Suspension connection welding part

Abstract

A suspension connection weld may include a cross member having first and second ends and a pair of substantially parallel outer sidewalls spaced apart from each other and disposed at the respective first and second ends of the cross member. The outer sidewalls may extend upwardly and forwardly from respective first and second ends of the cross member and generally perpendicular to the cross member. The outer side walls may include a plurality of vertically extending rib elements horizontally spaced along respective outer side walls from a rear side of the outer side walls to a front side of the outer side walls. Each rib element may include an upper hole in the upper end and a lower hole in the lower end. The upper and lower bores may be configured to receive a suspension connection pin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application generally relates to support systems for vehicles, and in particular to work machines such as trucks, haul trucks, and articulated trucks. More particularly, the present application relates to support frames for supporting vehicle bodies, truck beds, cabs, platforms, and other structures relative to suspension systems on work machines. More particularly, the present application relates to particular aspects of support frames including a front portion of the support frame that can interact with a front suspension and / or support front aspects of a work machine. Background Art

[0002] Vehicle and / or work machine frames can be complex structures with multiple sections and parts arranged at various angles relative to each other to accommodate load points from the work machine body, truck bed, bumper rails, cab, hydraulic cylinders, suspension components including shock absorbers or struts, A-bars, and other features. Loads on a vehicle or work machine frame can be unpredictable and difficult to assess, leading to inefficient designs including overly thick or oversized plates, tubes, rods, or other structures. These overly thick or oversized structures can require correspondingly oversized welds, which can generate a lot of heat during the manufacturing process, leading to warping of the components, weldments, or frame.

[0003] U.S. Patent Application No. 2021 / 0122211 relates to a space frame front lower suspension connector. The front lower suspension connector for a space frame includes a U-shaped base and an upper suspension control arm support section on the U-shaped base. The U-shaped base may have a cross beam section and a suspension column support beam section positioned at opposite ends of the cross beam section. Each upper suspension control arm support section may have a first support column and a second support column spaced apart from the first support column. Typically, the prime mover may be disposed in the space 21 of the space frame 20 at the front 26 of the space frame 20. The front mounting surface 2940 may be adapted to have one or more elongated support members fixedly attached (e.g., weldably attached) thereto. For example, Figure 4-8 A front mounting surface 2940 is shown adapted to have six elongated support members extending therefrom, four elongated support members 203, and two elongated support members 202. Elongated support members 203 may extend horizontally or substantially horizontally (e.g., 1-2 degrees from horizontal). Elongated support members 202 may extend at an angle (e.g., an acute angle) relative to horizontal. Summary of the invention

[0004] In one or more examples, the suspension connection weldment may include a cross member having a first end and a second end and a pair of substantially parallel outer side walls spaced apart from each other and arranged at the respective first and second ends of the cross member. The outer side walls may extend upward and forward from the respective first and second ends of the cross member and be substantially perpendicular to the cross member. The outer side walls may include a plurality of vertically extending rib elements spaced horizontally along the respective outer side walls from the rear side of the outer side wall to the front side of the outer side wall. Each rib element may include an upper hole in the upper end and a lower hole in the lower end. The upper hole and the lower hole may be configured to receive a suspension connection pin.

[0005] In one or more examples, a work machine may include a frame, a power source disposed on the frame, and a tire assembly, the tire assembly being operably coupled to the power source and coupled to the frame via a suspension. The frame may include a suspension connection weldment for securing the suspension. The suspension connection weldment may include a cross member having a first end and a second end and a pair of substantially parallel outer side walls spaced apart from each other and disposed at the respective first and second ends of the cross member. The outer side wall may extend upward and forward from the respective first and second ends of the cross member and be substantially perpendicular to the cross member. The outer side wall may include a plurality of vertically extending rib elements spaced horizontally along the respective outer side wall from the rear side of the outer side wall to the front side of the outer side wall. Each rib element may include an upper hole in the upper end and a lower hole in the lower end. The upper hole and the lower hole may be configured to receive a suspension connection pin.

