Space frame dump body pivot, suspension node and rear frame connection castings and methods of making the same

Abstract

A dump body pivot pin, suspension node, and rear frame connection casting (210) includes a dump body pivot pin boss (211), a rear suspension connection boss (215), outer and inner upper rear frame tube connection bosses (2101, 2102), outer and inner lower rear frame tube connection bosses (2104, 2103), upper and lower beams (2130, 2140), a beam connection web (2110), and a support tube connection boss (2105). The dump body pivot pin boss (211) has a pivot hole (212), a pin hole center axis, and inner and outer flat surfaces. The rear suspension connection boss (215) includes a suspension connection center axis and inner and outer flat surfaces. An upper beam (2130) connects the outer and inner upper rear frame tube connection bosses (2101, 2102) to the dump body pivot pin boss (211). The lower beam (2140) connects the outer lower rear frame connection boss (2104) to the rear suspension connection boss (215) and the dump body pivot pin boss (211), and connects the inner lower rear frame tube connection boss (2103) to the dump body pivot pin boss (211).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to haul trucks, and more particularly to space frame dump body pivots, suspension nodes, and rear frame connections for haul trucks, and systems, components, and methods thereof. Background Art

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

[0003] Additionally, traditional haul trucks use welded steel frames, which can be very heavy and may require many meters of welding to complete the frame. Space frames offer a lighter and stronger alternative to traditional welded steel frames because less steel is required. Therefore, space frames offer significant benefits in terms of cost, manufacturability, and performance. For example, haul trucks with space frames can haul relatively large payloads and consume less fuel.

[0004] Conventional space frame structures may use manufactured nodal connections. Such nodal connections can be used to create space frame structures associated with static applications. However, vehicle applications are at least partially dynamic in nature, and haul trucks can represent particularly difficult applications due to the loads applied to the space frame and the bending, twisting, and / or flexing that can occur when haul trucks travel over various types of terrain, such as off-highway terrain. Carefully designed high-strength castings and fabrication are required to provide the appropriate stiffness and flexibility characteristics while ensuring proper load transfer from the dump body to the wheels.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 10,183,706 (the "'706 patent") describes a node for interconnecting frame members of a frame. According to the '706 patent, a plurality of cup-shaped node connectors are arranged on a node body, wherein each node connector includes a closed end attached to the node body and an open end opposite the closed end and extending away from the node body. The '706 patent further describes a sidewall extending between and connecting the closed end to the open end, and forming a tenon on the open end. According to the '706 patent, the tenon is shaped and sized to fit within the frame member, and a transition portion is formed between the sidewall and the tenon, the transition portion defining a circumferential, radially outwardly facing groove that cooperates with the frame member, wherein the groove is shaped and sized to receive a weld. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one aspect, a dump body pivot pin, suspension node, and rear frame connection casting is disclosed. The dump body pivot pin, suspension node, and rear frame connection casting may include a dump body pivot pin boss, wherein the dump body pivot pin boss has a pivot pin hole, a pin hole center axis, an inner flat surface perpendicular to the pin hole center axis, and an outer flat surface perpendicular to the pin hole center axis; a rear suspension connection boss, wherein the rear suspension connection boss includes a suspension connection center axis, an inner flat surface perpendicular to the suspension connection center axis, and an outer flat surface perpendicular to the suspension connection center axis; an outer upper rear frame tube connection boss; an inner upper rear frame tube connection boss; an outer lower rear frame tube connection boss; an inner lower rear frame tube connection boss; and an upper beam having an outer upper beam member connecting the outer upper rear frame tube connection boss to the dump body pivot pin boss, and an inner upper beam member connecting the inner upper rear frame tube connection boss to the dump body pivot pin boss, wherein the outer upper beam member and The inner upper beam member is joined at the dumping body pivot pin boss and oriented at a first acute angle relative to each other; a lower beam having an outer lower beam member connecting the outer lower rear frame connecting boss to the rear suspension connecting boss and the dumping body pivot pin boss, and an inner lower beam member connecting the inner lower rear frame tube connecting boss to the dumping body pivot pin boss, wherein the outer lower beam member and the inner lower beam member are joined at the dumping body pivot pin boss and oriented at a second acute angle relative to each other; a beam connecting web connecting the upper beam to the lower beam, wherein the upper beam and the lower beam are oriented at a third acute angle relative to each other; and a support tube connecting boss having a center axis, wherein the center axis of the support tube connecting boss is parallel to the pin hole center axis of the dumping body pivot pin boss and the suspension connection center axis of the rear suspension connecting boss.

[0007] In another aspect, a space frame dump body pivot pin, suspension node, and rear frame connection system for a space frame of a rear haul truck is disclosed. The space frame dump body pivot pin, suspension node, and rear frame connection system may be comprised of: a first seven-point dump body pivot pin, suspension node, and rear frame connection casting; and a second seven-point dump body pivot pin, suspension node, and rear frame connection casting spaced apart from the first seven-point truck body pivot pin, suspension node, and rear frame connection casting in a widthwise direction of the space frame. Each of the first and second seven-point truck body pivot pins, suspension nodes and rear frame connection castings may include a dump body pivot pin boss, wherein the dump body pivot pin boss has a pivot pin hole, a pin hole center axis, a pin hole vertical center line perpendicular to the pin hole center axis, an inner flat surface perpendicular to the pin hole center axis and an outer flat surface perpendicular to the pin hole center axis; a rear suspension connection boss, wherein the rear suspension connection boss includes a suspension connection center axis, an inner flat surface perpendicular to the suspension connection center axis and an outer flat surface perpendicular to the suspension connection center axis; an outer upper rear frame tube connection boss; an inner upper rear frame tube connection boss; an outer lower rear frame tube connection boss; an inner lower rear frame tube connection boss; an upper beam having an outer upper beam member connecting the outer upper rear frame tube connection boss to the dump body pivot pin boss, and an inner upper beam member connecting the inner upper rear frame tube connection boss to the dump body pivot pin boss, wherein the The outer upper beam member and the inner upper beam member are joined at the dumping body pivot pin boss and are oriented at a first acute angle relative to each other; a lower beam having an outer lower beam member connecting the outer lower rear frame connecting boss to the rear suspension connecting boss and the dumping body pivot pin boss, and an inner lower beam member connecting the inner lower rear frame tube connecting boss to the dumping body pivot pin boss, wherein the outer lower beam member and the inner lower beam member are joined at the dumping body pivot pin boss and are oriented at a second acute angle relative to each other; a beam connecting web connecting the upper beam to the lower beam, wherein the beam connecting web includes a curved surface combining the upper beam and the lower beam, and wherein the upper beam and the lower beam are oriented at a third acute angle relative to each other; and a support tube connecting boss having a center axis, wherein the center axis of the support tube connecting boss is parallel to the pin hole center axis of the dumping body pivot pin boss and the suspension connection center axis of the rear suspension connecting boss.

