Rocker support insert

Abstract

Rocker support insert (2750) for a support rocker (274), comprising: a support plate (2752) configured to be releasably coupled to an upper portion of a rocker body (2740); and a support pad (2756) rigidly coupled to a top surface of the support plate (2752) such that a portion of the top surface of the support plate (2752) remains exposed, wherein a top surface of the support pad (2756) defines a concave, upwardly facing contact surface (275), wherein support padding (2756) is thicker than the support plate (2752).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to dump trucks, and more particularly to rocker support inserts of rocker support assemblies for dump trucks and systems, components, and methods thereof. background

[0002] Traditionally, rear-discharge dump trucks have a dump body pivotally connected to a dump truck frame adjacent to a rear end of the dump body. A problem can arise with the connection between the dump body and the dump truck frame. The connection between the dump body and the dump truck frame can provide load support points. These load support points can be sensitive to constraints such as manufacturing variations, poor maintenance procedures, and / or unreliable support definition. This can result in additional reinforcement of multiple load paths.

[0003] Additionally, conventional lattice frames for dump trucks can be configured with static applications in mind. However, vehicle applications are, at least in part, dynamic in nature, and dump trucks can be a particularly challenging application due to the loads exerted on the lattice frame, as well as the bending, twisting, and / or curving that can occur when the truck travels over various types of terrain, such as off-highway terrain.

[0004] US Patent No. 4,789,118 ("the '118 patent") describes a cushion assembly for supporting a payload in a cradle assembly of a spacecraft. The '118 patent describes that a plurality of cushion assemblies are mounted at intervals along the inner surface of the cradle and are adjustable in the radial direction by screw adjustment. The '118 patent further describes that each cushion assembly includes a cushion cover, a rocker cushion, and an alignment and adjustment device. According to the '118 patent, the cushion cover consists of a plurality of elastomeric cushions interleaved with metal sheets, is connected to the rocker cushion, and provides a bearing connection with the payload. The '118 patent further describes that the outer surface of the cushion cover is shaped to accommodate a cylindrical payload.

[0005] DE 10 96 218 A relates to a lorry with a loading platform or trough that can be tilted about a transverse or longitudinal axis.

[0006] DE 20 03 537 A concerns a tipping loader with rear tipping.

[0007] WO 2019 / 110 019 A1 discloses a guide structure for a loading platform for a mining dump truck.

[0008] Further prior art can be found in CN 2 03 637 645 U. Summary of Revelation

[0009] In one aspect, a rocker support insert for a rocker support is disclosed. The rocker support insert may include a support plate configured to be releasably coupled to an upper portion of a rocker body; and a support pad rigidly coupled to a top surface of the support plate such that a portion of the top surface of the support plate remains exposed, wherein a top surface of the support pad defines a concave, upwardly facing contact surface. The support pad may be thicker than the support plate.

[0010] In another aspect, a rocker support insert for a rocker is disclosed. The rocker support may be configured to be pivotally coupled to a rocker mounting interface of a lattice frame of a rear-discharge off-highway dump truck. The rocker support insert may include a curved support plate configured to be removably coupled to an upper portion of a rocker body of the rocker support, wherein each of a top surface and a bottom surface of the curved support plate is smooth; and a curved support pad rigidly coupled to the top surface of the curved support plate such that a portion of the top surface of the curved support plate remains exposed.A top surface of the curved support pad may define a concave, upwardly facing contact surface configured to have a convex, downwardly facing contact surface of a vertical support structure provided on a front wall of a dump body of the rear-discharge off-highway dump truck seated thereon. A maximum thickness of the curved support pad may be greater than a maximum thickness of the curved support plate.

[0011] And in yet another aspect, a method is disclosed with respect to a rocker support insert. The method may include providing a support plate of the rocker support insert; and providing a curved support pad of the rocker support insert rigidly coupled to a top surface of the support plate such that a portion of the top surface of the support plate remains exposed. A top surface of the curved support pad may define a concave, upwardly facing contact surface. The curved support pad may be thicker than the support plate.

[0012] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a side view of a machine according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Fig. 2 is a perspective front view of the machine of Fig. 1 with a driver's cab removed therefrom to show a lattice frame and a tipping body thereof according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Fig. 3 is a partial perspective front view of the machine of Fig. 1 with the driver's cab away from it. Fig. 4 is a top perspective side view of a rocker support assembly according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Fig. 5 is a bottom perspective side view of the rocker support assembly of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a top perspective side view of a rocker support insert for the rocker support assembly of Fig. 4 according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Fig. 7 is a side elevation view of the rocker support insert from Fig. 6. Fig. Figure 8 is a top perspective side view of a support plate for the rocker support insert of Fig. 6 according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Fig. 9 is a side elevation view of the support plate of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a top perspective side view of support padding of the support plate of Fig. 8. Fig. 11 is a side elevation view of the support padding of Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a sectional view of a rocker support insert according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Fig. 13A-13C show exemplary operating states of a rocker support assembly according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Fig. 14 is an exploded view of the grid frame and dump body to show defined contact points according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Detailed description

[0013] Now with reference to the drawings and with particular reference to Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a machine 10. Machine 10 may be a mobile machine that performs some type of operation related to an industry, such as mining, construction, or other industry known in the art. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the machine 10 may be an earthmoving machine, more specifically an off-highway rear discharge dump truck 10.

