Construction vehicle

Abstract

A construction vehicle includes a chassis having a front end and a rear end. The construction vehicle also includes a cab supported by the chassis and a hood proximate the rear end of the chassis. The construction vehicle further includes a hood structure for supporting the hood. The hood structure includes a first frame member coupled to the chassis proximate the rear end and a second frame member disposed distally from the rear end and proximate the cab. The second frame member is coupled to the chassis by a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a plate member connected to the second frame member. The mounting assembly also includes a first mounting device connecting a first end of the plate member to the chassis. The mounting assembly further includes a second mounting device connecting a second end of the plate member to the chassis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a construction vehicle, and more specifically, to a hood structure for a construction vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Construction vehicles, such as wheel loaders, include a hood to enclose the vehicle's power source. The hood is located at the rear of the vehicle's chassis. In some vehicles, the hood incorporates a gull-wing design. In such designs, the hood is fixed to the construction vehicle's chassis and has side doors on each side for maintenance access. Typically, the hood structure connects the hood to the chassis and also supports the side doors and panels of the hood.

[0003] During material handling operations, the counterweight of the vehicle may strike the ground. This event can cause chassis torsion. Furthermore, the torsional stiffness of the chassis increases as it transitions from the rear to the front. Therefore, portions of the hood structure located near the rear of the chassis have lower torsional stiffness relative to the chassis and may be subjected to high-intensity torsion exerted by the chassis. Conversely, portions of the hood structure located further from the rear of the chassis have higher torsional stiffness and may be subjected to lower-intensity torsion. The chassis torsion can manifest as energy that can be absorbed by the hood structure. This phenomenon can induce high stress and crack propagation within the hood structure. Additionally, the combined forces from these events can cause the mounting bolts between the hood structure and the chassis to loosen or slip. In some cases, the torsional forces experienced by the hood structure may shorten the lifespan of the base portion of the hood structure.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 8,443,923 describes a vibration isolator device for attaching a non-metallic panel to a metal frame of a work vehicle. The vibration isolator device includes a metal member fixed to the surface of the non-metallic panel, the metal member facing the metal frame. A vibration isolator mounting plate is fixed to the frame, allowing predetermined adjustment between the vibration isolator mounting plate and the frame in each of two directions. The vibration isolator is located between the metal member and the frame. A region of the vibration isolator mounting plate is configured to receive and maintain vibration isolation between that region of the vibration isolator mounting plate and the metal member. This region of the vibration isolator mounting plate provides predetermined adjustment in a third direction between the vibration isolator mounting plate and the metal member. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect of the invention, a construction vehicle is provided. The construction vehicle includes a chassis having a front end and a rear end opposite to the front end. The construction vehicle also includes a cab supported by the chassis. The construction vehicle further includes a hood near the rear end of the chassis. The construction vehicle includes a hood structure for supporting the hood. The hood structure includes a first frame member and a second frame member, the first frame member being connected to the chassis near the rear end, and the second frame member being disposed away from the rear end and near the cab. The second frame member is connected to the chassis via a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a plate member connected to the second frame member. The plate member has a first end and a second end. The mounting assembly further includes a first mounting device for connecting the first end of the plate member to the chassis. The mounting assembly further includes a second mounting device for connecting the second end of the plate member to the chassis.

[0006] In another aspect of the invention, a wheel loader is provided. The wheel loader includes a chassis having a front end and a rear end opposite to the front end. The wheel loader also includes a cab supported by the chassis. The wheel loader further includes a hood near the rear end of the chassis. The wheel loader includes a hood structure for supporting the hood. The hood structure includes a first frame member and a second frame member, the first frame member being coupled to the chassis near the rear end, and the second frame member being disposed away from the rear end and near the cab. The second frame member is coupled to the chassis by a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a plate member connected to the second frame member. The plate member has a first end and a second end. The mounting assembly also includes a first mounting device for connecting the first end of the plate member to the chassis. The mounting assembly also includes a second mounting device for connecting the second end of the plate member to the chassis.

