A truck body and a method for manufacturing a truck body

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a truck body (2), comprising a main truck body structure (20) for carrying a load, said main truck body structure (20) extending upwardly to respective upper edge portions (8) at lateral sides (21) of the main truck body structure (20) and a front wall (5); wherein the main truck body structure (20) presents an inner surface (7) and a main lining (12) is arranged thereon; wherein the main truck body structure (20) comprises respective reinforcement elements (10) which, each, extends along the respective upper edge portion (8) thereof and each reinforcement element (10) presents a lining protection portion (11) projecting inwardly beyond the inner surface (7) of the main truck body structure (20) for providing protection to the main lining (12). The disclosure further relates to a method for manufacturing a truck body (2).

Description

[0001] A TRUCK BODY AND A METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A TRUCK

[0002] BODY

[0003] Field of the disclosure

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a truck body, a truck comprising a truck body, and to a method for manufacturing a truck body.

[0005] Background art

[0006] Wear-resistant linings are known and used both in chutes and on truck platforms for protecting the base. They usually consist of natural or synthetic rubber and are to protect from hard impacts by rocks and wear exerted by material moving over and in contact with the surface of the lining element. Relatively soft rubber materials provide good resistance to wear, but to prevent hard impacts from breaking through the lining element, this must be given a large thickness. Harder rubber materials provide better protection from impacts but are more susceptible to abrasive wear. Therefore, lining elements have been developed, in which different materials are combined in the outwardly directed surface of the elements, over which surface material in the form of pieces or particles, such as crushed ore and crushed rock material, is intended to move.

[0007] A problem when using such lining elements in order to protect a surface from wear, such as a surface on a truck body, is that material tends to find its way in under the lining elements by travelling in between an edge of the lining elements and the surface the edge is to bear against. This problem is especially of concern for truck bodies having at least partially inclined side walls, such as the truck bodies typically used on articulate haul trucks. Such articulate trucks are found both as off-road articulate haul trucks typically used in mines or quarries, and on-road articulate trucks typically used for road construction and at building sites. Material entering under the lining elements is a problem since the material gradually will loosen the lining elements from the surface to which it is attached such that the lining elements eventually will fall off. Additionally, the truck will carry around unwanted weight, leading to higher fuel consumption and in turn higher costs than necessary.

[0008] To solve the problem mentioned above, the lining elements are normally provided with an integrated steel end protection, which is welded onto the truck body. This results in high production costs and a long installation time.

[0009] Summary

[0010] It is an object to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies in the art and disadvantages singly or in any combination. These and other objects are at least partly met by the invention as defined in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

[0011] According to a first aspect there is provided a truck body, comprising a main truck body structure for carrying a load, said main truck body structure extending upwardly to respective upper edge portions at lateral sides of the main truck body structure to prevent load from leaving the truck body laterally; and a front wall; wherein the main truck body structure presents an inner surface and said respective upper edge portions extend from a rear end of the main truck body structure to the front wall; and a main lining comprising a plurality of elastomeric lining elements and being arranged on the inner surface of the main truck body structure, wherein the main truck body structure comprises respective reinforcement elements which, each, is integrally formed with the truck body structure and extends along the respective upper edge portion thereof; each reinforcement element presents a lining protection portion projecting inwardly beyond the inner surface of the main truck body structure; said main lining having respective upper lining edges which are located directly under the respective lining protection portion; each reinforcement element extends in a respective reinforcement plane and is configured to both reinforce the main truck body structure as well as, by the lining protection portion, to form an upper lining protection for the main lining.

[0012] The advantages achieved by providing the reinforcement element on the inside of the main truck body structure are comprehensive. As stated above, the reinforcement element will both reinforce the side wall as well as form an upper lining protection for the main lining. In turn, the lining elements of the main truck body structure will no longer have to be provided with an integrated steel end protection, which will result in lower production costs and a decreased installation time. The decrease in installation time is achieved by eliminating the step of welding the integrated steel end protection to the truck body.

[0013] By providing the reinforcement element along the upper edge portion of the main truck body structure it will be able to protect the lining elements all the way up to the main truck body structure at each lateral side thereof.

[0014] According to some embodiments, each reinforcement element has a reinforcement element extension within said respective reinforcement plane which is transverse to an extension of its associated upper edge portion, which reinforcement element extension is at least five times larger than a thickness of the upper lining edge.