[0014] Machine 10 may have a trellis frame 20 supported by front wheels 14 and rear wheels 16 (including corresponding tires). The front and rear wheels 14, 16 may be connected to the trellis frame 20 by front suspension members and rear suspension systems, respectively. Machine 10 may also include a storage area or body 30 supported by the trellis frame 20. Such a storage area or body 30 may be referred to herein as a dump body 30. The dump body 30 may be configured as a container to receive transport material.

[0015] A rear portion 34 of the dump body 30 may be pivotally coupled or attached to a portion (including portions) on a rear portion 24 of the grid frame 20. Described in more detail below, portions of the dump body 30 may be movably positioned between the rear portion 34 and a front portion 36 of the dump body relative to corresponding portions of the grid frame 20 to support the dump body 30 on the grid frame 20 in a rest position of the dump body 30. The rest position of the dump body 30 may be considered positioning the dump body 30 such that the front portion 36 of the dump body 30 is in a lowermost position (i.e., not raised).The tipping body 30 can be pivoted at the rear portion 34 about the rear part 24 of the lattice frame 20 to raise or lower the portion of the tipping body 30 in front of the pivot point (and thus move the portion of the tipping body 30 behind the pivot point in the opposite direction). Such pivoting of the tipping body 30 to raise the front portion 36 of the tipping body 30 can be to unload contents from the tipping body 30. Similarly, pivoting of the tipping body 30 to lower the front portion 36 of the tipping body 30 to the rest position can be to receive contents in the tipping body 30.

[0016] Machine 10 may have an operator's cab 18 supported by the lattice frame 20. Machine 10 may also be equipped with a steering mechanism and controls for moving the machine 10 and controls for raising and lowering the dump body 30. The steering mechanism and controls may be located in the operator's cab 18 of the machine 10.

[0017] Machine 10 may have a prime mover (not expressly shown) supported by the space frame 20. Generally, the prime mover may be provided in a space 21 of the space frame 20. The prime mover may be configured to drive the front and rear wheels 14, 16 in the forward or reverse direction. The prime mover may be aligned longitudinally on the space frame 20 along a direction of travel of the machine 10. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the prime mover may be oriented transversely. In an exemplary embodiment, the prime mover may be an internal combustion engine, which may be, for example, a two-stroke or four-stroke diesel engine. However, one of ordinary skill 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 gaseous fuel engine. The prime mover may be connected to front and / or rear wheels 14, 16 via other components, such as a transmission.B. be connected to a drive train (not shown) to transmit motive power to move the front and / or rear wheels 14, 16 in a forward or reverse direction.

[0018] Exhaust from the prime mover may be discharged from one or more exhaust outlets (not expressly shown). Optionally, the one or more exhaust outlets may be provided generally between the operator's cab 18 and a front wall 37 of the dump body 30 such that exhaust is provided to at least a predetermined portion of the front wall 37. A coupling (e.g., a bellows) may be provided to connect the one or more exhaust outlets to the front wall 37 of the dump body 30, for example, to a heating duct provided in or on the front wall 37 of the dump body 30 to heat the material carried in the dump body 30.

[0019] In general, a lattice frame according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, such as lattice frame 20, may be a frame that includes structural elements connected to one another at nodes and / or joints. The structural elements may include hollow tubes and / or solid tubes, and in some cases, they may be connected according to a triangulated structure. The structural elements may be made, for example, of metal, metal alloys, or reinforced composite materials.

[0020] As in Fig. 14, the space frame 20 may include a pair of rear frame connections 210 at the rear side 24 of the space frame 20 and an upper front frame connection 270. Although the rear frame connections 210 are described as pairs, such connections of the pair may not be identical. For example, the connections may generally be symmetrical, but not necessarily identical. The foregoing connections may be castings of the fabrications. In general, a casting may refer to a connection that is not welded to another support component of the space frame 20, and a fabrication may refer to a connection that is welded to another support component of the space frame 20.

[0021] The grid frame 20 may also include a plurality of elongated support elements, such as elongated support elements 201 (see Fig. 14). Elongated support elements, according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, may be in the form of rods and / or tubes, circular, for example, where some or all of the rods and / or tubes may be solid or hollow.

[0022] Each elongated support member 201 may be provided between the rear frame joints 210 and the joint of an upper front frame 270 in a plan view of the lattice frame 20. Further, each elongated support member 201 may extend longitudinally generally horizontally. By providing the elongated support members 201 at an outer portion of the lattice frame 20 in a width direction of the lattice frame 20, the elongated support members 201 may be considered outer elongated support members 201. As an example, the outer elongated support members 201 may be outer frame tubes.

