Protective windshield device

Abstract

An impact absorbing window device (300) for a vehicle cab is provided. The impact absorbing window device comprises a transparent polymer windshield (301) having a height (Hw) and a width (Ww), and a metal frame (302, 303), the metal frame comprising an inner portion (303) extending at least partially inside the transparent polymer windshield and configured to receive screws to secure the transparent polymer windshield. The impact absorbing window device further comprises an additional transparent polymer windshield (332) placed outside the transparent polymer windshield.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective windshield device and an adapter module, and more particularly to a protective windshield device including polycarbonate, which allows users to feel safe by providing an easy-to-use, more efficient and competitive invention. Background Art

[0002] On construction sites, explosives are often used to change the terrain and for demolition purposes. Construction-grade explosives are most commonly used as several smaller charge charges placed in drilled holes in the rock or structure to be blasted. These charge charges are electrically connected to detonators and detonated simultaneously or in a synchronized mode. Due to the large number of charge charges, there is always a risk that one or more of the charge charges will fail, which may be due to problems with the explosives or problems with the electrical connection to the detonator. When an excavator or similar heavy machinery is working on a pile of rocks, the risk of the excavator accidentally squeezing or hitting a dud with enough force to detonate the dud is considerable. The exploding dud will produce a blast wave to the excavator, and the pile of rocks or other materials may be thrown at the excavator at a speed similar to that of a speeding bullet. Summary of the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide the user with a product that is easily installed by the end user, is more efficient than available alternatives, is compatible with existing equipment and is safe.

[0004] Therefore, an impact absorbing window device (300) for a vehicle cab is provided, the impact absorbing window device comprising: a transparent polymer windshield having a height and a width, and a metal frame, the metal frame comprising: an inner portion, the inner portion at least partially extending on the inner side of the transparent polymer windshield and being curved along a surface facing the transparent polymer windshield, the inner portion being configured to receive a screw to fix the transparent polymer windshield, an outer portion, the outer portion at least partially extending on the outer side of the transparent polymer windshield, wherein the transparent polymer windshield The glass includes through holes, which are suitable for receiving fixing screws to fix the transparent polymer windshield to the inner part of the metal frame. The impact absorbing vehicle window device is characterized in that: the outer part overlaps the transparent polymer windshield by at least 0.5% of the height of the transparent polymer windshield, the cross-sectional area of ​​the through holes is at least 1.5 times larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the screws, thereby enabling movement between the inner part and the transparent polymer windshield, and wherein the impact absorbing vehicle window device further includes an additional transparent polymer windshield placed on the outside of the transparent polymer windshield.

[0005] The advantage of the overlap and the clearance fit of the through hole in the transparent polymer windshield is that when the shock wave hits the shock absorbing window device, the transparent polymer windshield flexes in the metal frame and absorbs the shock by moving in the through hole with the support obtained by overlapping the inner part of the metal frame. After the explosion, a vacuum is generated at the burst location, which creates a suction force applied to the absorbing window device, causing the transparent polymer windshield to move in the fixing device in the through hole with the support obtained by overlapping the inner part of the metal frame.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the inner portion further comprises a fixing interface having a plurality of through holes, wherein the fixing interface is configured to fix the impact absorbing window device to the vehicle cab.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the impact-absorbing window device further includes a spacer, which is configured to be placed between the transparent polymer windshield and the additional transparent polymer windshield to interconnect their edge portions so that a closed space is formed between the transparent polymer windshield, the additional transparent polymer windshield, and the spacer.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the spacer comprises a desiccant for removing moisture present in the closed space.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the additional transparent polymer windshield comprises further through holes adapted to receive further fixing screws for fixing the additional transparent polymer windshield to the metal frame.

[0010] According to one embodiment, each of the further through holes of the additional polymer windshield is arranged to overlap with a corresponding one of the through holes of the transparent polymer windshield, thus allowing the additional transparent polymer windshield to be fixed to the inner part of the metal frame.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the impact absorbing window arrangement further comprises an additional metal frame placed on the outer side of the additional transparent polymer windshield.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the further through holes is at least 1.5 times larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the further fixing screws, thereby enabling a movement between the spacer and the additional transparent polymer windshield.

[0013] An impact absorbing window device for a vehicle cab is provided. The impact absorbing window device includes a transparent polymer windshield having a height and a width. The impact absorbing window device further includes a metal frame, the metal frame including an inner portion, the inner portion extending at least partially inside the transparent polymer windshield and being curved along a surface facing the transparent polymer windshield, the inner portion being configured to receive screws to fix the transparent polymer windshield. The impact absorbing window device further includes an outer portion extending at least partially outside the transparent polymer windshield. The outer portion overlaps the transparent polymer windshield by at least 0.5% of the height of the transparent polymer windshield. The transparent polymer windshield includes through holes, the through holes being adapted to receive fixing screws to fix the transparent polymer windshield to the inner portion of the metal frame, the cross-sectional area of ​​the through holes being at least 1.5 times larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the screws, so as to enable movement between the inner portion and the transparent polymer windshield.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the interior portion further comprises a fixing interface configured to fix the impact absorbing window device to an adapter module, which in turn is configured to be fixed to the vehicle cab. The fixing interface is symmetrical so that the impact absorbing window device can be mounted to the adapter module in at least two different orientations.

