GB2428648A

GB2428648A - A truck with a subframe between the chassis cab and a tipper body

Info

Publication number: GB2428648A
Application number: GB0515924A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Richard Woods
Original assignee: KERAND AUTOMOTIVE Ltd
Current assignee: KERAND AUTOMOTIVE Ltd
Priority date: 2005-08-02
Filing date: 2005-08-02
Publication date: 2007-02-07
Anticipated expiration: 2025-08-02
Also published as: IE20060557A1; GB0515924D0; GB2428648B

Abstract

A truck 2 comprising a chassis cab, a tipping body, and a subframe 4 positioned between the chassis cab and the tipping body, characterised in that the subframe 4 comprises a first side member 6 which extends longitudinally, a second side member 8 which extends longitudinally and which is spaced apart from the first side member 6 , a first flange 10 which is on the first side member 6 and which extends from the first side member 6 in a direction away from the second side member 8 and a second flange 12 which is on the second side member 8 and which extends from the second side member 8 in a direction away from the first side member 6.

Description

1 2428648

A TRUCK COMPRISING A CHASSIS CAB

A TIPPING BODYI AND A SUBFRAME POSITIONED

BETWEEN THE CHASSIS CAB AND THE TIPPING BODY

This invention relates to a truck, and, more especially, this invention relates to a truck comprising a chassis cab, a tipping body, and a subframe positioned between the chassis cab and the tipping body.

Vehicles in the form of trucks are well known. The trucks comprise a truck body which is mounted on what is known as a chassis cab and which comprises a chassis, a driver's cab, axles, wheels, tyres, suspension, an engine and transmission. The truck body may be fitted to the chassis by a body builder who manufactures and installs, assembles and installs, or purely installs if the truck body has been manufactured elsewhere. The chassis cab provides the motive power for the truck. The truck body is for receiving loads to be carried.

Truck bodies may be such that they are tipping truck bodies or they are fixed non-tipping truck bodies. Tipping truck bodies are such that they tip with respect to the chassis cab for the purpose of discharging loads on the truck body. Such loads may be foodstuffs, construction materials and waste products. Typically the foodstuffs may be grain or fruit. The fixed non-tipping truck bodies are employed where the load being carried is not suitable for being discharged by tipping. Loads transported by fixed non- tipping bodies include palletised loads, large bulk loads such for example as machinery, and products not susceptible to weather such for example as metals.

Trucks are produced in various sizes and the truck sizes are usually defined as gross vehicle weights. A gross vehicle weight is the potential weight of the chassis cab and the truck body, as well as the maximum potential payload of the truck. Thus, for example, a truck with a gross vehicle weight of seven and a half tonnes may weigh three and a half tonnes as a chassis cab and truck body, so that it will then have a potential payload allowance of just under four tonnes when the weight of the driver for the truck and fuel for the truck are taken into consideration.

Trucks are often referred to by the amount of axles which they have, and the number of those axles which apply power to the road. Each axle is referred to as a unit of two, based on it having two wheels, although an axle may frequently have more than two wheels. Thus, for example, an eight by four truck has four axles with two of the axles being driven, a six by four truck has three axles with two of the axles being driven, and a four by two truck has two axles with only one axle being driven.

Trucks with tipping bodies have a problem. More specifically, the truck comprises the chassis cab, the tipping body and a subframe positioned between the chassis cab and the tipping body. The subframe is an intermediate frame which is fitted between rails which form part of the truck chassis, and the tipping body itself. The subframe fulfills several functions, and these functions can vary from truck manufacturer to truck manufacturer.

The principle functions of the subframe are as follows.

1. To reinforce and strengthen the truck chassis.

2. To house the tipping hinge mechanism at the rear of the truck.

3. To mount and assist in supporting a hydraulic tipping ram.

4. To absorb the space between the truck chassis and the underside of the tipping body where a rear hinge radius dictates.

5. To raise the tipping body sufficiently to produce clearance between the wheels and the underside of the tipping body when the truck suspension is in its fully compressed state.

Different chassis manufacturers have different chassis layouts. The different manufacturers have varying lengths for the chassis rails, and varying widths for the chassis rails. As a result, truck body builders produce dedicated subframes to suit the products of individual truck manufacturers.

From the perspective of truck body builders, this means inefficient manufacturing, and an inability to produce stock equipment.