[0023] Each rear frame connection 210, which may be a casting, may include a rear support 211 and a rear suspension node 215. Discussed in more detail below, the rear support 211 may directly support the dump body 30, and the rear suspension node 215 may be coupled to a rear suspension member 115 of the rear suspension system. The rear frame connections 210 may also be coupled to a plurality of elongated support members, including elongated support members 201. According to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, each of the rear frame connections 210 may be seven-point connections. For example, according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the rear frame connections 210 and corresponding connections may be as set forth in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,815, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0024] The rear support 211 may 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., pivot hub) and the pivot bore 212 may be cylindrical. An axis of the pivot bore 212 may extend in a width 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 links 210 may be aligned with each other. That is, the axes of the pivot bores 212 may be coaxial or common.The pivot bore 212 may be configured to receive a pivot of a pivot interface 213 such that the pivot interface 213 is pivotally coupled to the rear support 211 via the pivot bore 212, and the pivot interface 213 may pivot or rotate about the axis of the pivot bore 212 and the pivot of the pivot interface 213. Discussed in more detail below, the pivot interface 213 may also be coupled to a floor 35 of the dump body 30.

[0025] Now with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the upper front frame connection 270 may include a body with a pair of rocker mounting interfaces 272 on a surface thereof. According to one or more embodiments, the upper front frame connection 270 and corresponding connections may be as set forth in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,849, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0026] The rocker attachment interfaces 272 may be spaced apart from each other in a width direction of the grid frame 20, for example, provided on opposite outer side edges of the body of the connection of an upper front frame 270, as in Fig. 3. Each rocker mounting interface 272 may have a pivot hole configured to receive a pivot pin 273. For example, two aligned pivot holes may be provided in spaced-apart brackets extending from the top of the connection of an upper front frame 270. Optionally, the pivot pin 273 may be considered part of the rocker mounting interface 272.

[0027] A rotation axis for the pivot bore of the rocker mounting interface 272 and the pivot 273 may be horizontal or substantially horizontal in a length direction of the lattice frame 20. Furthermore, the rotation axes defined by the rocker mounting interfaces 272 may be parallel to each other. Additionally, discussed in more detail below, the rotation axes may be offset laterally outward from a vertical centerline passing through corresponding vertical support structures 370.

[0028] Each rocker mounting interface 272 may have a support rocker 274 rotatably mounted thereto via the pivot pin 273. Alternatively to the above, in one or more embodiments, the pivot pin 273 may be considered part of the support rocker 274, rather than the rocker mounting interface 272. While the rocker mounting interfaces 272 may be spaced apart from one another in the width direction of the lattice frame 20, so too may the support rockers 274. Furthermore, the support rockers 274 may rotate or pivot laterally or in a width direction of the lattice frame 20 about the respective rotation axes defined by the rocker mounting interfaces 272 and the pivot pins 273.

[0029] Now with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, each support rocker 274 may have an upwardly facing contact surface 275. Discussed in more detail below, the support rockers 274, particularly the upwardly facing contact surfaces 275 thereof, may receive a portion of corresponding vertical support structures 370 of the dump body 30.

[0030] The support rocker 274 may include a rocker body 2740, which may define a pivot bore 2741, and a rocker support insert 2750. The pivot bore 2741 may receive the pivot pin 273 to pivotally couple the rocker body 2740 to a corresponding one of the rocker mounting interfaces 272. Optionally, an alignment key 2742 may be provided in the rocker body 2740 to align the pivot pin 273 relative to the rocker body 2740. An end cap 2730 (e.g., end plate) may also be provided on one or both ends of the pivot pin 273. The end cap 2730, which may be considered part of the pivot pin 273, may be provided to secure the pivot pin 273 in the pivot bore 2741. Optionally, the end cap 2730 can be removably coupled to the alignment key 2742 via one or more fasteners.

[0031] The rocker body 2740 may include an upper portion that removably receives the rocker support insert 2750. The upper portion may be U-shaped in a side view of the support rocker 274. According to one or more embodiments, the upper portion may include one or more arms 2743. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, for example, shows four arms 2743 or two pairs of arms 2743 at opposite ends of the rocker body 2740. A space 2744 may be provided between each pair of arms 2743. Such a space 2744 may also be between the arms 2743 and the rocker support insert 2750. Therefore, each pair of arms 2743 may form the U-shape in the side view of the support rocker 274. A space 2745 may also exist between the pairs of arms 2743 on opposite sides of the rocker body 2740.

