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(11) EP 2 427 361 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Date of publication and mention (51) Int Cl.: of the grant of the patent: B62D 21/04 (2006.01) 11.09.2013 Bulletin 2013/37 (86) International application number: (21) Application number: 10723737.2 PCT/GB2010/000907

(22) Date of filing: 06.05.2010 (87) International publication number: WO 2010/128297 (11.11.2010 Gazette 2010/45)

(54) VEHICLE , VEHICLE BODY AND VEHICLE SUSPENSION FAHRGESTELL, FAHRZEUGKORPUS UND FAHRZEUGAUFHÄNGUNG CHASSIS DE VEHICULE, CARROSSERIE DE VEHICULE, ET SUSPENSION DE VEHICULE

(84) Designated Contracting States: (74) Representative: Chettle, Adrian John et al AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB Withers & Rogers LLP GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO 4 More London Riverside PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR London SE1 2AU (GB) (30) Priority: 07.05.2009 GB 0907880 (56) References cited: (43) Date of publication of application: EP-A1- 0 653 344 WO-A1-03/102489 14.03.2012 Bulletin 2012/11 WO-A1-2010/118248 AU-B2- 703 896 DE-A1- 19 631 715 DE-A1- 19 860 562 (73) Proprietor: Ricardo Uk Limited FR-A1- 2 179 890 US-A- 5 833 269 West Sussex BN43 5FG (GB) US-A1- 2007 186 762

(72) Inventor: JACOB-LLOYD, Roland Warwickshire CV31 1FQ (GB)

Note: Within nine months of the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent in the European Patent Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). EP 2 427 361 B1

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR) 1 EP 2 427 361 B1 2

Description riously compromised, and additional measures to deal with consequences can result in new problems. For ex- [0001] This invention relates to a chassis for a wheeled ample improved cooling arrangements for the engine, vehicle, to a vehicle body and mounting arrangements driveline and occupants may be difficult to site since con- thereof, and to a novel vehicle suspension. The present 5 ventional vehicles have optimized space utilization be- inventions are particularly suitable for military vehicles, fore adaptation to military use. but also have non-military application. [0010] Suspension arrangements for 4wd vehicles can [0002] Military vehicles have a number of special re- be complex in order to give good road holding and com- quirements including high mobility over rough terrain, fort. For a military vehicle a simple arrangement is ac- adaptability of purpose, ease of maintenance and resist- 10 ceptable especially if giving improved serviceability at a ance to ballistic damage. Light vehicles have traditionally field workshop. One aspect of the present invention dis- been adapted from four- drive (4wd) road vehicles, closes such a suspension arrangement, which is partic- and are poorly suited to military use in some respects. ularly suitable for the improved vehicle chassis disclosed [0003] Resistance to ballistic damage can be in- herein. creased by the use of additional layers of protective ma- 15 [0011] Military vehicles are expensive, and thus pref- terial, which are generally applied to the existing vehicle erably adaptable to different circumstances of use. For structure. Protection against blast damage from below is example some different military applications are patrol, typically by the use of armour plating on the vehicle un- logistics and fire support. A vehicle which is easily adapt- derside. However the application of such blast protection ed to different purposes would have significant advan- is generally compromised by the complex underside20 tages for a multi-role military force. shape of a conventional 4wd vehicle, and is at best a [0012] DE- A- 19860562 discloses a vehicle having a very shallow ’V’ shape so as to minimize