[0008] In another aspect, a method for connecting a dump body pivot pin, a suspension node, and a rear frame is disclosed. The method may include providing a dump body pivot pin boss, wherein the dump pivot pin boss has a pivot pin hole, a pin hole center axis, an inner flat surface perpendicular to the pin hole center axis, and an outer flat surface perpendicular to the pin hole center axis; providing a rear suspension connection boss, wherein the rear suspension connection boss includes a suspension connection center axis, an inner flat surface perpendicular to the suspension connection center axis, and an outer flat surface perpendicular to the suspension connection center axis; providing an outer upper rear frame tube connection boss; providing an inner upper rear frame tube connection boss; providing an outer lower rear frame tube connection boss; providing an inner lower rear frame tube connection boss; and providing a connection between the outer upper rear frame tube connection boss and the rear frame tube. An upper beam connected to the dumping body pivot pin boss and connecting the inner upper rear frame tube connecting boss to the dumping body pivot pin boss; a lower beam connecting the outer lower rear frame connecting boss to the rear suspension connecting boss and the dumping body pivot pin boss and connecting the inner lower rear frame tube connecting boss to the dumping body pivot pin boss; a beam connecting web connecting the upper beam to the lower beam; and a support tube connecting boss having a central axis, wherein the central axis of the support tube connecting boss is parallel to the pin hole central axis of the dumping body pivot pin boss and the suspension connection central axis of the rear suspension connecting boss. The outer upper rear frame tube connection boss and the inner upper rear frame tube connection boss may be at a first acute angle relative to each other in a top plan view of the dump body pivot pin, suspension node, and rear frame connection, the outer lower rear frame tube connection boss and the inner lower rear frame tube connection boss may be at a second acute angle relative to each other in a top plan view of the dump body pivot pin, suspension node, and rear frame connection, and the upper beam and the lower beam may be at a third acute angle relative to each other in a side view of the dump body pivot pin, suspension node, and rear frame connection.

[0009] Other features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a side view of a machine according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

[0011] Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter Figure 1 A front view of the machine with the cab of the machine removed to show the space frame and its dumping body.

[0012] Figure 3 is a side view of a space frame according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

[0013] Figure 4-6 is a side view of a space frame dump body pivot, suspension node, and rear frame connection according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

[0014] Figure 7 is an exploded view of a space frame and pour body according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter to illustrate defined contact points. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , these figures illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a 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 and Figure 2 As shown, machine 10 may be an earth moving machine, and more particularly, an off-highway haul truck 10 .

[0016] The machine 10 may have a space frame 20 supported by front wheels 14 and rear wheels 16 (including respective tires). The front and rear wheels 14, 16 may be connected to the space frame 20 via front suspension members and a rear suspension system, respectively. The machine 10 may also include a bed or body 30 supported by the space frame 20. Such a bed or body 30 is referred to herein as a dump body 30. The dump body 30 may be configured as a receiver for receiving hauled material.

[0017] The rear portion 34 of the pouring body 30 can 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 pouring body 30 between the rear portion 34 and the front portion 36 of the pouring body 30 can be movably positioned relative to a corresponding portion of the space frame 20 to support the pouring body 30 on the space frame 20 in its rest position. The rest position of the pouring body 30 can be considered to be the positioning of the pouring body 30 such that the front portion 36 of the pouring body 30 is in a lowest position (i.e., not raised). The pouring body 30 can be pivoted about the rear portion 34 of the space frame 20 to raise or lower the portion of the pouring body 30 in front of the pivot (and thereby move the portion of the pouring body 30 behind the pivot in the opposite direction). This pivoting of the pouring body 30 to raise the front portion 36 of the pouring body 30 allows contents to be poured from the pouring body 30. Similarly, pivoting of the pouring body 30 to lower the front portion 36 of the pouring body 30 to the rest position allows for receiving the contents of the pouring body 30 .

[0018] 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 to move the machine 10 and to raise and lower a dump body 30. The steering mechanism and controls may be located within the cab 18 of the machine 10.

[0019] The machine 10 may have a prime mover (not explicitly shown) supported by a 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 aligned 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 aligned transversely. In an exemplary embodiment, the prime mover may be an internal combustion engine, such as 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) to transmit power to move the front wheels 14 and / or the rear wheels 16 in a forward or backward direction.

[0020] Exhaust gas from the prime mover can be output from one or more exhaust gas outputs (not explicitly shown). Optionally, the one or more exhaust gas outputs can be generally disposed between the cab 18 and the front wall 37 of the dump body 30, such that exhaust gas is provided toward at least a predetermined portion of the front wall 37. A coupling (e.g., a bellows) can be provided to connect the one or more exhaust gas 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.