It is an aim of the present invention to reduce the above mentioned problem by providing a truck with a subframe that is able to meet the individual needs of various truck chassis manufacturers, and that is also able to be used with the different designs of subframe produced by different truck chassis manufacturers Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided a truck comprising a chassis cab, a tipping body, and a subframe positioned between the chassis cab and the tipping body, characterised in that the subframe comprises a first side member which extends longitudinally, a second side member which extends longitudinally and which is spaced apart from the first side member, a first flange which is on the first side member and which extends from the first side member in a direction away from the second side member, and a second flange which is on the second side member and which extends from the second side member in a direction away from the first side member.

The truck is able to be produced with a subframe that can be used with chassis produced by substantially all major European trucks chassis manufacturers. Alternatively, the truck is able to be produced with a subframe which suits the chassis designs of Far East truck chassis manufacturers. The flexibility afforded by the subframe used in the truck of the present invention is due to the fact that the subframe has the first and the second side members with their respective first and second flanges.

The first and second flanges are capable of accepting mounting means such for example as mounting brackets, to suit the various requirements of different chassis manufacturers. Thus the use of the subframe of the present invention enables truck body builders to manufacture subframes in a more efficient manufacture than hitherto, and to produce stock subframe equipment.

In a first embodiment of the invention, the truck is one in which the first side member and the first flange are formed by an n-shaped channel member and strip member; the n-shaped channel member and strip member being connected together; the n-shaped channel member comprising an inner side wall, a top wall, an outer side wall, a lip which extends outwardly from the outer side wall, and an open side opposite the top wall; the strip member being positioned underneath the n-shaped channel member such that the strip member closes the open side of the n- shaped channel member and has a longitudinally extending section which projects beyond the outer side wall of the n-shaped channel member; and the lip and the longitudinally extending section being positions on top of one another to form the first flange. The n-shaped channel member and the strip member will usually be connected together by rivets. Other connecting means may be employed, for example welding or nuts and bolts.

In the above first embodiment of the invention, the truck will usually be one in which the second side member and the second flange have the same construction as the first side member and the first flange. Thus, the truck will usually be one in which the second side member and the second flange are formed by an n-shaped channel member and a strip member; the nshaped channel member and the strip member being connected together; the n-shaped channel member comprising an inner side wall, a top wall, an outer side wall, a lip which extends outwardly from the outer side wall, and an open side opposite the top wall; the strip member being positioned underneath the n-shaped channel member such that the strip member closes the open side of the n-shaped channel member and has a longitudinally extending section which projects beyond the outer side wall of the nshaped channel member; and the lip and the longitudinally extending section being positioned on top of one another to form the second flange.

The n-shaped channel member and the strip member will usually be connected together by rivets, but other connecting means may be employed, for example welding or nuts and bolts.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, the truck may be one in which the first member and the first flange are formed by a tubular channel member and an angle member; the tubular channel member and the angle member being connected together; the tubular channel member comprising an inner side wall, an outer side wall, a top wall, and a bottom wall; and the angle member comprising a first side which abuts the outer wall, and a second side which extends outwardly from the outer wall and which forms the first flange. The tubular channel member and the angle member will usually be connected together by welding but other connecting means may be employed. The angle member may have transversely extending strengthening sections.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the second member and the second flange will usually be of the same design as the first member and the first flange. Thus the truck may be one in which the second member and the second flange are formed by a tubular channel member and an angle member; the tubular channel member and the angle member being connected together; the tubular channel member comprising an inner side wall, an outer side wall, a top wall, and a bottom wall; and the angle member comprising a first side which abuts the outer wall, and a second side which extends outwardly from the outer wall and which forms the second flange. The tubular channel member and the angle member will usually be connected together by welding but other connecting means may be employed. The angle member may have transversely extending strengthening sections.

In a third embodiment of the invention, the truck may be one in which the first member and the first flange are formed by an open-sided channel member and a strip member; the open-sided channel member and the strip member being connected together; the open-sided channel member comprising a top wall, an outer side wall, and a bottom wall; and the strip member abutting against and extending outwardly from the outer side wall.

The open-sided channel member and the strip member will usually be connected together by welding but other connecting means may be employed. Strengthening sections may be included which extend transversely between the outer side wall and the strip member.

In the third embodiment of the invention, the second member and the second flange will usually be formed with the same design as the first member and the first flange. Thus the truck may be one in which the second member and the second flange are formed by an open-sided channel member and a strip member; the open-sided channel member and the strip member being connected together; the open-sided channel member comprising a top wall, an outer side wall, and a bottom wall; and the strip member abutting against and extending outwardly from the outer side wall. The open-sided channel member and the strip member will usually be connected together by welding but other connecting means may be employed. Strengthening sections may extend transversely between the outer side wall and the strip member.

