Spatial framework of the kinetic front transition connections

Abstract

A transition connection (300, 400) for a space frame (20) can comprise a connection pad (310, 410) defining a first end of the transition connection (300, 400), a node (320, 420) defining a second end of the transition connection (300, 400) opposite the first end, a pair of ribs (330, 430) on opposite sides, a first concave section (340, 440) on a first side of one of the ribs (330, 430), and a second concave section (340, 440) on a second side of one of the ribs (330, 430). In a side view of the transition connection (300, 400), an acute angle (θ1, θ2) is formed on the same side as the first and second concave sections (340, 440). The transition joint (300, 400), which may be a casting, may be a section of a pair or set of transition joints (300, 400) that are separate and different from each other.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to space frames, in particular transition connections, as well as systems, components and methods for them. State of the art

[0002] Conventional dump trucks, such as off-highway dump trucks, can use welded steel frames, which can be extremely heavy and require many meters of welding to manufacture. Space frame structures offer a lighter and stronger alternative to conventional welded steel frames because they require significantly less steel. Therefore, space frame structures offer considerable advantages in terms of cost, manufacturability, and performance. For example, dump trucks with space frame structures can carry comparatively larger payloads and consume less fuel.

[0003] Conventional space frame structures can utilize prefabricated node connections. Such node connections can be used to create space frame structures for static applications. However, vehicle applications are at least partially dynamic, and dump trucks can present a particularly challenging application due to the loads acting on the space frame, as well as the bending, twisting, and / or deformation that may occur when the dump truck travels over various types of terrain, such as off-road. Carefully designed, high-strength castings and fabrications may be required to provide adequate stiffness and flexibility characteristics while ensuring proper load transfer from the dump body to the wheels.

[0004] Japanese patent document No. JP 3849575 ("the JP-575 patent document") describes a subframe mounting structure. The subframe mounting structure features a partition between an upper and lower wall of a subframe mounting bracket. An upper opening, enclosed by the upper wall and the partition, faces the rear of a vehicle body, while a lower opening, enclosed by the lower wall and the partition, faces the front of the vehicle body. The partition is shaped with a gradient, allowing the openings to be formed by punching. According to the JP-575 patent document, the subframe mounting structure can be designed to be lightweight without deformation. Summary

[0005] In one embodiment, a transition connection for a space frame or a set of transition connections can be provided or implemented.The set of transition connections can comprise: a first transition connection; and a second transition connection that is separate and distinguishable from the first transition connection, wherein each of the first and second transition connections comprises: a connection pad defining a first end, a node defining a second end opposite the first end, a pair of ribs on opposite sides, a first concave section on a first side of one of the ribs, a second concave section on a second side of one of the ribs, wherein for each of the first and second transition connections, an acute angle is formed in a side view on the same side as the first and second concave sections, and wherein the first and second concave sections have the same configuration.

[0006] In another aspect, a space frame, for example for an off-highway dump truck, may be provided or implemented. The space frame may include: a pair of first front transition castings spaced apart laterally within the space frame; a pair of second front transition castings spaced apart laterally within the space frame, each of the first front transition castings being coreless and comprising: a connecting pad at a first end of the first front transition casting configured to weld to the underside of a front upper frame joint of the space frame, and a node at a second end of the first front transition casting opposite the first end, configured to weld to a first frame tube.wherein each of the second front transition castings is coreless and comprises: a connecting pad at a first end of the second front transition casting configured to be weldable to a rear mounting surface of a front lower suspension connection of the space frame, and a node at a second end of the second front transition casting opposite the first end configured to be weldable to a second frame tube, wherein coreless means that each of the first front transition castings and each of the second front transition castings is free of voids at the nodes and connecting pads, wherein the pair of first front transition castings is located at a first height in the space frame that is higher than a second height of the pair of second front transition castings,wherein in each of the first front transition castings, in a side view thereof, a connecting surface of the connecting pad is arranged at a first acute angle relative to a surface of the node, and wherein in each of the second front transition castings, in a side view thereof, a connecting surface of the connecting pad is arranged at a second acute angle relative to a surface of the node, the second acute angle being different from the first acute angle of the first front transition castings.

