Rocker support assembly

Abstract

A support rocker (274) configured to be pivotally coupled to a rocker attachment interface (272) of a space frame (20), the support rocker comprising a rocker body (2740) having a pivot hole (2741) configured to receive a pivot pin (273) therethrough to pivotally couple the rocker body (2740) to the rocker attachment interface (272); and a rocker support insert (2750) disposed on a top portion of the rocker body (2740). The rocker support insert (2750) may be removably coupled to the top portion of the rocker body (2740), and the rocker support insert (2750) may define an upwardly facing contact surface (275).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to haul trucks, and more particularly to rocker brace assemblies for haul trucks and systems, components, and methods thereof. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, rear haul trucks have a dump body that is pivotally connected to a haul truck frame adjacent the rear end of the dump body. Problems may arise regarding the connection between the dump body and the haul truck frame. The connection between the dump body and the haul truck frame may provide load support points. These load support points may be sensitive to constraints such as manufacturing variations, poor maintenance practices, and / or unreliable support definitions. This may result in increased reinforcement of multiple load paths.

[0003] Additionally, conventional space frames for haul trucks may be constructed with static applications in mind. However, vehicle applications are at least partially dynamic in nature, and haul trucks may present particularly difficult applications due to the loads applied to the space frame and the bending, twisting, and / or flexing that may occur when the haul truck travels over various types of terrain (e.g., off-road terrain).

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 4,789,118 (the "'118 Patent") describes a pad assembly for supporting a payload in a cradle assembly for a spacecraft. The '118 Patent describes a plurality of pad assemblies mounted at intervals along an inner surface of the cradle and adjustable in a radial direction by means of screw adjustments. The '118 Patent further describes each pad assembly including a pad cap, a rocker pad, and an alignment and adjustment device. According to the '118 Patent, the pad cap is composed of a plurality of resilient pads interleaved with a metal sheet, bonded to the rocker pad, and forming a bearing connection with the payload. The '118 Patent further describes an outer surface of the pad cap being shaped to accommodate a cylindrical payload. Summary of the invention

[0005] In one aspect, a support rocker is disclosed. The support rocker may be configured to be pivotally coupled to a rocker attachment interface of a space frame. The support rocker may include a rocker body having a pivot hole configured to receive a pivot pin therethrough to pivotally couple the rocker body to the rocker attachment interface; and a rocker support insert disposed on a top portion of the rocker body. The rocker support insert is removably coupled to the top portion of the rocker body, and the rocker support insert defines an upwardly facing contact surface configured to seat thereon a downwardly facing contact surface of a vertical support structure of a dump body of a rear haul truck disposed on the space frame.

[0006] In another aspect, a space frame for a rear haul truck is disclosed. The space frame may include a rocker attachment interface disposed on an upper surface of a support structure of the space frame; and a support rocker pivotally coupled to the rocker attachment interface. The support rocker is pivotable about its pivot axis in a width direction of the space frame, and may include a rocker body having a pivot hole having a pivot pin therethrough to pivotally couple the rocker body to the rocker attachment interface; and a rocker support insert disposed on a top portion of the rocker body. The rocker support insert is removably coupled to the top portion of the rocker body, and the rocker support insert defines an upwardly facing contact surface configured to seat thereon a downwardly facing contact surface of a vertical support structure disposed on a dump body of the rear haul truck.

[0007] And in yet another aspect, an off-highway rear haul truck is disclosed. The off-highway rear haul truck may include a first support rocker pivotally coupled to a first rocker attachment interface of a space frame of the off-highway rear haul truck; and a second support rocker pivotally coupled to a second rocker attachment interface of the space frame. The first and second support rockers are spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the space frame and are configured to pivot in the width direction of the space frame on the first and second rocker attachment interfaces about respective pivot axes extending in the length direction of the space frame. Each of the first and second support rockers may include a rocker body having a pivot hole having a pivot pin therethrough to pivotally couple the rocker body to the first or second rocker attachment interface; and a rocker support insert disposed on a top portion of the rocker body. The rocker support insert is removably coupled to the top portion of the rocker body, and the rocker support insert defines an upwardly facing contact surface configured to seat thereon a downwardly facing contact surface of a vertical support structure disposed on a front wall of a dump body of the off-highway rear haul truck.

[0008] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a side view of a machine according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

[0010] Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter Figure 1 A front perspective view of a machine with its cab removed to show the space frame and its dump body.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial front perspective view of the machine with the cab removed.

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A front view of the machine with the cab removed.

[0013] Figure 5 is a top, side perspective view of a rocker support assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Bottom and side perspective views of the rocker support assembly.

[0015] Figure 7 According to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter Figure 5 A top and side perspective view of a rocker support insert of a rocker support assembly.

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Side elevation view of the rocker support insert.

[0017] Fig. 9 According to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter Figure 7 Top and side perspective views of a support plate of a rocker support insert.

[0018] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 Side elevation of the support plate.

[0019] Fig.11 yes Fig. 9 A top and side perspective view of a support pad of a support plate.

[0020] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 Side elevation view of the support pad.

[0021] Fig.13 is a cross-sectional view of a rocker support insert according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

[0022] Figures 14A-14C Exemplary operating conditions of a rocker support assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter are shown.

