Space frame front upper main support and frame connection

Abstract

A front upper frame connection (270) for a space frame (20) may include a top surface (271); a bottom surface (273) opposite to the top surface (271); a right side surface (277); a left side surface (276) opposite to the right side surface (277); a front surface (278); a rear surface (279) opposite to the front surface (278); a pair of front support plates (2710) disposed on the front surface (278); a pair of front flat mounting surfaces (2714); and a pair of rocker attachment interfaces (272) located on the top surface (271), adjacent to the rear surface (279) and adjacent to the right side surface (277) and the left side surface (276), respectively. The front surface (278) and the front support plates (2710) may define cutout portions (2700). Each front support plate (2710) is curved and extends outward from the transverse centerline of the top surface (271) and then forward.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the international application filed on October 19, 2020, with international application number PCT / US2020 / 056241, national application number 202080074295.0, entitled "Spatial Frame Front Upper Main Support and Frame Connection", which has entered the Chinese national phase. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to space frames, and more particularly to the front upper main support and frame connection of space frames, as well as systems, components and methods thereof. Background Technology

[0003] Traditional tractor trucks, such as off-highway trailer trucks, may use welded steel frames, which can be very heavy and may require many meters of welding to manufacture the complete frame. Space frames offer a lighter and stronger alternative to traditional welded steel frames because they require less steel. Therefore, space frames offer considerable benefits in terms of cost, manufacturability, and performance. For example, tractor trucks with space frames can tow larger payloads and consume less fuel.

[0004] Traditional space frame structures can utilize manufactured nodal connections. These nodal connections can be used to create space frame structures associated with static applications. However, vehicle applications are at least partly dynamic in nature, and tractor trucks represent particularly challenging applications due to the loads applied to the space frame and the bending, twisting, and / or deflection that can occur when the tractor truck travels on various types of terrain, such as off-highway terrain. Carefully designed high-strength castings and manufacturing are required to provide appropriate stiffness and flexibility characteristics while ensuring proper load transfer from the tipping body to the wheels.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 10,183,706 (“706 Patent”) describes a node for a frame member of an interconnecting 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 extending opposite the closed end and away from the node body. The 706 Patent also describes a sidewall extending between the closed end and the open end 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 is formed between the sidewall and the tenon defining a circumferentially, 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] On one hand, a front upper frame connection for a space frame is disclosed. The front upper frame connection may include a top surface; a bottom surface opposite the top surface; a right side surface; a left side surface opposite to and parallel to the right side surface; a front surface; a rear surface opposite the front surface; a pair of front support plates disposed on the front surface; a pair of front flat mounting surfaces; and a pair of rocker attachment interfaces located on the top surface, adjacent to the rear surface and respectively adjacent to the right and left sides. The front surface and the front support plates may define cutout portions. Each front support plate is curved such that a first portion is parallel to the rear surface and a second portion is perpendicular to the rear surface, the first portion being closer to the lateral centerline of the top surface than the second portion.

[0007] On the other hand, a front upper body support and frame connection fabrication for a space frame of a rear-mounted truck is disclosed. This front upper body support and frame connection fabrication may include a top surface; a bottom surface opposite to the top surface; a right side surface; a left side surface opposite to the right side surface; a pair of front support plates configured to support a pair of front upper suspension connections; a pair of front flat mounting surfaces configured to be fixedly attached to the front upper suspension connections; a cutout portion positioned between and integral with the pair of front support plates; a rear left mounting surface located at the rear of the left side surface and configured to weldably attach a cab support frame tube; and a rear right mounting surface located at the rear of the right side surface and configured to weldably attach a horizontal frame support. Support manufacturing; a pair of outer bottom mounting surfaces located at the rear of the bottom surface and oriented toward the left and right sides respectively, and configured to weldably attach a pair of front upper frame connecting castings; a pair of inner bottom mounting surfaces located at the rear of the bottom surface and oriented away from the left and right sides respectively, and configured to weldably attach a pair of inclined front frame tubes; a pair of rocker attachment interfaces located at the rear of the top surface and positioned toward the left and right sides respectively, and configured to pivotally attach a pair of support rockers; and a truck cab mounting point located on the top surface and configured to receive a cab isolation mounting piece.