[0015] This may be advantageous as it allows providing a relatively tall upper steel structure of the truck body at a level where the need for protective lining elements is not as high. Thereby, the use of lining can be optimized, i.e. reduced at the upper parts of the truck body where wear is not severe. This further allows maximizing the payload capacity of the truck body without compromising the wear resistance of the same. These relative dimensions of the reinforcement element effectively allow providing an upper protective frame defining the top opening of the truck body and increased structural integrity of the main truck body structure.

[0016] It is however conceivable to provide reinforcements elements of other dimensions. As an example, the reinforcement element extension may be shorter, such as e.g. at least 2 times larger, or 3 times larger, or 4 times larger than a thickness of the upper lining edge. The reinforcement element extension may alternatively be longer, such as e.g. 5, or 10, or 20 times larger. As an example, the reinforcement element extension may be in the range 1-2 meters. The reinforcement element extension may alternatively be shorter. As an example, the reinforcement element extension may be 2 to 20 mm. This implies that the reinforcement element may be a vane, or rim. Such a vane could be e.g. a steel plate welded to integrally form with the truck body structure.

[0017] The truck body may be designed to be used on an articulated truck. In other words, the truck body may be an articulated truck body. As readily appreciated by the person skilled in the art, an articulated truck consists of two sections, a front tractor and a trailer, wherein the truck box is carried by the trailer. Unlike a rigid truck, the articulated truck has a pivot joint between the front tractor and the trailer, allowing the vehicle to turn more sharply and stay stable on rough terrain. Articulated trucks may have 3 axles or more. The truck body and its payload are typically located on the trailer which may have 2 axles or more, which axles are separated by the pivot joint from the front tractor which has 1 axle or more. Articulated trucks often have the hoist cylinders connected to the side portion of the truck body. Articulated trucks may be off-road trucks typically used in construction, earthmoving, mining, quarrying, infrastructure projects, and forestry industries. Thus, the truck body of the disclosure may be an “off-road articulated truck body”, also termed herein as an “articulated haul truck body”. Articulated trucks may alternatively be on-road trucks typically used for building and road construction and the like. Thus, the truck body of the disclosure may alternatively be an “on-road articulated truck body”.

[0018] The main difference between off-road rigid trucks and off-road articulated trucks is the dimensions, where the off-road rigid trucks typically are much larger having a payload capacity in the range of 35-450 tons whereas the off-road articulated trucks typically are smaller having a payload capacity in the range of 15-65 tons. An articulated off-road truck body may have the dimensions 2000-400014000-80001 1000-2500 mm (W / L / H) with a Volume SAE 2:1 Heap range 10m3- 35m3. A rigid off-road haul truck body may have the dimensions 3600-10 000 I 8000-1400012500-5000 mm (W / L / H) with a volume SAE 2:1 Heap range 25m3- 300m3. Rigid off-road haul trucks have a single, rigid chassis with a non-flexible frame. Rigid haul trucks are usually used in mining, quarrying, and major infrastructure projects. Rigid haul trucks usually have 2 axles and the body and the payload is located between them and with weight distribution approx. 33% front and 67% back. Rigid haul trucks usually have the hoist cylinders connected to a bottom portion of the truck body.

[0019] In other words, the truck body of the disclosure may be used on offroad as well as on-road articulated trucks. However, the truck body of the disclosure should not be construed as limited to only articulated trucks. The truck body of the disclosure may alternatively be used on rigid trucks.

[0020] As used herein, the term “integrally formed” and variations of that term are to be interpreted as a component being moulded into one single part or a plurality of parts being attached to each other by for example welding.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the respective reinforcement element planes are substantially parallel with each other. As used herein, this should be construed as the respective reinforcement element planes being arranged within + / - 5° in relation to each other. Alternatively, the respective reinforcement element planes are non-parallel with each other. The respective reinforcement element planes may form an angle within the range 1 to 30° with each other.

[0022] Each lining protection portion may project over the upper lining edge of the main lining by a distance at least equal to a thickness of the upper lining edge. It is however conceivable to have an even larger overlap, such that the lining protection portion projects over and beyond the upper lining edge. Therefore, in alternative embodiments, each lining protection portion may project over the upper edge of the main lining by a distance at least equal to 1 .0 to 1 .5 times the thickness of the upper lining edge. Providing a lining protection portion which projects over and beyond the upper lining edge may be advantageous in that it may further reinforce the side wall as well as provide further protection for the main lining.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the main truck body structure comprises a bottom and two opposing side walls, wherein each of the opposing side walls presents a respective one of said upper edge portions. As used herein, the term “bottom” is used to define a portion of the main truck body structure which primarily acts as a load-carrying surface of the truck body, whereas the term “side wall” is used to define a portion of the main truck body structure which primarily acts as preventing the load from falling off the bottom. This implies that the bottom is arranged substantially horizontally, whereas the side walls have extensions(s) which have a vertical component.