[0023] Fig.15 is an exploded view of a space frame and dump body to illustrate defined contact points according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to Figure 1 , which shows an exemplary embodiment of machine 10. Machine 10 may be a mobile machine that performs some type of operation associated with an industry such as mining, construction, or any other industry known in the art. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , machine 10 may be an earth moving machine, and in particular an off-highway rear haul truck 10 .

[0025] The machine 10 may have a space frame 20 supported by front wheels 14 and rear wheels 16 (including corresponding tires). The front wheels 14 and rear wheels 16 may be connected to the space frame 20 by front suspension members and rear suspension systems, respectively. The machine 10 may also include a body or box 30 supported by the space frame 20. Such a body or box 30 may be referred to herein as a dump body 30. The dump body 30 may be configured as a container for receiving hauled material.

[0026] The rear portion 34 of the dump body 30 may be pivotally coupled or attached to a portion (including multiple portions) at the rear portion 24 of the space frame 20. As discussed in more detail below, the portion of the dump body 30 between the rear portion 34 and the front portion 36 of the dump body 30 may be movably positioned relative to a corresponding portion of the space frame 20 to support the dump body 30 on the space frame 20 in a rest position of the dump body 30. The rest position of the dump body 30 may be considered to be the positioning of the dump body 30 such that the front portion 36 of the dump body 30 is in a lowermost position (i.e., not raised). The dump body 30 may be pivoted at the rear portion 34 about the rear portion 24 of the space frame 20 to raise or lower the portion of the dump body 30 in front of the pivot (and thereby move the portion of the dump body 30 behind the pivot in the opposite direction). Such pivoting of the dump body 30 to raise the front portion 36 of the dump body 30 may be to dump contents from within the dump body 30. Similarly, pivoting of the dump body 30 to lower the front portion 36 of the dump body 30 to the rest position may be to receive contents in the dump body 30 .

[0027] The machine 10 may have a cab 18 supported by a space frame 20. The machine 10 may also be equipped with a steering mechanism and controls for moving the machine 10 and for raising and lowering a dump body 30. The steering mechanism and controls may be located within the cab 18 of the machine 10.

[0028] The machine 10 may have a prime mover (not explicitly shown) supported by the space frame 20. Typically, the prime mover may be disposed in the space 21 of the space frame 20. The prime mover may be configured to propel the front and rear wheels 14, 16 in a forward or backward direction. The prime mover may be arranged longitudinally on the space frame 20 along the direction of travel of the machine 10. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the prime mover may be arranged transversely. In an exemplary embodiment, the prime mover may be an internal combustion engine, for example, it may be a two-stroke or four-stroke diesel engine. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the prime mover may be any other type of internal combustion engine, such as a gasoline engine or a gas fuel-powered engine. The prime mover may be connected to the front wheels 14 and / or the rear wheels 16 via other components such as a transmission (not shown), thereby transmitting the prime mover to move the front wheels 14 and / or the rear wheels 16 in a forward or backward direction.

[0029] Exhaust from the prime mover may be output from one or more exhaust outputs (not explicitly shown). Optionally, one or more exhaust outputs may be generally disposed between the cab 18 and the front wall 37 of the dump body 30 such that the exhaust is disposed toward at least a predetermined portion of the front wall 37. A coupling (e.g., a bellows) may be provided to connect the one or more exhaust outputs to the front wall 37 of the dump body 30, for example, to a heating channel disposed in or on the front wall 37 of the dump body 30 to heat the material carried in the dump body 30.

[0030] In general, a space frame according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, such as space frame 20, can be a frame including structural members connected to each other at nodes and / or joints. The structural members can include hollow tubes and / or solid tubes, and in some cases can be connected according to a triangular structure. For example, the structural members can be made of metal, metal alloys, or reinforced composite materials.

[0031] The space frame 20 may include a pair of rear frame connectors 210 and a front upper frame connector 270 at the rear portion 24 of the space frame 20. Although the rear frame connectors 210 are described as being in a pair, such connectors of the pair may not be identical. For example, the connectors may be generally symmetrical, but not necessarily identical. The aforementioned connectors may be castings or fabricated parts. Generally, a casting may refer to a connector that is not welded to another support component of the space frame 20, and a fabricated part may refer to a connector that is welded to another support component of the space frame 20.

[0032] The space frame 20 may also include a plurality of elongated support members, such as elongated support member 201 (see Fig.15 ). According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the elongated support members can be in the form of rods and / or tubes, for example circular, where some or all of the rods and / or tubes can be solid or hollow.

[0033] In a top plan view of the space frame 20, each elongated support member 201 may be disposed between the rear frame connection member 210 and the front upper frame connection member 270. In addition, each elongated support member 201 may extend longitudinally substantially horizontally. Since the elongated support members 201 are disposed at an outer portion of the space frame 20 in the width direction of the space frame 20, the elongated support members 201 may be considered as outer elongated support members 201. As an example, the outer elongated support members 201 may be outer frame tubes.

