Truck body canopy structure

Abstract

A canopy for a dump body of a truck includes a deck having a length and a width that are greater in dimension than a length defined by a front edge, a rear edge opposite the front edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge opposite the first side edge. The deck can define an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface. In a front view, the deck can define a concave shape having a central portion and a stepped portion between the central portion and the first and second side edges.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to trailer trucks, and more particularly to canopy structures, systems, arrangements, components, and methods for the dump body of trailer trucks. Background Technology

[0002] Canopies for towing trucks are typically located at the top interface between the front and side walls of the truck body. Canopies generally provide protection for the front portion of the truck, such as the cab, the walkway below, or other truck components (e.g., the front tires), from falling debris (e.g., rocks). However, providing a canopy can increase the truck's weight, especially if longitudinal and / or lateral support structures are added.

[0003] Additionally, the canopy may not be designed to carry large amounts of material (e.g., hauling materials). However, during loading, a relatively large amount of material may be unintentionally placed on the canopy (i.e., canopy loading), which can adversely affect the truck's center of gravity and the load distribution on the tires. This can lead to tire overheating and wear.

[0004] On the other hand, even though the canopy is designed to prevent material residue from remaining on it, material accidentally placed on the canopy during loading may slip off and fall onto the road. Material on the road can pose a hazard to other vehicles and increase road maintenance requirements.

[0005] WO 2015 / 010156 (“'156 Publication”) describes a tipping bucket body having a canopy with a top and multiple sloping surfaces. According to '156 Publication, the shape of the upper surface of the canopy is such that a load accidentally falling onto the upper surface will either slide back into the body or slide off the lateral sloping surfaces and onto the ground. '156 Publication also describes a relatively small top that is unlikely to support an undesirable amount of load. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one aspect, a canopy for a truck dump body is disclosed. The canopy may include a deck whose length and width are dimensionally greater than the length defined by a front edge, a rear edge opposite to the front edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge opposite to the first side edge. The deck may define an upper surface and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, and in a front cross-sectional view, the body may define a downwardly concave shape having a central portion and a stepped portion between the central portion and the first and second side edges.

[0007] In another aspect, a canopy system for a tipping bucket body is disclosed. The canopy system may include a deck whose length and width are dimensionally greater than the length defined by a front edge, a rear edge opposite the front edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge opposite the first side edge. The deck may define an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface. In a front view, the deck may define a downward-facing concave shape having a flat central portion and a stepped portion between the flat central portion and the first and second side edges. The deck may not have any laterally extending support structures on the upper and / or lower surfaces.

[0008] In another aspect, an off-highway rear-haul truck is disclosed. The off-highway rear-haul truck may include a frame; and a tipper body configured to be operatively connected to the frame. The tipper body may include a front wall and a self-supporting corrugated canopy having a front edge, a rear edge opposite the front edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge opposite the first side edge, the self-supporting corrugated canopy extending from the top of the front wall. The self-supporting corrugated canopy may have a downwardly concave shape in a front cross-sectional view, wherein a pair of upwardly projecting peaks are laterally spaced apart from each other by a single valley, a first peak having a first plurality of steps between it and the first side edge, and a second peak having a second plurality of steps between it and the second side edge. The peaks may be symmetrical and extend parallel to each other from the front portion to the rear portion of the self-supporting corrugated canopy.

[0009] Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

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

[0011] Figure 2 This is a top perspective view of an awning according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A top view of the canopy.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Bottom perspective view of the front part of the truck's main body.

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A bottom view of the front part.

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A front view of the canopy deck or floor.

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A front perspective view of the deck.

[0017] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 Bottom perspective view of the front part.

[0018] Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 Sectional view of line 9-9.

[0019] Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view of the deck of a canopy according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter relate to canopy structures, systems, arrangements, components, and methods for the dump body of a trailer truck.

[0021] Now refer to the attached diagram and for details. Figure 1 The figure illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a truck 10 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The truck 10 can perform some type of operation associated with an industry such as mining, construction, or any other industry known in the art. For example, as Figure 1 As shown, truck 10 can be a soil-moving machine, particularly an off-highway tractor truck 10.

[0022] Truck 10 may have a frame 20 supported by front wheels 14 and rear wheels 16 (including their respective tires). The front wheels 14 and rear wheels 16 may be connected to the frame 20 via front suspension members and a rear suspension system (not explicitly shown), respectively. Truck 10 may also include a bed or body 30 supported by the frame 20. Such a bed or body 30 is referred to herein as a tipping body 30. The tipping body 30 may be configured to receive a container for transporting materials.