[0008] In another aspect, a space frame for a rear-mounted truck is disclosed. The space frame may include a front upper body support and frame connection fabrication having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a right side surface, and a left side surface opposite the right side surface; a pair of support rockers attached to the top surface of the front upper body support and frame connection fabrication via corresponding rocker attachment interfaces on the top surface of the front upper body support and frame connection fabrication; a pair of front upper frame connections attached to the bottom surface of the front upper body support and frame connection fabrication via corresponding outer bottom mounting surfaces on the bottom surface of the front upper body support and frame connection fabrication; and a pair of inclined front frame tubes attached to the bottom surface of the front upper body support and frame connection fabrication via corresponding inner bottom mounting surfaces on the bottom surface of the front upper body support and frame connection fabrication. The front upper body support and frame connection fabrication may further include a pair of front support plates, a pair of front flat mounting surfaces, and a cutout between the front support plates.

[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 machine according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

[0011] Figure 2 This is an embodiment based on the disclosed subject matter. Figure 1 A front view of the machine, with the machine's cab removed to show the space frame and its tilting body.

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

[0013] Figure 4 This is a side perspective view of the front upper frame connection according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The top-down rear view of the front upper frame connection.

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 The top view of the front frame connection.

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 The front top frame is connected to the back view.

[0017] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 The top view of the front upper frame connection.

[0018] Figure 9 yes Figure 4The right view is connected to the front top frame.

[0019] Figure 10 It is an exploded view of the spatial frame and the tilting body according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, to show the defined contact points. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Now refer to the attached diagram and for details. Figure 1 and Figure 2 These figures illustrate exemplary embodiments of machine 10. Machine 10 may be a mobile machine that performs some type of operation associated with an industry such as mining, construction, or any other industry known in the art. For example, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, machine 10 can be a soil-moving machine, especially an off-highway trailer truck 10.

[0021] Machine 10 may have a space frame 20 supported by front wheels 14 and rear wheels 16 (including their respective tires). The front and rear wheels 14 and 16 may be connected to the space frame 20 via front suspension components and a rear suspension system, respectively. 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 tipping body 30. The tipping body 30 may be configured to receive a receiver for transported materials.

[0022] The rear portion 34 of the pouring body 30 may be pivotally connected or attached to a portion (including multiple portions) of the rear portion 24 of the space frame 20. Discussed in more detail below, the portion of the pouring body 30 between the rear portion 34 and the front portion 36 may 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 as the positioning of the pouring body 30 such that the front portion 36 of the pouring body 30 is in its lowest position (i.e., not raised). The pouring body 30 may pivot about the rear portion 24 of the space frame 20 at the rear portion 34 to raise or lower the portion of the pouring body 30 in front of the pivot (and thus 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 out from within the pouring body 30. Similarly, pivoting the pouring body 30 to lower the front 36 of the pouring body 30 to a stationary position can be used to receive the contents of the pouring body 30.

[0023] The machine 10 may have a cab 18 supported by the space frame 20 at the front of the space frame 20. The machine 10 may also be equipped with a steering mechanism and controller to move the machine 10 and control the raising and lowering of the tilting body 30. The steering mechanism and controller may be located inside the cab 18 of the machine 10.

[0024] Machine 10 may have a prime mover (not explicitly shown) supported by a space frame 20. Typically, the prime mover may be located in a space 21 of the space frame 20 at the front 26 of the space frame 20. The prime mover may be configured to propel the front and rear wheels 14, 16 in a forward or rearward direction. The prime mover may be longitudinally aligned on the space frame 20 along the direction of travel of machine 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 the rear wheels 16 via other components such as a drivetrain (not shown) to transmit power to move the front wheels 14 and / or the rear wheels 16 in a forward or rearward direction.

[0025] Exhaust from the prime mover can be output from one or more exhaust outlets (not explicitly shown). Optionally, the one or more exhaust outlets may be generally positioned between the cab 18 and the front wall 37 of the tipping body 30, such that exhaust is provided toward at least a predetermined portion of the front wall 37. A connector (e.g., a bellows) may be provided to connect the one or more exhaust outlets to the front wall 37 of the tipping body 30, for example, to a heating channel disposed in or on the front wall 37 of the tipping body 30, to heat the material carried in the tipping body 30.

