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WO2001053141B1 - Off-highway off-road dump truck - Google Patents

Off-highway off-road dump truck

Info

Publication number
WO2001053141B1
WO2001053141B1 PCT/US2001/001926 US0101926W WO0153141B1 WO 2001053141 B1 WO2001053141 B1 WO 2001053141B1 US 0101926 W US0101926 W US 0101926W WO 0153141 B1 WO0153141 B1 WO 0153141B1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
strut
truck
modules
frame
axis
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2001/001926
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2001053141A1 (en
Inventor
Edward S Kress
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Kress Corp
Original Assignee
Kress Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kress Corp filed Critical Kress Corp
Priority to CA002398818A priority Critical patent/CA2398818A1/en
Priority to AU31019/01A priority patent/AU3101901A/en
Publication of WO2001053141A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001053141A1/en
Publication of WO2001053141B1 publication Critical patent/WO2001053141B1/en
Priority to US10/198,777 priority patent/US20020175009A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K7/00—Disposition of motor in, or adjacent to, traction wheel
    • B60K7/0007—Disposition of motor in, or adjacent to, traction wheel the motor being electric
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K17/00—Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles
    • B60K17/04—Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing
    • B60K17/043—Transmission unit disposed in on near the vehicle wheel, or between the differential gear unit and the wheel
    • B60K17/046—Transmission unit disposed in on near the vehicle wheel, or between the differential gear unit and the wheel with planetary gearing having orbital motion
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D7/00—Steering linkage; Stub axles or their mountings
    • B62D7/02—Steering linkage; Stub axles or their mountings for pivoted bogies
    • B62D7/04—Steering linkage; Stub axles or their mountings for pivoted bogies with more than one wheel
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D7/00—Steering linkage; Stub axles or their mountings
    • B62D7/06—Steering linkage; Stub axles or their mountings for individually-pivoted wheels, e.g. on king-pins
    • B62D7/14—Steering linkage; Stub axles or their mountings for individually-pivoted wheels, e.g. on king-pins the pivotal axes being situated in more than one plane transverse to the longitudinal centre line of the vehicle, e.g. all-wheel steering
    • B62D7/15—Steering linkage; Stub axles or their mountings for individually-pivoted wheels, e.g. on king-pins the pivotal axes being situated in more than one plane transverse to the longitudinal centre line of the vehicle, e.g. all-wheel steering characterised by means varying the ratio between the steering angles of the steered wheels
    • B62D7/1509—Steering linkage; Stub axles or their mountings for individually-pivoted wheels, e.g. on king-pins the pivotal axes being situated in more than one plane transverse to the longitudinal centre line of the vehicle, e.g. all-wheel steering characterised by means varying the ratio between the steering angles of the steered wheels with different steering modes, e.g. crab-steering, or steering specially adapted for reversing of the vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2300/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of vehicle
    • B60G2300/02—Trucks; Load vehicles
    • B60G2300/026—Heavy duty trucks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2300/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of vehicle
    • B60G2300/07—Off-road vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2300/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of vehicle
    • B60G2300/37—Vehicles having steerable wheels mounted on a vertically moving column
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K7/00—Disposition of motor in, or adjacent to, traction wheel
    • B60K2007/0038—Disposition of motor in, or adjacent to, traction wheel the motor moving together with the wheel axle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K7/00—Disposition of motor in, or adjacent to, traction wheel
    • B60K2007/0092—Disposition of motor in, or adjacent to, traction wheel the motor axle being coaxial to the wheel axle

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Arrangement And Driving Of Transmission Devices (AREA)
  • Arrangement Or Mounting Of Propulsion Units For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

A normally off-highway off-road dump truck is disclosed. The truck has a frame with a forward end and a rearward end. The rearward end of the frame is supported by at least two wheels coupled to part of the frame. The truck also has a forward strut support coupled to the frame near the forward end. The truck has at least first and second struct modules coupled to the forward strut support. The first and second strut modules each have an independent steering mechanism and at least one wheel and tire assembly. Each of the first and second strut modules can also have one or more motors for driving a respective wheel and tire assembly independent of each other wheel and tire assembly of that strut module and of the other strut module.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS
[received by the International Bureau on 16 July 2001 (16.07.2001); new claims 2-88 added, original claim 1 unchanged (24 pages)]
a steering mechanism adapted to rotate the steer tube and spindle assembly relative to the strut housing of each strut module independent of the other strut modules; and an air cooling system constructed and arranged to pass ambient air at least through part of the motors to dissipate heat from the at least one drive motor.