[0015] An advantage of the fixing interface being symmetrical is that the same metal frame can be used regardless of which orientation is most suitable for mounting the impact absorbing window assembly.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the impact-absorbing window arrangement, the fixing interface comprises a plurality of through holes, which enable standard screws to be used as the fixing element.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the impact absorbing window device further comprises an additional transparent polymer windshield placed outside the transparent polymer windshield. The additional transparent polymer windshield is configured to absorb debris and scratches that occur during normal operation of, for example, an excavator.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the impact absorbing vehicle window device further comprises an accessory mounting interface for mounting at least one accessory.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the accessory mounting interface is symmetrical so that the installed accessories are oriented in the same manner regardless of which of the at least two orientations the impact-absorbing window assembly is mounted to the adapter module. The accessory mounting interface is symmetrical so that the same accessories can be positioned in the same manner regardless of which orientation the impact-absorbing window assembly is secured.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the impact absorbing glazing arrangement, the transparent polymer windshield comprises polycarbonate.

[0021] An adapter module for mounting an impact absorbing window device to a vehicle cab is further provided. The adapter module comprises: a frame inner portion adapted to follow the contour of the vehicle cab; a frame outer portion comprising a fixing interface for fixing the frame outer portion to the inner portion of the metal frame of the impact absorbing window device; and a vertically extending sheet metal middle portion having: an inner portion cut to follow the contour of the vehicle cab and fixed to the frame inner portion; and an outer portion fixed to the frame outer portion. The adapter module further comprises a cab fixing interface for fixing the adapter module to the vehicle cab.

[0022] The adapter module enables the use of the same impact-absorbing window device for many different vehicle types and models, and enables quick and easy repair, removal and / or replacement of the impact-absorbing window device, and / or the transparent polymer windshield fitted therein. That is, the adapter module enables the use of a single impact-absorbing window device for several vehicles, and also enables the operator of the vehicle to retain the impact-absorbing window device when changing vehicles.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the adapter module, the frame inner part further comprises a flexible seal for sealing the vehicle cab.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the adapter module, the fixing interface is symmetrical so that the impact absorbing window device can be mounted to the adapter module in at least two different orientations. An advantage of the fixing interface being symmetrical is that the same adapter module can be used regardless of which orientation is most suitable for mounting the impact absorbing window device.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the adapter module, the frame outer portion is curved along a surface facing the inner portion of the metal frame of the impact-absorbing window arrangement.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the fixing interface and / or the cab fixing interface comprises through holes, enabling fixing with standard screws.

[0027] A system for assembling an impact absorbing window device to a vehicle cab is further provided. The system includes an impact absorbing window device, the impact absorbing window device including a transparent polymer windshield having a height and a width. The impact absorbing window device further includes a metal frame, the metal frame including an inner portion, the inner portion extending at least partially inside the transparent polymer windshield and being curved along a surface facing the transparent polymer windshield. The inner portion is configured to receive screws to secure the transparent polymer windshield. The impact absorbing window device further includes an outer portion, the outer portion extending at least partially outside the transparent polymer windshield. The outer portion overlaps the transparent polymer windshield by at least 0.5% of the height of the transparent polymer windshield. The transparent polymer windshield includes through holes, the through holes are suitable for receiving fixing screws to secure the transparent polymer windshield to the inner portion of the metal frame, the cross-sectional area of ​​the through holes is at least 1.5 times the cross-sectional area of ​​the screws, so as to enable movement between the inner portion and the transparent polymer windshield. The inner portion further includes a fixing interface. The system further includes an adapter module for mounting the impact absorbing window device to the vehicle cab. The adapter module includes: a frame inner portion, the frame inner portion is adapted to follow the contour of the vehicle cab; a frame outer portion, the frame outer portion including a fixing interface, the fixing interface corresponding to the fixing interface of the inner portion, for fixing the frame outer portion to the inner portion of the metal frame of the impact absorbing window device; and a vertically extending metal plate middle portion, the middle portion having: an inner portion, the inner portion is cut to follow the contour of the vehicle cab and fixed to the frame inner portion; and an outer portion fixed to the frame outer portion. The adapter module further includes a cab fixing interface for fixing the adapter module to the vehicle cab.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the corresponding fixing interfaces of the impact-absorbing window arrangement and the adapter module are symmetrical, such that the impact-absorbing window arrangement can be mounted to the adapter module in at least two different orientations.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the frame outer part and the inner part comprise matching curves along surfaces facing each other.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the transparent polymer windshield comprises polycarbonate.

[0031] The system disclosed herein including the impact-absorbing window device and the adapter module provides a universal option for the end user to allow for a more universal fit for aftermarket rebuilds / tuning. The adapter module enables the same impact-absorbing window device to be used for many different vehicle types and models, and enables quick and easy repair, removal and / or replacement of the impact-absorbing window device, and / or the transparent polymer windshield fitted therein. That is, the adapter module enables the use of a single impact-absorbing window device for several vehicles, and also enables the operator of the vehicle to retain the impact-absorbing window device when changing vehicles.