[0026] Typically, a spatial frame according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, such as spatial frame 20, can be a frame comprising structural members connected to each other at nodes and / or joints. The structural members may include hollow tubes and / or solid tubes, and in some cases may be connected in a triangular structure. For example, the structural members may be made of metal, metal alloys, or reinforced composite materials.

[0027] Figure 3 This 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, 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 nodal 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 at the rear 24 of the space frame 20. Although the aforementioned connections are described as pairs, a pair of connections may not be identical. For example, a pair of connections may be symmetrical, but typically, they are 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 connection may refer to a connection that is welded to another support component of the space frame 20.

[0028] The center lower frame connection 220 and its corresponding connection may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,892; the center upper frame connection 225 and its corresponding connection may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,930; the center upper frame connection 230 and its corresponding connection may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 664,042; the center upper frame node connection 240 and its corresponding connection may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,955; the front upper frame connection 250 and its corresponding connection may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 664,010; the front lower frame connection 260 and its corresponding connection may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 664,104; the front upper suspension connection 280 and its corresponding connection may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 664,124; and / or the front lower suspension connection 290 and its corresponding connection may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 664,169. The above application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0029] The space frame 20 may also include a plurality of elongated support members, such as elongated support member 201, elongated support member 203, and elongated support member 207. 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.

[0030] 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 one of the central upper horizontal frame connection 225 and the rear frame connection 210. Furthermore, each elongated support member 201 may extend longitudinally in a generally horizontal manner, in this case, extending rearward from the central upper horizontal frame connection 225 at a positive acute angle relative to the horizontal plane passing through the front wheel 14 and the rear wheel 16. Since the elongated support members 201 are disposed outside the space frame 20 along the width direction of the space frame 20, the elongated support members 201 can be considered as outer elongated support members 201. As an example, the outer elongated support member 201 may be an outer frame tube.

[0031] Each rear frame connection 210 of the casting may have a rear support member 211 and a rear suspension node 215. Discussed in more detail below, the rear support member 211 may directly support the tilting body 30, and the rear suspension node 215 may be coupled to a 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 elongated support members 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 its corresponding connections may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,815, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0032] The rear support member 211 can be configured as a pivot boss having a pivot pin hole or opening 212. According to one or more embodiments, the outer surfaces of the rear support member 211 (i.e., the pivot pin boss) and the pivot pin hole 212 can be cylindrical. The axis of the pivot pin hole 212 can extend in the width direction of the space frame 20. Furthermore, the axes of the pivot pin holes 212 from the rear support members 211 of the pair of rear frame connections 210 can be aligned with each other. That is, the axes of the pivot pin holes 212 can be coaxial or common. The pivot pin hole 212 can be configured to receive a pivot pin of the pivot pin interface 213, such that the pivot pin interface 213 is pivotally connected to the rear support member 211 via the pivot pin hole 212, and the pivot pin interface 213 can pivot or rotate about the axes of the pivot pin hole 212 and the pivot pin of the pivot pin interface 213. The pivot pin interface 213 can also be connected to the bottom 35 of the tilting body 30, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0033] Go to Figure 4-9 The front upper frame connection 270, which may be manufactured, may include a top surface 271, a bottom surface 273 opposite to the top surface 271, a right side surface 277, a left side surface 276 opposite to the right side surface 277, a front surface 278, and a rear surface 279 opposite to the front surface 278. As shown, the top surface 271 may have a length greater than its width. For example, the length may be at least twice the width. Also as shown, the length of the top surface 271 may extend in the width direction of the space frame 20.

[0034] The front upper frame connection 270 may also include a pair of front support plates 2710 and a pair of front flat mounting surfaces 2714. Alternatively, the front support plates 2710 may be a single front support plate 2710. The front support plates 2710 may be attached to the front surface 278, for example, by welding. Alternatively, the front support plates 2710 may be integral or integral with the front surface 278.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the cutout portion 2700 is at least disposed between the front flat mounting surfaces 2714, and as... Figure 4-9 As shown, it is disposed between the front support plates 2710. The front surface 278 and / or the front support plate 2710 may define a cutout portion 2700. Therefore, in one or more embodiments, the cutout portion 2700 can be considered integral with the front support plate 2710.

