Self-balancing single-axle dump truck

Abstract

The self-balancing single-axle dump truck includes a frame, a dump body pivotally mounted to the frame, and a single axle that supports at least the frame during movement of the self-balancing single-axle dump truck, the single axle including at least a first wheel and a second wheel, and a propulsion and self-balancing system having a first electric drive motor for driving at least the first wheel and a second electric drive motor for driving the second wheel.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 953,164, filed December 23, 2019, directed to a "Self-Balancing Single-Axle Dump Truck," and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 859,984, filed June 11, 2019, directed to a "Self-Balancing Single-Axle Dump Truck," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0002] The present invention relates to trucks, and in particular to dump trucks, such as off-road dump trucks used in mining or on-road or off-road dump trucks used in earth-moving applications. [Background technology]

[0003] A conventional dump truck includes a frame supported on at least two axles, at least the front axle including a steering system for varying the steering angle of the front wheels, and at least the rear axle including a propulsion system such as an electric drive motor.

[0004] Traditional dump trucks have a cab from which the driver controls the truck, but some also have an autonomous mode. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved concept for a dump truck, in particular an on-road or off-road dump truck, which may include higher operating efficiency, higher productivity, reduced maintenance costs, reduced cost per ton, and reduced complexity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] These and other objects may be achieved by embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a concept for a self-balancing single-axle truck.

[0008] In one aspect, the truck may have a single axle, and the loaded mass may be suspended above the axle. This concept may be based on an inverted pendulum design with suitable controls to maintain stability. The inherent reduction in components and structure required to span two vehicle axles may provide a high loaded-to-empty vehicle weight (EVW) ratio, resulting in higher operating efficiency, higher productivity, reduced maintenance costs, and reduced cost per ton. Additionally, complexity may be reduced.

[0009] In one aspect, steering may be achieved by wheel speed differential, so that the truck may have a zero turn radius for maneuverability and efficiency. Eliminating steering components previously required on trucks may reduce cost, weight, and complexity.

[0010] In one aspect, the truck can travel in either direction without preference to one to minimize the maneuvering and time required during the haul cycle during normal operation.

[0011] In one aspect, hydraulically or electrically actuated support legs can be used to provide a method of stabilizing a single-axle self-balancing truck, keeping the truck upright when needed. These legs require no energy once deployed, improving efficiency and reducing the operating costs of the truck.

[0012] In one aspect, the truck may be a dump truck with a dump body tiltably mounted on a frame, the lifting of which may be achieved using a hydraulic tilt cylinder arrangement.

[0013] In one aspect, the truck may be powered by a number of energy sources including diesel, electrochemical energy storage, capacitors, trolleys, and others or combinations thereof.

[0014] In one aspect, the truck can be controlled autonomously, eliminating the operator and operator comfort related features along with steering, suspension, and / or mainframe components that traditionally span two or more axles. This can create a simpler design with lower cost, less maintenance, faster haul cycles, higher payloads, higher productivity, and subsequently a lower cost per ton.

[0015] The autonomously controlled truck may use a pre-defined trajectory to move from a start position to an end position, and a vehicle control system may be provided that identifies the current position of the truck and controls the truck along the predetermined trajectory. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the functional components of an embodiment of a truck. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a control system for one embodiment of a truck. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a truck according to a first mechanical concept. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are a side view and a plan view, respectively, of a truck according to a first mechanical concept; [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a truck according to a first mechanical concept. [Figure 6] 1A, 1B, and 1C are (a) and (b) perspective and (c) side views of a truck with a dump body of a first mechanical concept in a raised position; [Figure 7] 1A, 1B, and 1C are a plan view, a perspective view, and a side view, respectively, showing a dump body of a truck according to a first mechanical concept. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a locking bracket for a support leg of the first mechanical concept. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a side view of the first mechanical concept, the truck traction concept. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a truck according to a second mechanical concept. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a truck according to a third mechanical concept. [Figure 12] 1A-1C illustrate the operation of a first embodiment of a method for operating a truck. [Figure 13] 5A-5C illustrate the operation of a second embodiment of a method for operating a truck. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B illustrate the operation of a third embodiment of a method for operating a truck. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B illustrate the operation of a fourth embodiment of a method for operating a truck. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] 1 and 2 show schematic diagrams of functional components and a control system for an embodiment of a self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1. Figures 3 to 11 show mechanical configuration aspects of an embodiment of a self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1.

[0018] The self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1 may include a frame 2 and a dump body 30 pivotally mounted on the frame 2. In particular, the dump body 30 may be disposed on the frame 2 with a horizontal tilt axis 31. The dump body 30 may have material piled thereon, shown diagrammatically as a pile 74. Lifting of the dump body 30 may be achieved by at least one lifting actuator 33. Lifting the dump body allows material contained therein to slide out of the dump body. In one embodiment, at least one hydraulic cylinder 33 may be provided for lifting the dump body 30.

[0019] The self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1 further comprises a single axle 3 that supports at least the frame 2 during movement of the self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1, and the single axle 3 may further comprise a propulsion and self-balancing system that comprises at least a first wheel 4 and a second wheel 5, and a first electric drive motor 6 for driving at least the first wheel 4 and a second electric drive motor 7 for driving the second wheel 5. The mass of the self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1 may be suspended above the single axle in both empty and loaded conditions.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1 may further include a steering control system 19 configured to control the first electric drive motor 6 and the second electric drive motor 7 and steer the single-axle dump truck 1 according to the wheel speed difference between the first wheel 4 and the second wheel 5.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the steering control system may be configured to control the first electric drive motor and the second electric drive motor to rotate in opposite rotational directions.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1 may further include a self-balancing control system including a sensor 21 and a controller 20 configured to control the first electric drive motor 6 and the second electric drive motor 7 in response to signals received from the sensor 21 to control the first electric drive motor 6 and the second electric drive motor 7 and level the single-axle dump truck 1 in a balanced attitude. In one embodiment, the sensor 21 may be one or a combination of several sensors: an accelerometer, an inclinometer, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, a rotary encoder for wheel angular velocity and position, a radar / LIDAR for ground detection, a GPS for heading / speed / position, a pressure transducer for measuring payload mass, a linear encoder for measuring support leg position, and an autonomous control-related sensor. According to one embodiment, the sensor may be an inertial measurement unit (IMU).

