, either the first freight module or the second freight module with the drive module and the front module can be connected. In this way, the commercial vehicle with respect to its freight module can be made particularly needs-based and flexible, so that it can be easily adapted to transported goods to be transported. To realize this adaptation, however, a complete redesign or redesign of the entire commercial vehicle is not required. Rather, it is only necessary to design the respective freight module at least substantially independently of the drive module and the front module to the respective transport purpose.

A further embodiment is characterized in that the modular system comprises at least one second drive module with at least one second drive unit different from the drive unit, wherein either the first drive module or the second drive module can be connected to the front module and the freight module. As a result, the commercial vehicle can be adapted, for example, in a simple manner to respective, different traffic situations during its everyday use and / or to different countries with different infrastructures with regard to the provision of energy for the respective drive unit. This leads to a particularly efficient operation of the commercial vehicle. In order to realize this adaptation, a redesign of the entire transport vehicle is not required. Rather, the respective drive module from the freight module and the front module can be adapted at least substantially independently to the respective boundary conditions.

Finally, it has proven to be advantageous if the modular system comprises at least a second front module with a different from the driver's cab, with either the first front module or the second front module with the drive module and the freight module can be connected. If, for example, a long-distance operation is provided in regions which offer the driver no or very few opportunities for rest, then, for example, a driver's cab with a sleeping space can be used. If only a short-distance operation is provided, it is possible, for example, to use a driver's cab without sleeping space in order to be able to keep the outside dimensions of the utility vehicle particularly low.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawing.

The drawing shows in:

1 a schematic side view of a commercial vehicle with three modular elements in the form of a drive module, a front module and arranged between the drive module and the front module or freight module to be arranged, the modular elements in the vehicle longitudinal direction successively as a whole be connected to each other and to be separated as a whole non-destructively;

2 two schematic and perspective rear views of the drive module, which is to equip modular with different sub-module elements, wherein the different sub-module elements each comprise at least one drive unit and at least one energy storage for supplying the drive unit with energy;

3 a schematic perspective view of one of the sub-module elements according to a first embodiment; and

4a Each a schematic side view of one of the sub-module elements according to a respective further embodiment.

1 shows a commercial vehicle 10 in the form of a so-called heavy distribution truck, the first modular element is a front module 12 , as a second module element, a freight module 14 and as the third module element, a drive module 16 includes. The front module 12 , the freight module 14 and the drive module 16 are module elements of a modular system, which further module elements, for example a further front module, at least one further freight module and at least one further drive module comprises. The respective front modules, freight modules and drive modules are optional and thus as needed connected as a whole and solvable as a whole non-destructively. The commercial vehicle 10 thus has a modular structure, so that it can be adapted to different applications.

The front module 12 includes a driver's cab 18 in which at least a driver's seat 20 such as a in 1 unrecognizable steering wheel for the driver of the commercial vehicle 10 is arranged. As a result, the front module includes 12 All necessary controls and controls by which the driver of the commercial vehicle 10 can operate and control. The front module 12 also includes a front axle 22 with respective lateral vehicle wheels, of which in 1 in relation to the forward direction of travel, the left vehicle wheel 24 is recognizable.

The drive module 16 includes - as in synopsis with 2 is recognizable - a sub-module element in the form of a so-called energy supply module 26 , by means of which the commercial vehicle 10 powered and can be powered in total. In addition, the drive module includes 16 a rear axle 28 with side vehicle wheels, of which in 1 the left vehicle wheel 30 is recognizable. For the vehicle wheels of the rear axle 28 it is preferably driven or drivable wheels of the commercial vehicle 10 , which by means of the energy supply module 26 are drivable. Because the energy provisioning module 26 in vehicle vertical direction above the rear axle 28 arranged and part of the drive module 16 is, a transmission path over which drive forces and / or drive torque for driving the wheels of the rear axle 28 from the energy supply module 26 to the wheels of the rear axle 28 is transmitted, can be kept very short.