2. A truck comprising: a frame; a forward strut support coupled to the frame; first and second strut modules coupled to the forward strut support; a rear strut support coupled to the frame; third and fourth strut modules coupled to the rear strut support, wherein each of the strut modules is steerable and each of the strut modules includes a tire mounted thereon.
3. A truck as defined in claim 2, wherein each of the tires is mounted to the corresponding strut module via a non-oscillating spindle.
4. A truck as defined in claim 2, wherein each of the strut modules is steerable through more than approximately 110° in each direction.
5. A truck as defined in claim 2, wherein each of the tires of each of the strut modules is independently driven by a motor.
6. A truck as defined in claim 5, wherein each of the motors driving the tires is mounted in a corresponding one of the spindles.
7. A truck as defined in claim 5, further comprising an internal combustion engine for supplying power to the motors.
8. A truck as defined in claim 2, wherein the first and second strut modules are rotatably mounted to the forward strut support, and the third and fourth strut modules are rotatably mounted to the rear strut support.
9. A truck as defined in claim 2, wherein at least the first strut module is provided with a steering mechanism comprising: at least one steering arm operatively coupled to the first strut module; and at least one hydraulic cylinder operatively coupled to the at least one steering arm.
10. A truck as defined in claim 9, wherein at least the first strut module comprises: a steer tube; and a scissors link coupling the steer tube to the spindle of the first strut module.
11. A truck as defined in claim 2, further comprising a plurality of linear transducers in communication with a control device, the linear transducers being located and the control device being configured to coordinate movement of the first, second, third and fourth strut modules.
12. A truck as defined in claim 2, wherein at least the first strut module comprises: a steer tube; and a scissors link coupling the steer tube to the spindle of the first strut module.
13. A truck as defined in claim 2, further comprising: a dump cylinder; and a dump body mounted for selectively pivoting the dump body from a carry position to a dump position.
14. A truck as defined in claim 13, wherein the dump cylinder is mounted between the first and second strut modules normally forward of the tires of the first and second strut modules.
15. A truck as defined in claim 14, wherein the dump cylinder is positioned to avoid interference with the tires of the first and second strut modules during steering of the first and second strut modules.
16. A truck as defined in claim 13, wherein the dump body rests upon the first, second, third and fourth strut modules to substantially eliminate inducement of stress forces in the frame by the dump body being located in the carry position.
17. A truck as defined in claim 2, wherein each of the strut modules is independently steerable.
18. A truck as defined in claim 2, wherein, when generating a side load force by turning about a point, the tires of the first and third strut modules absorb the side load force approximately equally to thereby substantially eliminate torsion forces in the frame.
19. A truck as defined in claim 2, wherein the frame assembly is an I-shaped frame and the frame is a central frame section arranged perpendicular to the front strut support and rear strut support.
20. A truck comprising: a frame having a forward end and a rearward end; at least two rear wheels coupled to a portion of the frame and supporting the rearward end of the frame; at least first and second strut modules, the first and second strut modules coupled to the frame near the forward end wherein each of the strut modules includes; a strut assembly oriented having an upper end, a lower end, and a strut axis, the strut assembly having a strut housing affixed at the upper end to part of the truck frame concentric with the strut axis and having a steer tube arranged to rotate about the strut axis relative to the strut housing; a spindle assembly defining a wheel rotation axis and being carried at the lower end of the strut assembly for co-rotation with the steer tube about the strut axis, the spindle assembly constructed for damped movement along the strut axis relative to the truck frame; at least one front wheel supported for rotation about the wheel rotation axis; a steering mechanism adapted to rotate the steer tube and spindle assembly relative to the strut housing; and an air cooling system constructed and arranged to direct ambient air to portions of the strut for dissipating heat from the strut portions.
21. A truck as defined in claim 20, further comprising: a pair of oppositely disposed spindles extending from each of the spindle assemblies, each spindle being rotatable about the wheel rotation axis; and a wheel supported on each spindle of each strut module.
22. A truck as defined in claim 21, wherein the air cooling system directs ambient air through a portion of each spindle.
23. A truck as defined in claim 20, further comprising: at least one drive motor associated with each of the spindle assemblies operable to rotate the corresponding wheel about the wheel rotation axis to drive the truck, wherein the at least one drive motor of each spindle assembly is operable independently.