[0036] like Figure 4-9 As shown, front support plates 2710 extending above top surface 271 can extend outward and forward from their ends at the lateral centerline of top surface 271 between the two front support plates 2710 to their respective opposite ends. As a non-limiting example, the opposite ends of the front support plates 2710 can extend forward past front flat mounting surface 2714. The front support plates 2710 can conform to the profile of the cutout portion 2700. For example, the front support plates 2710 can be curved such that a first portion is parallel to rear surface 279 and a second portion is perpendicular to rear surface 279. The first portion can be closer to the lateral centerline of top surface 271 than the second portion, where the second portion can include the opposite ends of the front support plates 2710. Furthermore, at least the first portion can be closer to the lateral centerline of top surface 271 than the front flat mounting surface 2714.

[0037] The front support plate 2710 and the front flat mounting surface 2714 may be adapted to contact or abut different portions of the corresponding front upper suspension connection 280. For example, the front support plate 2710, particularly its outer lateral side 2712, may be adapted to contact the inward-facing portion of the front upper suspension connection 280. Optionally, the front support plate 2710 may be non-fixedly attached (e.g., welded) to the front upper suspension connection 280. On the other hand, the front flat mounting surface 2714 may be adapted to contact or abut the rearward mounting surface of the front upper suspension connection 280. The front flat mounting surface 2714 may be fixedly attached (e.g., welded) to the rearward mounting surface of the front upper suspension connection 280.

[0038] Manufactured joystick attachment interfaces 272 can be disposed on the top surface 271, spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the space frame 20, for example, disposed at opposite rear corners of the top surface 271, such as... Figure 3-7 As shown. Therefore, according to one or more embodiments, the rocker attachment interface 272 may be located at the front of the rear surface 279 and at the rear of the front flat mounting surface 2714 and the front support plate 2710.

[0039] Each rocker attachment interface 272 may have a pivot pin hole configured to receive a pivot pin. Optionally, the pivot pin may be considered part of the rocker attachment interface 272. The axis of rotation of the pivot pin hole and 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 each other.

[0040] Each rocker attachment interface 272 may have a support rocker 274 rotatably or pivotally attached thereto via a pivot pin. Since the rocker attachment interfaces 272 may be spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the space frame 20, the support rockers 274 may also be spaced apart from each other. Furthermore, the support rockers 274 may rotate laterally or pivot in the width direction of the space frame 20 about a corresponding axis of rotation defined by the rocker attachment interface 272.

[0041] According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, each support rocker 274 may have an upward-facing contact surface 275. The upward-facing contact surface 275 may be concave, such as semi-cylindrical, elliptical, or multi-planar. Additionally, the upward-facing contact surface 275 may be or include a pad. According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the support rocker 274 and / or its components may be in accordance with 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, particularly its upward-facing contact surface 275, may receive a portion of a corresponding vertical support structure 370 of the tilting body 30 (see...). Figure 10 ).

[0042] The front upper frame connection 270 may further include a rear left mounting surface 2702, a rear right mounting surface 2704, a pair of outer bottom mounting surfaces 2706, a pair of inner bottom mounting surfaces 2708, and a truck cab mounting point 2720. The rear left mounting surface 2702 may be located at the rear of the left side surface 276, the rear right mounting surface 2704 may be located at the rear of the right side surface 277, the outer bottom mounting surface 2706 may be located at the rear of the bottom surface 273, the inner bottom mounting surface 2708 may be located at the rear of the bottom surface 273, and the truck cab mounting point 2720 is located on the top surface 271.

[0043] Additionally, the outsole mounting surface 2706 can be positioned adjacent to the left side surface 276 and the right side surface 277, for example, at the opposite rear corner of the bottom surface 273. Figure 9 As shown. The inner insole mounting surface 2708 can be well positioned inside the left side surface 276 and the right side surface 277, for example, adjacent to the lateral centerline of the bottom surface 273 and symmetrical about the lateral centerline of the bottom surface 273, such as... Figure 9 As shown. According to one or more embodiments, the truck cab mounting point 2720 can be positioned between the front flat mounting surface 2714 and the rocker arm attachment interface 272 on the left side of the top surface 271.