[0024] It should be understood that the truck body of the disclosure may alternatively have a less well-defined shape. As an example, the truck body of the disclosure may have a main truck body structure which is curved so as to fulfil both the load-supporting and the load preventing functions. Such a truck body may have a main truck body structure which follows a single curved path between the respective upper edge portions. Such a truck body may e.g. have a semi-cylindrical form.

[0025] According to some embodiments, each of the opposing side walls follows a curved path along at least a part of an extension from the bottom to its respective upper edge portion.

[0026] According to some embodiments, each of the opposing side walls follows a planar path along at least a part of an extension from the bottom to its respective upper edge portion.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the bottom follows a curved path along at least a part of an extension between the opposing side walls.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the bottom follows a planar path along at least a part of an extension between the opposing side walls.

[0029] According to some embodiments, each side wall comprises a lower side portion which connects with the bottom, wherein the lower side portion forms an oblique angle with respect to the upper edge portion at an intersection between them. The oblique angle may be within the range 115° to 160°, or 120° to 155°, or 125° to 150°, or 130° to 145°, or 130° to 140°, or about 135°. The angled lower side portions may provide a generally tapered shape of the truck body. Such a tapered shape may be beneficial as it creates room at the bottom end of the truck body making room for the truck tires. This allows mounting the truck body at a lower position on the truck chassis, hence lowering the overall height of the truck and providing a lower centre of gravity.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the lower side portion connects with the bottom via a curved transition portion. This may prevent load from getting stuck in a corner of the truck body.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the lining protection portions as well as the respective upper lining edges located thereunder project substantially perpendicularly to the inner surface of the main truck body structure.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the reinforcement element is divided into two or more reinforcement element units.

[0033] According to some embodiments, each reinforcement element has a double-wall structure with a hollow interior. This may provide a strong and yet light-weight solution.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the front wall also comprises a reinforcement element which is integrally formed with the front wall and extends along an upper edge portion of the front wall.

[0035] The reinforcement element may be divided into two or more reinforcement element units.

[0036] The front wall may be covered by a front wall lining. The front wall lining may comprise a plurality of elastomeric lining elements.

[0037] According to a second aspect there is provided a truck comprising a truck body according to the first aspect.

[0038] According to a third aspect there is provided a method for manufacturing a truck body having a front wall, a main truck body structure extending upwardly to respective upper edge portions at lateral sides of the main truck body structure to prevent load from leaving the truck body laterally, and a main lining, said method comprising: forming the main truck body structure with respective reinforcement elements, each of which is integrally formed with the main truck body structure and extends along a respective upper edge portion thereof, wherein each reinforcement element extends in a respective reinforcement element plane and has a reinforcement element extension within said plane which is transverse to an extension of its associated upper edge portion, such that the respective reinforcement element presents a respective lining protection portion projecting inwardly beyond an inner surface of the main truck body structure and such that the respective reinforcement elements both reinforces the main truck body structure as well as, by its respective lining protection portion, forms a respective upper lining protection for the main lining, and subsequently attaching the main lining on an inner surface of the main truck body structure, said main lining comprising a plurality of elastomeric lining elements and having a respective upper lining edge being located directly under and protected by a respective one of the lining protection portions.

[0039] According to some embodiments, each reinforcement element extension is at least five times larger than a thickness of the upper lining edge portion.

[0040] According to some embodiments, the step of forming the main truck body structure with the reinforcement elements comprises forming the respective reinforcement elements to extend substantially along the entire length of the main truck body structure from the front wall to a rear end of the haul truck body.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the step of forming the main truck body structure with the reinforcement elements comprises forming the reinforcement elements with a double-wall structure and a hollow interior. In other words, the step of forming the main truck body structure with the reinforcement elements may comprise forming the reinforcement elements so as to define a double-wall structure and a hollow interior.

[0042] Effects and features of the second and third aspects are largely analogous to those described above in connection with the first aspect. Embodiments mentioned in relation to the first aspect are largely compatible with the second and third aspects. It is further noted that the inventive concepts relate to all possible combinations of features unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0043] A further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the disclosure, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

[0044] Hence, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular component parts of the device described or steps of the methods described as such device and method may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claim, the articles "a", "an", "the", and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may include several devices, and the like. Furthermore, the words "comprising", "including", "containing" and similar wordings does not exclude other elements or steps.

