Tilting lever support arrangement

Abstract

Off-road capable rear tipper (10), comprising: a first support tipping lever (274) which is pivotably coupled to a first tipping lever mounting interface (272) of a space frame (20) of the all-terrain rear tipper (10); and a second support rocker arm (274) which is pivotably coupled to a second rocker arm mounting interface (272) of the space frame (20), wherein the first and the second support rocker arm (274) are spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction of the space frame (20) and are designed to pivot in the lateral direction of the space frame (20) at the first and the second rocker arm mounting interface (272) about respective pivot axes which extend in a longitudinal direction of the space frame (20), wherein each of the first and second support rocker arms (274) includes: a rocker arm body (2740) with a pivot bore (2741), wherein the pivot bore (2741) has a through pivot pin (273) to pivotally connect the rocker arm body (2740) to the first or the second rocker arm mounting interface (272), and a rocker arm support insert (2750) which is provided on an upper section of the rocker arm body (2740), wherein the rocker arm support insert (2750) is detachably coupled to the upper section of the rocker arm body (2740), and wherein the tipping lever support insert (2750) defines an upwardly directed contact surface (275) which is designed to accommodate a downwardly directed contact surface (371) of a vertical support structure (370) which is provided on a front wall (37) of a tipping body (30) of the all-terrain rear tipper (10), characterized by the fact that the upwardly facing contact surface (275) of each of the first and second support rocker arms (274) is concave.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to dump trucks and in particular to tipper arm support arrangements for dump trucks, as well as to systems, components and methods for them. State of the art

[0002] Rear-tipping trucks typically feature a tipping body that is pivotally connected to the truck's frame at the rear. A problem can arise at the connection between the tipping body and the truck's frame. This connection can create load support points. These load support points can be sensitive to constraints such as manufacturing variations, poor maintenance practices, and / or unreliable support definitions. This can lead to additional reinforcement of multiple load paths.

[0003] Additionally, conventional space frames for dump trucks can be designed for static applications. However, vehicle applications are at least partially dynamic in nature, and dump trucks represent a particularly challenging application due to the loads acting on the space frame, as well as the bending, twisting, and / or deflection that can occur when the dump truck is driven on various types of terrain, e.g., off-road.

[0004] U.S. Patent 4,789,118A (“the '118 patent”) describes a padding device for supporting a payload in a spacecraft rack. The '118 patent describes that a plurality of padding assemblies are spaced along the inner surface of the rack and can be adjusted radially by means of a screw adjustment. The '118 patent also describes that each padding assembly comprises a padding cover, a rocker pad, and an alignment and adjustment device. According to the '118 patent, the padding cover consists of a plurality of elastomer pads interspersed with sheets, is connected to the rocker pad, and forms a bearing connection with the payload. The '118 patent further describes that the outer surface of the padding cover is shaped to accommodate a cylindrical payload.

[0005] In publication DE 20 03 537 A, a tipper loader operating with rear tipping is disclosed.

[0006] CN 2 03 637 645 U describes a limiting mechanism for a self-unloading wagon.

[0007] In WO 2019 / 110 019 A1 a guidance structure for a loading platform of a mining dump truck is revealed.

[0008] Further relevant state of the art can be found in US 2016 / 0 264 187 A1. Summary of Revelation

[0009] In one aspect, a support rocker arm is disclosed. The support rocker arm can be designed for pivotal connection with a rocker arm mounting interface of a space frame. The support rocker arm can comprise a rocker arm body with a pivot bore designed to receive a through pivot pin for pivoting the rocker arm body to the rocker arm mounting interface; and a rocker arm support insert provided on an upper section of the rocker arm body. The rocker arm support insert is detachably connected to the upper section of the rocker arm body, and the rocker arm support insert defines an upward-facing contact surface designed to accommodate a downward-facing contact surface of a vertical support structure of a tipper body of a rear tipper provided on the space frame, wherein the upward-facing contact surface of each of the first and second support rocker arms is concave.

[0010] In another aspect, a space frame for a rear tipper is disclosed. The space frame can include a tipper arm mounting interface provided on an upper surface of a support structure of the space frame and a support tipper arm pivotably connected to the tipper arm mounting interface. The support tipper arm is pivotable about a pivot axis in the lateral direction of the space frame and can include a tipper arm body with a pivot bore, the pivot bore having a through pivot pin to pivotally connect the tipper arm body to the tipper arm mounting interface, as well as a tipper arm support insert provided on an upper section of the tipper arm body.The rocker arm support insert is detachably connected to the upper section of the rocker arm body, and the rocker arm support insert defines an upwardly directed contact surface designed such that a downwardly directed contact surface of a vertical support structure, provided on a tipping trough of the rear tipper, sits on it, wherein the upwardly directed contact surface is concave.

[0011] In a further aspect, an all-terrain rear tipper is revealed. The all-terrain rear tipper can consist of a first support tipper lever, pivotably connected to a first tipper lever mounting interface of a space frame of the all-terrain rear tipper, and a second support tipper lever, pivotably connected to a second tipper lever mounting interface of the space frame. The first and second support tipper levers are spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction of the space frame and are designed to pivot in the lateral direction of the space frame at the first and second tipper lever mounting interfaces about respective pivot axes that extend in a longitudinal direction of the space frame.Each of the first and second support rocker arms can include a rocker arm body with a pivot bore, the pivot bore having a through pivot pin to pivotally connect the rocker arm body to the first or second rocker arm mounting interface, and a rocker arm support insert provided on an upper section of the rocker arm body. The rocker arm support insert is detachably connected to the upper section of the rocker arm body, and the rocker arm support insert defines an upward-facing contact surface designed to accommodate a downward-facing contact surface of a vertical support structure provided on a front wall of a tipper body of the all-terrain rear tipper.