In all embodiments of the invention, the first side member and the first flange may be of a different design to the second side member and the second flange.

The truck of the present invention may be of wide use, for example to civil engineering companies, local authorities, utility providers, truck rental companies, builder's merchants, garden centres, and to manufacturers who manufacturer a complete package of a chassis cab and a truck body.

The truck of the present invention may be made in any suitable and appropriate sizes. Preferably, the truck is made in sizes of from 6 - 12 tonnes. The truck is often a four by two truck. An example of another truck is a four by four truck.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of part of a first truck of the present invention and shows the construction of the subframe; Figure 2 is a section through part of the subframe shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a section like Figure 2 but shows a second design for part of the subframe; and Figure 4 is a section like Figure 2 but shows a third design for part of the subframe.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown part of a truck 2 comprising a chassis cab, a tipping body and a subframe 4 positioned between the chassis cab and the tipping body. The chassis cab and the tipping body are well known and they will not be described in detail because they are not central to the present invention.

The subframe 4 comprises a first side member 6 which extends longitudinally, and a second side member 8 which extends longitudinally and which is spaced apart from the first side member 6. A first flange 10 is on the first side member 6. The first flange member 10 extends from the first side member 6 in a direction away from the second side member 8. A second flange 12 is on the second side member 8. The second flange 12 extends away from the second side member 8 in a direction away from the first side member 6.

The first side member 6 and the first flange 10 are formed by an n- shaped channel member 14 and a strip member 16. The n-shaped channel member 14 and the strip member 16 are connected together by rivets 17.

The n-shaped channel member 14 comprises an inner side wall 18, a top wall 20, an outer side wall 22, a lip 24 which extends outwardly from the outer side wall 22, and an open side 26 opposite the top wall 20. The strip member 16 is positioned underneath the n-shaped channel member 14 as shown such that the strip member 16 closes the open side 26 of the n- shaped channel member 14, and has a longitudinally extending section 28 which projects beyond the outer side wall 22. The lip 24 and the longitudinally extending section 28 are positioned on top of one another to form the first flange 10.

The second side member 8 is formed similarly as the first side member 6. Similar parts have been given similar reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding.

Figure 1 shows how the first side member 6 and the second side member 8 are connected together in a spaced apart relationship by transverse members 30. The transverse members 30 are tubes of circular cross section. Other types of transverse cross members may be employed.

Also shown in Figure 1 is a hydraulic tipping ram 32 which is mounted on a cross member 34 and which is used for raising and lowering the tipping truck body.

Further shown in Figure 1 is a body propping device 36 for propping up the body. The body propping device 36 comprises a handle 38, and a prop 40 having a receiving cup 42. The prop 40 pivots about a pivot bar 44.

Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown a second embodiment of the present invention in which a subframe 46 is formed with a first member in the form of a tubular channel member 48, and with a first flange in the form of an angle member 50. The tubular channel member 48 and the angle member 50 are connected together by welding 52. The tubular channel member 48 comprises an inner side wall 54, an outer side wall 56, a top wall 58 and a bottom walt 60. The angle member 50 comprises a first side 62 which abuts the outer wall 56, and second side 64 which extends outwardly from the outer wall 56 and which forms the first flange. The angle member has transversely extending strengthening sections 66. The strengthening section 66 are triangularly shaped as shown.

The subframe 46 has a second member and a second flange which are not shown but which are of the same construction as the first member in the form of the tubular channel member 48 and the first flange in the form of the angle member 50. Timber rests 68 rest on top of the first and the second side members. The first and the second side members are connected by subframe cross members 70.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the second side member and the second flange are constructed the same as the first side member and the first flange as shown in Figure 3.

Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown a third embodiment of the present invention in which a subframe 72 comprises a first member in the form of an open sided channel member 74, and a first flange formed by a strip member 76. The open sided channel member 74 and the strip member 76 are connected together by welding 78.

The open sided channel member 74 comprises a top wall 80, an outer side wall 82, and a bottom wall 84. A subframe cross member 70 fits into the open side of the open sided channel member 74 as shown. The strip member 76 abuts against and extends outwardly from the outer side wall 82 as shown. Strengthening sections 86 are provided as shown extending between the outer side wall 82 and the strip member 76. The strengthening sections 86 are triangularly shaped. A timber rest 68 rests on the top waIl 80 as shown.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, the second side member and the second flange are constructed the same as the first side member and the first flange shown in Figure 4.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the first and second side members and the first and second flanges may be of different cross sectional shapes to those shown.