[0006] In yet other examples, a method of manufacturing a weldment may include: creating a center portion of a cross member including a steering terrace; and creating a pair of outer sidewalls, the pair of outer sidewalls including a plurality of vertically extending rib elements horizontally spaced along the respective outer sidewalls from a rear side of the outer sidewall to a front side of the outer sidewall. The method may also include machining a plurality of steering link holes in the steering terrace of the center portion, and machining a plurality of suspension pin holes in an upper end of the rib element and a lower end of the rib element. After machining, the method may include assembling the center portion between the pair of outer sidewalls. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a work machine having a support frame with a suspension connection weldment according to one or more embodiments.

[0008] Figure 2 is based on one or more instances of Figure 1 A perspective view of a working machine with its support frame detached.

[0009] Figure 3 Based on one or more instances Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of the suspension connection weldments of the support frame.

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Exploded view of the suspension connection weldments.

[0011] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Side view of the suspension connection weldment.

[0012] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Partial rear view of the suspension connection weldment.

[0013] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of a suspension connection weldment.

[0014] Figure 8 is a diagram depicting a method of manufacturing a suspension connecting element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Figure 1 1 is a front perspective view of a work machine 100 having a support frame 102 with a suspension connection weldment 104 according to one or more examples. For example, the work machine 100 may include a haul truck, or another type of work machine may be provided. In addition to a cab or operator station 106 and a dump body or truck bed 108, the work machine 100 may include a prime mover disposed on the support frame 102. The dump body or truck bed 108 may be operably coupled to the support frame 102, such as by a pivot connection and an actuator for pivoting the dump body 108 about the pivot connection to dump material out of the dump body 108. The work machine 100 may also include a ground engaging traction system, such as one or more tire assemblies 110 (tires are shown in phantom to provide a frame view). The tire assembly 110 may be operably coupled to the support frame 102 via a suspension 112. For example, the prime mover may be operably coupled to the one or more tire assemblies 110, such as by a transmission, a drive train, a drive shaft, and / or other components.

[0016] Now go to Figure 2, a support frame 102 is shown. The support frame 102 can be configured to support the work machine 100 and all of its components relative to a suspension system 112 that couples the support frame 102 to a tire assembly 110. As shown, the support frame 102 can include a rear portion 114 for pivotally coupling and supporting the dump body 108 and coupling a rear suspension system for the rear tire assembly 110. The frame 102 can also include a center portion 116 for bridging between the front and rear tire assemblies 110 and supporting loads from the dump body 108. The frame 102 can also include a front portion 118 for coupling a front suspension system 112 for the front tire assembly 110, as well as for supporting the prime mover, cab, and other front aspects of the work machine 100. As shown, and particularly with respect to the front tire assembly 110 and the front suspension 112, a suspension connection weldment 120 can be disposed in the front portion 118 of the space frame 102.

[0017] Although not shown in detail, the front tire assembly 110 can be fixed to the support frame 102, and in particular fixed to the suspension connection weldment 120 by a rod link (e.g., an upper A-shaped rod and a lower A-shaped rod). The A-shaped rod as part of the suspension 112 can provide relative up and down movement of the tire assembly 110 and the support frame 102, respectively, wherein the A-shaped rod is pivotally connected to the support frame 102 at the suspension connection weldment 120. For example, the amount of relative movement of the tire assembly 110 can be controlled by another part of the suspension system 112 including shock absorbers and struts. The A-shape of the A-shaped rod can provide for the transmission of forward and reverse forces between the tire assembly 110 and the support frame 102. These can include acceleration forces and deceleration forces caused by the prime mover and / or braking system on the work machine 100, but can also include sometimes much greater forces applied by surface irregularities or other obstacles encountered by the tire assembly 110 when the work machine is moving. The A-shaped rod can also be used to transmit lateral forces that act in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of travel of the work machine 100. As shown, the A-bar may be secured to the suspension connection weldment 120 at the front portion 118 of the support frame 102 .

[0018] Figure 3 1 is a perspective view of a suspension connection weldment 120 separated from other aspects of the support frame 102. The suspension connection weldment 120 can be configured for a pivot connection of an A-bar of the front suspension assembly 112, for connection of a steering linkage, and for managing forces applied to the support frame 102 from the A-bar of the front suspension assembly 112. The suspension connection weldment 120 can also be used to support a front track assembly 122 ( Figure 1 and Figure 2), the front track assembly extends in a forward direction from the weldment 120. As shown, the suspension connection weldment 120 may generally include a cross member 124 and a pair of outer side walls 126 extending forwardly and upwardly from the cross member 124.