[0034] Each rear frame connection 210, which may be a casting, may have a rear support 211 and a rear suspension node 215. As discussed in more detail below, the rear support 211 may directly support the dump body 30, and the rear suspension node 215 may be coupled to the rear suspension member 115 of the rear suspension system. The rear frame connection 210 may also be coupled to a plurality of elongated support members, including the elongated support member 201. According to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, each rear frame connection 210 may be a seven-point connection. For example, according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the rear frame connection 210 and corresponding connections may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,815, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0035] The rear support 211 can be configured as a pivot pin boss having a pivot pin hole or opening 212. According to one or more embodiments, the outer surface of the rear support 211 (i.e., the pivot pin boss) and the pivot pin hole 212 can be cylindrical. The axis of the pivot pin hole 212 can extend in the width direction of the space frame 20. Moreover, the axes of the pivot pin hole 212 can be aligned with each other from the rear support 211 of a pair of rear frame connectors 210. That is, the axes of the pivot pin holes 212 can be coaxial or common. The pivot pin hole 212 can be configured to receive the pivot pin of the pivot pin interface 213, so that the pivot pin interface 213 is pivotally connected to the rear support 211 via the pivot pin hole 212 and the pivot pin interface 213 can pivot or rotate around the axis of the pivot pin hole 212 and the pivot pin of the pivot pin interface 213. As discussed in more detail below, the pivot pin interface 213 can also be connected to the bottom 35 of the dump body 30.

[0036] Go to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the front upper frame connector 270 may have a body with a pair of rocker attachment interfaces 272 on its top surface. According to one or more embodiments, the front upper frame connector 270 and corresponding connectors may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,849, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0037] The rocker attachment interfaces 272 may be spaced apart from one another in the width direction of the space frame 20, for example, disposed at opposite outer edges of the body of the front upper frame connector 270, for example Figure 3As shown in . Each rocker attachment interface 272 can have a pivot pin hole configured to receive a pivot pin 273. For example, two aligned pivot pin holes can be set in spaced-apart brackets extending from the top surface of the front upper frame connector 270. Optionally, the pivot pin 273 can be considered a part of the rocker attachment interface 272. The rotation axis of the pivot pin hole and the pivot pin 273 can extend horizontally or approximately horizontally in the length direction of the space frame 20. Moreover, the rotation axes defined by the rocker attachment interface 272 can be parallel to each other. As will be discussed in more detail below, the rotation axis can be laterally offset outward from the vertical centerline passing through the corresponding vertical support structure 370, such as Figure 4 as shown in .

[0038] Each rocker attachment interface 272 can have a support rocker 274 rotatably attached thereto via a pivot pin 273. Alternatively to the above, in one or more embodiments, the pivot pin 273 can be considered a part of the support rocker 274 rather than the rocker attachment interface 272. Since the rocker attachment interfaces 272 can be spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the space frame 20, the support rockers 274 can also be so. Moreover, the support rockers 274 can rotate or pivot laterally or in the width direction of the space frame 20 about the corresponding rotation axis defined by the rocker attachment interface 272 and the pivot pin 273.

[0039] Go to Figure 5 and Figure 6 Each support rocker 274 may have an upwardly facing contact surface 275. As discussed in more detail below, the support rockers 274, and in particular the upwardly facing contact surfaces 275 thereof, may receive a portion of a corresponding vertical support structure 370 of the dump body 30.

[0040] The support rocker 274 can have a rocker body 2740, which can define a pivot pin hole 2741, and a rocker support insert 2750. The pivot pin hole 2741 can receive the pivot pin 273 to pivotally couple the rocker body 2740 to a corresponding one of the rocker attachment interfaces 272. Optionally, an orientation key 2742 can be provided in the rocker body 2740 to orient the pivot pin 273 relative to the rocker body 2740. An end cap 2730 (e.g., an end plate) can also be provided at one or both ends of the pivot pin 273. The end cap 2730, which can be considered as a part of the pivot pin 273, can be provided to fix the pivot pin 273 in the pivot pin hole 2741. Optionally, the end cap 2730 can be removably coupled to the orientation key 2742 via one or more fasteners.

[0041] The rocker body 2740 may include an upper portion that removably receives the rocker support insert 2750. The upper portion may be U-shaped in a side view supporting the rocker 274. According to one or more embodiments, the upper portion may include one or more arms 2743. For example, Figure 5and Figure 6 Four arms or two pairs of arms 2743 are shown at opposite ends of the rocker body 2740. A space 2744 can be provided between each pair of arms 2743. Such a space 2744 can also be between the arms 2743 and the rocker support insert 2750. Thus, each pair of arms 2743 can form a U-shape in a side view of the support rocker 274. Spaces 2745 can also exist between pairs of arms 2743 on opposite sides of the rocker body 2740.

[0042] The coupling extensions 2746 can be disposed at the ends of the arms 2743 and can extend across the arms 2743 on the opposite ends of the rocker body 2740. According to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the coupling extensions 2746 can extend across the corresponding arms 2743 in the length or end-to-end direction of the rocker body 2740. That is, the opposite ends of each coupling extension 2746 can extend across or protrude outwardly from the arms 2743 on the opposite ends of the rocker body 2740, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 as shown in .