[0023] In one embodiment, the controller 20 may be a microcomputer that includes a microprocessor unit, input / output ports, an electronic storage medium for executable programs (e.g., executable instructions), and non-transitory read-only memory. The controller may be coupled to various components of the vehicle system via communication channels or data buses.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the controller 20 of the self-balancing control system may be configured to process the sensor output of the sensor 21 to determine the self-balancing inclination of the single-axle dump truck and control the first electric drive motor 6 and the second electric drive motor 7 to maintain the inclination at the desired inclination.

[0025] The desired inclination may be a balanced inclination determined by the self-balancing of the single-axle dump truck, depending on the load distribution associated with the self-balancing of the single-axle dump truck. In particular, the balanced inclination may be determined so that the center of gravity is located over the single axle, maintaining the single-axle dump truck in a balanced state. The load distribution may change during vehicle operation, which may result in an equivalent change in the balanced inclination. This may be because the dump body of the truck is unevenly loaded with a load. During empty operation, the load distribution may change due to refuse collected on the truck, load remaining in the dump body after a dump operation, or fuel usage.

[0026] The balanced tilt may be determined based on other sensor data, such as the dump body upper wheel angular velocity and / or load cells, to determine the load state of the dump body. The vehicle control system can control the first electric drive motor 6 and the second electric drive motor 7 to maintain the tilt at a balanced tilt when angular acceleration about a single axle is not required.

[0027] The maximum balance tilt allowed by the vehicle control system may be greater than 2° in both directions, greater than 4° in both directions, or greater than 5° in both directions. The maximum balance tilt allowed by the vehicle control system may be less than 20° in both directions, less than 12° in both directions, or less than 8° in both directions.

[0028] The desired inclination may also be an angular acceleration determined by self-balancing the single-axle dump truck based on the angular acceleration of the single axle required to accelerate the single-axle dump truck and / or self-balance the single-axle dump truck on a sloped terrain. In particular, if angular acceleration about the single axle is required, the angular acceleration may be determined so that the center of gravity is located in front of or behind the single axle to generate angular acceleration about the single axle that counteracts the angular acceleration generated by the drive motor to accelerate the single-axle dump truck and / or self-balance the single-axle dump truck on a sloped terrain.

[0029] The maximum angular acceleration allowed by the vehicle control system may be greater than 10° in both directions, greater than 15° in both directions, or greater than 20° in both directions. The maximum angular acceleration allowed by the vehicle control system may be less than 40° in both directions, less than 35° in both directions, or less than 30° in both directions.

[0030] In one embodiment, the self-balancing control system can be configured to control the first electric drive motor and the second electric drive motor to vary the slope on the single-axle dump truck depending on at least one of an acceleration of the self-balancing single-axle dump truck and a grade of ground traversed by the self-balancing single-axle dump truck.

[0031] In one embodiment, the self-balancing control system may be configured to cause the dump truck to lean towards the driving direction during positive acceleration and lean away from the driving direction during deceleration.

[0032] In one embodiment, the self-balancing control system may be configured to tilt in the direction of the positive gradient, i.e., toward the hill side, when the dump truck is traversing terrain having a slope.

[0033] In one embodiment, the self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1 may further comprise a control system 10 for controlling the single-axle dump truck 1 in an autonomous mode.

[0034] In one embodiment, the control system 10 may be configured to remotely communicate with a central mission controller 100 to receive missions and autonomously control the single axle dump truck 1 along the missions.

[0035] In one embodiment, the frame may be configured without a cab for a driver, so that when in operation the single axle dump truck 1 can always operate in autonomous mode or by remote control.

[0036] In one embodiment, the self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1 may further include a support leg 34 arranged on the frame and at least one actuator 36 for lowering the support leg 34 to at least a first support position that at least partially supports the frame 2, and for raising the support leg 34 to at least one drive position in which the frame 2 is supported only by the single axle 3.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the actuator 36 can be configured to lower the support leg 34 to a second support position in which at least one of the first wheel 4 and the second wheel 5 of the single axle 3 is raised above the ground.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the at least one actuator 36 may comprise a locking bracket 37 for mechanically locking the support leg 34 in at least one support position. The actuator 36 may be, for example, a hydraulic actuator or an electric actuator.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1 may further include a control system 18 for controlling at least one actuator 36, and the control system 18 is configured to change the height position (altitude position) of the support leg 34 during operation.

[0040] In one embodiment, the control system for controlling the at least one actuator is configured to vary the height position of the support leg 34 depending on at least one of the acceleration of the self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1 and the grade of the ground being driven over by the single-axle dump truck 1.

[0041] In one embodiment, the control system for controlling the at least one actuator 36 is configured to vary the height position of the support leg 34 to maintain the distance of the support leg relative to the ground within and / or within an acceptable distance. In one embodiment, any acceptable distance outside of the acceptable distance and / or range of acceptable distances may be greater than 10 centimeters or greater than 25 centimeters.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the single-axle dump truck 1 has at least one front support leg 34 and at least one rear support leg 34 .

[0043] In one embodiment, the control system for controlling the at least one actuator 36 is configured to position the at least one front support leg 34 at a first height position and the at least one rear support leg 34 at a second height position different from the first height position.

[0044] In one embodiment, the control system for controlling the at least one actuator 36 may be configured to raise the support legs to a non-ground contacting drive position at the start of a propulsion operation and to maintain the support legs in a non-ground contacting state during normal propulsion operation.

[0045] In one embodiment, the control system for controlling the at least one actuator 36 can be configured to lower the support legs on at least one longitudinal side of the single-axle dump truck when the self-balancing control system is unable to maintain balance of the single-axle dump truck by controlling the drive motors, particularly in emergency situations.

[0046] In one embodiment, the support legs 34 are provided with leg skids 35 .

[0047] In one embodiment, the support legs 34 are provided with caster wheels 92 .

[0048] According to one embodiment, the self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1 may further include, as a primary power source, an engine 11 and an alternator 12 driven by the engine 11 to generate electrical energy for driving the first electric drive motor 6 and the second electric drive motor 7.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the engine 11 may be a diesel engine.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the output shaft 13 of the engine 11 may be mechanically coupled to a parasitic load 14, such as a hydraulic pump, a ventilator, and / or a cooling system. The mechanical coupling 15 may be provided, for example, via at least one of a belt drive, a direct coupling, a gearbox, a drive shaft, and a direct coupling spline connection.

[0051] In one embodiment, the self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1 may include a battery as a primary power source for supplying electric energy for driving the first electric drive motor and the second electric drive motor. The self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1 may be configured as a battery electric vehicle (BEV), i.e., without an engine.

[0052] In one embodiment, the self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1 may further include an electrical storage system 16 for storing electrical energy to provide extra power to the first electric drive motor 6 and the second electric drive motor 7 for mass balancing operations.