loss of ground punt type chassis having a flat bottom and side walls clearance. Typically such additional protection is above which are angled upwardly and outwardly. Internal par- the driveline. tition walls are provided. An electro- chemical power [0004] A particular difficulty with conventional protec- 25 source is envisaged, with wheel motors. tion is that whilst blast damage can be resisted to some [0013] FR- A- 2179890 discloses a dray having a low extent, the force of the blast may be sufficient to lift a ground clearance. The bottom of the vehicle is in the form vehicle high into the air leaving the occupants vulnerable of a shallow V with flat central portion. to a hard landing. Even a modest blast may be sufficient [0014] US 2007/186762 discloses an armoured vehi- to overturn a vehicle, leaving it immobile with the occu- 30 cle with a hull affixed to a frame having a generally dia- pants at risk. mond shaped vertical cross section. [0005] What is required is a vehicle better able to resist [0015] DE 19631715 discloses a protective system at- blast damage. tached to the underside of a vehicle, whereby a free [0006] A second difficulty is that damaged light vehi- space is formed between the deflector and the underside cles can be complex and awkward to repair in the field, 35 of the vehicle. since they are generally derived from road vehicles which [0016] According to the present invention there is pro- are optimized for different circumstances of use. In par- vided a spine-type chassis of a vehicle and a vehicle ticular chassis repair may require very substantial dis- body (21), said chassis comprises a single open trough mantling of the vehicle, and may thus be practically im- having a substantially ’V’ section and substantially possible to achieve in a field workshop. 40 straight flanks closer together at the bottom than at the [0007] What is required is an improved vehicle chassis top, the trough having an apex and an included angle of better suited to field replacement. 100° or less, characterised in that the chassis is adapted [0008] Conventional 4wd vehicles generally have a to receive an engine and therein, the chas- rather open flat underside with major driveline compo- sis further comprises mounts for the vehicle body, said nents mounted below. Blast protection to the vehicle45 mounts being annular and axially aligned on an axis ad- body typically leaves the driveline substantially exposed, jacent one of the sides of said trough at the mouth thereof, so that a vehicle may be immobilized by blast damage the vehicle body included on said mounts, said mounts thereto. In many cases effective shrouding of, for exam- permitting pivoting of said body about said axis. ple, rigid , is not possible without seriously affecting [0017] By transmission we mean the driveline compo- articulation thereof. Furthermore such shrouding may 50 nents between the engine and the means of rotating the prevent effective cooling and lead to mechanical failure vehiclewheels, typicallythe drive shafts ofa conventional due to overheating. A chassis adapted to protect major differential and final drive gear. Thus all major driveline driveline components but which permits adequate cool- components, namely engine, multispeed transmission ing would be a significant advance. and final drive gears are received within the trough chas- [0009] Yet another difficulty relates to overall vehicle 55 sis of the invention. weight. A typical 4wd road vehicle is heavy (c. 2.5 tonnes) [0018] The chassis is preferably symmetrical, and the before the application of protective materials such as ar- flanks thereof are preferably substantially flat. The chas- mour plating. The performance of the vehicle can be se- sis may have an included angle of less than 75°, and

