Work machine implement console

Abstract

A work machine, implement console, multiple unique implement control pods, and a method of installing implement control pods to a work machine are disclosed. The work machine includes a power unit, a locomotion device, an implement arm, a work tool, and an implement console for controlling one or more functions of components of the work machine. The implement console includes a universal mounting bracket and implement control pods, wherein multiple unique implement control pods can be installed to the universal mounting bracket one at a time. Advantageously, the multiple unique implement control pods share multiple components, while the design of each implement control pod allows for simultaneous one-handed operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates generally to control consoles, and more specifically to machine control consoles for working machinery. Background Technology

[0002] A control console is a communication device that allows a human operator to interact with and manipulate a system, machine, or device. In the case of working machinery, which may include wheel loaders, compactors, excavators, skid steer loaders, etc., the control console can provide inputs and / or outputs for operating one or more hydraulically actuated implements. For example, a control console for a wheel loader may include a main control input in the form of a joystick. The operator can move the joystick along a first axis to actuate the lifting action of the boom, or move the joystick along a second axis to actuate the tilting action of the bucket via its corresponding hydraulic cylinder. In addition, multiple auxiliary control inputs, such as keyboards, switches, buttons, etc., can supplement the joystick when controlling the same or other implements of the working machinery. The control console can also guide other features of the working machinery, ranging from drive and engine-related functions to cabin controls, such as climate and seat adjustments.

[0003] While existing implement control consoles for construction machinery are effective, improvements can be made in terms of operator ergonomics and supply chain considerations. Firstly, existing technology does not provide a console that allows for ergonomic one-handed operation. More specifically, the shape, orientation, and input arrangement of these consoles prevent many operators from comfortably accessing both primary control inputs (e.g., joysticks) and secondary control inputs (e.g., switches) simultaneously using only one hand. However, one-handed operation is often required for many construction machinery tasks, and the ability to multitask can improve operator agility and subsequently increase machinery efficiency. For example, in the case of a wheel loader, the operator typically keeps his left hand on the steering wheel while using his right hand to operate the implement control console. The implement control console may include primary control inputs pointing to the wheel loader bucket and secondary control inputs pointing to the transmission shifters. Therefore, it is easy to imagine that the operator would benefit from actuating the bucket while reversing the direction of the construction machinery. However, in this case, existing technology cannot achieve sufficiently ergonomic multitasking or even fully realize multitasking.

[0004] Second, the lack of modularity in existing consoles, particularly the absence of compatible components between consoles, can negatively impact the supply chain. For example, it's common to see ten possible configurations for a particular series of operating machines, each with a unique console, including unique mounting brackets, housings, input devices, etc. However, the lack of common components may force manufacturers to produce individual parts in smaller quantities, force retailers to maintain larger inventories, and increase overall costs for customers. Regarding usability, the categorization of different consoles may force operators to learn multiple and potentially contradictory layouts, leading to confusion and user errors. Finally, the lack of modularity between consoles may limit the number of pre-built components and hinder last-minute customization, thus increasing customer delivery time.

[0005] An example of prior art can be found in U.S. Publication No. 2020 / 0180713 by Kosaki et al., which discloses a work vehicle, an operator's seat, and a console located on the armrest of the operator's seat. The console includes a joystick (i.e., the main control input) and multiple operating tools (i.e., auxiliary control inputs). However, consistent with prior art, Kosaki's disclosure fails to arrange multiple operating tools within the single-handed range of the joystick, thereby forcing the operator to engage only one or the other at a time. Furthermore, its console is only for a specific work vehicle; Kosaki has not disclosed modularity of the console between different work vehicles, nor has it disclosed common components between different consoles.