[0043] The coupling extension 2746 can form a coupling interface for removably coupling the rocker support insert 2750 to the rocker body 2740. According to one or more embodiments, the coupling extension 2746 can be configured to receive one or more fasteners 2747 to removably couple the rocker support insert 2750 to the rocker body 2740. For example, the coupling extension 2746 can have one or more holes or openings to receive corresponding bolts, wherein corresponding nuts are fastened to the bolts to secure the rocker support insert 2750 to the rocker body 2740, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Incidentally, the rocker body 2740, which may be a casting, may be formed integrally or unitarily with the arm 2743 and the coupling extension 2746.

[0044] The rocker body 2740 can have a built-in rotation limiting mechanism or range of motion stop that is configured to limit clockwise and / or counterclockwise rotation of the rocker body 2740. For example, according to one or more embodiments, the stop can be built into one or more inner surfaces of the rocker body 2740 adjacent to the pivot pin hole 2741 or at the pivot pin hole. Alternatively, the rotation limiting mechanism or range of motion stop can be in the form of one or more legs 2748 of the rocker body 2740. For example, Figure 5 and Figure 6 Four legs 2748 or two pairs of legs 2748 are shown on opposite ends of the rocker body 2740. Generally, the legs 2748 can extend outward and downward under the pivot pin hole 2741 and the pivot pin 273. Incidentally, the rocker body 2740 can be integral or unitary with one or more legs 2748.

[0045] The legs 2748 can rotate with the rocker body 2740 to limit the range of rotation of the support rocker 274 to a predetermined range. For example, rotation of the rocker body 2740 in a particular direction can cause a set of legs 2748 on one longitudinal side of the rocker body 2740 to contact an upper surface of the space frame 20, such as an upper surface of the front upper frame connector 270. Such contact can prevent the support rocker 274 from rotating further in the same direction, thereby defining one limit of the range of rotation of the support rocker 274. Similarly, contact of the legs 2748 on the opposite longitudinal side of the rocker body 2740 with the upper surface of the front upper frame connector 270 can define another limit of the range of rotation of the support rocker 274.

[0046] The range of rotation of the support rocker 274 can be set based on the configuration of the legs 2748. For example, if all legs 2748 have the same configuration (i.e., length), the range of motion can be symmetrical for clockwise and counterclockwise rotation about a baseline center position. However, if the legs 2748 on one longitudinal side of the rocker body 2740 are longer than the legs 2748 on the other side of the rocker body 2740, the support rocker 274 may be more limited in rotation toward the side with the longer legs 2748.

[0047] The rocker support insert 2750, which may include a support plate 2752 and a support pad 2756 disposed on the support plate 2752, may generally conform to the shape of an upper portion of the rocker body 2740, at least in terms of an outer contour. For example, the support plate 2752 may have a plate coupling extension 2753 disposed generally corresponding to the coupling extension 2746. In addition to supporting a portion of the support pad 2756 on its top side, the plate coupling extension 2753 may form a coupling interface to removably couple the rocker support insert 2750 to the rocker body 2740. According to one or more embodiments, the plate coupling extension 2753 may be configured to accommodate one or more fasteners 2747 to removably couple the rocker support insert 2750 to the rocker body 2740. For example, the plate coupling extension 2753 may have one or more holes or openings to receive corresponding bolts, wherein corresponding nuts are fastened to the bolts to secure the rocker support insert 2750 to the rocker body 2740, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 as shown in .

[0048] The rocker support insert 2750 can define an upwardly facing contact surface 275. According to one or more embodiments, the upwardly facing contact surface 275 can be concave. For example, according to one or more embodiments, the upwardly facing contact surface 275 can be semi-cylindrical, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6. Alternatively, the upward facing contact surface 275 can be elliptical or multi-planar. The upward facing contact surface 275 can be configured to place a downward facing contact surface, such as the downward facing contact surface 371 of the vertical support structure 370, thereon. According to one or more embodiments, the geometries of the downward facing contact surface 275 and the upward facing contact surface 371 can match or substantially match (e.g., both are semi-cylindrical) in the uncompressed and / or compressed state of the support pad 2756.

[0049] Go to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the rocker support insert 2750 can be curved, for example, as shown, where the top surface of the support plate 2752 can have a support pad 2756 disposed thereon that substantially corresponds to the curvature. The support pad 2756, which can be in the form of a single pad, can be fixedly coupled to the top surface of the support plate 2752. For example, an adhesive can be used to bond the support pad 2756 to the top surface of the support plate 2752. Space between the support pad 2756 and the edge of the support plate 2752 can exist and can extend around some or all of the periphery of the support pad 2756. Such spacing, discussed in more detail below, can allow portions of the support pad 2756 to bulge in response to a load thereon so that the edge does not extend beyond the edge of the support plate 2752. Additionally, particularly as Figure 8 As shown in , the thickness of the support pad 2756 at least at its central support portion 2757 can be greater than the thickness of the support plate 2752. For example, the thickness of the support pad 2756 at the central support portion 2757 can be twice or more than the thickness of the support plate 2752.

[0050] Now go to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 , support plate 2752 can be flat on the top and bottom sides. In addition, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, support plate 2752 can have a length that is greater than the width, wherein the length can be defined in the direction of pivot pin hole 2741. Of course, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to support plates having a length that is greater than the width. Support plate 2752 can be made of metal or a metal material, such as steel.