2 3 EP 2 427 361 B1 4 most preferably less than 60°. The apex of the ’V’ may the manufacturing cost reduced. be rounded in order to give improved ground clearance. [0026] In a preferred embodiment the chassis is adapt- In the preferred embodiment no significant horizontal sur- ed to receive a driver module thereon, said module com- faces are provided, such as would provide lift of the ve- prising lower side portions directed inwardly so as to fit hicle in the event of a blast. 5 substantially flush with the flanks of the chassis. In this [0019] The chassis preferably has a substantially con- way the width of the module is progressively increased stant section throughout the length thereof. as a continuation of the chassis so that the lower side [0020] Typically the maximum width of the chassis is portions and flanks provide a substantially flush surface less than 70% of the track of a vehicle for which it is at an angle to the vertical. The driver module may have intended. 10 lower side portions at differing angles. Thus in a preferred [0021] Such a chassis is inherently adapted to protect embodiment the included angle within the wheel region engine and transmission from blast damage, and further- is narrower than in the region between the . Such more to better resist vehicle lift and rollover by deflecting an arrangement gives greater clearance for escape of the blast from the angled flanks. The trough is adapted the pressure pulse and debris following a blast from a as a duct to make maximum use of cooling fluid forced 15 mine. therethrough, for example from a fan and/or air condi- [0027] The driver module is preferably connected to tioner blowing cooled air to a rear facing exhaust. the chassis via the long upper edges thereof so as to [0022] A chassis according to the invention preferably pivot about a fore and aft longitudinal axis in the manner has substantially closed ends, and can thus be inherently of a hinge. The connection is preferably via spaced an- rigidyet inexpensiveto manufacture.The end enclosures 20 nular mountings of the chassis and driver module, said may be angled upwardly and outwardly. The upper side mountings being adapted to receive a pivot or securing of the trough preferably includes body mountings adapt- pin therethrough. ed to receive a driver module which may incorporate a [0028] In a preferred embodiment the or each pivot pin load carrier. The load carrier may comprise a passenger is removable, to permit the driver module to be readily compartment. 25 disengaged from the chassis. The annular mountings [0023] Furthermore, the chassis is adapted to receive may comprise a tube having an internal cylindrical bush an engine module, as will be further explained. Such a of resilient material, and within which a securing pin can chassis is inherently adapted to straightforward inexpen- be inserted. Such an arrangement allows isolation of the sive replacement by removal of engine and driver mod- driver module from noise and vibration of the chassis, ules, and remaining driveline components. 30 whilst also permitting pivoting of the driver module for [0024] The chassis according to the invention, if con- maintenance of the driveline. taining a mechanical driveline, requires openings for [0029] The use of longitudinal pin- type mountings with drive shafts for the vehicle wheels. Such openings must resilient bushing also permits manufacturing tolerances permit articulation in the vertical plane, but to be accommodated, and slight misalignment due to are close to the vehicle centreline by virtue of the trough 35 damage in use. Field workshop maintenance and re- shape of the chassis, and are accordingly relatively small placement of driver module is thereby facilitated. for a given deflection at the wheel. Whilst blast damage [0030] The driver module preferably substantially clos- may remove a wheel and associated suspension com- es the rearmost portion of the chassis trough, so as to ponents, it is envisaged that progress by the remaining enclose the driveline from above. three wheels could be maintained by virtue of the usual 40 [0031] The invention further comprises an assembly limited slip differential gears. The chassis may further of a spine-type chassis according to the invention, and include blast projector shields below such openings and a driver module. angled upwardly and outwardly from the chassis flanks. [0032] In such an assembly, the driver module has a The trough chassis may include a top cover to further substantially flat underside, and all components within stiffen chassis and to provide additional protection to a 45 the chassis aft of the engine bell housing lie below the driver module. upper edge thereof. Thus the driveline is fully enclosed, [0025] The chassis of the invention is particularly suit- and the trough forms a highly effective duct for cooling edto containa fuel , for example aflexible or moulded fluid, such as cold air from a fan or air conditioner. In this main fuel tank, which needs no separate armoured pro- way the driveline can be cooled. Suitable apertures for tection. Such a fuel tank is preferably positioned between 50 cooling air can be provided at the front and rear, or a conventional gearbox/transfer box and the rear , through the driver module. and below the upper edge of said chassis. Thus the chas- [0033] The driver module typically consists of a drivers sis of the invention contains all components necessary position and a load carrier to the rear thereof. The load for providing motive power, except wheels, drive shafts carrier is typically a passenger compartment, but may be and linkage which must necessarily lie outboard 55 a weapons mount, a communications centre or other of the chassis; as a direct result the number of apertures modular unit such as a fire pump. provided in the chassis wall is limited, and accordingly [0034] The use of a separate driver module permits strength and blast resistance thereof is increased, and armoured projection to be optimized at minimum cost

