Haul Truck Space Frame and Body Supports

Abstract

A support device for a haul truck (10) includes a space frame (20) and a dump body (30) operably positioned on the space frame (20) according to a defined contact point. The space frame (20) may include at least one rear support (211), at least one outer elongated support member (201), and at least one support rocker (274), the support rocker being configured to pivot laterally about an axis. The dump body (30) may include a rear pivot support (310) and at least one flat contact surface (301) on its bottom (35), and at least one vertical support structure (370) on its front (37). Each rear support (211) of the space frame (20) is configured to be pivotally coupled to the rear pivot support (310) of the dump body (30). Each vertical support structure (370) of the dump body (30) is configured to be removably seated in a corresponding support rocker (274). Each flat contact surface (301) is configured to be positioned adjacent to an outer side surface of the outer elongated support member (201).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to haul trucks, and more particularly to space frames and body support devices for haul trucks, and systems, components and methods thereof. Background Art

[0002] Traditionally, a haul truck has a dump body that is pivotally connected to a haul truck frame adjacent 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 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 configured with static applications in mind. However, vehicle applications are at least partially dynamic in nature, and haul trucks may represent 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, such as off-highway terrain.

[0004] JP 2012-025285 ("the '285 JP patent document") describes a dump truck in which a member other than a hinge is capable of supporting at least a forward inertial force among the inertial forces acting on its cargo bed. According to the '285 JP patent document, the dump truck includes a frame, a hinge pin disposed at a rear portion of the frame, and a cargo bed freely rotatably attached to the frame via the hinge pin. The JP '285 patent document also describes that a front stop structure is disposed on the frame, the front stop structure is used to support the forward inertial force acting on the cargo bed by abutting against a front portion of the cargo bed located on the frame, and the front stop structure is configured in such a manner that a front abutting plate abutting against the front portion of the cargo bed is rotated via a four-bar linkage. Summary of the invention

[0005] In one aspect, a support device for a haul truck is disclosed. The support device may include a space frame and a dump body. The dump body may be configured to be positioned on the space frame. The space frame may include at least one rear support, at least one outer elongated support member extending longitudinally and generally horizontally, and at least one support rocker configured to pivot laterally about an axis extending horizontally along the length of the space frame. The dump body may include: a rear pivot support having at least one rear pivot disposed on the bottom of the dump body; at least one flat vertically oriented contact surface disposed on the bottom of the dump body; and at least one vertical support structure extending from the front of the dump body. The at least one rear support of the space frame is configured to be pivotally coupled to at least one rear pivot support of the rear pivot support of the dump body, the at least one vertical support structure of the dump body is configured to be removably seated in the at least one support rocker, and the at least one flat vertically oriented contact surface may be configured to be positioned adjacent to an outer side surface of the at least one outer elongated support member.

[0006] In another aspect, a support system for a haul truck is disclosed. The support system may include a space frame and a dump body. The dump body may be operably positioned on the space frame. The space frame may include: a pair of rear supports at the rear of the space frame, the rear supports being spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the space frame; a pair of outer frame tubes extending longitudinally and generally horizontally; and a pair of support rockers, which are spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the space frame and are configured to pivot laterally about respective axes, the axes being parallel to each other. The dump body may include: a rear pivot support disposed on the bottom of the dump body, the rear pivot support having a pair of rear pivots spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the dump body; a pair of flat contact surfaces disposed on the bottom of the dump body, the flat contact surfaces being vertically oriented and spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the dump body; and a pair of vertical support structures extending from a front surface of the dump body, the pair of vertical support structures being spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the dump body, and each vertical support structure having a contact surface facing downward. The rear support of the space frame can be pivotally connected to the rear pivot of the rear pivot support of the dump body, the vertical support structure of the dump body can be removably seated in the support rocker, and the flat contact surface can be positioned adjacent the outer lateral surface of the outer frame tube when the dump body of the haul truck is in a static position.