[0053] In one embodiment, the self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1 may further include an energy control system 17 configured to use the maximum allowable power from the engine 11 and / or battery for propulsion of the self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1 in full power mode, and to provide extra power for unexpected mass balance events from at least one of the power storage system 16 and the power reserve of the engine 11 and / or battery in full power mode.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the maximum allowable power from engine 11 may be the maximum available power from operation of engine 11. In alternative embodiments, the maximum allowable power from engine 11 may be less than the maximum available power from operation of engine 11.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the electrical storage system 16 may include an ultracapacitor.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1 may further include an electric retarder coupled to the first electric drive motor 6 and the second electric drive motor 7 for braking the single-axle dump truck 1 at least in a first braking mode, the electric retarder being configured to operate the alternator 12 as an engine using the electric energy generated by the first electric drive motor 6 and the second electric drive motor 7, and the alternator 12 being configured to drive at least one parasitic power consumption source 14 of the single-axle dump truck 1 during braking.

[0057] Alternatively, or in addition, the electric retarder may be configured to use the electrical energy generated by the first electric drive motor 6 and the second electric drive motor 7 during braking to power a parasitic power consumption source 28 via an auxiliary inverter 27.

[0058] Alternatively, or in addition, the electric retarder may be configured to convert the electrical energy generated by the first electric drive motor 6 and the second electric drive motor 7 into heat via the brake chopper 29 and the grid box 22.

[0059] In one embodiment of the self-balancing single axle dump truck 1 , the wheel bearings of the first wheel 4 and the second wheel 5 are rigidly mounted on the frame 2 .

[0060] In one embodiment, the wheel bearings may be provided by rotary bearings on the output shafts of the first electric drive motor 6 and the second electric drive motor 7 and / or by rotary bearings on the output shafts of the first gear 8 and the second gear 9 driven by the first electric drive motor 6 and the second electric drive motor 7.

[0061] In one embodiment of the self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1, the first electric drive motor 6 and the second electric drive motor 7 are each rigidly mounted on the frame 2. The mounting may be direct or via respective gears.

[0062] In one embodiment of the self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1, the first gear 8 and the second gear 9 are each rigidly mounted on the frame 2. The first electric drive motor 6 may be mounted on the first gear 8, and the second electric drive motor 7 may be mounted on the second gear 9, and the first gear 8 and the second gear 9 may be rigidly mounted on each frame 2.

[0063] In one embodiment, the first wheel 4 is rigidly attached to the output shaft of the first electric drive motor 6 or to the output shaft of a first gear 8 rigidly attached to at least one of the frame 2 and the first electric drive motor 6, and the second wheel 5 is rigidly attached to the output shaft of the second electric drive motor 7 or to the output shaft of a second gear 9 rigidly attached to at least one of the frame 2 and the second electric drive motor 7.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the output shaft of at least one of the gears 8, 9 may be provided on a gear outer casing 80, 90. According to one embodiment, a tire 40, 50 of at least one of the first and second wheels may be mounted on the gear outer casing 80, 90.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1 may further comprise a first gear 8 connected to the first electric drive motor 6 and a second gear 9 connected to the second electric drive motor 7. Furthermore, the self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1 may comprise a first tire 40 on the first wheel 4 and a second tire 50 on the second wheel 5, the first wheel 4 being mounted on a casing 80 of the first gear forming an output shaft of the first gear, and the second wheel 5 being mounted on a casing 90 of the second gear 8 forming an output shaft of the second gear 8.

[0066] In an alternative embodiment, the wheel bearings of the first wheel and the second wheel may be attached to the frame via a suspension.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1 may further comprise a wireless controller 23 for controlling the single-axle dump truck 1, the wireless controller 23 allowing full loading / unloading control and limited propulsion control.

[0068] In one embodiment, the self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1 may further include a towing receptacle 55 for towing the single-axle dump truck. The towing receptacle 55 may be configured for insertion of a towing bolt and may include a vertical stop 56 for carrying the load of the self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1 if the self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1 is de-energized.

[0069] 10 and 11 show an alternative mechanical configuration of the support legs used to stabilize the dump truck, where the support legs are provided with caster wheels 92.

[0070] To this point, this application has been described with respect to a dump truck having a dump body pivotally mounted to a frame. However, the concepts of this application are not limited to use with dump trucks having a dump body pivotally mounted to a frame, but may be used in any truck application.

[0071] For example, in a second embodiment, a self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1 is provided, which includes a frame 2, roof rails 30 attached to the frame 2, and a propulsion and self-balancing system including a single axle 3 that supports at least the frame 2 during movement of the self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1, the single axle 3 including at least a first wheel 4 and a second wheel 5, at least a first electric drive motor 6 for driving the first wheel 4, and a second electric drive motor 7 for driving the second wheel 5. The self-balancing single-axle dump truck 1 may further include support legs 34 arranged on the frame 2, and at least one actuator 36 for lowering the support legs 34 to at least a first support position where they at least partially support the frame 2, and raising the support legs 34 to at least one drive position where the frame 2 is supported only by the single axle 3.

[0072] In the second embodiment, the bed may be rigidly mounted on the frame, and the second embodiment may otherwise have the same features as described above and below with respect to the dump truck embodiment.

[0073] Embodiments of methods for operating a self-balancing single-axle dump truck are shown in Figures 12-15. For example, instructions for implementing the methods shown in Figures 12-15 may be executed by a controller (such as controller 20, controller 100, and controller 23 shown in Figure 1) based on instructions stored on a memory of the controller and in conjunction with signals received from a sensor of the engine system, such as sensor 21 described above with reference to Figure 1. The control device may employ actuators of the self-balancing single-axle dump truck, such as actuators for lowering the support legs (such as actuator 36 and support leg 35 of Figure 3), to coordinate operation according to methods described below.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the method relates to operating a self-balancing single-axle dump truck comprising a frame, a dump body tiltably mounted on the frame, and a propulsion and self-balancing system, the propulsion and self-balancing system having at least a single axle that supports the frame during movement of the self-balancing single-axle dump truck, the single axle having at least a first wheel and a second wheel, and at least a first electric drive motor for driving the first wheel and a second electric drive motor for driving the second wheel.

[0075] In one embodiment, the method relates to operating a self-balancing single-axle dump truck as described above or below.

[0076] 12 shows a first embodiment of the method, which may include the following blocks S1 to S3.

[0077] Block S1 may include controlling a first electric drive motor and a second electric drive motor to generate a drive torque to drive a single axle dump truck.