[0051] refer to Fig.11 and Fig.12, the support pad 2756 may have a central support portion 2757 and a peripheral portion 2758. The central support portion 2757 may form some or all of the upwardly facing contact surface 275. Optionally, the peripheral portion 2758 may taper from thick to thin outwardly from the central support portion 2757 toward the edge of the support plate 2752. This taper may allow a portion of the support pad 2756 to bulge in response to a load thereon so that the edge does not extend beyond the edge of the support plate 2752. The support pad 2756 may be made of or composed of an elastomer configured to exhibit suitable fatigue and load and deflection characteristics. According to one or more embodiments, the elastomer may be a natural rubber having a hardness based on L=A*d4-B*d3+C*d2-D*d+E, where A, B, C, D, and E are constants, L is the load, and d is the displacement. As just one example, the support pad 2756 may be made of a natural rubber having a 75 Shore A hardness.

[0052] Fig.13 is a cross-sectional view of a rocker support insert 2750 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. The dimensions depicted are non-limiting examples.

[0053] According to one or more embodiments, the support pad 2756 can be symmetrical in a cross-sectional view so that L1 is equal to L2. Alternatively, L1 can be greater than L2, or vice versa, depending on space requirements, load requirements, and / or serviceability. The aforementioned dimensions may also be applied to the support plate 2752. The angle α may be 90° or more, for example, 90° to 135°. Such an angle may be based on the diameter or arc of the curvature of the support structure of the dumping body 30 (e.g., the downwardly facing contact surface 371 of the vertical support structure 370) to be set thereon, in particular the difference in contact area between the support pad 2756 and the dumping body 30 support structure. The aforementioned dimensions may also be applied to the support plate 2752. The radius of curvature of the support pad 2756 may be dependent on the angle α. That is, a change in the angle may drive a change in the radius, and vice versa. The aforementioned dimensions may also be applied to the support plate 2752.

[0054] The thickness t1 of the support pad 2756 can depend on the stiffness requirements, i.e., the load per unit length, and / or the Shore hardness of the specific type of elastomer used for the support pad 2756. The relationship between load and deflection / displacement can be controlled by L=A*d4-B*d3+C*d2-D*d+E, where A, B, C, D, and E are constants, L is the load, and d is the displacement. For example, according to one or more embodiments, the thickness t1 can be 1 to 2 inches. The thickness t2 of the support plate 2752 can depend on the stiffness requirements, i.e., the load per unit length. For example, the thickness t2 can be 5 mm to 25 mm.

[0055] The angle β can define the slope (i.e., taper) of the peripheral portion 2758 of the support pad 2756. As a non-limiting example, the angle β can be 30° to 75°, depending on the diameter or arc of the curvature of the dump body 30 support structure (e.g., the downwardly facing contact surface 371 of the vertical support structure 370) to be disposed thereon, and in particular the difference in contact area between the support pad 2756 and the dump body 30 support structure. It is worth noting that when the support pad 2756 is compressed, the sides may bulge out. When bulging due to compression, the angle β can be set to prevent the sides of the support pad 2756 from folding.

[0056] It is noteworthy here that support rockers 274 according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can support various dump body 30 support structures having diameters or arcs of different curvatures. For example, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can support a dump body 30 support structure (e.g., downwardly facing contact surface 371 of vertical support structure 370) having a peripheral portion at or inside of peripheral portion 2758 of support pad 2756, at least for an uncompressed state of support pad 2756.

[0057] Figures 14A-14C Exemplary operating states of a support rocker 274 are shown in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. Fig.14A An example is shown in an uncompressed state, ie the load, in this case the vertical support structure 370 , rests solely on the support pads 2756 , forming an upwardly facing contact surface 275 supporting the rocker 274 . Fig. 14B A medium compression state is shown, whereby the vertical support structure 370 presents a greater load on the support rocker 274. Notably, in the medium compression state, more contact area exists between the support pad 2756 and the downward facing contact surface 371 of the vertical support structure 370. Fig. 14C A highly compressed state is shown, whereby the vertical support structure 370 exhibits a greater load on the support rocker 274. Notably, there may be bulging of the sides of the support pad 2756. However, due to the spacing between the edge of the support plate 2752 and the edge of the support pad 2756 and / or the angle β of the peripheral portion 2758, the bulging does not extend or protrude beyond the edge of the support plate 2752.

[0058] Now go to Fig.15 The dump body 30 may have a rear pivot support 310 and a pair of flat contact surfaces 301 on its bottom 35 , and may have a pair of vertical support structures 370 on its front wall 37 .

[0059] The rear pivot support 310 may be disposed at the rear portion 34 of the dump body 30, such as Figure 1 and Fig.15As shown in . The rear pivot support 310 may have a pair of rear pivots 311. The rear pivots 311 may be spaced apart from each other in the width or lateral direction of the dump body 30, such as Fig.15 The rear pivot support 310 may further include a cross member 314, which may be disposed between the rear pivots 311, fixedly connected to the rear pivots 311 or as a part of (ie, integral and / or unitary with) the rear pivots.

