GB2541693A

GB2541693A - A vehicle chassis frame, vehicle, and method

Info

Publication number: GB2541693A
Application number: GB1515154.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Wykes David; Richardson Darren; Jephcote Paul; Snelgrove Philip
Original assignee: Horiba Mira Ltd
Current assignee: Horiba Mira Ltd
Priority date: 2015-08-26
Filing date: 2015-08-26
Publication date: 2017-03-01
Anticipated expiration: 2035-08-26
Also published as: GB201515154D0; GB2541693B

Abstract

A vehicle chassis frame (1 see fig 16) comprising: a pair of support ribs 16a, 16b; and a floor element 13 having a first end 16d and a second end16e, the floor element being configured to provide at least part of a floor of a vehicle, and the floor element 11 having: a dropped centre portion defining a trough12 having a first side and a second side; a first wing portion13 attached to the first side of the trough; and a second wing portion 14 attached to the second side of the trough, wherein a first and a second support rib 16a, 16b,of the pair of support ribs each include a respective rib flange 161a, 161b, the rib flanges both support the first or second wing portions 13,14, and the rib flange of the first support rib diverges from the rib flange of the second support rib.

Description

Title: A vehicle chassis frame, vehicle, and method Description of Invention

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a vehicle chassis frame, a vehicle, and a method of constructing a vehicle chassis frame.

The chassis of a conventional heavy goods vehicle (HGV), such as a refuse vehicle, typically comprises a frame structure including a number of longitudinal beams and horizontal supports. Carried on an underside of the frame may be components of the vehicle such as drive shafts, axles, transmission systems, and suspension elements, for example. Depending on the intended use of the vehicle, an upper surface of the chassis may include a “bed”, which may form a floor. The chassis, including a bed, may also have a body, including side walls and a roof, to form an enclosed space for housing goods intended for delivery, refuse, etc.

There is a need to make reduce the unladen weight of vehicles to improve the efficiency of their operation and to make electric drive systems more viable. There is also a desire to increase the carrying capacity of vehicles both in terms of volume and weight.

As a result of these needs efforts have been made to simplify chassis components.

By way of example, WO2012/117225 discloses a chassis frame of a heavy goods vehicle. The frame has a bed having an upper skin and a lower skin. The bed includes a dropped centre which is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. A plurality of lateral beams are provided between the upper and lower skins to provide strengthening members. The construction suffers from corrosion problems, as any water ingress becomes trapped between the upper and lower skins and is not visible or treatable.

This reduces the life of the vehicle and the replacement of the vehicle chassis frame may be difficult, if not impossible. Replacement or repair is also costly. It is also difficult to handle large sheets of material, and to position large sheets of material accurately, which presents issues concerning the manufacture of the chassis frame disclosed in this document.

Embodiments of the present invention seek to ameliorate one or more problems associated with the prior art.

An aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle chassis frame comprising: a pair of support ribs; and a floor element having a first end and a second end, the floor element being configured to provide at least part of a floor of a vehicle, and the floor element having: a dropped centre portion defining a trough having a first side and a second side; a first wing portion attached to the first side of the trough; and a second wing portion attached to the second side of the trough, wherein a first and a second support rib of the pair of support ribs each include a respective rib flange, the rib flanges both support the first or second wing portions and the rib flange of the first support rib diverges from the rib flange of the second support rib.

The first and second support ribs may include respective further rib flanges which support the other of the first and second wing portions and which also diverge from each other, to form an x-shaped configuration.

An edge of each rib flange may abut a surface of the first or second wing portions, the edge may be defined by a thickness and length of each of the rib flanges.

Each rib flange may be deeper than it is thick.

The pair of support ribs may extend across substantially an entire width of the floor element.

The support ribs of the pair of support ribs may further define cut-out sections.

At least one cut-out section may be defined in the rib flange of at least one of the pair of support ribs.

The vehicle chassis frame may further include one or more beams and/or pipes/tubes extending along a length of the floor element.

The vehicle chassis frame may further comprising one or more end support ribs each located at an end of the floor element and of a different form to the first and second support ribs.

The one or more end support ribs may include a portion which extends through a slot or aperture defined by the floor element.

The slot or aperture may be defined between the first and second wing portions, and the portion of the one or more end support ribs defines one or more internal walls of the vehicle chassis frame.

The first and second support ribs may abut each other in respective middle parts of the support ribs.

Another aspect provides a method of constructing a vehicle chassis frame comprising: forming a pair of support ribs; and forming a floor element having a first end and a second end, the floor element being configured to provide at least part of a floor of a vehicle, and the floor element having: a dropped centre portion defining a trough having a first side and a second side; a first wing portion attached to the first side of the trough; and a second wing portion attached to the second side of the trough, attaching the pair of support ribs to the floor element, wherein a first and a second support rib of the pair of support ribs each include a respective rib flange, and the pair of support ribs are attached to the floor element such that the rib flanges both support the first or second wing portions and the rib flange of the first support rib diverges from the rib flange of the second support rib.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle chassis frame comprising: a reinforcement tray; and a floor element having a first end and a second end, the floor element being configured to provide at least part of a floor of a vehicle, and the floor element having: a dropped centre portion defining a trough having a first side and a second side; a first wing portion attached to the first side of the trough; and a second wing portion attached to the second side of the trough, wherein the reinforcement tray is configured to reinforce at least a portion of the floor element and is attached to the floor element along at least part of a length of the floor element adjacent the trough, such that the first and second wing portions extend away from the reinforcement tray.

The reinforcement tray may define a substantially enclosed volume adjacent the dropped centre portion.

The floor element may include a substantially open internal volume adjacent the first and second wing portions.

The reinforcement tray may comprise a base having a first end and a second end defining a length, and a first end wall adjacent the first end of the base and a second end wall adjacent the second end of the base.

The base of the reinforcement tray may include a first side and a second side defining a width, and a first side wall adjacent the first side of the base and a second side wall adjacent the second side of the base.

The reinforcement tray may be integrally formed.

The reinforcement tray may be formed from a sheet of material provided in a folded configuration.

The dropped centre portion, first wing portion, and second wing portion may be integrally formed.

The dropped centre portion, first wing portion, and second wing portion may be formed from a sheet of material provided in a folded configuration.

The vehicle chassis frame may further comprise a plurality of support ribs, wherein each support rib may be configured to support at least a portion of the first wing portion and/or the second wing portion.

One or more material properties of a first of the plurality of support ribs may be different to one or more material properties of a second of the plurality of support ribs. A distance between a first of the plurality of support ribs and a second of the plurality of support ribs may be different to a distance between the second of the plurality of support ribs and a third of the plurality of support ribs.

Each support rib may be formed from a respective single sheet of material provided in a folded configuration.

Each support rib may be a separate support rib.

First and second side walls of the reinforcement tray may define a plurality of pairs of opposing recesses, and wherein each pair of recesses may be configured to receive at least part of one of the plurality of support ribs.

The vehicle chassis frame may further include at least one side wall cover which may be configured to cover an open end of at least one of the plurality of support ribs substantially.

The vehicle chassis frame may further comprise one or more side wall members, wherein the or each side wall member may provide a vehicle body panel.

The vehicle chassis frame may further comprise one or more further floor elements.