[0019] The cross member 124 may form a generally central portion of the suspension connection weldment 120 and may be configured to hold together and maintain the respective outer sidewalls 126 of the weldment 120 in a parallel condition relative to each other. The cross member 124 may also be configured for attachment of one or more aspects of the steering system. As shown, the cross member 124 may be a generally rectangular element when viewed in cross section. However, as shown Figure 4 As shown in , the weldments may be assembled in subassemblies and the cross-section of the cross-member 124 may vary along its length.

[0020] A first example of a variable cross-section is the outboard portion 128 of the cross member 124. That is, and as Figure 4 As shown in , the outer portion 128 of the cross member 124 on either side of the central portion 130 may include a bottom plate 132, a top plate 134, and two side plates including a front side plate 136 and a rear side plate 138. In one or more examples, the bottom plate 132 may include a front edge 140 that is arranged slightly in front of the front side plate 136 so that the bottom edge of the front side plate abuts the top surface of the bottom plate 132. In contrast, the rear edge of the bottom plate can be aligned with the front surface of the rear side plate 138, thereby allowing the bottom edge of the rear side plate to be arranged slightly below the bottom plate. Both the front side plate 136 and the rear side plate 138 can extend upward to a corresponding upper edge 142A / B arranged above the top plate 134 so that the top plate 134 is arranged between the front side plate 136 and the rear side plate 138.

[0021] One or more of the plates may include a profiled edge for managing stresses in the associated weld and the plate itself. For example, the top edge 142A / B of the front and rear side plates 136 / 138 may be a profiled edge that extends generally horizontally away from the center portion 130 for a relatively short distance and then follows a radius or curve that cuts downward into the body of the plate and continues until the curve causes the edge to slam upward until it becomes generally parallel to the corresponding outer side wall 126. The top edge 142A / B may have a top end that is substantially disposed above the cross member 124 and may have a short horizontally extending return at its top end. The front edge 140 of the bottom plate 132 may also have a profiled edge for managing weld stresses and plate stresses. The front edge 140 may extend generally horizontally away from the center portion 130 and may follow a radius or other curve that transitions the front edge 140 to extend in a forward direction along the length and offset from the corresponding outer side wall 126. This curve may cause the front edge 140 to bend inwardly (backwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the center portion or weldment) as it extends to and approaches the front portion of the adjacent outer sidewall 126. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. , the bottom edge 144 of the rear side panel 138 may extend generally horizontally away from the central portion 130 and may curve downwardly to a level further below the bottom panel 132 , where it may return to a horizontal extension to the corresponding outer sidewall 126 .

[0022] The outer side portion 128 of the cross member 124 may also include a formed gusset 146 that is aligned with the top panel 134 and on the front side of the front side panel 136. The gusset 146 may include a rounded or curved edge 148 that transitions from being generally parallel to the center portion 130 to being generally parallel to the adjacent outer side wall 126 and forming a generally triangular gusset with a curved hypotenuse. In addition, a cutout 150 may be provided in the gusset 146 near the intersection of the cross member 124, the outer side wall 126, and the gusset 146. In one or more examples, the rear side panel 138 of the outer side portion 128 of the cross member 124 may include a triangular cutout 152 disposed above the top panel 134. In addition, a reinforcement 154 may be provided between the upper edges of the front and rear side panels 136 / 138 adjacent to the center portion 130. That is, as shown, a reinforcement panel 154 having a generally straight inside edge may be provided with front and rear edges that extend away from the center portion 130 and are generally perpendicular to the straight inside edge of the reinforcement 154. A contoured edge may be provided on the outside of the reinforcement 154. The contoured edge may extend generally perpendicularly rearwardly from the front side panel 136 a short distance, or no distance at all, and a rounded or curved profile may be cut into the panel as the edge extends rearwardly, then returns to the outside due to the curve and then reaches the rear edge of the reinforcement 154.

