U.S. patent application number 10/523133 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-12 for armoured wheeled vehicle consisting of individual sections.
Invention is credited to Bernhard Brandl, Uwe Glauch, Norbert Grabmaier, Michael Honlinger, Gernot Stagar.
Application Number | 20060005695 10/523133 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30010297 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060005695 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Honlinger; Michael ; et
al. |
January 12, 2006 |
Armoured wheeled vehicle consisting of individual sections
Abstract
The invention relates to an armoured wheeled vehicle consisting
of individual sections. Said vehicle consists of one driving
section (1) containing a drive unit, and one mission section (2)
which can be detached from the tail end of the driving section (1)
and can be coupled to the vertical separating plane (T). Said
driving section (1) and said mission section (2) respectively
comprise a tail wall (4.1-4.5) or a front wall (5.1-5.5) in the
coupling cross-section, and/or a frame profile which extends along
at least part of the circumference thereof, and the tail wall and
front wall applied against each other during the coupling process
can be rigidly coupled together at at least two points on the
circumference thereof by means of positively engaging coupling
devices.
Inventors: |
Honlinger; Michael;
(Munchen, DE) ; Brandl; Bernhard; (Munchen,
DE) ; Glauch; Uwe; (Munchen, DE) ; Grabmaier;
Norbert; (Unterneukirchen, DE) ; Stagar; Gernot;
(Munchen, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robert W Becker & Associates
Suite B
707 Highway 66 East
Tijeras
NM
87059-7382
US
|
Family ID: |
30010297 |
Appl. No.: |
10/523133 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
July 16, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/DE03/02384 |
371 Date: |
January 21, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
89/36.08 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62D 53/045 20130101;
F41H 7/02 20130101; F41H 7/048 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
089/036.08 |
International
Class: |
F41H 7/02 20060101
F41H007/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 23, 2002 |
DE |
102 33 274.6 |
Claims
1-21. (canceled)
22. An armored wheeled vehicle composed of individual sections,
comprising: a drive section containing a drive unit; a mission
section adapted to be detachably coupled to a rear portion of said
drive section via a vertical plane of separation, wherein in a
coupling cross-section said drive section has at least one of a
rear wall and a frame profile, and said mission section has at
least one of a front wall and a frame profile, wherein said frame
profile extends about at least a portion of a periphery of the
pertaining section; and positively operating coupling means for
rigidly coupling together, at at least two locations of peripheries
thereof, said rear and front walls, and/or said frame profiles,
which during a coupling process are placed against one another.
23. A wheeled vehicle according to claim 22, wherein said rear wall
and said front wall each have a passageway opening.
24. A wheeled vehicle according to claim 22, wherein said coupling
means are embodied as self-centering bolt/hole connections.
25. A wheeled vehicle according to claim 24, wherein if two
coupling means are provided, one of said holes is embodied as a
slot.
26. A wheeled vehicle according to claim 22, wherein said coupling
means are provided with automatically engaging interlocking
devices.
27. A wheeled vehicle according to claim 22, wherein to transfer
tension forces from bending, and/or for prestressing the structure
of said vehicle, said rear wall and said front wall, and/or said
frame profiles, are connectable to one another in a region between
said coupling means via screw connections or pull strap
connections.
28. A wheeled vehicle according to claim 27, wherein said screw or
pull strap connections are adapted to be automatically
prestressed.
29. A wheeled vehicle according to claim 22, wherein connecting
devices having self-centering connection elements are provided for
coupling electrical and/or hydraulic and/or pneumatic devices in
said drive section and said mission section.
30. A wheeled vehicle according to claim 29, wherein said
connecting devices for electrical and/or hydraulic and/or pneumatic
connections are disposed at freely mounted, self-centering coupling
plates in a rear portion of said drive section and on a front
portion of said mission section.
31. A wheeled vehicle according to claim 22, wherein dampening
means are disposed in the region of said plane of separation
between placed against one another rear wall and front wall, or
said frame profiles, of said drive section and said mission
section.
