Space frame dynamics node casting

Abstract

A central upper frame node connector (265), which may be a casting, may include: a forward horizontal upper frame node (2650) oriented in a first forward direction; a rearward horizontal upper frame node (2660) oriented in a first rearward direction opposite the first forward direction; a rearward inclined upper frame node (2670) oriented in a second rearward direction and a first downward direction; a vertical upper frame node (2680) oriented in a second downward direction; and a first connection pad (2690) located on a first side of the upper frame node connector (265) and a second connection pad (2690) located on a second side of the upper frame node connector (265) opposite the first side. The central upper frame node connector (265) may be coreless, in other words, there is no hollow portion at any of the frame nodes (2650, 2660, 2670, 2680) and any of the first and second connection shims (2690).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to spatial frames, and more specifically to central upper frame node connectors and their systems, components, and methods. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional dump trucks (such as off-highway dump trucks) may use welded steel frames, which can be very heavy and may require several meters of welding to create a single complete frame. Space frames are a lighter and stronger alternative to traditional welded steel frames because they require significantly less steel. Therefore, space frames offer considerable advantages in terms of cost, manufacturability, and performance. For example, dump trucks with space frames can carry larger payloads and consume less fuel compared to conventional welded steel frames.

[0003] Traditional space frame structures may employ prefabricated node connectors. Such connectors can be used to form space frame structures associated with static application scenarios. However, vehicle applications are at least partly dynamic in nature, and dump trucks may represent a particularly challenging application scenario due to the loads applied to the space frame and the bending, twisting, and / or deformation that can occur when dump trucks travel on various types of terrain, such as off-highway terrain. Carefully designed high-strength castings and machined parts may be required to provide appropriate stiffness and flexibility while ensuring that loads are properly transferred from the dump body to the wheels.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 10,183,706 (“706 Patent”) describes a node for interconnecting frame members of a frame, wherein the node includes a single node body. According to 706 Patent, a plurality of cup-shaped node connectors are disposed on the node body, wherein each of the node connectors includes a closed end attached to the node body and an open end opposite to the closed end and extending outward from the node body. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, a center upper frame node connector can be provided or implemented, which may be a casting. The center upper frame node connector may include: a forward horizontal upper frame node oriented along a first forward direction; a rearward horizontal upper frame node oriented along a first rearward direction opposite to the first forward direction; a rearward tilted upper frame node oriented along a second rearward direction and a first downward direction; a vertical upper frame node oriented along a second downward direction; and a first connecting gasket and a second connecting gasket, the first connecting gasket located on a first side of the upper frame node casting, and the second connecting gasket located on a second side of the upper frame node connector opposite to the first side. The center upper frame node connector may be coreless, in other words, there are no hollow portions at any frame node in the frame node and at any of the first and second connecting gaskets.

[0006] On the other hand, for example, a space frame for off-highway dump trucks can be provided or implemented. This space frame may include: a first central upper frame node casting; and a second central upper frame node casting spaced apart from the first central upper frame node casting along the width direction of the space frame, wherein each of the first and second central upper frame node castings may be coreless and may include: a forward horizontal upper frame node oriented in a first forward direction and configured to be weldably attached to a central upper horizontal frame connector; a rearward horizontal upper frame node oriented in a first rearward direction and configured to be weldably attached to a first frame tube; and a rearward tilting upper frame node. The rearwardly inclined upper frame node is oriented in a second rearward direction and a first downward direction and is configured to be weldably attached to a second frame tube; a vertical upper frame node is oriented in a second downward direction and is configured to be weldably attached to a third frame tube; and a first connecting gasket and a second connecting gasket, the first connecting gasket being located on a first side of the upper frame node casting and the second connecting gasket being located on a second side of the upper frame node casting opposite to the first side, one of the first connecting gaskets or the second connecting gasket being configured to be weldably attached to a fourth frame tube, and the other of the first connecting gaskets or the second connecting gasket being configured to remain unattached. "Coreless" can refer to at least each of the first central upper frame node casting and the second central upper frame node casting having a body without any hollow portion at any frame node in the frame node and at any of the first connecting gaskets and the second connecting gaskets.

