Counterweight assembly for a working machine

Abstract

A counterweight assembly for a work machine includes a structure, support studs, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The structure is coupled to a frame of the work machine and defines a through hole, a first side end, and a second side end. The support studs are coupled to the frame and respectively received into the through hole to support the structure against the frame. The first side wall extends from the first side end and defines a first eye. The second side wall extends from the second side end and defines a second eye. A guard rail of the work machine is received between the first side wall and the second side wall. One or more of the first eye and the second eye receive a lift assembly for lifting the work machine, and the support studs transfer a lifting force from the counterweight assembly to the frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a counterweight assembly for a working machine. Background Technology

[0002] Work loaders, such as wheel loaders, are commonly used for earthmoving operations on various construction sites. As part of earthmoving operations, these machines often use work implements (e.g., buckets) to receive loads. Once a load is received, the machine is moved or maneuvered to the desired location to transfer and release the load. To accomplish this, proper balancing of the load applied to the machine is typically required. Furthermore, it is desirable to protect the machine from external elements on the site during movement. Additionally, lighting equipment is provided to illuminate the machine's path and / or indicate the relevant operational phases. Moreover, such machines may need to be raised or lowered for applications, for example, when stowed away when not in use, when hoisted and placed on sites with limited access, when transported to new locations, and / or when used to move earth from those locations.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 4,068,876 relates to a construction vehicle having a rear bumper assembly mounted on a frame. The bumper assembly includes a horizontally arranged base plate defining a closed compartment therein containing a counterweight and a plurality of upright plates. The counterweight is attached to the base plate via spacers and by a pair of bolts attached to opposite ends of the spacers, the spacers extending through the center of gravity of the counterweight. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, this disclosure relates to a counterweight assembly for a working machine. The counterweight assembly includes a structure, one or more support studs, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. The structure is configured to be coupled to a frame of the working machine. The structure has one or more through-holes, a first side end, and a second side end opposite the first side end. The support studs are configured to be fixedly coupled to the frame and correspondingly received in the through-holes to align and support the structure against the frame. The first sidewall extends from the first side end and has a first eyelet. The second sidewall extends from the second side end and has a second eyelet. The second sidewall is spaced apart from the first sidewall to receive a guardrail of the working machine therebetween. One or more of the first and second eyelets are configured to receive a lifting assembly for lifting the working machine, and the support studs are configured to transfer a lifting force from the counterweight assembly to the frame during lifting of the working machine.

[0005] In another aspect, this disclosure relates to a working machine. The working machine includes a frame and a counterweight assembly. The counterweight assembly includes a structure, one or more support studs, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. The structure is coupled to the frame and includes one or more through holes, a first side end, and a second side end opposite the first side end. The support studs are fixedly coupled to the frame and correspondingly received in the through holes to align and support the structure against the frame. The first sidewall extends from the first side end and includes a first eyelet. The second sidewall extends from the second side end and includes a second eyelet. Furthermore, the second sidewall is spaced apart from the first sidewall to receive a guardrail of the working machine therebetween. One or more of the first and second eyelets are configured to receive a lifting assembly for lifting the working machine. Additionally, the support studs are configured to transfer a lifting force from the counterweight assembly to the frame during lifting of the working machine. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a rear perspective view of an exemplary working machine including a counterweight assembly, according to one or more aspects of this disclosure;

[0007] Figure 2 This is a front perspective view of a counterweight assembly according to one or more aspects of this disclosure;

[0008] Figure 3 This is a rear view of the counterweight assembly according to one or more aspects of this disclosure;

[0009] Figure 4 This is a front view of a counterweight assembly according to one or more aspects of this disclosure;

[0010] Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the counterweight assembly according to one or more aspects of this disclosure shows the cross-section and outline of the first and second plates of the structure of the counterweight assembly;

[0011] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a support stud according to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the support stud being applied against a frame alignment and supporting a counterweight assembly of a working machine; and

[0012] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The process of mounting a counterweight assembly to the frame of a machine according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numerals may be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts; for example, 1, 1', 1'', 101, and 201 may refer to one or more equivalent parts used in the same and / or different depicted embodiments.