[0060] The rear pivot support 310 can be fixedly coupled to the bottom 35 of the dump body 30. For example, the rear pivot support 310 can be welded to the bottom 35 of the dump body 30. More specifically, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, each rear pivot 311 can be welded to a corresponding longitudinal body support member 377 on the bottom of the dump body 30. For example, Fig.15 As shown in , each rear pivot 311 can be welded in line with the corresponding longitudinal body support member 377. Therefore, the rear pivot 311 can be considered as a part of (i.e., integral and / or one-piece with) the longitudinal body support member 377. In addition, each rear pivot 311 can receive or accommodate multiple transverse body support members 378 through a cutout.

[0061] Each rear pivot 311 may have a pivot hole 315. For example, Fig.15 Each rear pivot 311 is shown to have a pivot hole 315 having two aligned, spaced-apart pivot hole portions. The pivot hole 315 of one rear pivot 311 may be aligned with the pivot hole 315 of another rear pivot 311 in the width direction of the dump body 30. Thus, the pivot holes 315 may have a common axis. Since the pivot hole 315 may be a circular opening, the portion (or portions) of the rear pivot 311 that forms the pivot hole 315 may be considered cylindrical.

[0062] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the rear pivot 311 may also include an attachment interface 312 on an outer side surface thereof, such as Fig.15 As a non-limiting example, the attachment interface 312 can include a pair of protrusions configured to mate with corresponding notches of the pivot pin interface 213. The rear pivot support 310 and corresponding connectors can be described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,627, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0063] The rear pivot 311 can be pivotally coupled to the rear support 211 of the space frame 20 via the pivot pin interface 213. More specifically, for each rear pivot 311 / rear support 211 pair, the rear support 211 can be disposed in the pivot hole 315 of the rear pivot 311 (e.g., between the two pivot hole portions of a single rear pivot 311) such that the pivot hole 212 of the rear support 211 is aligned with the pivot hole 315 and such that the pin of the pivot pin interface 213 extends through the pivot hole 212 of the rear support 211 and the pivot hole 315 of the rear pivot 311. The arm 214 of the pivot pin interface 213 can have one or more notches configured to mate with corresponding one or more protrusions of the accessory interface 312.

[0064] The pivot pin interface 213 may be held in place by the interconnection between the notch of the pivot pin interface 213 and the protrusion of the attachment interface 312. Furthermore, the arm 214 may be fixedly coupled to the attachment interface 312 via, for example, a bracket that is fixed to the protrusion via bolts, rivets, or welding, as non-limiting examples.

[0065] The bottom 35 of the dump body 30 may include a plurality of flat contact surfaces 301, such as Fig.15 As shown in . The flat contact surface 301 can be in the form of a plate, such as a rectangular or square plate, but embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to the aforementioned geometric shapes. Optionally, the flat contact surface 301 can have a chamfered portion at its bottom edge. The flat contact surface 301 can be disposed generally at the middle portion of the dumping body 30. In a top plan view of the dumping body 30, a pair of flat contact surfaces 301 can be located between the rear pivot support 310 and the pair of vertical support structures 370 in the length direction of the dumping body 30. In addition, the flat contact surfaces 301 can be disposed on corresponding longitudinal support body members 377. For example, the flat contact surface 301 can be disposed on the inner-facing surface of the longitudinal support body member 377. Therefore, in embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the flat contact surface 301 can be vertically oriented, such as Fig.15 Moreover, the flat contact surface 301 on one longitudinal support body member 377 may be spaced apart from the flat contact surface 301 on the opposite longitudinal support body member 377 in the width direction of the dump body 30. As a non-limiting example, the flat contact surface 301 may be coupled to the longitudinal support body member 377, for example, by welding, rivets, or bolts.

[0066] According to one or more embodiments, each flat contact surface 301 may include a first flat contact surface portion and a second flat contact surface portion spaced apart from the first flat contact surface portion in the length direction of the dump body 30, such as Fig.15As shown in . Optionally, the first and second flat contact surface portions of the flat contact surface 301 can have the same configuration. Of course, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, each flat contact surface 301 can be represented by a single flat contact surface (e.g., a single plate). For example, Fig.15 Only one of the first or second flat contact surface portions shown in FIG. 3 may constitute the flat contact surface 301 .

[0067] As discussed in more detail below, when the dump body 30 is in the lowered position (ie, the rest position), the flat contact surface 301 attached to the dump body 30 may be as shown. Fig.15 That is, the flat contact surface 301 can be disposed adjacent to the outside or side of the outer elongated support member 201. According to one or more embodiments, the flat contact surface 301 can be parallel to the outer elongated support member 201.

[0068] The vertical support structures 370 of the dump body 30 may extend from the front of the front wall 37 of the dump body 30. The vertical support structures 370 may be fixed to the front of the front wall 37, for example, by welding. The vertical support structures 370 may be spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the dumper 30. According to one or more embodiments, the vertical support structures 370 may be centered on opposite sides of the vertical centerline of the dump body 30 in a front view of the machine 10, such as Figure 4 The vertical support structure 370 may be as described in US Application No. 16 / 663,825, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0069] The vertical support structure 370 may be vertical at least in a front view of the dump body 30. Depending on the configuration of the front wall 37 of the dump body 30, the vertical support structure 370 may be generally vertical, for example, at an angle of 20 degrees or less to the vertical, in a side view of the dump body 30. According to one or more embodiments, in a side view of the dump body 30, some surfaces may be at one vertical angle and other surfaces may be at another vertical angle. For example, an upper front surface portion of the vertical support structure 370 may be at a 20 degree angle to the vertical, and a lower front surface portion, which may include a bottom portion forming the downwardly facing contact surface 317, may be vertical or generally vertical.