3 5 EP 2 427 361 B1 6 andweight. Forexample thechassis maycomprise blast- diately adjacent a flank of the chassis, and is thus pro- proof armour plating, whereas the driver module may tected from blast damage to some extent, and may be have blast-proof lower side portions, but upper side por- relatively easily shrouded. tions and roof adapted to resist ballistic damage. [0045] The inner suspension arm mountings may be [0035] In a further preferred embodiment, the chassis 5 inboard the chassis, particularly for a top arm, so as to is adapted to receive an engine module therein, said en- allow the torsion bar to be inside the trough and thus gine module comprising a sub- frame, adapted to receive inherently protected from blast damage. By providing the an engine, armoured side portions positioned so as to fit inner mounts inboard of the chassis, they are less likely substantially flush with the flanks of the chassis and to suffer from blast or impact damage, and thus allow a cheek compartments outboard said side portions. 10 suspension unit to be replaced without repair of the [0036] The armoured side portions are positioned to mounting. enclose and protect the engine, whereas the cheek com- [0046] As with drive shafts, the size of opening in the partments provide mudguards and are adapted to en- chassis flank for an inboard mounting of suspension arm close non-critical components. Thus the weight and is small, bearing in mind the closeness of the pivot axis amount of armouring can be minimized, and loss of non- 15 to the chassis flank. critical components in the event of blast or ballistic dam- [0047] In the preferred arrangement upper and lower age can be tolerated. Such non- critical components may wishbones are provided as suspension arms, the side of consist, for example, of exhaust muffler, air intake as- the wishbone closer to the vehicle centre being the tor- sembly, engine emissions control equipment and lights. sion bar mount, and the pivot provided by said mount [0037] The cheek compartments preferably include 20 being on the inner side of the wishbone. underside portions angled downwardly and inwardly so [0048] Preferably the front suspension has rear facing as to minimize blast damage. torsion bars, and the rear suspension has forwards facing [0038] In a preferred embodiment the engine module torsion bars so as to permit wheel placement towards further includes a top closure to cover the space between the longitudinal extremities of the chassis. the armoured side portions, and optionally also the cheek 25 [0049] Other features of the invention will be apparent compartments. Preferably the top closure is armoured, from the following description of a preferred embodiment and the module further includes an armoured front wall. shown by way of example only in the accompanying Such a module with engine is adapted for testing as a drawings in which:- complete sub-assembly, and for fitting directly to the chassis of the invention. 30 Fig. 1 is a schematic three- quarter view from above, [0039] Typically the engine module will thus comprise of a chassis according to one aspect of the invention. engine cooling including radiator, electrical supply, high level fuel tank and /gearbox assembly. Fig.2 is an endview ofthe chassisof Fig. 1 illustrating [0040] According to a further aspect of the invention a preferred suspension arrangement. there is provided a torsion bar suspension for a vehicle 35 and consisting of a suspension arm having an inboard Fig. 3 shows a complete vehicle incorporating the end pivoted to a chassis, an outboard end adapted for chassis of Fig. 1. attachment to a wheel carrier, and a torsion bar extending orthogonally of the suspension arm and anchored on the Fig. 4 is a rear end view of the vehicle of Fig. 3 show- chassis, wherein the torsion bar lies on the inboard pivot 40 ing schematically the drivers module and chassis. axis of the suspension arm. [0041] Such an arrangement allows the torsion bar to Fig. 5 is a front end view of the vehicle of Fig. 3 operate in pure torsion, without any bending forces. showing schematically an engine module and chas- [0042] Typically one end of the torsion bar has a sis. splined connector to the suspension arm on the pivot axis 45 therefrom and a pivot bearing is provided between the Fig. 6 is a front three- quarter view of a complete ve- torsion bar and the chassis immediately adjacent the hicle incorporating the invention. splined connection, preferably adjacent the non-active end of the torsion bar. Fig. 7 illustrates a torsion bar suspension according [0043] A splined connection allows adjustment of pre- 50 to another aspect of the invention. load, but other kinds of non- rotatable connection are also suitable. [0050] Fig. 1 illustrates the vehicle chassis of the in- [0044] A torsion bar suspension is particularly adapted vention in schematic form. The chassis 11 comprises an to the chassis of the present invention. Preferably the open trough having a ’V’ cross- section so that the flanks chassis is provided with upper and lower links for each 55 12 are flat and angled upwardly and outwardly. End walls wheel carrier, said links being respectively mounted ad- 13 complete the chassis, which is typically a welded steel jacent theupper and lower edgesof the troughby suitable fabrication. Such a chassis is inherently rigid and inex- flanges. The torsion bar is arranged longitudinally imme- pensive to construct. Cross-members and bulkheads

