Patent Publication Number: US-2023134113-A1

Title: Driver&#39;s Cab and Utility Vehicle

Description:
The present invention relates to a driver&#39;s cab for a utility vehicle, in particular for a military utility vehicle, and to a utility vehicle, in particular a military utility vehicle, comprising such a driver&#39;s cab. 
     Off-road utility vehicles for military use usually have a protected driver&#39;s cab. In order to protect the occupants of the driver&#39;s cab against shelling, booby traps, improvised explosive or incendiary devices (IEDs), mines or the like, the driver&#39;s cab has a correspondingly armored driver&#39;s cab floor. The applicant is aware of in-house prior art in which additional material is provided on the driver&#39;s cab floor in the form of thickenings, such as several plates welded together, ribs and/or stiffening elements. This makes it possible to produce a driver&#39;s cab floor that is as stiff as possible and can withstand a shock wave generated during an impact on the driver&#39;s cab and does not deform into the driver&#39;s cab. 
     Against this background, one object of the present invention is to provide an improved driver&#39;s cab for a utility vehicle. 
     Accordingly, a driver&#39;s cab for a utility vehicle, in particular for a military utility vehicle, is provided. The driver&#39;s cab comprises an interior space enclosed by the driver&#39;s cab, a driver&#39;s cab floor, and a protrusion formed on the driver&#39;s cab floor, wherein the protrusion is curved away from the interior space. The protrusion comprises a first contour defining the protrusion in a first sectional plane intersecting the driver&#39;s cab floor, wherein the first contour is curved in an arcuate manner at least in sections, wherein the protrusion comprises a second contour defining the protrusion in a second sectional plane intersecting the driver&#39;s cab floor, wherein the second contour is curved in an arcuate manner at least in sections, and wherein the first sectional plane and the second sectional plane are positioned perpendicular to each other. 
     The fact that the protrusion curved away from the interior space is provided on the driver&#39;s cab floor means that a high structural strength or rigidity of the driver&#39;s cab floor can be achieved due to the three-dimensional geometry of the protrusion defined by the two contours. Advantageously, the additional materials mentioned at the outset can be dispensed with. This results in a weight reduction, the machining effort is reduced and deteriorating material properties due to heat input during welding of the additional materials can be prevented. 
     The driver&#39;s cab can also be referred to as the operator&#39;s cab or driver&#39;s cabin. The driver&#39;s cab is suitable for accommodating several occupants, for example a driver and a co-driver. In particular, the driver&#39;s cab is or may be referred to as a protected driver&#39;s cab. That is, the driver&#39;s cab is protected against shelling, booby traps, IEDs, mines, or the like. For this purpose, the driver&#39;s cab may be constructed of armored steel plates, for example, or may comprise armored steel plates. However, aluminum alloys or fiber composites can also be used. 
     The driver&#39;s cab comprises a front wall, a rear wall arranged opposite the front wall, two opposing side walls and the driver&#39;s cab floor. A ceiling of the driver&#39;s cab is placed opposite the driver&#39;s cab floor. A windshield may be attached to the front wall. Doors may be provided on the side walls. The front wall, the rear wall, the side walls, the ceiling and the driver&#39;s cab floor enclose the interior space and thus delimit the interior space from an environment of the driver&#39;s cab. The interior space can be accessible from the environment via doors and/or hatches. The sectional planes can be assigned to the driver&#39;s cab and/or the driver&#39;s cab floor. 
     In the present context, a “protrusion” is to be understood as a three-dimensional geometry which is bulge-shaped or at least sectionally spherical, egg-shaped or similarly curved. The protrusion can also be referred to as dent or bulge. The protrusion has the shape of a free-form surface, for example. In the present case, the fact that the protrusion is “curved away” from the interior space means that the protrusion extends away from the interior space and extends into the environment of the driver&#39;s cab. 
     A “contour” in this context means in particular a curve which, when viewed perpendicularly to the respective sectional plane, delimits the protrusion from its environment for an observer. The term “contour” can be replaced by the terms “outline” or “curve”. In particular, the contours may each be composed of different radii, ellipse sections, oval sections, curve sections, straight line sections or the like. However, in each case, the contours are curved in an arcuate manner at least in sections or exhibit an arcuate curvature. In the present context, “curvature” is to be understood as the local deviation of the respective contour from a straight line. The contours can be inner contours or outer contours of the protrusion. 