32. A wheeled vehicle according to claim 22, wherein for a
ballistic protection of said vehicle in the region of said plane of
separation, structural sheets and/or protective plates are provided
that overlap separating planes between said drive section and said
mission section.
33. A wheeled vehicle according to claim 22, wherein a peripheral
seal is disposed in the region of said plane of separation between
said placed against one another rear wall and front wall, and/or
said frame profiles, of said drive section and said mission
section.
34. A wheeled vehicle according to claim 33, wherein said
peripheral seal is embodied as an inflatable seal.
35. A wheeled vehicle according to claim 22, wherein in a region of
said plane of separation projecting and recessed parts of said
vehicle are disposed on said drive section 1 and said mission
section in such a way that in a coupled state of said drive section
and said mission section, a rear portion of said drive section
extends below at least parts of a front portion of said mission
section.
36. A wheeled vehicle according to claim 22, wherein a driver stand
is provided in said drive section and a personnel compartment is
disposed in said mission section, and wherein in a coupled state
said driver stand and said personnel compartment communicate with
one another by means of passageways that are closed off toward the
outside.
37. A wheeled vehicle according to claim 22, wherein said drive
section is a single-axle drive section that is provided with
supports or support wheels that can be extended or folded out.
38. A wheeled vehicle according to claim 22, which is composed of
one drive section and at least two successively arranged mission
sections.
39. A wheeled vehicle according to claim 38, wherein at least one
of said mission sections is equipped with a weapon.
40. A wheeled vehicle according to claim 22, wherein said drive
unit of said drive section is embodied as a diesel electric drive
having electrical drive motors that are disposed in wheel hubs of
said drive section and of said mission section, and wherein
batteries are provided in said mission section for supplying the
drive motors of said mission section.
41. A wheeled vehicle according to claim 40, wherein said mission
section is provided with support wheels, and wherein an auxiliary
control device is provided for carrying out independent shunting
movements of said mission section.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to an armored wheeled vehicle that is
composed of individual sections and has a drive section, which
contains a drive unit, as well as a mission section that can be
detachably coupled to the rear portion of the drive section via a
vertical plane of separation. A vehicle of this type is described,
for example, in DT 25 27 100 A1 and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,031,807 A.
The known vehicle has two dual-axled drive segments that contain a
drive unit and between which a mission segment, for example
equipped with a weapon, is suspended via detachable couplings
containing a vertical pivot axis. This configuration serves to
provide an overall vehicle that is capable of cross-country travel
and that, due to the movability of the individual sections relative
to one another, can cross obstacles considerably easier than can a
rigid vehicle.
[0002] For international applications, these days increasingly
light armored vehicles are necessary that can be rapidly
transported by air and with little logistical expenditure. The
weight of armored wheeled vehicles frequently exceeds the
permissible load capacity for transport by aircraft and
helicopters. Therefore, vehicle systems are required that can be
separated for air transport in such a way that their individual
partial weights remain below the permissible load capacity.
[0003] Separable vehicle systems are known, and depending upon
their type of connection can be classified into two groups.
[0004] A first group relates to sectioned vehicles having coupling
links, as they are described in the aforementioned documents. This
vehicle system is characterized by self-supporting vehicle sections
that contain automotive components and are connected by coupling
links. For example, vehicle sections can operate independently of
one another if they contain a chassis and drive system. Examples
are semi-trailers, articulated buses, railed vehicles, construction
equipment having an articulated hinge.
[0005] The goal of the segmentation is the composition of shorter
or longer vehicle systems from individual sections. By means of the
coupling links, pitch and articulation angles are possible between
sections that enable an adequate to high movability in narrow
curves and in uneven countryside.
[0006] A second group relates to modularly composed vehicles having
a supporting vehicle structure and a work module. In this
connection, a supporting vehicle structure contains all automotive
components, while the work module, in the form of a box or a
mission module, is placed upon the supporting vehicle structure.