[0006] Therefore, a modular machine control console was designed, which offers improved comfort, accuracy, and ease of use for the operator, especially during one-handed operation. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a tool control console is disclosed. The tool control console includes a universal mounting bracket and a tool control compartment mounted on the universal mounting bracket. The tool control compartment includes a main control input and at least one auxiliary control input. Each auxiliary control input can be operated simultaneously with the main control input using one hand.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a work machine is disclosed. The work machine includes a work machine body, a power unit supported by the work machine body, a locomotive device supporting the work machine body and operably driven by the power unit, a work arm attached to the work machine body at its proximal end and to a work tool at its distal end, a hydraulic power system, a driver's cab supported by the work machine body, and a work tool control console housed within the driver's cab. The control console includes a universal mounting bracket and a work tool control compartment mounted on the universal mounting bracket. The work tool control compartment includes a main control input and at least one auxiliary control input. Each auxiliary control input can be operated simultaneously with the main control input using one hand.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for mounting a tool control cabin to a working machine is disclosed. The method includes: providing an operator's seat with a universal mounting bracket; attaching a main control input to the universal mounting bracket; wiring the main control input to the working machine; attaching a top cover supporting at least one auxiliary control input to the universal mounting bracket; wiring at least one auxiliary control input to the working machine; and attaching a universal bottom cover to the universal mounting bracket.

[0010] These and other aspects and features of the invention will be more readily understood after reading the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a working machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the machine control console according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a universal mounting bracket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an equipment control console including a transport compartment according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an equipment control compartment including a utility compartment according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a machine control console including a joystick cabin according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The diagram shows a perspective view of the components of the joystick compartment, particularly the joystick itself.

[0018] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 The diagram shows a perspective view of the components of the control stick compartment, particularly the control stick cover.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of an instrument control console including a single-axis lever (SAL) cabin according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The diagram shows a perspective view of the components of the SAL compartment, particularly multiple SALs.

[0021] Figure 11 yes Figure 9The diagram shows a perspective view of the components of the SAL compartment, particularly the SAL cover.

[0022] Figure 12 It is a flowchart depicting a sample sequence of steps that can be formulated according to the method of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Now refer to the attached diagram and for details. Figure 1 The perspective view of the working machinery constructed according to the present invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 1. The working machinery 1 is described as a wheeled loader, but it can also be any working machinery designed for construction, mining, agriculture, or earthmoving applications, such as, but not limited to, tracked loaders, compactors, skid loaders, excavators, backhoe excavators, etc. The working machinery 1 includes a working machinery body 11, an engine or power unit 12 supported by the working machinery body 11, and a locomotive device 13 supporting the working machinery body 11 and operably driven by the power unit 12. The locomotive device 13 may feature wheels and tires as shown, or it may engage the ground in another way, such as by employing tracks, rails, treads, etc., to move the working machinery 1.

[0024] The working machinery 1 may include a implement arm 14 attached proximally to the main body 11 of the working machinery and distally to an implement or tool 15. In embodiments where the working machinery 1 is a wheel loader, the implement arm 14 may be a boom and the tool 15 may be a bucket. However, in other embodiments, the implement arm 14 may alternatively be a frame, carriage, boom, bucket, or a combination thereof, and the tool 15 may be a compactor, cold planer, flail mower, soil coverer, blade, etc., with no limitation on the form of the tool 15 or its attachment method. To manipulate the tool 15, the implement arm 14 and the tool 15 may be actuated by a hydraulic power system 16, which is operably driven by a power unit 12, for example, via a hydraulic pump and a plurality of hydraulic cylinders.

[0025] Typically, the working machine 1 is controlled by a human operator from inside a cab 17 supported on top of the working machine body 11. From the cab 17, the operator can drive the working machine 1, i.e., control the locomotive device 13. The operator can further control the implement arm 14 and tool 15, and / or additional functions of the working machine 1, such as the power unit 12, hydraulic power system 16, etc. For this purpose, the cab 17 houses the implement control console 2, characterized by multiple control inputs for some or all of the aforementioned actions. In some embodiments, the control console 2 may be mounted on an operator seat 18 located inside the cab 17.