[0078] Block S2 may include controlling the first electric drive motor and the second electric drive motor to generate a self-balancing torque combined with the drive torque to self-balance the single-axle dump truck. Block S2 may be performed simultaneously with Block S1, which drives the single-axle dump truck. Block S2 may, among other things, read sensor outputs and control the first electric drive motor and the second electric drive motor to generate a self-balancing torque based on the sensor outputs. The sensor outputs may be processed to determine a self-balancing inclination of the single-axle dump truck.

[0079] Block S3 may include steering the single-axle dump truck by controlling the first electric drive motor and the second electric drive motor to generate a wheel speed differential between the first wheel and the second wheel. Block S3 may be performed simultaneously with Block S1, which drives the single-axle dump truck in the first driving direction.

[0080] According to one embodiment, Block S3 can include controlling the first electric drive motor and the second electric drive motor to rotate in opposite rotational directions.

[0081] In a further embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the method may include the following blocks S4 to S7.

[0082] Block S4 includes a step of driving a single-axle dump truck, where the single-axle dump truck is supported on only a single axle. Block S4 can include blocks S1 to S3 as sub-blocks.

[0083] Block S5 may include stopping the single-axle dump truck. In particular, Block S5 may include stopping the single-axle dump truck by at least one of controlling the first and second electric drive motors and controlling the brakes. In particular, the first and second electric drive motors may be controlled to generate a braking torque, and the brakes may be controlled to apply a braking force to stop the single-axle dump truck.

[0084] Block S6 may include lowering the support legs into at least one support position that at least partially supports the frame.

[0085] Block S7 may include at least one of loading the dump body onto a single axle dump truck and unloading the single axle dump truck by tilting the dump body.

[0086] In a further embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the method may include the following blocks S8 to S11.

[0087] Block S8 may include driving the single-axle dump truck in a first driving direction by controlling the first electric drive motor and the second electric drive motor to rotate in a first angular direction. In particular, Block S8 may include driving the single-axle dump truck in the first driving direction from a loading position to a dumping position or from a dumping position to a loading position. The loading position and the dumping position may be defined by the mission.

[0088] In the embodiment of the present application, block S8 may include blocks S1 to S3 as sub-blocks.

[0089] Block S9 may include stopping the single-axle dump truck. In an embodiment of the present application, block S9 may include block S6 as a sub-block. Specifically, this embodiment may include lowering a support leg to at least one support position, where the support leg at least partially supports the frame before, during, or after the vehicle is stopped.

[0090] Block S10 can load the single axle dump truck by loading the dump body and / or unload the single axle dump truck by lifting the dump body.

[0091] Block S11 may include driving the single-axle dump truck in a second driving direction without turning. In particular, Block S11 may include driving the single-axle dump truck in a second driving direction opposite to the first driving direction by controlling the first electric drive motor and the second electric drive motor to rotate in a second angular direction opposite to the first angular direction.

[0092] In one embodiment, Block S11 may include driving a single axle dump truck in a second driving direction to a dump position or from a loading position to a dump position.

[0093] In the embodiment of the present application, the block S11 may include the blocks S1 to S3 as sub-blocks with the reversed moving direction. In particular, the embodiment may include raising the support leg to at least one moving position before, during, or after driving the single-axle dump truck in the second driving direction.

[0094] Disclosed below are methods for braking, stopping, re-accelerating, and starting a single-axle vehicle. These methods can be used, among other things, with a self-balancing single-axle dump truck that includes a frame, a dump body, and a single axle that supports at least the frame during movement of the self-balancing single-axle dump truck, the single axle having at least first and second wheels, and at least a first electric drive motor for driving the first wheel and a second electric drive motor for driving the second wheel. In one embodiment, the dump body can be fixedly or pivotally attached to the frame.

[0095] In one embodiment, the method relates to operating a self-balancing single-axle dump truck as described above or below.

[0096] These methods may be used independently of or as part of further methods disclosed in this application.

[0097] In one embodiment of the present application, braking or stopping the vehicle from a propulsive operation may include controlling the first and second drive motors to transition the vehicle from a propulsive state in which the vehicle is tilted from the longitudinal direction in a first direction, particularly in the direction of travel, to a braking state in which the vehicle is tilted from the longitudinal direction in a second direction, particularly backward, away from the direction of travel. This may be particularly the case when braking or stopping the vehicle from a propulsive operation in which the vehicle is traveling on flat and / or firm ground.

[0098] In one embodiment, this may include controlling the first and second drive motors to speed up and / or over-propel the vehicle in a forward direction in order to tilt the vehicle backward.

[0099] In one embodiment, when the vehicle is braking, particularly leaning backward and away from its initial direction of travel, the vehicle's speed is reduced by controlling the brakes to apply braking force and / or controlling the drive motors to reduce speed and / or applying braking torque to the wheels.

[0100] In a further embodiment of the present application, the step of re-accelerating the vehicle from a braking operation can include controlling the first and second drive motors to pass the vehicle from a braking state in which the vehicle is tilted away from the forward and rearward directions in a second direction, in particular away from the direction of travel, to a propulsion state in which the vehicle is tilted away from the forward and rearward directions in a first direction, in particular towards the direction of travel. This is particularly applicable when re-accelerating the vehicle from a braking operation in which the vehicle is traveling on flat and / or firm ground.

[0101] In one embodiment, this may include controlling the first and second drive motors and / or brakes to further slow and / or over-brake the vehicle to tilt the vehicle forward. In one embodiment, once the vehicle is in a propulsive state and only when it is leaning specifically towards the direction of travel, the vehicle speed is increased by controlling the drive motors to generate propulsive torque at the wheels.

[0102] In a further embodiment of the present application, starting the vehicle from a rest state can include controlling the first and second drive motors to move the vehicle away from forward and backward directions and into a propulsion state inclined in a first direction, particularly towards the direction of travel, which is particularly applicable when starting the vehicle on flat and / or firm ground.

[0103] In one embodiment, tilting the vehicle forward can include controlling the first and second drive motors to drive the vehicle in a direction opposite to the direction of travel. In one embodiment, the drive motors are controlled to propel the vehicle in the direction of travel only once the vehicle is in a propelled state and specifically leaning toward the direction of travel.

[0104] 15 illustrates a further embodiment of a method that can be performed by a control system of a single-axle dump truck. The method can include blocks S12 and S13.

[0105] Block S12 may include receiving a mission from a central mission controller, which may be a mine site controller that provides missions to the plurality of autonomously controlled dump trucks.

[0106] Block S13 may include autonomously controlling a single-axle dump truck along the mission.