[0007] In another aspect, a method can be implemented. This method may include: providing a central upper frame node connector for a space frame, which may be a casting; and providing a plurality of frame tubes, including a first frame tube, a second frame tube, a third frame tube, and a fourth frame tube. The center upper frame node connector may include: a forward horizontal upper frame node oriented in a first forward direction and configured to be weldably attached to the center upper horizontal frame connector of the space frame; a rearward horizontal upper frame node oriented in a first rearward direction and configured to be weldably attached to the first frame tube; a rearward tilted upper frame node oriented in a second rearward direction and a first downward direction and configured to be weldably attached to the second frame tube; a vertical upper frame node oriented in a second downward direction and configured to be weldably attached to the third frame tube; and a first connecting gasket and a second connecting gasket, the first connecting gasket being located on a first side of the center upper frame node connector, the second connecting gasket being located on a second side of the center upper frame node connector opposite to the first side, and at least one of the first connecting gasket or the second connecting gasket being configured to be weldably attached to the fourth frame tube. The central frame node connector can be coreless, with no hollow portion at any frame node in the frame node or at either the first connecting gasket or the second connecting gasket. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 It is a side view of a machine according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a side view of a spatial frame according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

[0010] Figure 3 The illustration shows one or more embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 2 The frame nodes implemented in the spatial framework.

[0011] Figure 4 From Figure 3 The first side view of the frame node.

[0012] Figure 5 From Figure 3 The side view of the frame node as seen from the second side opposite the first side.

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A top view of the frame nodes.

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 3The top view of the frame nodes. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Embodiments of this disclosure may relate to or refer to one or more central upper frame node connectors and their systems, components, and methods.

[0016] Now refer to the attached diagram, and specifically refer to... Figure 1 The illustration shows an exemplary embodiment of machinery 10. Machinery 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 As shown, machinery 10 can be earthmoving machinery, specifically off-highway dump trucks.

[0017] The machine 10 may have a space frame 20 supported by front wheels 14 and rear wheels 16 (including corresponding tires). The front wheels 14 and rear wheels 16 may be connected to the space frame 20 via front suspension components and a rear suspension system, respectively. The machine 10 may also include a bed or body 30 supported by the space frame 20. Such a bed or body 30 may be referred to herein as a self-unloading body 30. The self-unloading body 30 may be configured as a container for receiving transported materials.

[0018] The rear portion 34 of the dump body 30 can be rotatably coupled or attached about a pivot to a portion (including multiple portions) of the rear portion 24 of the space frame 20. As will be discussed in more detail below, the portions of the dump body 30 between the rear portion 34 and the front portion 36 can be movably positioned relative to the corresponding portions of the space frame 20 to support the dump body 30 on the space frame 20 at a stop position. The stop position of the dump body 30 can be considered as the positioning of the dump body 30 such that the front portion 36 of the dump body 30 is in the lowest position (i.e., not raised). The dump body 30 can be rotated about the rear portion 24 of the space frame 20 at the rear portion 34 to raise or lower the portion of the dump body 30 located in front of the pivot (and thus cause the portion of the dump body 30 located behind the pivot to move in the opposite direction). Such operation of rotating the dump body 30 about the pivot to raise the front portion 36 of the dump body 30 allows the contents within the dump body 30 to be dumped. Similarly, by rotating the self-unloading body 30 about a pivot to lower the front portion 36 of the self-unloading body 30 to a stop position, the contents of the self-unloading body 30 can be received.

[0019] The machine 10 may have a cab 18 supported by a space frame 20 and located at the front of the space frame 20. The machine 10 may also be equipped with a steering mechanism and control device for moving the machine 10, as well as a control device for raising and lowering the dump body 30. The steering mechanism and control device may be located inside the cab 18 of the machine 10.

[0020] The machine 10 may have a prime mover supported by a space frame 20. Typically, the prime mover may be disposed within the space 21 of the space frame 20. The prime mover may be configured to drive the front wheels 14 and rear wheels 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 the 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 (e.g., it may be a two-stroke or four-stroke diesel engine). However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the prime mover may be any other type of internal combustion engine, such as a gasoline engine or a gas-fueled engine. The prime mover may be connected to the front wheels 14 and / or rear wheels 16 via other components, such as a transmission system, to transmit power, causing the front wheels 14 and / or rear wheels 16 to move forward or backward.

[0021] Exhaust gases from the prime mover can be discharged from one or more exhaust ports. Optionally, one or more exhaust ports may typically be located between the cab 18 and the front wall 37 of the dump body 30, such that the exhaust gases are discharged at least toward a predetermined portion of the front wall 37. For example, coupling elements (e.g., bellows) may be provided to connect one or more exhaust ports to the front wall 37 of the dump body 30, such as to a heating passage within or above the front wall 37 of the dump body 30, to heat the material loaded in the dump body 30.

[0022] Specifically, a space frame (such as space frame 20) according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can be a frame comprising structural members interconnected 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 configuration. For example, the structural members may be made of metal, metal alloys, or reinforced composite materials.