[0045] Brief descriptions of the drawings

[0046] The disclosure will by way of example be described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings, which show presently preferred embodiments of the disclosure.

[0047] Figure 1 shows a side view of an articulated haul truck according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of truck body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 3 shows a side view of the truck body of Fig. 2.

[0050] Figure 4 shows a rear view of the truck body of Fig. 2.

[0051] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a front half of the truck body of

[0052] Fig. 2

[0053] Figure 6A shows a cross section of an upper lateral part of the truck body of Fig. 2 with the main lining in place.

[0054] Figure 6B shows the cross section of the upper lateral part of the truck body of Fig. 6A but where the main lining has been removed.

[0055] Figure 7A shows a schematic cross-sectional front view of a truck body according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 7B shows a schematic cross-sectional front view of a truck body according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Figure 7C shows a schematic cross-sectional front view of a truck body according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Detailed description

[0059] The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the disclosure are shown. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and to fully convey the scope of the disclosure to the skilled person.

[0060] Fig. 1 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a truck 1 comprising a haul truck body 2 of metal material comprising a lining. The truck 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 is an articulated truck. As readily appreciated by the person skilled in the art, an articulated truck consists of two sections, a front tractor 30 and a trailer 31. Unlike a rigid truck, the articulated version has a pivot joint A between the front tractor 30 and the trailer 31 , allowing the vehicle to turn more sharply and stay stable on rough terrain. Articulated trucks may have three axles 4a, 4b or more. The truck body 2 and its payload are typically located on the trailer 31 which may have two axles 4b or more, which axles 4b are separated by the pivot joint A from the front tractor 30 which has one axle 4a or more. Articulated trucks often have the hoist cylinders 32 connected to the side portion of the truck body 2. Articulated trucks may be off-road trucks typically used in construction, earthmoving, mining, quarrying, infrastructure projects, and forestry industries. Thus, the truck body 2, 100, 200, 300 of the disclosure may be an “off-road articulated truck body”, also termed herein as an “articulated haul truck body”. Articulated trucks 1 may alternatively be on-road trucks typically used for building and road construction and the like. Thus, the truck body 2, 100, 200, 300 of the disclosure may alternatively be an “on-road articulated truck body”.

[0061] The main difference between off-road rigid trucks and off-road articulated trucks is the dimensions, where the off-road rigid trucks typically are much larger having a payload capacity in the range of 35-450 tons whereas the off-road articulated trucks typically are smaller having a payload capacity in the range of 15-65 tons. An articulated off-road truck body may have the dimensions 2000-400014000-80001 1000-2500 mm (W / L / H) with a Volume SAE 2:1 Heap range 10m3- 35m3. A rigid off-road haul truck body may have the dimensions 3600-10 000 I 8000-1400012500-5000 mm (W / L / H) with a volume SAE 2:1 Heap range 25m3- 300m3. Rigid off-road haul trucks have a single, rigid chassis with a non-flexible frame. Rigid trucks are usually used in mining, quarrying, and major infrastructure projects. Rigid trucks have usually two axles and the body and the payload is located between them and with weight distribution approx. 33% front and 67% back. Rigid haul trucks have usually the hoist cylinders connected to bottom portion of the truck body.

[0062] In other words, the truck body 2, 100, 200, 300 of the disclosure may be used on off-road as well as on-road articulated trucks 1 . However, the truck body 2, 100, 200, 300 of the disclosure should not be construed as limited to only articulated trucks 1 . The truck body 2, 100, 200, 300 of the disclosure may alternatively be used on rigid trucks.

[0063] The exemplary embodiment of the truck body 2 is illustrated in more detail in Figs 2-6. The truck body 2 comprises a main truck body structure 20 for carrying a load. Such a load may be e.g. sand, stone, gravel, ore, or the like, but may alternatively be other kinds of material and / or objects. The main truck body structure 20 extends upwardly to respective upper edge portions 8 at lateral sides 21 of the main truck body structure 20 to prevent load from leaving the truck body 2 laterally. The truck body has a front wall 5 which defines a front of the truck body 2. The main truck body structure 20 extends from the front wall 5 to a rear end 9 thereof. As can be seen in Figs 2-4, the respective upper edge portions 8 also extend from the front wall 5 to the rear end 9. The main truck body structure 20 presents an inner surface 7.