[0044] The rear left mounting surface 2702 may be adapted to be fixedly attached (e.g., weldably attached) to an elongated support member 203. The elongated support member 203 may be a cab support frame tube. The rear left mounting surface 2702 may be thicker than the left surface 276, for example, its dimensions may be adapted to accommodate the dimensions of the elongated support member 203.

[0045] The rear right mounting surface 2704 can be adapted to be fixedly attached (e.g., weldably attached) to the horizontal frame support 2750, and this can be a manufacturing process. The rear right mounting surface 2704 can be thicker than the right surface 277, for example, its dimensions are determined to accommodate the dimensions of the horizontal frame support 2750.

[0046] The outsole mounting surface 2706 can be adapted to have a front upper frame connection 250 fixedly attached (e.g., weldably attached) thereto. The dimensions of the outsole mounting surface 2706 can be adapted to the dimensions of the front upper frame connection 250.

[0047] The insole mounting surface 2708 can be adapted to have an elongated support member 207 fixedly attached (e.g., weldably attached) thereto. The elongated support member 207 extends from the insole mounting surface 2708 at an angle (e.g., an acute angle) relative to each other, and thus may be referred to herein as a sloping front frame tube. This elongated support member 207 can be fixedly attached to a corresponding center upper frame node connection 240. The dimensions of the insole mounting surface 2708 can be adapted to the dimensions of the elongated support member 207.

[0048] Truck cab mounting point 2720, together with truck cab mounting point 2722, can be configured to receive a cab isolation mount for mounting the cab 18. According to one or more embodiments, the top surface 271 may also include an attachment interface 2730 for a rollover protection system (ROPS).

[0049] Now go to Figure 10 The tilting 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.

[0050] The rear pivot support 310 can be located at the rear 34 of the tilting body 30, such as... Figure 10 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 lateral direction of the tilting body 30, as shown. Figure 10 As shown. The rear pivot support 310 may also include a transverse member 314, which may be disposed between the rear pivots 311 and fixedly connected to the rear pivot 311 or a portion of the rear pivot 311 (i.e., integral with and / or integral with it).

[0051] The rear pivot support 310 can be fixedly connected to the bottom 35 of the tilting body 30. For example, the rear pivot support 310 can be welded to the bottom 35 of the tilting 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 tilting body 30. For example, as Figure 10 As shown, each rear pivot 311 can be welded in a straight line to the corresponding longitudinal main support member 377. Therefore, the rear pivot 311 can be considered as part of the longitudinal main support member 377 (i.e., integral with and / or as a single piece therewith).

[0052] Each rear pivot 311 may also include multiple cuts, such as two cuts, spaced apart from each other along the length of the tilting body 30. Each cut may receive or accept a lateral body support member 378. Furthermore, a cut in a rear pivot 311 may accommodate different lateral body support members 378, for example, adjacent lateral body support members 378, such as... Figure 10 As shown. Additionally, as shown, each transverse main support member 378 may extend through a cutout of one rear pivot 311 and through an opposite cutout of the other rear pivot 311.

[0053] 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 surface, such as Figure 10 As shown. As a non-limiting example, attachment interface 312 may include a pair of protrusions configured to mate with a corresponding notch in pivot pin interface 213. The rear pivot support 310 and the corresponding connection may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,627, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0054] The rear pivot 311 is pivotally connected to the rear support 211 of the space frame 20 via a pivot pin interface 213. More specifically, for each pair of rear pivots 311 / rear supports 211, the rear support 211 may be disposed in a pivot hole 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, and 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 311. The arm 214 of the pivot pin interface 213 may have one or more notches configured to mate with one or more corresponding protrusions of the attachment interface 312.

[0055] 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. Furthermore, 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 a non-limiting example, the bracket can be fixed to the protrusion by bolts, rivets, or welding.

