ITVR20120118A1 - SELF-PROPELLED VEHICLE PARTICULARLY SUITABLE FOR DISPLACEMENT BETWEEN ROWS FOR PROCESSING, TREATMENT AND COLLECTION OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLE - Google Patents

Description

SELF-PROPELLED VEHICLE PARTICULARLY SUITABLE FOR MOVING BETWEEN ROWS FOR THE PROCESSING, TREATMENT AND HARVEST OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES.

The present invention relates to a self-propelled vehicle, particularly suitable for moving between rows for the processing, treatment and harvesting of fruit or vegetables, in particular between rather low rows, such as rows of dried fruit plants, for example almond trees, pistachios and kernels.

Up to now, many self-propelled machines or vehicles have been proposed to carry out processes, such as pruning, fruit harvesting or similar between the rows. The processing and harvesting of dried fruit, in particular almonds, pistachios and hazelnuts, takes place increasingly in an automated way, usually using machines, tractors or specific devices for each processing, which involves continuous research aimed at facilitating and accelerating the process. ™ execution of these processes. If this is accompanied by improvements in the genetic aspect of fruit plants, it is possible to increase production, both in terms of quality and quantity, with a consequent reduction in production costs. On the other hand, the international market, which is constantly changing, has led, on the one hand, to a growing increase in demand for fruit, and on the other, to a lowering of sales prices.

Therefore, new production methods and techniques are always being introduced. In this regard, to increase productivity in large plots of land, the plants are arranged in rows at a close distance compared to the past, to better exploit the surface of the land and speed up processing, treatment and harvesting operations, which involves reduced dimensions. in height and width of the rows. Dedicated or specific self-propelled machines are therefore increasingly used to pass between the rows without damaging the plants and to allow the required work to be carried out. The self-propelled equipment or vehicles currently used for harvesting dried fruit include the usual tractors of very limited dimensions both in height and in width. Such tractors make it possible to carry out various tasks, including insecticide treatments, fertilization treatments and soil management to maintain a uniform and clean surface in order to facilitate harvesting.

Of course, the use of these relatively small tractors involves severe limitations in terms of performance and productivity, as well as safety. In fact, they have a reduced output power, so they require the adoption of small-sized processing and / or treatment equipment, so that, for example, several passages must be carried out between two same rows to complete the disinfestation operations. , which inevitably lengthens treatment times and increases costs at the expense of productivity. In addition, small tractors are usually used without a protective cabin, which is why, during soil and plant treatment operations, there is a serious danger that the unprotected operator inhales harmful substances with even serious risks. for his health. It should also be taken into account that the operator is not motivated to install or keep the cab installed on his tractor, since the height of the cab itself would constitute a serious obstacle for the tractor to pass through the branches. of plants in the rows.

It should also be remembered that the cabs, even those of the so-called â € œlowerâ € type, installed in high-powered tractors, therefore usually large, still protrude above the overall dimensions of the engine so they hit the ends of the branches of the plants. dropping the flowers or fruits before they are ripe, or even breaking them and damaging the plant, which in addition to causing the loss of part of the crop, also reduces the production in the following years. The cab, in fact, is usually placed above the rear axle of the vehicle, which, of course, constitutes a limit at the lower level of the cab itself.

Patent US-3901005 teaches a self-propelled fruit harvesting vehicle, which comprises a frame consisting of a frame formed by a plurality of tubular uprights, longitudinal members and cross members and which also supports a driving position. The frame is mounted on wheels and, once the vehicle has been assembled, is entirely at a higher level than the wheels.

The driving position or cabin is open and positioned at the top of the frame, so as to allow the operator to have good visibility, especially during maneuvering operations.

The frame also has a substantially inverted U-shaped configuration, that is to say that it develops a portion open downwards, so as to allow a bridge passage over a row of plants to be treated.

US-5170614 teaches a self-propelled fruit harvesting vehicle similar to the one described above and equipped with a frame mounted on wheels and a side cabin. The front wheels are supported by the frame by means of L-shaped front brackets anchored below the respective uprights.

The frame is also open downwards so as to allow the passage over and along a row of plants, in order to carry out fruit picking operations.

Patent ES-20 231 773 relates to a collecting vehicle and has a frame which includes a series of tubular cross members.

