GB2159777A - Service vehicle of modular form - Google Patents

Abstract

A service vehicle for example a fire service vehicle comprises a chassis (2) adapted to receive a cab module 8, an implement hold (7) of modular form and an extinguisher tank module (22) whereby a service vehicle may be constructed from a selection of different modules in a variety of forms to meet different service applications. Equipment modules (10-13) for the implement hold may be mounted in a frame (18) supported from the tank module (22) on displaceable supports (20) whereby the modules may be displaced sidewardly from the vehicle and also vertically in relation to the ground. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Service vehicle of modular form The invention relates to a service vehicle, in particular, but not exclusively, to a fire service vehicle, comprising a chassis frame, a driver's cab, an implement cabin for life-saving, firstaid, fire4ighting or rescue devices or facilities, a propulsion drive and an extinguisher fluid tank.

A wide range of service vehicles is already known for various service applications for example for life-saving services or protection services. In particular in the case of service vehicles in the sphere of fire fighting, the demands regarding the equipment or vehicle parameters such as acceleration, drive characteristics and the like differ considerably. The most diverse forms of embodiment in respect of the structure of the chassis frame, as well as of the structure of the implement cabins or compartments, of the driver's cab and the like are the result, depending on whether the service vehicles are to be operated in normal street service or also off metalled roads or whether they are intended for operation on airfields or industrial plants.In consequence the service vehicles produced at present largely represent one-off products and the costs incurred in planning or scheduling such vehicles are comparatively high. In view of the one-off production of the vehicles, the need for economically priced service vehicles which are required in greater numbers, cannot be fulfilled. In addition, vehicle chassis of conventional design are commonly utilised for construction of service vehicles for a wide range of application and which consequently frequently fail to fulfil the special requirements for particular service requirements.

The applicants had already attempted to introduce a degree of standardisation and to discover solutions which lower the expense of designing and constructing service vehicles of this nature. In the case of a service vehicle of this kind based on a conventional truck chassis comprising a loading surface, as with the universal "Cobra" vehicle, the devices utilised in fire-fighting techniques, or for life-saving, first-aid and rescue operations, are assembled in small-container frames which may be loaded by means of a crane installed on the vehicle and secured on the loading surface by means of quick release connectors. This assures a high degree of mobility of the equipment as well as of the base vehicle, and the different mini-containers carrying different outfits may be carried along for the different operational requirements.It is also possible to operate the items of equipment independently of the carrier vehicle, so that whilst the operation is being started, the unloaded vehicle may fetch other assistance means or rescue or life-saving devices. This vehicle has proved particularly satisfactory in application for military purposes.

Applicants have already disclosed with the equipment vehicle RFC 11 that service vehicles may be equipped with supplementary containers which carry equipment for special applications, for example anti-oil application, medium-duty foam application, forest fires, earthquakes, life-saving on water, and the like. The separate containers may be loaded rapidly on the service vehicle by means of a crane installed on the vehicle, and carried to the site of operation. It is possible to convey these containers independently of the carrier vehicle to out-of-the-way sites of operation, for example by means of aircraft, and in particular by helicopters. This solution has proved very satisfactory as such, but the costs incurred during designing and building the service vehicle cannot be reduced substantially even with this solution.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a basic service vehicle for a wide range of service applications for example a fire service vehicle whereby the scheduling and production of service vehicles may be made simpler and cheaper.

This problem of the invention is resolved in that the implement cabin or hold and/or the driver's cab and if appropriate the extinguisher fluid tank and/or the chassis frame and/or the engine-transmission assembly, is or are constructed in each case as a separate module having specified dimensions so that modules may be selected from a range of different modules and assembled into a service vehicle. Thanks to this uncomplicated solution of utilising modules of fixed dimensions for the separate components of the service vehicle, it becomes unnecessary to perform the recurring constructional operations for adapting separate items of equipment to different vehicles or for adapting the superstructures of vehicles to different requirements.In addition, individual modules may be prefabricated, and may be utilised merely by installing complementary intermediate frames on vehicle chassis of different makes. This has the advantage that series-production vehicle chassis may be utilised with little expense, although greater advantages may be obtained if a specially adapted chassis frame is utilised.