[0056] The bottom 35 of the tilting body 30 may include multiple flat contact surfaces 301, such as... Figure 10 As shown. The flat contact surface 301 can be in the form of a plate, such as a rectangular or square plate, but embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to the aforementioned geometry. Optionally, the flat contact surface 301 may have a beveled portion on its bottom edge. The flat contact surface 301 may be generally disposed in the middle of the tilting body 30. In a top plan view of the tilting 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 tilting body 30. In addition, the flat contact surface 301 may be disposed on the corresponding longitudinal support member 377. For example, the flat contact surface 301 may be disposed on the inward-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 10 As shown. Furthermore, a 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 tilting body 30. As a non-limiting example, the flat contact surface 301 may be connected to the longitudinal support member 377, for example, by welding, riveting, or bolting.

[0057] 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, wherein the second flat contact surface portion is spaced apart from the first flat contact surface portion in the length direction of the tilting body 30, such as... Figure 10 As shown in the diagram. Optionally, the first and second flat contact surface portions of the flat contact surface 301 may have the same configuration. Of course, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, each flat contact surface 301 may be represented by a single flat contact surface (e.g., a single plate). For example, Figure 10 Only one of the first or second flat contact surface portions shown can constitute a flat contact surface 301.

[0058] The following discusses in more detail how, when the tipping body 30 is in the lowered position (i.e., the stationary position), the flat contact surface 301 attached to the tipping body 30 can be as follows: Figure 10 The flat contact surface 301 may be positioned adjacent to the outer side or lateral side of the outer elongated support member 201. According to one or more embodiments, the flat contact surface 301 may be parallel to the outer elongated support member 201.

[0059] A vertical support structure 370 of the tipping body 30 can extend from the front of the front wall 37 of the tipping body 30. The vertical support structure 370 can be fixed to the front of the front wall 37, for example, by welding. The vertical support structures 370 can be spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the tipping body 30. According to one or more embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, in the front view of machine 10, the vertical support structure 370 is centered on the opposite side of the vertical centerline of the tilting body 30. The vertical support structure 370 may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,825, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0060] The vertical support structure 370 may be vertical, at least in the front view of the tipping body 30. Depending on the configuration of the front wall 37 of the tipping body 30, the vertical support structure 370 may be substantially vertical in the side view of the tipping body 30, for example, at an angle of 10 degrees or less to the vertical direction.

[0061] According to one or more embodiments, a vertical support structure 370 may extend through a horizontal support structure 375, which may also be secured (e.g., welded) to the front of the front wall 37. For example, the intersecting surfaces of the horizontal support structure 375 and each vertical support structure 370 may be securely attached by welding. The horizontal support structure 375 may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,825, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0062] 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 semi-cylindrical, elliptical, or multi-planar. The downward-facing contact surface 371 may be configured to receive or rest 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.

[0063] Industrial applicability

[0064] As described above, embodiments of the present invention relate to the front upper main support and frame connection of a space frame, and systems, components and methods thereof.

[0065] Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can provide a lightweight, durable machine configuration, for example, with reliable support defining the load point between the tilting body 30 and the space frame 20, based on dimensional variations due to tolerances and / or component deflection.

[0066] According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the pouring body 30 can operatively contact the space frame 20 according to a predetermined contact device. For example, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may provide a six-point contact device between the pouring body 30 and the space frame 20. According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, such a contact device may be provided when the pouring body 30 is in a stationary position. The stationary position used herein may mean that the pouring body 30 is in a lowest or fully lowered position and is not lifted by the lifting cylinder 125, which may be coupled to the central lower frame connection 220.

[0067] Reference Figure 10 The diagram shows an exploded view of the space frame 20 and the tipping 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 tipping body 30. Each rear support 211 may be pivotally connected to the tipping body 30 via the rear pivot 311. This connection allows the front portion 36 of the tipping body 30 to rise and fall between its uppermost and lowermost positions by rotation about a common pivot axis created by the connection between the rear support 211 and the rear pivot 311.