[0026] Turn now Figure 2A more detailed perspective view of the implement control console 2 is shown. The console 2 includes a universal mounting bracket 21 that is permanently attached to the operator's seat 18 and supports interchangeable implement control bays 22. The implement control bays 22 are modular accessories, allowing multiple unique implement control bays 22 to be installed one at a time onto the same universal mounting bracket 21. Each implement control bay 22 includes a main control input 30, which can be multiple single-axis joysticks (SALs), joysticks, control levers, etc., where multiple SALs... Figure 2 The example is shown below. Each machine control compartment 22 also includes at least one auxiliary control input 40, which may be a keyboard, switch, button, toggle switch, etc., each of which is also... Figure 2 The figures are illustrated by way of example. It is noteworthy that each auxiliary control input 40 is positioned and oriented in a manner that allows for simultaneous one-handed operation with the main control input 30. In other words, the operator can comfortably and accurately interact with either auxiliary control input 40 using one hand without removing the main control input 30. It should be understood that while a right-handed configuration is disclosed and depicted in the figures, a left-handed configuration is similarly possible and contemplated, wherein the description and associated figures are merely mirrored. In some embodiments, the implement control console 2 may also include a universal bottom cover 50, which is a common bottom component among some of the multiple implement control bays 22; and a top cover 60, which is a unique top component among some of the multiple implement control bays 22.

[0027] Each of the multiple machine control compartments 22 can be mounted on a universal mounting bracket 21 prior to attachment of the compartment 22, such as Figure 3 As shown. The universal mounting bracket 21 can be mounted on the operator seat 18 and on the right armrest of the operator seat 18, such that the universal mounting bracket 21 moves with the seat 18 if and when the seat 18 is adjusted. The universal mounting bracket 21, and through the extension of the console 2, can further include their own ergonomic adjustment knobs 222, for example, to change the position, height, or angle of the console 2 relative to the seated operator. The universal mounting bracket 21 forms the base of the console 2 and facilitates the convenient installation or removal of different machine control compartments 22, as described below.

[0028] Multiple unique tool control bays 22 can be mounted one at a time to the control console 2 via a universal mounting bracket 21. In this way, the main control inputs 30, auxiliary control inputs 40, and their arrangement can vary depending on the specific model of the machine tool 1, the production stage of the machine tool 1, and / or customer preferences, as well as other possible factors. For example, during the transportation or storage phase, the machine tool 1 may be equipped with a transport bay 23, which includes only the minimum control inputs required for transporting the machine tool 1. During the quality testing phase, the machine tool 1 may be equipped with a utility bay 24, which includes numerous control inputs for evaluating every possible function of the machine tool 1. And in the commercial phase, the machine tool 1 may be equipped with a joystick bay 25 or a SAL bay 26, each bay including some, but not necessarily all, of the control inputs supported on the utility bay 24, the included functions being selected based on the usage of the machine tool 1.

[0029] Now go to Figure 4 The diagram details an embodiment of the control console 2, where the tool control compartment 22 is a transport compartment 23. The transport compartment 23 can be mounted to a universal mounting bracket 21 using a single bracket and bolts, requiring little or no additional fastening or housing foundation. Notably, the transport compartment 23 does not require a universal bottom cover 50 or top cover 60, although these may be included in some embodiments. The primary control input 30 of the transport compartment 23 is a control lever 31, while the secondary control input 40 includes a button 41. In one embodiment, the control lever 31 is a boom control lever, responsible only for lifting the boom 14; the button 41 is a horn button, responsible only for horn operation of the working machinery 1. In another embodiment of the transport compartment 23, the primary control input 30 may alternatively be two control levers 31, the first responsible for lifting the boom 14 and the second for tilting the tool 15; and the secondary control input 40 may include the same horn button 41. In either case, the transport compartment 23 is designed to provide only or nearly only the minimum functionality required for transporting and storing the working machinery 1. For example, the precision provided by the control lever 31 can be coarser than that provided by the main control input 30 of other control compartments 22, and / or its configuration can be rated for lower operational performance. In some cases, the transport compartment 23 may be considered merely a placeholder compartment prior to the full assembly and commercial deployment of the operating machinery 1.