[0007] A method can be implemented in yet another aspect. The method can include: providing a first one-piece transition casting from a set of transition castings; and providing a second one-piece transition casting from the set of transition castings, wherein the second one-piece transition casting is separate and distinguishable from the first one-piece transition casting, each of the first and second one-piece transition castings comprising: a joining pad at a first end, a node at a second end opposite the first end, a pair of opposing ribs between the joining pad and the node, a first concave section on a first side of a first of the opposing ribs, and a second concave section on a second side of one of the opposing ribs.wherein in a side view, each of the first and second one-piece transition castings forms an acute angle on the same side as the first and second concave section, and wherein each of the first and second one-piece transition castings is coreless, meaning that each of the first and second one-piece transition castings is free of hollow areas at the node and the joining pad. 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 side view of a space frame according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Fig. Figure 3 shows a pair of first transition connections according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, which are located in the space frame of Fig. 2 are implemented. Fig. Figure 4 is a top view of one of the first transition links of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a side view of the first transition link from Fig. 4. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective bottom view of the first transition link from Fig. 4. Fig. Figure 7 shows a pair of second transition connections according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, which are located in the space frame of Fig. 2 are implemented. Fig. Figure 8 is a top view of one of the second transition links of Fig. 7. Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective bottom view of the second transition link from Fig. 8. Detailed description

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include or refer to one or more transition compounds as well as systems, components and methods therefor.

[0009] With reference to the drawings and in particular to Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a machine 10. The machine 10 can be a mobile machine that performs a specific type of operation associated with an industry such as mining, construction, or another industry known in engineering. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, machine 10 can, for example, be an earthmoving machine, in particular an off-highway dump truck.

[0010] 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 each be connected to the space frame 20 via front suspension elements and rear suspension systems. The machine 10 can also include a loading platform or superstructure 30 supported by the space frame 20. Such a loading platform or superstructure 30 may be referred to here as a tipper body 30. The tipper body 30 can be configured as a container for receiving transported goods.

[0011] A rear section 34 of the tipper body 30 can be pivotally connected to or attached to a section (including sections) at a rear end 24 of the space frame 20. As explained in more detail below, sections of the tipper body 30 between the rear section 34 and a front section 36 of the tipper body 30 can be movably positioned relative to corresponding sections of the space frame 20 to support the tipper body 30 in a rest position on the space frame 20. The rest position of the tipper body 30 can be considered as the position of the tipper body 30 in which the front section 36 of the tipper body 30 is in its lowest position (i.e., not raised).The tipping body 30 can be pivoted at the rear section 34 about the rear section 24 of the space frame 20 in order to raise or lower the section of the tipping body 30 in front of the pivot point (and thus move the section of the tipping body 30 behind the pivot point in the opposite direction). Such pivoting of the tipping body 30 to raise the front section 36 of the tipping body 30 can be used to empty the contents from the tipping body 30. Likewise, pivoting the tipping body 30 to lower the front section 36 of the tipping body 30 into the rest position can be used to load contents into the tipping body 30.

[0012] The machine 10 can have an operator's cabin 18, which is supported by the space frame 20 at one front of 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 superstructure 30. The steering mechanism and controls can be located inside the operator's cabin 18 of the machine 10.

[0013] The machine 10 can have a main drive supported by the space frame 20. Generally, the main drive can be located in a space 21 of the space frame 20. The main drive can be configured to drive the front and rear wheels 14, 16 in a forward or reverse direction. The main drive can be oriented longitudinally along a direction of movement of the machine 10 on the space frame 20. However, a person skilled in the art will recognize that the main drive can also be oriented transversely. In one exemplary embodiment, the main drive can be an internal combustion engine, for example, a two-stroke or four-stroke diesel engine. However, a person skilled in the art will recognize that the main drive can be any other type of internal combustion engine, for example, a gasoline engine or an engine powered by gaseous fuel.The main drive can be connected to the front and / or rear wheels 14, 16 via other components, for example a drive train, to transmit drive power and to move the front and / or rear wheels 14, 16 in a forward or reverse direction.

[0014] The exhaust gases from the main drive can be expelled via one or more exhaust outlets. Optionally, the one or more exhaust outlets can generally be located between the operator's cab 18 and a front wall 37 of the tipper body 30, so that the exhaust gases are expelled at least towards a predetermined section of the front wall 37. A coupling (e.g., bellows) can be provided to connect the one or more exhaust outlets to the front wall 37 of the tipper body 30, for example, to a heating duct provided in or on the front wall 37 of the tipper body 30 to heat the material transported in the tipper body 30.