[0007] Other features and aspects of the invention will become clear from the following description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a side view of a construction vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 2 It is shown that... Figure 1 Perspective view of the hood, hood structure and chassis associated with the construction vehicle;

[0010] Figure 3 It is shown that... Figure 2 An exploded view of the mounting components associated with the hood structure;

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the plate components of the mounting assembly; and

[0012] Figure 5 It shows through Figure 3A perspective view of the second frame component connecting the mounting components to the chassis. Detailed Implementation

[0013] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals should be used as much as possible to denote the same or similar parts. See also Figure 1 The diagram shows a side view of an exemplary construction vehicle 100. An example of the construction vehicle 100 is a wheeled loader that can be used for purposes such as construction, landscaping, and agriculture. The construction vehicle 100 is interchangeably referred to below as a wheeled loader 100 without limiting the scope of this disclosure. Alternatively, examples of the construction vehicle 100 may be off-road trucks, bulldozers, excavators, tractors, motor graders, scrapers, etc., and can be used in various industries to move or load materials such as asphalt, debris, dirt, snow, feedstock, gravel, logs, raw minerals, recycled materials, rocks, sand, sawdust, etc.

[0014] The construction vehicle 100 includes a chassis 102 having a front end 120 and a rear end 122 opposite to the front end 120. The chassis 102 supports various components of the construction vehicle 100, such as a power source (not shown). This power source may include an engine (e.g., an internal combustion engine), a battery, an electric motor, etc. The power source provides power to the construction vehicle 100 to meet operational and mobility requirements. The construction vehicle 100 also includes a cab 106 supported by the chassis 102. The cab 106 includes one or more controllers (not shown), such as joysticks, pedals, levers, buttons, switches, knobs, audio-visual equipment, an operator console, a steering wheel, etc. The controllers enable an operator to control the construction vehicle 100 during operation. The construction vehicle 100 includes a hood 104 near the rear end 122 of the chassis 102. The hood 104 encloses the power source therein. The hood 104 may include one or more side doors as maintenance access.

[0015] The construction vehicle 100 also includes a linkage assembly 108 movably coupled to a chassis 102. The linkage assembly 108 includes an arm 110 movably coupled to the chassis 102 and an actuator 112 movably coupled to the arm 110. The actuator 112 is used to perform one or more work operations, such as loading, stacking, dumping, etc. The linkage assembly 108 also includes one or more hydraulic actuators 114 to move the linkage assembly 108. The construction vehicle 100 also includes a plurality of wheels 116. The wheels 116 provide support and mobility for the construction vehicle 100 on the ground. Although the construction vehicle 100 is shown herein as a wheeled loader, those skilled in the art will understand that examples of the construction vehicle 100 can be any other known vehicle with a hood 104.

[0016] Reference Figure 2 The figure shows a perspective view of the rear end 122 of the chassis 102 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the construction vehicle 100 includes a hood structure 202 for supporting a hood 104. The hood structure 202 may be defined as a structure comprising a plurality of frame members and welded members fixed to the chassis 102, thereby providing structural strength and stability to the hood 104.

[0017] The hood structure 202 includes a first frame member 204 and a second frame member 206. The first frame member 204 is connected to the chassis 102 near the rear end 122, and the second frame member 206 is positioned away from the rear end 122 and near the operator's compartment 106 (see [link]). Figure 1 An example of the first frame member 204 may be a metal column or a metal rod. The first frame member 204 may include a square, rectangular, or circular cross-section. In some embodiments, the first frame member 204 may be welded to the chassis 102 near the rear end 122. In other embodiments, mechanical fasteners (not shown in the figures) may be used to attach the first frame member 204 to the chassis 102. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the hood structure 202 includes two first frame members 204. In some other embodiments, the total number of first frame members 204 may vary depending on the application requirements.