[0007] In yet another aspect, an off-highway rear haul truck is disclosed. The off-highway rear haul truck may include a space frame having a length and a width and a dump body having a length and a width. The dump body may contact the space frame according to a six-point contact arrangement. The space frame may include a pair of cylindrical rear supports at a rear portion of the space frame, the cylindrical rear supports having a first common axis and spaced apart from each other in a width direction of the space frame; a pair of outer frame tubes, the outer frame tubes extending longitudinally and generally horizontally in a length direction of the space frame; and a pair of support rockers, the support rockers spaced apart from each other in a width direction of the space frame and configured to pivot in the width direction of the space frame about corresponding axes, the axes being parallel to each other and orthogonal to the first common axis of the cylindrical rear supports. The dump body may include a rear pivot support disposed on the bottom of the dump body and toward the rear of the dump body, the rear pivot support having a pair of cylindrical rear pivots having a second common axis and spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the dump body; a pair of flat contact surfaces disposed on the bottom of the dump body at an intermediate portion of the dump body, the flat contact surfaces spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the dump body; and a pair of vertical support structures extending from the front of the dump body, the pair of vertical support structures spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the dump body. The six-point contact arrangement may include: the pair of cylindrical rear supports of the space frame, the pair of cylindrical rear supports pivotally coupled to the pair of cylindrical rear pivots of the rear pivot support of the dump body; the pair of vertical support structures of the dump body, the vertical support structures removably seated in a pair of support rockers; and the pair of flat contact surfaces positioned adjacent to the outer lateral surface of the outer frame tube.

[0008] Other features and aspects of the present invention 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 view of the machine with its cab removed to show the space frame and its dump body.

[0011] Figure 3 is a side view of a space frame according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

[0012] Figure 4 is a front side view of a dump body according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

[0013] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A bottom side view of a dump body;

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of the bottom of a dump body, particularly showing a rear pivot support according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Another enlarged view of a portion of the rear pivot support.

[0016] Figure 8 is a front side view of a dump body on a space frame according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

[0017] Fig. 9 is an exploded view of a space frame and dump body according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter to illustrate defined contact points. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] 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 rear haul truck 10 .

[0019] The machine 10 may have a space frame 20 supported by front wheels 14 and rear wheels 16 (including respective 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 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 container to receive hauled material.

[0020] 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 resting position of the dump body 30. The resting position of the dump body 30 may be considered to be a positioning of the dump body 30 such that the front portion 36 of the dump body 30 is in a lowest position (i.e., not raised). The dump body 30 may be pivoted about the rear portion 24 of the space frame 20 at the rear portion 34 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 allow contents to be dumped 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 stationary position may be to receive the contents of the dump body 30 .

[0021] 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 control raising and lowering of a dump body 30. The steering mechanism and controls may be located within the cab 18 of the machine 10.

[0022] 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 wheel 14 and the rear wheel 16 in a forward or backward direction. The prime mover may be longitudinally aligned 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 laterally. 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 wheel 14 and / or the rear wheel 16 via other components such as a transmission (not shown) to transfer power to move the front wheel 14 and / or the rear wheel 16 in a forward or backward direction.

[0023] Exhaust from the prime mover may be output from one or more exhaust outputs (not explicitly shown). Optionally, the one or more exhaust outputs may be disposed generally between the operator cabin 18 and the front wall 37 of the dump body 30 such that exhaust is provided toward at least a predetermined portion of the front wall 37. A coupler (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, such as 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. Such a heating structure may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,692, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0024] 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.

[0025] Figure 3 2 is a more detailed view of the space frame 20. As shown, the space frame 20 may include a pair of rear frame connectors 210, a pair of mid-lower frame connectors 220, a mid-upper horizontal frame connector 225, a pair of mid-upper frame connectors 230, a pair of mid-upper frame node connectors 240, a pair of front upper frame connectors 250, a pair of front lower frame connectors 260, a front upper frame connector 270, a pair of front upper suspension connectors 280, and a front lower suspension connector 290 at the rear 24 of the space frame 20. 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, typically but not necessarily identical. The aforementioned connections may be cast or manufactured. Typically, a casting may refer to a connection that is not welded to another support component of the space frame 20, while a manufactured product may refer to a connection that is welded to another support component of the space frame 20.

[0026] The lower-middle frame connector 220 and corresponding connectors may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,892; the upper-middle horizontal frame connector 225 and corresponding connectors may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,930; the upper-middle frame connector 230 and corresponding connectors may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 664,042; the upper-middle frame node connection 240 and corresponding connections may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,955; The front upper frame connector 250 and corresponding connectors may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 664,010; the front lower frame connector 260 and corresponding connectors may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 664,104; the front upper suspension connector 280 and corresponding connectors may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 664,124; and / or the front lower suspension connector 290 and corresponding connectors may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 664,169. The above applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0027] Space frame 20 may also include a plurality of elongated support members, such as elongated support member 201. According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the elongated support members may be in the form of, for example, circular rods and / or tubes, some or all of which may be solid or hollow.

[0028] like Figure 3 As shown, in a top view of the space frame 20, each elongated support member 201 may be disposed between the rear frame connection 210 and the front upper frame connection 270. More specifically, each elongated support member 201 may be disposed between the middle upper horizontal frame connection 225 and one of the rear frame connections 210. In addition, each elongated support member 201 may extend longitudinally generally horizontally, in this case, extending rearwardly from the middle 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. Since the elongated support members 201 are disposed outside 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.