The freight module 14 includes a charging device 32 with side walls 34 , as in 1 unrecognizable floor elements, which serve as a cargo area for cargo. The loading area is arranged at a height which in 1 with a solid line 36 illustrated and is particularly deep with respect to the vehicle vertical direction. How out 1 can be seen, the loading area in the vehicle vertical direction is below respective axes of rotation 38 the wheels of the axles (front axle 22 and rear axle 28 ) arranged. As a result, a particularly simple loading can be represented, since a loading edge of the loading area is particularly deep. The charging device 32 also includes a frame 39 out of aspiration 40 , whereby a box-like structure is created. This box-like structure can be covered for example by means of a tarpaulin, so as to protect the arranged within the box-like structure cargo.

Out 1 are also schematically illustrated fasteners 42 . 44 . 46 . 48 recognizable, by means of which the module elements (front module 12 , Freight module 14 and drive module 16 ) can be modularly and reversibly releasably connected to each other.

The respective module element is distinguished by the fact that it can be produced independently of the respective other module elements as an independent component unit and connected as a whole with the other module elements and can be solved by them non-destructive. This means, for example, based on the front module 12 in that this as a whole, ie as an existing component unit of the freight module 14 non-destructive can be solved without the front module 12 or the freight module 14 to disassemble. This means that, for example, the driver's cab 18 in conjunction with the front axle 22 with the freight module 14 connected and can be solved by this. Consequently, also the drive module 16 as an existing component unit with the freight module 14 connected and detached from it nondestructively, without the freight module 14 or the drive module 16 to disassemble. This means that the rear axle 28 in conjunction with the energy supply module 26 with the freight module 14 connected and can be solved by this.

Thus, it is also possible, for example, to design the module elements essentially independently of one another for respective purposes and to manufacture them independently of one another, so that the module elements can be connected to one another as finished component units after their finished production, thereby the commercial vehicle 10 finally to form.

For this purpose, the respective module elements comprise, for example, at least one respective support structure, which gives the respective module element stability. This allows each module element by itself, d. H. are made independent of the other module elements as a component unit and - even in not yet connected to the other module elements state - exist. This means that the respective module element can maintain, for example, without tools a respective shape or a respective desired structure.

The support structure is, for example, a frame which comprises at least two longitudinal members spaced apart in the transverse direction of the vehicle and at least one cross member, via which the longitudinal members are connected to one another. In the case of the front module 12 are on the frame, for example, the front axle and the driver's cab 18 held. In the case of the drive module 16 are on the frame, for example, the rear axle 28 and a fastener for holding the power-providing module 26 held. Related to the freight module 14 are on the frame, for example, the bottom elements and the box-shaped structure, in particular the struts 40 , attached.

Due to the modular design of the commercial vehicle 10 this has a particularly high flexibility in terms of its adaptation to different purposes and a very good modularity, since different module elements can be easily replaced with each other. Furthermore, a particularly simple maintenance and repair can be realized because defective module elements can be easily replaced against functional. Further, the commercial vehicle 10 particularly easy to expand, since not the commercial vehicle 10 as a whole must be adapted to new uses. To expand the purpose of the utility vehicle 10 it is only necessary to expand at least one of the module elements or to create a new module element, which can be connected in a simple manner reversibly releasably connected to the existing module elements.

In particular, it is possible to form the different cargo modules with different cargo volumes. Due to the flexible equipment of the commercial vehicle 10 with the modular elements also a low air resistance and due to the low sill a particularly high loading comfort can be created. A low loading sill is particularly advantageous in the distribution of goods in the context of inner-city delivery traffic. By realizing different front modules, it is possible, for example, to provide the driver with particularly good ergonomics.

It is also possible to create a particularly low vehicle height, so that the commercial vehicle 10 has a particularly good aerodynamics. This makes it particularly efficient to operate.

The freight module 14 may preferably comprise a level adjustment device, by means of which the freight module 14 and in particular the loading sill in the vertical direction of the vehicle is height adjustable. For loading and unloading, the loading sill can thereby be lowered, for example in the vertical direction of the vehicle, relative to a roadway of the commercial vehicle 10 are lowered, so that the sill is at least substantially at ground level. After loading or unloading then the sill can be easily raised to a placement of the commercial vehicle 10 and in particular the freight module 14 to avoid on the ground.