[0018] Furthermore, the hood structure 202 includes a frame portion 205 disposed between the first frame member 204 and the second frame member 206. The frame portion 205 may include a plurality of rod members disposed between the first frame member 204 and the second frame member 206. Examples of the second frame member 206 may be metal columns or metal rods. The second frame member 206 may include a square cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, or a circular cross-section. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the hood structure 202 includes two second frame members 206. In other embodiments, the total number of second frame members 206 may vary depending on the application requirements. Furthermore, each second frame member 206 defines a lower end 207. Additionally, each second frame member 206 includes a foot 226 disposed near the lower end 207. Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram). The second frame member 206 is connected to the chassis 102 via the mounting assembly 208. Specifically, the lower end 207 of the second frame member 206 is connected to the chassis 102 via the mounting assembly 208.

[0019] It should be noted that each second frame member 206 includes a similar structure and design. The invention will now be explained using the connection of one second frame member 206 to the chassis 102 as an example. However, the details provided below apply to both second frame members 206. (Refer to...) Figure 3The second frame member 206 defines a first surface 210 and a second surface 212 opposite to the first surface 210. The lower end 207 of the second frame member 206 includes a pair of identical support members 220. In the illustrated embodiment, each support member 220 is substantially L-shaped. Each support member 220 includes a first flange 222 and a second flange 224 perpendicular to the first flange 222. The first flange 222 of each support member 220 is attached to the first surface 210 and the second surface 212, respectively. In some embodiments, the first flange 222 of the corresponding support member 220 may be welded to the first surface 210 and the second surface 212, respectively.

[0020] The second flange 224 of each support member 220 is attached to the foot 226 of the second frame member 206. In some embodiments, the second flange 224 of each support member 220 may be welded to the foot 226. In other embodiments, the support member 220 may be an integral part of the second frame member 206. It should be noted that the design of each support member 220 shown herein is exemplary in nature, and each support member 220 may include any other design without any limitation. Furthermore, the second frame member 206 defines a first slot 228 and a second slot 230. Specifically, the first slot 228 and the second slot 230 are defined by the foot 226 and the second flange 224 of the respective support member 220. As shown, the first slot 228 and the second slot 230 have an elliptical shape.

[0021] Furthermore, the mounting assembly 208 includes a plate member 302 connected to the second frame member 206. The plate member 302 has a first end 304 and a second end 306 opposite to the first end 304. (See reference...) Figure 4 The plate member 302 includes a first opening 308 near the first end 304. The plate member 302 also includes a second opening 310 near the second end 306. Furthermore, the plate member 302 defines a first through hole 312 near the first opening 308. The plate member 302 further defines a second through hole 314 near the second opening 310. Each of the first through hole 312 and the second through hole 314 includes helical threads 313, 315. In the illustrated embodiment, the plate member 302 has an elliptical shape. In other embodiments, the shape of the plate member 302 can vary; for example, the plate member 302 can have a rectangular shape, depending on the application requirements.

[0022] Reference Figure 3The plate member 302 defines a first through hole 312 and a second through hole 314. The first through hole 312 is aligned with a first slot 228 in the second frame member 206 for receiving a third mechanical fastener 232, and the second through hole 314 is aligned with a second slot 230 in the second frame member 206 for receiving a fourth mechanical fastener 234. The third mechanical fastener 232 and the fourth mechanical fastener 234 connect the second frame member 206 to the plate member 302. Furthermore, the third mechanical fastener 232 and the fourth mechanical fastener 234 include threads 233 and 235 that engage with helical threads 313 and 315 of the first through hole 312 and the second through hole 314, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, an example of the third mechanical fastener 232 and the fourth mechanical fastener 234 is a bolt. Alternatively, an example of the third mechanical fastener 232 and the fourth mechanical fastener 234 may be a screw, a pin, etc. Additionally, a third washer 236 is associated with the third mechanical fastener 232. Similarly, the fourth washer 238 is associated with the fourth mechanical fastener 234. The third washer 236 and the fourth washer 238 can provide uniform load distribution, spacing, and vibration absorption at the connection between the plate member 302 and the second frame member 206.