[0015] In general, a space frame according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, such as space frame 20, can be a truss comprising structural elements connected to one another at nodes and / or joints. The structural elements can comprise hollow tubes and / or solid tubes and, in some cases, be connected according to a triangular structure. The structural elements can be made, for example, of metal, metal alloys, or reinforced composite materials.

[0016] Fig. Figure 2 is a more detailed view of the space frame 20. As shown, the space frame 20 may include a pair of rear frame connections 210 at the rear end 24 of the space frame 20, a pair of central lower frame connections 220, a central upper horizontal frame connection 225, a pair of central upper frame connections 230, a pair of central upper frame node connections 240, a pair of front upper frame connections 250, a pair of front lower frame connections 260, a front upper frame connection 270, a pair of front upper suspension connections 280, a front lower suspension connection 290, a pair of upper front transition connections 300, and a pair of lower front transition connections 400. Although the foregoing connections are described as pairs, the connections within a pair need not necessarily be identical. For example, the connections within a pair may generally be symmetrical, but not necessarily identical.Optionally, according to one or more embodiments, the lower front transition connections 400 can be mirror images of each other (in the width direction of the spaced space frame). The aforementioned connections can be considered as castings or fabricated parts. In general, a casting can refer to a connection that is not welded to another supporting component of the space frame 20, and fabrication can refer to a connection that is welded to another supporting component of the space frame 20.

[0017] The upper front transition connections 300 can be located at the same height in the space frame, and the lower front transition connections 400 can be located at the same height in the space frame. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the pair of upper front transition connections 300 can be located at a first height in the space frame 20 that is higher than that of the pair of lower front transition connections 400. Incidentally, the upper front transition connections 300 can be considered the first front transition connections and the lower front transition connections 400 the second front transition connections.

[0018] The space frame 20 can also comprise a plurality of elongated support elements, such as elongated support elements 201, elongated support elements 202 and elongated support elements 203. According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, elongated support elements can have the form of rods and / or tubes, for example circular ones, wherein some or all of the rods and / or tubes can be solid or hollow.

[0019] Referring to Fig. Figure 3 shows the upper front transition connections 300, such connections being referred to herein simply as front transition connections 300. Embodiments of the present disclosure may relate to a single front transition connection 300, or to a pair or set of front transition connections 300. In the case of a set, the set may comprise only the pair of transition connections 300, or the transition connections 300 and the pair of transition connections 400.

[0020] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, each transition connection 300 can be fixedly connected (e.g., welded) at one end to a bottom surface 272 of the front upper frame connection 270 and at the other end to the elongated support element 201. The arrangement of the transition connections 300 can be designed such that the respective elongated support elements 201 extend away from each other in the direction of the respective central upper frame node connections 240.

[0021] Referring to the Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6 and, in particular, with regard to the transition connection 300, each transition connection 300 may comprise a connection pad 310 that defines the first end of the transition connection 300, a node 320 that defines the second end of the transition connection 300, and a pair of ribs 330 on opposite sides of the transition connection 300 and between the connection pad 310 and the node 320 in the longitudinal direction of the transition connection 300. The ribs 330 may be considered as opposing ribs. The ribs 330 may be identical.

[0022] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the connecting pad 310 can be permanently connected (e.g., by welding) to the underside 272 of the front upper frame connection 270, and the node 320 can be permanently connected (e.g., by welding) to the elongated support element 201. According to one or more embodiments, in a side view of the transition connection 300, the ribs 330 can be aligned with the corresponding elongated support element 201.

[0023] The transition connection 300, which may be a casting, can be a one-piece (i.e., a single, integral, or unified) casting. Furthermore, the transition connection 300 may not have a hollow core. In other words, the transition connection 300 may be coreless. This can mean that the transition connection 300 may be free of hollow areas, for example, at the node 320 and the connecting pad 310. That is, at least the ends of the node 320 and the connecting pad 310 may be solid, without hollow areas, openings, or hollow sections. According to one or more embodiments, the entire node 320 and the connecting pad 310 may be solid, without gaps, openings, or hollow areas. Optionally, the entire transition connection 300 may also be solid and have no hollow areas, openings, or hollow sections.