Patent application US-2002029551A1 teaches a fruit picking vehicle, including an upwardly open frame supporting a cantilevered cab in a front side and raised from the ground.

The base of the frame consists of two plates substantially inclined with respect to the horizontal, which since the respective collector must pass over a row, delimit an opening facing downwards between them, so as to allow the passage of plants within the frame to carry out harvesting operations.

Patent ES-2262384A1 teaches a machine equipped with a frame mounted on wheels, which are substantially within the transverse dimensions of the machine itself.

Furthermore, all the prior patent documents commented above teach vehicles in which each wheel is supported by a respective pin or semi-axle, and there are no axles or bridges that extend transversely from one side of the vehicle to the other, so ¬ to support both the wheels on the right side of the vehicle and those on the left side.

The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a self-propelled vehicle for operations between rows of plants, which has both limited width and height.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a self-propelled vehicle capable of performing multiple processes between rows of plants, including maintenance of the rows, and also capable of towing or pushing tools or wheeled equipment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle as indicated above which has at least one rear and / or front power take-off for towing or pushing and operating devices, accessories and / or agricultural tools suitable for processing and to the maintenance of the soil or of the plants between rows.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a self-propelled vehicle in which it is possible to easily insert components, such as the engine or means suitable for transmission.

These and still other objects, which will appear better later, are achieved by a self-propelled vehicle particularly suitable for operating between rows of fruit plants having a front and a rear driving part mounted on axles, on each of which a rotatable is mounted pair of wheels, at least one pair being steering, so as to define a front vehicle, in use, front and rear,

the vehicle including, at the rear, a superstructure frame including:

at least one pair of lower longitudinal members, in use, rigidly connected to each other by lower cross members,

at least one pair of upper side members, in use, connected to each other by upper cross members,

a plurality of upright elements that rigidly connect the pairs of lower (i) and upper (i) side members,

the at least one pair of lower side members being at a mutual distance less than the mutual distance between the at least one pair of upper side members in order to remain within the transverse dimension of the at least one pair of upper side members, and

the at least one pair of upper side members extending cantilevered at the front to delimit and support a driver's cabin under them.

Advantageously, the at least one pair of cantilever-extending upper longitudinal members are curved, in use, downwards at the front front and delimit at least the front of the driver's cab.

Even more advantageously, the driver's cab comprises a base at a level lower than or equal to that of the pair of lower longitudinal members and is structurally connected to them.

Preferably, the cabin is within the overall dimensions both in height and transversal width of the superstructure frame.

Even more preferably, a housing area is delimited between the lower side members, a rear part of the upper side members, the cross members and the uprights, which has one or more openings facing upwards delimited by a rear part of the upper side members and from the connection crosspieces of the same.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of specific examples of embodiment of a vehicle, description made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figs.1 and 2 are side views of an example of embodiment of a vehicle according to the present invention with various accessories;

- Figure 3 is a perspective view slightly from below of the vehicle of Figures 1 and 2;

- Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views slightly from above with parts removed from the vehicle of Figures 1 and 2;

Figures 6 and 7 are respectively front and rear views of the vehicle of Figures 4 and 5;

- Figure 8 is a perspective view slightly from above of an example of embodiment of the superstructure frame of a vehicle according to the present invention;

- Figure 9 is a perspective view of the rear part of the frame of Fig. 8;

- Figure 10 is a perspective view on an enlarged scale of the front part of the cockpit of the frame of Fig.8;

- Figure 11 is a side view of the front part of Fig.10;

- Figures 12 and 13 are schematic side views which illustrate a variant embodiment of the frame of Fig.8;

- Figures 14 and 15 are schematic rear views which illustrate the height and overall width of other construction variants already known; And

- Figure 16 is a schematic rear view showing height and overall width of a self-propelled vehicle according to the present invention.

In the accompanying drawings, identical or similar parts or components have been indicated with the same reference numerals.

Referring first to Figures 1 to 5, a self-propelled vehicle 1 is shown which is particularly suitable for operating between rows of fruit plants, which has a front part 2 and a rear driving part 3 mounted on axles 1a and 1b, on each of which a pair of wheels 4a, 4b are rotatably mounted, of which at least one steering pair, so as to define a front vehicle, in use, front and one rear or rear R. More specifically, each wheel is rotatably mounted in correspondence of a respective end of a respective axle. Preferably, the vehicle comprises a front axle 1a and a rear axle 1b, as well as an engine unit M carried by the frame at the rear.