[0064] As best illustrated in Figs 2 and 5, the main truck body structure 20 of the example embodiment comprises a bottom 15 and two opposing side walls 6. Each of the opposing side walls 6 presents a respective one of said upper edge portions 8. Each of the opposing side walls 6 follows a curved path along at least a part of an extension from the bottom 15 to its respective upper edge portion 8. Each of the opposing side walls 6 follows a planar path along at least a part of an extension from the bottom 15 to its respective upper edge portion 8. For the example embodiment, each side wall 6 comprises a lower side portion 22 which connects with the bottom 15, wherein the lower side portion 22 forms an oblique angle V with respect to the upper edge portion 8 at an intersection between them, see Fig. 5. The oblique angle V may be within the range 115° to 160°, or 120° to 155°, or 125° to 150°, or 130° to 145°, or 130° to 140°, or about 135°. For the present example embodiment, the oblique angle V is 135°. As best illustrated in Fig. 5, the lower side portion 22 connects with the bottom 15 via a curved transition portion 23.

[0065] A main lining 12 is arranged to cover the inner surface 7 of the main truck body structure 20. The main lining 12 comprises a plurality of elastomeric lining elements 3a, 3b, 3c. The lining elements 3a, 3b, 3c may comprise rubber or polyurethane or the like. The lining elements 3a, 3b, 3c may further comprise a steel insert to provide structural strength. The lining elements 3a, 3b, 3c may be fastened onto the main truck body structure 20 by means of fastening bolts or the like. As best illustrated in Fig. 5, the main lining 12 may comprise lining elements of different dimensions and thicknesses. The lining elements 3a are used on the side walls 6 and have a thickness W1 whereas the lining elements 3b are used on the bottom 15 and have a thickness W2. As can be seen in Fig. 5, the thickness W1 is smaller than the thickness W2. The thickness of the lining elements 3a, 3b is typically at least 30 mm. Generally, and to be taken as examples only, the thickness of the lining elements 3b arranged at the bottom 15 and in the corners is from 50 to 150 mm, whereas the thickness of the lining elements 3a arranged on the side walls 6 is between 30 and 130 mm. The lining elements 3a and 3b are planar, whereas the lining elements 3c which are arranged on the curved transition portion 23, is also curved so as to follow the curved shape of the curved transition portion 23 and provide a smooth transition between the lining elements 3a and the lining elements 3b. In the example embodiment, the lining elements 3c have the same thickness W2 as the lining elements 3b. It is however conceivable to provide lining elements 3c having a varying thickness such that it has the thickness W2 at an intersection to lining element 3b, and a thickness W1 at an intersection to lining element 3a. This advantageously removes any edges and / or recesses in the lining surface.

[0066] The main truck body structure 20 further comprises respective reinforcement elements 10 which, each, is integrally formed with the truck body structure 20 and extends along the respective upper edge portion 8 thereof. Each reinforcement element 10 presents a lining protection portion 11 projecting inwardly beyond the inner surface 7 of the main truck body structure 20. The main lining 12 has respective upper lining edges 13 which are located directly under the respective lining protection portions 11 . This is best illustrated in Figs 6A and B. Each reinforcement element 10 is configured to both reinforce the main truck body structure 20 as well as, by the lining protection portion 11 , to form an upper lining protection for the main lining 12. As illustrated in Fig. 2, each reinforcement element 10 extends in a respective reinforcement element plane P1 , P2 and has a reinforcement element extension E1 , E2 within said plane P1 , P2 which is transverse to an extension T1 , T2 of its associated upper edge portion 8. The reinforcement element extension E1 , E2 is at least five times larger than a thickness W1 of the upper lining edge 13. For the example embodiment, the respective reinforcement element planes P1 and P2 are substantially parallel with each other. However, it is also conceivable that the reinforcement element planes P1 and P2 are angled with respect to each other.

[0067] As best illustrated in Fig 6B, each lining protection portion 11 may project over the upper lining edge 13 of the main lining 12 by a distance W3 at least equal to a thickness W1 of the upper lining edge 13. It is however conceivable to have an even larger overlap, such that the lining protection portion 11 projects over and beyond the upper lining edge 13. Therefore, in alternative embodiments, each lining protection portion 11 may project over the upper lining edge 13 of the main lining 12 by a distance at least equal to 1 .0 to 1 .5 times the thickness W1 of the upper lining edge 13.

[0068] As best illustrated in Figs 6A and 6B, the lining protection portions 11 as well as the respective upper lining edges 13 located thereunder project substantially perpendicularly to the inner surface 7 of the main truck body structure 20.