The vehicle chassis frame may further comprise one or more reinforcement trays or further reinforcement trays.

The plurality of floor elements and/or reinforcement trays may include a first floor element or reinforcement tray which is different to a second floor element or reinforcement tray.

Another aspect may provide a vehicle including a vehicle chassis frame.

The vehicle may be a heavy goods vehicle.

The vehicle may be a refuse vehicle.

Another aspect provides a method of constructing a vehicle chassis frame, the method comprising: forming a reinforcement tray; forming a floor element having a first end and a second end, the floor element being configured to provide at least part of a floor of a vehicle, and the floor element having: a dropped centre portion defining a trough having a first side and a second side; a first wing portion attached to the first side of the trough; and a second wing portion attached to the second side of the trough; and attaching the reinforcement tray to the floor element, to reinforce at least a portion of the floor element, along at least part of a length of the floor element adjacent the trough, such that the first and second wing portions extend away from the reinforcement tray.

Embodiments of the invention are described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a floor element of a vehicle chassis frame according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a reinforcement tray of a vehicle chassis frame according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a vehicle chassis frame according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figure 4 shows a cross section view of a vehicle chassis frame according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view from above of a modular vehicle chassis frame according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view from below of a modular vehicle chassis frame according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figure 7 shows a perspective exploded view of a vehicle chassis frame according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figure 8 shows a perspective view from above of a vehicle chassis frame according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figure 9 shows a perspective view from below of a vehicle chassis frame according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a section of a vehicle chassis frame, including a floor element, a reinforcement tray, and a pair of support ribs, according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a vehicle chassis frame, including a plurality of vehicle body side wall members, according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figure 12 shows a simplified view of a vehicle according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figure 13 shows a perspective exploded view of a vehicle chassis frame according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figure 14 shows a perspective view from above of a vehicle chassis frame according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figure 15 shows a perspective view from above of a vehicle chassis frame according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figure 16 shows a perspective view from below of a vehicle chassis frame according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figure 17 shows a perspective view from below of a vehicle chassis frame according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figure 18 shows a perspective view from below of a vehicle chassis frame according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figure 19 shows a perspective view from below of a vehicle chassis frame according to some embodiments of the invention; and

Figure 20 shows a perspective exploded view of a vehicle chassis frame according to some embodiments of the invention.

With reference to figure 12, embodiments of the present invention include a vehicle chassis frame 1 which may be part of a vehicle 100 and/or may be suitable for use in a vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 could take a number of different forms but is, in some embodiments, a heavy goods vehicle (FIGV) -which may be defined as a vehicle exceeding 3500Kg when laden in some embodiments.

The vehicle chassis frame 1 provides a floor or floor surface for at least part of the vehicle 100 and is also a structural member for at least part of the vehicle 100. In other words, the vehicle chassis frame 1 may provide a substantial or significant part of the structural strength of at least part of the vehicle 100. In some embodiments, therefore, the vehicle chassis frame 1 may carry or include one or more bodywork sections for the vehicle 100 and/or one or more suspension, drive, and/or transmission elements for the vehicle 100. This is in contrast to a floor panel which may be secured to a conventional chassis of a vehicle, wherein the structural strength is provided by the chassis of the vehicle.

The vehicle chassis frame 1 includes at least one floor element 11 - see figures 1-11 and 13-20. A length of the floor element 11 may be defined between opposing first 111 and second 112 ends of the floor element 11, with a width of the floor element being defined between first 113 and second 114 sides of the floor element 11.

When located in or as part of a vehicle 100, the floor element 11 may be arranged such that the length thereof is generally parallel to the length of the vehicle 100.

In some embodiments, the floor element 11 is wider than it is long. In some embodiments, a plurality of floor elements 11 of similar or substantially identical form can be arranged together to form at least part of the vehicle chassis frame 1 (and cumulative lengths of the plurality of floor elements 11 may be a length of the vehicle chassis frame 1 and this may be greater than the width of vehicle chassis frame 1, which may be defined by the width of a single floor element 11). In other words, a plurality of floor elements 11 may be arranged in a row with the lengths of each of the plurality of floor elements 11 substantially aligned to form the vehicle chassis frame 1.

The floor element 11 may comprise a dropped centre portion 12 defining a trough 121. The dropped centre portion 12 may extend from the first end 111 of the floor element 11 to the second end 112 of the floor element 11. In some embodiments, the dropped centre portion 12 may be substantially equidistant from each of the first and second sides 114 of the floor element 11 such that the trough 121 defined by the dropped centre portion 12 generally extends along a central section of the floor element 11. In some embodiments, the trough 121 may have a substantially uniform width along the length thereof.

The dropped centre portion 12 may include a trough base 1213 positioned between a pair of trough sidewalls 1211,1212 (the pair of trough sidewalls including a first 1211 and a second 1212 trough sidewall). The trough base 1213 may be attached along its sides to the pair of trough sidewalls 1211,1212 such that the trough 121 is defined by the trough sidewalls 1211,1212 and the trough base 1213. In some embodiments, the trough sidewalls 1211,1212 extend away from the trough base 1213 at respective obtuse angles with respect to the trough base 1213. Accordingly, a depth of the trough 121 may decrease towards the sides thereof. In some embodiments the first and second trough sidewalls 1211,1212 may each include a plurality of sections which are at different angles with respect to each other.

The dropped centre portion 12 may have a first side 122 and a second side 123 between which the trough 121 is defined (first and second ends of the dropped centre portion 12 may correspond with the first and second ends 111,112 of the floor element 11). The first and second sides 122,123, therefore, define an overall width of the trough 121. In some embodiments, the first side 122 and second side 123 of the dropped centre portion 12 are defined by the first trough sidewall 1211 and second trough sidewall 1212, respectively, along a portion of the trough sidewalls 1211,1212 which is remote from the trough base 1213. A length of the first and second trough sidewalls 1211,1212 and of the trough base 1213 may correspond (e.g. may be substantially equal to) to the length of the floor element 11 in some embodiments.

In other words, the dropped centre portion 12 may define the trough 121 with sloped trough sidewalls 1211,1212 and a trough base 1213.

The floor element 11 may further comprise a first wing portion 13 and a second wing portion 14.

The first wing portion 13 may be attached to the first trough sidewall 1211 at the part of the first wing portion 13 which is remote from the trough base 1213. A first wing floor panel 132 of the first wing portion 13 may extend away from first trough sidewall 1211 generally outwardly from the trough 121. The angle of extension of the first wing floor panel 132 with respect to the trough base 1213 may be greater than the angle of extension of the first trough sidewall 1211 with respect to the trough base 1213. An end of the first wing portion 13 remote from the trough 121 may be referred to as the distal end 131 of the first wing portion 13 (which may also be the distal end of the first wing floor panel 132).

Similarly, the second wing portion 14 may be attached to the second trough sidewall 1212 at the part of the second wing portion 14 which is remote from the trough base 1213. A second wing floor panel 142 of the second wing portion 14 may extend away from second trough sidewall 1212 generally outwardly from the trough 121. The angle of extension of the second wing floor panel 142 with respect to the trough base 1213 may be greater than the angle of extension of the second trough sidewall 1212 with respect to the trough base 1213. An end of the second wing portion 14 remote from the trough 121 may be referred to as the distal end 141 of the second wing portion 14 (which may also be the distal end of the second wing floor panel 142).