[0107] In the embodiment of the present application, block S13 may include any of blocks S1 to S11 as a sub-block.

[0108] In particular, in one embodiment, block S13 may include blocks S1 to S3 as sub-blocks, and the method further includes a step of determining a position of the vehicle, and in block S3, the single-axle dump truck may be steered along a path defined by the mission by generating a wheel speed difference between the first wheel and the second wheel.

[0109] Furthermore, in one embodiment, block S13 may have blocks S8 to S11 as sub-blocks, where the first direction and second direction and the load position and dump position are defined by a mission received from a central mission controller.

[0110] In a further embodiment, the method may include manually controlling the single-axle dump truck using a wireless controller, such manual control being used, for example, to maneuver the single-axle dump truck into a parking position.

[0111] In one embodiment, the self-balancing single-axle dump truck may be used in mines for transportation purposes. In one embodiment, the self-balancing single-axle dump truck may have a payload of greater than 10, 50, 100, or 200 metric tons. In one embodiment, the single-axle dump truck may have a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of greater than 120, 100, 200, or 400 metric tons.

[0112] In one embodiment, the self-balancing single axle dump truck may be used in earthmoving applications.

[0113] In one embodiment, the self-balancing single-axle dump truck may have a payload of greater than 0.5 metric tons. In one embodiment, the self-balancing single-axle dump truck may have a payload of less than 50 metric tons.

[0114] In one embodiment, the single axle dump truck may have a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of greater than 0.5 metric tons.

[0115] Further details and embodiments of the self-balancing single-axle dump truck and a method of operating the self-balancing single-axle dump truck are described below.

[0116] In one embodiment, the single axle self-balancing truck may have a single axle 3 and a loaded mass may be suspended above the axle 3. The concept may be based on an inverted pendulum design with suitable controls to maintain stability.

[0117] The truck may have multiple support legs 34 that are hydraulically actuated and fully deployed when the truck is dumped, loaded, parked, or when otherwise needed for stability. In one embodiment, the truck may have four support legs 34. In alternative embodiments, the truck may have two or three support legs (see FIG. 11).

[0118] The support legs may be operated at a controlled height off the slope during a propulsion event to minimize drop height in the event of an unplanned event.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the truck may be powered by a diesel engine 11 that powers an AC electric drive system. The truck has a grid box 22 for dynamic braking and may also have active front end (AFE) functionality. In AFE mode, the drive motors 5, 6 can act as generators that convert braking energy into electricity. This electrical energy can be used to power the alternator / engine shaft 13 and provide power to the truck's parasitic power consumers 14. For stopping, the truck may utilize a dry disc brake system for weight and cost benefits.

[0120] Other configurations of single axle self-balancing trucks may use other energy source configurations such as trolleys, battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

[0121] In particular, in one configuration, the single-axle self-balancing truck may be a battery electric vehicle (BEV). In such a configuration, the single-axle self-balancing truck is provided with a battery that provides energy for the entire operation of the single-axle self-balancing truck. In particular, in such a configuration, the single-axle self-balancing truck may be configured without an engine. When the battery becomes depleted, it can be loaded while the single-axle self-balancing truck is inoperable, or it can be replaced with a full battery when depleted to allow the single-axle self-balancing truck to continue operating. The battery can be combined with an ultracapacitor to provide a self-balancing operation period and increased power for a short period of time.

[0122] The single-axle self-balancing truck may be an autonomous truck without a cab for an operator.

[0123] The single-axle self-balancing truck may be equipped with an ultracapacitor 16 that stores energy during braking operations and / or engine propulsion. The ultracapacitor 16 can meet potential sudden power requirements for suspended mass balance or other needs that the engine 11 and drive system may not be able to supply in the required time.

[0124] In a possible embodiment, the track comprises: A 50%-50% weight distribution under empty and loaded conditions on each wheel 4, 5 increases tire life; Bi-directional loading avoids rotation when loading or dumping, thus reducing cycle time; Having a zero turn radius for improved maneuverability; High payload to weight ratio for EVW improves fuel economy and reduces cost per ton; The simple design reduces maintenance and time loss, Since there is no suspension or steering, the number of mechanical and hydraulic parts is reduced. a single-axle self-balancing truck having a suspension in an alternative configuration; Fully autonomous trucks without a cab will reduce components and cost per ton; a wired / wireless controller 23 for driving and maneuvering to the repair shop; a towing receptacle 55 for moving the truck in a power loss or stuck condition; The suffix may include one or more of:

[0125] Details of the truck embodiment are described below.

[0126] -Frame composition- 5, the truck frame 2 can house the dump body 30, lifting cylinder 33, engine 11, fuel tank 42, alternator 12, hydraulic pump 44, hydraulic oil tank, radiator 45, support legs 34, drive motors 6, 7, ultracapacitor 16, and control cabinet 46. The control cabinet 46 can include autonomous packaging.

[0127] The gear drive provided by the combination of the electric drive motors 6, 7 and gears 8, 9 can be mounted directly to the frame 2, eliminating the need for traditional axle boxes. In an alternative embodiment, the electric drive motors 6, 7 can be mounted to the frame 2 via a suspension.

[0128] The truck frame may be made of steel. It may include welded and cast construction. The frame provides space for the installation and proper maintenance of the engine, hydraulics, and all necessary service activities.

[0129] The frame 2 can be configured so that its center of mass is at ground level higher than the level of the single axle 3, both when unloaded and when the dump body is loaded. This allows the tilt of the single axle dump truck to be utilized to absorb acceleration torque.

[0130] It should be noted that the frame 2 and dump body 30 may be configured so that the dump truck is balanced on a single axle, which may be applicable to at least one or both of the loading and unloading conditions of the dump truck.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the engine 11 may be positioned longitudinally between the tires 4 and / or vertically with its center of mass above the axle 3. In other configurations, the engine may be laterally, in front of or behind the single axle 3.

[0132] The frame 2 may include left and right side plate structures 81, 82. Each side plate structure 81, 82 may have on its outer side connection portions for the traction engines 6, 7, bearing points for the dump body 30, and bearing points for the lifting cylinders 33 of the dump body. Additionally, each of the side plate structures 81, 82 may have bearing points for the front and rear support legs 34 and corresponding cylinders 36.

[0133] The left side plate structures 81, 82 may be connected by a lower lateral beam 83 and an upper lateral beam 84. The engine 11 may be housed between the side plate structures and the lower lateral beam 83 and upper lateral beam 84.

[0134] In one embodiment, the side plate structures 81, 82 are each formed by two or three parallel plates connected by distance elements, the free ends of the plates carrying bearing points.