     The fact that the contours “define” the protrusion in the respective sectional plane means in particular that the respective contour specifies a two-dimensional geometry of the protrusion, which results in the respective sectional plane when the respective sectional plane intersects the protrusion. In particular, the two contours define or determine the three-dimensional geometry of the protrusion. Preferably, any number of further first sectional planes arranged parallel to the first sectional plane is provided, whereby the first contour changes in the different first sectional planes. The same applies to the second sectional plane and the second contour. The superposition of the two contours results in the three-dimensional geometry of the protrusion. In the case where the contours are identical, the protrusion may in the simplest case be sectionally spherical or spherical calotte-shaped. Preferably, however, the contours differ from each other in their two-dimensional geometry. That is, the first contour and the second contour preferably differ from each other and, in particular, are not identical. 
     According to an embodiment, a height direction of the driver&#39;s cab and a longitudinal direction of the driver&#39;s cab span the first sectional plane, wherein the height direction and a cross direction of the driver&#39;s cab span the second sectional plane, and wherein the height direction, the longitudinal direction, and the cross direction are positioned perpendicular to each other. 
     The driver&#39;s cab is thus assigned a coordinate system with an x-direction or longitudinal direction, a y-direction or height direction and a z-direction or cross direction. The coordinate system can also be assigned to the driver&#39;s cab floor. In the present context, the fact that the height direction and the longitudinal direction “span” the first sectional plane means that the height direction and the longitudinal direction lie in the first sectional plane. Alternatively, the height direction and the longitudinal direction can also only be aligned parallel to the first sectional plane. The same applies to the second sectional plane and correspondingly to the height direction and the cross direction. 
     According to another embodiment, the first sectional plane and the second sectional plane each intersect the protrusion centrally. 
     The protrusion may be of mirror symmetrical construction with respect to at least one of the sectional planes. However, as previously mentioned, any number of first sectional planes and/or any number of second sectional planes may be provided, with the first sectional planes and the second sectional planes each being parallel to each other. In this case, these additional sectional planes do not intersect the protrusion centrally. 
     According to another embodiment, the driver&#39;s cab comprises a seat which is arranged above the protrusion. 
     Preferably, a first seat or driver&#39;s seat and a second seat or passenger seat are provided. In particular, the seat is positioned above the protrusion when viewed in the height direction. Each seat may have such a protrusion associated therewith. However, at least the first seat is associated with such a protrusion. Viewed in the cross direction, the seats are spaced apart from one another. Viewed in the cross direction, the seats are preferably positioned centrally above the protrusions. However, viewed in the cross direction, the seats can also be positioned off-center relative to the respective protrusion. 
     According to a further embodiment, the first contour is continuously curved and/or the second contour is continuously curved. 
     In particular, the first contour and/or the second contour has a continuous arcuate curvature. That is, either the first contour or the second contour or both contours may be continuously curved. “Continuously curved” means in the present case that the first contour and/or the second contour has no straight line sections. In the event that the first contour and/or the second contour is continuously curved, the respective contour is preferably exclusively composed of different curved geometries, such as circular sections, arcs, radii, elliptical sections, oval sections and/or curved sections. In the present context, an “arc” may be understood to mean an arc of a circle, i.e., a circular section. The first contour and/or the second contour may also be a circular section, an arc, a radius, an ellipse section, an oval section, or a curve section. In this case, the first contour and/or the second contour is not composed of different geometries. 
     According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a driver&#39;s cab for a utility vehicle, in particular for a military utility vehicle, is accordingly proposed. The driver&#39;s cab comprises an interior space enclosed by the driver&#39;s cab, a driver&#39;s cab floor, and a protrusion formed on the driver&#39;s cab floor, wherein the protrusion is curved away from the interior space, wherein the protrusion comprises a first contour defining the protrusion in a first sectional plane intersecting the driver&#39;s cab floor, wherein the first contour is continuously curved, wherein the protrusion comprises a second contour defining the protrusion in a second sectional plane intersecting the driver&#39;s cab floor, wherein the second contour is continuously curved, and wherein the first sectional plane and the second sectional plane are positioned perpendicular to each other. 
     According to a further embodiment, the protrusion is at least partially egg-shaped. 
     The term “egg-shaped” can be replaced by the term “ovoid-shaped”. The geometry of the protrusion can therefore also be described as ovoid. As used herein, the terms “egg-shaped” or “ovoid-shaped” refer to a three-dimensional roundish figure that is broadly similar to the profile of a bird&#39;s egg. In particular, the egg-shaped geometry can be created by rotating an oval about an axis of symmetry. In contrast to an ellipse, however, the oval has only one axis of symmetry, with respect to which the oval has a mirror symmetrical structure. The egg-shaped geometry of the protrusion results from the two contours oriented perpendicular to each other. However, the protrusion only partially forms an egg-shaped geometry, which protrudes downward from the driver&#39;s cab floor into the environment. 