[0021] Generally, a space frame according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, such as space frame 20, can be a frame comprising structural members connected to one another at nodes and / or joints. The structural members can include hollow tubes and / or solid tubes and, in some cases, can be connected in a triangular configuration. For example, the structural members can be made of metal, a metal alloy, or a reinforced composite material.

[0022] Figure 3 is a more detailed view of the space frame 20. As shown, the space frame 20 may include a pair of rear frame connections 210 at the rear portion 24 of the space frame 20, a pair of center lower frame connections 220, a center upper horizontal frame connection 225, a pair of center upper frame connections 230, a pair of center upper frame node connections 240, a pair of front upper frame connections 250, a pair of front lower frame connections 260, a front upper frame connection 270, a pair of front upper suspension connections 280, and a front lower suspension connection 290. Although the aforementioned connections are described as being in pairs, the connections of a pair may not be identical. For example, a pair of connections may be symmetrical and typically, but not necessarily, identical. The aforementioned connections may be cast or fabricated. Generally, cast may refer to a connection that is not welded to another support component of the space frame 20, while fabricated may refer to a connection that is welded to another support component of the space frame 20.

[0023] The center lower frame connection 220 and corresponding connections can be as described in U.S. application No. 16 / 663,892; the center upper horizontal frame connection 225 and corresponding connections can be as described in U.S. application No. 16 / 663,930; the center upper frame connection 230 and corresponding connections can be as described in U.S. application No. 16 / 664,042; the center upper frame node connection 240 and corresponding connections can be as described in U.S. application No. 16 / 663,955; the front upper frame connection 250 and corresponding connections can be as described in U.S. application No. 16 / 664,010; the front lower frame connection 260 and corresponding connections can be as described in U.S. application No. 16 / 664,104; the front upper suspension connection 280 and corresponding connections can be as described in U.S. application No. 16 / 664,124; and / or the front lower suspension connection 290 and corresponding connections can be as described in U.S. application No. 16 / 664,169. The above-mentioned application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0024] Space frame 20 may also include a plurality of elongated support members, such as elongated support member 201, elongated support member 202, elongated support member 203, elongated support member 204, and elongated support member 205. According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, elongated support members 201, 202, 203, and 204 may be in the form of, for example, circular rods and / or tubes, some or all of which may be solid or hollow. Elongated support member 205 may be or include a linkage support adapted to couple to a rear suspension system, such as a Figure 4-6 For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, elongated support member 205 can include a link casting and a frame tube.

[0025] like Figure 3 As shown, in a top plan view of the space frame 20, each elongated support member 201 can be disposed between the rear frame connection 210 and the front upper frame connection 270. More specifically, each elongated support member 201 can be disposed between the central upper horizontal frame connection 225 and one of the rear frame connections 210. Furthermore, each elongated support member 201 can extend longitudinally and generally horizontally, in this case extending rearwardly from the central upper horizontal frame connection 225 at a positive acute angle relative to a horizontal plane passing through the front wheels 14 and the rear wheels 16. Because the elongated support members 201 are disposed on the exterior of the space frame 20 along the width of the space frame 20, the elongated support members 201 can be considered outer elongated support members 201. As an example, the outer elongated support members 201 can be outer frame tubes.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The rear support member 211 can be configured as a pivot pin boss having a pivot pin hole or opening 212 with a central axis. The central axis of the pivot pin hole 212 can extend in the width direction of the space frame 20. Furthermore, the axes of the pivot pin holes 212 of the rear supports in the form of pivot pin bosses 211 of the pair of rear frame connections 210 can be aligned with one another. That is, the axes of the pivot pin holes 212 can be coaxial or common.

[0028] The pivot pin boss 211 that can define the pivot pin hole 212 can have an inner surface that is flat and perpendicular to the central axis of the pin hole. The pivot pin boss 211 can also have an outer surface that is flat and perpendicular to the central axis of the pin hole. According to one or more embodiments, the rear support member 211 (i.e., the pivot pin boss) can be cylindrical. That is, the outer and inner surfaces of the pivot pin boss 211 can be cylindrical, i.e., a solid cylinder except for the pivot pin hole 212, such as Figure 4-6 The vertical centerline of the pivot pin hole 212 can be perpendicular to the pin hole center axis.

[0029] The pivot pin hole 212 can be configured to receive the pivot pin of the pivot pin interface 213 (see FIG. Figure 3 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 ), such that the pivot pin interface 213 is pivotally coupled to the rear support 211 via the pivot pin hole 212, and the pivot pin interface 213 can pivot or rotate about the axis of the pivot pin hole 212 and the pivot pin of the pivot pin interface 213. As will be discussed in more detail below, the pivot pin interface 213 can also be coupled to the bottom 35 of the pouring body 30.

[0030] The rear suspension node 215 can be configured as a rear suspension connection boss having a pin hole or opening 2150 having a pin hole center axis. The pin hole center axis of the rear suspension node 215 can extend in the width direction of the space frame 20. In addition, the axes of the pin holes 2150 of the rear suspension nodes in the form of the rear suspension connection bosses 215 of the pair of rear frame connections 210 can be aligned with each other. That is, the axes of the pin holes 2150 can be coaxial or common. Optionally, the rear suspension connection boss 215 can be positioned below the pivot pin boss 211, for example, such that a portion of the pivot pin boss 211 (e.g., the pivot pin hole 212) overlaps a portion of the rear suspension connection boss 215 (e.g., the pin hole 2150) in a top plan view and a side view of the rear frame connection 210.