[0032] Please note that the above-described embodiments may be combined within the scope of the appended claims, unless such a combination is obviously contradictory. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 An elevational perspective view of an embodiment of an impact-absorbing window device for a vehicle cabin is shown, viewed from the right side.

[0034] Figure 2A An elevational perspective view of an embodiment of an adapter module for mounting an impact absorbing window assembly to a vehicle cab is shown, viewed from the right side.

[0035] Figure 2B The lower right corner of the adapter module is shown in further detail.

[0036] Figure 3A A detailed cross-sectional view of the horizontal extensions of the inner and outer parts of the metal frame is shown.

[0037] Figure 3B Shown are cross-sectional views of a transparent polymer windshield, inner and outer portions of a metal frame and a frame outer portion, a vertically extending sheet metal mid-section, and a cab securing interface.

[0038] Figure 4A An elevational perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an impact absorbing window apparatus for a vehicle cab is shown as viewed from the right side.

[0039] Figure 4B Shows Figure 4A Detailed cross-sectional view of a horizontally extending portion of an impact absorbing window device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] When an excavator or similar heavy machinery is working in a rock pile, there is a considerable risk that the excavator will accidentally crush or hit a dud with enough force to detonate it. The exploding dud will produce a blast wave against the excavator, and the rock pile or other material may be thrown towards the excavator at a speed similar to that of a speeding bullet. In addition to this, the explosion is followed by a vacuum, which creates a suction force towards the detonation site, which may create a risk of sucking the machine operator out of the cab if the windscreen is damaged or missing.

[0041] The use of protective windshields and safety glass has long been known. Use in armored vehicles and goggles or glasses are just a few examples of areas of use. In the field of heavy equipment vehicles, attempts have been made for a long time to create safety windshields that can withstand heavy impacts and provide safety to the user. However, one problem is that the construction is usually specific to a certain vehicle and varies not only with different types of vehicles, but also within the same brand and / or type of vehicle (such as trailers, trucks, tractors, excavators, etc.). For heavy construction equipment, safety glass is required to prevent window breakage and injuries caused by flying or exploding rocks, etc. It is crucial. Not all construction equipment is equipped with bulletproof or safety glass from the time of manufacture. Therefore, a choice of replacing the original glass windows is needed. This means that the vehicle needs to be rebuilt or modified to hold the safety glass, which in turn takes several hours in the workshop, and still does not necessarily result in a satisfactory perfect fit.

[0042] The impact-absorbing window device and adapter module disclosed herein provide a universal option for the end user, allowing for a more universal fit for aftermarket rebuilds / tuning. The adapter module enables the same impact-absorbing window device to be used for many different vehicle types and models, and enables quick and easy repair, removal and / or replacement of the impact-absorbing window device, and / or the transparent polymer windshield fitted therein. That is, the adapter module enables the use of a single impact-absorbing window device for several vehicles, and also enables the operator of the vehicle to retain the impact-absorbing window device when changing vehicles.

[0043] Transparent polymers are understood to be polymer materials that can function as windows. Transparent polymer materials can be, for example, acrylic glass, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, acrylic fiber materials, or copolymers containing polyacrylonitrile.

[0044] Polycarbonate is understood to be at least one polymer containing carbonate groups (—O—(C═O)—O—). The chain may contain a cyclic structure or a linear structure, which may further contain different substances and groups, such as but not limited to F, Cl, CH 3 .

[0045] Flexibility is to be understood as the ability of a material to deform in a flexible manner. A more flexible structure is to be understood as a structural element that is able to undergo deflection or displacement under load without plastic deformation. The flexibility of an object is referred to relative to the original state compared to the deflected state.

[0046] Elasticity is understood as the ability of a material to deform in an elastic manner. Elastic deformation is when a material deforms under stress but returns to its original shape when the stress is removed. A more elastic structure is understood as a structure with a lower elastic modulus. The elastic modulus of an object is defined as its stress-strain curve in the area of ​​elastic deformation. The elastic modulus is calculated as the ratio of stress / strain (where stress is the force causing the deformation) divided by the area to which the force is applied and the change caused by the stress.

[0047] Below, a specific embodiment of the present invention is described. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are only for illustration and do not limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Therefore, any reference to a direction, such as "up" or "down", refers only to the direction shown in the figure. It should be noted that the features with the same reference numerals have the same function, and therefore, unless clearly contradictory, the features in one embodiment can be interchanged with the features in another embodiment with the same reference numerals. Therefore, the description of the features with the same reference numerals should be regarded as complementary to each other when describing the basic concept of the feature, thereby showing the versatility of the feature.