[0070] According to one or more embodiments, the vertical support structure 370 can extend through the horizontal support structure 375, which can also be fixed (e.g., welded) to the front face of the front wall 37. The intersecting surface of the horizontal support structure 375 and each vertical support structure 370 can be fixedly attached, for example, by welding. The horizontal support structure 375 can be as described in the above-mentioned U.S. application No. 16 / 663,825, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0071] Each vertical support structure 370 can have a downward facing contact surface 371. According to one or more embodiments, the downward facing contact surface 371 can be convex, such as semi-cylindrical, elliptical, or multi-planar. The downward facing contact surface 371 can be configured to receive or seat in the upward facing contact surface 275 of the support rocker 274. Unlike the support rocker 274, the vertical support structure 370 itself does not pivot.

[0072] Industrial Applicability

[0073] As described above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to rocker support assemblies for haul trucks and systems, components, and methods thereof. For example, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can provide a lightweight, durable machine construction with reliable support definition of the load point between the dump body 30 and the space frame 20, taking into account dimensional variations due to tolerances and / or component deflection.

[0074] According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the dump body 30 can operably contact the space frame 20 according to a predetermined contact arrangement. For example, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can provide a six-point contact arrangement between the dump body 30 and the space frame 20. According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, such a contact arrangement can be provided when the dump body 30 is in a rest position. The rest position as used herein can mean that the dump body 30 is in a lowest position or a fully lowered position and is not being lifted by the lift cylinder 125.

[0075] Reference again Fig.15 , which shows an exploded view of the space frame 20 and the dump body 30 of the machine 10, a first pair of contact points may be provided by the rear supports 211 of the space frame 20 and the rear pivots 311 of the rear pivot supports 310 of the dump body 30. Each rear support 211 may be pivotally connected to the dump body 30 via the rear pivots 311. Such connection may allow the front portion 36 of the dump body 30 to be raised and lowered between an uppermost position and a lowermost position by rotation about a common pivot axis created by the connection between the rear supports 211 and the rear pivots 311.

[0076] The second pair of contact points may be provided by the positioning of the flat contact surface 301 relative to the elongated support member 201. In particular, the flat contact surface 301, which may be on or as part of the dump body 30 rather than the space frame 20, may be provided adjacent to the outside or side of the elongated support member 201, such as Fig.15As described above, the flat contact surface 301 can be positioned parallel to the elongated support member 201. Additionally, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the flat contact surface 301 can contact the elongated support member 201. Such positioning of the flat contact surface 301 can occur when the dump body 30 is in a lowest or resting position. Moreover, such positioning of the flat contact surface 301 can accommodate lateral or horizontal forces from the corresponding elongated support member 201 of the space frame 20. Additionally, as described above, the flat contact surface 301 can have a chamfered portion on the bottom edge. Such a chamfered portion can aid in the centering of the dump body 30 as it transitions to a rest or fully lowered position.

[0077] The third pair of contact points can be provided by removably positioning the vertical support structure 370, and in particular the downward facing contact surface 371 thereof, on the support rocker 274, and in particular the upward facing contact surface 275 thereof. According to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the downward facing contact surface 371 can be removably positioned on the upward facing contact surface 275. In addition, in a front view of the machine 10, the vertical center axis of the downward facing contact surface 371 of each vertical support structure 370 can be offset from the rotation axis (i.e., the pivot axis) of the corresponding one of the support rockers 274. For example, as Figure 4 As shown in , the vertical center axis of the downward facing contact surface 371 can be offset inwardly in the width direction of the machine 10 relative to the rotational axis of the support rocker 274.

[0078] The vertical support structure 370, and in particular the downward facing contact surface 371, when contacting the upward facing contact surface 275 of the support rocker 274, can transfer loads through the space frame 20 to the front suspension system and the front wheels 14. In practice, all of the vertical loads can be shared by or through the pivot pin 273 and the support rocker 274. To some extent, the vertical support structure 370 can provide support for the horizontal component of the force vector of the dump body 30 load relative to the transfer of the dump body 30 load through the space frame 20 and the front suspension system to the front wheels 14 based on the tilt or offset of the pivot axis of the support rocker 274 relative to the vertical centerline of the vertical support structure 370, although the second pair of contact points discussed above can carry horizontal loads.