[0031] The rear suspension connection boss 215 that may define the pin hole 2150 may have an inner surface that is flat and perpendicular to the central axis of the pin hole of the rear suspension connection boss 215. The rear suspension connection boss 215 may also have an outer surface that is flat and perpendicular to the central axis of the pin hole. According to one or more embodiments, the rear suspension node 215 (i.e., the rear suspension connection boss) may have a cylindrical portion. Optionally, as Figure 4-6 As shown, the rear suspension connection boss 215 may be comprised of two spaced apart cylindrical portions separated by a gap to receive a portion of the rear suspension member 115 .

[0032] Each rear frame connection 210 may further include an outer upper rear frame tube connection boss 2101, an inner upper rear frame tube connection boss 2102, an inner lower rear frame tube connection boss 2103, an outer lower rear frame tube connection boss 2104, a support tube connection boss 2105, an upper beam 2130, a lower beam 2140, and a beam connection web 2110. Optionally, the upper beam 2130 may be longer than the lower beam 2140.

[0033] Generally, the upper beam 2130 can connect the pivot pin boss 211 to the outer upper rear frame tube connection boss 2101 and the inner upper rear frame tube connection boss 2102. More specifically, the upper beam 2130 can have an outer upper beam member 2132 connecting the outer upper rear frame tube connection boss 2101 to the pivot pin boss 211, and an inner upper beam member 2134 connecting the inner upper rear frame tube connection boss 2102 to the pivot pin boss 211. Furthermore, the outer upper rear frame tube connection boss 2101 can be fixedly attached (e.g., castably attached) to the outer upper beam member 2132, and the inner upper rear frame tube connection boss 2102 can be fixedly attached (e.g., castably attached) to the inner upper beam member 2134. A corresponding casting interface CI can be provided between each.

[0034] The outer upper beam member 2132 and the inner upper beam member 2134 may be joined at the pivot pin boss 211. Such a joining may be such that the outer upper beam member 2132 and the inner upper beam member 2134 are integral or one-piece with each other. Additionally, in a top view of the rear frame connection 210, the outer upper beam member 2132 and the inner upper beam member 2134 may be formed or oriented at an acute angle relative to each other. Alternatively, the upper beam 2130 may have a curved surface between the outer upper beam member 2132 and the inner upper beam member 2134.

[0035] Generally, the lower beam 2140 can connect the inner lower rear frame tube connection boss 2103 and the outer lower rear frame tube connection boss 2104 to the pivot pin boss 211 and the rear suspension connection boss 215. More specifically, the lower beam 2140 can include an outer lower beam member 2142 connecting the outer lower rear frame tube connection boss 2104 to the rear suspension connection boss 215 and the pivot pin boss 211, and an inner lower beam member 2144 connecting the inner lower rear frame tube connection boss 2103 to the pivot pin boss 211 and the rear suspension connection boss 215. Furthermore, the outer lower rear frame tube connection boss 2104 can be fixedly attached (e.g., castably attached) to the outer lower beam member 2142, and the inner lower rear frame tube connection boss 2103 can be fixedly attached (e.g., castably attached) to the inner lower beam member 2144. A corresponding casting interface CI can be provided between each.

[0036] The outer lower beam member 2142 and the inner lower beam member 2144 may be joined at the pivot pin boss 211. This joining may be such that the outer lower beam member 2142 and the inner lower beam member 2144 are integral or one-piece with each other. Furthermore, in a top view of the rear frame connection 210, the outer lower beam member 2142 and the inner lower beam member 2144 may be formed or oriented at an acute angle relative to each other. This acute angle may differ from the acute angle formed by the outer upper beam member 2132 and the inner upper beam member 2134 of the upper beam 2130. For example, the acute angle formed by the outer lower beam member 2142 and the inner lower beam member 2144 may be greater than the acute angle formed by the outer upper beam member 2132 and the inner upper beam member 2134 of the upper beam 2130.

[0037] The beam connection web 2110 can connect the upper beam 2130 to the lower beam 2140. This connection can be integral, meaning that the beam connection web 2110, upper beam 2130, and lower beam 2140 can be formed as a single piece. Additionally, in a side view of the rear frame connection 210, the upper beam 2130 and lower beam 2140 can be formed or oriented at an acute angle relative to each other. The acute angle formed by the upper beam 2130 and lower beam 2140 can differ from the acute angles of the outer lower beam member 2142 and inner lower beam member 2144 of the lower beam 2140 and / or the acute angles of the outer upper beam member 2132 and inner upper beam member 2134 of the upper beam 2130. For example, the angle formed by the upper beam 2130 and lower beam 2140 can be greater than both. Optionally, the beam connection web 2110 can include a curved surface 2111 that joins the upper beam 2130 and lower beam 2140 together.

[0038] The support tube connection boss 2105 may have a center axis that is parallel to the pin hole center axis of the pivot pin hole 212 of the pivot pin boss 211 and the pin hole center axis of the pin hole 2150 of the rear suspension connection boss 215. The support tube connection boss 2105 may be offset in the forward direction from the rear suspension connection boss 215 and the pivot pin boss 211 such that no portion of the support tube connection boss 2105 overlaps any portion of the rear suspension connection boss 215 and the pivot pin boss 211 in top plan view and side view of the rear frame connection 210.

[0039] Rear frame connection 210 can also be coupled to a plurality of elongated support members, including elongated support member 201, elongated support member 202, elongated support member 203, elongated support member 204, and elongated support member 205. According to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, each rear frame connection 210 can be a seven-point connection. More specifically, outer upper rear frame tube connection boss 2101 can be fixedly attached (e.g., welded) to elongated support member 201, inner upper rear frame tube connection boss 2102 can be fixedly attached (e.g., welded) to elongated support member 202, inner lower rear frame tube connection boss 2103 can be fixedly attached (e.g., welded) to elongated support member 203, and outer lower rear frame tube connection boss 2104 can be fixedly attached (e.g., welded) to elongated support member 205. Additionally, support tube connection boss 2105 can be fixedly attached (e.g., welded) to elongated support member 204. Thus, the elongated support member 204 can be located between the two rear frame connections 210 of the space frame 20. Optionally, each of the outer upper rear frame tube connection boss 2101, the inner upper rear frame tube connection boss 2102, the inner lower rear frame tube connection boss 2103, and the outer lower rear frame tube connection boss 2104 can taper from thick to thin toward the pivot pin boss 211.