In other words, from the distal ends 131,141 of the first and second wing floor panels 132,142, the two wing floor panels 132,142 extend towards each other and towards the trough 121. The two wing portions 13,14 (e.g. the two wing floor panels 132,142) may define at least part of a channel of the floor element 11, down the centre of which the trough 121 is located - the trough 121 forming a deeper part of that channel.

Each of the two wing portions 13,14 (e.g. each of the two wing floor panels 132,142) may be attached to the dropped centre portion 12. In other words, each of the two wing floor panels 132,142 may be attached to a respective one of the trough sidewalls 1211,1212 which at least partially define the trough 121. The trough sidewalls 1211,1212 may be attached to the trough base 1213.

In some embodiments, the first wing portion 13 includes at least one wing end panel 133 which is located at an end of the first wing portion 13 which corresponds with either the first or second end 111,112 of the floor element 11. The at least one wing end panel 133 may extend away from the channel defined by the floor element 11 and may be generally perpendicular to a plane of the trough base 1213. In some embodiments, both opposing ends of the first wing portion 13 have such wing end panels 133.

Similarly, the second wing portion 14 may include at least one wing end panel 143 in the same manner (and may include such wing end panels 143 at both opposing ends thereof).

In some embodiments, the first wing portion 13 includes a distal end panel 134 which extends from the distal end 131 of the first wing portion 13. The distal end panel 134 may extend away from the channel defined by the floor element 11. Similarly, the second wing portion 14 may include a distal end panel 144 in the same manner.

The or each wing end panel and distal end panel 133,134 of the first wing portion 13 may at least partially define an internal volume of the first wing portion 13. Likewise, the or each wing end panel and distal end panel 143,144 of the second wing portion 14 may at least partially define an internal volume of the second wing portion 14.

The or each wing end panel 133,143 and/or the or each distal end panel 134,144, may be attached to a respective lip 135,145. The or each lip 135,145 may extend from an end of the or each wing end panel 133,143 and/or the or each distal end panel 134,144, which is remote from the associated wing floor panels 132,142. The or each lip 135,145 may extend inwardly and may extend in a plane which is generally parallel to a plane of the trough base 1213. In some embodiments, there is a plurality of lips 135,145 which are all in a common plane.

In some embodiments, the dropped centre portion 12 may include one or more trough end walls 124 which are located at the opposing ends of the dropped centre portion 12. The or each trough end wall 124 may extend away from the trough 121 and channel defined by the floor element 11.

In some embodiments, the first and second trough sidewalls 1211,1212 each carry a respective trough end wall 124 and the trough base 1213 may also carry a respective trough end wall 124. In some such embodiments, trough end walls 124 are carried at both ends of the two trough sidewalls 1211,1212 and/or trough base 1213.

The two trough sidewalls 1211,1212 and the trough base 1213, along with or each trough end wall 124 may at least partially define an internal volume of the dropped centre portion 12 (that internal volume not including the volume of the trough 121).

In some embodiments, there may be a gap defined between two of the trough end walls 124. For example, a trough end wall 124 may extend from a trough side wall 1211,1212 and may not be directly attached to a trough end wall 124, at the same end of the floor element, which extends from the trough base 1213. In some embodiments, trough end walls 124 extending from the trough base 1213 are not directly attached to a trough end wall 124 extending from any of the trough sidewalls 1211,1212. This may allow a degree of flexibility along the line between the trough base 1213 and each of the trough sidewalls 1211,1212, for example. The gap may be the result of the manufacturing process in which a sheet of material is folded and cut to form at least one of the wing portions 13,14 and the dropped centre portion 12 (and the or each trough end wall 124).

As will be appreciated, an internal volume of the floor element 11 may be the combined internal volumes of the dropped centre portion 12 and the first and second wing portions 13,14.

In some embodiments, the vehicle chassis frame 1 includes a reinforcement tray 15 which is configured to reinforce at least a portion of the rest of the floor element 11.

The reinforcement tray 15 may be configured to be at least partially received within the internal volume of the floor element 11 and secured to one or more of the dropped centre portion 12, the first wing portion 13, and the second wing portion 14 (i.e. secured to the floor element 11).

The reinforcement tray 15 may include a base 151 which extends from a first end 152 of the reinforcement tray 15 to a second end 153 of the reinforcement tray 15. The length of the reinforcement tray 15 may be defined by the first and second ends 151,152 and may be substantially equal to the length of the floor element 11. In embodiments, the length of the reinforcement tray 15 is less than the length of the length of the floor element 11 by twice a depth of the material used in the formation of the floor element 11 (and, in particular, the trough end walls 124). Accordingly, in some embodiments, the reinforcement tray 15 may be positioned within the internal volume defined by the floor element 11 adjacent the dropped centre portion 12 - this may be within the internal volume of the dropped centre portion 12, for example.

The base 151 of the reinforcement tray 15 may further extend between opposing first and second sides 156,157 of the reinforcement tray 15.

The reinforcement tray 15 may include a first side wall 158 which extends from the first side 156 of the reinforcement tray 15 generally away from the base 151. The first side wall 158 may extend substantially perpendicular to the base 151. Similarly, the reinforcement tray 15 may include a second side wall 159 which extends from the second side 157 of the reinforcement tray 15 generally away from the base 151 (in the same direction as the first side wall 158). The second side wall 159 may extend substantially perpendicular to the base 151.

At or towards the first end 152 of the reinforcement tray 15 may be a first end wall 154. The first end wall 154 may extend generally away from the base 151 and may be substantially perpendicular thereto. A profile of the first end wall 154 (i.e. the profile defined by the height of extension of the first end wall 154 above the base 151) may be configured to match, substantively, a profile of the dropped centre portion 12.

Similarly, at or towards the second end 153 of the reinforcement tray 15 may be a second end wall 155. The second end wall 155 may extend generally away from the base 151 and may be substantially perpendicular thereto. A profile of the second end wall 155 (i.e. the profile defined by the height of extension of the second end wall 155 above the base 151) may be configured to match, substantively, the profile of the dropped centre portion 12.

Either or both of the first and second end walls 154,155 of the reinforcement tray 15 may, therefore, comprise generally triangular end portions joined by a substantially rectangular central portion. The profile of the end walls 154,155 may, therefore, be shaped such that an edge of each of the end walls 154,155 contacts an inner surface of the first and second trough sidewalls 1211,1212 and the trough base 1213 when the reinforcement tray 15 is secured to the floor element 11. In some embodiments, the profiles may be such that the edge of each of the end walls 154,155 may also or alternatively contact an inner surface of the first and second wing floor panels 132,142.

In some embodiments, a width of the reinforcement tray 15 defined between the two sides 156,157 is less than a width of the first and second end walls 154,155 of the reinforcement tray 15. In such embodiments, the first and second end walls 154,155 may extend beyond the first and second sides 156,157 of the reinforcement tray 15. The first and second end walls 154,155 of the reinforcement tray 15 may be spaced apart from adjacent ends of the first and second side walls 158,158 by a distance which is substantially equal to a distance of extension of the or each lip 135,145. The reinforcement tray 15 base 151 may include respective lip portions 1511 between the first and second end walls 154,155 and the first and second side walls 158,159.