[0048] Figure 1 A perspective elevation view of an embodiment of an impact absorbing window device 100 for a vehicle cab is shown as seen from the right side. The vehicle cab may be, for example, the cab of an excavator, a dump truck, a wheel loader, a road roller or a crane. The impact absorbing window device comprises a transparent polymer windshield 101 having a height Hw and a width Ww, and a metal frame 102, 103, the metal frame comprising an inner portion 103, the inner portion at least partially extending inside the transparent polymer windshield 101 and being curved along a surface facing the transparent polymer windshield 101. The inner portion is made of structural steel plate. The inner portion 103 comprises threaded holes (shown as 113 in FIG. 3a), which are configured to receive screws 107 to fix the transparent polymer windshield 101. The threaded holes may comprise threads formed directly in the material of the inner portion, or may comprise blind rivet nuts fixed in the created through holes. The metal frame further comprises an outer portion 102 which extends at least partially outside the transparent polymer windshield 101 . Figure 1The outer part 102 is shown to comprise a single frame made of structural steel plate, but it is also conceivable that the "frame" is composed of several parts, such as a right part, a left part, an upper part, and a lower part, which are all independently fixed. The outer part 102 overlaps the transparent polymer windshield 101 by at least 0.5% of the height Hw of the transparent polymer windshield 101. The outer part and the transparent polymer windshield 101 include through holes 106, which are suitable for receiving fixing screws 107 to fix the outer part 102 and the transparent polymer windshield 101 to the inner part 103 of the metal frame, so that the transparent polymer windshield is squeezed between the outer part 102 and the inner part 103. Figure 1 In the embodiment of the transparent polymer windshield, the through hole ( Figure 3A The cross-sectional area of ​​the screw (shown as 106 in the figure) is at least 1.5 times larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the screw, thereby enabling movement between the inner part 103 and the transparent polymer windshield 101.

[0049] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the overlap exceeds 1% of the height Hw of the windshield, and in another conceivable embodiment, the overlap exceeds 2% of the height Hw of the windshield, and in yet another conceivable embodiment, the overlap exceeds 3% of the height Hw of the windshield.

[0050] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the overlap is over 20 mm, and in another conceivable embodiment, the overlap is over 10 mm, and in another conceivable embodiment, the overlap is over 30 mm, and in another conceivable embodiment, the overlap is over 40 mm.

[0051] The transparent polymer windshield is made of polycarbonate, a see-through polymer material that is about 300 times stronger than ordinary glass. Polycarbonate also has a much lighter weight, about half the weight of glass. Further, the window of the impact absorbing glazing device can be coated with a thin coating to provide higher resistance to chemicals and more wear resistance. The coating includes, for example, a silicon-containing oxide, more preferably silicon dioxide. The coating can provide UV resistance of up to 99,96%. Further, the window also has anti-diffusion properties and self-extinguishing characteristics, and is recyclable.

[0052] The inner portion 103 further includes a fixing interface 108 configured to fix the impact absorbing window device 100 to the adapter module ( Figure 2A , 2B and Figure 3B The adapter module is further configured to be fixed to the vehicle cab. Figure 1In an embodiment, the fixed interface specifically comprises a plurality of through holes (in Figure 3A The through holes are arranged on a curved protruding flange 103 made of structural steel plate. The fixing interface 108 is symmetrical so that the impact absorbing window device can be mounted to the adapter module in at least two different orientations. Figure 1 The ability to rotate the transparent polymer windshield enables the same metal frame to be used regardless of which position is best for mounting some specific accessories (such as wipers). If the wiper motor (in the Figure 1 If the windshield wiper motor (hidden under the screen 111'") blocks the operator's view too much, or cannot be installed due to lack of space in a particular vehicle, the impact-absorbing window device 100 can be rotated 180° so that the wiper motor is placed at the bottom of the transparent polymer windshield 101. Another example of an accessory that can optionally be installed at the bottom instead of the top in this way is additional lighting. For the purposes of this application, "the fixing interface is symmetrical" should be understood according to the functional definition. That is, the fixing interface may look different in, for example, the upper part and the lower part, but it is still considered symmetrical if it enables the impact-absorbing window device to be fixed in two different orientations. As an example, the upper part may have a stadium-shaped through hole, and the lower part may have a circular hole, and as long as such holes enable the impact-absorbing window device to be fixed in two different orientations, the fixing interface should be considered symmetrical.

[0053] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the metal frames 102, 103 of the impact absorbing window device 100 further include an accessory mounting interface 110 (in Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of holes are provided for mounting at least one accessory, such as a handrail 111', a transparent screen 111" configured to be rainproof, or a track 111"' for mounting additional lighting.

[0054] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the accessory mounting interface 110 is partially symmetrical so that the mounted accessories are oriented in the same manner regardless of which of the at least two orientations the impact absorbing window assembly 100 is mounted to the adapter module. This means that an armrest 111' can be mounted on either side of the transparent polymer windshield 101 (and on the same side if the impact absorbing window assembly is mounted upside down), and a track 111'' for mounting additional lighting can be mounted on the bottom of the transparent polymer windshield 101.

[0055] When the shock wave of a nearby explosion strikes the window device 101, the transparent polymer window 101 flexes in the metal frames 102, 103 and passes through the through holes (in Figure 3A The absorbing window device 100 is shown as 106 in the figure, moving in the through hole against the support from the inner part of the metal frame 103 to absorb the impact. After the explosion, a vacuum is generated at the explosion location, which creates a suction force applied to the absorbing window device 100. At the same time, the transparent polymer windshield 101 moves in the through hole against the support from the outer part 102 of the metal frame.