24. A truck as defined in claim 23, wherein the air cooling system directs ambient air through at least part of each drive motor to dissipate heat from each of the drive motors.
25. A truck as defined in claim 21 , further comprising: a drive motor associated with each spindle of each strut module and being operable to rotate the corresponding wheel about the wheel rotation axis to drive the truck, wherein each drive motor is operable independently.
26. A truck as defined in claim 20, wherein the steering mechanism of the first and the second strut modules further comprises: a mechanical linkage coupled to the frame and to both of the first and second strut modules for steering the first and second strut modules in concert with one another and for steering the wheels of the spindle assemblies in an Ackerman steering geometry.
27. A truck as defined in claim 20, wherein the steering mechanism of each of the first and second strut modules further comprises: a pair of discrete mechanical linkages coupled to the frame, each linkage coupled to a respective one of the first and the second strut modules for steering the first and second strut modules independent of one another.
28. A truck as defined in claim 20, wherein power is applied to the rear wheels to drive the truck.
29. A truck as defined in claim 20, wherein power is applied to the front wheels to drive the truck.
30. A truck as defined in claim 20, further comprising: a plurality of control lines for each of the first and second strut modules each having first ends coupled to and movable with the corresponding spindle assembly and having second ends coupled to a fixed portion of the truck, the control lines for operating various characteristics of the respective strut module, wherein the plurality of control lines for each of the first and second strut modules are routed so as to permit both the damped movement of the corresponding spindle assembly and the maximum rotation of the corresponding steer tube and spindle assembly relative to the strut housing.
31. A truck as defined in claim 30, wherein each of the first and second strut modules further comprises: at least one drive motor for drivingly rotating a portion of the respective spindle assembly about the wheel rotation axis for driving the truck, wherein a portion of the plurality of control lines are electric cables for operating the at least one motor.
32. A truck as defined in claim 31 , further comprising: a pair of motor control boxes, one each mounted to a fixed portion of the truck near a corresponding one of the first and second strut modules, wherein the second ends of the electric cables are coupled to the respective motor control box; and a pair of loops formed near the second ends in the control lines of each of the first and second strut modules, each pair of loops routed within an enclosed chamber of the corresponding motor control box to permit the maximum rotation of the steer tube and the spindle assembly.
33. A truck as defined in claim 30, further comprising: oil cooled disc brakes for controlling rotation of the portion of each spindle assembly that rotates about the wheel axis, wherein a portion of the control lines for each of the first and second strut modules are hydraulic lines for operating the oil cooled disc brakes.
34. A truck as defined in claim 33, wherein each of the first and second strut modules further comprises: at least one hydraulic line for operating a parking brake of the oil cooled disc brakes and at least one hydraulic line for operating a service brake of the oil cooled disc brakes.
35. A truck as defined in claim 34, wherein each of the first and second strut modules further comprises: a plurality of brake fluid cooling lines as part of the hydraulic lines for dissipating heat from brake fluid, wherein the air cooling system directs ambient air over at least the brake fluid cooling lines to dissipate heat from the brake fluid within the cooling lines.
36. A truck comprising: a frame having a forward end and a rearward end; at least two rear wheels coupled to a portion of the frame and supporting the rearward end of the frame; at least first and second strut modules, the first and second strut modules coupled to the frame near the forward end, wherein each of the strut modules includes;
50 a strut assembly oriented having an upper end, a lower end, and a strut axis, the strut assembly having a strut housing affixed at the upper end to part of the truck frame concentric with the strut axis and having a steer tube arranged to rotate about the strut axis relative to the strut housing; a spindle assembly defining a wheel rotation axis and being carried at the lower end of the strut assembly for co-rotation with the steer tube about the strut axis, the spindle assembly constructed for damped movement along the strut axis relative to the truck frame; at least one front wheel supported for rotation about the wheel rotation axis; a steering mechanism adapted to rotate the steer tube and spindle assembly relative to the strut housing; and at least one drive motor supported by part of the spindle assembly and arranged to rotate the at least one wheel for driving the truck.
37. A truck as defined in claim 36, wherein each of the first and second strut modules further comprises: a pair of oppositely disposed spindles extending from the corresponding spindle assembly, each spindle being rotatable about the wheel rotation axis; a pair of wheels one each supported on a respective one of the spindles; and a pair of drive motors one each associated with a respective one of the spindles and being operable to rotate the corresponding wheel about the wheel rotation axis to drive the truck, wherein each drive motor is operable independently.