[0023] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 The mounting assembly 208 also includes a first mounting device 402 for connecting a first end 304 of the plate member 302 to the chassis 102. The mounting assembly 208 also includes a second mounting device 422 for connecting a second end 306 of the plate member 302 to the chassis 102. Each of the first mounting device 402 and the second mounting device 422 includes an isolation support. The first mounting device 402 and the second mounting device 422 allow the plate member 302 to be removably coupled to the support 102.

[0024] The first installation device 402 includes a first upper support 404 and a first sleeve component 406. Figure 3 (Not shown in the image) A first lower support 408, a first mechanical fastener 410, and a first washer 412. In the assembled state of the first mounting device 402, the first washer 412 is disposed between the head of the first mechanical fastener 410 and the first upper support 404. It should be noted that the first upper support 404, the first sleeve member 406, and the first lower support 408 are made of a flexible material (e.g., rubber). The first upper support 404 includes a disc-shaped structure.

[0025] Furthermore, a first sleeve member 406 is disposed around the first mechanical fastener 410 and extends to approximately half the total length of the first mechanical fastener 410. An example of the first sleeve member 406 is a generally tubular member defining a hollow portion for receiving the first mechanical fastener 410. A first upper support 404 and a lower support 408 are disposed around the first sleeve member 406. A first opening 308 receives the first sleeve member 406 of the first mounting device 402. Furthermore, the first lower support 408 includes a stepped design. More specifically, the first lower support 408 includes a first portion 407 and a second portion 409 (in... Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram). The diameter of the first part 407 is larger than the diameter of the second part 409.

[0026] The first installation device 402 also defines the first perforation 414 (in Figure 5 (As shown in the diagram). More specifically, the first perforation 414 consists of a first washer 412, a first upper support 404, and a first sleeve member 406 (in... Figure 3 (as shown in the diagram) and defined by the first lower support 408. Furthermore, the first through hole 414 in the first mounting device 402 and the first opening 308 in the plate member 302 (as shown in the diagram) define the first lower support 408. Figure 3 and Figure 4 (As shown) Alignment. Furthermore, the first opening 308 in the plate member 302 and the first through hole 414 in the first mounting device 402 are aligned with the first hole 416 in the chassis 102. Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram) Alignment for receiving a first mechanical fastener 410 passing through it. The first mechanical fastener 410 attaches the plate member 302 to the support 102 at a first end 304 near the plate member 302. More specifically, the first mechanical fastener 410 removably attaches the plate member 302 to the support 102 at a first end 304 near the plate member 302.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, an example of the first mechanical fastener 410 is a bolt. Alternatively, an example of the first mechanical fastener 410 may be a screw, pin, etc. It should be noted that the design and details of the various components of the first mounting device 402 described herein are exemplary in nature, and the first mounting device 402 may include any other design or combination of components known in the art without any limitation.

[0028] Furthermore, the second mounting device 422 includes a second upper support 424, a second sleeve member 426, a second lower support 428, a second mechanical fastener 430, and a second washer 432. In the assembled state, the second washer 432 is disposed between the head of the second mechanical fastener 430 and the second upper support 424. It should be noted that the second upper support 424, the second sleeve member 426, and the second lower support 428 are made of a flexible material (e.g., rubber). The second sleeve member 426 is disposed around the second mechanical fastener 430 and extends to half the total length of the second mechanical fastener 430.

[0029] Furthermore, the second upper support 424 includes a disc-shaped structure. Additionally, an example of the second sleeve member 426 is a generally tubular member defining a hollow portion for receiving the second mechanical fastener 430. The second upper support 424 and the lower support 428 are disposed around the second sleeve member 426. A second opening 310 receives the second sleeve member 426 of the second mounting device 422. Furthermore, the second lower support 428 includes a stepped design. More specifically, the second lower support 428 includes a third portion 427 and a fourth portion 429 (in... Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram). The diameter of the third part 427 is larger than the diameter of the fourth part 429.

