WO2009050747A2

WO2009050747A2 - Earth moving machine

Info

Publication number: WO2009050747A2
Application number: PCT/IT2007/000724
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matteo Magrin
Original assignee: Komatsu Utility Europe SpA
Current assignee: Komatsu Utility Europe SpA
Priority date: 2007-10-17
Filing date: 2007-10-17
Publication date: 2009-04-23
Anticipated expiration: 2010-04-17
Also published as: WO2009050747A3

Abstract

An earth moving machine comprises a chassis (3) on which at least working means (4) are mounted, forward movement means (5) for moving the machine on the ground and a control position (1). The control position (1) comprises a cushioned supporting element (10) associated with the chassis (3) on which a seat (11) is mounted, as well as means (12) for driving the earth moving machine (2) operatively connected to the forward movement means (5) and means (13) for operating the working means (4). There is also at least one control console (14) bearing at least part of the operating means (13) and having a portion (15) for connection to the chassis (3) and an operating portion (16) positioned close to the seat (11). There is at least one shock absorber (17) inserted between the connecting portion (15) of the control console (14) and the chassis (3).

Description

Earth moving machine

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an earth moving machine of the type with a chassis on which at least working means are mounted (such as arms, articulated or not articulated, supporting loading shovels, buckets or other means), forward movement means for moving the machine on the ground (such as engine-driven tracks or wheels) and a control position (which may or may not be enclosed in a cab).

Background Art hi accordance with the prior art, the control position usually comprises a seat for the operator connected to the earth moving machine chassis by means of a cushioned supporting element. In this way, the stresses affecting the machine chassis do not affect the operator's body with anything more than damped intensity. The operator sitting on the seat has access to earth moving machine driving means operatively connected to the forward movement means, as well as having access to means for operating the working means.

The present invention relates both to machines equipped with a single working device such as excavators, scrapers, etc., and to machines equipped with more than one working device, such as backhoe loaders.

Whilst in machines equipped with a single working device the operating means are positioned close to the driving means to allow use of the device during earth moving machine movements, in machines equipped with more than one working device the seat can rotate between various operating positions in which the operator can access different operating means associated with the various working devices. In particular, in the case of the backhoe loader, the seat can rotate between a front position in which the operator can use first operating means connected to the front loading shovel arm, and a rear position in which the operator can use second operating means connected to the rear articulated arm.

Moreover, the operating means usually comprise both control elements (such as controllers, push-buttons, etc.) and check elements (such as warning lights, screens, level indicators, etc.).

The various components of the operating means are mounted differently in the control position.

Most of the operating means are usually mounted on fixed dashboards positioned around the seat. This is the case in particular for warning lights, screens, level indicators, etc., as well as for the controls which normally require a sporadic on/off check (headlight switch on, movement of stabiliser feet, etc.). In contrast, the controllers and other operating means directly associated with them (push-buttons and indicators for frequent if not continuous use) are normally an exception.

Depending on the embodiments, controllers may be mounted either directly on the seat armrests, or on control consoles fixed to the machine chassis around the seat (for example as described in patents US 6,564,896 and EP 1 627 962 relative to the controls of the backhoe of a backhoe loader).

However, such solutions have several disadvantages, since they are not able to guarantee real ergonomics for the operator.

In the case of the solution using controllers associated with the seat, the main disadvantage is the fact that the distance between the armrests and the controllers cannot be adjusted.

In the case of controllers mounted on control consoles, the main disadvantage is vibrations and stresses which, during use, affect the controllers and tend to cause fatigue in the operator's arms, neck and back. Moreover, in all of the embodiments described, the operator's eyesight is also fatigued by the need to check the part of the operating means positioned on the fixed dashboards. Due to the above-mentioned vibrations and stresses, the operator's seat is continuously moving relative to the dashboards.

Disclosure of the Invention

In this situation, the technical purpose which forms the basis of the present invention is to provide an earth moving machine which overcomes the above- mentioned disadvantages.

In particular, the technical purpose of the present invention is to provide an earth moving machine which guarantees the operator the possibility of the best adjustment of the position of the various parts and minimises operator fatigue.