4 7 EP 2 427 361 B1 8

(not shown) may be provided to connect the flanks inter- housing, thus easing movement within the module. Fur- nally. thermore the flat floor of the driver module allows rela- [0051] Fig. 2 shows an illustrative arrangement with tively easy encasement of the drive line, so that the oc- internal differential final drive gear 14, drive shafts 15, cupants are protected from driveline components in the upper and lower suspension arms 16, 17 and wheels 18. 5 event of severe blast damage. A bulkhead, preferably It will be readily understood that an upward blast from a armoured may be provided between crew and rear por- mine 19 or the like will be deflected to either side of the tions of the driver module, thus further increasing chassis so as to escape through the gap between the strength of the driver module, and resistance to potential wheels and the chassis, as represented by the arrows. damage and injury. Forces acting to lift and/or overturn the vehicle are min- 10 [0059] Also shown in Fig. 3 is an engine module 31 imized. consisting of a sub-frame for attachment of engine, cool- [0052] Suitable apertures are provided for a steering ing pack, fuel and electrical supply, an engine cover and linkages, which may be on all axles; such linkages are cheek compartments at either side. Such a module can typically a simple tie rod to each wheel carrier/hub - the be tested as a complete unit off a vehicle and quickly steering gear itself being located within the chassis. 15 mounted thereon by connecting the sub-frame to the [0053] As illustrated in Fig. 2, the lower suspension chassis, and making the necessary electrical and fuel articulation is outside the chassis, whereas the upper ar- connections. The engine module may include a clutch ticulation is inside the chassis. Suitable apertures and and gearbox/transfer box so that driveline connections mounting points are provided. are simplified. Typically a change of engine module may [0054] Fig. 3 illustrates a vehicle incorporating chassis 20 take less than one hour. 11, and having a driver module 21 attached to the upper [0060] With reference to Fig. 5, the sub-frame 41 and side of the chassis by co-operating tubular mounts 22, engine 42 are represented in dotted line. The sub- frame 23. It will be appreciated that such mounts permit tipping includes armoured side and front panels 43 immediately of the module to one side to give access to the interior adjacent the engine, and an armoured engine cover 44 of the chassis, and permits easy removal and replace- 25 extending over the entire upper surface. ment of the module. The mounts are provided immedi- [0061] The side pods 45 are typically lightly armoured ately adjacent the longitudinal outside edge(s) of the on the side and wider surfaces, and contain components trough so as to facilitate manufacture and maintain the such as air intake assembly 46 and exhaust/muffler 47. trough opening at the maximum size. [0062] Such an arrangement ensures that vital engine [0055] In the preferred embodiment the mounts 22, 23 30 parts are heavily protected whereas loss of non-vital include cylindrical elastomeric bushings to insulate the parts in the event of blast damage is confined to the side module21 fromnoise and vibration, and to allowa degree pods 46, which can be readily replaced. All parts are pro- of compliance for fitting. Suitable pins (not shown) pass tected from ballistic damage from above by the engine through adjacent mounts 22, 23 for fixing. cover. It is envisaged that loss of side pods and associ- [0056] In use the module 21 is arranged for tipping to 35 ated parts will not disable the vehicle. one side so that electrical connections and the like can [0063] Fig. 6 illustrates a typical complete vehicle be placed on or close to the tipping axis 24 via one or showing a tapering side profile provided by flush fitting more suitable multi-connectors. Such an arrangement surfaces of the chassis 11, driver module 21 and engine avoids the need for disconnection during maintenance, module 31. yet allows such connections to be grouped for easy dis- 40 [0064] Fig. 7 illustrates a torsion bar suspension par- connection should the module 21 require separation from ticularly suitable for the chassis 11, and consisting of a the chassis 11. Typically such connections are at the wishbone suspension arm 51 having an inner pivot axis front of the vehicle. Typically a change of driver module 52 and an outer mount 53 adapted to receive a wheel may take less than two hours. carrier (not shown). [0057] The lower side walls of the module are tapered 45 [0065] In use resistance to up and down movement inwardly so as to fit flush with the sides of the chassis, about the pivot axis 52 is by a torsion bar 54 anchored as represented in Fig. 4. This arrangement avoids pre- on the chassis and lying on the axis 52. Connection to senting an obstructing surface to the blast, and permits the wishbone is via a splined link 55, and the free end of the module to be relatively lightly armoured. The module the wishbone 51 also provides a pivot pin of the wish- tips open about axis 24, as represented by arrow ’B’. Fig. 50 bone. 4 also illustrates protection shields 25 angled outwardly [0066] Such an arrangement is compact and simple, and upwardly below the mounts 22, 23. Similar shields and may be tuned for changes in load by relative rotation can be provided for other protuberant shapes which of the splined link 55. With reference to Fig. 2 it can be might be susceptible of blast damage. seen that the pivot axis may be inboard or outboard the [0058] A driver module may consist of a two man crew 55 chassis flanks. area at the front, and a four man passenger module at [0067] Fig. 5 also illustrates the inboard wishbone pivot the rear. The module can have a flat floor by virtue of the bearings 56, 57 which lie on the axis 52, and a typical look of vertical intrusion of the driveline aft of the bell mount 58 of the chassis.