[0023] The rear portion 35 of the tipping bucket body 30 can be pivotally connected to or attached to a portion (including multiple portions) of the rear part of the frame 20. Therefore, the tipping bucket body 30 can be positioned such that... Figure 1The tipping bucket 30 can pivot from its lowest or rest position (i.e., not raised) to its raised position (e.g., fully raised). Specifically, the tipping bucket body 30 can pivot at the rear portion 35 of the frame 20 to raise or lower the portion of the tipping bucket body 30 in front of the pivot (and thus move the portion of the tipping bucket body 30 behind the pivot in the opposite direction). This pivoting of the tipping bucket body 30 to raise the front portion 36 of the tipping bucket body 30 allows contents to be emptied from the tipping bucket body 30. Similarly, pivoting the tipping bucket body 30 to lower the front portion 36 of the tipping bucket body 30 to a rest position can be used to receive contents from the tipping bucket body 30. The pivoting can be performed using a pair of lifting members 25 (which may include cylinders) operably coupled to the frame 20 and the tipping bucket body 30.

[0024] Truck 10 may have a cab 18 supported by a frame 20. Truck 10 may also be equipped with a steering mechanism and control devices to move truck 10 and raise and lower the dump body 30. The steering mechanism and control devices may be located inside the cab 18 of truck 10.

[0025] The tipping bucket body 30 may also have a canopy 40. The canopy 40 may be fixedly attached (e.g., welded) to the top of the front wall 33 of the tipping bucket body 30 and the front edge of the opposite side wall 34 of the tipping bucket body 30. Thus, the canopy 40 may extend forward from the top of the front wall 33 and the opposite side wall 34 of the tipping bucket body 30 or along the longitudinal direction of the tipping bucket body 30. The canopy 40 may extend to at least cover the compartment 18.

[0026] Truck 10 may have a prime mover (not explicitly shown) supported by frame 20. The prime mover may be configured to propel the front wheels 14 and rear wheels 16 in a forward or rearward direction. The prime mover may be longitudinally aligned on frame 20 in the direction of travel of truck 10. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the prime mover may be laterally aligned. In one 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-fueled engine. The prime mover may be connected to the front wheels 14 and / or rear wheels 16 via other components such as a drivetrain (not shown) to transmit power to move the front wheels 14 and / or rear wheels 16 in a forward or rearward direction.

[0027] Switch to other attached images. Figure 2 and Figure 3 A top view of the awning 40 is shown, while Figure 4 and Figure 5A bottom view of the awning 40 is shown. The awning 40 may define a front edge 41, a rear edge 42 opposite to the front edge 41, a first side edge 43, and a second side edge 44 opposite to the first side edge 43. The length of the awning 40 (along the longitudinal direction of the tipping body 30) may be less than the width of the awning 40 (along the transverse direction of the tipping body 30). Optionally, the front edge 41 of the awning 40 may be beveled. For example, the corner of the front edge 41 may be beveled, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown.

[0028] The awning 40 may include a deck 45 defining an upper surface 46 and a lower surface 47 opposite to the upper surface 46. Optionally, a support structure may be provided to connect the awning 40 to the front edges of the front wall 33 and the side wall 34 of the tipper body 30. For example, a lateral support structure 60 may be provided. As another example, opposing edge support structures 70 may be provided. Optionally, the lateral support structure 60 and / or the edge support structure 70 may be considered as part of the awning 40.

[0029] A lateral support structure 60 may be disposed between the rear edge 42 of the canopy 40 and the front wall 33 of the tipping body 30. The lateral support structure 60 may also be disposed between the rear edge 42 of the canopy 40 and the front edge of the side wall 34. The lateral support structure 60 may be fixedly connected (e.g., welded) to the front wall 33 and optionally the front edge of the side wall 34 of the tipping body 30, and thus the rear edge 42 of the canopy 40 may be connected to the front wall 33 and optionally the side wall 34 of the tipping body 30.

[0030] The edge support structure 70 extends from at least a portion of the front edge of the side wall 34 and the side edge of the front wall 33 of the tipping body 30 to the apex corner where the front wall 33 and the side wall 34 intersect, and protrudes or extends from there away from the front wall 33 and the side wall 34 along the longitudinal direction of the tipping body 30. For each edge support structure 70, the portion extending along the aforementioned edges of the front wall 33 and the side wall 34 may be referred to as a leg 72, and the portion extending from the aforementioned edges may be referred to as an arm 75 of the edge support structure 70. For example, as Figure 8 As shown, arm 75 can be hollow and has multiple spaced-apart gusset plates.