Secondly, the present invention also has for a technical purpose to provide an earth moving machine in which even the operator's eyesight is less stressed than in prior art machines. The technical purpose specified and the aims indicated are substantially achieved by an earth moving machine as described in the claims herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Further features and advantages of the present invention are more apparent in the detailed description below, with reference to several preferred, non-limiting embodiments of an earth moving machine, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view with some parts cut away to better illustrate others, of a first control position made in accordance with the present invention in an operating condition;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the control position of Figure 1 in a non- operating condition;

Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view with some parts cut away to better illustrate others, of a second control position made in accordance with the present invention in an operating condition; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the control position of Figure 3 in a non- operating condition;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a third control position made in accordance with the present invention, able to operate both as the position of Figure 1 and the position of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a detail of the control position of Figure 5; and

Figure 7 is a side view of an earth moving machine to which the present invention may be applied.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes as a whole a control position of an earth moving machine 2 made in accordance with the present invention. As shown for example in Figure 7, the earth moving machine 2 in general comprises a chassis 3 on which at least working means 4 are mounted, forward movement means 5 for moving the machine on the ground and a control position 1.

Figure 7 in particular illustrates the case in which the earth moving machine 2 consists of a backhoe loader having a cab 6 enclosing the control position 1 , and two working arms 7, a rigid front arm 7 supporting the loading shovel, and an articulated rear arm 7 supporting a bucket. The forward movement means 5 consist of wheels driven by an engine (of the known type and therefore not illustrated). To facilitate operation of the backhoe the machine also comprises stabiliser feet 8 (one of which is illustrated in the raised position).

Figures 1 to 5 schematically illustrate various types of control positions 1 which can be used with the backhoe loader of Figure 7.

In particular, Figures 1 and 2 show the part of the control position 1 relative to use of the backhoe. In contrast, in said figures for clarity the control means relative to the front loading shovel have been removed, as have the vehicle driving means (of which, for spatial reference only regarding the orientation of the front part of the earth moving machine 2, only the steering wheel 9 is illustrated). hi contrast, Figures 3 and 4 show the part of the control position 1 relative to use of the front loading shovel. In this case, the backhoe control means are not illustrated, which, depending on requirements, may take the form illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 or another form.

Finally, Figure 5 shows the preferred embodiment of the control position 1 specifically for the backhoe loader. It is a control position 1 which can be used both for controlling the front loading shovel and for controlling the rear arm 7. hi light of the above, the control positions 1 of Figures 1 to 4 may be used both as control positions 1 for earth moving machines 2 in which the working means 4 comprise a single working device positioned, respectively at the front (Figures 3 and 4) and at the rear (Figures 1 and 2) of the machine, or for earth moving machines 2 with more than one working device. In the latter case, the control position 1 must be complete with the control means of the additional devices. hi turn, the control position 1 of Figure 5 illustrates an example of a control position 1 intended for machines in which the working means 4 comprise more than one independent working device. hi accordance with the present invention, the control position 1 comprises first a cushioned supporting element 10 associated with the chassis 3, on which a seat 11 is mounted. In this way, the seat 11 is cushioned relative to the chassis 3, thanks to the supporting element 10.

Close to the seat 11 there are means 12 for driving the earth moving machine 2 operatively connected to the forward movement means 5. There are also means 13 for operating the working means 4. In particular, at least part of the operating means 13 are positioned on at least one control console 14 which has a portion 15 for connection to the chassis 3 and an operating portion 16 positioned close to the seat 11. In accordance with the present invention, inserted between the connecting portion 15 of the control console 14 and the chassis 3 there is at least one shock absorber 17 designed to damp the transmission of vibrations and shocks from the chassis 3 to the operating means 13 of the working means 4 during use.

In the embodiments illustrated, the control console 14 shock absorber 17 advantageously consists of the seat 11 supporting element 10, so that it cushions the control console 14 and the seat 11 together. However, in other embodiments, the shock absorber 17 may be separate from the supporting element 10.

To facilitate the use of the earth moving machine 2, the control console 14 can move, relative to the seat 11, at least between an operating position in which it is close to the seat 11 (Figures 1 and 3) allowing the operator to use the operating means 13, and a non-operating position in which it is distanced from the seat 11 (Figures 2 and 4) so that it does not interfere with operator movements.