[0023] As another example of a portion of a cross member 124 having a varying cross section, the center portion 130 of the cross member 124 may include a lower layer 156 and an upper layer 158. The lower layer 156 may have a similar cross section and plate details as the outer portion 128 of the cross member 130. In particular, the lower layer 156 of the center portion 130 of the cross member 124 may have similar details at the bottom when compared to the outer portion 128 of the cross member 124. That is, the bottom plate 160 of the center portion 130 may extend in front of the front side plate 162 and may have a rear edge that is aligned with the front surface of the rear side plate 164. However, at the top of the cross section, the front and rear side plates 162 / 164 may terminate at the underside of the top plate 166, rather than extending above the top plate 166. Thus, the top plate 166 may extend slightly in front of the front side plate 162, and at the rear side may extend substantially behind the rear side plate, thereby forming Figure 5 The top panel 166 may be slightly bent upward as it crosses the rear side panel 164 to form a turning terrace floor as shown in FIG. Figure 6The center portion 130 may also include an alignment ring 168 on each end thereof for aligning the center portion 130 with the outboard portion 128 at each end and for providing a cushion to the weld surrounding the joint between the center portion 130 and the outboard portion 128. The alignment ring 168 may be sized and shaped to fit within the inner boundaries of the bottom, top, front and rear side panels 132 / 134 / 136 / 138 of the outboard portion 128 of the cross member 130.

[0024] The upper layer 158 of the center portion 130 may be formed by a pair of end panels 170A / B, another rear side panel 172 aligned above the rear side panel 164 of the lower layer 156 (see FIG. Figure 5 ), a top panel 174, and a pair of front side gussets 176A / B. The end panels 170A / B may extend upward from the top surface of the top panel 166 of the lower layer 156. Similarly, the gussets 176A / B may be disposed on the top surface of the top panel 166 of the lower layer 156, and may be disposed adjacent to the corresponding inner side surfaces of the end panels 170A / B to support the end panels 170A / B. The top panel 174 may be framed into the inner side surfaces of the end panels 170A / B and may rest on top of the upper edges of the upper layer rear side panels 172. That is, the top panel 174 may partially cover the upper layer 158 of the central portion 130 of the cross member 124, and may extend beyond the rear side panels 172 of the upper layer 158 after turning in the direction of the terrace floor. As Figure 4 and 6 As best shown in , the top panel 174 can be tilted slightly upward as it extends rearwardly. In addition, each end of the front edge of the top panel 174 can extend generally perpendicularly from the end panel 170A / B for a short distance and can then follow a rounding or curve cut into the body of the top panel until it becomes perpendicular to the end panel again. The gussets 176A / B can have similar rounded edges. Each end of the rear edge of the top panel can extend generally perpendicular to the end panel 170A / B, but can more closely follow the rounding that turns rearwardly to extend the top panel 174 out above the terrace floor. When extending generally parallel to the end panel 170A / B, the rounded edge can reach an inflection point and can immediately bend in the opposite direction until it becomes generally perpendicular to the end panel 170A / B and forms the rearmost edge of the top panel 174.

[0025] like Figure 5As shown in the figure, the top plate 166 and the top plate 174 of the lower layer 156 can form a terrace extending from the rear side of the central portion 130 of the cross member 124. The rear edge of the top plate 166 of the lower layer 156 that forms the bottom plate of the turning terrace can follow the same or similar profile as the rear edge of the top plate 174 so that one is aligned above the other. As shown, the end plates 170A / B of the upper layer 158 of the central portion 130 of the cross member 124 can extend rearward beyond the rear side plates of the upper layer 158. In addition, a pair of pilaster plates 178A / B can be arranged generally at the three-point point across the terrace and extend from the bottom plate of the terrace to the underside of the top plate 174. The top plate 174 may include one or more upper turning lugs 180A / B / C on its top surface, and the top plate 166 of the lower layer 156 may include one or more lower turning lugs 182A / B / C on its bottom surface. The lugs 180A / B / C on the top plate 174 and the lugs 182A / B / C on the top plate 166 may each include a hole extending vertically through the lug, and the holes of the upper lugs 180A / B / C may align with corresponding holes on the lower lugs 182A / B / C.