[0030] Next, Figure 5An embodiment of the implement control console 2 is shown, wherein the implement control compartment 22 is the utility compartment 24. The utility compartment 24 can be mounted to a universal mounting bracket 21 using any type or number of fasteners, which is not intended to be limiting. It is noteworthy that the transport compartment 23 does not require a universal bottom cover 50 or top cover 60, although these may be included in some embodiments. Directly opposite to the transport compartment 23, the utility compartment 24 is designed to provide a full set of control inputs for operating the implement 1 during the production and testing phases of its lifecycle. Therefore, the main control inputs 30 for the utility compartment 24 may include any main control input 30 that can be used with multiple implement control compartments 22, such as joysticks, levers, multiple SALs, etc. Similarly, the utility compartment 24 may include any and all auxiliary control inputs 40 that can be used with multiple implement control compartments 22, such as keypads, switches, buttons, toggle switches, etc. Figure 5 In the exemplary embodiment shown, and when the working machine 1 is a wheel loader, the main control input 30 of the utility compartment 24 can be configured as multiple SALs 32. The first SAL 32 is responsible for the lifting action of the boom 14, the second SAL 32 is responsible for the tilting action of the tool 15, and the third SAL 32 is a programmable function. Meanwhile, the auxiliary control inputs 40 may include a programmable keyboard 42; a programmable switch 43; a differential locking button 44, which is responsible for the rotation of the relative wheels of the locomotive device 13; a forward-neutral-reverse toggle switch 45, which is responsible for switching the travel direction of the locomotive device 13; a throttle lock toggle switch 46, which is responsible for maintaining or releasing the engine speed of the power unit 12; a horn button 41; and other items. It is worth noting that the utility compartment 24 can have redundant control inputs, i.e., inputs that perform the same or similar functions but are not simultaneously installed in the working machine 1 during commercial applications. As mentioned above, the main purpose of the utility compartment 24 is to test various features and inputs that can be used in multiple unique implement control compartments 22; therefore, there is no limitation on the type or number of the control inputs 30, 40 for the features.

[0031] Before discussing commercial embodiments of the implement control bay 22, it is emphasized again that multiple distinct implement control bays 22 share several common components. A universal mounting bracket 21 is shared across all control bays 22, a universal base cover 50 is shared across at least all commercial variants of the implement control bay 22 as described below, and various main control inputs 30 and auxiliary control inputs 40 may overlap in some bays 22 but are absent in others.

[0032] Regarding modularity, the programmable keyboard 42 and programmable switch 43 are of particular note. For example... Figure 5As shown, the programmable keypad 42 may include multiple buttons, each pointing to a specific function of the working machine 1. For example, the first button can control the characteristics of the power unit 12, the second button can execute a preset movement of the tool arm 14, and the third button can adjust the climate of the cabin 17, etc. Similar to the programmable keypad 42, the programmable switch 43 can handle any of many preset commands, depending on the specific application requirements. Although the keypad 42 is depicted as having eight buttons, different numbers of buttons or their arrangement are also possible.

[0033] In some embodiments, for example Figure 5 In the illustrated configuration with the utility bay 24, the programmable keyboard 42 and programmable switch 43 can be directly mounted onto the implement control bay 22 without requiring an intermediate infrastructure. In other embodiments, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the keyboard 42 and / or switch 43 can be initially mounted on top of the universal board 47, which then fits onto the top cover 60 of the tool control compartment 22. Advantageously, the same universal board 47 can be shared between different tool control compartments 22, thereby increasing component compatibility and reducing the number of control layouts that operators may need to learn. Furthermore, the universal board 47 is customizable, allowing it to be installed with only the keyboard 42, only the switch 43, both the keyboard 42 and the switch 43, or neither. Moreover, the positions of the keyboard 42 and the switch 43 on the board 47 can be adjusted or even reversed depending on the specific compartment 22. In this way, the modularity and customizability of the control console 2 are further improved.

[0034] Now go to Figure 6-11 This illustrates two commercial variants of the implement control cabin 22, or variants typically deployed during the routine use of the operating machinery 1. The first is as follows: Figure 6-8 The control stick compartment 25 shown is the second one as shown. Figure 9-11 The SAL compartment 26 is shown. Both the joystick compartment 25 and the SAL compartment 26 can be mounted to a universal mounting bracket 21, share a universal bottom cover 50, and include a unique top cover 60. For the joystick compartment 25, the main control input 30 is the joystick 33, and the top cover 60 is the joystick cover 61. For the SAL compartment 26, the main control input 30 is a plurality of SALs 32, and the top cover 60 is the SAL cover 62. It should be understood that the universal bottom cover 50 is designed to be shared by the joystick compartment 25 and the SAL compartment 26 and to mate with other embodiments of the compartment 22. Conversely, the top cover 60 is designed to mate only with its specific compartment 22, as it is limited by the geometry of the combination of the provided main control inputs 30 and auxiliary control inputs 40. In any case, the bottom cover 50 and the top cover 60 can engage with the universal mounting bracket 21 and / or engage with each other.