The reinforcement tray 15 may, therefore, be positioned at least partially within the internal volume of the floor element 11 such that the base 151 of the tray 15 is adjacent the trough base 1213 (and preferably spaced apart therefrom).

The first side wall 158 of the reinforcement tray 15 may contact an inner surface of the first trough sidewall 1211 and/or the first wing floor panel 132 and/or the join between the two. Similarly, the second side wall 159 of the reinforcement tray 15 may contact an inner surface of the second trough sidewall 1212 and/or the second wing floor panel 142 and/or the join between the two. Accordingly, the first and second side walls 158,159 of the reinforcement tray 15 may at least partially support one or both of the dropped centre portion 12 and the wing portions 13,14.

As described, the first and second end walls 154,155 of the reinforcement tray 15 may also contact one or more of an inner surface of the trough base 1213, the first trough sidewall 1211, the second trough sidewall 1212, the first wing floor panel 132, and the second wing floor panel 142. Accordingly, the first and second end walls 154,155 of the reinforcement tray 15 may at least partially support one or both of the dropped centre portion 12 and the wing portions 13,14.

The first and second end walls 154,155 of the reinforcement tray 15 may, accordingly, reduce the flexibility of the floor element 11 as a result of any gaps, as mentioned above.

The or each lip 145,135 and lip portion 1511 may in some embodiments provide a peripheral support surface for the floor element 11. The peripheral support surface may be substantially planar.

In some embodiments, the reinforcement tray 15 may be welded in place with respect to the floor element 11.

In embodiments, therefore, the floor element 11 includes wing portions 13,14 which have an accessible (i.e. open) internal volume when reinforced by the reinforcement tray 15. The enclosed volume of the floor element 11 (i.e. the portion enclosed by the reinforcement tray 15 is restricted to the portion of the floor element 11 in the region of the trough 121.

In some embodiments, the two wing portions 13,14 and the dropped centre portion 12 are integrally formed. This may be achieved by the folding and cutting of a sheet of material (e.g. a metal such as steel). Welding may be used to secure adjacent parts together.

In some embodiments, the reinforcement tray 15 is integrally formed and this may be achieved by the folding and cutting of a sheet of material (e.g. a metal such as steel). The reinforcement tray 15 may then be welded or otherwise secured to the floor element 11.

The floor element 11, therefore, forms a module. A plurality of such modules may be attached in a row with the lengths thereof aligned (e.g. with the troughs 121 aligned). The floor elements 11 may be welded together or otherwise secured to each other. Each module may include a respective reinforcement tray 15 or a plurality of modules may include a single reinforcement tray 15 which is configured to reinforce each floor element 11 (i.e. each module). Accordingly, the vehicle chassis frame 1 may be a modular vehicle chassis frame 1 including a plurality of floor elements 11 and at least one reinforcement tray 15.

The provision of a modular vehicle chassis frame 1 allows the properties of the materials used in each floor element 11 and/or in the or each reinforcement tray 15 to be selected in accordance with the expected load on that part of the vehicle chassis frame 1. Accordingiy, different floor elements 11 of a single vehicle chassis frame 1 may be made from different materials and/or different thicknesses of material. In some embodiments, the material used for the reinforcement tray 15 may be different to that used for the floor element 11 to which it is secured. In some embodiments with a plurality of floor elements 11 and reinforcement trays 15, the material properties of one of the reinforcement trays 15 may be different to the material properties of another of the reinforcement trays 15 but the floor elements 11 may be made from the material with the same properties as each other. In some embodiments, the reinforcement trays 15 secured to two respective floor elements 11 may have the same material properties but the material properties of each of the floor elements 11 may be different.

In some embodiments, the floor element 11 and reinforcement tray 15 may take different forms. Some such embodiments are described with reference to figures 7 to 11.

In these embodiments, the first and second wing portions 13,14 and the dropped centre portion 12 are in the form of a panel which may be folded to form these portions. As such, the first and second wing portions 13,14 and the dropped centre portion 12 may be parts of an elongate panel.

The first and second wing portions 13,14 in such embodiments may include first and second wing floor panels 132,142 as described above. However, in some such embodiments, one or more of the wing end panels 133,143, distal end panels 134,144, and lips 135 are not present.

The floor element 11 of such embodiments may include one or more support ribs 16 each of which are configured to support the first and second wing portions 13,14 and which may also support at least part of the dropped centre portion 12. The or each support rib 16 may be provided as a separate element to the floor element 11.

The or each support rib 16 may have a substantially u-shaped cross-section and the or each support rib 16 may define substantially open ends. The or each support rib 16 may include a central portion which is configured to be positioned adjacent the dropped centre portion 12 and two wing support portions which are located either side of the central portion. Each of the two wing support portions may be configured to support a respective one of the first and second wing portions 13,14. Accordingly, the or each support rib 16 may be configured so as to fit with the wing portions 13 and, in some embodiments, with the dropped centre portion 12.

The or each support rib 16 may be formed by folding and cutting a sheet of material (e.g. a metal such as steel). The or each support rib 16 may be cast or extruded in some embodiments. As will be appreciated, the material properties of the or each support rib 16 may be selected in accordance with the required load bearing characteristics of the vehicle chassis frame 1. In embodiments including a plurality of support ribs 16, a first support rib 16a may have different material properties than a second support rib 16b. Material properties may include the material itself and/or a thickness of the material used, for example.

One or more tabs may be carried by edges of the or each support rib 16 and each may be configured to abut a surface of the wing portions 13,14 and/or the dropped centre portion 12. The or each tab may be welded to the abutting surface to attach the or each support rib 16 to one or more of the wing portions 13,14 and the dropped centre portion 12.

The reinforcement tray 15 in such embodiments may include respective first and second side walls 158,159 across a width of the reinforcement tray 15. The width of the reinforcement tray 15 may be greater than or substantially equal to a width of the central portion of the or each support rib 16.

The first and second side walls 158,159 may each define one or more pairs of rib receiving recesses 158a,159a. The or each pair of rib receiving recesses 158a,159a may extend through part of or substantially an entire a height of the first and second side walls 158,159. The or each pair of rib receiving recesses 158a,159a may be configured such that the support rib 16 may be located at least partially within the reinforcement tray 15. In some embodiments, the central portion of the support rib 16 so received may abut the base 151 of the reinforcement tray 15. The wing support portions of the support rib 16 may extend through respective recesses of the pair of rib receiving recesses 158a,159a. The height of the side walls 158,159 between the or each pair of rib receiving recesses 158a,159a may be such that, in such a configuration, the side walls 158,159 at least partially support one or more of the wing portions 13,14 and the dropped centre portion 12.

In some embodiments, the first and second end walls 154,155 of the reinforcement tray 15 of such embodiments differ from those of other embodiments. For example, the first and second end walls 154,155 may extend to a lower height above the base 151 of the reinforcement tray 15 than the side walls 158,159 and may be of a height such that the end walls 154,155 do not extend into the trough 121 when the vehicle chassis frame 1 is fully constructed.

The space between each end wall 154,155 of the reinforcement tray 15 and the adjacent side walls 158.159 may be substantially equal to or marginally greater than a depth of the or each support rib 16 such that a support rib 16 may slot into the space and be retained between the end wall 154,155 and the adjacent side walls 158,159.