[0056] Dusty environments and multiple pieces of rubble may be demanding on machine windshields. In very harsh conditions, it may be beneficial to add further protection to the transparent polymer windshield 301, for example in order to extend its life expectancy. For this purpose, a so-called sacrificial windshield may be used. The sacrificial windshield is arranged outside the transparent polymer windshield, thereby providing protection against dust and sand. The impact absorbing window arrangement may further include an additional transparent polymer windshield (a so-called sacrificial windshield) placed outside the transparent polymer windshield. The sacrificial windshield is configured to absorb debris and scratches that occur, for example, in normal operation of an excavator. The sacrificial windshield is relatively cheap and easy to replace when it is scratched.

[0057] 4a and b show an alternative embodiment of an impact absorbing window device 300 for a vehicle cab. The impact absorbing window device 300 includes a transparent polymer windshield 301 having a height Hw and a width Ww, and metal frames 302, 303. The metal frames 302, 303 include an inner portion 303 that extends at least partially inside the transparent polymer windshield 301 and is curved along a surface facing the transparent polymer windshield 301. The inner portion is made of structural steel plate. The inner portion is configured to receive screws to fix the transparent polymer windshield 301. The inner portion 303 includes a threaded hole similar to that for the impact absorbing window device 100 shown in FIG. 3a. The threaded hole may include threads formed directly in the material of the inner portion, or may include a blind rivet nut fixed in the created through hole. The metal frames 302, 303 further include an outer portion 302 that extends at least partially outside the transparent polymer windshield 301. The outer part 102 shown in FIG4 comprises a single frame made of structural steel plate, but it is also conceivable that the "frame" is composed of several parts, such as a right part, a left part, an upper part, and a lower part, which are all independently fixed. The outer part 302 overlaps the transparent polymer windshield 301 by at least 0.5% of the height Hw of the transparent polymer windshield 301. The transparent polymer windshield 301 comprises through holes 306, which are suitable for receiving fixing screws 307 to fix the transparent polymer windshield 301 to the inner part 303 of the metal frame, and the transparent polymer windshield 301 is squeezed between the outer part 302 and the inner part 303. The cross-sectional area of ​​the through holes 306 is at least 1.5 times larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the screws, so as to enable movement between the inner part 303 and the transparent polymer windshield 301.

[0058] The impact absorbing window device 300 further comprises an additional transparent polymer windshield 332 (so-called sacrificial windshield) placed on the outer side of the transparent polymer windshield 301. The purpose of the additional transparent polymer windshield 332 is to protect the transparent polymer windshield 301, thereby extending its expected life. The additional transparent polymer windshield 332 is relatively easy to replace. Therefore, it is prevented that the additional transparent polymer windshield 332 is damaged by excessive wear caused by sand and dust, for example. The additional transparent polymer windshield 332 can include the same type as the transparent polymer windshield 301, i.e. polycarbonate, but can alternatively include another polymer material. In order to facilitate regular replacement, the additional transparent polymer windshield 332 is lighter than the transparent polymer windshield 301. Therefore, in this embodiment, the thickness of the additional transparent polymer windshield 332 is less than the thickness of the transparent polymer windshield 301. For example, the thickness of the additional transparent polymer windshield 332 can be in the range of 3-8 mm, while the thickness of the transparent polymer windshield 301 can be in the range of 9-14 mm. According to some embodiments, the thickness of the additional transparent polymer windshield 332 is 4 mm or 6 mm, and the thickness of the transparent polymer windshield 301 is 12 mm.

[0059] The impact absorbing window device 300 further comprises a spacer 330, which is configured to be placed between the transparent polymer windshield 301 and the additional transparent polymer windshield 332. This will ensure that a closed space is formed between the transparent polymer windshield 301, the additional transparent polymer windshield 332, and the spacer 330. The purpose of the spacer 330 is to maintain a certain distance between the transparent polymer windshield 301 and the additional transparent polymer windshield 332 to prevent them from directly contacting each other and causing the risk of noise and / or material damage. Another purpose of the spacer 330 is to provide a seal around the closed space. Providing a seal helps protect the transparent polymer windshield 301 from being damaged by, for example, sand and dust that enter the area between the transparent polymer windshield 301 and the additional transparent polymer windshield 332. The seal further helps prevent water penetration. To this end, the spacer can be a rubber seal. The spacer includes a desiccant to remove moisture present in the closed space. The desiccant removes moisture from the enclosed space so that, for example, during cold weather, no water appears on the inner surface of the windshield facing the air space (no condensation). Once the extra transparent polymer windshield 332 has been mounted to the frames 302, 303, the desiccant is arranged to be present in the enclosed space. The desiccant may include, for example, silicon dioxide, calcium sulfate, calcium chloride or a molecular sieve, such as zeolite. The spacer 330 fits tightly on the outer part 302 of the metal frame. The spacer is placed along the edge of the outer part 302 of the metal frame, and the extra transparent polymer windshield 332 is mounted to the frames 302, 303 by screws, as shown in Figures 4a and b.