Claims

1. A truck comprising a chassis cab, a tipping body, and a subframe positioned between the chassis cab and the tipping body, characterised in that the subframe comprises a first side member which extends longitudinally, a second side member which extends longitudinally and which is spaced apart from the first side member, a first flange which is on the first side member and which extends from the first side member in a direction away from the second side member, and a second flange which is on the second side member and which extends from the second side member in a direction away from the first side member.

2. A truck according to claim I in which the first side member and the first flange are formed by an n-shaped channel member and a strip member; the n-shaped channel member and the strip member being connected together; the n-shaped channel member comprising an inner side wall, a top wall, an outer side wall, a lip which extends outwardly from the outer side wall, and an open side opposite the top wall; the strip member being positioned underneath the n-shaped channel member such that the strip * . * * * * :::: member closes the open side of the n-shaped channel member and has a **** longitudinally extending section which projects beyond the outer side wall of *:. the n-shaped channel member; and the lip and the longitudinally extending section being positioned on top of one another to form the first flange.

3. A truck according to claim 2 in which the n-shaped channel member and the strip member are connected together by rivets.

4. A truck according to any one of the preceding claims in which the second side member and the second flange are formed by a n-shaped channel member and a strip member; the n-shaped channel member and the strip member being connected together; the n-shaped channel member comprising an inner side wall, a top wall, an outer side wall, a lip which extends outwardly from the outer side wall, and a open side opposite the top wall; the strip member being positioned underneath the n-shaped channel member such that the strip member closes the open side of the n-shaped channel member and has a longitudinally extending section which projects beyond the outer side wall of the n-shaped channel member; and the lip and the longitudinally extending section being positioned on top of one another to form the second flange.

5. A truck according to claim 4 in which the n-shaped channel member and the strip member are connected together by rivets. * e* * * *S*.

6. A truck according to claim I in which the first member in the first flange are formed by a tubular channel member and an angle member; the tubular channel member and the angle member being connected together; the tubular channel member comprising an inner side wall, an outer side wall, a top wall, and a bottom wall; and the angle member comprising a first side which abuts the outer wall, and a second side which extends outwardly from the outer wall and forms the first flange.

7. A truck according to claim 6 in which the tubular channel member and the angle member are connected together by welding.

8. A truck according to claim 6 or claim 7 in which the angle member has transversely extending strengthening sections.

9. A truck according to any one of claims 1, 6, 7 or 8 in which the second member and the second flange are formed by a tubular channel member and an angle member; the tubular channel member and the angle member being connected together; the tubular channel member comprising an inner side wall, an outer side wall, a top wall, and a bottom wall; and the angle member comprising a first side which abuts the outer wall, and a second side which extends outwardly from the outer wall and which forms the second flange.

: :

10. A truck according to claim 9 in which the tubular channel member and * S. *** the angle member are connected together by welding. S. * . * S..

11. A truck according to claim 9 or claim 10 in which the angle member * has transversely extending strengthening sections. a. * * S a **

12. A truck according to claim 1 in which the first member and the first flange are formed by an open-sided channel member and a strip member; the open-sided channel member and strip member being connected together; the open-sided channel member comprising a top wall, an outer side wall, and a bottom wall; and the strip member abutting against and extending outwardly from the outer side wall.

13. A truck according to claim 12 in which the open-sided channel member and the strip member are connected together by welding.

14. A truck according to claim 12 or claim 13 and including strengthening sections extending transversely between the outer side wall and the strip member.

15. A truck according to any one of claims 1, 12, 13 or 14 in which the second member and the second flange are formed by an open-sided channel member and a strip member; the open-sided channel member and the strip member being connected together; the open-sided channel ::::. member comprising a top wall, an outer side wall, and a bottom wall; and the strip member abutting against and extending outwardly from the outer sidewall.

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16. A truck according to claim 15 in which the open-sided channel member and the strip member are connected together by welding.

17. A truck according to claim 15 or claim 16 and including strengthening sections extending transversely between the outer side wall and the strip member.

18. A truck according to any one of the preceding claims in which the subframe comprises transverse members extending between the first and second side members.

19. A truck according to claim 18 in which the transverse members are tubes.

20. A truck substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. * .4

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