[0014] Reference Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a working machine 100. The working machine 100 can be a ground-mobile machine configured to travel over a wide area of ​​a construction site 104 and perform soil alteration or hauling operations on the site 104. The working machine 100 may include a wheel loader 108, such as a medium-duty wheel loader 112, as shown. However, aspects of this disclosure can be applied to a wide variety of other working machines, such as agricultural or construction machinery, such as bulldozers, skid steer loaders, excavators, graders, and / or any other machines known or contemplated by those skilled in the art. The working machine 100 can be an autonomous or semi-autonomous operating machine.

[0015] The machine 100 may include a chassis or frame 116 to support various machine components, panels, and subsystems thereon. The frame 116 may include a split frame configuration defining a front frame portion 120 and a rear frame portion 124. The rear frame portion 124 may include a section to which a bumper (not shown) of the machine 100 may be attached. The front frame portion 120 and the rear frame portion 124 may be pivotally connected to each other at a pivot point (not shown). The front frame portion 120 may correspond to the front end 128 of the machine 100, and the rear frame portion 124 may correspond to the rear end 132 of the machine 100. Terms such as 'front,' 'rear,' and 'rear' as used in this disclosure can be understood in relation to an exemplary direction T in which the machine 100 can move during operation, defined from the rear end 132 toward the front end 128.

[0016] The working machine 100 may include a device 136, such as a bucket. The device 136 may be coupled to a frame 116 (e.g., to a front frame portion 120 of the frame 116) via an intermediate structure such as a linkage element (not shown), and may be positioned at the front end 128 of the working machine 100. The device 136 (or bucket) can be used for soil preparation at site 104. For example, the device 136 (or bucket) may scoop in and receive material (e.g., a portion of soil that may include debris, soil, rock, stones, decomposed particles, etc.) during soil preparation operations, and then the working machine 100 may be powered to travel to the location at site 104 to release and dump the material at said location. In this way, the working machine 100 can be adapted to transport soil at site 104.

[0017] The machine tool 100 may also include a cab 140 and a power compartment 144. Both the cab 140 and the power compartment 144 can be supported on the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116, with the cab 140 occupying the position between the front frame portion 120 and the power compartment 144. The cab 140 may include various input devices and controls. Access to such input devices and controls allows the operator to control various aspects of the machine tool 100, such as manipulating or actuating the implement 136, moving the machine tool 100, etc.

[0018] The power compartment 144 can house a power source, such as an internal combustion engine (not shown), which can power numerous functions of the working machine 100. For example, the power source can power one or more traction devices 148 of the working machine 100 (e.g., wheels and / or annular traction tracks), enabling the working machine 100 to move and travel over a wide area of ​​the work site 104, i.e., from one location to another. The power source can also power the actuation of the implement 136 and various other functions of the working machine 100. According to some embodiments, the working machine 100 may include other types of power sources, such as electric power sources, which can be used alone or in combination with an internal combustion engine.

[0019] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The working machine 100 may include a counterweight assembly 152. The counterweight assembly 152 can be used to balance loads applied to the working machine 100, such as the load of material received by the implement 136. Assuming the implement 136 is located at the front end 128 of the working machine 100, the counterweight assembly 152 may be located at the rear end 132 of the working machine 100. In doing so, any load applied at the front end 128 (e.g., by receiving material into the implement 136 at the front end 128) can be balanced and offset by the counterweight assembly 152 located at the rear end 132 of the working machine 100. In this way, the counterweight assembly 152 can stabilize the working machine 100 during earthmoving operations. As an example, the counterweight assembly 152 may be attached to the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116 and may be located at the rear of the working machine 100. In addition to balancing the load received by appliance 136, counterweight assembly 152 can also be used for other purposes, the details of which will be understood through the discussion in the following description.

[0020] Reference Figures 2 to 5The counterweight assembly 152 will be discussed in further detail. The counterweight assembly 152 includes a structure 156 and one or more support studs 160 (e.g., a first support stud 160' and a second support stud 160''). The counterweight assembly 152 also includes sidewalls 164, such as a first sidewall 164' and a second sidewall 164''. Furthermore, the counterweight assembly 152 also includes a first housing 168' and a second housing 168''.

