Top structure for working machine
By introducing multiple indicator light groups and dual blower fans into the component box of the working machine, combining lidar sensors and cameras, the problems of operation mode indication and 360-degree field of view coverage are solved, and the cooling and maintenance convenience of electronic components is improved .
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380038979.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-05-23
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-20
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-31
AI Technical Summary
The component boxes of existing working machines are difficult to effectively indicate the operating mode and provide 360-degree field of view coverage, and there are challenges in cooling and maintenance of electronic components.
A component box is designed that contains multiple indicator light groups to indicate the operating mode and provides a cooling environment through dual blower fans and enclosed compartments, while building a 360-degree field of view with lidar sensors and cameras, combining antennas and other sensors to Implement environmental detection.
A clear indication of the operating mode of the work machine is achieved, a 360-degree field of view coverage is provided, and the reliability and maintenance convenience of electronic components are improved through effective cooling and structural design.
Smart Images
Figure CN119234068A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to construction equipment and, more particularly, to a component box for a work machine. Background Art
[0002] Work machines, such as compact track loaders, include various work tools to accomplish different construction jobs. Semi-autonomous or autonomous machines are machines that can use various sensors to detect the area around the machine so that the machine can be operated without a driver or can be used to assist the driver when the driver is operating the machine. The top of the machine can provide space for these components.
[0003] WO2019197064 discusses a working machine having a guidance system comprising a top box. Summary of the invention
[0004] In an example according to the present invention, a working machine may include a machine frame; and a component box that holds a plurality of electrical components mounted to the top of the machine frame; wherein the component box includes a plurality of indicator light groups exposed on an outer surface of the component box, wherein the plurality of indicator light groups are configured to indicate an operating mode of the working machine to an outsider.
[0005] In another example, a working machine may include a machine frame; a component box that holds a plurality of electrical components mounted to a top of the machine frame; wherein the component box includes an enclosed compartment defined by a lower wall, four side walls, and an upper cover, wherein the enclosed compartment includes a center wall extending the length of the enclosed compartment, the center wall dividing the enclosed compartment into a first half and a second half; and a dual blower fan positioned within the enclosed compartment, with one blower directed toward the first half and a second blower directed toward the second half.
[0006] In another example according to the present invention, a working machine may include a machine frame; and a component box that holds a plurality of electrical components mounted to the top of the machine frame; wherein the component box includes an enclosed compartment defined by a lower wall, four side walls and an upper cover, wherein the upper cover includes a bifold cover that includes a first cover and a second cover. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] In the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, the same numerals may describe similar components in different views. Similar numerals with different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The accompanying drawings generally illustrate various embodiments discussed herein by way of example and not limitation.
[0008] Figure 1 A perspective view of a compact track loader is shown according to one embodiment.
[0009] Figure 2 A front perspective view of a component bin is shown according to one embodiment.
[0010] Figure 3 A left rear perspective view of a component bin is shown according to one embodiment.
[0011] Figure 4 A rear right perspective view of a component bin is shown according to one embodiment.
[0012] Figure 5 A top view showing the internal structure of a component box according to one embodiment.
[0013] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 A detailed view of the internal structure of the widget box.
[0014] Figure 7 A perspective view of a component bin is shown according to one embodiment.
[0015] Figure 8 Shown is a cross-sectional detail of a lid hinge for a component bin according to one embodiment.
[0016] Fig. 9 A perspective view of a component bin is shown according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Figure 1 A perspective view of a work machine 100, such as a compact track loader, is shown according to one embodiment. The work machine 100 may include a machine frame 110 having a transport device 120 and a work tool 130 attached to the machine frame 110. For example, the transport device 120 may include tracks or wheels. The work tool 130 may include a bucket, fork, shovel, plow, or other work tool.
[0018] The machine frame 110 connects and relates to various physical and structural features that enable the work machine 100 to function. These features may include a cab 140 mounted atop the machine frame 110 from which an operator may control and direct the operation of the work machine 100. Thus, various controls may be located within the cab 140. To propel the work machine 100 across a surface, a power system (such as an internal combustion engine) may also be mounted to the machine frame 110 and may generate power that is converted to physically move the machine.
[0019] The work machine 100 may be an autonomous or semi-autonomous machine. Thus, for an autonomous vehicle, a 360° object detection system may be required. For example, a lidar sensor and a camera may need to be placed at a specific location on the machine to achieve the 360° field of view required for object detection.
[0020] Therefore, the present system provides a component box 150 on the roof 145 of the cab 140. The component box 150 can house various electronic devices and sensors to allow autonomous control. A 360-degree field of view can be established by the lidar sensor, and the placement of the camera and antenna and other components allows this field of view to be combined with the bottom structural elements of the box.
[0021] Figure 2 shows a front perspective view of a component bin 150 according to one embodiment; Figure 3 A left rear perspective view of the component bin 150 is shown; Figure 4 A rear right perspective view of component bin 150 is shown.
[0022] Here, the component box may generally include a main body 210 and a rear bracket 220 extending from a rear surface of the main body 210. A plurality of legs 230 are used to attach the component box 150 to a working machine.
[0023] The component box 150 may also include a plurality of indicator light groups 280, 282, 284, and 286 exposed on an outer surface of the component box 150. The plurality of indicator light groups 280-286 are configured to indicate an operating mode of the work machine 100 to an outsider.