In the embodiments in Figures 1 to 4, the control console 14 moves between the operating position and the non-operating position by means of translation, and in particular, in Figures 1 and 2, by means of translation along a direction of movement substantially coinciding with a direction of longitudinal extension of the earth moving machine 2, and in Figures 3 and 4 by means of translation along a direction of movement substantially perpendicular to the direction of longitudinal extension of the earth moving machine 2. Movement of the control console 14 may be enabled in any way, for example using selective lock/release means controlled by an activation key 18 mounted on the control console 14.

Although in Figures 1 to 4 the part of the control console 14 relative to its translation is not visible, it may be made in a similar way to that shown in Figure 5. The operating portion 16 of the control console 14 is therefore integral with a straight bar 19 slidably inserted in a guide element 20 shaped to match it integral with the connecting portion 15. In any case, the same result may also be obtained with many other different methods.

However, in other embodiments the control console 14 can be moved between the operating position and the non-operating position using other methods, such as rotation (for example about an axis of rotation parallel with the axis of rotation of the seat 11 - as indicated below).

As regards the seat 11, in many embodiments (such as backhoe loaders and other earth moving machines 2 with similar requirements), it can rotate relative to the chassis 3, between a first position in which it is facing a front part of the earth moving machine 2, and a second position in which it is facing a rear part of the earth moving machine 2 (in Figure 5 the seat is shown in an intermediate position during rotation).

As a result, depending on the function of the operating means 13 positioned on it, the control console 14 may be operatively associated with the seat 11 when the latter is located in the front position and/or when it is in the rear position.

Advantageously, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the control console 14 can also move between an operating configuration in which it is operatively associated with the seat 11 located in the first position (in this case positioned similarly to that shown in Figures 3 and 4), and a second operating configuration in which it is operatively associated with the seat 11 located in the second position (similarly to that shown in Figure 1).

For this purpose, the connecting portion 15 of the control console 14 is rotatably associated with the supporting element 10 below the seat 11, and can advantageously rotate about an axis of rotation parallel with the axis of rotation of the seat 11.

In addition, in the preferred embodiment of Figure 5, the control console 14, as well as rotating, can also move between the operating position and the non- operating position in both of the operating configurations. In particular, when it is in the first operating configuration, the control console 14 can move between a first operating position and a first non-operating position (similarly to what is shown in Figures 3 and 4), and when it is in the second operating configuration, the control console 14 can also move between a second operating position and a second non-operating position (similarly to what is shown in Figures 1 and 2). In the case of the backhoe loader, as in other earth moving machines 2, as already indicated, the working means 4 comprise at least a first and a second device associated respectively with a front portion and a rear portion of the earth moving machine 2. Consequently, the operating means 13 are operatively associated with both the first and the second device (consisting respectively of the loading shovel arm 7 and the articulated arm 7).

Moreover, at least part of the operating means 13 mounted on the control console 14 can switch between a first operating condition in which they are operatively connected to the first device, and a second operating condition in which they are operatively connected to the second device. Advantageously, switching is managed automatically based on the configuration of the control console 14 (first or second operating configuration).

Advantageously, this device is valid at least for one controller 21 (that illustrated in Figure 6) mounted on the control console 14, which based on the configuration of the control console 14 can switch between the first and the second operating condition.

As already indicated, when the control console 14 is in the first operating condition, the controller 21 is the only controller 21 of the control console 14 in

Figures 1 and 2. In contrast, when the control console 14 is in the second operating condition, the controller 21 is the left controller 21 of the embodiment in

Figures 3 and 4.

Moreover, advantageously, the other operating means 13 shown in Figure 6, that is to say, the screen 22 and the push-buttons 23, can also be switched between the first and the second operating condition. There may be many other alternative embodiments in addition to what is described above.

For example, it may also be the case that at least part of the driving means

12 are mounted on the control console 14, and the control position 1 may comprise, instead of a single control console 14, two or more control consoles 14 each having a connecting portion 15 connected to the chassis 3 at least by a shock absorber 17 to damp, during use, the transmission of vibrations and shocks from the chassis 3 to the operating means 13 of the working means 4.

The present invention brings important advantages.

Thanks to the present invention, it has been possible to provide earth moving machines in which the control position guarantees a high level of ergonomics for the operator who, at the same time, can adjust the position of the various controls relative to his body in the best possible way, and is not subject to the vibrations and stresses which affect the machine except in a damped form.