[0035] Figure 6A perspective view of the joystick compartment 25 is shown; Figure 7 The joystick 33 is shown; Figure 8 The corresponding top cover 60 of the joystick compartment 25, namely the joystick cover 61, is shown. It can be seen that, after installation, the joystick 33 protrudes from the joystick hole 611 of the joystick cover 61. In the embodiment where the working machinery 1 is a wheel loader, the first axis of motion of the joystick 33 controls the lifting action of the boom 14, while the second axis of motion of the joystick 33 controls the tilting action of the tool 15. Additionally, the joystick 33 may have many ergonomic features, including a palm-fitting curvature, a thumb rest, a flattened rounded top, and a center handle, the details of which will not be further discussed in this invention. Multiple auxiliary control inputs 40 are provided on the right section 612 of the joystick cover 61, such that each auxiliary control input 40 can be operated simultaneously with the joystick 33 with one hand. In the illustrated embodiment, the joystick compartment 25 includes a programmable keypad 42 and a throttle lock toggle switch 46. Furthermore, the keypad 42 is initially mounted on a universal plate 47, in which case there is no programmable switch 43, and the universal plate 47 is subsequently fixed to the joystick cover 61. However, in other embodiments of the joystick compartment 25, the universal panel 47 may also include a programmable switch 43, and / or the joystick cover 61 may be included in... Figure 6-8 Additional auxiliary control input 40, not shown in the diagram.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of SAL compartment 26; Figure 10 Multiple SAL 32s were shown; Figure 11A corresponding top cover 60 and SAL cover 62 for the SAL compartment 26 are shown. It can be seen that, after installation, multiple SALs 32 protrude from corresponding SAL holes 621 in the SAL cover 62. In the case where the working machinery 1 is a wheel loader, the first SAL 32 can control the lifting action of the boom 14, the second SAL 32 can control the tilting action of the tool 15, and the third SAL 32 can be programmable. In other embodiments, the SAL compartment 26 may include only two SALs 32 as main control inputs 30, each SAL controlling the boom 14 and the tool 15 respectively. It should be understood that in this case, the SAL cover 62 can be differently shaped to integrate with the SALs 32, for example by having two SAL holes 621 instead of three. Multiple auxiliary control inputs 40 are provided on the top section 622 of the SAL cover 62, such that each auxiliary control input 40 can be operated simultaneously with multiple SALs 32 with one hand. In the illustrated embodiment, the SAL compartment 26 includes a programmable keypad 42, a programmable switch 43, a differential lock button 44, a throttle lock toggle switch 46, and a horn button 41. Specifically, the keypad 42 and switch 43 are first mounted on a universal plate 47, which is then secured to the SAL cover 62. In some embodiments, the universal plate 47 may be at an angle between 30 and 50 degrees relative to the horizontal plane, and preferably 40 degrees; this orientation allows for optimal simultaneous one-handed operation. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the universal plate 47 may include only the keypad 42, only the switch 43, or may include both but with their relative arrangement reversed.

[0037] Continue to refer to Figure 11 It can be seen that the SAL cover 62 includes at least one status indicator 70. However, referring to... Figure 2 The illustrated machine control cabin 22 provides a better understanding. Each status indicator 70 can correspond to the function, current status, or other attributes of the corresponding main control input 30 or auxiliary control input 40. For example, in Figure 2 When the first lever is actuated, the status indicator 70 below and corresponding to the first lever can be illuminated, further indicating the actuation direction. Similarly, the status indicator 70 for the second lever can also be identical. Each status indicator 70 can have a unique size and a beveled upper left corner to eliminate any confusion between different indicators 70 during installation. The status indicators 70 are preferably mounted on the top cover 60 of the tool control compartment 22 and can be added in any combination for the available control inputs 30, 40.