[0040] Return to Figure 3 , the front upper frame connection 270 can be fixedly coupled to the front upper suspension connection 280, and the bottom of the front upper frame connection 270 can be fixedly coupled to the front upper frame connection 250. In addition, the front upper frame connection 270 (which can be a single fabrication) can 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 connection 270 and the corresponding connection can be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,849, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0041] The rocker attachment interfaces 272 may be spaced apart from one another in the width direction of the space frame 20, for example, as shown in FIG. Figure 3As shown, the rocker attachment interfaces 272 are disposed at opposite outer edges of the body of the front upper frame connection 270. Each rocker attachment interface 272 may have a pivot pin hole configured to receive a pivot pin. Alternatively, the pivot pin may be considered a portion of the rocker attachment interface 272. The pivot pin holes and the axis of rotation of the pivot pin may extend horizontally or substantially horizontally along the length of the space frame 20. Furthermore, the axes of rotation of the rocker attachment interfaces 272 may be parallel to one another.

[0042] Each rocker attachment interface 272 can have a support rocker 274 rotatably attached thereto via a pivot pin. Because the rocker attachment interfaces 272 can be spaced apart from one another in the width direction of the space frame 20, the support rockers 274 can also be spaced apart from one another. Furthermore, the support rockers 274 can rotate or pivot about respective rotation axes defined by the rocker attachment interfaces 272, either laterally or in the width direction of the space frame 20.

[0043] In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, each support rocker 274 can have an upward-facing contact surface 275. The upward-facing contact surface 275 can be concave, such as semi-cylindrical, elliptical, or multi-planar. Additionally, the upward-facing contact surface 275 can be or include a pad. In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the support rocker 274 and / or components thereof can be according to U.S. application Ser. No. 16 / 663,512 and / or U.S. application Ser. No. 16 / 663,551, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the support rocker 274, and particularly the upward-facing contact surface 275 thereof, can receive a portion of a corresponding vertical support structure 370 of the pouring body 30.

[0044] Now go to Figure 7 The pouring body 30 may have a rear pivot support 310 and a pair of flat contact surfaces 301 on its bottom 35 and a pair of vertical support structures 370 on its front wall 37 .

[0045] The rear pivot support 310 may be provided at the rear portion 34 of the dump body 30, as shown. Figure 7 As shown. 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 transverse direction of the pouring body 30, as shown. Figure 7 The rear pivot support 310 may further include a cross member 314 that may be disposed between the rear pivots 311 and fixedly connected to the rear pivots 311 or a portion of the rear pivots 311 (ie, integral and / or one-piece therewith).

[0046] The rear pivot support 310 can be fixedly coupled to the bottom 35 of the pouring body 30. For example, the rear pivot support 310 can be welded to the bottom 35 of the pouring 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 35 of the pouring body 30. For example, Figure 7 As shown, each rear pivot 311 can be welded in line with the corresponding longitudinal body support member 377. Thus, the rear pivot 311 can be considered to be part of the longitudinal body support member 377 (ie, integral and / or one-piece therewith).

[0047] like Figure 7 As shown, each rear pivot 311 may also include a plurality of cutouts, such as two cutouts, spaced apart from one another in the lengthwise direction of the pouring body 30. Each cutout may receive or accept a transverse body support member 378. In addition, the cutouts of one rear pivot 311 may accommodate different transverse body support members 378, such as adjacent transverse body support members 378, such as Figure 7 Additionally, as shown, each lateral body support member 378 can extend through one cutout of one rear pivot 311 and through an opposing cutout of the other rear pivot 311 .

[0048] Each rear pivot 311 may have a pivot hole. For example, Figure 7 Each rear pivot shaft 311 is shown as having a pivot hole having two aligned, spaced-apart pivot hole portions. The pivot hole of a rear pivot shaft 311 can be aligned with the pivot hole of another rear pivot shaft 311 in the width direction of the pouring body 30. Thus, the pivot holes can have a common axis. Since the pivot hole can be a circular opening, the portion (or portions) of the rear pivot shaft 311 that forms the pivot hole can be considered cylindrical.

[0049] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the rear pivot 311 may further include an attachment interface 312 on its outer side surface, such as Figure 7 As a non-limiting example, the attachment interface 312 may include a pair of protrusions configured to mate with corresponding recesses of the pivot pin interface 213. The rear pivot support 310 and corresponding connection may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,627, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0050] The rear pivot shaft 311 can be pivotally coupled to the rear support 211 of the space frame 20 via a pivot pin interface 213. More specifically, for each rear pivot shaft 311 / rear support 211 pair, the rear support 211 can be positioned in the pivot hole of the rear pivot shaft 311 (e.g., between the two pivot hole portions of a single rear pivot shaft 311) such that the pivot hole 212 of the rear support 211 is aligned with the pivot hole, 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 of the rear pivot shaft 311. The arm 214 of the pivot pin interface 213 can have one or more notches configured to mate with a corresponding one or more protrusions of the attachment interface 312.

[0051] The pivot pin interface 213 can be held in place by the interconnection between the notch of the pivot pin interface 213 and the protrusion of the attachment interface 312. In addition, the arm 214 can be fixedly coupled to the attachment interface 312. For example, a bracket can be fixedly or removably coupled to the protrusion on the arm 214 of the pivot pin interface 213 to prevent the pivot pin interface 213 from moving laterally outward from the rear pivot 311. As non-limiting examples, the bracket can be secured to the protrusion by bolts, rivets, or welding.