[0024] The transition joint 300 may also include a rib 335, a pair of concave sections 340, and an arcuate section 350. The concave sections 340, which may be identical or of the same configuration, may be referred to as the first and second concave sections and are located on opposite sides of the rib 335, as shown in Fig. Figure 6 shows that a first concave section 340 can be located between rib 335 and one of the ribs 330, and a second concave section 340 can be located between rib 335 and the other rib 330. The arcuate section 350 can be located opposite rib 335 and the concave sections 340. The surface of the arcuate section 350 can be smooth, as shown in Figure 6. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 shown.

[0025] In general, the transition connection 300 can be inclined or angled. Here, the node 320 can be located according to embodiments of the present disclosure in a side view of the transition connection 300, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the connection pad 310 extends at an acute angle θ1 relative to a connecting surface or side 312. For example, the acute angle θ1 can be 45 degrees to 60 degrees.

[0026] Furthermore, in the side view of the transition connection 300, the connecting surface 312 of the connecting pad 310 can be at an acute angle to a surface 322 of the node 320. The ribs 330 can also be at an acute angle θ1 relative to the connecting surface 312. Incidentally, the connecting surface 312 can be completely flat, as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows. According to one or more embodiments, the transition connection 300 can be inclined or angled according to a compound angle, which means, for example, that the transition connection 300, in addition to the one shown in Fig. The angle shown in point 5 can also be inclined at an angle into or out of the side (still with reference to Fig. 5).

[0027] According to one or more embodiments, the connecting pad 310 can be square in an end view. That is, at least one section of the connecting pad 310 can be square in an end view of the transition connection 300. Optionally, a circumference 314 of the connecting pad 310 can be chamfered, as shown in the Fig. 4-6 shown.

[0028] The node 320 can be circular in its end view. That is, at least a section of the node 320 can, for example, be circular in the end view. Optionally, the end part of the node 320 can have a projection 321. In general, the section of the node 320 that is at the end can be considered a machined weld joint.

[0029] When considering the Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. Figure 9 shows the lower front transition connections 400, such connections here being simply referred to as front transition connections 400. As mentioned above, embodiments of the present disclosure may be directed to a single transition connection 400, or to a pair or set of transition connections 400. In the case of the set, the set may comprise only the pair of transition connections 400, or the transition connections 400 and the pair of transition connections 300.

[0030] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, each transition connection 400 can be fixedly connected (e.g., welded) at a first end to a rear mounting surface 292 of the front lower suspension connection 290 and at a second end to the elongated support element 201. The arrangement of the transition connections 400 can be designed such that the respective elongated support elements 201 extend away from each other and away from the front lower suspension connection 290. According to one or more embodiments, the transition connections 400 can be mirror images of each other or reflective images of each other in the lateral direction of the space frame 20, for example, if they are opposite each other.

[0031] Each transition connection 400 can comprise a connecting pad 410, which defines the first end of the transition connection 400, a node 420, which defines the second end of the transition connection 400, and a pair of ribs 430 on opposite sides of the transition connection 400 and between the connecting pad 410 and the node 420 in the longitudinal direction of the transition connection 400. The ribs 430 can be considered as opposing ribs. The ribs 430 can be identical. According to one or more embodiments, the ribs 430 can be aligned with the corresponding elongated support element 201 in the side view of the transition connection 400.

[0032] The transition connection 400, which may be a casting, can be a one-piece (i.e., single, integral, or unified) casting. Furthermore, the transition connection 400 may not have a hollow core. In other words, the transition connection 400 may be coreless. This can mean that the transition connection 400 may be free of cavities, for example, at the node 420 and the connecting pad 410. That is, at least the ends of the node 420 and the connecting pad 410 may be solid, without gaps, openings, or hollow areas. According to one or more embodiments, the entire node 420 and the connecting pad 410 may be solid, without gaps, openings, or hollow areas. Furthermore, the entire transition connection 400 may optionally be solid and without gaps, openings, or hollow areas.

[0033] The transition joint 400 can also include a pair of ribs 435, a pair of concave sections 440, and a pair of concave sections 445. The pair of ribs 430 described above can be considered a pair of first opposing ribs or simply first ribs, and the pair of ribs 435 can be considered a pair of second opposing ribs or simply second ribs. The ribs 435 can be aligned with the corresponding elongated support element 201.