[0038] Finally, as Figure 2As shown, the console 2 may have a chamfer 221, which in some embodiments may be the lower left front corner. The chamfer 221 improves legroom, particularly knee clearance, for the operator seat inside the operator seat 18. The geometry of the chamfer 221 may be projected from the bottom view, from the left view, from the front view, or a combination thereof, as long as the shape of the console 2 does not interfere with the operator's legs during use.

[0039] While the transport compartment 23, utility compartment 24, joystick compartment 25, and SAL compartment 26 have been discussed in detail in this invention, it should be understood that any number of tool control compartments 22 can be designed and fitted with universal mounting brackets 21 to form tool control consoles 2. Each tool control compartment 22 only needs to be compatible with the universal mounting bracket 21 and includes a main control input 30 and at least one auxiliary control input 40, each of which can be operated simultaneously with the main control input 30 with one hand. The various control inputs 30, 40 disclosed herein can be rearranged or included in different combinations, and additional, unspecified inputs 30, 40 can be included without departing from the scope of the invention. These control inputs 30, 40 and their arrangement can be determined according to specific application requirements regarding the configuration of a particular machine tool 1, its production cycle, and customer preferences. Regardless of the power source, the disclosed framework enables the modular tool control compartments 22 to be easily customized, installed, replaced, exchanged, and repaired, while improving operator comfort and ease of use.

[0040] Industrial applicability

[0041] In operation, this application finds industrial applicability in any number of work machines operated by an operator via a machine control console. The invention is particularly applicable to work machines with various control consoles of different models, types, and configurations. Although the work machine is described as a wheeled loader, the invention is equally applicable to other work machines used in earthmoving, construction, mining, and agriculture, including but not limited to track loaders, compactors, excavators, backhoe excavators, skid steer loaders, etc. By adopting the design disclosed herein, the control console can exhibit greater modularity while improving operator comfort, accuracy, and ease of use.

[0042] For example, a wheel loader may include specific machine tools, implement arms, or work implements. It may also provide or utilize specific total power output, hydraulic operating pressure, weight capacity, etc. Therefore, the functional settings and operating parameters of a wheel loader are reflected in the characteristics of its implement control console. Thus, the modular control cabin disclosed herein provides a means for efficiently producing and installing appropriate control consoles with their respective machinery. Increased parts compatibility between control consoles allows manufacturers to scale up production and reduce inventory. Simultaneously, specific embodiments of the control cabin, such as the utility cabin and the transport cabin, can simplify testing and facilitate aftermarket customization, respectively.

[0043] According to another objective of the invention, the design of each implement control cabin improves operator comfort, accuracy, and ease of use. The placement and orientation of each auxiliary control input relative to the main control input enables simultaneous one-handed operation. Furthermore, shared parts, such as universal panels, allow the operator to switch between machines (and between consoles) to reduce the mental effort associated with relearning controls. Finally, the beveled lower left front corner of the implement console frees up legroom and enhances the comfort offered by the operator's seat.

[0044] While wheel loaders have been illustrated by example, other working machines require operator input via a console. Therefore, the modularity disclosed in this invention will be applicable to any working machine that benefits from a customizable console. Furthermore, the ergonomic one-handed design of each implement control bay can be applied to those working machines requiring multitasking, such as those where the operator must drive the machine and control its tools.