[0069] The reinforcement element 10 may be divided into two or more reinforcement element units. For such example embodiments, the two or more reinforcement element units may be individually attached onto the main truck body structure 20 for example by welding so as to provide the reinforcement element 10 extending all the way from the front wall 5 to the rear end 9. As best illustrated in Figs 5, 6A, and 6B, each reinforcement element 10 may have a double-wall structure 10a, 10b with a hollow interior 24. This provides a strong and yet light-weight solution.

[0070] As best illustrated in Fig. 3, the front wall 5 may also comprise a reinforcement element 25 which is integrally formed with the front wall 5 and extends along an upper edge portion 26 of the front wall 5. The reinforcement element 25 may be divided into two or more reinforcement element units. For the example embodiment, the reinforcement element 25 forms a part of a canopy 18. The front wall 5 may be covered by a front wall lining 17. The front wall lining 17 may comprise a plurality of lining elements 3. For the example embodiment, the front wall lining 17 may comprise elastomeric lining elements 3 of the same kind as those arranged on the side walls 6 (i.e. lining elements 3a). Thus, typically, the thickness of a lining element 3 arranged on the front wall is between 30 and 130 mm. However, it is conceivable to provide alternative lining elements, such as e.g. non-elastomeric lining elements. Such non-elastomeric lining elements may be e.g. steel lining elements.

[0071] The reinforcement element 25 presents a lining protection portion 27 projecting inwardly beyond the inner surface of the front wall 5. The lining protection portion 27 may project over the upper edge of the lining elements 3 constituting the front wall lining 17 by a distance at least equal to a thickness of the lining elements 3, as in the illustrated exemplifying embodiment of Fig. 3. It is however conceivable to have an even larger overlap, such that the lining protection portion 27 projects over and beyond the upper edge of the lining elements 3, as also described with reference to the lining protection portions 10 extending along the upper edge portions 8 of the main truck body structure 20.

[0072] According to a first manufacturing method for the truck body 2, the main truck body structure 20 and the front wall 5 are moulded in one single piece with the reinforcement elements 10, and optionally reinforcement element 25, such that each reinforcement element 10 projects inwardly beyond the inner surface 7 of the main truck body structure 20. Thereafter, the haul truck body 2 is provided with a main lining 12 on the inner surface 7 of the main truck body structure 20, and a front wall lining 17 on the front wall 5.

[0073] Alternatively, the main truck body structure 20 and the front wall 5, are formed separately. Yet alternatively, the bottom 15, the side walls 6, and the front wall 5 are all formed separately. Thereafter, the reinforcement elements 10 are formed and attached to the main truck body structure 20 of the haul truck body 2. Optionally, the reinforcement element 25 is formed and attached to the main truck body structure 20. As a final step, the haul truck body 2 is provided with a main lining 12 on the inner surface 7, and a front wall lining 17 on the front wall 5 in the same manner as above.

[0074] The main truck body structure 20, 120, 220, 320 of the disclosure may have alternative shapes. Three alternative non-limiting examples are schematically illustrated in Figs 7A to 7C. These figures are illustrating a cross section of the truck body 100, 200, 300 according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure as seen in a front view. Like features are provided the same reference numbers in these drawings. The person skilled in the art realises that the front wall (not shown) naturally must correspond geometrically to the respective shape of the main truck body structure and is therefore not illustrated herein.

[0075] Figure 7A illustrates a cross sectional view of a truck body 100 according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure. The truck body 100 differs from the truck body 2 in that the main truck body structure 120 is semi- cylindrically shaped. The inner surface 107 of the main truck body structure 120 thus follows a curved path along an entire extension from one of its upper edge portions 108 via side walls 106 and bottom 115 to the other one of its upper edge portions 108. The main lining 112 here consists of lining elements 3d which are either designed to be curved, or, alternatively, forced into a curved shape when mounted onto the curved inner surface 107. The lining elements 3d have a thickness being smaller than a thickness of previously described lining elements 3a. Further, the reinforcement elements 110 of the truck body 100 are different from the ones described in detail for the truck body 2 in that the reinforcement element is an integral solid reinforcement element 110. This provides a stable reinforcement for the side walls 106 and the main lining 112. The dimensions of the solid reinforcement element 110 may be essentially the same as those of the reinforcement elements 10 described with reference to Fig. 2. As can be seen in Figure 7A, the lining protection portion 11 projects over and beyond the upper lining edge 113. This may provide an even better protection to the main lining 112.