[0021] Structure 156 may be coupled to frame 116 (e.g., to the rear frame portion 124 of frame 116). Structure 156 may include a first plate 172 and a second plate 176. Both the first plate 172 and the second plate 176 may have a planar extended profile. Although not limited, the first plate 172 and the second plate 176 may be similar in length (e.g., see length L). Figure 3 In some cases, the first plate 172 and the second plate 176 may have similar dimensions and / or shapes. Although not limited, the second plate 176 may be orthogonally arranged relative to the first plate 172. In some embodiments, both the first plate 172 and the second plate 176 may be formed of metal plates. The assembly of structure 156 and / or the first plate 172 and the second plate 176 may include a first side end 180 and a second side end 184 of structure 156. The second side end 184 may be opposite the first side end 180, as shown.

[0022] Furthermore, the first plate 172 may include a surface (e.g., a flat surface). In some examples, the first plate 172 may include a first surface 188 and a second surface 192 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 5 The second surface 192 may be opposite to or away from the first surface 188. Structure 156 may include one or more through holes 196 (or first through holes 200). The first through holes 200 may be formed in the first plate 172. As an example, two first through holes 200 may be provided in the first plate 172, namely a first main through hole 200' and a first secondary through hole 200''. Additional or fewer first through holes 200 may be contemplated. The first through holes 200 may extend from the first surface 188 to the second surface 192, defining a corresponding opening at each of the first surface 188 and the second surface 192. Each of the first through holes 200 may have an inner surface 204 and a chamfered surface or chamfered edge 208 extending from (or from near) the inner surface 204 and branching to the first surface 188 (see...). Figure 5 (The outline of the first through hole 200'' is shown for reference). When the counterweight assembly 152 is assembled into the frame 116, the first surface 188 may be oriented toward the frame 116 (or toward the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116).

[0023] Structure 156 may include a second through hole 212 (see Figure 3 and 4 The second through hole 212 can also be formed in the first plate 172. Figure 3 and 4 It can be noted that, exemplarily, five second through holes 212 are clustered around or adjacent to the first main through hole 200', but for clarity, only one of the five second through holes 212 is labeled. Similarly, and exemplarily, five second through holes 212 are clustered around or adjacent to the first auxiliary through hole 200'', but for clarity, only one of the five second through holes 212 is labeled. Additional or fewer numbers of second through holes 212 are possible. The second through holes 212 clustered around or adjacent to the first main through hole 200'' can be referred to as the second through hole main group 212'. Furthermore, the second through holes 212 clustered around or adjacent to the first auxiliary through hole 200'' can be referred to as the second through hole sub group 212''.

[0024] However, as Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the layout of the second through-hole 212 is exemplary, and those skilled in the art can anticipate variations in the layout and arrangement, for example, based on space constraints, the type of machine being operated, etc. Similar to the first through-hole 200, the second through-hole 212 may also extend from the first surface 188 to the second surface 192, defining a corresponding opening at each of the first surface 188 and the second surface 192 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 5 However, the second through hole 212 may not have the chamfered surface or chamfered edge that can be provided for each of the first through holes 200. The second through hole 212 may accordingly receive one or more fasteners 216 (only some are labeled for clarity, see [link]). Figure 2 The structure 156 is connected and secured to the frame 116 (or the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116). The fastener 216 may include a threaded portion and a head portion, and the second through hole 212 may be threaded accordingly.

[0025] Reference Figure 2 and 6 The support studs 160 (i.e., the first support stud 160' and the second support stud 160'') can be (e.g., by welding and / or threading) securely connected to the frame 116 (e.g., connected to the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116) so that they cannot be removed from the frame 116 (e.g., not removed from the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116). The support studs 160 (i.e., the first support stud 160' and the second support stud 160'') can also be received in the first main through hole 200' and the first secondary through hole 200'' respectively to align with the frame 116 and support the structure 156.