[0030] The second installation device 422 further defines the second perforation 434 (in... Figure 5 (As shown in the diagram). More specifically, the second through hole 434 is defined by the second washer 432, the second upper support 424, the second sleeve member 426, and the second lower support 428. Furthermore, the second through hole 434 in the second mounting device 422 is connected to the second opening 310 in the plate member 302 (as shown in the diagram). Figure 3 and 4 (as shown in the diagram). Furthermore, the second opening 310 in the plate member 302 and the second through hole 434 in the second mounting device 422 are aligned with the second gap 436 in the chassis 102. Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram) Alignment for receiving a second mechanical fastener 430 passing through it. The second mechanical fastener 430 engages the plate member 302 to the support 102 at a second end 306 near the plate member 302. More specifically, the second mechanical fastener 430 removably engages the plate member 302 to the support 102 at a second end 306 near the plate member 302.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, an example of the second mechanical fastener 430 is a bolt. Alternatively, an example of the second mechanical fastener 430 may be a screw, pin, etc. It should be noted that the design and details of the various components of the second mounting device 422 described herein are exemplary in nature, and the second mounting device 422 may include any other design or combination of components known in the art without any limitation.

[0032] It should be understood that a single feature shown or described in one embodiment may be combined with a single feature shown or described in another embodiment. The above implementations do not limit the scope of this disclosure in any way. Therefore, it should be understood that although some features are shown or described to illustrate the use of the invention in the context of functional fragments, such features may be omitted from the scope of the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0033] Industrial applicability

[0034] The mounting assembly 208 described herein provides a simple, robust, and flexible connection between the second frame member 206 of the shroud structure 202 and the chassis 102 of the construction vehicle 100. Furthermore, the disclosed mounting assembly 208 includes a first mounting device 402 and a second mounting device 422 to absorb energy and torsional forces generated in the construction vehicle 100 during operations such as stacking operations. Thus, the first mounting device 402 and the second mounting device 422 isolate the shroud structure 202 from torsional forces. The first mounting device 402 and the second mounting device 422 include components made of rubber. Therefore, the mounting devices can maintain axial and radial stiffness.

[0035] The first mounting device 402 and the second mounting device 422 removably connect the hood structure 202 to the chassis 102 at locations where a higher torsional force is generated within the hood structure 202. When the chassis 102 is subjected to torsion, the first mounting device 402 and the second mounting device 422 can allow for higher deflection tolerances. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first mounting device 402 and the second mounting device 422 can be displaced in both the radial and axial directions based on the torsion of the chassis 102. More specifically, the first mounting device 402 and the second mounting device 422 can allow energy generated due to the torsion of the chassis 102 to dissipate during the displacement of the first mounting device 402 and the second mounting device 422.

[0036] Mounting assembly 208 prevents twisting and breakage of the hood structure 202. Furthermore, the first mounting device 402 and the second mounting device 422 can be designed to prevent excessive displacement due to torsional forces. Therefore, mounting assembly 208 reduces stress and torsional forces in the hood structure 202 and extends the lifespan of the hood structure 202 and the hood 104. Additionally, mounting assembly 208 includes a plate member 302. Plate member 302 allows the second frame member 206 to be connected to the chassis 102. Furthermore, plate member 302 allows for manufacturing tolerance variations in mounting assembly 208 to ensure proper alignment of the first mounting device 402 and the second mounting device 422. With plate member 302 included, a first slot 228 and a second slot 230 can be added to the second frame member 206 of the hood structure 202 to achieve dimensional tolerances and connect mounting assembly 208 to the chassis 102.

[0037] While various aspects of this disclosure have been specifically shown and described with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various other embodiments can be conceived by modifying the disclosed machines, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. These embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the claims and any equivalents.