51
38. A truck as defined in claim 36, an air cooling system constructed and arranged to direct ambient air through portions of the at least one drive motor of each of the first and second strut modules for dissipating heat from the drive motors.
39. A truck as defined in claim 36, further comprising: a plurality of control lines for each of the first and second strut modules each having first ends coupled to and movable with the corresponding spindle assembly and having second ends coupled to a fixed portion of the truck, the control lines for operating various characteristics of the respective strut module, wherein the plurality of control lines for each of the first and second strut modules are routed so as to permit both the damped movement of the corresponding spindle assembly and the maximum rotation of the corresponding steer tube and spindle assembly relative to the strut housing.
40. A truck as defined in claim 39, wherein a portion of the plurality of control lines for each of the first and second strut modules are electric cables for operating the respective at least one motor.
41. A truck as defined in claim 40, further comprising: a pair of motor control boxes, one each mounted to a fixed portion of the truck near a corresponding one of the first and second strut modules, wherein the second ends of the electric cables are coupled to the respective motor control box; and a pair of loops formed near the second ends in the control lines of each of the first and second strut modules, each pair of loops routed within an enclosed chamber of the
52 corresponding motor control box to permit the maximum rotation of the steer tube and the spindle assembly.
42. A truck as defined in claim 41 , further comprising: oil cooled disc brakes for controlling rotation of the portion of each spindle assembly that rotates about the wheel axis, wherein a portion of the control lines for each of the first and second strut modules are hydraulic lines for operating the oil cooled disc brakes and include at least one hydraulic line for operating a parking brake of the oil cooled disc brakes and at least one hydraulic line for operating a service brake of the oil cooled disc brakes.
43. A truck as defined in claim 36, wherein the steering mechanism of the first and the second strut modules further comprises: a mechanical linkage coupled to the frame and to both of the first and second strut modules for steering the first and second strut modules in concert with one another and for steering the wheels of the spindle assemblies in an Ackerman steering geometry.
44. A truck as defined in claim 36, wherein the steering mechanism of each of the first and second strut modules further comprises: a pair of discrete mechanical linkages coupled to the frame, each linkage coupled to a respective one of the first and the second strut modules for steering the first and second strut modules independent of one another.
53
45. A truck as defined in claim 36, wherein power is also applied to the rear wheels to assist in driving the truck.
46. A dump truck comprising: a frame having a longitudinal axis; a dump body pivotally mounted on the frame for selectively pivoting from a carry position to a dump position; and strut modules mounted to the frame, each strut module including at least one tire and being steerable such that the truck can be driven in parallel to the longitudinal axis and can also be driven substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, such that the dump body can be pivoted from the carry position to the dump position when the strut modules are arranged for driving in parallel with the longitudinal axis and the dump body can be pivoted from the carry position to the dump position when the strut modules are arranged for driving perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis.
47. A dump truck as defined in claim 46, wherein the truck can be positioned for dumping without backing up the truck.
48. A dump truck as defined in claim 46, further comprising four such strut modules, one each arranged generally at a corner of a wheelbase of the truck.
49. A dump truck comprising: a frame having a longitudinal axis;
54 a dump body pivotally mounted on the frame for selectively pivoting from a carry position to a dump position; and strut modules mounted to the frame, the strut modules including tires and being steerable such that the truck can be driven in parallel to the longitudinal axis and can also be driven substantially peφendicularly to the longitudinal axis, the dump truck being operative for rear dumping wherein the dump body is pivoted through an arc from the carry position to the dump position and further being operative for side dumping wherein the dump body is pivoted through the arc from the carry position to the dump position.
50. A method of operating a dump truck having a frame with a longitudinal axis, a dump body pivotally mounted to the frame, and a plurality of strut modules mounted to the frame for steering the truck, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) driving the truck forward to a position parallel to a dump location;
(b) turning the strut modules to drive the truck perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the frame;
(c) driving the truck in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis to locate the truck in the dump location; and
(d) pivoting the dump body to a dump position.
51. A method as defined in claim 50, wherein steps (a) - (d) are performed without driving the truck backwards in parallel to the longitudinal axis.