[0052] The bottom 35 of the pouring body 30 may include a plurality of flat contact surfaces 301, such as Figure 7 As shown. The flat contact surface 301 may 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 may have a chamfered portion on its bottom edge. The flat contact surface 301 may be disposed approximately in the middle of the pouring body 30. In a top plan view of the pouring body 30, the pair of flat contact surfaces 301 may be located between the rear pivot support 310 and the pair of vertical support structures 370 in the longitudinal direction of the pouring body 30. In addition, the flat contact surfaces 301 may be disposed on corresponding longitudinal support members 377. For example, the flat contact surface 301 may be disposed on an inwardly facing surface of the longitudinal support member 377. Therefore, in embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the flat contact surface 301 may be vertically oriented, such as Figure 7 In addition, the flat contact surface 301 on one longitudinal support member 377 may be spaced apart from the flat contact surface 301 on the opposite longitudinal support member 377 in the width direction of the pouring body 30. As non-limiting examples, the flat contact surface 301 may be coupled to the longitudinal support member 377, for example, by welding, rivets, or bolts.

[0053] According to one or more embodiments, each flat contact surface 301 may be composed of a first flat contact surface portion and a second flat contact surface portion, the second flat contact surface portion being spaced apart from the first flat contact surface portion in the length direction of the pouring body 30, such as Figure 7 As 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, Figure 7 Only one of the illustrated first or second planar contact surface portions may constitute the planar contact surface 301 .

[0054] As discussed in more detail below, when the pouring body 30 is in the lowered position (ie, the rest position), the flat contact surface 301 attached to the pouring body 30 may be as follows: Figure 7 That is, the flat contact surface 301 can be positioned adjacent to an outer side or lateral 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.

[0055] The vertical support structures 370 of the pouring body 30 may extend from the front of the front wall 37 of the pouring 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 pouring body 30. According to one or more embodiments, as Figure 2 As shown, in a front view of the machine 10, the vertical support structures 370 may be centered on opposite sides of the vertical centerline of the pour body 30. The vertical support structures 370 may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,825, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0056] The vertical support structure 370 may be vertical, at least in a front view of the pouring body 30. Depending on the configuration of the front wall 37 of the pouring body 30, the vertical support structure 370 may be substantially vertical, e.g., at an angle of 10 degrees or less from vertical, in a side view of the pouring body 30.

[0057] 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. For example, the intersecting surfaces of the horizontal support structure 375 and each of the vertical support structures 370 can be fixedly attached by welding. The horizontal support structure 375 can be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,825, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as described above.

[0058] Each vertical support structure 370 may have a downward facing contact surface 371. According to one or more embodiments, the downward facing contact surface 371 may be convex, such as a semi-cylindrical shape. Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the elliptical or multi-planar downwardly facing contact surface 371 can be configured to receive or seat in the upwardly facing contact surface 275 of the support rocker 274. Unlike the support rocker 274, the vertical support structure 370 itself does not pivot.

[0059] Industrial Applicability

[0060] As described above, embodiments of the present invention relate to space frame dump body pivots, suspension nodes, and rear frame connections for haul trucks, and systems, components, and methods thereof.

[0061] Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can provide a lightweight, durable machine configuration with reliable support definition of the load point between the dump body 30 and the space frame 20, eg, based on dimensional variations due to tolerances and / or component deflections.

[0062] According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the dump body 30 can be operatively contacted with 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. As used herein, the rest position can mean that the dump body 30 is in a lowest or fully lowered position and is not being raised by the lift cylinder 125, which can be coupled to the center lower frame connection 220.

[0063] Reference Figure 7 , which shows an exploded view of the space frame 20 and dump body 30 of the machine 10 , a first pair of contact points may be provided by the rear support 211 of the space frame 20 and the rear pivot 311 of the rear pivot support 310 of the dump body 30 .

[0064] Each rear frame connection 210, which may be a casting, may have a rear support 211 and a rear suspension node 215. The rear support 211 may be configured as a pivot pin boss having a pivot pin hole or opening 212 with a pin hole center axis. The rear suspension node 215 may be configured as a rear suspension connection boss having a pin hole or opening 2150 with a pin hole center axis. Each rear frame connection 210 may also have an outer upper rear frame tube connection boss 2101, an inner upper rear frame tube connection boss 2102, an inner lower rear frame tube connection boss 2103, an outer lower rear frame tube connection boss 2104, a support tube connection boss 2105, an upper beam 2130, a lower beam 2140, and a beam connection web 2110.

[0065] Upper beam 2130 can connect pivot pin boss 211 to outer upper rear frame tube connection boss 2101 and inner upper rear frame tube connection boss 2102. In a top view of rear frame connection 210, outer upper beam member 2132 and inner upper beam member 2134 of upper beam 2130 can be formed or oriented at an acute angle relative to one another. Consequently, outer upper rear frame tube connection boss 2101 and inner upper rear frame tube connection boss 2102 can also be oriented at an acute angle relative to one another.

[0066] Lower beam 2140 can connect the inner lower rear frame tube connection boss 2103 and the outer lower rear frame tube connection boss 2104 to the pivot pin boss 211 and the rear suspension connection boss 215. In a top view of rear frame connection 210, the outer lower beam member 2142 and the inner lower beam member 2144 of lower beam 2140 can be formed or oriented at an acute angle relative to each other. Consequently, the inner lower rear frame tube connection boss 2103 and the outer lower rear frame tube connection boss 2104 can also be oriented at an acute angle relative to each other.