[0032] Coupling extensions 2746 may be provided at ends of arms 2743 and may extend beyond arms 2743 at opposite ends of rocker body 2740. According to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, coupling extensions 2746 may extend beyond corresponding arms 2743 in a lengthwise or end-to-end direction of rocker body 2740. That is, opposite ends of each coupling extension 2746 at opposite ends of rocker body 2740 may extend beyond arms 2743 or protrude outwardly from arms 2743, as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 shown.

[0033] The coupling extensions 2746 may form coupling interfaces to releasably couple the rocker support insert 2750 to the rocker body 2740. According to one or more embodiments, the coupling extensions 2746 may be configured to receive one or more fasteners 2747 to releasably couple the rocker support insert 2750 to the rocker body 2740. For example, the coupling extensions 2746 may have one or more holes or openings to receive corresponding bolts, with corresponding nuts attached to the bolts to secure the rocker support insert 2750 to the rocker body 2740, as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Incidentally, the rocker body 2740, which may be a casting, may have the arms 2743 and the coupling extensions 2746 formed in one part or integrally therewith.

[0034] The rocker body 2740 may have a built-in rotation limiting mechanism or movement stop portion configured to limit clockwise and / or counterclockwise rotation of the rocker body 2740. For example, according to one or more embodiments, a stop may be incorporated into one or more interior surfaces of the rocker body 2740 adjacent to or at the pivot bore 2741. Alternatively, the rotation limiting mechanism or movement stop portion may be in the form of one or more legs 2748 of the rocker body 2740. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, for example, show four legs 2748 or two pairs of legs 2748 at opposite ends of the rocker body 2740. In general, the legs 2748 may extend outwardly and downwardly below the pivot bore 2741 and the pivot pin 273. Incidentally, the rocker body 2740 may have the one or more legs 2748 formed in one part or integrally therewith.

[0035] The legs 2748 can rotate with the rocker body 2740 to limit a rotation range for the support rocker 274 to a predetermined range. For example, rotation of the rocker body 2740 in a particular direction can cause a set of legs 2748 on one long side of the rocker body 2740 to contact a top surface of the lattice frame 20, for example, a top surface of the joint of an upper front frame 270. Such contact can prevent the support rocker 274 from further rotation in the same direction, thereby defining one extreme end of the rotation range of the support rocker 274. Similarly, contact of the legs 2748 on the opposite long side of the rocker body 2740 with the top surface of the joint of an upper front frame 270 can define the other extreme end of the rotation range of the support rocker 274.

[0036] The rotation range of the support rocker 274 can be determined based on the configuration of the legs 2748. For example, if all legs 2748 have the same configuration (i.e., length), the range of motion can be symmetrical for clockwise and counterclockwise rotation around a baseline center position. However, if the legs 2748 on one long side of the rocker body 2740 are longer than the legs 2748 on the other side of the rocker body 2740, the support rocker 274 can be more restricted in its rotation toward the side with the longer legs 2748.

[0037] The rocker support insert 2750, which may include a support plate 2752 and support padding 2756 provided on the support plate 2752, may generally conform to the shape of the upper portion of the rocker body 2740, at least in terms of an external profile. For example, the support plate 2752 may have plate coupling extensions 2753 provided in general correspondence with the coupling extensions 2746. In addition to supporting a portion of the support padding 2756 on an upper surface thereof, the plate coupling extensions 2753 may form coupling interfaces for releasably coupling the rocker support insert 2750 to the rocker body 2740. According to one or more embodiments, the plate coupling extensions 2753 may be configured to receive one or more fasteners 2747 to releasably couple the rocker support insert 2750 to the rocker body 2740.For example, the plate coupling extensions 2753 may have one or more holes or openings (e.g., elongated slots) to receive corresponding bolts, with corresponding nuts attached to the bolts to secure the rocker support insert 2750 to the rocker body 2740, as shown in FIG. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 shown.

[0038] The rocker support insert 2750 may define an upwardly facing contact surface 275. According to one or more embodiments, the upwardly facing contact surface 275 may be concave. For example, the upwardly facing contact surface 275 may be semi-cylindrical, such as in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Alternatively, the upwardly facing contact surface 275 may be elliptical or multiplanar. The upwardly facing contact surface 275 may be configured to have a downwardly facing contact surface sitting thereon, such as downwardly facing contact surface 371 of the vertical support structure 370 (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3). According to one or more embodiments, the geometries of the downward-facing contact surface 275 and the upward-facing contact surface 371 may be the same or substantially the same (e.g., both semi-cylindrical) in an uncompressed and / or compressed state of the support padding 2756.

[0039] Now with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the rocker support insert 2750 may be curved as shown, for example, where a top surface of the support plate 2752 may have the support padding 2756 provided thereon in general conformity with the curve. The support padding 2756, which may be in the form of a single pad, may be rigidly coupled to the top surface of the support plate 2752. For example, the support padding 2756 may be bonded to the top surface of the support plate 2752 using an adhesive. A space may exist between the support padding 2756 and the edge of the support plate 2752 to create a protrusion extending around part or all of the perimeter of the support padding 2756. Such void space, discussed in more detail below, may allow portions of the support padding 2756 to bulge in response to loading thereon, such that the edge portions of the support padding 2756 do not extend beyond edges of the support plate 2752.In addition, as particularly in . Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the support padding 2756 may have a thickness greater than a thickness of the support plate 2752. For example, the thickness of the support padding 2756 may be twice or more the thickness of the support plate 2752. Optionally, the thickness of the support plate 2752 may be uniform.