     According to another embodiment, the first contour differs in curvature from the second contour. 
     The “curvature” or “degree of curvature” in this context means the deviation of the respective contour from a straight line. The greater the curvature, the tighter or stronger the curvature of the respective contour. 
     According to another embodiment, the second contour is more curved than the first contour. 
     The differently curved contours result in the egg-shaped geometry of the protrusion. The contours are preferably both convexly curved. Thus, the protrusion itself is also convexly curved. This means that the protrusion curves out of the interior space into the environment. 
     According to another embodiment, a first protrusion and a second protrusion are formed on the driver&#39;s cab floor, wherein the protrusions are spaced apart from each other. 
     In particular, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are spaced apart from each other when viewed in the cross direction. As previously mentioned, the driver&#39;s cab may have two seats, in which case each seat is associated with such a protrusion. In particular, the first seat or driver&#39;s seat has the first protrusion associated therewith. Correspondingly, the second seat or passenger seat has the second protrusion associated with it. 
     According to another embodiment, a third protrusion is formed on the driver&#39;s cab floor, wherein the third protrusion is curved away from the interior space, and wherein the third protrusion is arranged between the first protrusion and the second protrusion. 
     In particular, the third protrusion is arranged between the first protrusion and the second protrusion when viewed along the cross direction. Preferably, the third protrusion bulges less far out of the interior space than the first protrusion and the second protrusion. 
     According to a further embodiment, a dome section projecting into the interior space is formed on the driver&#39;s cab floor and is arranged between the first protrusion and the second protrusion. 
     Viewed along the height direction, the dome section is preferably arranged above the third protrusion. The driver&#39;s cab floor is preferably mirror-symmetrical in relation to a third sectional plane of the driver&#39;s cab running centrally through the dome section. The third sectional plane is thereby positioned parallel to and spaced from the first sectional plane. The dome section can accommodate, for example, a transmission tunnel of the utility vehicle. The dome section is positioned between the first seat and the second seat as viewed along the cross direction. In particular, the dome section is positioned centrally in the driver&#39;s cab when viewed along the cross direction. 
     According to a further embodiment, the dome section comprises a radius defining the dome section in the second sectional plane, which radius is curved in the opposite direction to the second contour. 
     In particular, two radii are provided, which are placed on both sides of the dome section. Preferably, such a radius is provided in the second sectional plane mirror-symmetrically and on both sides of the dome section, which merges into the respective second contour of the first protrusion and the second protrusion. In this case, the radii preferably have an opposite curvature to the respective second contour of the corresponding protrusion. 
     According to a further embodiment, the dome section comprises a third contour defining the dome section in a third sectional plane parallel to the first sectional plane and arranged at a distance therefrom, wherein the third contour is curved at in an arcuate manner at least in sections. 
     The third contour may be composed of different radii, ellipse sections, oval sections, curve sections, straight line sections or the like. However, in any case, the third contour has an arcuate curvature or exhibits an arcuate curvature at least in sections. The third contour merges into a fourth contour of the third protrusion in the third sectional plane. In this case, the fourth contour of the third protrusion is curved in the opposite direction to the third contour of the dome section. 
     According to a further embodiment, the driver&#39;s cab floor comprises a lower part, on which the protrusion is formed, and an upper part connected to the lower part at an interface. 
     The interface can be a weld seam, for example. Preferably, the lower part and the upper part are hot-formed separately by means of a forming process. For this purpose, for example, a blank, in particular in the form of an armored steel plate, is inserted into a suitable press tool and the lower part and the upper part are hot formed. The two-part nature of the driver&#39;s cab floor means that a particularly high degree of forming can be achieved. The lower part and the upper part can then be joined together. Alternatively, the driver&#39;s cab floor can also be produced in one piece, so that the lower part and the upper part are joined together integrally, in particular as one piece of material. 
     According to a further embodiment, the lower part and/or the upper part are each formed integrally, in particular as one piece of material. 
     “Integrally” or “one-piece” means in the present case that the lower part and the upper part are each formed as one component and are not composed of different components. “One-piece of material” means in the present case that the lower part and/or the upper part are in each case manufactured throughout from the same material. Preferably, both the lower part and the upper part are each made of armored steel. However, other materials, such as aluminum alloys or fiber composites, can also be used for the driver&#39;s cab floor. 
     Furthermore, a utility vehicle, in particular a military utility vehicle, comprising such a driver&#39;s cab is provided. 