[0012] Other features and aspects of this revelation will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a side view of a machine according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective front view of the machine. Fig. 1 with operator cabin removed to represent a space frame and a tipping trough according to embodiments of the disclosed object. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective partial front view of the machine from Fig. 1 with operator's cabin removed. Fig. 4 is a front view of the machine from Fig. 1 with operator's cabin removed. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective top view of a rocker arm support arrangement according to embodiments of the disclosed object. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective bottom view of the rocker arm support assembly of Fig. 5. Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective top view of a rocker arm support insert for the rocker arm support assembly of Fig. 5, according to embodiments of the disclosed object. Fig. Figure 8 is a side view of the rocker arm support insert of Fig. 7. Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective side view of a support plate for the rocker arm support insert of Fig. 7, according to embodiments of the disclosed object. Fig. Figure 10 is a side view of the support plate of Fig. 9. Fig. Figure 11 is a perspective side view of the support pad for the support plate of Fig. 9. Fig. Figure 12 is a side view of the support pad from Fig. 11. Fig. Figure 13 is a sectional view of a rocker arm support insert according to embodiments of the disclosed object. Fig. Figures 14A-14C represent exemplary operating states of a rocker arm support arrangement according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Fig. Figure 15 is an exploded view of the space frame and the tipping trough to illustrate defined contact points according to the embodiments of the disclosed object. Detailed description

[0013] With current reference to the drawings and with special reference to Fig. Figure 1 represents an exemplary embodiment of a machine 10. The machine 10 may be a mobile machine that performs a type of operation in connection with an industry such as mining, construction, or another industry known in the art. For example, the machine 10 may, as shown in Figure 1, be a mobile machine that performs a type of operation in connection with an industry such as mining, construction, or another industry known in the art. Fig. Figure 1 shows an earthmoving machine, in particular an all-terrain rear tipper 10.

[0014] The machine 10 can have a space frame 20 supported by front wheels 14 and rear wheels 16 (including their respective tires). The front and rear wheels 14 and 16 can be connected to the space frame 20 by front suspension elements and rear suspension systems, respectively. The machine 10 can also include a bed or a trough 30 supported by the space frame 20. Such a bed or trough 30 may herein be referred to as a tipping trough 30. The tipping trough 30 can be designed as a container for receiving transported goods.

[0015] A rear section 34 of the tipping skip 30 can be pivotally connected or attached to a section (which includes sections) at the rear 24 of the space frame 20. As explained in more detail below, sections of the tipping skip 30 can be movably arranged between the rear section 34 and a front section 36 of the tipping skip 30 relative to corresponding sections of the space frame 20 in order to support the tipping skip 30 in a rest position on the space frame 20. The rest position of the tipping skip 30 can be considered to be a positioning of the tipping skip 30 such that the front section 36 of the tipping skip 30 is in its lowest position (i.e., not raised).The tipping skip 30 can be pivoted at the rear section 34 around the rear 24 of the space frame 20 to raise or lower the section of the tipping skip 30 in front of the pivot (and thus move the section of the tipping skip 30 behind the pivot in the opposite direction). Such pivoting of the tipping skip 30 to raise the front section 36 of the tipping skip 30 can be used to tip contents out of the interior of the tipping skip 30. Likewise, pivoting the tipping skip 30 to lower the front section 36 of the tipping skip 30 into the rest position can be used to receive contents into the tipping skip 30.

[0016] The machine 10 can have an operator's cabin 18 supported by the space frame 20. The machine 10 can also be equipped with a steering mechanism and controls for moving the machine 10, as well as controls for raising and lowering the tipping skip 30. The steering mechanism and controls can be located in the operator's cabin 18 of the machine 10.

[0017] The machine 10 may have a drive motor (not explicitly shown) supported by the space frame 20. Generally, the drive motor may be housed in a space 21 of the space frame 20. The drive motor may be designed to drive the front and rear wheels 14, 16 in a forward or reverse direction. The drive motor may be oriented longitudinally along the space frame 20 in the direction of travel of the machine 10. However, a person skilled in the art will recognize that the drive motor may also be oriented transversely. In one exemplary embodiment, the drive motor may be an internal combustion engine, for example, a two-stroke or four-stroke diesel engine. However, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the drive motor may be any other type of internal combustion engine, for example, a gasoline engine or an engine powered by gaseous fuel.The drive motor can be connected to the front and / or rear wheels 14, 16 via other components such as a drive train (not shown) to transmit the drive power and to move the front and / or rear wheels 14, 16 in a forward or reverse direction.

[0018] The exhaust gases from the drive motor can be discharged via one or more exhaust outlets (not explicitly shown). Optionally, the one or more exhaust outlets can be generally located between the operator's cab 18 and a front wall 37 of the tipping skip 30, so that the exhaust gases are directed at least in the direction of a predetermined section of the front wall 37. A coupling (e.g., a bellows) can be provided to connect the one or more exhaust outlets to the front wall 37 of the tipping skip 30, for example, to a heating duct located in or on the front wall 37 of the tipping skip 30 to heat the material contained in the tipping skip 30.

[0019] In general, a space frame according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, such as space frame 20, can be a frame comprising structural elements connected to one another at nodes and / or joints. The structural elements can include hollow tubes and / or solid tubes and, in some cases, be connected in a triangular structure. The structural elements can be made of, among other things, metal, metal alloys, or reinforced composite materials.