[0026] Reference Figure 6 The support stud 160 is discussed with reference to the second support stud 160''. This discussion is also applicable to the first support stud 160'. The second support stud 160'' may include an elongated, linearly extended structure made of high-strength steel or any inherently high-strength material or alloy. The second support stud 160'' may include a head portion 220, a shank portion 224, and a gripping portion 228. The gripping portion 228 may be arranged between the head portion 220 and the shank portion 224. The shank portion 224 may include threads 232. Furthermore, the gripping portion 228 may be engaged by a tool (e.g., a wrench or pliers) (not shown) to engage the tool with the second support stud 160'' and to tighten and thread the shank portion 224 and thus the second support stud 160''' to a corresponding threaded hole 236 provided in the frame 116 (or the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116) (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 7 and 8 In the connected state of the second support stud 160`' and the frame 116 (or the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116), the head portion 220 (and in some cases, the gripping portion 228) of the second support stud 160`' can protrude or extend outward from the frame 116 (or the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116), and the first secondary through hole 200`' can be mounted thereon so that the second support stud 160`' is received into the first secondary through hole 200`' of the structure 156.

[0027] Refer again Figures 2 to 5 The discussion focuses on the first sidewall 164' and the second sidewall 164''. The first sidewall 164' and the second sidewall 164'' may include planar and linearly extending profiles. Like the first plate 172 and the second plate 176, the first sidewall 164' and the second sidewall 164'' may also be formed in the form of plates. The first sidewall 164'' may extend from the first side end 180 of structure 156 and may include a first eyelet 240. The second sidewall 164'' may extend from the second side end 184 of structure 156 and may include a second eyelet 244. While not limited, as shown, the first eyelet 240 and the second eyelet 244 may be positioned away from or far from structure 156, and / or may be positioned at a certain height (e.g., the same height) relative to the second plate 176. Additionally, the first eyelet 240 and the second eyelet 244 may be configured to receive a lifting assembly 248 for lifting the working machine 100 off the ground (e.g., see the arrangement of hook 252 and chain 256). Figure 2 During this lifting process of the working machine 100, the first support stud 160' and the second support stud 160'' are configured to transfer the load or lifting force from the counterweight assembly 152 to the frame 116 (or the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116).

[0028] The fixed connection between the support stud 160 and the frame 116 (or the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116) facilitates the transfer of load or lifting force via the support stud 160. In some embodiments, the head portion 220 may serve as part of the second support stud 160'', which transfers load or lifting force (e.g., radially) from the counterweight assembly 152 to the second support stud 160'', such that the second support stud 160''' connection to the frame 116 (or the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116) can transfer lifting force or load from the counterweight assembly 152 to the frame 116 (or the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116) by means of any one or each of welding or thread.

[0029] Furthermore, the second sidewall 164'' can be spaced apart from the first sidewall 164'', such that a space S can be defined between the first sidewall 164'' and the second sidewall 164''. A protective assembly or guardrail 260 of the working machine 100 (see [link to relevant documentation]) can prevent interference from external components with the rear end 132. Figure 1 The guardrail 260 can be received between the first sidewall 164' and the second sidewall 164'' (e.g., into the space S defining therebetween). In some embodiments, the guardrail 260 can be received using fasteners 266 (see...). Figure 1 Fasteners 266 are fastened to the first sidewall 164'. Four fasteners 266 are shown as an example. Additional or fewer fasteners 266 are contemplated. Furthermore, similar fasteners (not shown) may also be used to connect the guardrail 260 to the second sidewall 164''. Additionally, one or more of the first and second sidewalls 164'' may extend upright or orthogonally relative to structure 156 or relative to one or more of the first and second plates 172 and 176.

[0030] The first housing 168' and the second housing 168'' can receive the lamp unit 264 of the working machine 100. As an example, the first housing 168' and the second housing 168'' can be connected to the first part 268 and the second part 272 of the counterweight assembly 152, respectively (see...). Figure 2 , 7 (and 8). The first portion 268 and the second portion 272 may correspond to corresponding portions of the first sidewall 164' and the second sidewall 164'', as shown. However, in some embodiments, the first portion 268 and the second portion 272 may be defined elsewhere, for example, on the second plate 176. In addition, or alternatively, other components or sensing systems applicable and / or available during machine movement, such as a LiDAR (light detection and ranging) or RADAR (radio detection and ranging) system (not shown), may be coupled to the first portion 268 and the second portion 272 of the counterweight assembly 152.