The reinforcement tray 15 may be attached to one or more of the wing portions 13,14, the dropped centre portion 12, and the or each support rib 16.

The reinforcement tray 15 may, in some embodiments, form a central spine of the vehicle chassis frame 1. In embodiments with one or more support ribs 16, these may extend generally perpendicular to the central spine provided by the reinforcement tray 15.

In embodiments with support ribs 16, the distance between adjacent support ribs 16 may be different along the length of the vehicle chassis frame 1 in accordance with the required load bearing characteristics for the vehicle chassis frame 1.

As with the embodiments described with reference to figures 1 to 6, the floor elements 11 of the embodiments described with reference to figures 7 to 11 may be attached in a row of floor elements 11 used in the modular vehicle chassis frame 1.

In some embodiments, one or more side covers 18 may be provided. The or each side cover 18 may be configured to be attached along the distal end 141 of a respective one of the wing portions 13,14, and may extend in a direction away from the channel.

In embodiments in which one or more support ribs 16 are provided, the or each side cover 18 may be configured to cover the or each open end of the or each support rib 16 at one end of the support rib or ribs 16. In some embodiments, the or each side cover 18 includes a part which is configured to extend along a surface of wing support portion(s) at one end of the or each support rib 16. That surface of the or each wing support portion may be a base part of the U-shaped wing support portion in some embodiments. Accordingly, the or each side cover 18 may comprise an elongate member having a first part and a second part. The first and second parts may both extend along a length of the side cover 18 and may be at an angle with respect to each other - such then a longitudinal fold is defined between the two parts along the length of the side cover 18.

In some embodiments, the vehicle chassis frame 1 includes one or more side wall members 17 which are each configured to be attached to a respective side of the floor element 11 (or elements 11). In some embodiments, the or each side wall member 17 may have a curved cross-section. In some embodiments, the or each side wall member 17 is attached to a respective one of the one or more side covers 18. In some embodiments, the or each side wall member 17 includes an integral side cover 18.

In some embodiments, see figures 13 and 16 for example, one or more of the or each support ribs 16 may serve one or more ancillary or additional functions (e.g. in addition to providing support for the floor element 11). For example, the or each support rib 16 may include one or more support ribs 16c which are configured to be secured to a suspension system (which may include one or more suspension elements) of the vehicle 100.

The or each support rib 16c which is configured to be secured to a suspension system may, therefore, include a suspension mounting portion 162 to which the suspension system is configured to be mounted. This may include, for example, a plate, flange, socket, or other arrangement configured to mount the suspension system (or a part thereof).

In some embodiments one or more of the or each support rib 16c (configured to be secured to a suspension system) may include a plurality of such suspension mounting portions 162 which may be spaced apart from each other along part of the support rib 16c. The suspension mounting portions 162 may be spaced apart from each other across a width of the floor element 11 -e.g. may be located at either side of the dropped centre portion 12.

In some examples, such as in figures 13 and 16-20, the or each support rib 16 (whether a support rib 16c with a suspension mounting portion 162 or not) may be of an open or partially open construction. In particular, the or each support rib 16 may include one or more portions in the form of respective rib flanges 161 configured to support the first or second wing portions 13,14. The or each rib flange 161 may be configured such that an edge of the rib flange 161 supports the first and/or second wing portions 13,14. Accordingly, the edge of the or each rib flange 161 may be configured to abut a surface of the first or second wing portion 13,14. A depth of the or each rib flange 161 may taper along its length (i.e. towards the side or sides of the floor element 11). In some embodiments, the or each rib flange 161 may be substantially planar and arranged with respect to the wing portions 13,14 such that a downward force on the wing portion 13,14 (in a typical orientation) would be transmitted to the edge of the or each rib flange 161 and through the depth of the rib flange 161. The depth of the rib flange 161 may be, therefore, in a generally vertical orientation with the vehicle 100 in a typical orientation. The rib flange 161 may be deeper than it is thick and the edge of the or each rib flange 161 may be defined by the thickness and length of that rib flange 161.

In some embodiments, there may be two or more such rib flanges 161 which are spaced apart from each other - e.g. along a length of the floor element 11. The two or more rib flanges 161 may support the first wing portion 13 or may support the second wing portion 14 or, in some embodiments, may be of a length such that they support both the first and second wing portions 13,14.

In some embodiments, one rib flange 161 of a particular support rib 16 may be of a different configuration to another of the rib flanges 161 of the same support rib 16 - e.g. extending different distances along the wing portions 13,14. Such configurations may be used to accommodate different structural load requirements - for example, rib flanges 161 near a suspension mounting portion 162 may be different to other rib flanges 161 further away from the suspension mounting portion 162, or the structural load may be the weight of part of the vehicle 100 which is supported on the floor element 11.

The or each rib flange 161 may support at least part of the dropped centre portion 12 (e.g. one or more of the trough base 1213, and the trough sidewalls 1211,1212). In such embodiments, an edge of the or each rib flange 161 may abut (and may be attached to) the at least part of the dropped centre portion 12.

In some embodiments, one or more of the support ribs 16 each include a first rib flange 161a which supports both the first and second wing portions 13,14 (and may also support at least part of the dropped centre portion 12). This first rib flange 161a may, therefore, extend across a width of the floor element 11 and may extend across substantially the entire width of the floor element 11. In some embodiments, a second rib flange 161b of the or each support rib 16 is shorter than the first rib flange 161 a and may be configured such that it does not extend along a substantial part of the first or second wing portions 13,14. In particular, the second rib flange 161b may support at least part of the dropped centre portion 12 (e.g. one or more of the trough base 1213, and the trough sidewalls 1211,1212). The second rib flange 161 b may not contact the first and/or second wing portions 13,14 in such embodiments or may only extend along respective portions of the wing portions 13,14 (and contact only those portions).

In some embodiments, the first and second rib flanges 161a,161b are connected to each other by one or more suspension mounting portions 162 (e.g. in the form of mounting plates). The or each mounting plate may be configured to be mounted to one or more other components of the vehicle 100 (such as a part of the suspension system). The or each mounting plate may be generally perpendicular to the rib flanges 161 and may be located remotely from the floor element 11. In some embodiments, there are two mounting plates (or other form of suspension mounting portion 162) which are located such that they are substantially adjacent the dropped centre portion 12 of the floor element 11.

In some embodiments, the or each support rib 16 may include one or more further elements (such as plates or cross-members) which provide structural strength to the support rib 16 (and which may be attached to one or both of the first and second rib flanges 161 in some embodiments).

Some such support ribs 16 may each be formed substantially from a signal sheet of cut and folded metal (such as steel).

In some embodiments, one or more of the or each support ribs 16c may be configured primarily to provide the suspension mounting portion 162 or portions 162 or a mounting portion for another component of the vehicle 100. Accordingly, such support rib or ribs 16c may be configured to be secured to the floor element 11 adjacent the dropped centre portion 12 and may not extend along the first and second wing portions 13,14. The one or more such support ribs 16c may include one or more suspension mounting portions 162 (e.g. two) which may be supported by a plurality of sidewalls with respect to a part of the support rib 16c which is configured to be attached to the floor element 11. These sidewalls may define one or more buttress-like formations (e.g. angled sidewalls) which help to distribute any forces applied to the or each suspension mounting portion 162 and reinforce the support rib 16c.