The module elements each preferably have so-called normal connections, so that, for example, respective line elements can be connected to one another in a simple manner. Via these, fluidically interconnected line elements then media such as fluids can flow between the individual module elements, so that, for example, both brake elements for the wheels of the front axle 22 as well as brake elements for the wheels of the rear axle 28 can be supplied with a working medium, for example in the form of air.

Particularly diverse freedoms are with regard to the drive module 16 and especially regarding the energy supply module 26 created. How out 2 can be seen, the energy supply module 26 as a component unit particularly advantageous in a recording 49 of the drive module 16 recorded, in particular according to a directional arrow 50 pushed in and out of the recording 49 be removed.

The energy supply module 26 has a box-shaped support structure 52 on, at which several, on the basis of 3 described components of the energy supply module 26 are held. These multiple components can then be used as a whole, ie as the submodule element in the form of the energy supply module 26 in the recording 49 arranged and with the rear axle 28 coupled as well as non-destructive from the recording 49 taken and from the rear axle 28 be decoupled.

2 and 3 show the energy supply module 26 according to a first embodiment. The energy supply module 26 comprises an internal combustion engine designed as a reciprocating internal combustion engine 54 for driving the commercial vehicle 10 as well as a tank 56 for storing fuel for the internal combustion engine 54 , In other words, the internal combustion engine 54 by means of the tank 56 can be supplied with fuel. The internal combustion engine 54 is designed, for example, as an operable with a liquid fuel internal combustion engine, so that the tank 56 for example, for storing liquid fuel.

The energy supply module 26 also includes a generator 58 , which for example from the internal combustion engine 54 is drivable and by the internal combustion engine 54 provided mechanical energy can at least partially convert into electrical energy. This electrical energy can be stored in an electrical storage device in the form of a rechargeable battery 60 of the energy supply module 26 stored, the accumulator 60 electrically with the generator 58 is coupled. Furthermore, the energy supply module comprises 26 a cooler 62 for cooling the internal combustion engine 54 and / or the accumulator 60 and / or the generator 58 , As a result, for example, the internal combustion engine 54 be protected from thermal damage. How out 3 can be seen, the Internal combustion engine 54 , The Tank 56 , the generator 58 , the accumulator 60 and the radiator 62 in the composite in the recording 49 be located and removed from this, without the energy supply module 26 to dismantle.

4a shows again the energy supply module 26 according to the first embodiment, wherein the internal combustion engine 54 is designed for example as a diesel engine or as a gasoline engine.

4b shows the energy supply module 26 according to a second embodiment, wherein the internal combustion engine 54 is designed as a gas engine. Furthermore, the energy supply module comprises 26 especially in place of the tank 56 gas cylinders 64 as gas tanks in which gaseous fuel can be stored for the gas engine.

4c shows the energy supply module 26 according to a third embodiment, wherein as a drive unit for driving the commercial vehicle 10 a gas turbine 66 is provided. Furthermore, the energy supply module comprises 26 at least one gas bottle 64 as a gas tank, in which gaseous fuel for the gas turbine 66 can be stored.

4d shows the energy supply module 26 according to a fourth embodiment, wherein as a drive unit for driving the commercial vehicle 10 now a fuel cell device 68 is provided. Furthermore, the energy supply module comprises 26 tanks 70 for storing hydrogen for the fuel cell device 68 ,

4e shows the energy supply module 26 according to a fifth embodiment, wherein the energy supply module 26 battery stacks 72 for storing electric power. By means of the battery stacks 72 For example, a particularly high amount of electric current can be stored, with which at least one electric motor for driving the utility vehicle 10 can be supplied. Preferably, the energy delivery module comprises 26 According to the fifth embodiment, the at least one electric motor, so that this in conjunction with the battery stacks 72 on the remaining drive module 16 held and can be solved by this non-destructive.