[0045] Now go to Figure 12 The method of mounting the tool control cabin to the working machinery is generally indicated by reference numeral 100. The method includes first providing the working machinery (box 101) with an operator's seat and a universal mounting bracket. The universal mounting bracket can be fixedly attached to the operator's seat and allows for any adjustments to the operator's seat. Alternatively, the universal mounting bracket may have its own ergonomic adjustment knobs, for example, to change the position, height, or tilt relative to the operator's seat. Next, a main control input is attached to the universal mounting bracket (box 102). This can be achieved using any type or number of fasteners known in the art, such as, but not limited to, screws, bolts, rivets, latches, clamps, press-fits, etc. The attachment mechanism can be reversible, although permanent installations such as welding, crimping, gluing, etc., are also possible and conceivable. The main control input is then wired to the working machinery (box 103) so that any mechanical, analog electrical, digital electrical, or other signals can be transmitted from the main control input to, for example, the onboard computer of the working machinery. The signals transmitted from the main control input can, for example, operatively actuate the tools of the working machinery via a hydraulic power system and multiple hydraulic cylinders. When the main control input includes a feedback mechanism, the wiring steps can also enable signals to be sent from the operating machinery to the main control input. In block 104, a top cover supporting at least one auxiliary control input is attached to a universal mounting bracket. Figure 6-11As shown, the main control input can be positioned through holes in the top cover during and after installation. The top cover can be secured using any type or number of fasteners known in the art and can be further secured to the main control input. Next, at least one auxiliary control input is wired to the working machine, such as to the onboard computer of the working machine (box 105). Once all connections are wired, a universal bottom cover is attached to a universal mounting bracket (box 106). The universal bottom cover can optionally be attached to the top cover and / or the main control input and can be mounted using any type or number of fasteners known in the art. In this way, the implement control compartment, and possible commercial variations of the implement control compartment, can be mounted on the working machine.

[0046] It is worth noting that the negation and reversibility of the aforementioned steps can be applied to unloading the same implement control cabin, especially when the fastening mechanism is reversible. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the working machine may have a transport cabin pre-installed, which may need to be replaced before commercial use. In this case, the aforementioned method can precede the initial steps for removing the transport cabin. This can be achieved by first disconnecting the wiring between the main control input and the working machine, as well as between the auxiliary control input and the working machine. Next, fasteners, such as individual brackets and bolts, can be removed. Therefore, universal mounting brackets can be easily used to install any other implement control cabin.

[0047] While the foregoing text has described many different embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the legal scope of protection is defined by the wording of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. The detailed descriptions should be interpreted as exemplary only and do not describe every possible embodiment, as describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Many alternative embodiments may be implemented using current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which will still fall within the scope of the claims defining the scope of protection.

Claims

1. A type of operating machinery, comprising: Main body of the operating machinery; The power unit is supported by the main body of the operating machinery; Locomotive unit, which supports the main body of the working machinery and is operablely driven by the power unit; A tool arm, which is attached to the main body of the working machinery at its proximal end and to the working tool at its distal end; Hydraulic power system; The cockpit is supported by the main body of the operating machinery; as well as An equipment control console, housed within the cockpit, the equipment control console comprising: Universal mounting bracket; Universal bottom cover; Top cover; A universal plate mounted on the top cover; and The tool control compartment is mounted on the universal mounting bracket. The tool control compartment includes a main control input and at least one auxiliary control input, each of which can be operated simultaneously with the main control input using one hand. The at least one auxiliary control input includes a programmable keyboard and / or a programmable switch. Either or both of the programmable keyboard and / or programmable switch are mounted on the universal plate, which is at an angle between 30 and 50 degrees to the horizontal plane.

2. The operating machinery according to claim 1, wherein, Multiple unique machine control bays can be installed one at a time onto a universal mounting bracket.

3. The operating machinery according to claim 1, wherein, The equipment control compartment is a transport compartment, the main control input is a control lever, and the at least one auxiliary control input includes a button.

4. The operating machinery according to claim 2, wherein, The implement control cabin is a utility cabin, and the at least one auxiliary control input includes all auxiliary control inputs available for use in the plurality of unique implement control cabins.

5. The operating machinery according to claim 1, wherein, The machine control cabin is a joystick cabin, the top cover is a joystick cover, and the main control input is the joystick.

6. The operating machinery according to claim 1, wherein, The equipment control cabin is a SAL cabin, the top cover is a SAL cover, and the main control input is multiple SALs.

7. The operating machinery according to claim 1 further includes: An operator seat, located within the cockpit and supporting the machine control console; as well as At least one status indicator is mounted on the top cover of the machine control cabin, and each status indicator has a unique size; The control console of the aforementioned machine has a chamfer.

8. A method for installing a machine control cabin onto a work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: Provide operator seats with universal mounting brackets; Attach the main control input to the universal mounting bracket; Connect the main control input wiring to the operating machinery; The top cover supporting at least one auxiliary control input is attached to the universal mounting bracket; Wiring the at least one auxiliary control input to the operating machinery; as well as Attach the universal bottom cover to the universal mounting bracket.

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