[0023] Figure 2This is a more detailed view of the space frame 20. As shown, the space frame 20 may include a pair of rear frame connectors 210, a pair of central lower frame connectors 220, a central upper horizontal frame connector 225, a pair of central upper frame connectors 230, a pair of central upper frame node connectors 240, a pair of front upper frame connectors 250, a pair of front lower frame connectors 260, a pair of central upper frame node connectors 265, a front upper frame connector 270, a pair of front upper suspension connectors 280, and a front lower suspension connector 290 located at the rear 24 of the space frame 20. Although the aforementioned connectors are described as pairs, a pair of connectors may not be identical. For example, a pair of connectors may typically be symmetrical, but not necessarily identical. The aforementioned connectors may be castings or machined parts. Specifically, a casting may refer to a connector that is not welded to another support member of the space frame 20, and a machined part may refer to a connector that is welded to another support member of the space frame 20.

[0024] The space frame 20 may also include a plurality of elongated support members, such as elongated support member 201, elongated support member 202, and elongated support member 203. According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the elongated support members may be in the form of rods and / or tubes (e.g., circular), wherein some or all of the rods and / or tubes may be solid or hollow.

[0025] Now for reference Figure 3 The figure shows a close-up view of the center upper frame node connector 265, which can be regarded as a center upper frame node connector or casting. Figure 3 A portion of another central upper frame node connector 265 is also shown, which can also be considered as a central upper frame node connector or casting. The central upper frame node connectors 265 may be spaced apart from each other along the width direction of the space frame 20. Typically, each central upper frame node connector 265 may be fixedly (e.g., welded) connected or coupled to the central upper frame connector, three elongated support members 201, and one elongated support member 203. Specifically, each of the central upper frame node connectors 265 may be considered to have a K-shape in its side elevation view.

[0026] The central upper frame node connector 265 may include a forward horizontal upper frame node 2650, a rearward horizontal upper frame node 2660, a rearward inclined upper frame node 2670, and a vertical upper frame node 2680. The central upper frame node connector 265 may also include a pair of contact pads or connecting pads 2690, wherein a first connecting pad 2690 may be located on a first side of the central upper frame node connector 265, and a second connecting pad 2690 may be located on a second side of the central upper frame node connector 265 opposite to the first side.

[0027] Here, each of the forward horizontal upper frame node 2650, the rearward horizontal upper frame node 2660, the rearward inclined upper frame node 2670, and the vertical upper frame node 2680 can extend from the body or base 2600 of the central upper frame node connector 265 having the first connecting pad and the second connecting pad 2690. In other words, each of the forward horizontal upper frame node 2650, the rearward horizontal upper frame node 2660, the rearward inclined upper frame node 2670, and the vertical upper frame node 2680 can have a longitudinal axis passing through the body or base 2600 of the central upper frame node connector 265 having the first connecting pad and the second connecting pad 2690.

[0028] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the forward horizontal upper frame node 2650 may be oriented in a first forward direction and is securely attached (e.g., via welding) to the rearward frame connecting boss 2252 of the central upper horizontal frame connector 225. The first forward direction may be considered a first horizontal direction, which may be completely horizontal or substantially completely (e.g., + / - 5 degrees) horizontal. The rearward horizontal upper frame node 2660 may be oriented in a first rearward direction and is securely attached (e.g., via welding) to the end of the frame tube 201. The frame tube 201 may be considered a first frame tube. The first rearward direction may be considered a first horizontal direction, which may be completely horizontal or substantially completely (e.g., + / - 5 degrees) horizontal.

[0029] Still referencing Figure 2 and Figure 3 The rearward-tilted upper frame node 2670 may be oriented in a second rearward direction and a first downward direction, and fixedly attached (e.g., welded) to the end of another frame tube 201. This frame tube 201 can be considered a second frame tube. The angle between the rearward-tilted horizontal upper frame node 2660 and the rearward-tilted upper frame node 2670 may be an acute angle, such as 35 degrees. Such an angle can be considered a first angle. Additionally or alternatively, the angle of the rearward-tilted upper frame node 2670 relative to the horizontal plane may be an acute angle, such as 35 degrees.

[0030] The vertical upper frame node 2680 may be oriented in a second downward direction and fixedly attached (e.g., via welding) to the end of another frame tube 201. This frame tube 201 may be considered a third frame tube. According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the second downward direction may be forward relative to the vertical plane, such as 5 to 10 degrees forward relative to the vertical plane. The angle between the vertical upper frame node 2680 and the forward horizontal upper frame node 2650 may be an acute angle, such as 80 degrees. Such an angle may be considered a second angle. Therefore, according to one or more embodiments, the second angle may be greater than the first angle discussed in the preceding paragraph. Additionally or alternatively, the angle between the vertical upper frame node 2680 and the horizontal plane may be an acute angle, such as 80 degrees. The angle between the vertical upper frame node 2680 and the backward tilted upper frame node 2670 may be an acute angle, while the angle between the vertical upper frame node 2680 and the backward horizontal upper frame node 2660 may be an obtuse angle, such as 95 degrees.