[0020] The space frame 20 may include a pair of rear frame connections 210 at the rear 24 of the space frame 20 and a front upper frame connection 270. Although the rear frame connections 210 are described as pairs, these connections within the pair need not be identical. For example, the connections may generally be symmetrical but not necessarily identical. The aforementioned connections may be castings or fabricated parts. In general, a casting may refer to a connection that is not welded to another support component of the space frame 20, and a fabricated part may refer to a connection that is welded to another support component of the space frame 20. The space frame 20 may also include a variety of elongated support elements, such as the elongated support elements 201 (see Fig. 15) According to the disclosed embodiments of the object, elongated support elements can have the form of rods and / or tubes, for example circular, wherein some or all of the rods and / or tubes can be solid or hollow.

[0021] Each elongated support element 201 can be located in the plan view of the space frame 20 between the rear frame connections 210 and the front upper frame connection 270. Furthermore, each elongated support element 201 can generally extend horizontally in the longitudinal direction. Since the elongated support elements 201 are located on an outer section of the space frame 20 in a lateral direction of the space frame 20, the elongated support elements 201 can be considered outer elongated support elements 201. The outer elongated support elements 201 can, for example, be outer frame tubes.

[0022] Each rear frame connection 210, which may be a casting, may have a rear support 211 and a rear suspension node 215. As explained in more detail below, the rear support 211 may directly support the tipping body 30, and the rear suspension node 215 may be coupled to a rear suspension element 115 of the rear suspension system. The rear frame connections 210 may also be coupled to a plurality of elongated support elements, which include elongated support elements 201. According to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, each of the rear frame connections 210 may be a seven-point connection. For example, the rear frame connections 210 and the corresponding connections may be configured according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,815, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0023] The rear support 211 can be configured as a pivot hub with a pivot bore or opening 212. According to one or more embodiments, an outer surface of the rear support 211 (i.e., the pivot hub) and the pivot bore 212 can be cylindrical. An axis of the pivot bore 212 can extend in a lateral direction of the space frame 20. Furthermore, the axes of the pivot bores 212 of the rear supports 211 of the pair of rear frame connections 210 can be aligned with each other. That is, the axes of the pivot bores 212 can be coaxial or common.The pivot pin bore 212 can be designed to receive a pivot pin of a pivot pin interface 213, so that the pivot pin interface 213 is pivotably connected to the rear support 211 via the pivot pin bore 212 and can pivot or rotate about the axes of the pivot pin bore 212 and the pivot pin of the pivot pin interface 213. As explained in more detail below, the pivot pin interface 213 can also be coupled to a floor 35 of the tipper body 30.

[0024] With reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. The front upper frame connection 270 may have a body with a pair of rocker arm mounting interfaces 272 on an upper surface thereof. According to one or more embodiments, the front upper frame connection 270 and the corresponding connections may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,849, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0025] The rocker arm mounting interfaces 272 can be spaced apart from each other in a width direction of the space frame 20, for example, on opposite outer side edges of the body of the front upper frame connection 270, as shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows that each rocker arm mounting interface 272 can have a pivot pin bore designed to receive a pivot pin 273. For example, two aligned pivot pin bores can be provided in spaced-apart mounts extending from the top face of the front upper frame joint 270. Optionally, the pivot pin 273 can be considered part of the rocker arm mounting interface 272. An axis of rotation for the pivot pin bore and the pivot pin 273 can be horizontal or substantially horizontal in a longitudinal direction of the space frame 20. Furthermore, the axes of rotation defined by the rocker arm mounting interfaces 272 can be parallel to each other. As explained in more detail below, the axes of rotation can be offset laterally outward from a vertical centerline passing through the respective vertical support structures 370, as shown in Figure 3. Fig. 4 shown.

[0026] A support rocker arm 274 can be rotatably mounted at each rocker arm mounting interface 272 by means of the pivot pin 273. Alternatively to the above embodiments, the pivot pin 273 can, in one or more embodiments, be considered part of the support rocker arm 274 and not of the rocker arm mounting interface 272. Since the rocker arm mounting interfaces 272 can be spaced apart from one another in the lateral direction of the space frame 20, the support rocker arms 274 can also be spaced apart. Furthermore, the support rocker arms 274 can rotate or pivot laterally or in the lateral direction of the space frame 20 about the respective axes of rotation defined by the rocker arm mounting interfaces 272 and the pivot pins 273.

[0027] With reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Each support rocker arm 274 can have an upwardly facing contact surface 275. As explained in more detail below, the support rocker arms 274, in particular the upwardly facing contact surfaces 275, can accommodate a section of the corresponding vertical support structures 370 of the tipping trough 30. The support rocker arm 274 can have a rocker arm body 2740, which can define a pivot pin bore 2741, and a rocker arm support insert 2750. The pivot pin bore 2741 can accommodate the pivot pin 273 to pivotably connect the rocker arm body 2740 to a corresponding rocker arm mounting interface 272. Optionally, an alignment key 2742 can be provided in the rocker arm body 2740 to align the pivot pin 273 relative to the rocker arm body 2740. An end cap 2730 (e.g. an end plate) can also be provided at one or both ends of the pivot pin 273.The end cap 2730, which can be considered part of the pivot pin 273, can be provided to secure the pivot pin 273 in the pivot pin bore 2741. Optionally, the end cap 2730 can be detachably connected to the alignment button 2742 by one or more fasteners.

[0028] The rocker arm body 2740 can include an upper section that detachably receives the rocker arm support insert 2750. The upper section can be U-shaped in a side view of the support rocker arm 274. According to one or more embodiments, the upper section can include one or more arms 2743. Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 represents, for example, four arms or two pairs of arms 2743 at opposite ends of the rocker arm body 2740. A space 2744 can be provided between each pair of arms 2743. This space 2744 can also be located between the arms 2743 and the rocker arm support insert 2750. Thus, each pair of arms 2743 can form a U-shape in the side view of the support rocker arm 2740. A space 2745 can also be present between the pairs of arms 2743 on opposite sides of the rocker arm body 2740.