[0040] Now with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, the support plate 2752 may be flat (i.e., smooth) on top and bottom surfaces. Additionally, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the support plate 2752 may have a length greater than a width, wherein the length may be in the direction of the pivot bore 2741. Of course, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to support plates with lengths greater than widths. The support plate 2752 may be made of a metal or metallic material, such as steel.

[0041] With reference to Fig. 6, Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the support padding 2756 may have a central support portion 2757 and peripheral portions 2758. The central support portion 2757 may form part or all of the upwardly facing contact surface 275. Optionally, the peripheral portions 2758 may taper from thick to thin outwardly from the central support portion 2757 to the edges of the support plate 2752. Such a taper may allow portions of the support padding 2756 to bulge in response to loading thereon, such that the bulging portions do not extend beyond edges of the support plate 2752. The support padding 2756 may be made of or comprised of an elastomer configured to exhibit suitable fatigue and load / displacement properties.According to one or more embodiments, the elastomer may be Shore A natural rubber with a hardness based on L = A * d4 - B * d3 + C * d2 - D * d + E, where A, B, C, D & E are constants, L is load, and d is displacement. As an example, the support padding 2756 may be made of 75 Shore A natural rubber.

[0042] Fig. 12 is a sectional view of a rocker support insert 2750 according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The dimensions described are non-limiting examples. Furthermore, some or all of the features may apply to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0043] With reference to Fig. 12, the support pad 2756 may be symmetrical in the sectional view such that L1 equals L2. Alternatively, L1 may be greater than L2 or vice versa, depending on space requirements, load requirements, and / or ease of maintenance. The foregoing dimensions may also be applicable to the support plate 2752. The angle α may be 90° or greater, for example, from 90° to 135°. Such an angle may be based on a diameter or arc of curvature of the support structure of the dump body 30 to be provided thereon, in particular the difference in contact area between the support pad 2756 and the downward-facing contact surface 371 of the support structure of the dump body 30 provided thereon. The foregoing dimension may also be applicable to the support plate 2752. A radius of curvature of the support pad 2756 may depend on the angle α.This means that a change in angle can result in a change in radius, and vice versa. The above dimensions can also be applied to the support plate 2752.

[0044] The thickness t1 of the support padding 2756 may depend on the stiffness requirement, i.e., load per unit length, and / or Shore hardness of the particular material type (e.g., elastomer) for the support padding 2756. The relationship between the load and displacement / displacement may be governed by L = A * d4 - B * d3 + C * d2 - D * d + E, where A, B, C, D & E are constants, L is load, and d is displacement. As a non-limiting example, according to one or more embodiments, the thickness t1 may be from 1 to 2 inches. The thickness t2 of the support plate 2752 may depend on the stiffness requirement, i.e., load per unit length. For example, the thickness t2 may be from 5 mm to 25 mm.

[0045] Angle β may define the slope (i.e., taper) of the peripheral portions 2758 of the support padding 2756. As a non-limiting example, angle β may be from 30° to 75°, depending on the diameter or arc of curvature of the support structure of the dump body 30 to be provided thereon (e.g., downwardly facing contact surface 371 of the vertical support structure 370), particularly the difference in contact area between the support padding 2756 and the support structure of the dump body 30. In particular, portions of the support padding 2756 may be caused to buckle when the support padding 2756 is compressed. The angle β may be adjusted to prevent folding of the sides of the support padding 2756 when buckling occurs due to compression.

[0046] It is worth noting here that support rockers 274 according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may support various support structures of a dump body 30 having different diameters or arcs of curvature. For example, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may support support structures of a dump body 30 (e.g., downwardly facing contact surface 371 of the vertical support structure 370) with portions of the perimeter that are at or within the perimeter portions 2758 of the support padding 2756, at least for an uncompressed state of the support padding 2756.

[0047] Fig. 13A-13C show exemplary operating states of support rockers 274 according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Fig. 13A shows an example in an uncompressed state, ie, 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 274. Fig. 13B shows a compressed state where the vertical support structure 370 has a greater load on the support rocker 274. Specifically, in the compressed state, there is more contact area between the support padding 2756 and the downward-facing contact surface 371 of the vertical support structure 370. Fig. 13C shows a highly compressed state, with the vertical support structure 370 having an even greater load on the support rocker 274. Specifically, edge portions of the support padding 2756 may be caused to buckle. However, due to the distance between the edge of the support plate 2752 and the edges of the support padding 2756 and / or the angle β of the peripheral portions 2758, the buckle does not extend or protrude beyond the edges of the support plate 2752.