[0060] The additional transparent polymer windshield 332 comprises additional through holes 340 which are adapted to receive additional fixing screws 342 for fixing the additional transparent polymer windshield 332 to the metal frames 302, 303. Each of the additional through holes 340 of the additional polymer windshield 332 is arranged to overlap with a corresponding one of the through holes 306 of the transparent polymer windshield 301, thus allowing the additional transparent polymer windshield 332 to be fixed to the inner part 303 of the metal frames 302, 303. As can be seen in Figs. 4a and b, not every one of the through holes 306 of the transparent polymer windshield 301 overlaps with the additional through holes 340 of the additional transparent polymer windshield 332. Some of the through holes 306 of the transparent polymer windshield 301 are used only for fixing the transparent polymer windshield 301 to the inner part 303 of the metal frame. The remaining through holes 306 (overlapping with the further through holes of the additional transparent polymer windshield 332) are used to fix the additional transparent polymer windshield 332 to the inner part 303 of the metal frame. Therefore, the further fixing screws protrude through both the additional transparent polymer windshield 332 and the transparent polymer windshield 301. Therefore, the further fixing screws 342 are longer than the fixing screws 307. Furthermore, the further fixing screws 342 can be arranged to be always fixedly attached to the inner part of the metal frame, thereby making it easier to replace the additional transparent polymer windshield 332 by effectively guiding the additional transparent polymer windshield 332 into place through the further fixing screws 342.

[0061] As in Figure 4B It can be seen in FIG that the further through-holes 340 in the additional transparent polymer windshield 332 are significantly larger than the further fixing screws 342, so that a clearance fit is achieved, so that the additional transparent polymer windshield can move relative to the metal frame and / or the spacer and thereby absorb the impact of, for example, an explosion. Figure 4B In the embodiment shown, the cross-sectional area of ​​the through hole is greater than 1.5 times the size of the screw to be placed in the through hole, but in alternative embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the through hole may be greater than 2 times the size of the screw to be placed in the through hole, or greater than 3 times the size of the screw to be placed in the through hole, or greater than 4 times the size of the screw to be placed in the through hole. The further through hole 340 may have a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the further through hole 340 may have an elliptical cross-section to allow the additional transparent polymer windshield to move to a greater extent relative to the metal frame and / or the spacer in a first direction than in a second direction, the first direction and the second direction being perpendicular to each other and arranged in the plane of the additional transparent polymer windshield.

[0062] The additional transparent polymer windshield 332 is fastened to the inner portion 303 of the metal frame by nuts. To facilitate easy removal, these nuts may include an outer portion that is easily manipulated by hand. This can be achieved by using a clamping knob. Such a clamping knob may have different shapes and structures, examples of which are: textured nylon knobs, knobs with three to nine protrusions (including star knobs, triangular knobs, wing nuts and wing screws), and different types of knurled knobs. For the exemplary embodiment of Figures 4a and b, the clamping knob is a four-handle star knob. The impact absorbing window device 300 further includes an additional metal frame 334 placed on the outer side of the additional transparent polymer windshield 332. The additional metal frame 334 distributes the force applied to the additional transparent polymer windshield 332 by screws, thereby providing support and protection for the transparent polymer windshield 332. Here, the additional metal frame 334 includes through holes that overlap with the through holes 430 of the additional transparent polymer windshield 332.

[0063] Figure 2A An elevational perspective view of an embodiment of an adapter module 200 for mounting an impact absorbing window arrangement to a vehicle cab is shown, seen from the right side. The vehicle cab may be, for example, the cab of an excavator, a dump truck, a wheel loader, a road roller or a crane. The adapter module 200 comprises a frame inner portion 204 (being a structural steel plate) whose widest surface extends against the surface of the vehicle cab. The frame inner portion 204 is adapted to follow the contour of the vehicle cab, i.e., in Figure 2A In an embodiment, the frame inner part 204 is bent to follow the contour of the vehicle cab. On the frame inner part 204, a compliant seal is fixed, for example by gluing. The compliant seal is, for example, an elastic polymer seal, such as a rubber seal. The seal is suitable for waterproofly fixing the adapter module on the surface of the vehicle cab.

[0064] The adapter module further comprises a frame outer part 203 (being a structural steel plate) whose widest surface extends vertically in a direction away from the vehicle cabin to create a wide contact surface against the impact absorbing window device to be mounted on the adapter module 200. The outer part 203 comprises a fixing interface 208 to fix the frame outer part 203 to the inner part ( Figure 1 100, 103).

[0065] exist Figure 2A In the embodiment, the frame outer portion 203 is curved 212 along the surface facing the inner portion of the metal frame of the impact absorbing window assembly, and in order to achieve a tight fit, the inner portion of the impact absorbing window assembly should have a corresponding curve.

[0066] exist Figure 2A In an embodiment, the fixing interface 208 includes an arrangement of through holes 208 corresponding to the through holes of the inner part of the impact-absorbing window device, so that the fixing screws can be used to mate and fix the curved surface of the inner part of the impact-absorbing window device to the curved surface of the frame outer part 203 of the adapter module.

[0067] The adapter module 200 further comprises a vertically extending sheet metal middle part 201 having an inner part 201' which is cut to follow the contour of the vehicle cab and is fixed, e.g. welded, to the frame inner part 204 and an outer part 201", which is cut to follow the curve 212 of the frame outer part 203 and is fixed, e.g. welded, to the frame outer part 203. The sheet metal middle part 201 creates a distance between the frame inner part 204 and the frame outer part 203 and is cut and adapted so that the distance is particularly adapted to the vehicle on which the adapter module 200 is to be installed. With the adapter module, the same simple fixing interface 208 and the same curve 212 can be placed on any vehicle cab, no matter how complex the geometry of the specific vehicle cab is, meaning that the same impact absorbing window device can be used on any vehicle on which the adapter module 200 is installed.