[0029] Coupling extensions 2746 can be provided at the ends of the arms 2743, extending over the arms 2743 at opposite ends of the rocker arm body 2740. According to one or more embodiments of the disclosed object, the coupling extensions 2746 can extend past corresponding arms 2743 in a longitudinal or end-to-end direction of the rocker arm body 2740. That is, the opposite ends of each coupling extension 2746 can extend beyond or project from the arms 2743 at the opposite ends of the rocker arm body 2740, as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shown.

[0030] The coupling extensions 2746 can form coupling interfaces for the detachable coupling of the rocker arm support insert 2750 to the rocker arm body 2740. According to one or more embodiments, the coupling extensions 2746 can be designed to accommodate one or more fastening elements 2747 for detachably connecting the rocker arm support insert 2750 to the rocker arm body 2740. For example, the coupling extensions 2746 can have one or more holes or openings for accommodating corresponding bolts to which corresponding nuts are attached to secure the rocker arm support insert 2750 to the rocker arm body 2740, as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows. Incidentally, the rocker arm body 2740, which may be a casting, can be formed in one piece or integrally with the arms 2743 and the coupling extensions 2746.

[0031] The rocker arm body 2740 can have a built-in rotation limiting mechanism or a movement stop designed to limit the rotation of the rocker arm body 2740 clockwise and / or counterclockwise. In one or more embodiments, for example, a stop can be installed in one or more inner surfaces of the rocker arm body 2740 adjacent to or on the pivot pin bore 2741. Alternatively, the rotation limiting mechanism or the movement stop can be designed in the form of one or more legs 2748 of the rocker arm body 2740. Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 represents, for example, four legs 2748 or two pairs of legs 2748 at opposite ends of the rocker arm body 2740. In general, the legs 2748 can extend outwards and downwards below the pivot pin bore 2741 and the pivot pin 273. Furthermore, the rocker arm body 2740 can be formed in one piece or integrally with one or more legs 2748.

[0032] The legs 2748 can rotate with the rocker arm body 2740 to limit the rotation range of the support rocker arm 274 to a predetermined range. For example, rotation of the rocker arm body 2740 in a particular direction can cause a set of legs 2748 on one longitudinal side of the rocker arm body 2740 to contact an upper surface of the space frame 20, for example, an upper surface of the front upper frame joint 270. Such contact can prevent the support rocker arm 274 from continuing to rotate in the same direction, thus defining one end of the rotation range of the support rocker arm 274. Likewise, contact of the legs 2748 on the opposite longitudinal side of the rocker arm body 2740 with the upper surface of the front upper frame joint 270 can define the other end of the rotation range for the support rocker arm 274.

[0033] The rotation range of the support rocker arm 274 can be determined based on the configuration of the legs 2748. For example, if all legs 2748 are configured identically (i.e., of equal length), then the range of motion can be symmetrical for rotation clockwise and counterclockwise around a central home position. However, if the legs 2748 on one longitudinal side of the rocker arm body 2740 are longer than the legs 2748 on the other side of the rocker arm body 2740, then the rotation of the support rocker arm 2744 in the direction of the side with the longer legs 2748 may be more restricted.

[0034] The rocker arm support insert 2750, which may include a support plate 2752 and a support pad 2756 provided on the support plate 2752, can generally correspond to the shape of the upper section of the rocker arm body 2740, at least with regard to the profile of the outer section. For example, the support plate 2752 may be provided with plate coupling extensions 2753, which generally correspond to the coupling extensions 2746. In addition to supporting a section of the support pad 2756 on its upper surface, the plate coupling extensions 2753 can form coupling interfaces to detachably couple the rocker arm support insert 2750 to the rocker arm body 2740. According to one or more embodiments, the plate coupling extensions 2753 can be designed to accommodate one or more fastening elements 2747 in order to detachably couple the rocker arm support insert 2750 to the rocker arm body 2740.For example, the plate coupling extensions 2753 may have one or more holes or openings for receiving appropriate bolts to which appropriate nuts are attached to secure the rocker arm support insert 2750 to the rocker arm body 2740, as shown in . Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shown.

[0035] The rocker arm support insert 2750 can define an upwardly facing contact surface 275. According to one or more embodiments, the upwardly facing contact surface 275 can be concave. According to one or more embodiments, the upwardly facing contact surface 275 can, for example, be semi-cylindrical, as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows that, alternatively, the upward-facing contact surface 275 can also be elliptical or multiplanar. The upward-facing contact surface 275 can be designed to sit on a downward-facing contact surface, such as the downward-facing contact surface 371 of the vertical support structure 370. According to one or more embodiments, the geometries of the downward-facing contact surface 275 and the upward-facing contact surface 371 can be identical or substantially identical (e.g., both semi-cylindrical) in an uncompressed and / or compressed state of the support pad 2756.

[0036] With reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. The rocker arm support insert 2750 can be curved as shown, for example, if the support pad 2756 can be provided on an upper surface of the support plate 2752 with a general curvature. The support pad 2756, which can be in the form of a single pad, can be rigidly coupled to the upper surface of the support plate 2752. The support pad 2756 can, for example, be glued to the upper surface of the support plate 2752. A space can exist between the support pad 2756 and the edge of the support plate 2752, which can extend over part or all of the circumference of the support pad 2756. Such a gap, which will be discussed in more detail below, can allow sections of the support pad 2756 to bulge in response to the load applied to it, so that the edges do not protrude beyond the edges of the support plate 2752. In addition, as is shown in particular in Fig. Figure 8 shows that the support pad 2756 has a thickness greater than the thickness of the support plate 2752, at least in a central support section 2757. For example, the thickness of the support pad 2756 at the central support section 2757 can be twice or more the thickness of the support plate 2752.