[0048] Now with reference to Fig. 14, the tipping body 30 may have a rear pivot bracket 310 and a pair of flat contact surfaces 301 on the bottom 35 thereof and a pair of vertical support structures 370 on the front wall 37 thereof.

[0049] The rear pivot bracket 310 may be provided on the rear portion 34 of the dump body 30, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 14. The rear pivot bracket 310 may have a pair of rear pivot joints 311. The rear pivot joints 311 may be spaced apart from each other in a width or lateral direction of the dump body 30, as shown in Fig. 14. The rear pivot mount 310 may further include a cross brace 314, which may be provided between the rear pivots 311, fixedly connected to, or part of (i.e., integrally and / or integrally formed with) the rear pivots 311.

[0050] The rear pivot mount 310 may be rigidly coupled to the floor 35 of the dump body 30. For example, the rear pivot mount 310 may be welded to the floor 35 of the dump body 30. More specifically, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, each rear pivot 311 may be welded to a corresponding elongated body support member 377 on the floor of the dump body 30. As shown in Fig. For example, as shown in Figure 14, each rear pivot 311 may be welded in line with the corresponding elongated body support member 377. Therefore, the rear pivot 311 may be considered part of (i.e., integral and / or integral with) the elongated body support member 377. Additionally, each rear pivot 311 may receive or accept a plurality of transverse body support members 378 via recesses.

[0051] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the rear pivot joints 311 may further include a mounting interface 312 on another side surface thereof, as shown in Fig. 14. As a non-limiting example, the mounting interface 312 may include a pair of protrusions configured to mate with corresponding notches of the pivot interface 213. The rear pivot mount 310 and corresponding connections may be as set forth in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,627, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0052] The rear pivot joints 311 may be pivotally coupled to the rear supports 211 of the lattice frame 20 via the pivot interface 213. More specifically, for each rear pivot 311 / rear support 211 pair, the rear support 211 may be provided in a pivot bore of the rear pivot 311 (i.e., between the two pivot bore portions of a single rear pivot 311) such that the pivot bore 212 of the rear support 211 is aligned with the pivot bore and such that a pin of the pivot interface 213 extends through the pivot bore 212 of the rear support 211 and the pivot bore of the rear pivot 311. An arm 214 of the pivot interface 213 may have one or more notches configured to engage with corresponding one or more projections of the mounting interface 312.

[0053] The pivot interface 213 may be held in position by the engagement between the notches of the pivot interface 213 and the protrusions of the mounting interface 312. Furthermore, the arm 214 may be rigidly coupled to the mounting interface 312 via a bracket or the like, for example, attached to the protrusions via bolts, rivets, or welding, as non-limiting examples.

[0054] The floor 35 of the dump body 30 may include the plurality of flat contact surfaces 301, as shown in Fig. 14. The flat contact surfaces 301 may be in the shape of a plate, such as a rectangular or square plate, although embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to the foregoing geometries. Optionally, the flat contact surfaces 301 may have a chamfered portion at a bottom edge thereof. The flat contact surfaces 301 may be provided generally at a central portion of the dump body 30. In a plan view of the dump body 30, the pair of flat contact surfaces 301 may be between the rear pivot bracket 310 and the pair of vertical support structures 370 in the length direction of the dump body 30. Additionally, the flat contact surfaces 301 may be provided on corresponding elongated support body elements 377. For example, the flat contact surfaces 301 may be provided on inwardly facing surfaces of the elongated support body elements 377.Therefore, in embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the flat contact surfaces 301 may be vertically oriented, as shown in FIG. Fig. 14. Furthermore, the flat contact surface 301 on one elongated support body member 377 may be spaced apart from the flat contact surface 301 on the opposite elongated support body member 377 in the width direction of the dump body 30. The flat contact surfaces 301 may be coupled to the elongated support body members 377, for example, by welding, riveting, or bolting, as non-limiting examples.

[0055] According to one or more embodiments, each flat contact surface 301 may consist of a first flat contact surface portion and a second flat contact surface portion spaced from the first flat contact surface portion in the length direction of the tipping body 30, as shown in Fig. 14. Optionally, the first and second flat contact surface portions of the flat contact surface 301 may have the same configuration. Of course, each flat contact surface 301 may be represented by a single flat contact surface (e.g., a single plate) according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. For example, only one of the first or second flat contact surface portions shown in Fig. 14, which form the flat contact surface 301.

[0056] Discussed in more detail below, when the tipping body 30 is in a lowered position (i.e., rest position), the flat contact surfaces 301 attached to the tipping body 30 may be arranged as shown in Fig. 14. That is, the flat contact surfaces 301 may be provided adjacent to outer or lateral sides of the outer elongated support elements 201. According to one or more embodiments, the flat contact surfaces 301 may be parallel to the outer elongated support elements 201.