     The utility vehicle is preferably a land vehicle, in particular a truck. In particular, the utility vehicle is a military utility vehicle. The utility vehicle may therefore also be referred to as a military utility vehicle. In particular, the utility vehicle is an all-terrain truck. The utility vehicle may be a protected vehicle. The utility vehicle includes a chassis frame having a plurality of axles. That is, the utility vehicle is a multi-axle vehicle, particularly a three-axle vehicle. Preferably, the utility vehicle comprises an all-wheel drive. The utility vehicle may therefore be referred to as all-wheel drive utility vehicle. The utility vehicle may be a wheeled vehicle. Alternatively, the utility vehicle may be a tracked vehicle. 
     The embodiments and features described for the driver&#39;s cab apply accordingly to the proposed utility vehicle, and vice versa. 
     “One” in the present context is not to be understood as necessarily limiting the number of elements to exactly one; rather, several elements, such as two, three or more, may also be provided. Also any other counting word used herein is not to be understood as limiting to exactly the number of elements mentioned. Rather, numer-ical deviations upwards and downwards are possible, unless otherwise specified. 
     Further possible implementations of the driver&#39;s cab and/or the utility vehicle also include combinations of features or embodiments described previously or below with respect to the embodiment examples that are not explicitly mentioned. In this context, the skilled person will also add individual aspects as improvements or addi-tions to the respective basic form of the driver&#39;s cab and/or the utility vehicle. 
     Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the driver&#39;s cab and/or the utility vehicle are the subject of the subclaims and of the examples of embodiments of the driver&#39;s cab and/or the utility vehicle described below. In the following, the driver&#39;s cab and/or the utility vehicle are explained in more detail on the basis of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. 
    
    
     
         FIG.  1    shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a utility vehicle; 
         FIG.  2    shows a schematic front view of an embodiment of a driver&#39;s cab for the utility vehicle according to  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the driver&#39;s cab according to the sectional line of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a driver&#39;s cab floor for the driver&#39;s cab according to  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  5    shows a schematic side view of the driver&#39;s cab floor according to  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  6    shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the driver&#39;s cab floor according to the sectional line VI-VI of  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  7    shows a schematic front view of the driver&#39;s cab floor according to  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  8    shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the driver&#39;s cab floor according to the sectional line VIII-VIII of  FIG.  7   ; and 
         FIG.  9    shows another schematic cross-sectional view of the driver&#39;s cab floor according to the sectional line IX-IX of  FIG.  7   . 
     
    
    
     In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements have been given the same reference signs unless otherwise indicated. Concealed components are shown in the figures with dashed lines. 
       FIG.  1    shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a utility vehicle  1 . The utility vehicle  1  is a land vehicle. In particular, the utility vehicle  1  is a military utility vehicle. The utility vehicle  1  may therefore also be referred to as a military utility vehicle. As shown in  FIG.  1   , the utility vehicle  1  may be a truck. In particular, the utility vehicle  1  is an off-road utility vehicle. The utility vehicle  1  may be a protected vehicle. 
     A coordinate system with an x-direction or longitudinal direction L, a y-direction or height direction H and a z-direction or cross direction Q is assigned to the utility vehicle  1 . The directions H, L, Q are oriented perpendicular to each other. The height direction H is oriented parallel to a direction of gravity g. The direction of gravity g is oriented from top to bottom in the orientation of  FIG.  1   . 
     The utility vehicle  1  comprises a chassis  2  with a chassis frame  3  extending in the longitudinal direction L. The chassis frame  3  is flexurally rigid and torsionally soft and extends from a driver&#39;s cab  4  to a rear of the utility vehicle  1 . “Torsionally soft” in this context means in particular that the chassis frame  3  can twist about the longitudinal direction L. 
     A plurality of axles  5  to  7  are provided on the chassis frame  3 . The axles  5  to  7  carry wheels  8  to  10 . For example, three axles  5  to  7  may be provided. That is, the utility vehicle  1  in this case is a three-axle vehicle. However, the number of axles  5  to  7  is arbitrary. Preferably, the utility vehicle  1  comprises an all-wheel drive. That is, all axles  5  to  7  are driven. The utility vehicle  1  may therefore also be referred to as a all-wheel drive utility vehicle. The utility vehicle  1  may be a wheeled vehicle, as shown in  FIG.  1   . Alternatively, the utility vehicle  1  may be a tracked vehicle. The height direction H is oriented from the axles  5  to  7  in the direction of the chassis frame  3 . 
     The chassis  2  is suitable for supporting, in addition to the driver&#39;s cab  4 , a replaceable and torsionally rigid superstructure  11  of the utility vehicle  1 . The superstructure  11  may, for example, be a flatbed, a container, a box, a tank or the like. In  FIG.  1   , a superstructure  11  in the form of a flatbed is shown. 