Vehicles that are composed of modules are described, for example,
in DE 40 14 192 A1 and EP 11 11 324 A1. The advantage of these
vehicle systems is that an easily exchangeable work module is
provided that is functional independently of the drive module. The
drive module can therefore also be operated without the work
module. Each of the two above described vehicle systems has
specific drawbacks.
[0007] The drawback of sectioned vehicles having coupling links
consists in their reduced speed when driving through curves, on bad
roads, and in the countryside. The reason is their known rising
action of articulations when encountering roadway stimulus or
during rapid driving maneuvers (changing of lanes). The lower,
maximum possible average speed of sectioned vehicles thus on the
whole means a reduction of the mobility. Military vehicles have the
further drawback that the coupling location, due to the
articulation movement, is difficult to protect ballistically and
against mines, especially since doing so would result in an
undesired increase in weight.
[0008] The drawback of known modular vehicles, comprising a drive
module and a work module placed thereon, is the lower structural
rigidity of the work module as well as its non-rigid or floating
connection to the supporting vehicle structure. The overall
rigidity of the vehicle is therefore less than that of a one-part
self-supporting vehicle body. The overall system, due to the lower
structural rigidity, here also tends to an earlier rising action
when in the countryside or when driving rapidly through curves, so
that here also lower average speeds can be achieved.
[0009] A further drawback is that the supporting drive module
contains all of the automotive components and is thus heavier than
the work module. An optimum division of weight between drive and
work module for air transport is therefore not possible.
[0010] The object of the invention is to provide an armored wheeled
vehicle, which is composed of individual sections, with the
aforementioned features and indicated in the introductory portion
of claim 1, the individual sections of which can be embodied as
light as possible for air transport and with which a rapid
separation and coupling of the vehicle sections from one another is
possible without extraneous auxiliary aids.
[0011] The uncoupling should preferably be possible under field
conditions, even on slightly uneven ground. On the other hand, a
fixed connection of the vehicle sections should be ensured to
achieve a high resistance of the overall structure to bending and
torsion, and this should be comparable to what can be achieved with
a one-piece structure. The vehicle, which is composed of sections,
should have the same mobility and the same protection as does a
non-divided vehicle. Finally, possibilities should be provided for
achieving a rapid separation and coupling of the drive, the supply
lines and the data lines without extraneous auxiliary means, and it
should furthermore be possible to reduce bending and torsion
vibrations in the critical frequency range by appropriate
structural dampening in the plane of separation of the vehicle
sections.
[0012] The realization of this object is inventively effected by
the features from the characterizing portion of claim 1.
Advantageous further developments of the invention are described in
the dependent claims.
[0013] The basic concept of the invention is to couple the drive
section and the mission section to one another in the vertical
plane of separation not via a coupling link, but rather rigidly in
such a way that a resistance to bending and torsion is achieved
that is nearly identical to that of a one-piece structure. Such a
rigid structural coupling respectively presupposes a rear wall on
the drive section and a front wall on the mission section, and/or
an at least partially peripheral frame profile at the section
connection, which on the one hand introduces the local coupling
forces into the structure and on the other hand prevents the
buckling of the structure. In this connection, the transfer of the
transverse forces and torsional moments into the plane of
separation is effected by a positive connection that can, for
example, have two oppositely disposed bolts that in principle can
also undertake the centering function. Self-centering bolts in the
coupling cross-section and guide rails thereby enable a rapid
guiding together of the two vehicle sections. The joining together
of the vehicle sections can be effected either by the transport
drive of the drive section or by integrated pulling devices, for
example cable wenches, spindles, power cylinders, etc.
[0014] The rear wall and front wall, as well as a possible frame
profile, can essentially be disposed in a cross-sectional plane,
but they can also be offset relative to the cross-sectional plane,
so that respectively partial sections are disposed in different
cross-sectional planes.