[0031] Both the first housing 168' and the second housing 168'' may comprise a box-shaped container, but variations in its shape are anticipated. The box-shaped container (i.e., the first housing 168' and the second housing 168'') may accordingly receive lamp units 264, namely, the first lamp unit 276 and the second lamp unit 280 of the working machine 100. The first lamp unit 276 and the second lamp unit 280 may illuminate the travel path of the working machine 100, indicate the operational phase associated with the working machine 100, and / or may also indicate the course of the working machine 100 during its travel and traversal of the site 104.

[0032] In some embodiments, the counterweight assembly 152 may include one or more additional plates (e.g., additional plate 284). Figure 3 The additional plate can be attached to structure 156 or the second plate 176 to increase the overall weight of the counterweight assembly 152. In this regard, the second plate 176 may include one or more holes (see exemplary hole 288). Figure 2 The additional plate may include one or more similar holes (not shown). During the installation and assembly of the counterweight assembly 152 with the frame 116 (or with the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116), the holes of the second plate 176 may be aligned with the holes of the additional plate, and fasteners (not shown) may be driven and / or passed through such holes to engage the additional plate with the second plate 176.

[0033] In some embodiments, the counterweight assembly 152 can be formed by welding all its components together. For example, the first plate 172, the second plate 176, the first sidewall 164', the second sidewall 164'', the first housing 168', and the second housing 168'' can be brought together (e.g., one by one) such that all said components can be positioned relative to each other, and then properly welded to reach the counterweight assembly 152, as exemplarily discussed above. Figures 1 to 6 As shown in the diagram. The formation of through holes (e.g., first through hole 200, second through hole 212, first eyelet 240 and second eyelet 244) can be achieved through a machining process such as drilling. In some embodiments, the counterweight assembly 152 may also include additional supplementary plates, such as first side plate 292 and second side plate 296, that can increase the strength, stiffness and / or overall weight of the counterweight assembly 152.

[0034] Industrial applicability

[0035] Reference Figure 7 and 8An exemplary method for assembling the counterweight assembly 152 into the frame 116 (or the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116) is discussed. During the assembly of the counterweight assembly 152 into the frame 116 (or the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116), the operator may first insert the second support stud 160'' into a threaded hole 236 provided within the frame 116 (or the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116). To achieve this insertion, the operator may align the second support stud 160'' with the threaded hole 236, and then push the second support stud 160'' into the threaded hole 236 such that the shank portion 224 of the second support stud 160'' first enters the threaded hole 236.

[0036] Subsequently, the operator can use a tool (e.g., a wrench or pliers) (not shown) to grasp and engage the gripping portion 228 of the second support stud 160'', thereby engaging the second support stud 160'' and applying torque to rotate and tighten the second support stud 160'' into the threaded hole 236. Assuming that the shank portion 224 may include threads 232 (and the threaded hole 236 may include complementary threads), the second support stud 160'' can be threadedly engaged into the threaded hole 236. In this way, the second support stud 160'' can be threadedly connected to the frame 116 (or the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116).

[0037] The operator can then initiate a welding operation to weld the second support stud 160'' to the frame 116 (or the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116). In some embodiments, the welding operation may include applying solder W into the threaded hole 236 such that the threaded hole 236 and the shank portion 224 of the second support stud 160'' can be welded together and held together. In doing so, the second support stud 160'' can be permanently and non-removably attached to the frame 116 (or the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116). The operator can then remove the first support stud 160' and attach it to the frame 116 (or the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116) in a manner similar to how the second support stud 160'' is attached to the frame 116 (or the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116). Once the first support stud 160' and the second support stud 160' are connected to the frame 116 (or the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116) in the manner described above, both the first support stud 160' and the second support stud 160' can protrude or extend outward from the frame 116 (or the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116). Alternatively, the welding operation can be omitted.