[0034] The concave sections 440, which may be identical or of the same configuration, may be referred to as the first and second concave sections and are located on opposite sides of one of the ribs 435, as shown in Fig. Figure 8 illustrates this. Thus, a first concave section 440 can lie between one of the ribs 435 and one of the ribs 430, and a second concave section 440 can lie between one rib 435 and the other of the ribs 430. Furthermore, one of the ribs 435 can be arranged between the concave sections 445 and the other of the ribs 435 between the concave sections 440. The ribs 435 can be considered as the third and fourth concave sections.

[0035] In general, the transition connection 400 can be inclined or angled. Here, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the node 420 can extend at an acute angle θ2 relative to the rear mounting surface 292 of the front lower suspension connection 290, for example, in a side view of the transition connection 400. For example, the acute angle θ2 can be between 75 degrees and 86 degrees. Furthermore, in the side view of the transition connection 400, the connecting surface 412 of the connecting pad 410 can be at an acute angle relative to a surface 422 of the node 420. The ribs 430 can also be at an acute angle θ2 relative to the connecting surface 412. Incidentally, the connecting surface 412 can be completely flat, as shown in Fig. Figure 9 shows. According to one or more embodiments, the transition connection 400 can be inclined or angled according to a compound angle, which means, for example, that the transition connection 400 can be at an angle relative to another axis in addition to the angle θ2. Incidentally, the angle θ2 can be greater than the angle θ1 for the transition connection 300. Thus, one of the ribs 435 can be shorter than the other of the ribs 435, as shown in Fig. 8 shown.

[0036] According to one or more embodiments, the connecting pad 410 can be square in an end view. That is, at least one end portion of the connecting pad 410 can be square in an end view of the transition connection 400. Optionally, a circumference 414 of the connecting pad 410 can be chamfered, as shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 shown.

[0037] The node 420 can be circular in an end view. That is, at least one section of the node 420 can be circular in the end view. Optionally, the section of the node 420 located at the end can have a projection 421. In general, the section of the node 420 can be considered a machined weld joint. Industrial applicability

[0038] As mentioned above, embodiments of the present disclosure may include or be directed towards one or more transition compounds as well as systems, components and methods thereof.

[0039] In general, embodiments of the disclosed object can provide a lightweight, durable machine configuration with a reliable support definition of load points between the tilting structure 30 and the space frame 20, for example taking into account dimensional deviations due to tolerances and / or component deflections.

[0040] Furthermore, pipe constructions can provide lightweight structures, however, some junctions where multiple pipes meet (i.e., pipe-to-pipe manufactured junctions) may only be welded by hand and, moreover, can be very complicated and difficult to weld.

[0041] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a casting or castings can generally be implemented. Castings according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure can enable a mechanized orbital welding process, for example, using an automated orbital welding machine to replace a section or all of the manual welding. For example, automated orbital welding can be performed at all circular joints. Furthermore, no cores can be used in the casting. Such a casting, in particular the solid and coreless nature of the casting at the side wall sections, can reduce the probability of deviations in the side wall sections.

[0042] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a space frame, such as the space frame 20, or a section thereof, such as one or more upper front transition connections, for example the transition connection(s) 300, and / or one or more lower front transition connections, for example the transition connection(s) 400, can be provided or implemented (including complete or partial assembly).

[0043] As mentioned above, the transition connection 300 can have the connecting pad 310, the node 320, and the ribs 330. The transition connection 300 can also have the concave sections 340, the rib 335, and the arcuate section 350. As mentioned above, the transition connection 400 can have the connecting pad 410, the node 420, and the ribs 430. The transition connection 400 can also have the concave sections 440, the ribs 435, and the concave sections 445. The concave sections 440 and / or the concave sections 445, which can each be considered as cutouts, recesses, or corrugated sections, can create a clearance to allow access to other sections of the machine 10 or the space frame 20, such as the motor of the machine 10.