     The driver&#39;s cab  4  is preferably protected against bullets, booby traps, improvised explosive or incendiary devices (IEDs), mines or the like. The driver&#39;s cab  4  encloses an interior space I in which passengers, for example a driver and a co-driver, can be seated. The driver&#39;s cab  4  encloses the interior space I and thus delimits it from an environment U of the driver&#39;s cab  4 . 
       FIG.  2    shows a schematic front view of an embodiment of a driver&#39;s cab  4  for the utility vehicle  1 .  FIG.  3    shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the driver&#39;s cab  4  according to the sectional line of  FIG.  2   . In the following, reference is made to  FIGS.  2  and  3    simultaneously. 
     The previously mentioned coordinate system with the directions H, L, Q can also be assigned to the driver&#39;s cab  4 . The driver&#39;s cab  4  comprises a mine-protected, in particular mine-protection-optimized, driver&#39;s cab floor  12 , a ceiling  13  arranged opposite the driver&#39;s cab floor  12 , two side walls  14 ,  15  arranged opposite each other, which can be provided with doors, a front wall  16  and a rear wall  17  arranged opposite the front wall  16 . The front wall  16  can have a windshield. 
     The driver&#39;s cab floor  12 , the ceiling  13 , the side walls  14 ,  15 , the front wall  16  as well as the rear wall  17  enclose the interior space I. Thereby, the interior space I can be accessible from the environment U by means of doors and/or hatches. Accom-modated in the driver&#39;s cab  4 , i.e. arranged in the interior space I, are a driver&#39;s seat or first seat  18  and a passenger&#39;s seat or second seat  19 . The seats  18 ,  19  are positioned adjacent to and spaced apart from each other as viewed in the cross direction Q. 
       FIG.  4    shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a driver&#39;s cab floor  12  for the driver&#39;s cab  4  as previously mentioned.  FIG.  5    shows a schematic side view of the driver&#39;s cab floor  12 .  FIG.  6    shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the driver&#39;s cab floor  12  according to the sectional line VI-VI of  FIG.  5   .  FIG.  7    shows a schematic front view of the driver&#39;s cab floor  12 ,  FIG.  8    shows another schematic cross-sectional view of the driver&#39;s cab floor  12  according to the sectional line VIII-VIII of  FIG.  7   , and  FIG.  9    shows another schematic cross-sectional view of the driver&#39;s cab floor  12  according to the sectional line IX-IX of  FIG.  7   . In the following, reference is made to  FIGS.  4  to  9    simultaneously. 
     The driver&#39;s cab floor  12  includes a lower part  20  and an upper part  21 . The lower part  20  and the upper part  21  are joined together at an interface  22 . The interface  22  may be a weld. In other words, the driver&#39;s cab floor  12  is in two parts. Alternatively, the driver&#39;s cab floor  12  may be an integrally formed component. “Integrally” or “one-piece” means in the present context that the driver&#39;s cab floor  12  is formed from only one part and is not composed of different components. In particular, the driver&#39;s cab floor  12  may also be formed as one piece of material. “One-piece of material” means in the present case that the driver&#39;s cab floor  12  is made of the same material throughout. 
     Preferably, however, the driver&#39;s cab floor  12  is of two-part design and comprises the lower part  20  and the upper part  21  firmly connected thereto. The lower part  20  and the upper part  21  are each designed as integrally formed components, in particular as one-piece of material components. The lower part  20  and the upper part  21  are made of steel, in particular armored steel. However, other materials, such as aluminum alloys or fiber composites, can also be used for the driver&#39;s cab floor  12 . 
     The driver&#39;s cab floor  12  is not flat, but has a three-dimensionally shaped geometry, in particular in the form of a free-form surface. A “free-form surface” in this context means any three-dimensionally shaped surface. A free-form surface can be described in particular with the aid of piecewise polynomial functions. In particular, free-form surfaces are three-dimensional, usually double-curved surfaces. 
     To produce the driver&#39;s cab floor  12 , the lower part  20  and the upper part  21  are preheated as semi-finished products, in particular as blanks, for example in the form of armored steel plates, and inserted separately from one another into a corresponding mold and hot-formed. The lower part  20  and the upper part  21  can then be joined together at the interface  22 . The two-part nature of the driver&#39;s cab floor  12  thus makes it easier to manufacture the driver&#39;s cab floor  12  while maintaining high degrees of forming. The “degree of forming” is a deformation parameter which can be used to record the permanent geometric change in a workpiece during the forming process. 