Another advantage of this mode of construction consists in that prefabricated assembled modules may be inspected by the clients for such vehicles and selected for subsequent installation. As a result delivery periods may be kept short by assembling standard components into different service vehicles or chassis.

Different modules may be provided with different insert elements, e.g. of different capacity or for different modes of application, so that the module base frames may be equipped with the different items of equipment, for example for anti-oil application, with hoses, rescue apparatus, dry extinguishing agents and the like.

Suitably the separate modules are securely but releasably interconnected. This renders it possible to re-rig a service vehicle constructed according to the invention for different service applications at little cost. A fleet of service vehicles may thereby be adapted to constantly changing technical or environmental conditions.

Frovision is made according to an embodiment of the invention for modules to be assembled in structural groups having identical coupling dimensions in relation to the vehicle for assembly of the structural groups thereto in different arrangements.

It is made possible for the implement hold module to be assembled from several equipment modules and a carrying frame module in which the equipment modules are mounted and if desired a tank module may be mounted between a row of carrying frame modules, so that the installation and fastening or stowage of the separate equipment modules may be simplified whether or not the service vehicle is provided with a tank module.

Provision is made according to another embodiment that each equipment module may be provided with insert elements for reception of subjectively related group of service equipment, e.g. life-saving, rescue, firstaid or extinguishing means. An advantage of this embodiment consists in that equipment modules of very high torsional rigidity may be supported on the chassis via the normally re-quired elastic threepoint suspension for the tank, and, costly additional resilient mountings are obviated.

Advantageously the individual modules or structural groups of modules and/or modular carrying frames are provided with mating coupling elements of identical coupling devices.

This allows for rapid coupling and positionally accurate connection of different modules or of their carrying frames.

A service vehicle according to the invention suitably has a chassis frame comprising means for releasably mounting a modular driver's cab, the modular implement hold, and a modular tank whereby the vehicle may be constructed to meet different service requirements from modules of different forms.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying partly diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation of service vehicle according to the invention, which is assembled from several independent modules; Figure 2 is a fragmentary plan view of part of the vehicle according to Figure 1, Figure 3 is a fragmentary side elevation of a forward part of a service vehicle having a modified embodiment of a cabin or hold module; Figure 4 is diagrammatic view of a modified embodiment of a pump module for the service vehicle of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a side elevation of an equipment module of the service vehicle of Figure 1, Figure 6 is a side elevation of a modified embodiment of the equipment module of Figure 5 with a different internal arrangement;; Figure 7 is a fragmentary sectional view of a modified form of a connecting device for a module of Figure 4, Figure 8 is a plan view of a connecting device for the coupling of modules; Figure 9 is a partly sectional side view of the connecting device of Figure 8; Figure 10 is a side view of a carrying frame module with an equipment module installed therein.

A service vehicle 1, for example a fire service vehicle, is illustrated in Figure 1. A chassis frame 2 of the service vehicle 1 is borne on a roadway via front and rear driving axles 3,4 and wheels 5. A driver's cab 6 and an implement hold 7 are situated on the chassis frame. The driver's cab serves the purpose of accommodating the service personnel during the trip from the support premises to an operational site, and the implement hold has stowed within it life-saving, first-aid, firefighting or rescue devices and/or facilities.

The driver's cab 6 is formed by a cabin module 8 which is mounted in oscillationdamped manner on the chassis frame 2 by means of bearer elements 9 installed in a predetermined arrangement common to a range of differently constructed or equipped driver's cab modules, so that different cab modules may readily be mounted on a chassis frame 2.

The implement hold 7 is assembled from equipment modules 10-15, a pump module 1 6 and a hose reel module 17. In this connection,the equipment modules are suitably mounted in a carrying frame module 18.