[0031] Edge support structure 70 can be fixedly connected (e.g., welded) to the front edges of front wall 33 and side wall 34. Additionally, deck 45 of awning 40 can be fixedly connected (e.g., welded) to edge support structure 70. That is, the first side edge 43 and second side edge 44 of awning 40 can be fixedly connected (e.g., welded) to corresponding opposite edge support structures 70.

[0032] A stand or headboard 80 may be provided, and according to one or more embodiments, the stand or headboard 80 may be considered part of the awning 40. The stand or headboard 80 may be located at the front edge 41 of the awning 40 and may extend from a first side edge 43 to a second side edge 44. The stand or headboard 80 may extend horizontally or substantially horizontally from the upper surface 46 of the deck 45. According to one or more embodiments, the top edge of the stand or headboard 80, for example at the transverse middle portion of the stand or headboard 80, may form the uppermost portion of the awning 40.

[0033] The deck 45 of the awning 40 can be concave. More specifically, as... Figure 4 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, at least when mounted on the tipper body 30, the deck 45 of the canopy 40 can have a downward-facing concave shape. In this respect, as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the deck 45 may have an outer portion 55 and a central portion 50 between the outer portions 55, each outer portion 55 extending along the longitudinal direction of the tipper body 30 (i.e., the length direction of the canopy 40).

[0034] The central portion 50 may include at least one flat portion 51, which may be flat on the upper surface 46 of the deck 45. Optionally, the at least one flat portion 51 may be flat on the lower surface 47 of the deck 45. The flat portion 51 may be flat along the entire length of the deck 45. That is, the flat portion 51 may be completely flat along the entire length of the deck 45 from the leading edge to the trailing edge (which may also be the trailing edge 42 of the awning 40).

[0035] The central portion 50 may also include one or more raised support structures 53. For example, Figure 2 Figures 5 and 7-10 show two raised support structures 53. In the case of multiple raised support structures 53, adjacent raised support structures 53 can be separated from each other in the lateral direction of the canopy 40. According to one or more embodiments, the raised support structures 53 can be separated from each other by flat portions 51.

[0036] The raised support structure 53 may be referred to as a peak or ridge. Therefore, the flat portion 51 between two raised support structures 53 may be referred to as a valley. The raised support structure 53 may be formed by the deck 45, rather than being provided connected to or otherwise separately from the deck 45. According to one or more embodiments, the construction of the raised support structure 53, alone or together (optionally together with the flat portion 51), may be referred to as corrugated. As a non-limiting example, the distance d between the raised support structures 53, for example from the respective base or peak, may be 2 meters. As another non-limiting example, the height of the raised support structure 53 may be 275 mm. As an example, the width of the raised support structure 53 at its base may be 720 mm.

[0037] In the front or rear cross-sectional view, the protruding support structure 53 can be triangular, such as... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, it has linear sides. Optionally, the top vertex can be rounded. Furthermore, the triangular shape can have an open bottom. That is, the raised support structure 53 can form a channel 54 on the lower surface 47 of the deck 45. In other words, a void can be provided in the lower volume of the raised support structure 53.

[0038] According to one or more embodiments, the upright headplate 80 may be disposed at the end (i.e., the front end) of the raised support structure 53, for example, to close the channel 54, such as... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown (transparent view). However, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to this. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The shape can be a specific geometric shape. For example, the top vertex may form a point rather than a circle. As another example, the sides may not be linear; for example, they may be concave or convex. As yet another example, the shape may be asymmetrical, such as an irregular triangle or an isosceles trapezoid.

[0039] The raised support structure 53 may extend along the length or longitudinal direction of the awning 40. For example, in the case of multiple raised support structures 53, at least two raised support structures 53 may extend parallel to each other. Furthermore, according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, these raised support structures 53 may extend from the front edge of the body 45 to the rear edge of the deck 45 (which may also be the rear edge 42 of the awning 40). Optionally, these raised support structures 53 may be symmetrical in terms of their positioning on the deck 45 and / or in terms of their geometry relative to one or more other raised support structures 53.

[0040] Each peripheral portion 55 may extend from the central portion 50 to the opposite side edge of the deck 45. According to one or more embodiments, the peripheral portions 55 may extend from the central portion 50 to a first side edge 43 and a second side edge 44, respectively. Additionally, according to one or more embodiments, the side edges of the peripheral portions 55 may be joined (e.g., welded) to the opposite edge support structure 70. In a top or plan view of the canopy 40, the lateral dimension of the flat portion 51 may be smaller than the lateral dimension of the peripheral portions.