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[0068] Although the invention has been described in pack, a fuel supply, an electrical supply, a clutch and relation to a military vehicle, the chassis of the invention a gearbox, such that said module is capable of in- is suitable for non-military uses, especially where rapid dependent operation. replacement is a desirable attribute. 5 11. The vehicle of any preceding claim and further in- cluding a wheel suspension comprising a suspen- Claims sion arm (51) pivoted thereto about a pivot axis (52) at the inner end and adapted to receive a wheel - 1. A spine-type chassis (11) of a vehicle and a vehicle rier at the outer end, and a torsion bar (54) connected body (21), said chassis comprises a single open10 to said suspension arm on said axis and anchored trough having a substantially ’V’ section and sub- on said chassis. stantially straight flanks (12) closer together at the bottom than at the top, the trough having an apex 12. The vehicle of claim 11 wherein said pivot axis (52) and an included angle of 100° or less, is inboard said chassis. characterised in that said chassis is adapted to re- 15 ceive an engine and transmission therein, 13. The vehicle of claim 11 or claim 12 wherein said the chassis further comprises mounts (22, 23) for wheel suspension comprises upper and lower sus- the vehicle body (21), said mounts being annular and pension arms for connection to respective upper and axially aligned on an axis adjacent one of the sides lower links of a wheel carrier, the upper suspension of said trough at the mouth thereof, 20 arm having said torsion bar (54). the vehicle body (21) included on said mounts (22, 23), said mounts permitting pivoting of said body 14. The vehicle of any preceding claim and having four about said axis. wheels, said chassis including therein a driveline for said wheels comprising a transfer gearbox, two pro- 2. The vehicle of claim 1 and having an included angle 25 peller shafts, and two differential gears, said chassis of 75° or less. further including apertures in said flanks (12) for re- spective drive shafts for said wheels. 3. The vehicle of claim 1 or claim 2 and having sub- stantially flat flanks (12). 30 Patentansprüche 4. The vehicle of any preceding claim having mounts (22, 23) axially aligned on axes adjacent the sides 1. Fahrgestell vom Typ mit Zentralrohrrahmen (11) ei- of said trough, said mounts permitting pivoting of said nes Fahrzeugs und ein Fahrzeugaufbau (21), wobei body about one of said axes. das Fahrgestell eine einzige offene Wanne umfasst, 35 die im Wesentlichen einen "V- förmigen" Querschnitt 5. The vehicle of claim 4 wherein said body (21) in- und im Wesentlichen gerade Flanken (12) aufweist, cludes annular mounts for with the mounts die unten näher beieinander angeordnet sind als of said chassis by pins insertable on said axes. oben, wobei die Wanne einen Scheitelpunkt auf- weist und einen Winkel von 100° oder weniger ein- 6. The vehicle of claim 5 and further including tubular 40 schließt, elastomeric bushes intermediate mounts and pins. dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Fahrgestell dazuausgebildet ist, dass einMotor und ein Getriebe 7. The vehicle of any preceding claim wherein lower darin aufgenommen werden, side portions of said body (21) are angled inwardly das Fahrgestell weiter Halterungen (22, 23) für den thereof, and flush with said flanks (12). 45 Fahrzeugaufbau (21) umfasst, wobei die Halterun- gen ringförmig sind und axial ausgerichtet sind auf 8. The vehicle of claim 7 wherein the lower side portions einer Achse neben einer der Seiten der Wanne an and said flanks (12) are co-planar. ihrer Öffnung, der Fahrzeugaufbau (21) an den Halterungen (22, 9. The vehicle of any preceding claims and further in- 50 23) aufgenommen ist, wobei diese Halterungen ein cluding an engine mounting module (31) comprising Schwenken des Aufbaus um die Achse erlauben. a sub-frame, armoured side panels (43), cheek com- partments (45) outboard of said side panels and an 2. Fahrzeug nach Anspruch 1 und mit einem einge- armoured top cover (44) extending over said cheek schlossenen Winkel von 75° oder weniger. compartments. 55 3. Fahrzeug nach Anspruch 1 oder 2 und mit im We- 10. The vehicle of claim 9 and further including in said sentlichen ebenen Flanken (12). engine mounting module, an engine (42), a cooling