[0068] Go to again Figure 2A 204, the outer portion 203, the sheet metal middle portion 201, and the compliant seal 209 all create a closed geometry around the window to which the adapter module 200 is installed, allowing the originally installed windshield to be removed and replaced. The adapter module 200, together with the impact absorbing window device, is a sealed unit as part of the interior of the vehicle cabin, thereby forming a bay window capable of protecting an operator located in the vehicle cabin without significantly affecting the operator's visual range.

[0069] The adapter module 200 further includes a cab fixing interface for fixing the adapter module 200 to the vehicle cab 202. Figure 2A In the embodiment of the present invention, the cab fixing interface comprises a steel structure welded to the inner side of the sheet metal middle portion 201 and comprising a through hole 202 configured to receive a fixing screw to fix and tighten the adapter module 200 to the surface of the vehicle cab. Figure 2A In the illustrated embodiment, the fixing interfaces 202 are configured to align with fixing holes of a vehicle cab of an excavator, which are originally designed for fixing protective wire mesh.

[0070] exist Figure 2A In the illustrated embodiment, the fixing interface 208 is symmetrical so that the impact absorbing window assembly can be in a first orientation ( Figure 1The orientation shown) and the orientation when the impact absorbing window assembly is inverted are mounted to the adapter module. The symmetry makes it possible to have the same impact absorbing window assembly regardless of which position is best for mounting some specific accessories, such as wipers. If the wiper motor (in Figure 1 If the windshield wiper motor (hidden under the screen 111'") blocks the operator's view too much, or cannot be installed due to lack of space in a particular vehicle, the impact absorbing window device can be rotated 180° and fixed to the adapter module upside down so that the wiper motor is placed at the bottom.

[0071] Figure 2B The lower right corner of the adapter module 200 is shown in more detail. Figure 2B A more detailed view of the components of the adapter module can be seen in FIG. 20. The vertical frame inner portion 204a and the horizontal frame inner portion 204b are the components that produce the Figure 2A Two of the four frame inner sections of the closed geometry shown. The vertical frame inner section 204a and the horizontal frame inner section 204b are vertically welded to the inner section 201' of the vertically extending vertical metal plate middle section 201A and the inner section 201' of the vertically extending horizontal metal plate middle section 201B, which are the two inner sections that produce Figure 2A Two of the four frame inner parts of the closed geometry shown. The outer part 201" of the vertically extending metal plate middle part 201A, 201B is further vertically welded to the vertical frame outer part 203A and the horizontal frame outer part 203b, which are also produced Figure 2A Two of the four frame interior sections of the closed geometry shown.

[0072] In addition, the compliant seal 209 extending along the surface of the frame inner parts 204A, 204B, the cab fixing interface 202, and the fixing interface 208 composed of a plurality of through holes can be seen in further detail.

[0073] Figure 3A A detailed cross-sectional view of the horizontal extension of the inner part 103 and the outer part 102 of the metal frame is shown. Figure 3A As can be seen, the inner portion 102 has a curve 112 extending in the horizontal direction. Since the transparent polymer windshield is flexible, the transparent polymer windshield 101 can be slightly bent so that it follows the curve 112 of the inner portion. The transparent polymer windshield 101 is flexible in the sense that the transparent polymer windshield can be transported in its flat state and bent when mounted on the impact absorbing window device. Figure 3AAs can be seen, the outer portion may also follow a curve 112. The outer portion 102 may end in a curve when manufactured, or may be bent during installation as is the case with the transparent polymer windshield 101. Figure 3A Also shown is how screws 107 are installed from outside the metal frame, through through holes in the outer part, further through through holes 106 in the transparent polymer windshield 101, and further through threaded holes 113 in the inner part 103, which squeeze and secure the transparent polymer windshield 101 between the inner part 103 and the outer part 102. The threaded holes 113 may include threads formed directly in the material of the inner part, or may include blind rivet nuts secured in the created through holes.

[0074] Figure 3B A cross-sectional view of a transparent polymer windshield 101, inner and outer parts 102, 103 of a metal frame, and a frame outer part 203, a vertically extending sheet metal middle part 201, and a cab fixing interface 202 is shown. The cross-sectional view shows how the adapter module 200 is fixed to the vehicle cab by screws 207, and shows that the impact absorbing window device 100 is fixed to the adapter module 200 by the inner part 102 being fixed to the frame outer part 203 of the adapter module 200 by means of screws 107'.

[0075] As in Figure 3B As can be seen in the figure, the through holes 106 in the transparent polymer windshield 101 are significantly larger than the screws, so that a clearance fit is achieved, allowing the transparent polymer windshield to move relative to the metal frame and thereby absorb the impact of, for example, an explosion. Figure 3B In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the through hole is greater than 1.5 times the size of the screw to be placed in the through hole, but in alternative embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the through hole may be greater than 2 times the size of the screw to be placed in the through hole, or greater than 3 times the size of the screw to be placed in the through hole, or greater than 4 times the size of the screw to be placed in the through hole.