[0135] -Dump truck body- One embodiment of the dump body 30 is shown in FIG. 7. The dump body 30 is supported by the frame 2 about a horizontal tilt axis 31 and may be lifted by a hydraulic lifting cylinder 33. The lifting cylinder 33 is attached to the dump body at 32 and may be used to raise the dump body 30. When the dump body 30 is in the lowered position, the hydraulic cylinder 33 may not bear the load of the dump body 30 or the payload. Guides may be provided for lateral stability. Pads may be provided for load-bearing capacity in the lowered position.

[0136] The dump body 30 and payload may be above the frame and axle centerline. The resulting center of gravity of the assembly may be above the frame 2, which will control and balance the electric drive motors 6, 7 and structure.

[0137] The dumping process can only commence once the stabiliser legs 34 are deployed and the truck is in an essentially stable condition.

[0138] The dump body may be provided on both lateral sides with a roof portion 72 located above wheels 4 and 5. In an alternative configuration, wheels 4 and 5 may be located partially or completely under the bottom side of the dump body. In such a configuration, tires 40 and 50 are tucked under the dump body, potentially reducing the overall width of the design.

[0139] The dump body 30 can have a first vertical side wall 71 and a second vertical side wall 73. Also, in this embodiment, the first vertical side wall 71 and the second vertical side wall 73 can have different inclination angles α and α'. The first vertical side wall 71, having the smaller inclination angle α, can be positioned on the vertical side of the truck from which the dump body is emptied.

[0140] Dump trucks do not have a driver's cab, so there are no space requirements in either the front or rear, and no safety roof structure is required.

[0141] The dump body 30 may be filled with a cone-shaped pile 74 having an angle of repose β of 20° to 40°.

[0142] The dump body can have a capacity of more than 5 cubic meters and can hold at least 10 metric tons of material.

[0143] In alternative embodiments, the dump body may have a capacity of more than 0.5 cubic meters and may hold at least 0.5 metric tons of material.

[0144] -Support legs- The support legs 34 may be pivotally mounted to the frame 2. Lowering and raising may be provided by hydraulic cylinders 36.

[0145] 1 to 9 show an embodiment having four legs 34. Each leg 34 is provided with a leg skid 35. The leg skid 35 can be pivotally attached to the lower end of the support leg 34.

[0146] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, a front landing gear carrier 91 and a rear landing gear carrier 93 are provided as support legs, and each is lowered and raised by at least one hydraulic cylinder 36.

[0147] The front and rear landing gear carriers 91 and 93 each carry a wheel 92 for supporting the frame on the ground. The wheel 92 has a pivot that allows support of the frame on the ground during towing and hauling operations. The pivot may be configured without a steering system.

[0148] In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, four wheel carriers 34 are provided as support legs, and each wheel carrier is provided with a wheel 92. The wheels 92 have a pivot axis that allows the frame to be supported on the ground during towing and transporting operations. The pivot axis may be configured without a steering system.

[0149] In alternative configurations, two wheels and / or two wheel carriers may be provided on the front or rear side, and one wheel and / or one wheel carrier on the other side.

[0150] -tire- Each tire may support at least 10, 20, or 50 metric tons. In one embodiment, each tire may support a load of more than 100 metric tons. In an alternative embodiment, each tire may support at least 0.5 metric tons. In one embodiment, each tire may support a load of more than 1 metric ton. The tires may provide springs and some minimal damping, thereby acting as a suspension for the truck. In one embodiment, there is no separate suspension on the truck. In an alternative embodiment, a suspension may be provided.

[0151] -Engine / Power- Trucks may use diesel engines. The engine may have more than 10 pistons or more than 16 pistons. It may have a total volume of more than 20 liters. The engine may be equipped with an SCR exhaust gas aftertreatment system and may comply with EPA CARB Tier 4 emissions regulations. The engine may be capable of multiple fuel injections at pressures greater than 1000 bar. The engine may be the primary power source. The engine may drive an alternator, which generates electrical energy to drive the drive motor.

[0152] In an alternative configuration, the single-axle self-balancing truck may be a battery electric vehicle (BEV), in which case the single-axle self-balancing truck is provided with a battery as a primary power source.

[0153] In addition to the engine or battery, the truck may also have an ultracapacitor module.

[0154] The ultracapacitors may be charged by engine, battery, and / or brake energy. The ultracapacitors can power the truck for short periods of time for stability requirements. The ultracapacitors can provide a faster power response time compared to a diesel engine and alternator assembly or battery that may be required for truck stability.

[0155] In one embodiment, power from the ultracapacitor may be used to provide the self-balancing torque necessary to self-balance a single-axle dump truck. In particular, power from the ultracapacitor can be used when the engine or battery is unable to provide the power needed for self-balancing. This may be due to insufficient maximum engine or battery power and / or an inability to increase engine or battery power quickly enough.

[0156] A hydraulically driven engine fan or a belt driven engine fan configuration may be used.

[0157] -Hydraulic system- According to one embodiment, the hydraulic pump 44 can be mounted behind the alternator 12, mechanically connected without a gear reduction. In a BEV configuration, the hydraulic pump may be driven by a separate electric engine. Additionally, the hydraulic system can be partially or completely replaced by an electric system.

[0158] Within a truck there may be several hydraulic accumulators to accommodate the hydraulic requirements for braking and undercarriage actuation. Other hydraulic systems include gear oil cooling, control cabinet cooling, blowers (if hydraulic), engine fans (if hydraulic), etc. Hydraulic manifolds may be provided to accommodate the above requirements to divert flow as needed.

[0159] The support legs 34 may be hydraulically actuated, as shown in Figure 6. The hydraulic system for the support legs 34 is configured with sufficient actuation rate to maintain a predetermined height above the ground. In an alternative configuration, the support legs may be driven by electric actuators.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the support legs can lift the truck for tire or wheel drive maintenance. During this jacking state by the support legs 34, the support leg actuators, such as the support leg cylinders 36 or electric actuators, can be locked out to prevent unwanted movement of the truck. A locking bracket 37 used for this purpose is shown in Figure 9.

[0161] To operate the truck in jack mode, a selection must be activated on the wired or wireless remote control interface that ensures the sequence of actions required to jack up the truck.

[0162] -Parasitic load configuration- In addition to the propulsion power requirements, in one embodiment, parasitic power on the truck may be provided by the engine 11. The kinetic energy of the truck during the delay time can also be utilized to power these parasitic loads 14, 28 using AFE functionality. Table 2 below shows estimated parasitic power for typical propulsion conditions.