     As mentioned before, the coordinate system with the directions H, L. Q can be assigned to the driver&#39;s cab  4 . Furthermore, the coordinate system with the directions H, L, Q can also be assigned to the driver&#39;s cab floor  12 . In this case, the height direction H and the longitudinal direction L span a first sectional plane E 1  ( FIGS.  6 ,  7  and  8   ), which intersects the driver&#39;s cab floor  12  and the driver&#39;s cab  4 , respectively. In this context, “spanning” means that the height direction H and the longitudinal direction L define the orientation of the first sectional plane E 1  in space. The height direction H and the longitudinal direction L can lie in the first sectional plane E 1  or run parallel to it. 
     Furthermore, a second sectional plane E 2  ( FIGS.  5  and  6   ) is assigned to the driver&#39;s cab floor  12  or the driver&#39;s cab  4 . The second sectional plane E 2  is defined by the height direction H and the cross direction Q. That is, the height direction H and the cross direction Q lie in the second sectional plane E 2  or are arranged parallel thereto. The first sectional plane E 1  and the second sectional plane E 2  are positioned perpendicular to each other. 
     Any number of first sectional planes E 1  may be provided, which, viewed along the cross direction Q, may be spaced apart from and parallel to each other. Furthermore, any number of second sectional planes E 2  can also be provided, which, viewed along the longitudinal direction L, are arranged adjacent to and spaced apart from one another. In the following, however, only one first sectional plane E 1  and one second sectional plane E 2  are assumed in each case. 
     Furthermore, a third sectional plane E 3  ( FIGS.  7  and  9   ) is provided which is parallel to and spaced from the first sectional plane E 1 . That is, the third sectional plane E 3  is also spanned by the height direction H and the longitudinal direction L, whereby the height direction H and the longitudinal direction L can either be placed in the third sectional plane E 3  or are arranged parallel to it. The third sectional plane E 3  is provided centrally on the driver&#39;s cab floor  12 . The driver&#39;s cab floor  12  is constructed in mirror symmetry to the third sectional plane E 3 . 
     The driver&#39;s cab floor  12  has a first protrusion  23  formed thereon, which is curved away from the interior space I. That is, the first protrusion  23  curves into the environment U of the driver&#39;s cab  4 . Preferably, a first protrusion  23  associated with the first seat  18  and a second protrusion  24  associated with the second seat  19  are provided. Viewed along the height direction H, the first seat  18  is arranged above the first protrusion  23 . Accordingly, the second seat  19  is arranged above the second protrusion  24  when viewed along the height direction H. The protrusions  23 ,  24  are preferably of identical construction. The protrusions  23 ,  24  are placed in mirror symmetry with respect to the third sectional plane E 3 . The protrusions  23 ,  24  may also be referred to as dents or bulges. 
     The protrusions  23 ,  24  have a three-dimensional buckling-optimized geometry, so that the protrusions  23 ,  24  have a high stiffness or structural strength. The protrusions  23 ,  24  are egg-shaped or ovoid-shaped at least in sections. As used herein, the terms “egg-shaped” or “ovoid-shaped” refer to a three-dimensional roundish figure that broadly resembles the profile of a bird&#39;s egg. In particular, the egg-shaped geometry can be created by rotating an oval about an axis of symmetry. In contrast to an ellipse, however, the oval has only one axis of symmetry, with respect to which the oval has a mirror symmetrical structure. The geometry of the protrusions  23 ,  24  can also be called ovoid. The protrusions  23 ,  24  are formed on the lower part  20  of the driver&#39;s cab floor  12 . 
     Since the protrusions  23 ,  24  are identically constructed and arranged in mirror symmetry to the third sectional plane E 3 , only the first protrusion  23  will be discussed below. However, all explanations concerning the first protrusion  23  are applicable to the second protrusion  24 . 
     The first sectional plane E 1  runs centrally through the first protrusion  23  with respect to the cross direction Q. The first protrusion  23  can be at least partially mirror-symmetrical with respect to the first sectional plane E 1 . The first protrusion  23  comprises a first contour  25  ( FIG.  8   ), which is arranged in the first sectional plane E 1 . The first contour  25  may be an inner contour of the first protrusion  23 . Alternatively, the first contour  25  may be an outer contour of the first protrusion  23 . The inner contour and outer contour differ from each other only by a wall thickness of the first protrusion  23 . In the present context, the term “contour” is to be understood as a curve which, for a viewer looking perpendicularly to the first sectional plane E 1 , delimits the first protrusion  23  from its surroundings. The term “contour” can be replaced by the terms “outline” or “curve”. 