[0041] As described above, the deck 45 can have a concave shape. Therefore, the peripheral portion 55 can vary in height relative to the flat portion 51. According to one or more embodiments, no portion of the peripheral portion 55 is above the central portion 50. Even more specifically, according to one or more embodiments, no portion of the peripheral portion 55 is above the flat portion 51.

[0042] Since the deck 45 may be concave, each peripheral portion 55 may be curved or arched. This curvature may be symmetrical about the centerline of the longitudinal or length-width of the canopy 40. According to one or more embodiments, each peripheral portion 55 may be stepped. As used herein, stepped may mean at least one defined transition from the center portion 50 to the side edge of the deck 45. In other words, each peripheral portion 55 may have one or more defined bends and breaks.

[0043] For example, Figure 2 Each peripheral portion 55 is shown to have three stepped sections: stepped section 56, stepped section 57, and stepped section 58. For example, as shown... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, each stepped portion can be defined by a bend or break 59. Although the figures show three stepped portions 56, 57, and 58, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited thereto. Furthermore, some or all of the stepped portions 56, 57, and 58 may differ in their lateral lengths. For example, stepped portion 56 may be shorter than stepped portion 57 (in the lateral direction), and stepped portion 57 may be shorter than stepped portion 58 (in the lateral direction), but embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited thereto (e.g., stepped portions 57 and 58 may have the same lateral length). As a more specific example, the lateral length of stepped portion 56 may be 640 mm, the lateral length of stepped portion 57 may be 650 mm, and the lateral length of stepped portion 58 may be 1200 mm. According to one or more embodiments, the lateral length of stepped portion 56 may be half the lateral length of the central portion 51. In other words, in this example, these raised support structures 53 can be positioned symmetrically with the centerline of the canopy 40, but also symmetrically with the multiple breaks 59 defining the edge of the stepped portion 56.

[0044] At the break 59, the outer portion 55 can vary its tilt characteristics. For example, the tilt angle (e.g., descent angle) of each step portion 56, 57, 58 can vary or differ. According to one or more embodiments, the descent angle can increase from step portion 56 to step portion 57, and similarly from step portion 57 to step portion 58. Additionally or alternatively, the slope of step portion 56 can be linear, while the slope of step portion 57 can be non-linear (i.e., curved). Similarly, step portion 58 can have a different slope characteristic than step portion 57. As an example, step portion 56 can be at zero angle (i.e., horizontal), step portion 57 can be ten degrees below horizontal, and step portion 58 can be fifteen degrees below horizontal. Such angles can be along the entire particular step portion, or, in the case of step portions with non-linear shapes, are average angles. Optionally, at the first side edge 43 and the second side edge 44 of the canopy 40, upright portions can be provided by the deck 45, as... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown.

[0045] Industrial applicability

[0046] As described above, embodiments of the present invention relate to canopy structures, systems, arrangements, components, and methods for the dump body of a trailer truck.

[0047] Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can realize a deck 45 of a concave canopy 40. The deck 45 may have a central portion 51 and a peripheral portion 55, the central portion 51 being flat and the peripheral portion 55 having varying slope characteristics, such as multiple descent angles. According to one or more embodiments, the peripheral portion 55 may slope downwards in a stepped shape to form the overall concave shape of the deck 45. Optionally, one or more longitudinally projecting support structures 53 may be provided.

[0048] Because the concave shape can be defined by the peripheral portion having varying slope characteristics, the deck 45 is able to maintain its shape without providing lateral support structures directly within and / or along the upper surface 46 and / or lower surface 47 of the deck 45. Therefore, the deck 45 is characterized as a self-supporting deck 45. Similarly, in this respect, the canopy 40 can be characterized as a self-supporting canopy 40. Omitting this additional lateral support structure reduces the weight of the canopy 40. In addition to structural stiffness, the construction of the deck 45 reduces the vibration of the canopy 40.

[0049] The flat central portion 51 may be configured in size, shape, and / or thickness to accommodate a certain amount of material (unintentionally) added to the upper surface 46 of the canopy 40. The amount of material added to the central portion 51 is greater than a certain amount and falls from the upper surface 46 of the canopy 40 in a controlled manner, for example, on the first side edge 43 and the second side edge 44.

[0050] As described above, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may include one or more raised support structures 53. Such raised support structures 53 can provide structural support for the canopy 40 and can also help retain and / or guide material that may be inadvertently placed on the upper surface 46 of the canopy 40. For example, in the case of two raised support structures 53 with a central portion 51 located therebetween, a certain amount (e.g., size) of material is held between the raised support structures 53. Additionally, the peaks of the raised support structures 53 can visually impede the load on the top of the canopy 40. When the tipper body 30 is raised, material can slide from the canopy 40 into the transport volume of the tipper body 30.