[0037] With reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. The support plate 2752 can be flat on its upper and lower surfaces. Additionally, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed object, the support plate 2752 can have a length greater than its width, the length being defined in the direction of the pivot pin bore 2741. Of course, embodiments of the disclosed object are not limited to support plates whose length is greater than their width. The support plate 2752 can be made of a metal or a metallic material, such as steel.

[0038] With reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. The support pad 2756 can have a central support section 2757 and circumferential sections 2758. The central support section 2757 can form part or all of the upwardly facing contact surface 275. Optionally, the circumferential sections 2758 can taper from thick to thin from the central support section 2757 to the edges of the support plate 2752. Such a taper can allow sections of the support pad 2756 to bulge in response to the applied load, so that the edges do not protrude beyond the edges of the support plate 2752. The support pad 2756 can be made of an elastomer or be composed of one designed to exhibit suitable fatigue and load-versus-deflection characteristics.According to one or more embodiments, the elastomer can be a Class A natural rubber whose hardness is based on L = A * d⁴ - B * d⁳ + C * d⁲ - D * d + E, where A, B, C, D, and E are constants, L is the load, and d is the displacement. For example, the support pad 2756 can be made of 75 Shore A natural rubber.

[0039] Fig. Figure 13 is a sectional view of the tipping lever support insert 2750 according to embodiments of the disclosed object. The dimensions described are non-limiting examples. According to one or more embodiments, the support pad 2756 can be symmetrical in the sectional view, such that L1 equals L2. Alternatively, L1 can also be larger than L2 or vice versa, depending on space requirements, load requirements, and / or usability. The aforementioned dimensions can also be applicable to the support plate 2752. The angle α can be 90° or more, for example, from 90° to 135°. Such an angle can be based on a diameter or an arc of curvature of the support structure of the tipping skip 30 to be provided thereon (e.g., the downward-facing contact surface 371 of the vertical support structure 370), in particular the difference in the contact area between the support pad 2756 and the support structure of the tipping skip 30. The aforementioned dimension can also be applicable to the support plate 2752.The radius of curvature of the support pad 2756 can depend on the angle α. That is, a change in the angle can cause a change in the radius and vice versa. The aforementioned dimensions can also be applied to the support plate 2752.

[0040] The thickness t1 of the support pad 2756 can depend on the required stiffness, i.e., the load per unit length, and / or the Shore hardness of the specific elastomer type used for the support pad 2756. The relationship between the load and the deflection / displacement can be determined by L = A * d4 - B * d3 + C * d2 - D * d + E, where A, B, C, D, and E are constants, L is the load, and d is the displacement. In one or more embodiments, the thickness t1 can, for example, be between 1 and 2 inches. The thickness t2 of the support plate 2752 can depend on the required stiffness, i.e., the load per unit length. The thickness t2 can, for example, be between 5 mm and 25 mm.

[0041] The angle β can define the inclination (i.e., the taper) of the circumferential sections 2758 of the support pad 2756. As a non-restrictive example, the angle β can be from 30° to 75°, depending on the diameter or arc of curvature of the support structure of the tipper body 30 to be provided on it (e.g., the downward-facing contact surface 371 of the vertical support structure 370), and in particular the difference in the contact area between the support pad 2756 and the support structure of the tipper body 30. In particular, the sides of the support pad 2756 may bulge when compressed. The angle β can be adjusted to prevent folding of the sides of the support pad 2756 during bulging due to compression.

[0042] It is worth noting that, according to the disclosed embodiments of the invention, the support rocker arms 274 can support a plurality of support structures of the tipping trough 30 with different diameters or arcs of curvature. For example, embodiments of the disclosed invention can support support structures (e.g., the downward-facing contact surface 371 of the vertical support structure 370) of the tipping trough 30 that have circumferential sections located on or within the circumferential sections 2758 of the support pad 2756, at least for an uncompressed state of the support pad 2756.

[0043] Fig. Figures 14A-14C represent exemplary operating conditions of support rocker arms 274 according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Fig. Figure 14A represents an example in an uncompressed state, i.e. the load, in this case the vertical support structure 370, rests only on the support pad 2756, which forms the upwardly facing contact surface 275 of the support rocker arm 274. Fig. Figure 14B represents a state of medium compression in which the vertical support structure 370 exerts a greater load on the support rocker arm 274. In particular, in the state of medium compression, there is a larger contact area between the support pad 2756 and the downward-facing contact surface 371 of the vertical support structure 370. Fig. 14C represents a state of severe compression in which the vertical support structure 370 exerts an even greater load on the support rocker arm 274. In particular, the sides of the support pad 2756 may bulge. However, due to the distance between the edge of the support plate 2752 and the edges of the support pad 2756 and / or the angle β of the circumferential sections 2758, the bulging does not extend beyond or protrude beyond the edges of the support plate 2752.

[0044] With current reference to Fig. 15 The tipping skip 30 can have a rear pin support 310 and a pair of flat contact surfaces 301 on its bottom 35 and a pair of vertical support structures 370 on its front wall 37.