[0026] The outer side walls 126 may be mirror images of each other, and thus a single outer side wall will be described. The outer side walls 126 may be configured to extend forwardly and upwardly from respective outer side portions 128 of the cross member 124 and engage with pins, bolts, or other fasteners that secure the A-bar of the suspension to the weldment 120. Thus, the outer side walls 126 may include a series of holes arranged along a top portion of the wall 126 and another series of holes arranged along a bottom portion of the wall 126. Figure 4 As shown in the figure, each outer side wall 126 may include an inner side panel 184, an upper platform 186, a lower platform 188, a plurality of spaced-apart rib elements 190A / B / C / D extending upward along the outer side of the inner side panel 184 interrupted by the upper platform 186 and the lower platform 188, a plurality of closing panels 192A / B / C and a column cover 194.

[0027] The inner panel 184 can form the inner surface of the outer side wall 126 and can be adapted to interface with the cross member 124 and its associated gusset. In one or more embodiments, the inner panel 184 can be a substantially uninterrupted panel, meaning that intersecting panels do not extend through the inner panel 184 and there are no openings that are other penetrations within the outer boundary of the panel. Figure 6As shown in, the top edge 196 of the inner plate 184 can extend substantially horizontally from the rear edge equal to the distance of the space between the first rib element 190A and the second rib element 190B. Once just passing the second rib element 190B, the top edge 196 can extend substantially downward along the second rib element 190B to make the edge transition to the rounding or curve just above the upper platform 186 and extending to the third rib element 190C along the upper platform. The top edge 196 can then follow the rounding or curve to extend upward along the third rib element 190C to the platform extending below the top of the third rib element 190C and across the rear side of the third rib element 190C. The top edge 196 can then return downward along the curve and return upward along the curve and along the fourth rib element 190D. The curve between the third rib element 190C and the fourth rib element 190D can form a U shape. The top edge 196 can then reach the platform below the top of the fourth rib element 190D, which can make the top edge abut against one side of the fourth rib element 190D. The bottom edge 198 of the inner side panel 184 may extend from the rear edge generally horizontally along and below the first and second rib elements 190A / B. The bottom edge 198 may then gradually extend upward along a smooth curve to a level slightly above the bottom of the second rib element 190B and generally horizontally across the space between the second and third rib elements 190B / C. When the bottom edge 198 approaches the third rib element 190C, the bottom edge 198 may gradually bend downward to a horizontally extending portion that is generally aligned with the bottom of the third and fourth rib elements 190C / D and extends to the front edge of the outer side wall 126.

[0028] The upper platform 186 may be arranged to extend substantially continuously along the outside of the inner plate 184 and just below a series of holes in the top of the plurality of rib elements 190A / B / C / D of the outer side wall 126. The upper platform 186 may have a substantially straight inner edge welded to the inner plate 184. The outer edge of the upper platform 186 may be arranged to straddle the plurality of outer edges of the rib elements 190A / B / C / D and may be substantially straight, except that the outer edge may protrude slightly further outward at each of the second and third rib elements 190B / C to allow welding across the outer edges of the rib elements. The lower platform 188 may be substantially similar to the upper platform 186, but may be arranged just above a series of holes in the bottom of the plurality of rib elements 190A / B / C / D of the outer side wall 126.

[0029] The plurality of rib elements 190A / B / C / D may be configured for connection to the upper and lower A-bars of the suspension system and for distributing the load from the A-bars through the height of the outer sidewall 126. The plurality of rib elements may include a first or rear rib element 190A and a second rib element 190B spaced apart from the first rib element to receive lugs of the A-bar between the first and second rib elements 190A / B at the upper and lower ends of the outer sidewall 126. The plurality of rib elements may also include a fourth or front rib element 190D and a third rib element 190C spaced apart from the fourth rib element 190D to receive lugs of the A-bar between the third and fourth rib elements 190C / D at the upper and lower ends of the outer sidewall 126.