In some embodiments, the or each support rib 16 may include an end support rib 16d,e (see figures 14 and 15 in particular as examples) which is configured to support at least part of the floor element 11 and serve another function -such as defining a panel of the vehicle 100, a lip, a drainage channel, a structural member of the vehicle 100 or the like.

Accordingly, at the second end 112 of the floor element 11, a second end support rib 16e may provide structural support for a tailgate element and/or a lip which aids access to a compartment of the vehicle 100 (a compartment at least partially defined by the floor element 11, for example). Accordingly, the second end support rib 16e may include portions which abut the floor element 11 and which may abut one or more of the dropped centre portion 12 and the wing portions 13,14. The second end support rib 16e may further define an end surface 116e (see figure 14) which is located at the second end 112 of the floor element 11. The end surface 116e of the second end support rib 16e may be generally perpendicular to a plane of the floor element 11 or may be inclined with respect thereto such that it extends beyond the second end 112 of the floor element 11. In some embodiments, the second end support rib 16e may at least partially define an open faced volume, and the open face may be located towards the second end 112 of the floor element 11. In such embodiments, the open faced volume may be at least partially defined by the floor element 11. This open-faced volume may provide room for other components to be mounted with respect to the floor element 11. The second end support rib 16e may be formed from a single sheet for metal (e.g. steel). A first end support rib 16d may be located at the first end 111 of the floor element 11. The first end support rib 16d may include a portion 116d which extends through a slot or aperture defined by the floor element 11 such that parts of the first end support rib 16d are located on either side of the floor element 11. One such part may include one or more rib flanges 161 generally as described above. The other such part may be an extension of the first end support rib 16d (and may be an extension of one of the rib flanges 161) and may define one or more panels 216d. In some embodiments, a plurality of panels 216d are so defined and may be angled with respect to each other. A part of at least one such panel 216d may define a slot 316d which is configured to receive a drainage element such as a pipe or trough (for the drainage of liquid (or another fluid) from a compartment at least partially defined by the floor element 11). Accordingly, the panel or panels 216d may define at least part of an internal wall of the vehicle 100. The floor element 11 may define the slot or aperture through which the portion 116d of the first end support rib 16d extends. This slot may be a part of the floor element 11 which does not include a dropped centre portion 12, for example, but which does include first and second wing portions 13,14 - such that the slot is defined between the first and second wing portions 13,14. The first end support rib 16d may be formed from a single sheet for metal (e.g. steel).

Accordingly, in some example embodiments (such as best seen in the example in figures 13 and 16), a plurality of support ribs 16 may be provided along the length of the floor element 11. Different end support ribs 16d,e may be located at either end 111,112 of the floor element 11, two similar support ribs 16a,b may be located between the two ends 111,112 of the floor element 11 (e.g. generally halfway between the two ends), and a different form of support rib 16c (e.g. primarily to provide a mounting portion) may be provided towards one end 111,112 of the floor element 11 (relative to the two similar support ribs 16a,b). A plurality of reinforcement trays 15 may be provided which are located between and may at least partially enclose one or more of the support ribs 16 (be they end support ribs 16 or otherwise). The reinforcement trays 15 are generally located adjacent the dropped centre portion 12 of the floor element 11 and may not extend across an entire width of the floor element 11. The reinforcement trays 15 may each include a base 151, a first side wall 158 and an opposing second side wall 159. The two side walls 158,159 may be substantially perpendicular to the base 151. In some embodiments, the two side wails 158,159 are attached to the base 151 by respective intermediate walls 1512 which are inclined with respect to the base 151 and the side walls 158,159.

In some embodiments, a portion of the base 151 of one or more of the reinforcement trays 15 covers at least part of the or each support rib 16 (which may be an end support rib 16d,e, for example). In such embodiments, the side walls 158,159 may extend along only part of the length of the base 151, and the intermediate walls 1512 may extend over a greater length of the base 151 than the side walls 158,159. A length of the intermediate walls 1512 may, therefore, be configured to abut one or more of the support ribs 16 to space the base 151 from the support rib 16. One or more tabs 1513 may extend from the base 151 to the support rib 16 and may be secured thereto.

In some embodiments, a single reinforcement tray 15 is provided which may, for example, extend along a substantial part of the length of the floor element 11.

In some embodiments, the or each side cover 18 may be a two-part side cover 18. A first part 18a of the or each two-part side cover 18 may be securable to the distal end 141 of a respective wing portion 13,14. The first part 18a of the or each two-part side cover 18 may include a first element which is secured to one side of the floor element 11, a second element which extends from the that side to the other side of the floor element 11 (around the distal end 141 of the wing portion 13,14) and may include a third element which extends inwardly towards the centre dropped portion 12 of the floor element 11 - the first and third elements being spaced apart by the second element such that the first part 18a of the or each two-part side cover 18 has a generally U-shaped profile. A second part 18b of the or each two-part side cover 18 may comprise a sheath which covers at least part of the first part 18a of the same two-part side cover 18. The second part 18b may have a similar profile to the first part 18a but may be larger. The first and second parts 18a,b may be attached to each other. The use of this two-part system may provide additional protection for the first part 18a and/or may increase the strength of the side cover 18 and/or may provide additional mounting options for further parts of the vehicle 100. The first part 18a may form, in some embodiments, a strengthening member (adding to the rigidity of the floor element 11) and may, in some embodiments, act as a guide for one or more other parts of the vehicle 100 (e.g. to guide the ejector barrier of a refuse vehicle 100).

In some embodiments, see figures 17-20 for example, a plurality of pairs of support ribs 16f is provided. Each pair of support ribs 16f may include a first support rib 116f and a second support rib 216f which are located adjacent each other. The pair of support ribs 16f may provide support for the first and second wing portions 13,14 and may provide support for the dropped centre portion 12 of the floor element 11. Each of the pair of ribs 16f includes a middle part generally located adjacent the dropped centre portion 12 of the floor element 11. At both ends of the middle part of each of the pair of support ribs 16f there may be an arm portion. The arm portions may diverge from each other. In other words, the arm portions may be angled with respect to the floor element 11 such that the distance between the arm portions at the distal parts thereof is greater than the distance at the proximal parts thereof (the proximal parts being nearest to the middle parts). Accordingly, each pair of support ribs 16f has a generally x-shaped configuration. These support ribs 16f may, however, be of similar construction to the support ribs 16 described above (e.g. with regard to the edge which supports the first and/or second wing portion 13,14 and the transmission of forces through the support rib 16).

In embodiments, a plurality of pairs of such support ribs 16f is provided along the length of the floor element 11. In some embodiments, the middle parts of a pair of such support ribs 16f may be spaced apart from each other or may contact each other (and may be secured together in some embodiments).

As can be seen from the figures, respective edges of the support ribs 16f of each pair contact (and may be attached to) the floor element 11 (e.g. the first and second wing portions 12,13). Each such support rib 16f may extend away from the floor element 11 and each part (e.g. the middle part and the arm portions) may be generally planar. Each such support rib 16f may, therefore, be formed from a single sheet of metal (such as steel). A reinforcement tray 15, generally, as described above in relation to figure 2 may be provided - with the reinforcement tray 15 defining slots for receipt of parts of the support ribs 16f of each pair. The reinforcement tray 15 may, therefore, cover the middle parts of the pairs of support ribs 16f.