[0015] To ensure easy passage between mission section and drive
section, it is expedient for the rear wall and front wall to each
have a passageway.
[0016] With a bolt or screw connection, to avoid a double fit it is
advantageous for a bolt to transfer only transverse forces from the
torsional moment. This can be realized by an elongated hole or
slot. The pre-stressing of the vehicle structure and the transfer
of the tension forces from bending, can be effected by screws or
pull straps that are disposed directly in the flow of force. The
number and the location of the connecting elements, as well as the
connection rigidities, can be computed. The pre-stressing of the
screws or pull straps can be effected manually or
automatically.
[0017] The connection of the supply and data lines can be effected
via a freely mounted coupling plate having centering pins. With a
mechanical drive, the coupling of the Cardan shafts can be effected
via a sliding sleeve.
[0018] It is furthermore expedient for a dampening layer to be
introduced into the separating plane of the vehicle section in
order to be able to passively dampen structural vibrations. To
improve the driving comfort, further additional passive or active
dampening elements can be provided in the region of the plane of
separation in order to further reduce structural vibrations.
[0019] The ballistic protection and the protection against mines
can, in principle, be achieved by overlapping structural sheets and
protective plates in the region of the plane of separation. The air
tightness of the interior space can be achieved by a peripheral
elastic or inflatable seal in the region of the plane of
separation. If the front drive section is equipped with two pivoted
axles and a drive, it can also operate as an independent vehicle
and can be used for the shunting or joining together of the
sections. For this purpose, the steering transfer to the second
axle can be uncoupled, and the second axle can be fixed. For
vehicle sections having only one axle, it is expedient for
extendable support members or support wheels to be provided for the
uncoupled removal or placement. Vehicle sections having support
wheels and drive means can also undertake shunting functions. Thus,
for example, with a vehicle having a diesel electric drive, the
electrical drive motors can be disposed in the wheel hubs not only
of the drive section but also of the mission section, and batteries
can be provided in the mission section to supply the drive motors
of the mission section. If the mission section is then equipped
with support wheels and an auxiliary control mechanism is provided,
independent shunting movements can be carried out with the
uncoupled mission section.
[0020] As a consequence of the inventive type of coupling of the
vehicle sections it is possible for heavy armored vehicles to be
comprised of sections in such a way that the individual sections
are suitable for air transport. The coupling mechanism permits a
rapid separation and uncoupling of the sections under field
conditions. This enables a simple, rapid and economical air
transportability of armored vehicles.
[0021] As a result of the rigid coupling, the mobility of the
vehicles is entirely maintained and can even be enhanced by
integrated structural dampening.
[0022] In the following, with the aid of an embodiment illustrated
in the drawings, the construction principle of the inventive
vehicle, as well as further details, are explained in greater
detail.
[0023] The drawings show:
[0024] FIG. 1 in a side view an armored wheeled vehicle composed of
individual sections in the coupled state with a mounted weapon;
[0025] FIG. 2 in a side view the wheeled vehicle of FIG. 1 in the
uncoupled state with the weapon removed;
[0026] FIG. 3 in a perspective illustration the wheeled vehicle of
FIGS. 1 and 2 in the uncoupled state;
[0027] FIG. 4 in a perspective illustration that is slightly
enlarged relative to FIGS. 1-3, the drive section of the wheeled
vehicle of FIGS. 1-3 without wheels.
[0028] The armored wheeled vehicle, which is illustrated in the
drawings in a very schematic manner, and comprises individual
sections, has a drive section 1 with two wheel axles 1.1 and 1.2,
and contains in a not separately illustrated manner, a drive unit
that can, for example, be embodied as a diesel electric drive. The
vehicle furthermore has a mission section 2 that in its rear
portion is provided with a wheel axle 2.1 and that at its front
portion is provided with support members 2.2 that can be folded out
or extended. The mission section can have very different
configurations. For example, it can contain a personnel compartment
and it can, as indicated in FIG. 1, be provided on its upper side
with a weapon 3 that is operable outside of the mission
section.