[0030] The front or fourth rib element 160D can be a substantially uninterrupted plate except for the upper and lower holes, which are used to receive pins, bolts or other fasteners to attach the A-shaped rod. As shown, the front rib element 160D may include a substantially straight and vertical outer edge that is slightly convex outward at the hole location to maintain sufficient edge distance for the hole. The outer edge can follow the curved contour around the outer side and top side of the upper hole to maintain the edge distance, thereby returning across the top of the hole in a substantially horizontal manner. This top edge of the front rib element 160D can extend beyond the hole and beyond the inner surface of the inner plate 184 of the outer side wall 126 on the inside, where it can turn downward with a rounded or curved corner. The edge (now the inner edge) of the front rib element 160D can extend downward along the inner plate 184 to approximately a midpoint, where it can be further bent inward and then bent downward again to form an inclined step or seat portion 200. The inside edge may extend a short distance downward from the step or seat portion 200 and then bend further inwardly to accommodate the gusset 202 between the inside surface of the inside panel 184 and the rear surface of the front rib element 190D. Once beyond the gusset 202, the inside edge of the front rib element 190D may bend downwardly, extend vertically downwardly through the bottom panel, and return in an outboard direction defining the bottom edge. A slight downward curve may be provided as the bottom edge extends further outboard, and the bottom edge may then extend generally horizontally through the lower hole, bend upwardly around the lower hole to maintain the edge distance, and follow the contour of the hole to maintain the edge distance until bending slightly inwardly to meet the generally vertical outside edge.

[0031] Compared to the front or fourth rib element 190A / D, the second and third rib elements 190B / C can be interrupted ribs and can be interrupted by the upper platform 186 and the lower platform 188. In one or more examples, the second and third rib elements 190C / D can include a lower section, a middle section, and an upper section that form the corresponding rib element 190C / D. The entire rib element can have a generally straight and vertical inner edge and a generally straight and vertical outer edge, except that the outer edge can be slightly curved outward at the hole location to accommodate the selected edge distance.

[0032] The first or rear rib element 190A may be partially combined with or an extension of the rear side panel 138 on the outboard portion 128 of the cross member 124. That is, as previously described and as Figure 7 , the top edge 142B of the rear side plate 138 of the outer portion 128 of the cross member 130 can be swooped upward until it becomes substantially parallel to the corresponding outer side wall 126. The top edge 142B can have a top end that is basically arranged above the cross member 130, and can have a short horizontally extending return stroke at its top end. This return stroke can occur at or near the upper platform 186 of the outer side wall 126 and can extend across the rear side of the outer side wall 126, so that the rear side plate 138 of the cross member 124 extends across the rear side of a portion of the outer side wall 126 and forms a part of the first or rear rib element 190A. In one or more examples, a separate plate 204 can be provided to complete the upper portion of the first or rear rib element 190A. The separate plate can be, for example, thicker than the rear side plate 138 of the cross member 124, and can extend from the upper platform 186 to the same or similar height as the top edge 196 of the inner side plate 184 and the second rib element 190B. Reference column cap 194 may be disposed on top of a separate plate 204 forming a top portion of the first or rear rib element 190A, on top of a rear portion of the inner panel 184 of the outer sidewall 126, and on top of the second rib 190B.

[0033] The plurality of closure panels 192A / B / C may be configured to work with the inner side panels to provide rigidity to the outer sidewall 126 and distribute loads generally horizontally back to the cross member 124. As shown, the plurality of closure panels 192A / B / C may be arranged along the outer side of the outer sidewall 126 and in compartments defined by the intersection of the upper platform 186, the rib elements 190A / B / C / D, and the lower platform 188. That is, a closure panel 192A / B / C may be disposed between the upper platform 186 and the lower platform 188, and in each compartment between the rib elements 190A / B / C / D. The rear closure panel 192A may be disposed between the first / rear rib element 190A and the second rib element 190B, the middle closure panel 192B may be disposed between the second rib element and the third rib element 190B / C, and the front closure panel 192C may be disposed between the third rib element and the fourth / front rib element 190C / D.

[0034] It should be appreciated that the suspension connection weldment 120 can be a substantially welded component. That is, for example, the several plates or elements of the weldment (including those of the cross member 124 and the outer sidewall 126) can be welded, typically by fillet welds extending along the joints between the several elements and / or plates. In addition, where a butt joint is provided, or where plate thickness is warranted, beveled edges of the plates can be provided to allow for sufficient weld thickness on one or more welds.