[0057] The vertical support structures 370 of the dump body 30 may extend from a front side of the front wall 37 of the dump body 30. The vertical support structures 370 may be attached to the front side of the front wall 37, for example, by welding. The vertical support structures 370 may be spaced apart from one another in the width direction of the dump body 30. According to one or more embodiments, the vertical support structures 370 may be centered on opposite sides of a vertical centerline of the dump body 30 in a front view of the machine 10. The vertical support structures 370 may be as set forth in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,825, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0058] Vertical support structures 370 may be vertical in at least the front view of the dump body 30. Depending on the configuration of the front wall 37 of the dump body 30, in a side view of the dump body 30, the vertical support structures 370 may be generally vertical, for example, at an angle of 20 degrees or less from the vertical.

[0059] According to one or more embodiments, the vertical support structures 370 may extend through a horizontal support structure 375, which may also be attached (e.g., welded) to the front of the front wall 37. Intersecting surfaces of the horizontal support structure 375 and each vertical support structure 370 may be fixedly secured, for example, by welding. The horizontal support structure 375 may be as set forth in U.S. Application No. 16 / 663,825, which, as noted above, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0060] Each vertical support structure 370 may have a downward-facing contact surface 371. According to one or more embodiments, the downward-facing contact surface 371 may be convex, for example, semi-cylindrical, elliptical, or multi-planar. The downward-facing contact surfaces 371 may be configured to be received or inserted into the upward-facing contact surfaces 275 of the support rockers 274. Unlike the support rockers 274, the vertical support structures 370 themselves do not rotate. Industrial applicability

[0061] As noted above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to rocker support inserts of rocker support assemblies for dump trucks and systems, components, and methods thereof.

[0062] Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may provide a lightweight, durable machine configuration with reliable support definition of load points between the dump body 30 and the lattice frame 20, for example, in the face of dimensional variations due to tolerances and / or component variations.

[0063] According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the dump body 30 may operatively contact the grid frame 20 according to a predetermined contact arrangement. For example, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may provide a six-point contact arrangement between the dump body 30 and the grid frame 20. According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, such a contact arrangement may be provided when the dump body 30 is in a rest position. Rest position, as used herein, may mean that the dump body 30 is in a lowest or fully stowed position and is not raised by lift cylinders 125.

[0064] Now referring again to Fig. 14, which shows an exploded view of the lattice frame 20 and the dump body 30 of the machine 10, a first pair of contact points may be provided by rear supports 211 of the lattice frame 20 and the rear pivots 311 of the rear pivot mounts 310 of the dump body 30. Each rear support 211 may be pivotally connected to the dump body 30 via the rear pivot 311. Such a connection may allow the front portion 36 of the dump body 30 to be raised and lowered between uppermost and lowermost positions via rotation about the common pivot axis established by the connection between the rear supports 211 and the rear pivots 311.

[0065] A second pair of contact points may be provided by positioning the flat contact surfaces 301 relative to the elongate support elements 201. In particular, the flat contact surfaces 301, which may be particularly on or at a part of the tipping body 30 and not the grid frame 20, may be provided adjacent to outer or lateral sides of the elongate support elements 201, as in Fig.14. As noted above, the flat contact surfaces 301 may be positioned parallel to the elongated support members 201. Additionally, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the flat contact surfaces 301 may contact the elongated support members 201. Such positioning of the flat contact surfaces 301 may result when the dump body 30 is in the lowermost or rest position. Furthermore, such positioning of the flat contact surfaces 301 may absorb lateral or horizontal forces from the corresponding elongated support members 201 of the grid frame 20. Additionally, as noted above, the flat contact surfaces 301 may have a chamfered portion at a bottom edge thereof. Such a chamfered portion may assist in centering the dump body 30 when the dump body 30 is transferred to the rest or fully stowed position.

[0066] A third pair of contact points may be provided by removably positioning the vertical support structures 370, particularly the downward-facing contact surfaces 371 thereof, on the support rockers 274, particularly the upward-facing contact surfaces 275 thereof. According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the downward-facing contact surface 371 may be removably placed on the upward-facing contact surface 275. Additionally, in a front view of the machine 10, a vertical center axis of the downward-facing contact surface 371 of each of the vertical support structures 370 may be offset from the rotational axis (i.e., axis of rotation) of a corresponding one of the support rockers 274. For example, the vertical centerline of the downward-facing contact surface 371 may be offset inward in a width direction of the machine 10 relative to the rotational axis for the support rocker 274.

[0067] The vertical support structures 370, particularly the downward-facing contact surfaces 371, when they contact the upward-facing contact surfaces 275 of the support legs 274, can transfer a load through the trellis frame 20 to the front suspension system and the front tires 14. In fact, the entire vertical load may pass through or be shared by the pivot pins 273 and the support legs 274. To some extent, support for horizontal components of force vectors related to the load of the dump body 30 transmitted through the trellis frame 20 and the front suspension system to the front tires 14 can be controlled based on the inclination or offset of the pivot axis of the support leg 274 relative to the vertical centerline of the vertical support structure 370, although the second pair of contact points discussed above may account for a larger portion of the horizontal load.