     The first contour  25  is convexly curved. That is, the first protrusion  23  curves out of the interior space I into the environment U. The first contour  25  is curved to the left. The first contour  25  may be composed of different radii, ellipse sections, oval sections, curve sections, straight line sections or the like. However, in any case, the first contour  25  has an arcuate curvature or exhibits an arcuate curvature at least in sections. 
     Particularly preferably, however, the first contour  25  is continuously curved, in particular continuously curved in the shape of an arc. “Continuously curved” means in the present case that the first contour  25  has no straight line sections. In the event that the first contour  25  is continuously curved, the first contour  25  is preferably exclusively composed of different curved geometries, such as, for example, circular sections, arcs, radii, elliptical sections, oval sections and/or curved sections. In particular, an “arc” may be understood to mean an arc of a circle, i.e., a circular section. The first contour  25  may also be a circular section, an arc, a radius, an ellipse section, an oval section, or a curve section. In this case, the first contour  25  is not composed of different geometries. 
     The first contour  25  has a convex curvature. In the present context, the term “curvature” is to be understood as the local deviation of the first contour  25  from a straight line. The term “curvature” can also be replaced by the term “degree of curvature”, which quantitatively indicates for each point of the first contour  25  how strong this local deviation is from a straight line. The greater the curvature, the more tightly the first contour  25  is curved. 
     The first contour  25  defines the first protrusion  23  in the first sectional plane E 1 . That is, the first contour  25  indicates a two-dimensional geometry of the first protrusion  23  that results in the first sectional plane E 1  when the first sectional plane E 1  intersects the first protrusion  23 . In case a plurality of different first sectional planes E 1  are considered, which-as mentioned before-are arranged parallel to each other, a plurality of first contours  25 , which differ from each other in their two-dimensional geometry, results in these additional first sectional planes E 1 . The first sectional plane E 1  shown in  FIG.  8    intersects the first protrusion  23  in its largest deflection away from the interior space I or into the environment U, respectively. 
     The first protrusion  23  is further associated with a second contour  26  ( FIG.  6   ) defining the first protrusion  23 , which is arranged in the second sectional plane E 2 . The second contour  26  can also be an inner contour or an outer contour of the first protrusion  23 . The inner contour and outer contour differ from each other only by the wall thickness of the first protrusion  23 . Again, in the case where a plurality of different second sectional planes E 2  are considered, which—as previously mentioned—are arranged parallel to each other, a plurality of second contours  26  are obtained in these additional second sectional planes E 2 , which differ from each other in their two-dimensional geometry. The second sectional plane E 2  shown in  FIG.  6    intersects the first protrusion  23  in its largest deflection away from the interior space I or into the environment U, respectively. 
     Since the first sectional plane E 1  and the second sectional plane E 2  are arranged perpendicular to each other, the first contour  25  and the second contour  26  are also positioned perpendicular to each other. This results in a double-curved surface that describes the first protrusion  23 . The contours  25 ,  26  thus form the three-dimensional egg-shaped geometry of the first protrusion  23 . 
     The second contour  26  can be circularly curved, at least in sections. Like the first contour  25 , the second contour  26  can be composed of different radii, elliptical sections, oval sections, curved sections, straight sections or the like. However, in any case, the second contour  26  has an arcuate curvature or exhibits an arcuate curvature at least in sections. The second contour  26  exhibits a convex curvature. The second contour  26  is preferably curved to the left. The first contour  25  differs from the second contour  26  in its curvature. In particular, the second contour  26  is more curved than the first contour  25 . 
     Particularly preferably, however, the second contour  26  is continuously curved, in particular continuously curved in the shape of an arc. “Continuously curved” means in the present case that the second contour  26  has no straight line sections. In the case where the second contour  26  is continuously curved, the second contour  26  is preferably exclusively composed of different curved geometries, such as, for example, circular sections, arcs, radii, elliptical sections, oval sections and/or curved sections. In particular, an “arc” may be understood to mean a circular arc, i.e., a circular section. The second contour  26  may also be a circular section, an arc, a radius, an ellipse section, an oval section, or a curve section. In this case, the second contour  26  is not composed of different geometries. 
     Between the first protrusion  23  and the second protrusion  24 , a dome section  27  is formed on the driver&#39;s cab floor  12 , in particular on the upper part  21  of the driver&#39;s cab floor  12 . The dome section  27  projects inwardly into the interior space I of the driver&#39;s cab  4 . For example, the dome section  27  can receive a transmission tunnel. 