[0076] Figure 7B illustrates a cross sectional view of a truck body 200 according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure. The truck body 200 differs from the truck body 100 described with reference to Fig. 7A only in that the main truck body structure 220 has different dimensions on the reinforcement elements 210 at its upper edge portions 208 on each of the opposing side walls 206. Remaining features are the same as for the truck body 100 of Fig. 7A. In particular, the inner surface 207 of the main truck body structure 220 also follows a curved path along an entire extension from one of its upper edge portions 208 via side walls 206 and bottom 215 to the other one of its upper edge portions 208, and the same main lining 112 is covering the inner surface 207. Turning to the differences, Fig. 7B illustrate that each reinforcement element 210 has a reinforcement element extension E1 , E2 which is about 2 times larger than the thickness W1 of the upper lining edge 113. Thus, the truck body 200 has reinforcement elements 210 which has an extension E1 , E2 being shorter than the extension E1 , E2 of the truck body 100.

[0077] Figure 7C illustrates a cross sectional view of a truck body 300 according to yet another alternative embodiment of the disclosure. The truck body 300 differs from the truck body 100 described with reference to Fig. 7A only in that the main truck body structure 320 has a different shape. Specifically, the main truck body structure 320 has a rounded bottom 315 which interconnects with substantially planar side walls 306 via curved transition portions 323. The side walls 306 connect to the reinforcement elements 310 at respective upper edge portions 308, the reinforcement elements 310 being similar to the ones of the truck body 100 described with reference to Fig. 7A, but with the difference that the lining protection portion 311 is angled so as to project substantially perpendicularly to the inner surface 307 of the main truck body structure 320. The oblique angle V may be within the range 115° to 160°, or 120° to 155°, or 125° to 150°, or 130° to 145°, or 130° to 140°, or about 135°. For the example embodiment illustrated in Fig. 7C, the oblique angle V is 155°. The main lining 312 is distributed over the inner surface 307 and comprises two kinds of lining elements 3a and 3e. Lining elements 3a are the same as the ones used on the truck body 2 described with reference to Fig. 2, whereas lining elements 3e are curved.

[0078] It is understood that other variations in the present invention are contemplated and, in some instances, some features of the invention can be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.

[0079] For instance, the reinforcement element 10 could be divided into two or more reinforcement element units.

[0080] Naturally, the number, size, and shape of the components of the truck body 2 may be variated in any suitable way without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A truck body (2, 100, 200, 300), comprising a main truck body structure (20, 120, 220, 320) for carrying a load, said main truck body structure extending upwardly to respective upper edge portions (8, 108, 208, 308) at lateral sides (21 ) of the main truck body structure (20, 120, 220, 320) to prevent load from leaving the truck body (2, 100, 200, 300) laterally; and a front wall (5); wherein the main truck body structure (20, 120, 220, 320) presents an inner surface (7, 107, 207, 307) and said respective upper edge portions (8, 108, 208, 308) extend from a rear end (9) of the main truck body structure to the front wall (5); and a main lining (12, 112, 212, 312) comprising a plurality of elastomeric lining elements (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e) and being arranged on the inner surface (7, 107, 207, 307) of the main truck body structure, wherein the main truck body structure (20, 120, 220, 320) comprises respective reinforcement elements (10, 110, 210) which, each, is integrally formed with the truck body structure (20, 120, 220, 320) and extends along the respective upper edge portion (8, 108, 208, 308) thereof; each reinforcement element (10, 110, 210) presents a lining protection portion (11 ) projecting inwardly beyond the inner surface (7, 107, 207, 307) of the main truck body structure (20, 120, 220, 320); said main lining (12, 112, 212, 312) having respective upper lining edges (13) which are located directly under the respective lining protection portions (11 ); each reinforcement element (10, 110, 210) extends in a respective reinforcement element plane (P1 , P2) and is configured to both reinforce the main truck body structure (20, 120, 220, 320) as well as, by the lining protection portion (11 ), to form an upper lining protection for the main lining (12, 112, 212, 312).

2. The truck body (2, 100, 300) according to claim 1 , wherein each reinforcement element (10, 110, 210) has a reinforcement element extension (E1 , E2) within said respective reinforcement plane (P1 , P2) which is transverse to an extension (T1 , T2) of its associated upper edge portion (8, 108, 308), which reinforcement element extension (E1 , E2) is at least five times larger than a thickness (W1 ) of the upper lining edge (13).

3. The truck body (2, 100, 200, 300) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the respective reinforcement element planes (P1 , P2) are substantially parallel with each other.