52. A strut module for a truck having a truck frame, the strut module comprising:
55 a strut assembly oriented having an upper end, a lower end, and a strut axis, the strut assembly having a strut housing affixed at the upper end to part of the truck frame concentric with the strut axis and having a steer tube arranged to rotate about the strut axis relative to the strut housing; at least one spindle assembly defining a wheel rotation axis and being carried at the lower end of the strut assembly for co-rotation with the steer tube about the strut axis, the spindle assembly constructed for damped movement along the strut axis relative to the truck frame; at least one wheel and tire assembly mounted for rotation about the wheel rotation axis; at least one drive motor carried by the strut assembly for drivingly rotating the at least one wheel and tire assembly about the wheel rotation axis; and a steering mechanism adapted to independently rotate the steer tube and spindle assembly relative to the strut housing.
53. A strut module as defined in claim 51 , further comprising: a scissors link having a first and a second link arm each with a proximal and a distal end, the proximal end of the first link arm pivotally coupled to part of the steer tube, the proximal end of the second link arm pivotally coupled to part of the spindle assembly, and the distal ends of the first and second link arms pivotally coupled to one another, the first and second link arms arranged so that the respective proximal ends can move with the damped movement of the spindle assembly.
56
54. A strut module as defined in claim 52, further comprising: a scissors link interconnecting the spindle assembly and the steer tube permitting damped movement of the spindle assembly along the strut axis relative to the strut housing while substantially preventing relative rotation between the spindle assembly and the steer tube about the strut axis.
55. A strut module as defined in claim 52, further comprising: a plurality of hydraulic lines having first ends coupled to the spindle assembly and second ends coupled to a portion of the truck; a plurality of electric wires having first ends coupled to the spindle assembly and second ends coupled to a portion of the truck; and wherein the electric wires and hydraulic lines are routed and are of sufficient length to accommodate movement of the spindle assembly and rotation of the steer tube.
56. A strut module as defined in claim 52, wherein the wheel rotation axis is arranged generally peφendicular to the strut axis.
57. A strut module as defined in claim 56, wherein the strut axis is generally vertically oriented relative to the truck frame.
58. A strut module as defined in claim 52, wherein the strut housing is concentrically received within the steer tube.
57
59. A strut module as defined in claim 58, wherein the steering mechanism further comprises: a steering link affixed to the steer tube for co-rotation about the strut axis, the steering link having first and second steer arms extending from the steer tube; and first and second length extendable cylinders each having a fixed end pivotally coupled to a part of the truck frame and an extendable end pivotally coupled to a respective one of the steer arms, the extendable ends movable relative to the fixed ends in concert to rotate the steer tube about the strut axis.
60. A strut module as defined in claim 59, further comprising: a pressure sensor adapted to coordinate movement of the steer cylinders to a torque of the motors.
61. A strut module as defined in claim 59, wherein the extendable cylinders are each a hydraulically actuated cylinder.
62. A strut module as defined in claim 61, further comprising: a valve adapted to change a fluid flow direction when a line of force of the cylinder passes through the rotation axis of the strut.
63. A strut module as defined in claim 52, further comprising: a pair of the wheel and tire assemblies carried by the spindle assembly for rotation about the wheel rotation axis; and
58 a pair of the motors each for independently rotating a respective one of the pair of wheel and tire assemblies.
64. A strut module as defined in claim 63, wherein the wheel and tire assemblies and motors are carried one each on separate spindles on opposite sides of the strut assembly.
65. A strut module as defined in claim 64, wherein the spindle assembly further comprises: a spindle housing coupled to the lower end of the strut assembly, wherein the pair of opposed wheel spindles extend from the spindle housing, each being drivable by the corresponding motor for rotation about the wheel rotation axis.
66. A strut module as defined in claim 65, wherein each drive motor is housed within a respective one of the spindles for independently driving a respective one of the wheel and tire assemblies.
67. A strut module as defined in claim 52, further comprising: an air cooling system arranged to pass air through the at least one motor to dissipate heat from the motor.
68. A strut module for a truck having a frame, the strut module comprising: a strut assembly oriented having an upper end, a lower end, and a strut axis, the strut assembly having a strut housing affixed at the upper end to part of the truck frame concentric
59 with the strut axis and having a steer tube arranged to rotate about the strut axis relative to the strut housing through an angle of at least about 90 degrees in each direction from a nominal position; a spindle assembly defining a wheel rotation axis and being carried at the lower end of the strut assembly for co-rotation with the steer tube about the strut axis, the spindle assembly constructed for damped movement along the strut axis relative to the truck frame; and a plurality of control lines having first ends coupled to and movable with the spindle assembly and having second ends coupled to a fixed portion of the truck, the control lines for operating various characteristics of the strut module, wherein the plurality of control lines are routed so as to permit both the damped movement of the spindle assembly and the maximum rotation of the steer tube and spindle assembly relative to the strut housing.