[0044] Several elongated support elements, such as frame tubes 201, can also be provided or implemented for fixed attachment (e.g., by welding) to the transition joints 300 and 400. A front upper frame connection, such as the front upper frame connection 270, and / or a front lower suspension connection, such as the front lower suspension connection 290, can also be provided or implemented for fixed attachment (e.g., by welding) to the transition joint 300 and 400, respectively. When providing the transition joint 300 and 400, the respective welds can be positioned away from the underside 272 of the front upper frame connection 270 and the rear side 292 of the front lower suspension connection 290, respectively.This enables mechanized orbital welding, at least at the interface between the transition connections 300, 400 and the respective elongated support elements. Optionally, it may be necessary to omit post-treatment of the welded joints entirely or partially.

[0045] Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may also be made in accordance with the following bracketed specifications. (1) A space frame for an off-highway dump truck, comprising: a pair of first front transition castings spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the space frame; a pair of second front transition castings spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the space frame, each of the first front transition castings being coreless and comprising: a connecting pad at a first end of the first front transition casting configured to be weldable to a bottom of a front upper frame joint of the space frame, and a node at a second end of the first front transition casting opposite the first end, configured to be weldable to a first frame tube, each of the second front transition castings being coreless and comprising: a connecting pad at a first end of the second front transition casting,which is configured to be weldable to a rear mounting surface of a front lower front wheel suspension of the space frame, and a node at a second end of the second front transition casting opposite the first end, configured to be weldable to a second frame tube, wherein coreless means that each of the first front transition castings and each of the second front transition castings is free of cavities at the nodes and the connecting pads, wherein the pair of first front transition castings is located at a first height in the space frame which is higher than a second height of the pair of second front transition castings, wherein for each of the first front transition castings, in a side view thereof, a connecting surface of the connecting pad is arranged at a first acute angle relative to a surface of the node,and wherein, for each of the second front transition castings, in a side view thereof, a connecting surface of the connecting pad is arranged at a second acute angle relative to a surface of the node, the second acute angle being different from the first acute angle of the first front transition castings. (2) Space frame according to claim (1), wherein the pair of second front transition castings are mirrored relative to each other in the width direction of the space frame. (3) Space frame according to claim (1) or (2), wherein the first acute angle is smaller than the second acute angle. (4) Space frame according to any one of claims (1) to (3), wherein each of the first front transition castings further comprises: a pair of opposing ribs on opposite sides of the first front transition casting, a further rib between the pair of opposing ribs, a first concave section between the further rib and a first of the ribs of the pair of opposing ribs, a second concave section between the further rib and a second of the ribs of the pair of opposing ribs and an arc-shaped section opposite the first and second concave sections. (5) Space frame according to any one of claims (1) to (4), wherein each of the second front transition castings further comprises: a pair of first opposing ribs on opposite sides of the second front transition casting, a pair of second opposing ribs on opposite sides of the second front transition casting, a pair of first concave sections between the pair of first opposing ribs separated by a first of the second opposing ribs, and a pair of second concave sections between the pair of first opposing ribs separated by a second of the second opposing ribs. (6) Space frame according to any one of claims (1) to (5), wherein the first of the second opposing ribs is shorter than the second of the second opposing ribs. (7) Space frame according to any one of claims (1) to (6), wherein the circumference of each connecting pad of the first and second front transition casting is chamfered. (8) A set of transition connections for a space frame, comprising: a first transition connection; and a second transition connection that is separate and distinguishable from the first transition connection, wherein each of the first and second transition connections comprises: a connection pad defining a first end, a node defining a second end opposite the first end, a pair of ribs on opposite sides, a first concave section on a first side of one of the ribs, a second concave section on a second side of one of the ribs, wherein for each of the first and second transition connections, an acute angle is formed on the same side as the first and second concave sections in a side view, and wherein the first and second concave sections have the same configuration. (9) The set of transition connections according to claim (8), wherein the first and the second transition connection are castings, wherein the connection pad is square in an end view and wherein the node is circular in an end view. (10) The set of transition connections according to claim (8) or (9), wherein the first transition connection and the second transition connection are mirror images of each other when they are opposite each other. (11) The group of transition connections according to any one of claims (8) to (10), wherein each of the first and second transition connections comprises an arc-shaped section opposite the first and second concave sections. (12) The set of transition connections according to any one of claims (8) to (11), wherein each of the first and second transition connections comprises: a further pair of ribs on opposite sides, a third concave section on a first side of one of the ribs of the further pair, a fourth concave section on a second side of one of the ribs of the further pair. (13) The set of transition connections according to any one of claims (8) to (12), wherein a first rib of the other pair of ribs is shorter than a second rib of the other pair of ribs. (14) The set of transition connections according to any one of claims (8) to (13), wherein a circumference of each of the connection pads is chamfered. (15) A method comprising: providing a first one-piece transition piece from a series of transition pieces; and providing a second one-piece transition piece from the series of transition pieces, wherein the second one-piece transition piece is separate from and distinguishable from the first one-piece transition piece, each of the first and second one-piece transition pieces comprising: a connecting pad at a first end, a node at a second end opposite the first end, a pair of opposing ribs between the connecting pad and the node, a first concave section on a first side of a first of the opposing ribs, and a second concave section on a second side of one of the opposing ribs, wherein, in a side view, an acute angle is formed on the same side as the first and second concave sections for each of the first and second one-piece transition pieces.and wherein each of the first and second one-piece transition castings is coreless, meaning that each of the first and second one-piece transition castings is free of voids at the node and the connecting pad. (16) The procedure according to claim (15), further comprising: Welding the nodes of the first and second one-piece transition castings to corresponding elongated support elements using an automated welding machine; and welding the connecting pads of the first and second one-piece transition castings to corresponding sections of either a bottom surface of a front upper frame connection of a space frame or a rear mounting surface of a front lower suspension connection of the space frame. (17) The method according to claim (15) or (16), wherein in the side view the opposing ribs are aligned with the respective elongated support elements. (18) The method according to any one of claims (15) to (17), wherein the first and the second one-piece transition casting are located at the same height in the space frame. (19) The method according to any one of claims (15) to (18), wherein in the side view the opposing ribs are at an acute angle to a flat connecting surface of the connecting pad. (20) The method according to any one of claims (15) to (19), further comprising: providing a first one-piece transition casting of another set of transition castings; and providing a second one-piece transition casting of the other set of transition castings, wherein the first and the second one-piece transition casting of the other set of transition castings differ in their configuration from the first and the second one-piece transition casting of the set of transition castings.