[0029] 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 embodiments 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.

[0030] The rear support 211 may be configured as a pivot pin boss having a pivot pin hole or opening 212. According to one or more embodiments, the outer surfaces of the rear support 211 (i.e., the pivot pin boss) and the pivot pin hole 212 may be cylindrical. The axis of the pivot pin hole 212 may extend in the width direction of the space frame 20. In addition, the axes of the pivot pin holes 212 of the rear support 211 from the pair of rear frame connectors 210 may be aligned with each other. That is, the axes of the pivot pin holes 212 may be coaxial or common. The pivot pin hole 212 may 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 may pivot or rotate around the axis of the pivot pin of the pivot pin hole 212 and the pivot pin of the pivot pin interface 213. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the pivot pin interface 213 may also be coupled to the bottom 35 of the dump body 30 .

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, the front upper frame connector 270 can be fixedly coupled to the front upper suspension connector 280, and the bottom of the front upper frame connector 270 can be fixedly coupled to the front upper frame connector 250. In addition, the front upper frame connector 270 (which can be a structure) can have a body having a pair of rocker attachment interfaces 272 on its top surface. According to one or more embodiments, the front upper frame connector 270 and the corresponding connector can be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,849, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0032] 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 front upper frame connector 270 is disposed at the opposite outer edges of the main body. Each rocker attachment interface 272 may have a pivot pin hole configured to receive a pivot pin. Optionally, the pivot pin may be considered to be part of the rocker attachment interface 272. The pivot pin hole and the axis of rotation of the pivot pin may extend horizontally or substantially horizontally in the length direction of the space frame 20. In addition, the axes of rotation of the rocker attachment interfaces 272 may be parallel to each other.

[0033] Each rocker attachment interface 272 can have a support rocker 274 rotatably attached thereto by a pivot pin. Since 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. In addition, the support rockers 274 can rotate or pivot about respective rotation axes defined by the rocker attachment interfaces 272 laterally or in the width direction of the space frame 20.

[0034] 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. In addition, 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 its components can be a support rocker 274 and / or its components according to U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,512 and / or U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,551, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As will be discussed in more detail below, the support rocker 274, and particularly its upward facing contact surface 275, can receive a portion of a corresponding vertical support structure 370 of the dump body 30.

[0035] Now go to Figure 4-7 The dump 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 .

[0036] The rear pivot support 310 may be disposed at the rear portion 34 of the dump body 30, such as Figure 5 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 Figure 4-6 The rear pivot support 310 may further include a cross member 314, which may be disposed between the rear pivots 311 and fixedly connected to the rear pivots 311 or a portion of the rear pivots (ie, integral and / or one-piece with the rear pivots).

[0037] 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, Figure 6 As shown, 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 to be part of the longitudinal body support member 377 (ie, integral and / or one-piece with the longitudinal body support member).

[0038] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, each rear pivot 311 may also include a plurality of cutouts 313, such as two cutouts 313, which are spaced apart from each other in the length direction of the dump body 30. Each cutout 313 may receive or accept a lateral body support member 378. In addition, the cutouts 313 of one rear pivot 311 may accommodate different lateral body support members 378, such as adjacent lateral body support members 378, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 In addition, as shown, each lateral body support member 378 may extend through one cutout 313 of one rear pivot 311 and through an opposing cutout 313 of another rear pivot 311 .

[0039] Each rear pivot 311 may have a pivot hole 315. For example, Figure 6 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 holes 315 may be circular openings, the portion (or portions) of the rear pivot 311 that forms the pivot hole 315 may be considered cylindrical.

[0040] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the rear pivot 311 may also include an attachment interface 312 on its outer side surface, such as Figure 6 and 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 connector may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,627, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0041] 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 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 attachment interface 312.

[0042] 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, the bracket 316 can be fixedly or removably coupled to one or more protrusions of the attachment interface 312 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 316 can be fixedly or removably coupled to one or more protrusions of the attachment interface 312 by bolts, rivets, or welding.

[0043] The bottom 35 of the dump body 30 may include a plurality of flat contact surfaces 301, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 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 dump body 30. In a top plan view of the dump 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 length direction of the dump body 30. In addition, the flat contact surfaces 301 may be disposed on corresponding longitudinal support body members 377. For example, the flat contact surface 301 may be disposed on an inwardly facing surface of the longitudinal support body member 377. Therefore, in embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the flat contact surface 301 may be oriented vertically, for example Figure 4 and Figure 5 In addition, 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. Thus, Figure 4 and Figure 5Only one flat contact surface 301 is shown (although the surface may include multiple flat contact surface portions, as described below), and another is disposed on an inwardly facing surface of the proximal longitudinal support body member 377. As non-limiting examples, the flat contact surface 301 may be coupled to the longitudinal support body member 377, such as by welding, rivets, or bolts.