[0038] As a next step, the operator can remove the counterweight assembly 152 (e.g., assisted by a crane that may be the same as the lifting assembly 248) and align the first main through hole 200' and the first secondary through hole 200' with the first support stud 160' and the second support stud 160' respectively. Once the first main through hole 200' and the first secondary through hole 200' are aligned with the first support stud 160' and the second support stud 160', the operator can then remove the counterweight assembly 152 (e.g., see direction A). Figure 7 The counterweight assembly 152 is pushed toward frame 116 (or toward the rear frame portion 124 of frame 116) such that the first main through hole 200' and the first secondary through hole 200'' receive the first support stud 160' and the second support stud 160'', respectively. At this time, the chamfered edges (e.g., chamfered edge 208) defined by the first main through hole 200' and the first secondary through hole 200'' respectively help align and guide the first support stud 160'' and the second support stud 160'' into the first main through hole 200' and the first secondary through hole 200'', respectively. Therefore, the support stud 160 can control the positioning of the counterweight assembly 152 relative to frame 116 (or the rear frame portion 124 of frame 116) during the assembly process.

[0039] In some embodiments, complementary chamfered edges (not shown) may also be provided on the head portion 220. Such complementary chamfered edges facilitate the guidance, insertion, and assembly of the support stud 160 into the first main through hole 200' and the first secondary through hole 200''.

[0040] Once the first main through hole 200' and the first secondary through hole 200'' receive the first support stud 160' and the second support stud 160'' respectively, the operator can remove the fastener 216 (e.g., with a corresponding washer), and then insert and drive the fastener 216 into the second main through hole group 212' and the second secondary through hole group 212'', and then into the corresponding threaded hole (e.g., see threaded hole 218) provided in the frame 116 (or the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116). Figure 7 and 8 This allows the counterweight assembly 152 to be tightened, engaged, and held to the frame 116 (or the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116). If the fastener 216 has corresponding threads for the second through holes 212', 212'', the fastener 216 can be rotated to engage the second through holes 212', 212'' and secure the counterweight assembly 152 to the frame 116 (or the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116).

[0041] During lifting operations or while lifting the work machine 100, the arrangement of the lifting assembly 248 (e.g., hook 252 and chain 256) Figure 2The support stud 160 can be received in the first eyelet 240 and the second eyelet 244. When the working machine 100 can be lifted, the support stud 160 transfers the lifting force (e.g., most of the lifting force) from the counterweight assembly 152 to the frame 116 (or the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116) during the lifting of the working machine 100. In this way, the working machine 100 can be easily and conveniently raised or lowered to one or more positions for certain applications, such as being stowed when not in use, being transported to a new location, being hoisted for placement on a site with limited access, such as a cargo ship hold, and / or being used to transport soil from those locations.

[0042] It can be noted that once the fastener 216 and the support stud 160 are assembled with the structure 156, the head portion 220 of the support stud 160 can be aligned or abutted with the inner surfaces 204 of the first main through hole 200' and the first secondary through hole 200' respectively. Furthermore, the shank portion 224 (or thread 232) of the support stud 160 can be aligned or abutted with the surface of the frame 116 (or the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116), the surface having a threaded hole (e.g., threaded hole 236) therein, into which the support stud 160 can be inserted. In this way, the head portion 220 and the shank portion 224 (or thread 232) can facilitate the radial transfer of load or lifting force during lifting operations. Simultaneously, or otherwise, the fastener 216 can manage any axial load, preventing the counterweight assembly 152 from disengaging or detaching from the frame 116 (or the rear frame portion 124 of the frame 116).

[0043] In addition, the counterweight assembly 152 also provides housing for the guardrail 260, which provides protection at the rear end 132 of the working machine 100 to protect the power compartment 144 (including components such as radiators that can be positioned within the power compartment 144) from damage that may occur due to interference with any external elements or objects on the site 104. The first housing 168' and the second housing 168'', arranged on the first sidewall 164' and the second sidewall 164'' to position the lamp units 264 (i.e., the first lamp unit 276 and the second lamp unit 280) fix the lamp units 264 and can meet one or more federally authorized standards or requirements, such as ISO 12509 requirements, while also allowing the lamp units 264 to perform one or more of their intended purposes, as discussed above, namely illuminating the travel path of the working machine 100, indicating the operational phase associated with the working machine 100, and / or indicating the course of the working machine 100 during its travel or traversal of the site 104.