It is apparent from Figure 2 that the carrying frame module 1 8 is secured on a tank module 1 9 situated between rows of equipment modules 10-13 arranged at opposite sides of the service vehicle, via standardised connecting means 20, for example quick release connecting members comprising a detent system or bayonet joint connectors or the like. The connecting means 20 are suitably adjustable transversely of the vehicle length so that the equipment modules 10-13 may, together with the carrying frames denoted by pecked lines, be moved laterally beyond the sides of the service vehicle 1 and, also to be lowered towards the wheel support plane of the wheels 5 to facilitate access to the devices accommodated in the equipment modules 10-13.

As also shown in Figure 2, the tank module may comprise several chambers 21,22 for reception of different extinguishing means or additives, for example such as foaming agents, "Halon" or the like.

In the embodiment illustrated, the equipment modules 10-13 are formed by rotary turrets 23 and have a common width 24 and height 25 corresponding to complementary parts of the carrying frame module 18, so that they may optionally be assembled into the implement hold or superstructure of the service vehicle 1 in any arrangement. It is clearly possible that similarly dimensioned equipment modules of different form for example comprising fixed inserts, may be provided instead of or alternating with the rotary modules 23 shown, or to provide containers merely for reception of a portable extinguisher fluid pump or the like.

A radius 26 of the rotary modules is smaller than an arc height 27 of an arc height of complementary recesses formed in opposite sides of the tank module so that it is possible for the equipment modules 10-13 to be rotated about vertical axes from an inoperative position shown by solid lines to an operative position outside the vehicle as shown by broken lines. In the inwardly pivoted position a cover plate 28 forming a chord of the arcuate segment cross-section seals the rotary module 23 with respect to the carrying frame module 18 or to the adjacently situated rotary module 23 and protects against ingress of damp, dirt and the like. To withdraw the implements or items of equipment carried by the modules they may be moved to the extraction position shown by pecked lines, so that a maximum area is available for withdrawal of the implements.

In the modified embodiment of a cabin module 8 shown in Figure 3, there is provided accommodation for an operational group, for example a driver and eight service operatives, comprising three rows of seats arranged one behind another in the direction of travel. A length 29 by which the cabin module 8 in Figure 3 is longer than the cabin module 8 in Figure 1, substantially corresponds to the width 24 of the equipment module 10. If use is made of the modified cabin module 8 shown in Figure 3, the tank module 1 9 is shortened by the chamber 21 and the implement hold is assembled only from the equipment modules 11-13. Thanks to the form of the cabin module 8, an equipment module 14 may also be utilised below the longer cabin module 8.

As apparent from Figures 1 and 4 the pump module 1 6 and the hose reel module 1 7 are each situated in a carrying frame 30 having standardised dimensions comprising a width 31, a height 32, and a depth 33. It is consequently possible in uncomplicated manner, as denoted diagrammatically, to assemble different modules in the vehicle and, for example, to make use of an extinguisher fluid pump 35 having a greater output performance instead of an extinguisher fluid pump 34 arranged in the pump module 1 6 of Figure 1. The same applies for the hose reel module 1 7 which may be replaced by any other and optional module having the same dimensions as the carrying frame 30.It is particularly advantageous if the equipment modules, pump modules, hose reel modules and tank modules adapted to different operational requirements are matched to a common dimensional pattern of carrying frame 30 of individual modules, so that a modularly constructed service vehicle 1 for different service requirements may readily be assembled. In this connection, it is advantageous if the carrying frames 30 for the modules allow for positionally precise and stable assembling of a service vehicle from such separate modules by means of common coupling and connecting devices 36, for example such as centering bolted connections 37 as reamed, or by incorporation of additional centering or locating pins.A large amount of constructional work can thereby be obviated when designing new service vehicles, since only the equipment and the layout of the individual carrying frames 30 need be adapted to the different operational requirements. If it is required to utilise the carrying frames 30 of the modules as a transport framework outside the service vehicle 1, it is advantageous if, as shown in Figure 4, the carrying frames 30 are interconnected by means of connecting devices 36, in the manner of container couplings. Great forces may be transmitted by means of such couplings, which also allow for adjustment and positioning of the modules which are to be connected.It is possible to install semi-permanent connections, which may be released when necessary between directly adjacent modules provided with mating coupling elements of a coupling device, or connections which are rapidly releasable in semi-automatic or fully automatic manner, for example by utilisation of clamping screws or bayonet joint connectors or the like. Preferably the height 32, the width 31 and the depth 33 of the carrying frames 30 of the modules correspond to the corresponding dimensions 24,25,27 of the equipment modules 10-13, or form an even numbered multiple or fraction of these dimensions. The same applies to the equipment modules 14 and 1 5 which are installed below the equipment modules 10-12 laterally with respect to the chassis frame 2.For example, it is possible to assemble an equipment module 1 5 from several smaller carrying frames 41,42, the length of the carrying frame 41 for example corresponding to the length 29 of an equipment module 10-13 and the length of the carrying frame 42 corresponding to a quarter of the length 29. A closure means allocated to the module 15, for example a hinged lid 43, may be constructed to cover the carrying frames 41 and 42 at the sarhe time. As also shown in Figure 2, complementary coupling elements 44 of connecting devices 36 may be spaced lengthwise of the carrying frame module 18 on the tank module 19, to mate with the coupling elements 45 joined to the carrying frame module.