[0051] While various aspects of the invention have been specifically shown and described with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various additional embodiments can be conceived through modifications to the disclosed machines, components, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims and any equivalents.

Claims

1. An off-highway rear-haul truck (10), comprising: Framework (20); as well as A tipping bucket body (30), the tipping bucket body being configured to be operatively connected to the frame (20), the tipping bucket body (30) comprising: Anterior wall (33), and A self-supporting corrugated awning (40) has a front edge (41), a rear edge (42) opposite to the front edge (41), a first side edge (43), and a second side edge (44) opposite to the first side edge (43). The self-supporting corrugated awning (40) extends from the top portion of the front wall (33). The self-supporting corrugated awning (40) has a downward-facing concave shape in a front cross-sectional view, and has a plurality of upward-extending peaks (53) formed by a first peak and a second peak spaced apart from each other by a single valley (51) in the lateral direction, a first plurality of steps (56, 57, 58) between the first peak and the first side edge (43) in the peaks (53), and a second plurality of steps (56, 57, 58) between the second peak and the second side edge (44) in the peaks (53), and The peak (53) is symmetrical and extends parallel to each other from the front portion of the front edge (41) of the self-supporting corrugated canopy (40) to the rear portion of the self-supporting corrugated canopy (40). None of the first plurality of steps (56, 57, 58) and the second plurality of steps (56, 57, 58) are above the valley (51).

2. The off-highway tractor truck according to claim 1, wherein, The individual valley (51) is completely flat between the bottoms of the peak (53).

3. The off-highway rear trailer truck according to claim 1, further comprising a support structure (60) connecting the rear edge (42) of the self-supporting corrugated canopy (40) to the front wall (33).

4. The off-highway trailer truck according to claim 1, further comprising: A first support structure (70) extends from the front wall (33) at a first side edge of the front wall (33); as well as A second support structure (70) extends from the front wall (33) at a second side edge opposite to the first side edge. The first support structure (70) is welded to the first side edge (43) of the self-supporting corrugated canopy (40), and The second support structure (70) is welded to the second side edge (44) of the self-supporting corrugated awning (40).

5. The off-highway rear-haul truck according to claim 1, wherein, The front edge of the self-supporting corrugated awning (40) has an upright headboard (80).

6. The off-highway rear-haul truck according to claim 1, wherein, In the plan view of the self-supporting corrugated awning (40), the lateral distance between the individual valleys (51) between the peaks (53) is less than the lateral distance from each of the peaks (53) to the nearest of the first side edge (43) or the second side edge (44).

7. The off-highway rear-haul truck according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the peaks (53) defines a gap (54) on the underside of the self-supporting corrugated canopy (40).

8. A canopy system for a tipping bucket body, comprising: The deck (45) is longer and wider than the length defined by the front edge (41), the rear edge (42) opposite to the front edge (41), the first side edge (43), and the second side edge (44) opposite to the first side edge (43). The deck (45) defines an upper surface (46) and a lower surface (47) opposite to the upper surface (46). In the front plan view, the deck (45) defines a downward concave shape having a flat central portion (51) and stepped portions (56, 57, 58) located between the flat central portion (51) and the first and second side edges (43, 44). Wherein, the deck (45) has no laterally extending support structure on the upper surface (46) and / or the lower surface (47), The upper surface forms a pair of ridges (53), each ridge (53) extending along its length, and the flat central portion (51) is located between the ridges (53). None of the stepped portions (56, 57, 58) are above the flat central portion (51).

9. The canopy system according to claim 8, wherein, The corresponding descent angle of the stepped portions (56, 57, 58) increases toward the first side edge (43) or the second side edge (44).

10. The canopy system according to claim 8, wherein, The front edge (41) of the deck (45) has an upright headplate (80) extending therefrom.

11. The canopy system according to claim 8, wherein, The deck (45) has no laterally extending support structure on the lower surface (47).

12. The canopy system according to claim 8, further comprising: A first support structure (70) has an arm (75) fixed to the first side edge (43) of the deck (45) and a leg (72) extending downward from the arm (75). as well as The second support structure (70) has an arm (75) fixed to the second side edge (44) of the deck (45) and a leg (72) extending downward from the arm (75).

13. The canopy system according to claim 8 further includes a transverse support structure (60) disposed at the rear edge of the deck (45) and adapted to engage with the front wall (33) of the tipper body (30).

Images