[0029] The forward portion of the mission section 2 can be
detachably coupled to the rear portion of the drive section 1 via
the vertical plane of separation T. In this connection, in the
context of the invention "plane of separation" means a vertical
plane that, as illustrated in FIG. 2, in the uncoupled and moved
apart state of the two vehicle sections can be disposed between
them in such a way that neither of the two modules is intersected
by the plane.
[0030] To achieve a rigid structural coupling between the two
sections of the wheeled vehicle, drive section 1 and mission
section 2 are respectively provided in the coupling cross-section
with a rear wall and a front wall respectively, which for the drive
section 1 is composed of adjoining in part horizontal, in part
vertical, and in part inclined partial sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.4 and
4.5, whereby partial sections disposed on both sides of the
vertical longitudinal central plane are indicated by the same
reference numerals. For the mission section 2, the front wall is
correspondingly composed of adjoining partial sections 5.1, 5.2,
5.3, 5.4 and 5.5.
[0031] As can be seen from the drawings, the rear wall and the
front wall are thus embodied in an offset manner relative to the
cross-sectional plane, so that various partial sections of the
respective wall are disposed in different cross-sectional planes.
As can also be seen from the drawings, the result of this is that
in the side portions, the rear of the drive section 1, in the
coupled state, engages under the corresponding side portions of the
mission section 2. A forwardly projecting part 2.3 of the mission
section 2 engages between these side portions 1.3 of the drive
section 1 that extend under the mission section 2. Disposed in this
projecting part 2.3 of the mission section 2 is a passageway 6 (see
FIG. 3) that adjoins the personnel compartment of the mission
section 2 with a passageway 6.1 (see FIG. 4) that communicates with
the compartment for the driver's stand within the drive section 1.
By means of wall sections, the two passageways 6 and 6.1 can be
sealingly joined to one another, whereby a peripheral seal 6.2 in
these wall sections, in the joined-together state, is disposed in
the interior of the vehicle in a manner to be unaccessible from the
outside, and at this location ensures an ABC protection.
[0032] The shapes of the drive section 1 and of the mission section
2 are adapted to one another, and the two sections can be placed
against one another in such a way that, as can be seen from the
drawings, a compact overall vehicle results in which drive section
and mission section are rigidly interconnected.
[0033] The rigid coupling of drive section 1 and mission section 2
is effected via bolt or screw connections disposed at four corner
points of the mission section 2 and of the drive section 1; the
connections at the drive section 1 are designated by 9.1, 9.2, 9.3
and 9.4, while the screw or bolt connections that can be seen at
the mission section 2 in FIG. 3 are designated with 9.1', 9.2' and
9.4'.
[0034] A self-centering guide mechanism having two centering pins
7.1 and 7.2, disposed on the vertical longitudinal central plane of
the drive section 1, and corresponding receiving elements 7.1' at
the opposite locations of the mission section 2, see to it that the
mission section 2 can be moved directly from the drive section 1.
Instead of the bolt or screw connections, coupling devices having
rapid or snap-type closures can also be provided.
[0035] The coupling of electrical and/or hydraulic and/or pneumatic
devices in the drive section 1 and the mission section 2 is
effected via connection mechanisms having self-centering elements.
As can be seen from FIG. 4, for this purpose freely mounted,
self-centering coupling plates 8.1 and 8.2 are disposed in the rear
portion of the drive section 1, and have associated therewith
appropriate non-illustrated elements on the mission section 2.
[0036] In a non-illustrated manner, dampening means can be disposed
in the region of the plane of separation T between the parts of the
vehicle sections 1, 2 that are placed against one another.
[0037] Furthermore, for the ballistic protection of the overall
vehicle, it is possible to dispose in the region of the plane of
separation T structural sheets and/or protective plates that
overlap the separating line or plane between the vehicle sections
1, 2. The peripheral seal 6.2 can be embodied as an inflatable
seal.
* * * * *