69. A strut module as defined in claim 68, further comprising: at least one drive motor for drivingly rotating a portion of the spindle assembly about the wheel rotation axis, wherein a portion of the plurality of control lines are electric cables for operating the at least one motor.
70. A strut module as defined in claim 69, further comprising: a motor control box mounted to a fixed portion of the truck, wherein the second ends of the electric cables are coupled to the motor control box.
71. A strut module as defined in claim 68, further comprising:
60 first and second loops formed in the control lines near the second ends and routed to permit the maximum rotation of the steer tube and the spindle assembly.
72. A strut module as defined in claim 68, further comprising: a scissors link interconnecting the spindle assembly and the steer tube permitting damped movement of the spindle assembly along the strut axis relative to the strut housing while substantially preventing relative rotation between the spindle assembly and the steer tube about the strut axis, wherein the plurality of control lines are routed over an exterior of the scissors link and are of sufficient length to accommodate both the damped movement of the spindle assembly and the maximum rotation of the steer tube and spindle assembly.
73. A strut module as defined in claim 68, further comprising: oil cooled disc brakes for controlling rotation of the portion of the spindle assembly that rotates about the wheel axis, wherein a portion of the control lines are hydraulic lines for operating the oil cooled disc brakes.
74. A strut module according to claim 73, further comprising: at least one hydraulic line for operating a parking brake of the oil cooled disc brakes and at least one hydraulic line for operating a service brake of the oil cooled disc brakes.
75. A strut module according to claim 73, further comprising: a plurality of brake fluid cooling lines as part of the hydraulic lines for dissipating heat from brake fluid; and
61 an air cooling system arranged to pass air over at least the brake fluid cooling lines to dissipate heat from the brake fluid within the cooling lines.
76. A strut module as defined in claim 68, further comprising: an enclosed chamber mounted near the top of the strut assembly wherein the upper end of the steer tube passes through a part of the enclosed chamber, the plurality of control lines looped within the enclosed chamber to permit the maximum rotation of the steer tube.
77. A strut module for a truck having a frame, the strut module comprising: a strut assembly oriented having an upper end, a lower end, and a strut axis, the strut assembly having a strut housing affixed at the upper end to part of the truck frame concentric with the strut axis and having a steer tube arranged to rotate about the strut axis relative to the strut housing; a spindle assembly having a pair of spindles extending oppositely therefrom and defining a wheel rotation axis, the spindle assembly being carried at the lower end of the strut assembly for co-rotation with the steer tube about the strut axis, the spindle assembly constructed for damped movement along the strut axis relative to the truck frame; a pair of spaced apart wheel and tire assemblies each supported on a separate one of the spindles and rotatable about the wheel rotation axis; a pair of motors one each cooperating with a respective one of the spindles for drivingly rotating the corresponding wheel and tire assembly; oil cooled disc brakes associated with each spindle; and
62 an air cooling system arranged to pass ambient air through at least part of the motors and a portion of the oil cooled disc brakes to dissipate heat from each.
78. A strut module as defined in claim 77, further comprising: an inlet duct positioned between the pair of wheel and tire assemblies arranged to deliver ambient air to the motors and the oil cooled disc brakes; and an outlet duct positioned between the pair of wheel and tire assemblies arranged to deliver air from the motors and the oil cooled disc brakes.
79. A strut module as defined in claim 78, further comprising: a fan disposed within the inlet duct; and a motor for operating the fan.
80. A strut module as defined in claim 78, further comprising: an air cleaner disposed within the inlet duct.
81. A strut module for a truck having a frame, the strut module comprising: at least one tire; a shock absorbing portion for permitting damped relative movement between the at least one tire and the frame along a strut axis; a steerable portion for rotating the tire about the strut axis; and an air cooling system for collecting and directing air over cooled portions of the strut module to dissipate heat therefrom.
63
82. A strut module as defined in claim 81 , wherein the air cooling system further comprises: an inlet duct positioned to collect air and direct the air to the cooled portions of the strut module.
83. A strut module as defined in claim 82, further comprising: an outlet duct arranged for directing heated air from the cooled portions of the strut module.