[0035] As mentioned, the suspension connection weldments can be manufactured in a modular manner. Figure 4 As shown in Figure 8 As described in , the manufacturing method 300 may include constructing or producing each outer side wall 302 and constructing or producing the center portion 304 of the cross member. In one or more examples, the outer side portion of the cross member can be constructed 306 with each of the outer side walls. With each portion constructed (e.g., the outer side portions of the two outer side walls / cross member and the center portion), the corresponding aspects of the weldment can be machined to provide corresponding holes 308 in each part. For example, the steering link hole can be machined in the center portion, and the A-bar connection hole in the outer side wall can also be machined. With the corresponding modules of the weldment machined, several modules can be assembled into a complete suspension connection weldment 310. For example, the outer side portion of the cross member can be abutted against the end of the center portion. With an alignment or backing ring provided, the plate of the outer side portion can be slid over the backing ring to align the outer side portion with the center portion, and provide a backing plate for the butt weld, which exists between the several plates of the outer side portion and the center portion. That is, once properly positioned, a circumferential butt or bevel weld may be provided that extends circumferentially around the joint between the outboard portion and the center portion.

[0036] Industrial Applicability

[0037] Several advantages of the above design result in its industrial applicability. That is, at a general level, the above suspension connection weldment can be used as part of the frame of a work machine to absorb loads from attached suspension elements and distribute these loads to the frame, thereby maintaining the structural integrity of the work machine during use. However, at a more specific level, this method (e.g., machining before modularization and full assembly) can reduce problems associated with distortion or warping that may occur when the suspension connection weldment is constructed in other ways. That is, by making the modules processable, the welding of a single module can be completed before machining, which can avoid local distortion between the holes of a particular module. In addition, since, for example, the A-bar is not connected across the module, or as another example, the steering link is not connected across the module, any distortion caused by the welding of several modules may not be a problem. That is, if the distortion between the corresponding holes on the outer sidewall can be minimized or reduced, or if the distortion between the corresponding holes on the central portion of the cross member can be minimized or reduced, the assembly and use of the weldment is improved because the misalignment of the holes is avoided or reduced. That is, the attachment and performance of the A-bar and / or the attachment and performance of the steering linkage can be improved. Incidentally, other distortions such as between the left and right outer sidewalls are less problematic because other parts of the machine are not typically attached across these two parts.

[0038] Further promote industrial applicability, it should be understood that the geometric arrangement of several parts of the weldment can provide quite efficient load management. For example, the structure of the weldment can provide a direct connection of the structural components of the weldment to the suspension pin that fixes the A-shaped rod to the weldment. More particularly, the rib element can be a structural component that distributes the load vertically substantially through the outer side wall, and the pin that fixes the A-shaped rod can be directly connected to these rib elements. In addition, the geometric arrangement of several plates / elements reduces or minimizes the discontinuity in the load path. For example, the rib element is aligned from the top to the bottom of the weldment, thereby providing a continuous load path between the connection points of the A-shaped rod. Similarly, the upper platform and the lower platform are continuous from the front to the rear of the outer side wall. In addition, the first or rear rib element and the second rib element are aligned with the rear side plate and the front side plate of the cross member. By aligning the plates or elements in the entire module or section of the weldment and across the module of the weldment, some other continuous load paths through the weldment are provided. The result of direct attachment and avoidance of discontinuous load paths is a much lighter weight design, such as thinner plates and fewer reinforcing gussets. Additionally, such direct attachment and continuous load paths avoid the use of hidden plates or welds, which further reduces the weight of the weldment, but also helps provide visual access to portions of the weldment for inspection and / or maintenance.

[0039] It will be appreciated that a continuous load path may be provided by the alignment of the plates even though the plates may not be uninterrupted plates. That is, for example, the rib elements comprise a series of aligned plates, while the upper and lower platforms comprise a single uninterrupted plate, but each plate may provide a continuous load path without interruptions. Furthermore, the reverse may be provided where the rib elements are uninterrupted plates and the upper and lower platforms comprise a series of aligned plates (e.g., where the second rib element and the third rib element extend through the upper and / or lower platforms).