[0163] -Drive system- The high-level drive system configuration is shown in Figure 2. A control system and AC drive system with direction-switchable traction motors 6 and 7 can be used to ensure truck stability. The traction motors 6 and 7 can be controlled by power stacks 25 and 26.

[0164] The drive system can function in AFE mode.

[0165] Two drive motors 6, 7 propel the truck's wheels, one for each wheel 4, 5. The traction motors should be provided with sufficient torque to propel the truck, absorb braking forces, and maintain stability under normal operating conditions. Ultracapacitors 16 can power the drives in case of sudden requirements for balancing suspended frame components or other requirements.

[0166] The alternator 13 can convert the mechanical power of the engine 11 into electrical power and supply it to the DC bus 24. It also acts as a traction motor, driving the engine 11 in AFE mode. During the delay, the drive motors 6, 7 act as generators, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. This energy is used to operate the engine 11 and alternator 12 according to the requirements of the parasitic loads 14. During AFE mode, the engine may be de-energized, reducing fuel consumption. If there is any unused braking power that cannot be absorbed by the parasitic loads 14 or 28, it will be dissipated in the grid box 22.

[0167] - Infrastructure - Towing operations may be specially designed for trucks because trucks have mass suspended above their axles.

[0168] As shown in Figure 9, the truck may have an additional towing support 55 designed to allow a standard tow truck 57 with a towing pin 58 to be used for towing and recovery.

[0169] This component is used to lift the truck on either side. A retention mechanism 56 can be provided to hold the tow pin 55 in a balanced position with limited weight on the pin.

[0170] Before commencing a towing operation, the truck may be in a "legs down" position and the dump body may be empty. Once the pin 58 is held, hydraulic pressure may then be activated to raise the support legs 34 to the towing position.

[0171] All stored energy may be locked out to completely disable the track. In the rest position, the support legs are extended. This can be with the tires on the ground, off the ground, or in a jacked-up position. To close the support leg hydraulic cylinder, a bracket 37 is provided that applies a load to the piston rod 91 and mechanically maintains the cylinder 36 in the extended position. This bracket 37 can be made of a non-damaging material, and regular installation will not damage the piston seal surface. Figure 10 shows an example of the mechanism in the locked-out state.

[0172] A wired or wireless radio control interface box for the radio controller 23 may be included to allow manual operation of the truck. The wired connection should be long enough to allow safe operation of the truck. Features should include full hydraulic control and limited propulsion control.

[0173] -brake- The truck may have dry disc brakes with grid boxes 22 to dissipate braking energy. The brake discs are mounted inside the truck and are capable of rotating at armature speed. The truck may also be equipped with AFE functionality. The brakes generate energy in the traction motor / generator, which, as described above, is utilized to operate the alternator / engine shaft 13 to run the accessories and parasitic loads on the truck. Under these conditions, the engine may bleed fuel in an attempt to reduce engine speed. This reduces fuel consumption and operating costs. If energy from the brakes is not needed in the AFE, it may be absorbed in the grid boxes 22.

[0174] AFE braking can be used as a primary means of slowing the truck, and the braking system can meet the relevant safety and redundancy standards associated with autonomous driving.

[0175] -suspension- The truck may have no suspension, reducing the number of parts and thereby reducing maintenance costs. The tires on the truck can act as a suspension due to their spring and limited damping effect. There may be no operator aboard the truck. Because there is no operator, force damping requirements arise solely from stability and structural needs.

[0176] In the second embodiment, a standard suspension is used.

[0177] -tank- Fuel tanks can be designed to allow trucks to operate for 24 hours without refueling.

[0178] -Automatic lubrication- In a design that essentially eliminates many of the joints that traditionally require lubrication on haul trucks, the use of sealed bushings may eliminate the need for an automatic lubrication system. Many of the joints rotate very little and very infrequently, making this type of bushing feasible. If deemed necessary, the automatic lubrication system can be hydraulically driven.

[0179] -Access / Exit / Handrails- In embodiments without a cab, there is no operator ladder. One or more service ladders or stairs may be attached to the truck's legs 34. The stairs descend with the truck's legs 34 and may have handrails if desired. The service ladders or stairs should provide access to the truck's major components. Walkways are considered for reaching low-interval maintenance areas.

[0180] -Low voltage electricity- The operator interface box may be located in an accessible, protected, and shielded location and may include one or more of the following: a wired remote control interface port, a diagnostic port, a battery disconnect, a propulsion inhibit, limited hydraulic functionality in maintenance mode, an HMI screen, autonomous function diagnostics, and other necessary functions.

[0181] The wiring for communication cables and other important signals is designed with sufficient space to reduce the effects of electromagnetic interference (EMI) from high-power cables. A 24V DC charging alternator may be used. The wiring harness is designed for resistance spraying and can be adapted for spray pressure washing.

[0182] -Load weighing system- A separate load weighing system may be provided. The truck may be equipped with sensors to ascertain the mass and position of the load. This information may be provided for control functions.

[0183] A separate payload weighing system may be provided in an embodiment without a suspension and in an embodiment with a suspension.

[0184] -Driver's cab- In one embodiment, the truck may not have a cab, and in particular, as noted above, the truck may be autonomous and not include a cab for an operator.

Claims

1. The frame and a dump body tiltably attached to the frame; a propulsion and self-balancing system that supports the frame during movement of at least the self-balancing single-axle dump truck, the propulsion and self-balancing system including a single axle having at least first and second wheels, the single axle having at least a first electric drive motor for driving the first wheel and a second electric drive motor for driving the second wheel; A self-balancing single-axle dump truck comprising:

2. a steering control system configured to control the first electric drive motor and the second electric drive motor and to steer the self-balancing single-axle dump truck according to a wheel speed difference between the first wheel and the second wheel.

10. The self-balancing single-axle dump truck of claim 1.

3. the steering control system is configured to control the first electric drive motor and the second electric drive motor to rotate in opposite rotational directions; 3. The self-balancing single-axle dump truck of claim 2.

4. a self-balancing control system; A sensor, a controller configured to level the self-balancing single-axle dump truck in a balanced attitude by controlling the first electric drive motor and the second electric drive motor in response to signals received from the sensors.

10. The self-balancing single-axle dump truck of claim 1.

5. the self-balancing control system is configured to control the first electric drive motor and the second electric drive motor such that the balance attitude varies depending on at least one of an acceleration of the self-balancing single-axle dump truck and a grade of a ground surface traversed by the self-balancing single-axle dump truck.