For completion of the modular structure of a service vehicle of this kind, it is advantageous if the items of equipment 39 in the separate equipment modules 10 in each case appertain to one class of equipment. For example, it is advantageous for hoses only to be stowed in one equipment module 10-15, for hose fittings to be stowed in another, rescue apparatus in another, and in another all the implements for application of a foaming agent or an anti-oil operation or the like.

These modularly assembled equipment groups offer advantages in designing and producing service vehicles, since the appropriate modules may be placed in service immediately depending on the purpose the vehicle is to serve. A great proportion of the loading work for an individual service vehicle consists essentially in selecting the modules containing the implements and accessories required and stowing them in the implement volume available on the vehicle, to allow for safe stowage and facility of rapid extraction.

In Figure 5 is shown a side view of an equipment module 10, from which it is apparent that the rotary module 23 is provided with a plurality of shelf supports 38. Items of equipment 39 are placed on these shelf supports 38 which may be displaceably installed via securing means 40, or located at different heights in a grid or frame provided within the equipment module 10.

It is apparent from Figure 6 that the equipment module 10 may for example also be provided with one central shelf panel 38 only, to allow stowing of items of equipment 39 having a larger size, for example oxygen bottles for respirator apparatus or foaming agent containers.

What is of importance is that corresponding coupling dimensions and fastening points be provided in the case of the individual carrying frames 30 or rotary modules 23 or that coupling devices be associated therewith, so that the mutual connection is facilitated.

The same also applies to the positioning of the bearer elements 9, in the case of the cabin module 8 shown in Figure 3, since as indicated diagrammatically, the bearer elements are also connected in the same areas to the cabin module 8 in Figure 3 as in the case of the cabin module 8 in Figure 1 although the cabin module of Figure 3 is larger than that of Figure 1.

A cross-section through a coupling device 36 in the region of connection of two carrying frames 30 is shown in Figure 7. The connecting device 36 comprises a coupling element 46 which may for example be formed by a container lug, and a coupling element 47, which incorporates a screw-threaded rod 49 which is displaceable with respect to the carrying frame 30 by means of a clamping nut 48, and has a clamping block 50 situated on its extremity pointing away from the carrying frame 30. At right angles to its position as illustrated, the clamping block has a thickness which is but a little greater than a width 51 of a recess 52 of the container lug.In this position rotated through 90 compared to the position illustrated, the clamping block 50 is inserted into the container lug through the recess 52, turned through 90", so that it is placed in the position illustrated in Figure 7, whereupon the two carrying frames 30 are clamped together in the required position by means of the clamping nut 48. In the case in which the connecting device 36 is not selfcentering, a centering stud 53 may furthermore be installed to assure simultaneous relative positioning and coupling of the carrying frames 30.

In Figure 8 is shown another embodiment of a connecting device 54 between a carrying frame module 55 and an equipment module 56. The carrying frame module 55 is assembled from analogous sections 57 to this end.