[0079] Additionally, because the support rockers 274 can pivot laterally and independently of one another, and because both the support rockers 274 and the vertical support structure 370 have cooperating contact surfaces (i.e., the upwardly facing contact surface 275 and the downwardly facing contact surface 371, respectively), proper alignment between the vertical support structure 370 and the support rockers 274, as well as uniform loading on each support pad 2756, can be maintained, particularly when the dump body 30 is in the rest position, even if the machine 10 is moving, for example. Figure 4, such an arrangement can therefore provide a uniform load distribution LD relative to each side of the support arrangement (i.e., side-to-side or lateral). The pivoting of the support rocker 274 can also allow the support rocker 274 to account for any tolerance stack-ups in the dump body 30 and the space frame 20. Additionally, the uniform bend radius of the support rocker 274 can ensure that load transfer is directed back to the center of the pivot pin 273 in an attempt to reduce or eliminate bending moments.

[0080] In addition, Figure 4 As shown in , in the front view, the support rocker 274 / vertical support structure 370 combination can be positioned on the same side of the space frame 20 along the longitudinal axis of the corresponding front pillar 121 connected to the corresponding front suspension member 120. For example, the pivot axis of the support rocker 274 can be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the corresponding front pillar 121. The longitudinal axes can intersect at a point CL1 at the vertical centerline of the top of the dump body 30. Of course, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not so limited, and the longitudinal axis of the front pillar 121 may not be aligned with the support rocker 271 / vertical support structure 370 combination, such as the pivot axis of the support rocker 274. Also as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown in FIG, the longitudinal axes of the additional suspension members on opposite sides of the space frame 20 may intersect at point CL2 at the same vertical centerline of the machine 10 as point CL1. Thus, the arrangement of the third pair of contact points may evenly transfer loads from the dump body 30 through the support rocker 274 and the space frame 20 to the front suspension system.

[0081] Although aspects of the present disclosure have been specifically shown and described with reference to the above embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be conceived by modifications to the disclosed machines, components, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined by the claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An off-highway haul truck (10), comprising: a first support rocker pivotally coupled to a first rocker attachment interface of a space frame (20) of the off-highway rear haul truck (10); as well as a second support rocker pivotally coupled to a second rocker attachment interface of the space frame (20), wherein the first support rocker and the second support rocker are spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the space frame (20) and are configured to pivot on the first rocker attachment interface and the second rocker attachment interface in the width direction of the space frame (20) around respective pivot axes extending in the length direction of the space frame (20), Each of the first support rocker and the second support rocker comprises: a rocker body (2740) having a pivot hole (2741) having a pivot pin (273) therethrough to pivotally couple the rocker body (2740) to the first rocker attachment interface or the second rocker attachment interface, wherein the rocker body has an orientation key capable of orienting the pivot pin in the pivot hole, and a rocker support insert (2750) disposed on a top portion of the rocker body (2740), wherein the rocker support insert (2750) is removably coupled to a top portion of the rocker body (2740), wherein the rocker support insert (2750) defines an upwardly facing contact surface (275) configured to seat thereon a downwardly facing contact surface (371) of a vertical support structure (370) disposed on a front wall (37) of a dump body (30) of the off-highway rear haul truck (10), wherein the rocker body (2740) of each of the first support rocker and the second support rocker has a rotation limiting mechanism (2748), the rotation limiting mechanism being configured to limit clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the first support rocker or the second support rocker to a predetermined range, and The rotation limiting mechanism includes, on a bottom portion of the rocker body (2740), a first group of legs extending downward and outward on a first side of the rocker body (2740), and a second group of legs different from the first group of legs, the second group of legs extending downward and outward on a second side of the rocker body (2740) opposite to the first side.

2. The off-highway rear haul truck of claim 1, wherein the upwardly facing contact surface (275) of each of the first support rocker and the second support rocker is concave.

3. An off-highway rear haul truck according to claim 1, wherein the rocker support insert (2750) of each of the first support rocker and the second support rocker is removably connected to the top portion of the rocker body (2740) by a plurality of fasteners (2747) in the form of bolts.

4. The off-highway rear haul truck of claim 1, wherein the rocker support insert (2750) of each of the first support rocker and the second support rocker has a support plate (2752) and a support pad (2756).

5. A support rocker (274) configured to be pivotally coupled to a rocker attachment interface (272) of a space frame (20), the support rocker comprising: a rocker body (2740) having a pivot hole (2741) configured to receive a pivot pin (273) therethrough to pivotally couple the rocker body (2740) to the rocker attachment interface (272); and a rocker support insert (2750) disposed on a top portion of the rocker body (2740), wherein the rocker support insert (2750) is removably coupled to a top portion of the rocker body (2740), and wherein the rocker support insert (2750) defines an upwardly facing contact surface (275) configured to seat thereon a downwardly facing contact surface (371) of a vertical support structure (370) of a dump body (30) of a rear haul truck (10) disposed on the space frame (20), wherein the rocker body (2740) has a rotation limiting mechanism (2748) configured to limit clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the support rocker (274) to a predetermined range, The rotation limiting mechanism includes, on a bottom portion of the rocker body (2740), a first group of legs extending downward and outward on a first side of the rocker body (2740), and a second group of legs different from the first group of legs, the second group of legs extending downward and outward on a second side of the rocker body (2740) opposite to the first side.

6. A support rocker according to claim 5, wherein the upwardly facing contact surface (275) is concave.

7. The support rocker of claim 5, wherein the rocker support insert (2750) has a support plate (2752) and a support pad (2756) fixedly coupled to the support plate (2752).

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