Claims

1. A construction transport vehicle, comprising: A chassis having a front end and a rear end opposite to the front end; The cab is supported by the chassis; The hood near the rear end of the chassis; and A hood structure for supporting the hood, the hood structure including a first frame member and a second frame member, the first frame member being connected to the chassis near the rear end, and the second frame member being positioned away from the rear end and close to the cab, wherein the second frame member is connected to the chassis via a mounting assembly, the mounting assembly including: A plate member connected to the second frame member, the plate member having a first end and a second end; Connect the first end of the plate member to the first mounting device of the chassis; and The second end of the plate component is connected to the second mounting device of the chassis; The first mounting device defines a first through hole adapted to align with a first opening in the plate member; the first opening in the plate member and the first through hole in the first mounting device are aligned with a first aperture in the chassis for receiving a first mechanical fastener passing through therethrough, and wherein the first mechanical fastener is adapted to attach the plate member to the chassis near the first end of the plate member.

2. The construction transport vehicle according to claim 1, wherein each of the first installation device and the second installation device includes an isolation support.

3. The construction transport vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the plate member includes a first opening adapted to receive a first sleeve member of the first installation equipment, and a second opening adapted to receive a second sleeve member of the second installation equipment.

4. The construction vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the second installation device defines a second through hole adapted to align with a second opening in the plate member.

5. The construction vehicle of claim 4, wherein the second opening in the plate member and the second through hole in the second mounting device are aligned with a second aperture in the chassis for receiving a second mechanical fastener passing through therethrough, and wherein the second mechanical fastener is adapted to attach the plate member to the chassis near the second end of the plate member.

6. The construction vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the second frame member defines the first slot and the second slot.

7. The construction vehicle of claim 6, wherein the plate member defines a first through hole and a second through hole, the first through hole being aligned with a first slot in the second frame member to receive a third mechanical fastener, the second through hole being aligned with a second slot in the second frame member to receive a fourth mechanical fastener, and wherein the third and fourth mechanical fasteners are adapted to connect the second frame member to the plate member.

8. The construction transport vehicle according to claim 7, wherein each of the first through hole and the second through hole comprises a helical thread.

9. A wheel loader, comprising: A chassis having a front end and a rear end opposite to the front end; The cab is supported by the chassis; The hood near the rear end of the chassis; and A hood structure for supporting the hood, the hood structure including a first frame member and a second frame member, the first frame member being connected to the chassis near the rear end, and the second frame member being positioned away from the rear end and close to the cab, wherein the second frame member is connected to the chassis via a mounting assembly, the mounting assembly including: A plate member connected to the second frame member, the plate member having a first end and a second end; Connect the first end of the plate member to the first mounting device of the chassis; and The second end of the plate component is connected to the second mounting device of the chassis; The second frame member defines a first slot and a second slot; the plate member defines a first through hole and a second through hole, the first through hole being aligned with the first slot in the second frame member to receive a third mechanical fastener, the second through hole being aligned with the second slot in the second frame member to receive a fourth mechanical fastener, and wherein the third and fourth mechanical fasteners are adapted to attach the second frame member to the plate member.

10. The wheel loader of claim 9, wherein each of the first mounting device and the second mounting device includes an isolation support.

11. The wheel loader of claim 9, wherein the plate member includes a first opening adapted to receive a first sleeve member of the first mounting device and a second opening adapted to receive a second sleeve member of the second mounting device.

12. The wheel loader of claim 9, wherein the first mounting device defines a first through hole adapted to align with a first opening in the plate member.

13. The wheel loader of claim 12, wherein the first opening in the plate member and the first through hole in the first mounting device are aligned with a first aperture in the chassis for receiving a first mechanical fastener passing therethrough, and wherein the first mechanical fastener is adapted to engage the plate member to the chassis near the first end of the plate member.

14. The wheel loader of claim 9, wherein the second mounting device defines a second through hole adapted to align with a second opening in the plate member.

15. The wheel loader of claim 14, wherein the second opening in the plate member and the second through hole in the second mounting device are aligned with a second aperture in the chassis for receiving a second mechanical fastener passing through therethrough, and wherein the second mechanical fastener is adapted to engage the plate member to the chassis at a second end near the plate member.

16. The wheel loader of claim 9, wherein each of the first through hole and the second through hole comprises a helical thread.

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