84. A strut module as defined in claim 81 , further comprising: at least one fan assembly for forcing ambient air through the air cooling system
85. A strut module as defined in claim 81, wherein the cooled portions of the strut module include at least one motor mounted for driving the at least one tire.
86. A strut module as defined in claim 81, wherein the cooled portions of the strut module include at least one hydraulic brake fluid line for operating brakes of the strut module.
87. A truck comprising: a frame; a forward strut support coupled to the frame; a rear strut support coupled to the frame;
64 first and second strut modules coupled to the forward strut support; third and fourth strut modules coupled to the rear strut support, wherein each of the strut modules includes; a strut assembly oriented having an upper end, a lower end, and a strut axis, the strut assembly having a strut housing affixed at the upper end to part of the truck frame concentric with the strut axis and having a steer tube arranged to rotate about the strut axis relative to the strut housing; a spindle assembly having a pair of oppositely disposed spindles extending from a spindle housing and defining a wheel rotation axis, the spindle assembly being carried at the lower end of the strut assembly for co-rotation with the steer tube about the strut axis, the spindle assembly constructed for damped movement along the strut axis relative to the truck frame; a pair of wheel and tire assemblies, one each supported by a respective one of the spindles for rotation about the wheel rotation axis; a pair of drive motors, one each associated with each of the spindles for drivingly rotating the respective wheel and tire assembly about the wheel rotation axis; a steering mechanism adapted to rotate the steer tube and spindle assembly relative to the strut housing of each strut module independent of the others strut modules; and an air cooling system constructed and arranged to pass ambient air through at least part of the motors to dissipate heat from each motor.
88. A truck comprising : a frame having a forward end and a rearward end;
65 at least two rear wheels coupled to a portion of the frame and supporting the rearward end of the frame; a forward strut support coupled to the frame near the forward end; at least first and second strut modules, the first and second strut modules coupled to the forward strut support, wherein each of the strut modules includes; a strut assembly oriented having an upper end, a lower end, and a strut axis, the strut assembly having a strut housing affixed at the upper end to part of the truck frame concentric with the strut axis and having a steer tube arranged to rotate about the strut axis relative to the strut housing; a spindle assembly having a pair of oppositely disposed spindles extending from a spindle housing and defining a wheel rotation axis, the spindle assembly being carried at the lower end of the strut assembly for co-rotation with the steer tube about the strut axis, the spindle assembly constructed for damped movement along the strut axis relative to the truck frame; a pair of wheel and tire assemblies, one each supported by a respective one of the spindles for rotation about the wheel rotation axis; a pair of drive motors, one each associated with each of the spindles for drivingly rotating the respective wheel and tire assembly about the wheel rotation axis; a steering mechanism adapted to rotate the steer tube and spindle assembly relative to the strut housing of each strut module independent of the other strut modules; and an air cooling system constructed and arranged to pass ambient air at least through part of the motors to dissipate heat from each motor.
66
PCT/US2001/001926 2000-01-20 2001-01-19 Off-highway off-road dump truck Ceased WO2001053141A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002398818A CA2398818A1 (en) 2000-01-20 2001-01-19 Off-highway off-road dump truck
AU31019/01A AU3101901A (en) 2000-01-20 2001-01-19 Off-highway off-road dump truck
US10/198,777 US20020175009A1 (en) 2000-01-20 2002-07-19 Off-highway off-road dump truck

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US17714700P 2000-01-20 2000-01-20
US60/177,147 2000-01-20
US75670301A 2001-01-10 2001-01-10
US09/756,703 2001-01-10
US75884401A 2001-01-11 2001-01-11
US09/758,844 2001-01-11

Related Child Applications (1)

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US10/198,777 Continuation US20020175009A1 (en) 2000-01-20 2002-07-19 Off-highway off-road dump truck

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WO2001053141A1 WO2001053141A1 (en) 2001-07-26
WO2001053141B1 true WO2001053141B1 (en) 2001-11-22

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JP7348093B2 (en) 2020-01-27 2023-09-20 ダイムラー トラック エージー Drive unit for electric trucks
JP7422551B2 (en) * 2020-01-27 2024-01-26 ダイムラー トラック エージー electric truck
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PE20020088A1 (en) 2002-02-13
CA2398818A1 (en) 2001-07-26
WO2001053141A1 (en) 2001-07-26

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