[0044] The lifting capacity requirements of the working machine 100 (i.e., the requirements related to the overall weight of the counterweight assembly 152 to offset the load in the appliance 136) are also readily achievable and, in some cases, can be customized, for example, assuming the addition or removal of an auxiliary plate (e.g., auxiliary plate 284) to the second plate 176 to (e.g., proportionally) increase or decrease the overall weight of the counterweight assembly 152. Furthermore, the counterweight assembly 152 can also be designed and positioned relative to the working machine 100 to meet requirements related to the turning circle and departure angle of the working machine 100.

[0045] Effectively, as described above, the counterweight assembly 152 is a fully enclosed, integrated, and multi-purpose service structure that requires less floor space or footprint for the work machine 100's panels and / or components (e.g., the rear frame portion 124 of frame 116). This makes the work machine 100 less complex and less bulky, and relatively easy to use, service, and maintain.

[0046] Unless explicitly excluded, the use of the singular to describe a component, structure, or operation does not preclude the use of multiple such components, structures, or operations or their equivalents. In the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims), the terms “a,” “an,” “the,” and “at least one,” or the terms “one or more,” and similar references, should be interpreted to encompass both the singular and plural, unless the context otherwise indicates or explicitly contradicts it. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (e.g., “at least one of A and B” or “one or more of A and B”) should be interpreted to indicate a selection of one item (A or B) from the listed items or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B; A, A and B; A, B and B), unless the context otherwise indicates or explicitly contradicts it. Similarly, as used herein, the word “or” refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase “A, B or C” means at least one of A, B, C or any combination thereof, such as any one of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C; or multiple items such as A and A; B, B and C; A, A, B, C and C, etc.

[0047] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and alterations can be made to the methods / systems disclosed herein without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the description and practice of the methods and / or systems disclosed herein. The specification and examples should be considered exemplary only, and the true scope of this disclosure is indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A counterweight assembly for a working machine, the counterweight assembly comprising: A structure configured to be connected to a frame of the working machine, the structure defining one or more through holes, a first side end, and a second side end opposite to the first side end; One or more support studs, the one or more support studs being configured to be fixedly connected to the frame and correspondingly received in the one or more through holes to align and support the structure against the frame; A first sidewall extends from the first side end and defines a first aperture; A second sidewall, extending from the second side end and defining a second opening, is spaced apart from the first sidewall to receive a guardrail of the working machine between the first and second sidewalls, wherein: One or more of the first and second apertures are configured to receive a lifting assembly for lifting the working machine, and The one or more support studs are configured to transfer lifting force from the counterweight assembly to the frame during the lifting of the working machine.

2. The counterweight assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a first housing and a second housing respectively connected to the first portion and the second portion of the counterweight assembly, the first housing and the second housing being configured to receive the first lamp unit and the second lamp unit respectively.

3. The counterweight assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more support studs is configured to be welded to the frame.

4. The counterweight assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more support studs defines a head portion including a threaded shank portion and a gripping portion configured to be engaged by a tool to tighten and thread the shank portion into a corresponding threaded hole defined by the frame.

5. The counterweight assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more through holes correspond to one or more first through holes, and the structure defines one or more second through holes to receive one or more fasteners through the one or more second through holes to attach the structure to the frame.

6. The counterweight assembly of claim 5, wherein the structure comprises a first plate and a second plate, each of the one or more first through holes and the one or more second through holes being formed in the first plate.

7. The counterweight assembly of claim 6, wherein the first plate defines a first surface and a second surface, each of the one or more first through holes extends from the first surface to the second surface and defines an inner surface and a chamfered edge extending from the inner surface and branching to the first surface.

8. The counterweight assembly of claim 7, wherein the first surface is disposed opposite to the second surface and configured to point toward the frame.

9. The counterweight assembly according to claim 6, wherein the second plate is disposed orthogonally to the first plate.

10. The counterweight assembly of claim 1, wherein one or more of the first sidewall and the second sidewall extend vertically relative to the structure.

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