5. The self-balancing single-axle dump truck of claim 4.

6. a control system for controlling the self-balancing single-axle dump truck in an autonomous mode; the control system is configured to remotely communicate with a central mission controller to receive a mission and control the self-balancing single-axle dump truck along the mission; 10. The self-balancing single-axle dump truck of claim 1.

7. The frame is configured without a cab for a driver, 7. The self-balancing single axle dump truck of claim 6.

8. a support leg pivotally attached to the frame; an actuator for at least one of lowering the support legs to at least a first support position at least partially supporting the frame, and raising the support legs to at least one drive position in which the frame is supported by only a single axle; Further provided with 10. The self-balancing single-axle dump truck of claim 1.

9. the actuator is configured to lower the support leg to a second support position in which at least one of the first wheel and the second wheel of the single axle is lifted off the ground.

9. The self-balancing single-axle dump truck of claim 8.

10. The actuator includes a locking bracket for mechanically locking the support leg in at least one first support position.

9. The self-balancing single-axle dump truck of claim 8.

11. A control system for controlling the actuator, The control system is configured to change the height position of the support legs during operation.

9. The self-balancing single-axle dump truck of claim 8.

12. the control system for controlling the actuator is configured to vary the height position of the support leg depending on at least one of an acceleration of the self-balancing single-axle dump truck and a grade of ground traveled by the self-balancing single-axle dump truck; 12. The self-balancing single axle dump truck of claim 11.

13. the control system for controlling the actuators is configured to change the height position of the support legs to maintain a distance of the support legs relative to the ground within and / or at an acceptable distance.

12. The self-balancing single axle dump truck of claim 11.

14. The support legs are provided with at least one of caster wheels and leg skids.

9. The self-balancing single-axle dump truck of claim 8.

15. As a primary power source, an engine and an alternator driven by the engine for generating electrical energy to drive the first electric drive motor and the second electric drive motor; a battery that provides electrical energy to drive the first electric drive motor and the second electric drive motor; and further comprising at least one of:

10. The self-balancing single-axle dump truck of claim 1.

16. an electrical storage system that stores electrical energy to provide excess power to the first and second electric drive motors for mass balancing operations; Further comprising:

16. The self-balancing single axle dump truck of claim 15.

17. in a full power mode, using a maximum allowable propulsive power from at least one of an engine and a battery for propulsion of the self-balancing single-axle dump truck; an energy control system configured to provide excess power for unexpected mass balance events from at least one of a power storage system and an engine and / or battery power reserve in the full power mode. Further comprising:

16. The self-balancing single axle dump truck of claim 15.

18. further comprising an electric retarder coupled to the first electric drive motor and the second electric drive motor for braking the self-balancing single-axle dump truck in at least a first braking mode; the electric retarder is configured to run the vehicle using electric energy generated by the first electric drive motor and the second electric drive motor to power an alternator; the alternator is configured to drive at least one parasitic power consumer of the self-balancing single-axle dump truck during braking; 10. The self-balancing single-axle dump truck of claim 1.

19. Wheel bearings of the first wheel and the second wheel are rigidly attached to the frame.

10. The self-balancing single-axle dump truck of claim 1.

20. the first electric drive motor and the second electric drive motor are each rigidly mounted to the frame; the first wheel is rigidly attached to an output shaft of the first electric drive motor or an output shaft of a first gear connected to the first electric drive motor; the second wheel is rigidly attached to the output shaft of the second electric drive motor or to the output shaft of a second gear connected to the second electric drive motor; 20. The self-balancing single axle dump truck of claim 19.

21. Wheel bearings of the first wheel and the second wheel are attached to the frame via suspensions.

10. The self-balancing single-axle dump truck of claim 1.

22. further comprising a wireless controller for controlling the self-balancing single-axle dump truck; The wireless controller allows full loading / unloading control and limited propulsion control; 10. The self-balancing single-axle dump truck of claim 1.

23. a towing receptacle for towing the self-balancing single-axle dump truck; 10. The self-balancing single-axle dump truck of claim 1.

24. The frame and a load carrying section tiltably mounted on the frame; a single axle supporting the frame during movement of at least the self-balancing single-axle dump truck, the single axle including at least a first wheel and a second wheel, and at least a first electric drive motor for driving the first wheel and a second electric drive motor for driving the second wheel; a propulsion and self-balancing system including support legs disposed on the frame, actuators for lowering at least the support legs to at least a first support position at least partially supporting the frame, and actuators for raising the support legs to at least one drive position where the frame is supported only by the single axle; Self-balancing single axle dump truck including:

25. 1. A method for operating a self-balancing single-axle dump truck comprising: a frame; a dump body pivotally mounted on the frame; and a propulsion and self-balancing system, the method comprising: the propulsion and self-balancing system supporting the frame during at least movement of the self-balancing single-axle dump truck; at least a first wheel and a second wheel; a single axle having at least a first electric drive motor for driving the first wheel and a second electric drive motor for driving the second wheel; The method comprises: driving the self-balancing single-axle dump truck by controlling the first electric drive motor and the second electric drive motor to generate a drive torque; generating a self-balancing torque combined with the drive torque on the self-balancing single-axle dump truck while the self-balancing single-axle dump truck is traveling to self-balance the self-balancing single-axle dump truck; steering the self-balancing single-axle dump truck by controlling the first electric drive motor and the second electric drive motor to generate a wheel speed differential between the first wheel and the second wheel during operation of the self-balancing single-axle dump truck; A method comprising:

26. a stopping step of the self-balancing single-axle dump truck; lowering support legs pivotally attached to the frame to at least one support position at least partially supporting the frame; loading and unloading the dump body of at least one of the self-balancing single-axle dump trucks; and lifting and unloading the dump body.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising:

27. driving the self-balancing single-axle dump truck in a first driving direction from one of a load position and a dump position of a dump mission to the other of the load position and the dump position by controlling the first electric drive motor and the second electric drive motor to rotate in a first angular direction; A stopping process of a self-balancing single-axle dump truck; loading the self-balancing single-axle dump truck by loading the dump body or unloading the self-balancing single-axle dump truck by lifting the dump body; driving the self-balancing single-axle dump truck back to a dump position or a load position in a second driving direction opposite the first driving direction by controlling the first electric drive motor and the second electric drive motor to rotate in a second angular direction opposite the first angular direction without turning; 26. The method of claim 25, further comprising:

28. receiving a mission from a central mission controller; and autonomously controlling the self-balancing single-axle dump truck along the mission.

26. The method of claim 25.

29. further comprising manually controlling the self-balancing single-axle dump truck using a remote control device.

29. The method of claim 28.

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