[0045] The rear pivot support 310 can be provided on the rear section 34 of the tipping skip 30, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 15 shows that the rear pivot support 310 can have a pair of rear pivots 311. The rear pivots 311 can be spaced apart from each other in a width or side direction of the tipping skip 30, as shown in Fig. 15 shown. The rear pin support 310 can also include a cross member 314, which may be provided between the rear pins 311 and is rigidly connected to the rear pins 311 or is part of them (i.e. integral and / or one-piece with them).

[0046] The rear pivot support 310 can be rigidly coupled to the base 35 of the tipping skip 30. For example, the rear pivot support 310 can be welded to the base 35 of the tipping skip 30. In particular, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed object, each rear pivot 311 can be welded to a corresponding elongated body support element 377 on the underside of the tipping skip 30. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, for example, each rear pin 311 can be welded in line with the corresponding elongated body support element 377. Therefore, the rear pin 311 can be considered part of the elongated body support element 377 (i.e., integral and / or one piece with it). In addition, each rear pin 311 can accommodate or accept a plurality of transverse body support elements 378 via cutouts. Each rear pin 311 can have a pivot bore 315. Fig. Figure 15, for example, shows each rear pin 311 with the pivot bore 315 having two aligned, spaced-apart sections of the pivot bore. The pivot bore 315 of one rear pin 311 can be aligned with the pivot bore 315 of the other rear pin 311 in the width direction of the tipping trough 30. Thus, the pivot bores 315 can have a common axis. Since the pivot bores 315 can be circular openings, the section (or sections) of the pin 311 forming the rear pivot bore 315 can be considered cylindrical. According to one or more embodiments of the disclosed object, the rear pins 311 can also include a fastening interface 312 on an outer side surface thereof, as shown in Fig. Figure 15 shows. As a non-restrictive example, the fastening interface 312 can include a pair of projections designed to mate with the corresponding notches of the pivot pin interface 213.

[0047] The rear pivot support 310 and the corresponding connections may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,627, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0048] The rear pins 311 can be pivotally coupled to the rear supports 211 of the space frame 20 via the pivot pin interface 213. In particular, for each pair of rear pin 311 and rear support 211, the rear support 211 can be provided in the pivot bore 315 of the rear pin 311 (e.g., between the two sections of the pivot bore of a single rear pin 311) such that the pivot bore 212 of the rear support 211 is aligned with the pivot bore 315 and such that a pin of the pivot pin interface 213 extends through the pivot bore 212 of the rear support 211 and the pivot bore 315 of the rear pin 311. An arm 214 of the pivot pin interface 213 can have one or more notches designed to be mated with one or more corresponding projections of the fastening interface 312.

[0049] The pivot pin interface 213 can be held in position by the connection between the notches of the pivot pin interface 213 and the projections of the mounting interface 312. Furthermore, the arm 214 can be rigidly coupled to the mounting interface 312 by means of a bracket or the like, for example, and not restricted by screws, rivets, or welding to the projections.

[0050] The base 35 of the tipping skip 30 can include the multitude of flat contact surfaces 301, as shown in Fig. Figure 15 shows that the flat contact surfaces 301 can have the form of a plate, such as a rectangular or square plate, although embodiments of the disclosed object are not limited to the aforementioned geometries. Optionally, the flat contact surfaces 301 can have a chamfered section at a lower edge. The flat contact surfaces 301 can generally be provided in a central section of the tipping skip 30. In a top view of the tipping skip 30, the pair of flat contact surfaces 301 can be located between the rear pivot support 310 and the pair of vertical support structures 370 in the longitudinal direction of the tipping skip 30. Additionally, the flat contact surfaces 301 can be provided on the corresponding elongated support body elements 377. For example, the flat contact surfaces 301 can be provided on the inwardly facing surfaces of the elongated support body elements 377.In embodiments of the disclosed object, the flat contact surfaces 301 can thus be vertically oriented, as in . Fig. Figure 15 illustrates this. Furthermore, the flat contact surface 301 on an elongated support element 377 can be spaced apart in the width direction of the tipping skip 30 from the flat contact surface 301 on the opposite elongated support element 377. As a non-limiting example, the flat contact surfaces 301 can be coupled to the elongated support elements 377 by welding, riveting, or bolting.

[0051] According to one or more embodiments, each flat contact surface 301 can consist of a first flat section of the contact surface and a second flat section of the contact surface, which is spaced apart from the first flat section of the contact surface in the longitudinal direction of the tipping trough 30, as shown in Fig. Figure 15 shows that, optionally, the first and second flat contact surface sections of the flat contact surface 301 can be configured identically. Naturally, each flat contact surface 301 can be represented by a single flat contact surface (e.g., a single plate) according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed object. For example, only one of the sections shown in Figure 15 can be represented by a single flat contact surface (e.g., a single plate). Fig. The first or second flat contact surface sections shown in 15 form the flat contact surface 301.

[0052] As explained in more detail below, the flat contact surfaces 301 attached to the tipping skip 30 can, when the tipping skip 30 is in a lowered position (i.e., rest position), as shown in Fig. 15. That is, the flat contact surfaces 301 can be arranged adjacent to the outer or lateral sides of the outer elongated support elements 201. According to one or more embodiments, the flat contact surfaces 301 can run parallel to the outer, elongated support elements 201.