[0068] A second pair of contact points can be provided by positioning a flat contact surface 301 relative to the elongated support member 201. Specifically, the flat contact surface 301 (which may be on or a portion of the tilting body 30, rather than the space frame 20) may be disposed adjacent to the outer or lateral side of the elongated support member 201, such as... Figure 10 As shown. 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 be performed when the tilting 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 may have a beveled portion on its bottom edge. This beveled portion facilitates the centering of the tilting body 30 when it transitions to a resting or fully downward position.

[0069] A third pair of contact points can be provided by removably positioning the vertical support structure 370 (in particular its downward-facing contact surface 371) on the support rocker arm 274 (in particular its upward-facing contact surface 275).

[0070] The front upper frame connection 270 may have a rocker attachment interface 272 on its top surface 271. This front upper frame connection may include the top surface 271, a bottom surface 273 opposite to the top surface 271, a right side surface 277, a left side surface 276 opposite to the right side surface 277, a front surface 278, and a rear surface 279 opposite to the front surface 278. Each rocker attachment interface 272 may have a pivot pin hole configured to receive a pivot pin. Furthermore, each rocker attachment interface 272 may have one of a support rocker 274 rotatably or pivotally attached thereto via a pivot pin. The support rocker 274 may rotate laterally or pivot in the width direction of the space frame 20 about a corresponding axis of rotation defined by the rocker attachment interface 272.

[0071] According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the downward-facing contact surface 371 can be removably mounted on the upward-facing contact surface 275. Additionally, in a front view of the machine 10, the vertical central axis of the downward-facing contact surface 371 of each vertical support structure 370 can be offset from the rotation axis (i.e., pivot axis) of the corresponding support rocker 274. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, the vertical center axis of the downward-facing contact surface 371 can be offset inward relative to the rotation axis of the support rocker arm 274 in the width direction of the machine 10.

[0072] The vertical support structure 370, particularly the downward-facing contact surface 371 when in contact with the upward-facing contact surface 275 of the support rocker arm 274, can transfer the load to the front suspension system and the front wheels 14 via the space frame 20. Furthermore, the vertical support structure 370 provides support for the horizontal component of the force vector relative to the tilting body 30, the load of which is transferred to the front wheels 14 via the space frame 20 and the front suspension system. Additionally, because the support rocker arm 274 can pivot laterally and independently of each other, and because both the support rocker arm 274 and the vertical support structure 370 have cooperating contact surfaces (i.e., the upward-facing contact surface 275 and the downward-facing contact surface 371, respectively), proper positioning between the vertical support structure 370 and the support rocker arm 274 can be maintained, particularly when the tilting body 30 is in a stationary position, and even, for example, when the machine 10 is moving. Figure 2 As shown, such an arrangement can therefore provide a uniform load distribution LD relative to each side of the support arrangement (i.e., side to side or laterally).

[0073] Other examples Figure 2As shown in the front view, the support rocker arm 274 / vertical support structure 370 assembly can be positioned along the longitudinal axis of the respective 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 arm 274 can be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the corresponding front strut 121. The longitudinal axes may intersect at point CL1 on the vertical centerline at the top of the tilting body 30. Of course, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited thereto, and the longitudinal axis of the front strut 121 may not be aligned with the support rocker arm 274 / vertical support structure 370 assembly, for example, the pivot axis of the support rocker arm 274. Furthermore... Figure 2 As shown, the longitudinal axes of the additional suspension components on opposite sides of the space frame 20 intersect at point CL2, which is the same as point CL1 on the vertical centerline of the machine 10. Therefore, the arrangement of the third pair of contact points can evenly transfer the load from the tilting body 30 to the front suspension system through the support rocker arm 274 and the space frame 20.

[0074] The front upper frame connection 270 may also include a front support plate 2710 and a front flat mounting surface 2714. The front support plate 2710 may be attached to the front surface 278, for example, by welding. Alternatively, the front support plate 2710 may be integral or integral with the front surface 278.

[0075] In one or more embodiments, the cutout portion 2700 is at least disposed between the front flat mounting surfaces 2714, and as... Figure 4-9 As shown, a cutout portion 2700 is disposed between front support plates 2710. The front surface 278 and / or the front support plates 2710 may define a cutout portion 2700. Therefore, in one or more embodiments, the cutout portion 2700 may be considered integral with the front support plates 2710. The cutout portion 2700 may provide space for post-processing components of the machine 10.