This is an at least substantially free choice with regard to the provision of drive energy for driving the commercial vehicle 10 created. Preferably, an electric power supply or power transmission with a backup battery is basically provided. A main energy supply can be, for example, by the diesel or petrol or gas engine, by the gas turbine 66 , by the fuel cell device 68 and / or through the battery stacks 72 respectively. As a result, for example, at least locally emission-free driving is possible because the commercial vehicle 10 can be driven at least temporarily purely electrically. Of course, a combination of said drive options is readily conceivable. The energy supply module 26 is thus a separate, self-contained system which, for example, provides an energy of approximately 300 kW, preferably over a mileage of approximately 300 km, to the commercial vehicle 10 drive.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

commercial vehicle

12

front module

14

cargo module

16

drive module

18

cab

20

driver's seat

22

Front

24

wheel

26

Energy supply module

28

rear axle

30

wheel

32

loader

34

Lateral wall

36

Solid line

38

axis of rotation

39

frame

40

strut

42

connecting element

44

connecting element

46

connecting element

48

connecting element

49

admission

50

arrow

52

supporting structure

54

Internal combustion engine

56

tank

58

generator

60

accumulator

62

cooler

64

gas bottle

66

gas turbine

68

fuel cell device

70

tank

72

battery stacks

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102004005153 B4 [0003]

Claims (10)

Commercial vehicle ( 10 ), with at least one drive unit ( 54 . 66 . 68 ) for driving the commercial vehicle ( 10 ), with at least one front axle ( 22 ), with at least one rear axle ( 28 ), with a driver's cab ( 18 ) and at least one charging device ( 32 ) for transporting cargo, characterized in that the commercial vehicle ( 10 ) a the front axle ( 22 ) and the driver's cab ( 18 ) comprehensive front module ( 12 ) as the first module element, the charging device ( 32 ) comprehensive freight module ( 14 ) as a second module element and a rear axle ( 28 ) and the drive unit ( 43 . 66 . 68 ) comprehensive drive module ( 16 ) as the third module element, wherein the module elements are connected to one another in the vehicle longitudinal direction successively. Commercial vehicle ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the freight module ( 14 ) in the vehicle longitudinal direction between the front module ( 12 ) and the drive module ( 16 ) is arranged. Commercial vehicle ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the freight module ( 14 ) has a loading surface, which in the vehicle vertical direction at least substantially at or below a rotational axis ( 38 ) of respective wheels ( 24 . 30 ) of the front axle ( 22 ) and / or the rear axle ( 28 ) is arranged. Commercial vehicle ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive module ( 16 ) at least one energy store ( 56 . 64 . 70 . 72 ) for supplying the drive unit ( 54 . 66 . 68 ) with energy. Commercial vehicle ( 10 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the drive module ( 16 ) and the energy storage ( 56 . 64 . 70 . 72 ) to a sub-module element ( 26 ), which as a whole with the remaining drive module ( 16 ) and to be solved by this. Commercial vehicle ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive module ( 16 ) two different drive units ( 54 . 66 . 68 ) for driving the commercial vehicle ( 10 ). Modular system for a commercial vehicle ( 10 ), with at least one at least one front axle ( 22 ) and a driver's cab ( 18 ) for the commercial vehicle ( 10 ) comprehensive front module ( 12 ) as the first module element, at least one a charging device ( 32 ) for the commercial vehicle ( 10 ) freight module ( 14 ) as a second module element and at least one at least one rear axle ( 28 ) and at least one drive unit ( 54 . 66 . 68 ) for the commercial vehicle ( 10 ) comprehensive drive module ( 16 ) as the third module element, wherein the module elements in the vehicle longitudinal direction are successively connectable to each other. Modular system according to claim 7, characterized in that the modular system at least a second freight module with one of the charging device ( 32 ) comprises a different, second loading device, wherein optionally the first freight module ( 14 ) or the second freight module with the drive module ( 16 ) and the front module ( 12 ) are connectable. Modular system according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the modular system at least one second drive module with at least one of the drive unit ( 54 . 66 . 68 ) different, second drive unit ( 54 . 66 . 68 ), wherein optionally the first drive module ( 16 ) or the second drive module with the front module ( 12 ) and the freight module ( 14 ) are connectable. Modular system according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the modular system at least one second front module with one of the driver's cab ( 18 ) comprises a different, second driver's cab, wherein optionally the first front module ( 12 ) or the second front module with the drive module ( 16 ) and the freight module ( 14 ) are connectable.

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