[0067] The outer upper rear frame tube connection boss 2101 can be fixedly attached (e.g., castably attached) to the outer upper beam member 2132, and the inner upper rear frame tube connection boss 2102 can be fixedly attached (e.g., castably attached) to the inner upper beam member 2134, such that the corresponding casting interface CI is located therebetween. Similarly, the outer lower rear frame tube connection boss 2104 can be fixedly attached (e.g., castably attached) to the outer lower beam member 2142, and the inner lower rear frame tube connection boss 2103 can be fixedly attached (e.g., castably attached) to the inner lower beam member 2144, such that the corresponding casting interface CI is located therebetween.

[0068] The beam connection web 2110 may connect the upper beam 2130 to the lower beam 2140. In a side view of the rear frame connection 210, the upper beam 2130 and the lower beam 2140 may be formed or oriented at an acute angle relative to each other.

[0069] Rear frame connection 210 may also be coupled to a plurality of elongated support members, including elongated support member 201, elongated support member 202, elongated support member 203, elongated support member 204, and elongated support member 205. More specifically, outer upper rear frame tube connection boss 2101 may be fixedly attached (e.g., welded) to elongated support member 201, inner upper rear frame tube connection boss 2102 may be fixedly attached (e.g., welded) to elongated support member 202, inner lower rear frame tube connection boss 2103 may be fixedly attached (e.g., welded) to elongated support member 203, and outer lower rear frame tube connection boss 2104 may be fixedly attached (e.g., welded) to elongated support member 205. Additionally, support tube connection boss 2105 may be fixedly attached (e.g., welded) to elongated support member 204. Thus, elongated support member 204 may be located between two rear frame connections 210 of space frame 20. Alternatively, each of the outer upper rear frame tube connection boss 2101, the inner upper rear frame tube connection boss 2102, the inner lower rear frame tube connection boss 2103, and the outer lower rear frame tube connection boss 2104 may be tapered from thick to thin toward the pivot pin boss 211. This tapering can push stress points away from the ends of the tube connection bosses.

[0070] Each rear support 211 may be pivotally connected to the dump body 30 via a rear pivot 311. This connection may allow the front portion 36 of the dump body 30 to be raised and lowered between uppermost and lowermost positions by rotation about a common pivot axis created by the connection between the rear supports 211 and the rear pivot 311. The rear supports 211 may also be pivotally connected to a respective rear suspension member 115 and indirectly connected to other components of the rear suspension system via the elongated support member 205.

[0071] A second pair of contact points may be provided by positioning the flat contact surface 301 relative to the elongated support member 201. In particular, the flat contact surface 301 (which may in particular be on the pouring body 30 or a portion of the pouring body 30, rather than the space frame 20) may be provided adjacent an outer side or lateral side of the elongated support member 201, such as Figure 7 As described above, the flat contact surface 301 can be positioned parallel to the elongated support member 201. Additionally, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the flat contact surface 301 can contact the elongated support member 201. This positioning of the flat contact surface 301 can occur when the pouring body 30 is in its lowest or resting position. Furthermore, this 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 its bottom edge. This chamfered portion can aid in centering the pouring body 30 as it transitions to its resting or fully downward position.

[0072] By removably positioning the vertical support structures 370 (particularly the downwardly facing contact surfaces 371 thereof) on the support rockers 274 (particularly the upwardly facing contact surfaces 275 thereof), a third pair of contact points can be provided. In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the downwardly facing contact surfaces 371 can be removably positioned on the upwardly facing contact surfaces 275. Additionally, in a front view of the machine 10, the vertical center axis of the downwardly facing contact surface 371 of each vertical support structure 370 can be offset from the axis of rotation (i.e., the pivot axis) of a corresponding one of the support rockers 274. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, the vertical center axis of the downwardly facing contact surface 371 may be offset inwardly in the width direction of the machine 10 relative to the axis of rotation of the support rocker 274 .

[0073] The vertical support structure 370, and particularly the downwardly facing contact surface 371 when contacting the upwardly facing contact surface 275 of the support rocker 274, can transfer loads to the front suspension system and the front wheels 14 through the space frame 20. Furthermore, the vertical support structure 370 can provide support for the horizontal component of the force vector relative to the dump body 30, the load of which is transferred to the front wheels 14 through the space frame 20 and the front suspension system. Additionally, because the support rocker 274 can pivot laterally and independently of one another, and because both the support rocker 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 placement between the vertical support structure 370 and the support rocker 274 can be maintained, particularly when the dump body 30 is in a stationary position, and even, for example, when the machine 10 is moving. Figure 2 As shown, such an arrangement may therefore provide a uniform load distribution LD with respect to each side (ie side-to-side or transversely) of the support arrangement.

[0074] In addition, Figure 2 As shown, in the front view, the support rocker 274 / vertical support structure 370 combination can be positioned along the longitudinal axis of the corresponding front strut 121 of the corresponding front suspension member 120 connected to the same side of the space frame 20. For example, the pivot axis of the support rocker 274 can be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the corresponding front strut 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 limited in this regard, and the longitudinal axis of the front strut 121 may not be aligned with the support rocker 274 / vertical support structure 370 combination, such as the pivot axis of the support rocker 274. As also shown Figure 2As shown, the longitudinal axes of the additional suspension members on opposite sides of the space frame 20 may intersect at point CL2, which is located 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 to the front suspension system through the support rocker 274 and the space frame 20.