[0068] Additionally, because the support legs 274 can pivot laterally and independently of each other, and because both the support legs 274 and the vertical support structures 370 can have cooperating contact surfaces (i.e., upwardly facing contact surfaces 275 and downwardly facing contact surfaces 371, respectively), a proper fit between the vertical support structures 370 and the support legs 274 can be maintained, along with even loading on each support pad 2756, particularly when the dump body 30 is in the rest position, even when the machine 10 is moving, for example. Such an arrangement can therefore provide even load distribution with respect to each side of the support assembly (i.e., side-to-side or lateral). Pivoting the support legs 274 can also allow the support leg 274 to accommodate any tolerance stackup in the dump body 30 and the trellis frame 20.Additionally, a uniform bend radius of the support rocker 274 can ensure that load transfer is directed back to the center of the pivot pin 273, with the goal of reducing or eliminating bending moments. Furthermore, the edge chamfer (i.e., taper) of the peripheral portions 2758 of the support pad 2756 and the radius of curvature of the upwardly facing contact surface 275 formed by the support pad 2756 can contribute to a uniform contact pressure distribution at peak compressive loads.

[0069] In a front view, the support leg 274 / vertical support structure 370 combinations may be located along the longitudinal axes of corresponding front struts connected to corresponding front suspension members 120 on the same sides of the lattice frame 20. For example, the pivot axis of the support leg 274 may be aligned with a longitudinal axis of a corresponding front strut. The longitudinal axes may intersect at a point along a vertical centerline on a top surface of the dump body 30. Of course, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited, and the longitudinal axis of the front strut may also be unaligned with the support leg 271 / vertical support structure 370 combination, such as the pivot axis of the support leg 274.Additionally, longitudinal axes of additional suspension elements on opposite sides of the lattice frame 20 may intersect at a point on the same vertical centerline of the machine 10 as the point on the vertical centerline at the top of the dump body 30. The arrangement of the third pair of contact points may therefore uniformly transfer load from the dump body 30 through the support legs 274 and the lattice frame 20 to the front suspension system.

[0070] While aspects of the present disclosure have been specifically shown and described with reference to the above embodiments, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by modifying the disclosed machines, assemblies, 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 present disclosure as determined based on the claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

[1] Rocker support insert (2750) for a support rocker (274), comprising: a support plate (2752) configured to be releasably coupled to an upper portion of a rocker body (2740); and a support pad (2756) rigidly coupled to a top surface of the support plate (2752) such that a portion of the top surface of the support plate (2752) remains exposed, wherein a top surface of the support pad (2756) defines a concave, upwardly facing contact surface (275), wherein support padding (2756) is thicker than the support plate (2752). [2] The rocker support insert of claim 1, wherein a length and a width of the support pad (2756) are each less than a length and a width of the support plate (2752). [3] The rocker support insert of claim 1, wherein the support plate (2752) and the support pad (2756) are curved to form an obtuse angle. [4] The rocker support insert of claim 1, wherein the portion of the top surface of the support plate (2752) that remains exposed includes a protrusion around an entire periphery of the support pad (2756). [5] The rocker support insert of claim 1, wherein the portion of the top surface of the support plate (2752) that remains exposed includes opposite ends of plate coupling extensions (2753) configured to releasably couple the support plate (2752) to the top portion of the rocker body (2740). [6] The rocker support insert of claim 1, wherein the support pad (2756) includes a central support portion (2757) and a plurality of peripheral portions (2758) surrounding the central support portion (2757), the central support portion (2757) forming the top surface of the support pad (2756) defining the concave upwardly facing contact surface (275). [7] A rocker support insert according to claim 6, wherein each of the peripheral portions (2758) of the support padding (2756) tapers from thick to thin from the central support portion (2757) to a corresponding outer edge of the support plate (2752). [8] A rocker support insert according to claim 1, wherein the support padding (2756) is made of an elastomer. [9] A method relating to a rocker support insert (2750), comprising: Providing a support plate (2752) of the rocker support insert (2750); and Providing a curved support pad (2756) of the rocker support insert (2750) rigidly coupled to a top surface of the support plate (2752) such that a portion of the top surface of the support plate (2752) remains exposed, wherein an upper surface of the curved support padding (2756) defines a concave, upwardly facing contact surface (275) and wherein the curved support padding (2756) is thicker than the support plate (2752). [10] The method of claim 9, further comprising rigidly coupling the curved support pad (2756) to the top surface of the support plate (2752) using an adhesive to connect a bottom surface of the curved support pad (2756) to the top surface of the support plate (2752).

Images