[0046] It should be noted that the singular forms "ein," "eine," and "das" used in the description and the accompanying claims also include the plural, unless the context clearly requires otherwise. That is to say, unless clearly stated otherwise, the words "ein," "eine," "ein," and the like used herein have the meaning of "one, one, one, or more." The use of the phrase "at least one," "eine," or "eines," followed by a list of one or more items (for example, "at least one of A and B" or "one or more of A and B") is to be interpreted as meaning one item selected from the listed items (A or B), or a combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B; A, A, and B; A, B, and B), unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by the context.Similarly, the word "or" used herein refers to any possible permutation of a set of points. For example, the expression "A, B, or C" refers to at least one of A, B, C, or any combination thereof, such as one of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C; or several of one element, such as A and A; B, B, and C; A, A, B, C, and C; etc.

[0047] Furthermore, it should be understood that terms such as "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "side," "height," "length," "width," "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "inside," "outside," and the like, which may be used herein, merely describe reference points and do not necessarily restrict embodiments of the disclosed subject matter to a particular orientation or configuration. Moreover, terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc., merely denote one of a series of sections, components, reference points, operations, and / or functions as disclosed herein and likewise do not necessarily restrict embodiments of the described subject matter to a particular configuration or orientation.

[0048] While aspects of the present disclosure have been shown and described in particular with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art understand that various additional embodiments may be considered by modifying the disclosed machines, assemblies, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood as falling within the scope of the present disclosure as determined on the basis of the claims and any equivalents thereto. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 3849575

[0004] JP-575

[0004]