[0031] As noted above, the first connecting gasket 2690 may be located on a first side of the central upper frame node connector 265, and the second connecting gasket 2690 may be located on a second side of the central upper frame node connector 265 opposite to the first side. One of the connecting gaskets 2690 may be secured to the side frame connecting boss 2264 of the central upper horizontal frame connector 225 via an elongated support member 203. Here, the elongated support member 203 may be secured (e.g., welded to) each of the side frame connecting boss 2264 and the connecting gasket 2690 facing the side frame connecting boss 2264. The elongated support member 203 may be considered as a fourth frame tube. Furthermore, the connecting gasket 2690 facing away from the side frame connecting boss 2264 may be without any connection, e.g., without any weld attachment.

[0032] Turn now Figures 4 to 7Each central frame node connector 265 can be a single (i.e., integral or unitary) casting. Furthermore, the casting may not have a hollow core. In other words, each central frame node connector 265 can be coreless. This can mean that the body 2600 of each central frame node connector 265 can (e.g., at any of frame nodes 2650, 2660, 2670, 2680 and any of the first and second connecting gaskets 2690) have no hollow portions. In other words, at least the ends of frame nodes 2650, 2660, 2670, 2680 and the first and second connecting gaskets 2690 can be solid, without any gaps, openings, or hollow portions. According to one or more embodiments, all of the frame nodes 2650, 2660, 2670, 2680 and the first and second connecting gaskets 2690 can be solid, without any gaps, openings, or hollow portions. Alternatively, all the central upper frame node connectors in the central upper frame node connector 265 may be solid and without gaps, openings or hollow parts.

[0033] According to one or more embodiments, the forward horizontal frame node 2650 may be square in its end view. In other words, for example, in the end view of the forward horizontal frame node 2650, at least the end portion 2652 may be square. Optionally, the end portion 2652 may have a protrusion 2653. Typically, the end portion 2652 may be considered as a machined weld joint.

[0034] Each of the rearward horizontal upper frame node 2660, the rearward tilted upper frame node 2670, and / or the vertical upper frame node 2680 may be circular in its end view. In other words, at least the end portion 2662 of the rearward horizontal upper frame node 2660, at least the end portion 2672 of the rearward tilted upper frame node 2670, and / or at least the end portion 2682 of the vertical upper frame node 2680 may be circular, for example, in the respective end views of the rearward horizontal upper frame node 2660, the rearward tilted upper frame node 2670, and the vertical upper frame node 2680. Optionally, the end portion 2662 of the rearward horizontal upper frame node 2660 may have a protrusion 2663, the end portion 2672 of the rearward tilted upper frame node 2670 may have a protrusion 2673, and / or the end portion 2682 of the vertical upper frame node 2680 may have a protrusion 2683. Typically, each of end portions 2662, 2672, and / or 2682 can be considered a machined welded joint. According to one or more embodiments, each of frame nodes 2650, 2660, 2670, and 2680 may taper from thick to thin at the respective end portions 2652, 2662, 2672, and 2682 (e.g., toward the body 2600).

[0035] Each of the first connecting gasket and the second connecting gasket 2690 may be circular in the corresponding side view of the central upper frame node connector 265. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first connecting gasket and the second connecting gasket 2690 may be identical. Furthermore, according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, from a side view, the area defined by each of the first connecting gasket 2690 and the second connecting gasket 2690 may be larger than the area defined by each of the end portions 2662 of the rearward horizontal upper frame node 2660, the rearward inclined upper frame node 2670, and / or the vertical upper frame node 2680 in the corresponding end views of the rearward horizontal upper frame node 2660, the rearward inclined upper frame node 2670, and / or the vertical upper frame node 2680.

[0036] In the floor plan (such as Figure 6 Top view and Figure 7 In the bottom view, the first connecting gasket and the second connecting gasket 2690 can face opposite directions. Therefore, the end surfaces or end faces (which can be flat) of the first connecting gasket and the second connecting gasket 2690 can be parallel to each other. Furthermore, according to one or more embodiments, the end portions 2663 of the rearward horizontal frame node 2660 and the end portions 2653 of the forward horizontal frame node 2650 can face opposite directions. Therefore, the end faces or end faces (which can be planar) of the rearward horizontal frame node 2660 and the forward horizontal frame node 2650 can be parallel to each other. In view of the foregoing, according to one or more embodiments, each of the first connecting gasket and the second connecting gasket 2690 can face a direction perpendicular to the direction facing the rearward horizontal frame node 2660 and / or the direction facing the forward horizontal frame node 2650.