[0075] Although various aspects of the present invention have been particularly shown and described with reference to the above embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by modifying 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 invention as determined by the claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A dump body pivot pin, suspension node and rear frame connection casting (210) comprising: A pouring body pivot pin boss (211), wherein the pouring body pivot pin boss (211) has a pivot pin hole (212), a pin hole center axis, an inner flat surface perpendicular to the pin hole center axis, and an outer flat surface perpendicular to the pin hole center axis; A rear suspension connection boss (215), wherein the rear suspension connection boss (215) includes a suspension connection center axis, an inner flat surface perpendicular to the suspension connection center axis, and an outer flat surface perpendicular to the suspension connection center axis; Outer upper rear frame tube connecting boss (2101); Inner upper rear frame tube connecting boss (2102); Outer lower rear frame tube connecting boss (2104); Inner lower rear frame tube connecting boss (2103); an upper beam (2130) having an outer upper beam member (2132) connecting the outer upper rear frame tube connection boss (2101) to the pour body pivot pin boss (211), and an inner upper beam member (2134) connecting the inner upper rear frame tube connection boss (2102) to the pour body pivot pin boss (211), wherein the outer upper beam member (2132) and the inner upper beam member (2134) are joined at the pour body pivot pin boss (211) and are oriented at a first acute angle relative to each other; a lower beam (2140) having an outer lower beam member (2142) connecting the outer lower rear frame tube connection boss (2104) to the rear suspension connection boss (215) and the dump body pivot pin boss (211); and an inner lower beam member (2144) connecting the inner lower rear frame tube connection boss (2103) to the dump body pivot pin boss (211), wherein the outer lower beam member (2142) and the inner lower beam member (2144) are joined at the dump body pivot pin boss (211) and are oriented at a second acute angle relative to each other; a beam connecting web (2110) connecting the upper beam (2130) to the lower beam (2140), wherein the upper and lower beams (2130, 2140) are oriented at a third acute angle relative to each other; and A support tube connection boss (2105) has a central axis, wherein the central axis of the support tube connection boss (2105) is parallel to the pin hole central axis of the tilting body pivot pin boss (211) and the suspension connection central axis of the rear suspension connection boss (215).

2. The tipping body pivot pin, suspension node and rear frame connection casting according to claim 1, wherein corresponding casting interfaces (CI) are provided between the upper beam (2130) and the outer and inner upper rear frame tube connection bosses (2101, 2102) and between the lower beam (2140) and the outer and inner lower rear frame tube connection bosses (2104, 2103).

3. The dump body pivot pin, suspension node and rear frame connection casting of claim 1 wherein said first, second and third acute angles are different.

4. The dump body pivot pin, suspension node and rear frame connection casting according to claim 1, wherein the tube connection bosses (2101, 2102, 2103, 2104, 2105) are adapted to be weldably attached to corresponding frame tubes (201, 202) or suspension links (205).

5. The dump body pivot pin, suspension node and rear frame connection castings of claim 1, wherein the rear suspension connection boss (215) is below the dump body pivot pin boss (211) such that a portion of the dump body pivot pin boss (211) overlaps a portion of the rear suspension connection boss (215) in top plan and side views of the dump body pivot pin, suspension node, and rear frame connection casting (210), and wherein the support tube connection boss (2105) is offset in a forward direction from the rear suspension connection boss (215) and the dump body pivot pin boss (211) such that in top plan and side views of the dump body pivot pin, suspension node and rear frame connection casting (210), no portion of the support tube connection boss (2105) overlaps with any portion of the rear suspension connection boss (215) and the dump body pivot pin boss (211).

6. The dump body pivot pin, suspension node and rear frame connection casting of claim 1 wherein said upper beam (2130) is longer than said lower beam (2140).

7. A method of manufacturing a dump body pivot pin, suspension node and rear frame connection casting (210), comprising: Providing a pouring body pivot pin boss (211), wherein the pouring body pivot pin boss (211) has a pivot pin hole (212), a pin hole center axis, an inner flat surface perpendicular to the pin hole center axis, and an outer flat surface perpendicular to the pin hole center axis; Providing a rear suspension connection boss (215), wherein the rear suspension connection boss (215) includes a suspension connection center axis, an inner flat surface perpendicular to the suspension connection center axis, and an outer flat surface perpendicular to the suspension connection center axis; Providing an outer upper rear frame tube connection boss (2101); Providing an inner upper rear frame tube connection boss (2102); Providing an outer lower rear frame tube connection boss (2104); Providing an inner lower rear frame tube connection boss (2103); providing an upper beam (2130) connecting the outer upper rear frame tube connection boss (2101) to the pour body pivot pin boss (211) and connecting the inner upper rear frame tube connection boss (2102) to the pour body pivot pin boss (211); providing a lower beam (2140) connecting the outer lower rear frame tube connection boss (2104) to the rear suspension connection boss (215) and the dump body pivot pin boss (211) and connecting the inner lower rear frame tube connection boss (2103) to the dump body pivot pin boss (211); providing a beam connecting web (2110) connecting the upper beam (2130) to the lower beam (2140); and providing a support tube connection boss (2105) having a central axis, wherein the central axis of the support tube connection boss (2105) is parallel to the pin hole central axis of the tilting body pivot pin boss (211) and the suspension connection central axis of the rear suspension connection boss (215), wherein in a top plan view of the dump body pivot pin, suspension node and rear frame connection (210), the outer upper rear frame tube connection boss (2101) and the inner upper rear frame tube connection boss (2102) are at a first acute angle relative to each other, wherein in a top plan view of the dump body pivot pin, suspension node and rear frame connection (210), the outer lower rear frame tube connection boss (2104) and the inner lower rear frame tube connection boss (2103) are at a second acute angle relative to each other, and wherein the upper beam (2130) and the lower beam (2140) are at a third acute angle relative to each other in a side view of the dump body pivot pin, suspension node and rear frame connection (210).

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: Castably attaching the outer and inner upper rear frame tube connection bosses (2101, 2102) to the upper beam (2130); as well as The outer and inner lower rear frame tube connection bosses (2104, 2103) are castably attached to the lower beam (2140).

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein each of the tube connection bosses (2101, 2102, 2103, 2104) except the support tube connection boss (2105) gradually tapers from thick to thin toward the pouring body pivot pin boss (211).

10. The method of claim 7, further comprising weldably attaching respective elongated support members (201, 202, 205) to the tube connection bosses (2101, 2102, 2103, 2104, 2105).

Images