     As shown in  FIG.  6   , the second contour  26  of the respective protrusion  23 ,  24  merges into the dome section  27  on both sides of the dome section  27  with a respective radius  28 ,  29 . The radii  28 ,  29  have a curvature direction opposite to that of the second contours  26  of the two protrusions  23 ,  24 . Furthermore, the second contour  26  of the two protrusions  23 ,  24  merges via radii  30 ,  31  into an edge section  32 ,  33  of the driver&#39;s cab floor  12  adjoining the protrusions  23 ,  24  on both sides. The radii  30 ,  31  are curved in the opposite direction to the respective second contour  26 . 
     A third contour  34  defining the dome section  27  ( FIG.  9   ) is positioned in the third sectional plane E 3 . The third contour  34  can also be an inner contour or an outer contour, which differ from each other only by a wall thickness of the dome section  27 . The third contour  34  may be composed of different radii, ellipse sections, oval sections, curve sections, straight line sections or the like. However, in any case, the third contour  34  has an arcuate curvature or exhibits an arcuate curvature at least in sections. 
     Furthermore, a third protrusion  35  is provided centrally between the protrusions  23 ,  24 . The third protrusion  35  is curved less far out of the interior space I than the protrusions  23 ,  24 . The third protrusion  35  is defined with the aid of a fourth contour  36  ( FIG.  9   ) placed in the third sectional plane E 3  and a fifth contour  37  ( FIG.  7   ) oriented perpendicular to the fourth contour  36 . The fifth contour  37  is located in a sectional plane parallel to the second sectional plane E 2  (not shown). The contours  36 ,  37  can also be inner contours or outer contours. 
     The contours  36 ,  37  can each be composed of different radii, ellipse sections, oval sections, curve sections, straight line sections or the like. However, both the fourth contour  36  and the fifth contour  37  are curved in an arcuate manner at least in sections or exhibit an arcuate curvature in each case. In this regard, the fourth contour  36  merges with the third contour  34  of the dome section  27 . The fourth contour  36  and the third contour  34  are curved in opposite directions. 
     The functionality of the driver&#39;s cab floor  12  is explained below. In the event of the driver&#39;s cab  4  being struck by an explosive device  38  ( FIGS.  2  and  3   ), for example in the form of a mine or an IED, the respective protrusion  23 ,  24  protects the driver or passenger from a blast or blast wave  39  from the explosive device  38 . The protection in this case is brought about by the previously explained three-dimensional geometry of the protrusions  23 ,  24 . Due to their three-dimensional geometry, the protrusions  23 ,  24  are optimized for buckling and have a high stiffness or structural rigidity. This prevents the driver&#39;s cab floor  12 , in particular under the seats  18 ,  19 , from deforming into the interior space I, which could lead to injury to the occupants. 
     Due to the partially egg-shaped geometry of the respective protrusion  23 ,  24 , a high structural stiffness can be realized without additional material in the form of bulges, ribs and/or stiffening elements. The geometry of the protrusions  23 ,  24  has a high inherent stiffness due to the egg-shaped form. At the same time, a low wall thickness can be achieved in the driver&#39;s cab floor  12 . This results in a weight saving. 
     Additional weight due to thickening, ribs and/or stiffening elements, additional machining steps and the associated additional costs, as well as deteriorated material properties due to heat input when welding on additional material can thus be avoided. The driver&#39;s cab floor  12  can fully achieve the required safety level in the event of blasting with the aid of the explosive device  38  under the given geometric boundary conditions. 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference to examples of embodiments, it can be modified in a variety of ways. 
     LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS 
     
         
           1  Utility vehicle 
           2  Chassis 
           3  Chassis frame 
           4  Driver&#39;s cab 
           5  Axle 
           6  Axle 
           7  Axle 
           8  Wheel 
           9  Wheel 
           10  Wheel 
           11  Superstructure 
           12  Driver&#39;s cab floor 
           13  Ceiling 
           14  Side wall 
           15  Side wall 
           16  Front wall 
           17  Rear wall 
           18  Seat 
           19  Seat 
           20  Lower part 
           21  Upper part 
           22  Interface 
           23  Protrusion 
           24  Protrusion 
           25  Contour 
           26  Contour 
           27  Dome section 
           28  Radius 
           29  Radius 
           30  Radius 
           31  Radius 
           32  Edge section 
           33  Edge section 
           34  Contour 
           35  Protrusion 
           36  Contour 
           37  Contour 
           38  Explosive device 
           39  Blast wave 
         E 1  Sectional plane 
         E 2  Sectional plane 
         E 3  Sectional plane 
         g Direction of gravity 
         I Interior space 
         H Height direction 
         L Longitudinal direction 
         Q Cross direction 
         U Environment