The self-propelled vehicle 1 also comprises, at the rear part 3, a superstructure frame 3a carried by the two axles 1a and 1b, preferably within the overall dimensions. The superstructure frame 3a in the example shown is made up of:

- by a pair of lower longitudinal members 5a and 5b, in use, rigidly connected to each other by lower crosspieces 8a, 8b and 8c,

- by a pair of upper side members 60a, 6b, in use, connected to each other by upper crosspieces 7a, 7b, 7c, and

- a plurality of upright elements 9a, 9b, 9c which rigidly connect the pair of lower longitudinal members 5a and 5b and the upper crosspieces 7a, 7b and 7c.

The pair of lower longitudinal members 5a and 5b extends to a mutual distance A smaller than the mutual distance B between the pair of upper longitudinal members 6a and 6b (see Fig. 7), so as to remain within the transverse dimensions of the pair of upper side members 6a and 6b. The side members 5a, 5b as well as the rear part of the upper side members 6a, 6b are, for example, substantially horizontal.

Furthermore, the pair of upper longitudinal members 6a and 6b cantilever at one or both front and rear fronts, to delimit and support under them a driver's cabin compartment 10 at the front 2.

Preferably, both the lower and upper longitudinal members are tubular and are welded to the respective uprights and crosspieces and thereby define a lattice structure. However, other types of rigid connection between side members, crossbeams and uprights can be envisaged, such as bolting, the use of pins, nailing, riveting and the like.

Preferably, the axles 1a, 1b cross transversely the driving rear part 3, so as to connect a wheel on one side of the vehicle with a wheel on the other side of the vehicle. Preferably, there are a pair of front wheels 4a and a pair of rear wheels 4b, each supported externally to the frame: two connected externally to a lower longitudinal member 5a, in position, respectively, front and rear of the rear driving part 3 of the vehicle, and two connected externally to the other lower longitudinal member 5b, in position, respectively, at the front and rear of the driving rear part 3 of the vehicle. As will be understood, steering means can be provided for the front wheels 4a (see in particular Fig. 4) and / or for the rear wheels 4b (see in particular Fig.5).

As will be understood, the wheels, in particular the steering wheels, are supported at a minimum distance required by the lower longitudinal members 5a, 5b.

Preferably, the uprights 9a, 9b, 9c have their upper extremity fixed in support within the overall dimensions of the upper longitudinal members 6a, 6b and have their lower extremity fixed, abutting or resting within the overall dimensions of the respective lower longitudinal member 5a or 5b.

More specifically, the rear uprights 9a have an upper end fixed to the respective rear crosspiece 7a and a lower end fixed to a rear end of a respective lower longitudinal member 5a, 5b.

Alternatively, the uprights are inclined with respect to the vertical direction, and have an upper end fixed to a respective upper side member and lower end fixed to a respective lower side member.

The rear crosspieces 7a, as well as the rear uprights 9a, can be advantageously used as anchoring elements for tow hitches or for attachments to equipment and work tools T1, as will be described hereinafter.

It will be noted how, in use, the upper side members 6a and 6b are located at a height slightly higher than that of the installed engine M and delimit a false cover plane almost parallel to the ground, i.e. to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Advantageously, the upper part of the frame 3a is flat and load-bearing.

With a frame described as above, between the lower longitudinal members 5a, 5b, the rear part 12a, 12b of the upper longitudinal members 6a, 6b, the crosspieces 7a, 7b, 7c, 8a, 8b and the uprights 9a, 9b, 9c remain delimited a housing or reception area RZ, of an engine M (see Figs. 1 and 2), which has one or more opening (s) facing upwards, delimited by the rear part 12a, 12b of the side members 6a, 6b and by the crosspieces 7a, 7b, 7c connecting them. The width or width of the opening (s) of the zone RZ is defined by the distance of the upper longitudinal members 6a, 6b, therefore the structure of the frame according to the present invention has the lower part supporting the wheels with a lower transverse width at the top, the latter has an opening so wide as to allow easy insertion of the motor and the components that must be housed in the RZ reception area. Alternatively the components, due to their size, should be inserted into the frame 3a from one of the two sides thus complicating the assembly of the vehicle.