[0076] Figure 3B The overlap O between the inner portion 103 and the outer portion 102 is further shown, and the transparent polymer windshield 101 is fixed from the outside and the inside respectively. In the case where the transparent polymer windshield 101 is exposed to the shock wave energy of the explosion, the vacuum after the explosion, or the force generated by an object impacting the windshield, the inner portion 103 and the outer portion 102 of the metal frame support the transparent polymer windshield 101 and ensure that the windshield is always fixed to the frame, thereby protecting the interior of the vehicle cab.

[0077] exist Figure 3BIn the illustrated embodiment, the overlap exceeds 1% of the height of the windshield, and in another conceivable embodiment, the overlap exceeds 2% of the height of the windshield, and in yet another conceivable embodiment, the overlap exceeds 3% of the height of the windshield. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the overlap is over 20 mm, and in another conceivable embodiment, the overlap is over 10 mm, and in another conceivable embodiment, the overlap is over 30 mm, and in another conceivable embodiment, the overlap is over 40 mm.

[0078] exist Figure 1 , Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the embodiment of the through hole is a stadium shape, which should be understood as an example of a shape suitable for the through hole. In alternative embodiments, the through hole can have another shape, such as an elliptical shape, or a circular shape, as long as a clearance fit can be achieved.

[0079] Please note that the above-described embodiments may be combined within the scope of the appended claims, unless such a combination is obviously contradictory.

Claims

1. An impact absorbing window device (300) for a vehicle cab, the impact absorbing window device comprising: a transparent windshield (301) having a height (Hw), and A metal frame (302, 303), the metal frame comprising: an inner portion (303) extending at least partially inside the transparent windshield (301) and being curved along a surface facing the transparent windshield (301), and an outer portion (302) extending at least partially outside the transparent windshield (301), wherein The outer portion (302) overlaps (O) the transparent windshield (301) by at least 0.5% of the height (Hw) of the transparent windshield (301), Wherein, the impact absorbing vehicle window device further comprises: an additional transparent polymer windshield (332) placed outside the transparent windshield (301), wherein the additional transparent polymer windshield (332) is lighter than the transparent windshield (301) and comprises a plurality of through holes (340) adapted to receive fixing screws (341, 342) to fix the additional transparent polymer windshield (332) to the metal frame (302, 303), a spacer (330) configured to be placed between the transparent windshield (301) and the additional transparent polymer windshield (332) to interconnect their edge portions so that a closed space is formed between the transparent windshield (301), the additional transparent polymer windshield (332), and the spacer (330); and An additional metal frame (334) is placed outside the additional transparent polymer windshield (332) to distribute the force applied to the additional transparent polymer windshield (332), wherein the additional metal frame (334) includes through holes that overlap with the through holes (340) of the additional transparent polymer windshield (332).

2. The impact absorbing vehicle window device (300) according to claim 1, wherein: The thickness of the transparent windshield is in the range of 9-14 mm, while the thickness of the additional transparent polymer windshield (332) is in the range of 3-8 mm.

3. The impact absorbing vehicle window device (300) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The interior portion (303) further includes a cab fixing interface (202, 308) configured to fix the impact absorbing window device (300) to the vehicle cab.

4. The impact absorbing vehicle window device (300) according to claim 3, wherein: The fixing interface (202, 308) includes a plurality of through holes.

5. The impact absorbing vehicle window device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The extra transparent polymer windshield (332) comprises polycarbonate.

6. The impact absorbing vehicle window device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The additional transparent polymer windshield (332) comprises through holes (340) whose cross-sectional area is at least 1.5 times larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the fixing screws (341), thereby enabling movement between the inner part (303) and the additional transparent polymer windshield (332).

7. The impact absorbing vehicle window device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The spacer (330) includes a desiccant for removing moisture present in the enclosed space.

8. The impact absorbing vehicle window device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The inner portion (303) is configured to receive screws (307) for fixing the transparent windshield (301).

9. The impact absorbing vehicle window device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The transparent windshield (332) is curved.

10. The impact absorbing vehicle window device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The transparent windshield (301) is a transparent polymer windshield (301) comprising through holes (306) adapted to receive fixing screws (307) to fix the transparent polymer windshield (301) to the inner portion (303) of the metal frame (302, 303).

11. The impact absorbing vehicle window device (300) according to claim 10, wherein: Each of the plurality of through holes (340) of the additional polymer windshield (332) is arranged to overlap with a corresponding one of the through holes (306) of the transparent windshield (301), thereby allowing the additional transparent polymer windshield (332) to be fixed to the inner portion (303) of the metal frame (302, 303).

12. The impact absorbing vehicle window device (300) according to claim 10, wherein: The cross-sectional area of ​​the plurality of through holes (306) of the transparent polymer windshield (301) is at least 1.5 times larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the fixing screws (307), thereby enabling movement between the inner part (303) and the transparent polymer windshield (301).

13. The impact absorbing vehicle window device (300) according to claim 11, wherein: The transparent polymer windshield (301) comprises polycarbonate.

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