When the control console and the seat are both supported by the same supporting element, no parts of the machine control position with which the operator interfaces are subject to any unwanted relative movement with respect to the operator, who can therefore check all of the instruments without his eyesight becoming fatigued.

It should also be noticed that the present invention is relatively easy to produce and even the cost linked to implementation of the invention is not very high.

The invention described above may be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept.

All details of the invention may be substituted by other technically equivalent elements and, in practice, all of the materials used, as well as the shapes and dimensions of the various components, may be any according to requirements.

Claims

1. An earth moving machine comprising a chassis (3) on which at least working means (4) are mounted, forward movement means (5) for moving the machine on the ground and a control position (1), the control position (1) comprising: a cushioned supporting element (10) associated with the chassis (3); a seat (11) mounted on the supporting element (10) in such a way that it is cushioned by it relative to the chassis (3); means (12) for driving the earth moving machine (2) operatively connected to the forward movement means (5); means (13) for operating the working means (4); and at least one control console (14) bearing at least part of the operating means (13) and having a portion (15) for connection to the chassis (3) and an operating portion (16) positioned close to the seat (11); the earth moving machine being characterised in that inserted between the connecting portion (15) of the control console (14) and the chassis (3) there is at least one shock absorber (17) designed to damp the transmission of vibrations and shocks from the chassis (3) to the operating means (13) of the working means (4) during use.

2. The earth moving machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the shock absorber (17) consists of the supporting element (10), the control console (14) and the seat (11) being cushioned by it together.

3. The earth moving machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the control console (14) can move, relative to the seat (11), at least between an operating position in which it is close to the seat (11), and a non-operating position in which it is distanced from the seat (11).

4. The earth moving machine according to claim 3, characterised in that the control console (14) moves between the operating position and the non-operating position by means of translation.

5. The earth moving machine according to claim 4, characterised in that the control console (14) moves between the operating position and the non-operating position by means of translation along a direction of movement substantially coinciding with a direction of longitudinal extension of the earth moving machine (2).

6. The earth moving machine according to claim 4, characterised in that the control console (14) moves between the operating position and the non-operating position by means of translation along a direction of movement substantially perpendicular to a direction of longitudinal extension of the earth moving machine (2).

7. The earth moving machine according to claim 3, characterised in that the control console (14) moves between the operating position and the non-operating position by means of rotation.

8. The earth moving machine according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the seat (11) can rotate, relative to the chassis (3), between a first position in which it is facing a front part of the earth moving machine, and a second position in which it is facing a rear part of the earth moving machine (2).

9. The earth moving machine according to claim 8, characterised in that the control console (14) is operatively associated with the seat (11) located in the front position.

10. The earth moving machine according to claim 8, characterised in that the control console (14) is operatively associated with the seat (11) located in the rear position.

11. The earth moving machine according to claim 8, characterised in that the control console (14) can also move between an operating configuration in which it is operatively associated with the seat (11) located in the first position, and a second operating configuration in which it is operatively associated with the seat (11) located in the second position.

12. The earth moving machine according to claim 11, characterised in that, when it is in the first operating configuration, the control console (14) can also move between a first operating position and a first non-operating position, also being characterised in that, when it is in the second operating configuration, the control console (14) can also move between a second operating position and a second non-operating position.

13. The earth moving machine according to claim 12, characterised in that the working means (4) comprise at least a first and a second device, respectively associated with a front portion and a rear portion of the earth moving machine (2), also being characterised in that the operating means (13) are operatively associated with both the first and the second device.

14. The earth moving machine according to claim 13, characterised in that at least part of the operating means (13) mounted on the control console (14) can switch between a first operating condition in which they are operatively connected to the first device, and a second operating condition in which they are operatively connected to the second device.

15. The earth moving machine according to claim 14, characterised in that the operating means (13) comprise at least one controller (21) mounted on the control console (14) and able to switch between the first and the second operating conditions.

16. The earth moving machine according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that at least part of the driving means (12) are mounted on the control console (14).

17. The earth moving machine according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that it comprises at least two control consoles (14) each having a connecting portion (15) connected to the chassis (3) at least by one shock absorber (17) to damp, during use, the transmission of vibrations and shocks from the chassis (3) to the operating means (13) of the working means (4).