[0076] A front support plate 2710 extending above the top surface 271 can extend outward and forward from its end at the lateral centerline of the top surface 271 between the two front support plates 2710 to their respective opposite ends. As a non-limiting example, the opposite ends of the front support plates 2710 may extend forward past the front flat mounting surface 2714. The front support plates 2710 may conform to the profile of the cutout portion 2700. The front support plates 2710 may be configured as supports or ribs to accommodate forces, such as those during a rollover event, and / or torsional and bending forces during the driving and traction of the machine 10.

[0077] The front support plate 2710 and the front flat mounting surface 2714 may contact or abut different portions of the corresponding front upper suspension connection 280. For example, the front support plate 2710, particularly its outer lateral side 2712, may contact the inward-facing portion of the front upper suspension connection 280. Optionally, the front support plate 2710 may be non-fixedly attached (e.g., welded) to the front upper suspension connection 280. On the other hand, the front flat mounting surface 2714 may contact or abut the rearward mounting surface of the front upper suspension connection 280. The front flat mounting surface 2714 may be fixedly attached (e.g., welded) to the rearward mounting surface of the front upper suspension connection 280. According to one or more embodiments, the front support plate 2710 may act as a guide to guide the placement of the front upper frame connection 270 relative to the front upper suspension connection 280.

[0078] The rear left mounting surface 2702 may be fixedly attached (e.g., weldably attached) to an elongated support member 203. The rear right mounting surface 2704 may be fixedly attached (e.g., weldably attached) to a horizontal frame support member 2750, which may be manufactured in one manner. The outer bottom mounting surface 2706 may have a front upper frame connection 250 fixedly attached (e.g., weldably attached) thereto. The inner bottom mounting surface 2708 may have an elongated support member 207 fixedly attached (e.g., weldably attached) thereto. Truck cab mounting point 2720, together with truck cab mounting point 2722, may be configured to receive a cab isolation mount for mounting the cab 18.

[0079] 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 contemplated through modifications to the disclosed machines, components, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. These embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims and any equivalents.

Claims

1. A front upper body support and frame connection manufacturing part for a space frame of a rear-mounted truck, the front upper body support and frame connection manufacturing part comprising: Top surface; The bottom surface, which is opposite to the top surface; Right side surface; The left surface, which is opposite to the right surface; A pair of front support plates, configured to support a pair of front upper suspension connecting components; A pair of front flat mounting surfaces are configured to be securely attached to the front upper suspension connection assembly, respectively; The cutout portion is positioned between the pair of front support plates and is integral with the pair of front support plates; The rear left mounting surface, located at the rear of the left side surface, is configured to weldably attach the cab support frame tube. The rear right mounting surface, located at the rear of the right side surface, is configured for weldably attaching horizontal frame support components. A pair of outsole mounting surfaces, located at the rear of the bottom surface and oriented toward the left and right surfaces respectively, are configured to weldably attach a pair of front upper frame connecting castings; A pair of insole mounting surfaces, located at the rear of the bottom surface and oriented away from the left and right sides respectively, are configured to weldably attach a pair of inclined front frame tubes; A pair of rocker attachment interfaces are located at the rear of the top surface and positioned toward the left and right surfaces, respectively, and are configured to pivotally attach a pair of support rockers; as well as A truck cab mounting point, located on the top surface and configured to receive a cab isolation mounting component.

2. The front upper main body support and frame connection manufacturing component according to claim 1, wherein, The length of the top surface is at least twice its width.

3. The front upper main body support and frame connection manufacturing component according to claim 1, wherein, The joystick attachment interface is a manufactured part.

4. The front upper main body support and frame connection manufacturing component according to claim 1, wherein, The truck cab mounting point is located between the front flat mounting surface and the rocker arm attachment interface on the left side of the top surface.

5. The front upper main body support and frame connection manufacturing component according to claim 1, wherein, The front support plate extends above the top surface.

6. The front upper main body support and frame connection manufacturing component according to claim 1, wherein, The front support plate extends forward across the front flat mounting surface.

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