These sections have a contoured core with branches projecting in the region of each of the two longitudinal side surfaces, an end side of the section forming an outwardly open Ushaped section from the centre of the section, together with the two branches. In this Ushaped section is secured a coupling element 58 via connecting elements 59, e.g. screws.

Another section combined with the section 57 is inserted into a carrying frame module 55 into the coupling element 58.

Since the connecting device for the separate sections 57 of the carrying frame module 55 is analogous to those between the carrying frame module 55 and the equipment module 56, the connecting device 54 is illustrated at a connecting point between the carrying frame module 55 and the equipment module 56.

As more clearly apparent from Figure 9, the coupling element 58 is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the section 57, as denoted by the double-headed arrow 60. At the required fastening point, bores 62 for the coupling elements 59 are formed in the hollow-section-like core 61 of the section 57.

The coupling element 58 is then immobilised on the section 57 at the required position. At the side facing towards an end side of a section 63 of the equipment module 56, the coupling element 58 is equipped with two coupling fingers 64,65 which are inserted into grooves of the section 63 which are open in opposed directions. The section 63 is joined to the coupling fingers 64,65 via coupling elements 59, and secured at the same time, e.g. by means of a through-bolt or the like.

A carrying frame module 55 is illustrated diagramatically in Figure 10. As apparent, this equipment module, which may for example form the lateral delimitation of a superstructure of a service vehicle, comprises a horizontal longeron 66 and two vertical uprights 67.

These vertical uprights 67 may be joined to the chassis frame 2 via diagrammatically indicated transverse struts 68.

As also apparent from Figure 10, the equipment module 56 which may for example form a carrying frame for a shelf support or a boxshaped equipment module, may be displaced within the frame-like carrying frame module 55, along the uninterrupted grooves in the sections 57 forming the uprights 67, for example from the position shown by solid lines to the position shown by pecked lines.

Apart from the highly optional form of a carrying frame module, a very varied form of the equipment modules 56 insertible into a carrying frame module 55 of this kind may be allowed for thanks to this boltable structure comprising separate sections, and the container connectors which have a considerable weight may be omitted. A superstructure having the advantages of modular assemblability may be obtained which is hardly distinguishable from conventional superstructures of known service vehicles.

It is possible within the scope of the invention to equip the carrying frame module with several sideby-side uprights 67 as well as with transverse struts 68, for constructing a superstructure skeleton or framework for a whole equipment hold, into which the equipment modules 56 may be installed in different forms for stowage of items of equipment or drive systems, pumps, extinguishing powder containers, tanks and the like.

This modular superstructure comprising a carrying frame module and the equipment modules is not restricted to the sections 57,63 illustrated in Figures 8 to 10 and use may also be made of other arrangements of sections, provided that they allow formation of a superstructure from different frames and of optional assembling of the carrying frame modules 55 produced from the sections, and the equipment modules 56.

Claims (9)

1. A service vehicle comprising a chassis frame, a driver's cab, an implement hold and a propulsion drive in which the implement hold is constructed of modules of corresponding dimensions and adapted for assembly of the modules in different arrangements.

2. A service vehicle according to claim 1, in which the separate modules are provided with individual installation elements.

3. A service vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, in which the separate modules are securely and exchangeably interconnected.

4. A service vehicle according to claims 1 to 3, in which the modules are assembled in structural groups having identical coupling dimensions in relation to the vehicle for assembly of the structural groups thereto in different arrangements.

5. A service vehicle according to claims 1 to 4, in which the implement hold is assembled from several equipment modules and a carrying frame module in which the equipment modules are mounted.

6. A service vehicle according to claims 1 to 5, in which each equipment module is equipped with fitting elements for reception of a subjectively related group of service items.

7. A service vehicle according to claim 1 to 6, in which modules selected from a group comprising individual modules, structural groups of individual modules, and modular carrying frames for individual modules are provided with mating coupling elements of identical connecting devices.

8. A service vehicle as claimed in claim 1, in which the chassis frame comprises means for releasably mounting a modular driver's cab, the modular implement hold, and a modular tank whereby the vehicle may be constructed to meet different service requirements from modules of different forms.

9. A service vehicle substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.