[0044] 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 dump body 30, such as Figure 5 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 5 Only one of the illustrated first or second planar contact surface portions may constitute the planar contact surface 301 .

[0045] As discussed in more detail below, when the dump body 30 is in the lowered position (ie, the static position), the flat contact surface 301 attached to the dump body 30 may be as shown. Fig. 9 That is, the flat contact surface 301 can be disposed 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.

[0046] 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 surface 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 dump body 30. According to one or more embodiments, 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 dump body 30, such as Figure 2 The vertical support structure 370 may be as described in US Application No. 16 / 663,825, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0047] 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 substantially vertical, such as at an angle of 20 degrees or less from 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 an angle of 20 degrees from the vertical, and a lower front surface portion, which may include a bottom portion forming the downwardly facing contact surface 317, may be at or approximately vertical.

[0048] 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 surface of the front wall 37. For example, the intersecting surfaces of the horizontal support structure 375 and each vertical support structure 370 can be fixedly connected by welding. The horizontal support structure 375 can be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,825, as described above, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0049] 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 , 4 , 5, 8 and 9, 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.

[0050] Industrial Applicability

[0051] As described above, embodiments of the present invention relate to space frame and body support arrangements for haul trucks and systems, components, and methods thereof. Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can provide a lightweight, durable machine construction having a reliable support definition of the load point between the dump body 30 and the space frame 20, for example, in accordance with dimensional variations due to tolerances and / or component deflection.

[0052] According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the dump body 30 can be operably 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 static position. As used herein, the static position can mean that the dump body 30 is in a lowest or fully lowered position and is not being lifted by the lifting cylinder 125, which can be coupled to the mid-lower frame connector 220.

[0053] Reference Fig. 9 , 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 uppermost and lowermost positions by rotation about a common pivot axis created by the connection between the rear supports 211 and the rear pivots 311.

[0054] 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 be on the dump body 30 or a portion of the dump body, rather than the space frame 20, may be disposed adjacent to an outer side or lateral side of the elongated support member 201, such as Fig. 9 As 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. Additionally, such positioning of the flat contact surface 301 can accommodate lateral 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. Such a chamfered portion can aid in centering the dump body 30 as it transitions to a resting or fully downward position.

[0055] A third pair of contact points may be provided by removably positioning the vertical support structure 370 (particularly the downward facing contact surface 371 thereof) on the support rocker 274 (particularly the upward facing contact surface 275 thereof). According to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the downward facing contact surface 371 may be removably seated on the upward facing contact surface 275. Additionally, 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 may 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 downward 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 .

[0056] 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 addition, 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 the dump body being transferred to the front wheels 14 through the space frame 20 and the front suspension system. In fact, optionally, all of the vertical loads can be shared through or by the pivot pin 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 transferred to the front wheels 14 through the space frame 20 and the front suspension system 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 above-mentioned second pair of contact points can bear horizontal loads.

[0057] 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 seating between the vertical support structure 370 and the support rockers 274 can be maintained, particularly when the dump body 30 is in a stationary position, and even when the machine 10 is moving, for example. Figure 2 As shown, such an arrangement can therefore provide a uniform load distribution LD relative to each side of the support device (i.e., side-to-side or lateral). The pivoting of the support rocker 274 also allows the support rocker 274 to take into account any tolerance accumulation in the dump body 30 and the space frame 20. In addition, the uniform bend radius of the support rocker 274 can ensure that load transfer is directed back to the center of the pivot pin in an effort to reduce or eliminate bending moments.

[0058] In addition, Figure 2As shown, in a 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 pin 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 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. Likewise, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, 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 to the front suspension system through the support rocker 274 and the space frame 20.