6 11 EP 2 427 361 B1 12

4. Fahrzeug nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprü- weist. che mit Halterungen (22, 23), die auf Achsen neben den Seiten der Wanne axial ausgerichtet sind, wobei 14. Fahrzeug nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprü- die Halterungen ein Schwenken des Aufbaus um ei- che und mit vier Rädern, wobei das Fahrgestell darin ne der Achsen erlauben. 5 einen Antriebsstrang für die Räder aufweist, umfas- send ein Vorgelegegetriebegehäuse, zwei Antriebs- 5. Fahrzeug nach Anspruch 4, wobei der Aufbau (21) wellen und zwei Differentialgetriebe, wobei das ringförmige Halterungen zum Koppeln mit den Hal- Fahrgestell weiter Öffnungen in den Flanken (12) für terungen des Fahrgestells durch an den Achsen ein- zugehörige Achswellen für die Räder aufweist. setzbare Stifte aufweist. 10

6. Fahrzeug nach Anspruch 5 und weiter umfassend Revendications rohrförmige elastomere Buchsen, Zwischenhalte- rungen und Stifte. 1. Châssis de type à poutre ou arête (11) d’un véhicule 15 et caisse de véhicule (21), ledit châssis comprend 7. Fahrzeug nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprü- une seule goulotte ouverte ayant une section sensi- che, wobei Teile an der Unterseite des Aufbaus (21) blement en "V" et des flancs sensiblement droits (12) zu seiner Innenseite gewinkelt und mit den Flanken plus proches les uns des autres au fond qu’au som- (12) bündig ausgebildet sind. met, la goulotte ayant un sommet et un angle inclus 20 de 100° ou moins, 8. Fahrzeug nach Anspruch 7, wobei die Teile an der caractérisé en ce que ledit châssis est adapté pour Unterseite und den Flanken (12) koplanar ausgebil- recevoir un moteur et une transmission à l’intérieur det sind. de ce dernier, le châssis comprend en outre des fixations (22, 23) 9. Fahrzeug nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprü- 25 pour la caisse de véhicule (21), lesdits fixations étant che und weiter umfassend ein Motorhalterungsmo- annulaires et axialement alignées sur un axe adja- dul(31), umfassend einen Unterrahmen, gepanzerte cent à l’un des côtés de ladite goulotte au niveau de Seitenplatten (43), Wangenschottfächer (45) außer- son embouchure, halb der Seitenplatten und eine gepanzerte obere la caisse de véhicule (21) étant incluse sur lesdites Abdeckung (44), die sich über die Wangenschottfä- 30 fixations (22, 23), lesdites fixations permettant le pi- cher erstreckt. votement de ladite caisse autour dudit axe.