4. The truck body (2, 100, 200, 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the main truck body structure (20, 120, 220, 320) comprises a bottom (15, 115, 215, 315) and two opposing side walls (6, 106, 206, 306) and wherein each of the opposing side walls (6, 106, 206, 306) presents a respective one of said upper edge portions (8, 108, 208, 308).

5. The truck body (2, 100, 200) according to claim 4, wherein each of the opposing side walls (6, 106, 206) follows a curved path along at least a part of an extension from the bottom (15, 115, 215) to its respective upper edge portion (8, 108, 208).

6. The truck body (2, 300) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein each of the opposing side walls (6, 306) follows a planar path along at least a part of an extension from the bottom (15, 315) to its respective upper edge portion (8, 308).

7. The truck body (100, 200, 300) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the bottom (115, 215, 315) follows a curved path along at least a part of an extension between the opposing side walls (106, 206, 306).

8. The truck body (2) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the bottom (15) follows a planar path along at least a part of an extension between the opposing side walls (6).

9. The truck body (2, 300) according to claim 4, wherein each side wall (6, 306) comprises a lower side portion (22, 322) which connects with the bottom (15, 315), wherein the lower side portion (22, 322) forms an oblique angle (V) with respect to the upper edge portion (8, 308) at an intersection between them.

10. The truck body (2, 300) according to claim 9, wherein the lower side portion (22, 322) connects with the bottom (15, 315) via a curved transition portion (23, 323).11 . The truck body (2, 100, 200, 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the lining protection portions (11 ) as well as the respective upper lining edges (13, 113, 213, 313) located thereunder project substantially perpendicularly to the inner surface (7, 107, 207, 307) of the main truck body structure (20, 120, 220, 320).

12. The truck body (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the reinforcement element (10) is divided into two or more reinforcement element units.

13. The truck body (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each reinforcement element (10) has a double-wall structure (10a, 10b) with a hollow interior (24).

14. The truck body (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front wall (5) also comprises a reinforcement element (25) which is integrally formed with the front wall (5) and extends along an upper edge portion (26) of the front wall (5).

15. A truck (1 ) comprising a truck body (2, 100, 200, 300) according to any one of the preceding claims.

16. A method for manufacturing a truck body (2, 100, 200, 300) having a front wall (5), a main truck body structure (20, 120, 220, 320) extending upwardly to respective upper edge portions (8, 108, 208, 308) at lateral sides (21 ) of the main truck body structure (20, 120, 220, 320) to prevent load from leaving the truck body (2, 100, 200, 300) laterally, and a main lining (12, 112, 212, 312), said method comprising: forming the main truck body structure (20, 120, 220, 320) with respective reinforcement elements (10, 110, 210), each of which is integrally formed with the main truck body structure (20, 120, 220, 320) and extends along a respective upper edge portion (8, 108, 208, 308) thereof, wherein each reinforcement element (10, 110, 210) extends in a respective reinforcement element plane (P1 , P2) and has a reinforcement element extension (E1 , E2) within said plane (P1 , P2) which is transverse to an extension (T1 , T2) of its associated upper edge portion (8, 108, 208, 308), such that the respective reinforcement element (10, 110, 210) presents a respective lining protection portion (11 ) projecting inwardly beyond an inner surface (7, 107, 207, 307) of the main truck body structure (20, 120, 220, 320) and such that the respective reinforcement elements (10, 110, 210) both reinforces the main truck body structure (20, 120, 220, 320) as well as, by its respective lining protection portion (11 ), forms a respective upper lining protection for the main lining (12, 112, 212, 312), and subsequently attaching the main lining (12, 112, 212, 312) on an inner surface (7, 107, 207, 307) of the main truck body structure (20, 120, 220, 320), said main lining (12, 112, 212, 312) comprising a plurality of elastomeric lining elements (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e) and having a respective upper lining edge (13, 113, 213, 313) being located directly under and protected by a respective one of the lining protection portions (11 ).

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein each reinforcement element extension (E1 , E2) is at least five times larger than a thickness (W) of the upper lining edge portion (13, 113, 213, 313).

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the step of forming the main truck body structure (20, 120, 220, 320) with the reinforcement elements (10, 110, 210) comprises: forming the respective reinforcement elements (10, 110, 210) to extend substantially along the entire length of the main truck body structure (20, 120, 220, 320) from the front wall (5) to a rear end (9) of the haul truck body (2, 100, 200, 300).

19. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the step of forming the main truck body structure with the reinforcement elements comprises: forming the reinforcement elements (10) so as to define a double-wall structure (10a, 10b) and a hollow interior (24).

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