[0037] Still referencing Figures 4 to 7 A first pair of ribs 2654 can be provided between the forward horizontal frame node 2650 and the first connecting gasket and the second connecting gasket 2690. A second pair of ribs 2664 can be provided between the rearward horizontal frame node 2660 and the first connecting gasket and the second connecting gasket 2690. According to one or more embodiments, each rib 2654, 2664 (which can be considered as a reinforcing rib) can extend from a corresponding one of the first connecting gasket and the second connecting gasket 2690 to a corresponding one of the forward horizontal frame node 2650 and the rearward horizontal frame node 2660. Incidentally, a ridge 2602 can extend from the end portion 2652 of the forward horizontal frame node to the end portion 2662 of the rearward horizontal frame node 2660, such as Figures 4 to 6 As shown.

[0038] According to one or more embodiments, a web 2674 may be provided between the rearward horizontal upper frame node 2660 and the rearward inclined upper frame node 2670, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown. Additionally or alternatively, a web 2694 may be provided between the forward horizontal upper frame node 2650 and the vertical upper frame node 2680, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown.

[0039] Industrial applicability

[0040] As noted above, embodiments of this disclosure may relate to or refer to one or more central upper frame node connectors and their systems, components, and methods.

[0041] Generally speaking, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can provide a lightweight, durable mechanical configuration, for example, that provides reliable support definition for load points between the self-unloading body 30 and the space frame 20, taking into account dimensional variations due to tolerances and / or component deflection.

[0042] Moreover, tubular structures can provide lightweight structures; however, some nodes where multiple tubes are connected together (i.e., tube-to-tube prefabricated nodes) may have to be welded by hand, and therefore the welding process can be very complex and difficult.

[0043] According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, castings can generally replace relatively complex pipe-to-pipe prefabricated joints. According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, castings can allow mechanized rail welding processes (e.g., using automated rail welding machines) to replace some or all manual welding. For example, automated rail welding can be achieved on all circular joints. Castings can be used together on both the left (LH) and right (RH) sides of the space frame. In other words, according to embodiments of this disclosure, castings can be symmetrical in top and / or bottom views. Furthermore, cores can be omitted in the casting. This type of casting, particularly the solid and coreless nature of the casting end portions, can reduce the likelihood of sidewall deviations at the end portions.

[0044] According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, a space frame (such as space frame 20) or a portion thereof (such as a central upper frame node connector, for example, central upper frame node connector 265) may be provided or implemented (including wholly or partially assembled). As noted above, the central upper frame node connector 265 may have a forward horizontal upper frame node 2650, a rearward horizontal upper frame node 2660, a rearward tilted upper frame node 2670, a vertical upper frame node 2680, and a pair of contact pads or connecting pads 2690 located on opposite sides thereof.

[0045] Multiple elongated support members (such as frame tubes 201, 203) may also be provided or implemented for secure attachment (e.g., via welding) to the central upper frame node connector 265. A central upper horizontal frame connector (such as central upper horizontal frame connector 225) may also be provided or implemented for secure attachment (e.g., via welding) to the central upper frame node connector 265. Here, the central upper horizontal frame connector 225 may be directly fixed to the central upper horizontal frame connector 225.

[0046] Frame tube 201 can be secured (e.g., welded) to a corresponding one of the rearward horizontal upper frame node 2660, the rearward inclined upper frame node 2670, and the vertical upper frame node 2680. Such welding can be performed using an automated welding machine, such as a mechanized rail welding machine. Frame tube 203 can also be secured (e.g., welded) to one of the connecting gaskets 2690. Such welding can also be performed using an automated welding machine. The other connecting gasket 2690 may not be welded or may be completely exposed. Forward horizontal upper frame node 2650 can be secured (e.g., welded) to the center upper frame node connector 265, such as... Figure 3 As shown.

[0047] Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can also be described in light of the following accompanying description.

[0048] (1) A space frame for an off-highway dump truck, the space frame comprising: a first central upper frame node casting; and a second central upper frame node casting spaced apart from the first central upper frame node casting along the width direction of the space frame, wherein each of the first central upper frame node casting and the second central upper frame node casting is coreless and comprises: a forward horizontal upper frame node oriented in a first forward direction and configured to be weldably attached to a central upper horizontal frame connector; a rearward horizontal upper frame node oriented in a first rearward direction and configured to be weldably attached to a first frame tube; and a rearward tilted upper frame node oriented in a second rearward direction and a first downward direction and configured to be weldably attached to... A second frame tube; a vertical upper frame node oriented in a second downward direction and configured to weldably attach a third frame tube; and a first connecting gasket and a second connecting gasket, the first connecting gasket being located on a first side of the upper frame node casting, the second connecting gasket being located on a second side of the upper frame node casting opposite to the first side, one of the first connecting gasket or the second connecting gasket being configured to weldably attach a fourth frame tube, and the other of the first connecting gasket or the second connecting gasket being configured to remain unattached, and wherein "coreless" means that at least each of the first central upper frame node casting and the second central upper frame node casting has a body without any hollow portion at any frame node of the frame node and at any of the first connecting gasket and the second connecting gasket.