With a superstructure frame 3a substantially lattice like the one described above, easy and direct accessibility to the engine M and to the other components of the vehicle is ensured for any maintenance or repair.

The engine M is preferably placed in a suitable intermediate position between the axles 1a and 1b in line with the direction of travel of the self-propelled vehicle 1. Since the engine M is very heavy, its positioning in an intermediate position between the axles, it distributes the weight on them and also counterbalances the cantilevered weight of the operator placed in the driver's cab 10, ensuring stability to the vehicle.

Wanting to mount the engine M in position after the superstructure frame 3a, it is particularly advantageous that the distance A between the pair of lower longitudinal members 5a and 5b is less than the mutual distance B between the pair of upper longitudinal members 6a and 6b, to allow easier insertion of the M motor towards its mounting position. In this regard, the crosspieces 7c will be provided in such a position as not to obstruct the passage of the motor M.

The driver's cab 10, more particularly, is delimited at the top and frontally by the upper longitudinal members 6a and 6b, which, in correspondence with their cantilevered terminal portion, are advantageously curved downwards in use (see in particular Figs . 1 and 2) to delimit the front, and at least in part, the sides of the driver's cab 10. Below, the cabin has a base 11, which can be at the same level as the lower longitudinal members 5a, 5b, in which case it is ̈ supported by respective extensions of the lower side members 5a, 5b. More advantageously, the base 11 is expected to be supported at a lower level than the lower longitudinal members, as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2.

The cabin is preferably within the overall height and transversal space of the superstructure frame 3a. The curved front part 12c, 12d of each side member 6a, 6b preferably lies in the same vertical plane as the respective rear part 12a, 12b, therefore the curved front parts 12c, 12d are at the same distance B as the rear parts 12a, 12b .

In this case, the base 11 preferably has a width substantially equal to the distance between the upper curved longitudinal members 6a, 6b.

It is then possible to provide a crosspiece 13 for bridge connection of the curved front part 12c, 12d of the curved side members 6a, 6b, which is designed to provide a gripping or support point on the front of the vehicle for work tools T2 (yes see in particular Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 5), such as for example a power take-off and a three-point linkage. This allows the installation of accessories or tools which, being in correspondence with the direction of travel and visible from the driver's seat, become easy to use by an operator. As will be understood, by also providing front power take-offs, it is possible to carry out double machining at the same time, that is to say both front and rear, thus reducing the passages on the ground to be treated, and therefore reducing costs.

For example, the cabin can be closed by means of panel elements connected to the side members 12c, 12d and / or to the base 11.

With such a structure, the cabin is sturdy and able to withstand the stresses, without having to make further modifications to reinforce the structure itself.

The driving rear part 3 can comprise substantially inclined front uprights 9b, each lying in a vertical plane, which are connected as a bridge by an upper crosspiece 7b and a crosspiece at an intermediate height 8c; more specifically, the front uprights 9b have an upper end proximal to the rear R of the vehicle and a lower end proximal to the front F of the vehicle, the front end of the lower longitudinal members 5a, 5b being connected, for example by welding, bolting or similar methods to intermediate crosspiece 8c.

The base 11 can then be fixed, at its rear end, by welding, bolting or similar methods, to the lower end of the front uprights 9b.

Suitable reinforcing elements of the structure, such as tie rod elements or the like, can then be provided.

According to a variant illustrated in Figures 8 to 13, the upper longitudinal members 6a, 6b are not in one piece, but each has a rear section 12a, 12b and a curved front section 12c, 12d, with the curved front section 12c, 12d being fixed and extending from the anterior end of a respective posterior portion 12a, 12b. The front portions 12c, 12d can be fixed to the rear portions 12a, 12b by, for example, welding or bolting (see Figs. 12 and 13).

With reference to Figures 14 and 15, seen from the rear of vehicles according to the known art, while Figure 16 shows a vehicle according to the present invention, these vehicles differ in height and width.

Vehicles such as those according to the present invention, that is to say with a frame open towards the top, in which components such as the engine, transmission, radiator, tanks, must be inserted from above, during the production phase, they must have a size of this opening greater than a predetermined value, in order to ensure the easy insertion of these components.