[0059] Although various aspects of the present invention 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 envisioned by modifying the disclosed machines, components, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. These embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present invention as determined based on the claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An off-highway haul truck (10), comprising: A space frame (20) having a length and a width and comprising: a pair of cylindrical rear supports (211) at the rear of the space frame (20), the cylindrical rear supports (211) having a first common axis and spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the space frame (20), a pair of outer frame tubes (201), the outer frame tubes (201) extending longitudinally and generally horizontally in the length direction of the space frame (20), and a pair of support rockers (274) spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the space frame (20) and configured to pivot in the width direction of the space frame (20) about corresponding axes, the axes being parallel to each other and orthogonal to the first common axis of the cylindrical rear support (211); and A dump body (30) contacts the space frame (20) according to a six-point contact arrangement, the dump body (30) having a length and a width and comprising: a rear pivot support (310) disposed on the bottom (35) of the dump body (30) and toward the rear of the dump body (30), the rear pivot support (310) having a pair of cylindrical rear pivots (311) having a second common axis and spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the dump body (30), a pair of flat contact surfaces (301) provided at a middle portion of the dump body (30) on a bottom (35) of the dump body (30), the flat contact surfaces (301) being spaced apart from each other in a width direction of the dump body (30), and a pair of vertical support structures (370) extending from the front face (37) of the dump body (30), the pair of vertical support structures (370) being spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the dump body (30), The six-point contact arrangement comprises: the pair of cylindrical rear supports (211) of the space frame (20) pivotally connected to the pair of cylindrical rear pivots (311) of the rear pivot supports (310) of the dump body (30), the pair of vertical support structures (370) of the dump body (30) removably seated in the pair of support rockers (274), and the pair of flat contact surfaces (301) positioned adjacent to the outer lateral surfaces of the pair of outer frame tubes (201).

2. An off-highway rear haul truck according to claim 1, wherein in a front view of the off-highway rear haul truck (10), one support rocker-vertical support structure combination (274, 370) is positioned along a first longitudinal axis of a first front suspension strut, and another support rocker-vertical support structure combination (274, 370) is positioned along a second longitudinal axis of a second front suspension strut, and the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis intersect at a point on a centerline (CL1) of the dump body (30) at the top of the dump body (30).

3. An off-highway rear haul truck according to claim 1, wherein each of the support rockers (274) has an upward facing semi-cylindrical contact surface (275), each of the vertical support structures (370) has a downward facing semi-cylindrical contact surface (371), and the downward facing semi-cylindrical contact surfaces (371) of the vertical support structures (370) are respectively seated in the upward facing semi-cylindrical contact surfaces (275) of the support rockers (274).

4. The off-highway rear haul truck according to claim 1, wherein each of the flat contact surfaces (301) consists 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 a length direction of the dump body (30).

5. The off-highway rear haul truck of claim 1, wherein the six-point contact arrangement is provided when the dump body (30) of the off-highway rear haul truck (10) is in a stationary position.

6. An off-highway rear haul truck according to claim 1, wherein in a front view of the off-highway rear haul truck (10), for each vertical support structure / support rocker combination (370, 274), the vertical center axis of the downwardly facing contact surface (371) of the vertical support structure (370) is offset inwardly from the pivot axis of the support rocker (274) in the width direction of the off-highway rear haul truck (10).

7. A support device for a haul truck (10), comprising: A space frame (20) comprising: at least one rear support member (211), at least one outer elongated support member (201) extending longitudinally and generally horizontally, and at least one support rocker (274) configured to pivot laterally about an axis extending horizontally along the length of the space frame (20); and A dump body (30) configured to be positioned on the space frame (20) and comprising: a rear pivot support (310) having at least one rear pivot (311) provided on the bottom (35) of the dump body (30), at least one flat vertically oriented contact surface (301) provided on the bottom (35) of the dump body (30), and at least one vertical support structure (370) extending from the front (37) of the dump body (30), each of the at least one vertical support structure (370) having a downwardly facing contact surface (371), wherein the at least one rear support member (211) of the space frame (20) is configured to be pivotally connected to the at least one rear pivot (311) of the rear pivot support member (310) of the dump body (30), the at least one vertical support structure (370) of the dump body (30) is configured to be removably seated in the at least one support rocker (274), and the at least one flat vertically oriented contact surface (301) is configured to be positioned adjacent to the outer side surface of the at least one outer slender support member (201).

8. A support device according to claim 7, wherein in a front view of the support device, a support rocker-vertical support structure combination (274, 370) is positioned along the longitudinal axis of the front suspension strut (121), and the longitudinal axes intersect at a point on the vertical center line (CL1) at the top of the dump body (30).

9. The support device according to claim 7, wherein the downward facing contact surface (371) of the at least one vertical support structure (370) is configured to seat in the upward facing contact surface (275) of the at least one support rocker (274).

10. A supporting device according to claim 7, wherein each of the at least one flat vertically oriented contact surfaces (301) is composed of a first flat vertically oriented contact surface portion and a second flat vertically oriented contact surface portion, and the second flat vertically oriented contact surface portion is spaced apart from the first flat vertically oriented contact surface portion in the length direction of the dump body (30).

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