[0040] Finally, the shaped and / or curved edges of several plates of the weldment, including the main plates or elements of the weldment and the supporting gussets, can contribute to the efficiency of the design. For example, the shaped and / or curved edges can help avoid stress concentrations near corners or in joints, and can help provide resistance to loads closer to the center of the element and away from the edges or welds. This can significantly improve the fatigue life of the weldment by absorbing or resisting loads at locations where fatigue loads or repeated loads have less impact on the life of the weldment.

[0041] The above detailed description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting.The scope of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. A suspension connection weldment (104), comprising: a cross member (124) having a first end and a second end; as well as A pair of substantially parallel outer side walls (126) spaced apart from each other and arranged at respective first and second ends of the cross member (124), the outer side walls (126) extending upward and forward from respective first and second ends of the cross member (124) and being substantially perpendicular to the cross member (124), the outer side walls (126) comprising a plurality of vertically extending rib elements (190A / B / C / D) spaced apart horizontally along the respective outer side walls (126) from the rear side of the outer side walls (126) to the front side of the outer side walls (126), wherein each rib element (190A / B / C / D) comprises an upper hole in an upper end and a lower hole in a lower end, the upper hole and the lower hole being configured to receive a suspension connecting pin.

2. The suspension connection weldment (104) according to claim 1, wherein the cross member (124) includes a front side plate and a rear side plate, and the plurality of vertically extending rib elements include a first rib element (190A) aligned with the rear side plate and a second rib element (190B) aligned with the front side plate.

3. A suspension connection weldment (104) according to claim 2, wherein the rear side plate extends across the rear side of the outer side wall (126) of the pair of outer side walls (126) and includes a portion of the first rib element (190A), and optionally, wherein the pair of outer side walls (126) each include a third rib element (190C) and a fourth rib element (190D).

4. A suspension connection weldment according to claim 3, wherein the pair of outer side walls (126) each include a substantially uninterrupted inner side panel, and the substantially uninterrupted inner side panel extends between the front surface of the rear side panel and the rear surface of the fourth rib element (190D).

5. The suspension connection weldment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an upper platform (186) extending substantially horizontally along each of the pair of outer side walls (126), the upper platform (186) being arranged below the upper hole of the rib element.

6. The suspension connection weldment according to claim 5 further includes a lower platform (188) extending substantially horizontally along each of the pair of outer side walls (126), the lower platform (188) being arranged above the lower hole of the rib element, and optionally, wherein the rib element (190A / B / C / D), the upper platform (186) and the lower platform (188) form a plurality of compartments below the upper platform, above the lower platform and between the corresponding rib elements.

7. The suspension connection weldment of claim 6, further comprising a plurality of closing plates (192A / B / C) in the plurality of compartments, and optionally wherein the cross member includes a turning terrace disposed on a rear side thereof.

8. A working machine (100), comprising: Frame (102); a power source, the power source being arranged on the frame; as well as a tire assembly operably coupled to the power source and to the frame via a suspension, Wherein the frame comprises a suspension connection weldment (104) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A method for manufacturing a welded part, comprising: creating a central portion (116) of the transverse member including a turning terrace; producing a pair of outer sidewalls (126) comprising a plurality of vertically extending rib elements (190A / B / C / D) horizontally spaced along the respective outer sidewalls (126) from a rear side of the outer sidewall to a front side of the outer sidewall; machining a plurality of steering link holes in the steering terrace of the center portion and a plurality of suspension pin holes in the upper end of the rib element and in the lower end of the rib element; as well as After machining, the center portion is assembled between the pair of outer side walls.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein producing a pair of outer side walls (126) includes forming an outer portion of the cross member on the inner side of the pair of outer side walls, and optionally, wherein assembling the central portion between the pair of outer side walls includes welding the central portion between corresponding outer portions of the outer side walls, and optionally, wherein the pair of outer side walls include an upper platform and a lower platform, and optionally, wherein the upper platform, the lower platform and the plurality of vertically extending rib elements define a plurality of compartments, and the pair of outer side walls also include a plurality of closing panels.

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