The vehicles of Figures 14, 15 and 16 have the same width at the top L, but different:

- maximum track C, i.e. the width or transverse overall dimensions of the vehicle complete with wheels,

- maximum height H, ie the height defined by the frame mounted on wheels, e

- free space S between frame or frame and inside wheel.

Referring first to Figure 14, a vehicle has been shown equipped with a frame with upper side members at a distance equal to the lower side members, and wheels supported on pins or axles extending horizontally from the lower side members. This solution allows to obtain a reduced height H, to the detriment of the carriageway C, which is rather wide to guarantee, among other things, a minimum space S necessary to guarantee minimum steering.

On the other hand, Figure 15 shows a vehicle with a traditional frame, that is to say always with upper side members at a distance equal to that of the lower side members, but with wheels mounted under it.

With this solution it is possible to obtain a limited carriageway C to the detriment of the height H of the machine, which will be given by the sum of the height of the wheels and the frame. In a vehicle such as the one described above, in addition to obvious disadvantages in terms of height, there is also a high height of the vehicle's center of gravity, which determines a lower stability which can compromise the safe use of this vehicle, in particular if it is carried out on disconnected and not flat terrain.

Lastly, Figure 16 shows a solution according to the present invention, with which a limited machine height is obtained, but at the same time a reduced carriageway C, since the frame is narrower in the lower part than the top. With such a solution, the track is not high, but at the same time a minimum space S is guaranteed, necessary to obtain sufficient steering.

As will be understood, a solution according to the present invention allows to obtain advantages both in terms of height and in terms of width, while maintaining the upper width of the frame sufficient to allow the insertion, during the assembly phase, of all the components, for example those described above.

The result is a machine with contained dimensions in height and width, in which multifunctional equipment or tools can be installed, even simultaneously, in the rear and / or front. The vehicle can also be equipped with high power propulsion systems which increase its performance.

Moreover, in traditional vehicles, the driver's cab is positioned at the rear axle at a predetermined height from the ground, while in the vehicle according to the present invention, the cab is placed in the front position and is fixed to the chassis, for example by electro-welded connections or by mechanical connections, such as bolts.

This can be achieved since there are no transmission parts in the lower part, and it is therefore possible to reduce the overall dimensions, so as to create a compact vehicle, particularly in height. This means that the total height of the vehicle is lower than the machines proposed so far and that a vehicle with a low center of gravity and therefore high stability is obtained.

It will then be noted that the shape of the front part, in particular of the curved front part of the longitudinal members 6a, 6b, allows a better sliding on them of the branches of the plantations during the working phases inside the nurseries themselves, without therefore damaging the plants. . This configuration also increases the operatorâ € ™ s visibility and therefore safety when using the vehicle.

In correspondence with the front axle, suspensions can be installed by means of hydraulic cylinders, which, in addition of course to improve the stability of the vehicle during work, allows to increase the height from the ground of the front part of the cab while favoring the ™ vehicle crossing rough terrain.

With reference now to the patent documents commented above, it will be noted that US-3 901 005 presents a frame with upper side members at a distance equal to the distance of the lower side members, and furthermore, since the frame is mounted entirely above the wheels, the € ™ height of this vehicle is very high.

The cabin is then open and positioned at the top of the frame, therefore not within the overall dimensions of the frame and the frame does not have lower crosspieces that connect the lower side members, but rather has a bridge structure to allow plants to pass under their own frame.

Finally, it should be noted that, with this particular structure, it is not possible to use complete axles that can cross the frame and join both front wheels and both rear wheels, but half axles or other systems are used, which can be applied in the part. frame without crossing the cross section of the frame.

In the vehicle of US-5 170 614 the upper side members are at a distance equal to the lower side members. In this vehicle, the cabin is arranged above a wheel, in a lateral position, beyond the transverse dimensions of the frame. Moreover, the frame has a bridge structure, so that it can be crossed below by the plants to be treated.

As for the ES-20 231 773 vehicle, it is shown without a cab. The driver's seat is centrally located and at the top. Three parallel axles are then provided for the wheels, due to the length of the vehicle, in order to allow a correct balance of the weights during work operations and at full load.