[0049] (2) According to the spatial frame described in (1), wherein for each of the first central upper frame node casting and the second central upper frame node casting: each of the rearward horizontal upper frame node, the rearward inclined upper frame node and the vertical upper frame node is circular in its end view, the forward horizontal upper frame node is square in its end view, and each of the first shim and the second shim is circular in the corresponding side view of the first central upper frame node casting or the second central upper frame node casting.

[0050] (3) The spatial frame according to (1) or (2), wherein each of the first central upper frame node casting and the second central upper frame node casting has a K-shape in its side elevation view.

[0051] (4) The space frame according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein each of the first central upper frame node casting and the second central upper frame node casting is symmetrical in its top view.

[0052] (5) The spatial frame according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein, for each of the first central upper frame node casting and the second central upper frame node casting, the angle between the rearward horizontal upper frame node and the rearward tilted upper frame node is an acute angle.

[0053] (6) The spatial frame according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein, for each of the first central upper frame node casting and the second central upper frame node casting, the angle between the forward horizontal upper frame node and the vertical upper frame node is an acute angle.

[0054] (7) The space frame according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein each of the first central upper frame node casting and the second central upper frame node casting comprises: a first pair of ribs extending from the forward horizontal upper frame node to the first connecting pad and the second connecting pad on the first side and the second side of the upper frame node casting; and a second pair of ribs extending from the rearward horizontal upper frame node to the first connecting pad and the second connecting pad on the first side and the second connecting pad of the upper frame node casting.

[0055] (8) The space frame according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein each of the first central upper frame node casting and the second central upper frame node casting includes a web located between the rearward horizontal upper frame node and the rearward inclined upper frame node.

[0056] (9) The space frame according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein in the top view of each of the first central upper frame node casting and the second central upper frame node casting, each of the first connecting pad and the second connecting pad faces a direction perpendicular to the direction facing the rearward horizontal upper frame node and / or the direction facing the forward horizontal upper frame node.

[0057] (10) A central upper frame node casting, the central upper frame node casting comprising: a forward horizontal upper frame node oriented along a first forward direction; a rearward horizontal upper frame node oriented along a first rearward direction opposite to the first forward direction; a rearward inclined upper frame node oriented along a second rearward direction and a first downward direction; a vertical upper frame node oriented along a second downward direction; and a first connecting gasket and a second connecting gasket, the first connecting gasket being located on a first side of the upper frame node casting, and the second connecting gasket being located on a second side of the upper frame node casting opposite to the first side, wherein the central upper frame node casting is coreless and has no hollow portion at any frame node of the frame node and at any of the first connecting gasket and the second connecting gasket.

[0058] (11) The central upper frame node casting according to (10), wherein each of the rearward horizontal upper frame node, the rearward inclined upper frame node and the vertical upper frame node is circular in its end view, wherein the forward horizontal upper frame node is square in its end view, wherein each of the first shim and the second shim is circular in the corresponding side view of the central upper frame node casting, and wherein the first region of each of the first shim and the second shim is larger than the second region of each of the rearward horizontal upper frame node, the rearward inclined upper frame node and the vertical upper frame node.

[0059] (12) The central upper frame node casting according to (10) or (11), wherein the first angle between the rearward horizontal upper frame node and the rearward inclined upper frame node is an acute angle, wherein the second angle between the forward horizontal upper frame node and the vertical upper frame node is an acute angle, and wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle.

[0060] (13) The center upper frame node casting according to any one of (10) to (12), the center upper frame node casting further comprising a pair of ribs located between the forward horizontal upper frame node and the first connecting pad and the second connecting pad located on the first side and the second side of the upper frame node casting.

[0061] (14) The center upper frame node casting according to any one of (10) to (13), the center upper frame node casting further comprising a pair of ribs extending between the rearward horizontal upper frame node and the first connecting gasket and the second connecting gasket located on the first and second sides of the upper frame node casting.

[0062] (15) The central upper frame node casting according to any one of (10) to (14), the central upper frame node casting further comprising a web located between the rearward horizontal upper frame node and the rearward inclined upper frame node.

[0063] (16) A center upper frame node casting according to any one of (10) to (15), wherein the first connecting pad and the second connecting pad face opposite directions such that their respective end faces are parallel to each other, and wherein the rearward horizontal upper frame node and the forward horizontal upper frame node face opposite directions such that their end faces are parallel to each other.