Claims

[1] Space frame (20) for an off-highway dump truck (10) comprising: a pair of first front transition castings (300) spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the space frame (20); a pair of second front transition castings (400) spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the space frame (20), wherein each of the first front transition castings (300) is coreless and comprises the following: a connecting pad (310) at a first end of the first front transition casting (300) configured to be weldable to a bottom (272) of a front upper frame connection (270) of the space frame (20), and a node (320) at a second end of the first front transition casting (300) opposite the first end, configured to be weldable to a first frame tube (201), wherein each of the second front transition castings (400) is coreless and comprises the following: a connecting pad (410) at a first end of the second front transition casting (400) configured to be weldable to a rear mounting surface (292) of a front lower suspension connection (290) of the space frame (20), and a node (420) at a second end of the second front transition casting (400) opposite the first end, configured to be weldable to a second frame tube (201), where “coreless” means that each of the first front transition castings (300) and each of the second front transition castings (400) is free of voids at the nodes (320, 420) and the connecting pads (310, 410), wherein the pair of first front transition castings (300) is located at a first height in the space frame (20) which is higher than a second height of the pair of second front transition castings (400), wherein for each of the first front transition castings (300) in a side view thereof a connecting surface (312) of the connecting pad (310) is at a first acute angle (θ1) relative to a surface (322) of the node (320), and wherein for each of the second front transition castings (400) in a side view thereof a connecting surface (412) of the connecting pad (410) is at a second acute angle (θ2) relative to a surface (422) of the node (420), the second acute angle (θ2) being different from the first acute angle (θ1) of the first front transition castings (300). [2] Space frame according to claim 1, wherein the pair of second front transition castings (400) are arranged in a mirror image to each other in the width direction of the space frame (20). [3] Space frame according to claim 1, wherein the first acute angle (θ1) is smaller than the second acute angle (θ2). [4] Space frame according to claim 1, wherein each of the first front transition castings (300) further comprises: a pair of opposing ribs (330) on opposite sides of the first front transition casting (300), another rib (335) between the pair of opposing ribs (330), a first concave section (340) between the other rib (335) and one of the first of the ribs of the pair of opposite ribs (330), a second concave section (340) between the other rib (335) and a second section of the ribs of the pair of opposite ribs (330) and an arc-shaped section (350) opposite the first and second concave sections (340). [5] Space frame according to claim 1, wherein each of the second front transition castings (400) further comprises: a pair of first opposing ribs (430) on opposite sides of the second front transition casting (400), a pair of second opposing ribs (435) on opposite sides of the second front transition casting (400), a pair of first concave sections (440) between the pair of first opposite ribs (430) separated by a first of the second opposite ribs (435), and a pair of second concave sections (445) between the pair of first opposing ribs (430) which are separated from each other by a second of the second opposing ribs (435). [6] Space frame according to claim 5, wherein the first of the second opposing ribs (435) is shorter than the second of the second opposing ribs (435). [7] Space frame according to claim 1, wherein for each connecting pad (310, 410) of the first and second front transition casting (300, 400) its circumference is chamfered (314, 414). [8] Set of transition connections (300, 400) for a space frame (20), comprising: a first transitional connection (300, 400); and a second transition connection (300, 400) that is separate and distinguishable from the first transition connection (300, 400), where each of the first and second transition links (300, 400) includes the following: a connecting pad (310, 410) that defines a first end, a node (320, 420) that defines a second end opposite the first end, a pair of ribs (330, 430) on opposite sides, a first concave section (340, 440) on a first side of one of the ribs (330, 430), a second concave section (340, 440) on a second side of one of the ribs (330, 430), wherein for each of the first and second transition connections (300, 400) an acute angle (θ1, θ2) is formed in a side view on the same side as the first and second concave sections (340, 440), and where the first and second concave sections (340, 440) have the same configuration. [9] Set of transition connections according to claim 8, where the first and second transition connections are cast parts (300, 400), where the connecting pad (310, 410) is square in an end view, and where the node (320, 420) is circular in an end view. [10] Set of transition connections according to claim 8, wherein the first transition connection (400) and the second transition connection (400) are mirror images of each other when they are opposite each other. [11] Set of transition connections according to claim 8, wherein each of the first and second transition connections (300) comprises an arc-shaped section (350) opposite the first and second concave sections (340). [12] Set of transition connections according to claim 8, wherein each of the first and second transition connections (400) comprises: another pair of ribs (435) on opposite sides, a third concave section (445) on a first side of one of the ribs of the further pair (435) and a fourth concave section (445) on a second side of one of the ribs of the other pair (435). [13] Set of transition connections according to claim 12, wherein a first rib of the further pair of ribs (435) is shorter than a second rib of the further pair of ribs (435). [14] Set of transition connections according to claim 8, wherein a circumference (314, 414) of each of the connection pads (310, 410) is chamfered.

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