In some embodiments a support rib 16 of a different configuration may be provided at one or both ends 111,112 of the floor element 11 (with pairs of support ribs 16f in x-shaped configurations between the ends 111,112 of the floor element 11). These different support arms 16 may be of the form described in relation to figures 7-11, for example.

Similarly, the floor element 11 may be as described above in such embodiments, and side covers 18 may be provided.

Figures 17-20 show examples of embodiments which use an x-shaped configuration for at least some of the support ribs 16f that support the floor element 11. As will be appreciated from the figures for example, the or each support rib 16 (of the pair of support ribs 16f or otherwise) may define one or more cut-out sections 316f. Such cut-out sections 316f may reduce the weight of the support rib 16. In some embodiments, the cut-out sections 316f may be located through a part of the support rib 16 (or ribs 16) which support the first and/or second wing portions 13,14. One or more of the cut-out sections 316f may be provided to receive at least part of one or more beams or pipes/tubes 19.

In some embodiments, the edge portion of the or each support rib 16 (of the pair of support ribs 16f or otherwise) remote from the floor element 11 may be perpendicular to at least part of the rest of the support rib 16 (e.g. folded over). These edge portions may, in pairs of support ribs 16f, extend away from the other support rib 16 of the pair of support ribs 16f (i.e. may extend outwardly).

In some embodiments, the distal ends of one support rib 16 of a first pair of support ribs 16f may contact (and may be attached to) the distal ends of one support rib 16 of a second pair of support ribs 16f (the two pairs being adjacent each other). As discussed above, the middle parts of the support ribs 16 of a pair of such ribs 16f may contact each other and may be attached to each other.

In some embodiments, the pair of support ribs 16f may be formed from a single sheet of metal (such as steel) which is cut and folded to form the pair of support ribs 16f.

As seen in the figures, for example, the support ribs 16 may include one or more further support ribs 16 which are not in a pair 16f but which may otherwise be of a corresponding form to one of the support ribs 16 of a pair 16f. The support ribs 16 may also include other forms of support rib 16. This may include end support ribs 16d,e which are described in relation to figures 13-16. This may also, or alternatively, include one or more single support ribs 16 in which the middle part and arm portions are generally straight (i.e. the generally lie in the same plane) and may extend across the width of the floor element 11. The arm portions of such support ribs 16 may include one or more angled parts remote from the floor element 11 in order to accommodate other parts of the vehicle 100.

In some embodiments, shown for example with respect to figures 17-20, there may be one or more beams 191 provided which extend along at least a part of the length of the floor element 11 and which are configured to provide support for the floor element 11. In some embodiments, the or each beam 191 may be located adjacent the dropped centre portion 12 of the floor element 11.

In the depicted embodiments (and others), two beams 191 may be provided and generally located along opposing parts of the dropped centre portion 12.

As discussed above, the or each beam 191 may pass through one or more of the support ribs 16 (which may be one or more pairs 16f of support ribs 16). In some embodiments, the or each beam 191 may be at least partially received by one or more of the cut-out sections 316f.

In some embodiments, in which two beams 191 are provided, the beams 191 may extend along the dropped centre portion 12 from the second end 112 of the floor element 11. The beams 191 may be substantially parallel. Towards the first end 111 of the floor element 11, the two beams 191 may splay apart such that they are no longer parallel with each other (i.e. they may extend away from each other). The two beams 191 may extend apart such that the beams 191 are further apart and then may return to extending parallel with each other towards the first end 111 of the floor element 11. At least part of one or more reinforcement trays 15 may be accommodated between the two beams 191 towards the first end 111 of the floor element 11.

At the first end 111 of the floor element 11, the two beams 191 may each form a respective triangular formation. In particular, each beam 191 may extend from an end towards the floor element 11, generally along an edge of the adjacent wing portion 13,14 and back to the end. Accordingly, the triangular formation may be in a plane generally perpendicular to the floor element 11. The triangular formation may allow for additional support and mounting options.

In some embodiments, a pipe/tube 192 may be located between the two beams 191 towards the second end 112 of the floor element 11 (or otherwise in the region of the second end 112 of the floor element 11, irrespective of whether the two beams 191 are provided). The pipe/tube 192 may provide a channel for liquid or another fluid and may also provide some structural support for the floor element 11. The pipe/tube 192 may be at least partially received by the or each cut-out section 316f - and may, therefore, pass through one or more support ribs 16. The pipe/tube 192 may, in some embodiments, not provide a passage for liquid or fluid, but primarily serves a structural purpose. In some embodiments, the pipe/tube 192 is a tube of elliptical cross-sectional shape.

In some embodiments, see figure 18 for example, cross-braces 20 are provided adjacent at least a part of the dropped centre portion 12 - e.g. between the two beams 191 if provided - generally towards the second end 112 of the floor element 11. Each set of cross-braces 20 may comprise two diagonai members arranged in a cross formation. The sets of cross-braces 20 may be secured to the two beams 191 if provided and/or may be attached to the floor element 11. In some embodiments, a set of cross-braces 20 is provided between two adjacent pairs 16f of support ribs 16. In some embodiments, three sets of cross-braces 20 are provided.

The or each beam 191 may be formed from box-section material, for example. In some embodiments, the or each beam 191 is formed from a partial box-section - e.g. with a c-shaped cross-section (which may be formed from a folded sheet of metal (such as steel)). In some embodiments, the box-section material may have a square or rectangular cross-section or may have a circular or elliptical cross-section.

In some embodiments, cowl panels 21 may be provided - see figures 17-20. The or each cowl panel 21 may be configured to be mounted with respect to the first end support rib 16d such that they are located within a slot defined between the first and second wing portions 13,14 of the floor element 11. In some embodiments, two cowl panels 21 are provided and are located either side of the panels 216d of the first end support rib 16d.

One or more blanking panels 22 (see figure 20) may be provided and secured to the first end support rib 16d (or another support rib 16). The or each blanking panel 22 may be used to, for example, close a volume defined or partially defined by the first end support rib 16d (or other support rib 16).

As will be appreciate, the use of divergent rib flanges 161 according to some embodiments aids in providing additional stiffness in torsion and vertical bending (in the typical orientation). The divergent rib flanges 161 may also aid in the placement of the vehicle wheels.

In some embodiments, the reinforcement tray 15 may include one or more mounting configurations which are configured for use in the mounting of one or more other vehicle components to the reinforcement tray 15.

In some embodiments, the vehicle chassis frame 1 may define a floor surface of a different profile. The embodiments described above have a dropped centre portion 12 such that the vehicle chassis frame 1 may be described as having a dropped centre profile. In some embodiments, the vehicle chassis frame 1 may have a v-shaped profile or may even have a flat profile - in either case the distinction between the wing floor panels 132,142, and the trough sidewalls 1211,1212 and trough base 1213 may not be present and these may be combined (into one panel/surface or into two panels/surfaces).