[0064] (17) A method comprising: providing a central upper frame node connector for a space frame; and providing a plurality of frame tubes, the plurality of frame tubes including a first frame tube, a second frame tube, a third frame tube, and a fourth frame tube, wherein the central upper frame node connector includes: a forward horizontal upper frame node oriented along a first forward direction and configured to be weldably attached to a central upper horizontal frame connector of the space frame; a rearward horizontal upper frame node oriented along a first rearward direction and configured to be weldably attached to the first frame tube; and a rearward tilted upper frame node oriented along a second rearward direction and a first downward direction and configured to be weldably attached to a central upper horizontal frame connector of the space frame. The connector comprises: a second frame tube that is weldably attached; a vertical upper frame node oriented in a second downward direction and configured to weldably attach to the third frame tube; and a first connecting gasket and a second connecting gasket, the first connecting gasket being located on a first side of the central upper frame node connector and the second connecting gasket being located on a second side of the central upper frame node connector opposite to the first side, at least one of the first connecting gasket or the second connecting gasket being configured to weldably attach to the fourth frame tube, and wherein the central upper frame node connector is coreless and has no hollow portion at any frame node of the frame node and at either the first connecting gasket or the second connecting gasket.

[0065] (18) The method according to (17), wherein each of the rearward horizontal upper frame node, the rearward inclined upper frame node and the vertical upper frame node is circular in its end view, and wherein the method further comprises using an automated welding machine to weld the rearward horizontal upper frame node to the first frame tube, the rearward inclined upper frame node to the second frame tube and / or the vertical upper frame node to the third frame tube.

[0066] (19) The method according to (17) or (18), wherein the forward horizontal upper frame node is square in its end view, and wherein the method further comprises welding the forward horizontal upper frame node to the central upper horizontal frame connector of the space frame.

[0067] (20) The method according to any one of (17) to (19), wherein the first angle between the rearward horizontal upper frame node and the rearward tilted upper frame node is an acute angle, wherein the second angle between the forward horizontal upper frame node and the vertical upper frame node is an acute angle, wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle, and wherein the center upper frame node connector further comprises: a first pair of ribs, the first pair of ribs being located between the forward horizontal upper frame node and the first connecting pad and the second connecting pad located on the first side and the second side of the center upper frame node connector; and a second pair of ribs, the second pair of ribs being located between the rearward horizontal upper frame node and the first connecting pad and the second connecting pad located on the first side and the second side of the center upper frame node connector.

[0068] It is important to note that, as used in the specification and appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural indicators unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In other words, unless otherwise clearly indicated, the words “a,” “an,” and the like, as used herein, have the meaning of “one or more.” The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (e.g., “at least one of A and B” or “one or more of A and B”) should be interpreted as meaning one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B; A, A and B; A, B and B), unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by the context. Similarly, the word “or” as used herein refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase “A, B or C” refers to at least one of A, B, C or any combination thereof, such as any one of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C; or multiples of any item such as A and A; B, B and C; A, A, B, C and C, etc.

[0069] Additionally, it should be understood that the terms used herein (such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “internal,” “external,” etc.) describe reference points only and do not necessarily limit embodiments of the disclosed subject matter to any particular orientation or configuration. Furthermore, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., identify only one of the various parts, components, reference points, operations, and / or functions as described herein, and likewise do not necessarily limit embodiments of the disclosed subject matter to any particular configuration or orientation.

[0070] While various aspects of the invention have been specifically shown and described with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various additional embodiments can be conceived through modifications to the disclosed machinery, components, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims and any equivalents.

Claims

1. A space frame (20) for an off-highway dump truck (10), the space frame comprising: First center upper frame node casting (265); and The second central upper frame node casting (265) is spaced apart from the first central upper frame node casting along the width direction of the space frame (20). Each of the first central upper frame node casting and the second central upper frame node casting (265) is coreless and comprises: A forward horizontal upper frame node (2650) is oriented in a first forward direction and is configured to be weldably attached to a central upper horizontal frame connector (225). A rearward horizontal upper frame node (2660) is oriented in a first rearward direction and is configured to be weldably attached to a first frame tube (201). A rearward-tilted upper frame node (2670) is oriented in a second rearward direction and a first downward direction and is configured to weldably attach to a second frame tube (201). A vertical upper frame node (2680), oriented in a second downward direction and configured to weldably attach to a third frame tube (201), and A first connecting gasket (2690) and a second connecting gasket (2690), the first connecting gasket being located on a first side of the upper frame node casting (265), and the second connecting gasket being located on a second side of the upper frame node casting (265) opposite to the first side. One of the first connecting gaskets or the second connecting gasket (2690) is configured to weldably attach to a fourth frame tube (203), and the other of the first connecting gaskets or the second connecting gasket (2690) is configured to remain unattached. Wherein "coreless" means that at least each of the first central upper frame node casting and the second central upper frame node casting (265) has a body without any hollow portion at any frame node in the frame nodes (2650, 2660, 2670, 2680) and at any of the first connecting gasket and the second connecting gasket (2690).