[0053] The vertical support structures 370 of the tipping skip 30 can extend from an end face of the front wall 37 of the tipping skip 30. The vertical support structures 370 can be attached to the end face of the front wall 37, for example, by welding. The vertical support structures 370 can be spaced apart from one another in the lateral direction of the tipping skip 30. According to one or more embodiments, the vertical support structures 370 can be centered on opposite sides of a vertical center line of the tipping skip 30 in a front view of the machine 10, as shown in Fig. 4 shown. The vertical support structures 370 may be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,825, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0054] The vertical support structures 370 can be vertical at least in the front view of the tipping skip 30. Depending on the configuration of the front wall 37 of the tipping skip 30, the vertical support structures 370 can generally be vertical in a side view of the tipping skip 30, for example, at an angle of 20 degrees or less from the vertical. According to one or more embodiments, in the side view of the tipping skip 30, some surfaces can be at one vertical angle and other surfaces at a different vertical angle. For example, an upper end face section of the vertical support structure 370 can be at an angle of 20 degrees from the vertical, and a lower end face section, which may include the bottom section forming the downward-facing contact surfaces 317, can be at or above the vertical.

[0055] According to one or more embodiments, the vertical support structures 370 can extend through a horizontal support structure 375, which can also be attached (e.g., welded) to the end face of the front wall 37. The overlapping surfaces of the horizontal support structure 375 and each vertical support structure 370 can be fixedly attached, for example, by welding. The horizontal support structure 375 can be as described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,825, which, as mentioned above, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0056] Each vertical support structure 370 can have a downward-facing contact surface 371. According to one or more embodiments, the downward-facing contact surface 371 can be convex, for example, semi-cylindrical, elliptical, or multiplanar. The downward-facing contact surfaces 371 can be designed to receive or be seated in the upward-facing contact surfaces 275 of the support rocker arms 274. In contrast to the support rocker arms 274, the vertical support structures 370 themselves are not pivotable. Commercial applicability

[0057] As mentioned above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to rocker arm support arrangements for dump trucks, as well as to systems, components, and methods for them. Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can provide a lightweight, durable machine configuration with a reliable support definition of the load points between the tipper body 30 and the space frame 20, for example, in view of dimensional deviations due to tolerances and / or component deflections.

[0058] According to embodiments of the disclosed object, the tipping skip 30 can operatively contact the space frame 20 according to a predetermined contact arrangement. For example, embodiments of the disclosed object may provide a six-point contact arrangement between the tipping skip 30 and the space frame 20. According to embodiments of the disclosed object, such a contact arrangement may be provided when the tipping skip 30 is in a rest position. Rest position here means that the tipping skip 30 is in its lowest or fully lowered position and is not being lifted by the lifting cylinders 125.

[0059] With repeated reference to Fig. Figure 15, which shows an exploded view of the space frame 20 and the tipping skip 30 of the machine 10, shows that a first pair of contact points can be provided by the rear supports 211 of the space frame 20 and the rear pins 311 of the rear pivot supports 310 of the tipping skip 30. Each rear support 211 can be pivotally connected to the tipping skip 30 via the rear pin 311. Such a connection can allow the front section 36 of the tipping skip 30 to be raised and lowered between its uppermost and lowermost positions by rotation about the common pivot axis formed by the connection between the rear supports 211 and the rear pins 311.

[0060] A second pair of contact surfaces can be provided by positioning the flat contact surfaces 301 relative to the elongated support elements 201. In particular, the flat contact surfaces 301, which may be located on or part of the tipping trough 30 and not on the space frame 20, can be provided adjacent to the outer or lateral sides of the elongated support elements 201, as shown in Fig. Figure 15 illustrates this. As mentioned above, the flat contact surfaces 301 can be arranged parallel to the elongated support elements 201. Additionally, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed object, the flat contact surfaces 301 can contact the elongated support elements 201. Such an arrangement of the flat contact surfaces 301 is possible when the tipping skip 30 is in its lowest or rest position. Furthermore, such an arrangement of the flat contact surfaces 301 allows lateral or horizontal forces to be absorbed by the corresponding elongated support elements 201 of the space frame 20. Additionally, as mentioned above, the flat contact surfaces 301 can have a chamfered section at a lower edge. Such a chamfered section can assist in centering the tipping skip 30 when the tipping skip 30 is moved into its rest position or the fully lowered position.A third pair of contact surfaces can be provided by the detachable positioning of the vertical support structures 370, in particular the downward-facing contact surfaces 371, on the support rocker arms 274, in particular the upward-facing contact surfaces 275. According to embodiments of the disclosed object, the downward-facing contact surface 371 can be detachably seated on the upward-facing contact surface 275. Additionally, in a front view of the machine 10, a vertical central axis of the downward-facing contact surface 371 of each of the vertical support structures 370 can be offset from the axis of rotation (i.e., the pivot axis) of one of the corresponding support rocker arms 274. As, for example, in... Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the vertical central axis of the downward-facing contact surface 371 can be offset inwards in the width direction of the machine 10 relative to the axis of rotation of the support rocker arm 274.

[0061] The vertical support structures 370, in particular the downward-facing contact surfaces 371, when they come into contact with the upward-facing contact surfaces 275 of the support rocker arms 274, can transfer loads through the space frame 20 to the front suspension system and the front wheels 14. In fact, the entire vertical load can pass through or be jointly supported by the pivot pins 273 and the support rocker arms 274.To a certain extent, the vertical support structures 370 can provide support for the horizontal components of the force vectors with respect to the load of the tipper body 30, which is transmitted through the space frame 20 and the front suspension system to the front wheels 14, based on the inclination or offset of the pivot axis of the support tipper arm 274 with respect to the vertical centerline of the vertical support structure 370, although the second pair of contact points described above can accommodate the horizontal load.