10. Fahrzeug nach Anspruch 9 und im Motorhalterungs- 2. Véhicule selon la revendication 1, et ayant un angle modul weiter umfassend: einen Motor (42), eine inclus de 75° ou moins. Kühlereinheit, eine Kraftstoffversorgung, eine Elek- 35 trizitätsversorgung, eine Kupplung und ein Getrie- 3. Véhicule selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication begehäuse,so dassdas Modulfür eine unabhängige 2, et ayant des flancs sensiblement plats (12). Betriebsweise ausgebildet ist. 4. Véhicule selon l’une quelconque des revendications 11. Fahrzeug nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprü- 40 précédentes, ayant des fixations (22, 23) axialement che und weiter umfassend eine Radaufhängung, alignées sur des axes adjacents aux côtés de ladite umfassend einen Querlenker (51), der um eine goulotte, lesdites fixations permettant le pivotement Schwenkachse (52) am inneren Ende gelenkig dar- de ladite caisse autour de l’un desdits axes. an angebracht ist und dazu ausgebildet ist, einen Radträger am äußeren Ende aufzunehmen, und ei- 45 5. Véhicule selon la revendication 4, dans lequel ladite nen Torsionsstab (54), der mit dem Querlenker an caisse (21) comprend des fixations annulaires pour der Achse verbunden und am Fahrgestell verankert le couplage avec les fixations dudit châssis par des ist. broches pouvant être insérées sur lesdits axes.

12. Fahrzeug nach Anspruch 11, wobei die Schwenk- 50 6. Véhicule selon la revendication 5, et comprenant en achse (52) innerhalb des Fahrgestells angeordnet outre des douilles élastomères tubulaires entre les ist. fixations et les broches.

13. Fahrzeug nach Anspruch 11 oder 12, wobei die Rad- 7. Véhicule selon l’une quelconque des revendications aufhängung obere und untere Querlenker zum Ver- 55 précédentes, dans lequel des parties latérales infé- binden mit zugehörigen oberen und unteren Verbin- rieures de ladite caisse (21) sont coudées vers l’in- dungselementen eines Radträgers umfasst, wobei térieur et de niveau avec lesdits flancs (12). der obere Querlenker den Torsionsstab (54) auf-

7 13 EP 2 427 361 B1 14

8. Véhicule selon la revendication 7, dans lequel les parties latérales inférieures et lesdits flancs (12) sont coplanaires.

9. Véhicule selon l’une quelconque des revendications 5 précédentes, et comprenant en outre un module de montage de moteur (31) comprenant un faux- cadre, des panneaux latéraux blindés (43), des comparti- ments à joue (45) à l’extérieur desdits panneaux la- téraux et un couvercle supérieur blindé (44) s’éten- 10 dant sur lesdits compartiments à joue.

10. Véhicule selon la revendication 9 et comprenant en outre dans ledit module de montage de moteur, un moteur (42), un bloc de refroidissement, une alimen- 15 tation en carburant, une alimentation électrique, un embrayage et une boîte à vitesses, de sorte que ledit module peut fonctionner indépendamment.

11. Véhicule selon l’une quelconque des revendications 20 précédentes, et comprenant en outre une suspen- sion de roue comprenant un bras de suspension (51) pivoté par rapport à cette dernière autour d’un axe de pivot (52) au niveau de l’extrémité interne et adap- té pour recevoir un support de roue au niveau de 25 l’extrémité externe, et une barre de torsion (54) rac- cordée audit bras de suspension sur ledit axe et an- crée sur ledit châssis.

12. Véhicule selon la revendication 11, dans lequel ledit 30 axe de pivot (52) est à l’intérieur dudit châssis.

13. Véhicule selon la revendication 11 ou la revendica- tion 12, dans lequel ladite suspension de roue com- prend des bras de suspension supérieur et inférieur 35 pour le raccordement à des liaisons supérieure et inférieure respectives d’un support de roue, le bras de suspension supérieur ayant ladite barre de tor- sion (54). 40 14. Véhicule selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes et ayant quatre roues, ledit châssis comprenant à l’intérieur de ce dernier une transmis- sion pour lesdites roues comprenant une boîte de transfert, deux arbres de propulsion et deux engre- 45 nages différentiels, ledit châssis comprenant en outre des ouvertures dans lesdits flancs (12) pour des arbres d’entraînement respectifs desdites roues. 50

55

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REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description

• DE 19860562 A [0012] • US 2007186762 A [0014] • FR 2179890 A [0013] • DE 19631715 [0015]

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