2. The space frame according to claim 1, wherein for each of the first central upper frame node casting and the second central upper frame node casting (265): Each of the rearward horizontal upper frame node (2660), the rearward tilted upper frame node (2670), and the vertical upper frame node (2680) is circular in its end view. The forward horizontal frame node is square in its end view, and Each of the first connecting gasket and the second connecting gasket (2690) is circular in the corresponding side view of the first central upper frame node casting or the second central upper frame node casting (265).

3. The space frame according to claim 1, wherein each of the first central upper frame node casting and the second central upper frame node casting (265) has a K-shape in its side elevation view.

4. The space frame according to claim 1, wherein each of the first central upper frame node casting and the second central upper frame node casting (265) is symmetrical in its top view.

5. The spatial frame according to claim 1, wherein, For each of the first central upper frame node casting and the second central upper frame node casting (265), the angle between the rearward horizontal upper frame node (2660) and the rearward tilted upper frame node (2670) is an acute angle.

6. The spatial frame according to claim 1, wherein, For each of the first central upper frame node casting and the second central upper frame node casting (265), the angle between the forward horizontal upper frame node (2650) and the vertical upper frame node (2680) is an acute angle.

7. The space frame according to claim 1, wherein each of the first central upper frame node casting and the second central upper frame node casting (265) comprises: The first pair of ribs (2654) extends from the forward horizontal upper frame node (2650) to the first connecting gasket and the second connecting gasket (2690) on the first and second sides of the upper frame node casting (265), and The second pair of ribs (2664) extends from the rearward horizontal upper frame node (2660) to the first connecting gasket and the second connecting gasket (2690) on the first and second sides of the upper frame node casting (265).

8. The space frame according to claim 1, wherein each of the first central upper frame node casting and the second central upper frame node casting (265) includes a web (2674) located between the rearward horizontal upper frame node (2660) and the rearward inclined upper frame node (2670).

9. The space frame according to claim 1, wherein in the top view of each of the first central upper frame node casting and the second central upper frame node casting (265), each of the first connecting pad and the second connecting pad (2690) faces a direction perpendicular to the direction facing the rearward horizontal upper frame node (2660) and / or the direction facing the forward horizontal upper frame node (2650).

10. A central upper frame node casting (265), the central upper frame node casting comprising: Forward horizontal frame node (2650), the forward horizontal frame node is oriented along a first forward direction; A rearward horizontal upper frame node (2660) is oriented in a first rearward direction opposite to the first forward direction; The rearward tilted upper frame node (2670) is oriented along a second rearward direction and a first downward direction; Vertical upper frame node (2680), the vertical upper frame node being oriented along a second downward direction; and A first connecting gasket (2690) and a second connecting gasket (2690), the first connecting gasket being located on a first side of the upper frame node casting (265), and the second connecting gasket being located on a second side of the upper frame node casting (265) opposite to the first side. The central upper frame node casting (265) is coreless, with no hollow portion at any of the frame nodes (2650, 2660, 2670, 2680) and at any of the first connecting gasket and the second connecting gasket (2690).

11. The central upper frame node casting according to claim 10, Each of the rearward horizontal upper frame node (2660), the rearward tilted upper frame node (2670), and the vertical upper frame node (2680) is circular in its end view. The forward horizontal frame node (2650) is square in its end view. Each of the first and second gaskets (2690) is circular in the corresponding side elevation view of the central upper frame node casting (265), and The first region of each of the first connecting pad and the second connecting pad (2690) is larger than the second region of each of the rearward horizontal upper frame node (2660), the rearward tilted upper frame node (2670), and the vertical upper frame node (2680).

12. The central upper frame node casting according to claim 10, The first angle between the rearward horizontal upper frame node (2660) and the rearward tilted upper frame node (2670) is an acute angle. The second angle between the forward horizontal upper frame node (2650) and the vertical upper frame node (2680) is an acute angle, and The second angle is greater than the first angle.

13. The central upper frame node casting according to claim 10, the central upper frame node casting further comprising a pair of ribs (2654) located between the forward horizontal upper frame node (2650) and the first connecting gasket and the second connecting gasket (2690) located on the first and second sides of the upper frame node casting (265).

14. The central upper frame node casting according to claim 10, the central upper frame node casting further comprising a pair of ribs (2664) extending between the rearward horizontal upper frame node (2660) and the first connecting gasket and the second connecting gasket (2690) located on the first and second sides of the upper frame node casting (265).

15. The central upper frame node casting according to claim 10, The first connecting gasket and the second connecting gasket (2690) face opposite directions, such that their respective end faces are parallel to each other, and The backward horizontal upper frame node (2660) and the forward horizontal upper frame node (2650) face opposite directions, such that their end faces are parallel to each other.

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