As will be understood, embodiments seek to provide light weight vehicle chassis frames 1. Embodiments, seek to minimise any contained volume which may lead to corrosion issues. The modular form of embodiments and the ability to vary the material properties of components of embodiments allows the load bearing abilities of embodiments to be tailored to the required load bearing characteristics.

As will also be understood, the embodiments described with reference to figures 1 to 6 may be said to include integral support formation similar in function to the support ribs 16 of other embodiments. In particular, the wing end panels 133,143 and the or each trough end wall 124 may provide (in some embodiments) structural support which is rib-like relative to the central spine provided by the reinforcement tray 15.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. A vehicle chassis frame comprising: a pair of support ribs; and a floor element having a first end and a second end, the floor element being configured to provide at least part of a floor of a vehicle, and the floor element having: a dropped centre portion defining a trough having a first side and a second side; a first wing portion attached to the first side of the trough; and a second wing portion attached to the second side of the trough, wherein a first and a second support rib of the pair of support ribs each include a respective rib flange, the rib flanges both support the first or second wing portions and the rib flange of the first support rib diverges from the rib flange of the second support rib.

2. A vehicle chassis frame according to claim 1, wherein: the first and second support ribs include respective further rib flanges which support the other of the first and second wing portions and which also diverge from each other, to form an x-shaped configuration.

3. A vehicle chassis frame according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: an edge of each rib flange abuts a surface of the first or second wing portions, the edge being defined by a thickness and length of each of the rib flanges.

4. A vehicle chassis frame according to claim 3, wherein each rib flange is deeper than it is thick.

5. A vehicle chassis frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the pair of support ribs extend across substantially an entire width of the floor element.

6. A vehicle chassis frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the support ribs of the pair of support ribs further define cut-out sections.

7. A vehicle chassis frame according to claim 6, wherein at least one cutout section is defined in the rib flange of at least one of the pair of support ribs.

8. A vehicle chassis frame according to any preceding claim, further including one or more beams and/or pipes/tubes extending along a length of the floor element.

9. A vehicle chassis frame according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more end support ribs each located at an end of the floor element and of a different form to the first and second support ribs.

10. A vehicle chassis frame according to claim 9, wherein the one or more end support ribs include a portion which extends through a slot or aperture defined by the floor element.

11. A vehicle chassis frame according to claim 10, wherein the slot or aperture is defined between the first and second wing portions, and the portion of the one or more end support ribs defines one or more internal walls of the vehicle chassis frame.

12. A vehicle chassis frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second support ribs abut each other in respective middle parts of the support ribs.

13. A vehicle chassis frame comprising: a reinforcement tray; and a floor element having a first end and a second end, the floor element being configured to provide at least part of a floor of a vehicle, and the floor element having: a dropped centre portion defining a trough having a first side and a second side; a first wing portion attached to the first side of the trough; and a second wing portion attached to the second side of the trough, wherein the reinforcement tray is configured to reinforce at least a portion of the floor element and is attached to the floor element along at least part of a length of the floor element adjacent the trough, such that the first and second wing portions extend away from the reinforcement tray.

14. A vehicle chassis frame according to claim 13, wherein the reinforcement tray defines a substantially enclosed volume adjacent the dropped centre portion.

15. A vehicle chassis frame according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the floor element includes a substantially open internal volume adjacent the first and second wing portions.

16. A vehicle chassis frame according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the reinforcement tray comprises a base having a first end and a second end defining a length, and a first end wall adjacent the first end of the base and a second end wall adjacent the second end of the base.

17. A vehicle chassis frame according to claim 16, wherein the base of the reinforcement tray includes a first side and a second side defining a width, and a first side wall adjacent the first side of the base and a second side wall adjacent the second side of the base.

18. A vehicle chassis frame according to any of claims 13 to 17, wherein the reinforcement tray is integrally formed.

19. A vehicle chassis frame according to claim 18, wherein the reinforcement tray is formed from a sheet of material provided in a folded configuration.

20. A vehicle chassis frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the dropped centre portion, first wing portion, and second wing portion are integrally formed.

21. A vehicle chassis frame according to claim 20, wherein the dropped centre portion, first wing portion, and second wing portion are formed from a sheet of material provided in a folded configuration.

22. A vehicle chassis frame according to any preceding claim, further comprising a plurality of support ribs, wherein each support rib is configured to support at least a portion of the first wing portion and/or the second wing portion.

23. A vehicle chassis frame according to claim 22, wherein one or more material properties of a first of the plurality of support ribs are different to one or more material properties of a second of the plurality of support ribs.

24. A vehicle chassis frame according to claims 22 or 23, wherein a distance between a first of the plurality of support ribs and a second of the plurality of support ribs is different to a distance between the second of the plurality of support ribs and a third of the plurality of support ribs.

25. A vehicle chassis frame according to any of claims 1 to 12 or 22 to 24, wherein each support rib is formed from a respective single sheet of material provided in a folded configuration.

26. A vehicle chassis frame according to any of claims 1 to 12 or 22 to 25, wherein each support rib is a separate support rib.

27. A vehicle chassis frame according to claim 22 or 23, wherein first and second side walls of the reinforcement tray define a plurality of pairs of opposing recesses, and wherein each pair of recesses is configured to receive at least part of one of the plurality of support ribs.

28. A vehicle chassis frame according to any of claims 22, 23, or 27, further including at least one side wall cover which is configured to cover an open end of at least one of the plurality of support ribs substantially.

29. A vehicle chassis frame according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more side wall members, wherein the or each side wall member provides a vehicle body panel.

30. A vehicle chassis frame according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more further floor elements.

31. A vehicle chassis frame according to claim 30, further comprising one or more reinforcement trays or further reinforcement trays.

32. A vehicle chassis frame according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the plurality of floor elements and/or reinforcement trays include a first floor element or reinforcement tray which is different to a second floor element or reinforcement tray.

33. A vehicle including a vehicle chassis frame according to any preceding claim.

34. A vehicle according to claim 33, wherein the vehicle is a heavy goods vehicle.

35. A vehicle according to claim 34, wherein the vehicle is a refuse vehicle.

36. A method of constructing a vehicle chassis frame comprising: forming a pair of support ribs; and forming a floor element having a first end and a second end, the floor element being configured to provide at least part of a floor of a vehicle, and the floor element having: a dropped centre portion defining a trough having a first side and a second side; a first wing portion attached to the first side of the trough; and a second wing portion attached to the second side of the trough, attaching the pair of support ribs to the floor element, wherein a first and a second support rib of the pair of support ribs each include a respective rib flange, and the pair of support ribs are attached to the floor element such that the rib flanges both support the first or second wing portions and the rib flange of the first support rib diverges from the rib flange of the second support rib.

37. A method of constructing a vehicle chassis frame, the method comprising: forming a reinforcement tray; forming a floor element having a first end and a second end, the floor element being configured to provide at least part of a floor of a vehicle, and the floor element having: a dropped centre portion defining a trough having a first side and a second side; a first wing portion attached to the first side of the trough; and a second wing portion attached to the second side of the trough; and attaching the reinforcement tray to the floor element, to reinforce at least a portion of the floor element, along at least part of a length of the floor element adjacent the trough, such that the first and second wing portions extend away from the reinforcement tray.

38. A vehicle chassis frame substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

39. A vehicle substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

40. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

41. Any novel feature or novel combination of features disclosed herein.