[0062] Furthermore, since the support rocker arms 274 are laterally and independently pivotable, and both the support rocker arms 274 and the vertical support structures 370 have interacting contact surfaces (i.e., upward-facing contact surfaces 275 and downward-facing contact surfaces 371, respectively), a proper fit between the vertical support structures 370 and the support rocker arms 274, as well as a uniform load distribution on each support pad 2756, can be maintained, particularly when the tipping trough 30 is in the rest position, even if the machine 10 is moving, for example. Such an arrangement, as described in Fig. As schematically represented in Figure 4, a uniform load distribution LD can thus be achieved with respect to each side of the support arrangement (i.e., side-to-side or laterally). By pivoting the support rocker arms 274, the support rocker arm 274 can also accommodate any tolerances in the tilting trough 30 and the space frame 20. Additionally, a uniform bending radius of the support rocker arm 274 can ensure load transfer back to the center of the pivot pin 273 to reduce or eliminate bending moments.

[0063] Additionally, in Fig. Figure 4 shows a front view of the combination of support rocker arm 274 and vertical support structure 370 along the longitudinal axes of the respective front struts 121, which are connected to the respective front suspension elements 120 on the same sides of the space frame 20. For example, the pivot axis of the support rocker arm 274 may be aligned with a longitudinal axis of a corresponding front strut 121. The longitudinal axes may intersect at a point CL1 on a vertical centerline on a top surface of the tipping trough 30. Of course, the embodiments of the disclosed object are not limited in this way, and the longitudinal axis of the front strut 121, like the pivot axis of the support rocker arm 274, may not be aligned with the combination of support rocker arm 274 and vertical support structure 370. As also shown in Figure 4, the longitudinal axis of the front strut 121 may be aligned with the combination of support rocker arm 274 and vertical support structure 370. Fig.As shown in Figure 4, the longitudinal axes of additional suspension elements on opposite sides of the space frame 20 can intersect at a point CL2, which lies on the same vertical centerline of the machine 10 as point CL1. The arrangement of the third pair of contact points can therefore transfer the load from the tipping trough 30, via the support rocker arms 274 and the space frame 20, evenly to the front suspension system.

[0064] While aspects of the present disclosure have been shown and described in particular with reference to the foregoing embodiments, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments can be considered by modifying the disclosed machines, arrangements, systems, and methods without departing from the meaning and scope of the disclosure. These embodiments shall be understood as falling within the scope of the present disclosure as determined on the basis of the claims and any correspondences thereto.

Claims

[1] Off-road capable rear tipper (10), comprising: a first support tipping lever (274) which is pivotably coupled to a first tipping lever mounting interface (272) of a space frame (20) of the all-terrain rear tipper (10); and a second support rocker arm (274) which is pivotably coupled to a second rocker arm mounting interface (272) of the space frame (20), wherein the first and the second support rocker arm (274) are spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction of the space frame (20) and are designed to pivot in the lateral direction of the space frame (20) at the first and the second rocker arm mounting interface (272) about respective pivot axes which extend in a longitudinal direction of the space frame (20), wherein each of the first and second support rocker arms (274) includes: a rocker arm body (2740) with a pivot bore (2741), wherein the pivot bore (2741) has a through pivot pin (273) to pivotally connect the rocker arm body (2740) to the first or the second rocker arm mounting interface (272), and a rocker arm support insert (2750) which is provided on an upper section of the rocker arm body (2740), wherein the rocker arm support insert (2750) is detachably coupled to the upper section of the rocker arm body (2740), and wherein the tipping lever support insert (2750) defines an upwardly directed contact surface (275) which is designed to accommodate a downwardly directed contact surface (371) of a vertical support structure (370) which is provided on a front wall (37) of a tipping body (30) of the all-terrain rear tipper (10), characterized by , that the upwardly facing contact surface (275) of each of the first and second support rocker arms (274) is concave. [2] Off-road capable rear tipper according to claim 1, wherein the tipper body (2740) of the first and second support tipper (274) has a rotation limiting mechanism (2748) designed to limit the rotation of the first or second support tipper (274) clockwise and counterclockwise to a predetermined range. [3] Off-road capable rear tipper according to claim 1, wherein the tipper support insert (2750) of each first and second support tipper (274) is detachably connected to the upper section of the tipper body (2740) by a plurality of fastening elements (2747) in the form of bolts. [4] Off-road capable rear tipper according to claim 1, wherein the tipper support insert (2750) of each first and second support tipper (274) comprises a support plate (2752) and a support cushion (2756). [5] A support rocker arm (274) designed for pivotable coupling with a rocker arm mounting interface (272) of a space frame (20), comprising: a rocker arm body (2740) with a pivot bore (2741) designed to receive a through pivot pin (273) in order to pivotally couple the rocker arm body (2740) to the rocker arm mounting interface (272); and a rocker arm support insert (2750) which is provided on an upper section of the rocker arm body (2740), wherein the rocker arm support insert (2750) is detachably coupled to the upper section of the rocker arm body (2740), and wherein the rocker arm support insert (2750) defines an upwardly directed contact surface (275) which is designed to accommodate a downwardly directed contact surface (371) of a vertical support structure (370) of a tipper body (30) of a rear tipper (10) which is provided on the space frame (20), characterized by, that the upwardly facing contact surface (275) is concave. [6] Support rocker arm according to claim 5, wherein the rocker arm body (2740) has a rotation limiting mechanism (2748) designed to limit the rotation of the support rocker arm (274) clockwise and counterclockwise to a predetermined range. [7] Support rocker arm according to claim 6, wherein the rotation limiting mechanism on a lower section of the rocker arm body (2740) comprises a first set of legs (2748) extending downwards and outwards on a first side of the rocker arm body (2740), and a second set of legs (2748) which is different from the first set of legs (2748) and extends downwards and outwards on a second side of the rocker arm body (2740) opposite the first side. [8] Support rocker arm according to claim 5, wherein the rocker arm support insert (2750) comprises a support plate (2752) and a support pad (2756) firmly connected to the support plate (2752).

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