US2002029551A1 instead teaches a vehicle equipped with a cantilevered cabin at the front, but in a lateral position and at a height higher than the base. Moreover, the frame has an opening in the lower part, to allow the passage of plants within it.

This particular solution does not allow the use of complete wheel support axles which cross the frame, but semi-axles are used which are mounted externally to the frame.

ES-2 262 384A1 teaches a vehicle without a cabin and with upper side members in line with the lower ones.

The vehicle described above is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims (13)

CLAIMS 1. Self-propelled vehicle particularly suitable for operating between rows of fruit trees having a front part (2) and a rear driving part (3) mounted on axles 1a, 1b, on each of which a pair of wheels (4a , 4b), at least one pair being steering, so as to define a front vehicle, in use, front (F) and one rear (R), characterized in that it comprises, in correspondence with said rear part, a superstructure frame (3a), including at least one pair of lower longitudinal members (5a, 5b), in use, rigidly connected to each other by lower crosspieces (8a, 8b, 8c), at least one pair of upper side members (6a, 6b), in use, connected to each other by upper crosspieces (7a, 7b, 7c), a plurality of upright elements (9a, 9b, 9c) which rigidly connect said pairs of lower (i) and upper (i) longitudinal members, said at least one pair of lower longitudinal members (5a, 5b) being at a mutual distance ( A) less than the mutual distance (B) between said at least one pair of upper longitudinal members (6a, 6b) in order to remain within the transverse dimension of said at least one pair of upper longitudinal members (6a, 6b), and said at least one pair of upper longitudinal members (6a, 6b) extending cantilevered at said front part to delimit and support a driver's cab (10) under them. 2. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one pair of cantilever-extending upper side members (6a, 6b) are curved, in use, downwards at said front front and delimit at least the front of said cabin guide (10). 3. Vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that said driver's cab (10) comprises a base (11) at a level lower than or equal to that of said pair of lower longitudinal members (5a, 5b) and is structurally connected to they. 4. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cab is within the overall height both in height and transversal of said superstructure frame (3a). 5. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said base (11) has a width substantially corresponding to the distance between said pair of upper longitudinal members (6a, 6b). 6. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said upright elements (9a, 9b, 9c) are fixed in position within the transverse dimensions of said pair of upper longitudinal members (6a, 6b), and have the its upper extremity fixed to a respective crosspiece (7a, 7b, 7c). 7. Vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that said upright elements (9a, 9b, 9c) extend in use in a substantially vertical direction or inclined with respect to the vertical direction. 8. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one cross-member (13) for connecting the curved front part (12c, 12d) of said upper longitudinal members (6a, 6b) designed to provide a support for hooking or work tools (T2). 9. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said upper longitudinal members (6a, 6b) are not in one piece, but each has a rear section (12a, 12b), in correspondence with said driving rear part and a curved anterior portion (12c, 12d) fixed and extending from the anterior end of a respective posterior portion (12a, 12b). 10. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said driving rear part (3) comprises front uprights (9b), each lying in a vertical plane, which are connected as a bridge to each other by an upper crosspiece (7b) and by a crosspiece at an intermediate height (8c), the front end of said lower longitudinal members (5a, 5b) being connected to said intermediate crosspiece (8c), while said base (11) is fixed, in correspondence of its rear end, at the lower end of said front uprights (9b). 11. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said wheels (4a, 4b) are rotatably mounted on pins or axles (1a, 1b), said axles (1a, 1b) transversely crossing said driving rear part (3) so as to connect a wheel (4a, 4b) on one side of the vehicle and externally to a lower spar (5a, 5b) with a wheel (4a, 4b) on the other side of the vehicle and externally to the other lower spar (5a, 5b). 12. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between said lower longitudinal members (5a, 5b), a rear part (12a, 12b) of said upper longitudinal members (6a, 6b), said cross members (7a, 7b, 7c , 8a, 8b, 8c) and said uprights (9a, 9b, 9c) a housing area (RZ) is delimited having one or more openings facing upwards delimited by said rear part (12a, 12b) of said upper longitudinal members (6a, 6b) and the connecting crosspieces (7a, 7b, 7c). 13. Vehicle according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises an engine (M) housed in an intermediate position between said axles (1a, 1b).