[0024] For example, each of the multiple indicator light groups 280-286 may include: a first light 288, which is used to indicate that the working machine 100 is not operated by anyone; a second light 290, which is used to indicate that the working machine 100 is operated by someone; a third light 292, which is used to indicate that the system is temporarily stopped due to an error or because an emergency stop or an autonomous stop is pressed; and a fourth light 294, which is used to indicate when the working machine system detects a person.
[0025] In this example, the plurality of indicator light groups 280-286 may include four indicator light groups 280-286, with a first indicator light group 280 located on a front exterior surface of the component bin 150, a second indicator light group 282 on a first side surface of the component bin 150, a third indicator light group 284 on a second side surface of the component bin 150 opposite the second indicator light group 282, and a fourth indicator light group 286 on a rear surface of the component bin 150. By strategically placing the four indicator light groups 280-286, 360 degree coverage may be provided around the work machine 100. Thus, anyone around the work machine 100 may see and determine what mode the work machine 100 is in.
[0026] In this example, the component bin 150 may also include three lifting members 302, 304, 306, with a first lifting member 302 at a rear corner of the component bin 150, a second lifting member 304 at a rear corner opposite the first lifting member 302, and a third lifting member 306 at a center front position of the component bin 150. The lifting members 302-306 will be discussed further below.
[0027] There may also be various sensors for the component bin 150. For example, a first lidar sensor 250 may be located at a front corner of the component bin 150, and a second lidar sensor 252 may be located at a rear corner of the component bin 150 on a side of the component bin 150 opposite the first lidar sensor 250 and positioned on a bracket 220 extending away from the rear corner of the component bin 150. The lidar sensors 250, 252 may be operably attached to electronic components located within the component bin 150 to provide 360 degree lidar coverage around the environment of the work machine.
[0028] The sensors for the parts bin 150 may also include a plurality of cameras 260 positioned to provide visual coverage of the environment surrounding the work machine. In one example, the plurality of cameras 260 may include five cameras positioned to provide 360-degree coverage. For example, the five cameras may include a first camera 260 on a front corner of the parts bin 150, a second camera 260 on a front corner of the parts bin 150 opposite the first camera 260, a third camera 260 on one side surface of the parts bin 150, a fourth camera 260 on a second side surface of the parts bin 150 opposite the third camera 260, and a plurality of cameras 260 may be coupled to the machine frame 110 ( Figure 1 ) at the rear of the component box 150 and connected to the fifth camera (not shown) at the rear of the component box 150 by an electric wire.
[0029] The system may also include multiple antennas 270, 272, 274, and 276 on the component box 150, which are arranged and positioned to avoid interference with each other. In this example, the multiple antennas may include a first 2.4 GHz or 900 MHz antenna 270 mounted on the rear end of the component box 150. The second antenna 272 may include a 900 MHz antenna located on the rear end of the component box 150. The third antenna 274 may include a GPS receiver located on a bracket 220 extending from the back of the body 210 of the component box 150. The fourth antenna 276 may include a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Wi-Fi antenna on a bracket 220 extending from the rear corner of the body 210 of the component box 150. The fourth antenna 276 is further elevated on the bracket 220 to minimize or eliminate any interference from the GPS receiver, the third antenna 272.
[0030] The cameras and sensors discussed above have been given specific positions and orientations relative to the component box structure to provide specific fields of view that are not blocked by elements, antennas, and other structures of the box. (Additional details of the lidar sensors and cameras are discussed in document 4992.223US1 filed on the same date as this application and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).
[0031] Figure 5 A top view showing the internal structure of a component box 150 according to one embodiment; and
[0032] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 Detailed view of the internal structure of the component box 150.
[0033] Here, the component box 150 includes a bottom wall, four side walls 404, 406, 408, 410 and an upper cover 310 ( Figure 5 Not shown, see Figure 4 ) is defined by a closed compartment 402. The closed compartment 402 includes a central wall 422 that extends the length of the closed compartment 402, dividing the closed compartment into a first half 430 and a second half 435. A dual blower fan 440 is positioned within the closed compartment 402, wherein one blower 442 is directed to blow air into the first half 430, and a second blower 444 is directed to blow air into the second half 435. The dual blower fan 440 is used to cool the various electronic components located in each half of the closed compartment 402.
[0034] Here, the dual blower fan 440 may be mounted at the front of the component enclosure 150 adjacent to one or more air inlets 450 , 452 in the front side wall 404 of the component enclosure 150 .
[0035] The system may also include one or more air filters 456, 458 located at the air inlets 450, 452. The air filters 456, 458 may help increase the life of the dual blower fan 440 and reduce particulates in the enclosed compartment 402.
[0036] The plurality of electrical components within the enclosed compartment 402 may include one or more heat-sensitive components, and the heat-sensitive components may be positioned within the airflow path within the enclosed compartment 402 to maximize cooling. Thus, any heat-sensitive components may be placed at strategic locations within the airflow path.
[0037] For example, one or more heat-sensitive components may include dual electronic control modules (ECMs) 460, 465, with one ECM 460, 465 located on each side of the center wall 422. The ECMs 460, 465 may include dual autonomous ECMs with a distributed arrangement. Feed-through wiring may be directed through the center wall 422 to communicate between the first half 430 and the second half 435.
[0038] Here, the ECMs 460, 465 are positioned directly behind the respective blowers 442, 444 to receive the coolest cooling air. Other electronics, such as radios, receivers, and routers may be positioned toward the rear of the enclosed compartment 402. This orientation provides direct airflow to the ECMs where the most heat is generated.
[0039] Figure 7 1 shows a perspective view of a component box 150 according to one embodiment. Here, the upper cover 310 of the component box 150 may include a bifold cover, which includes a hinge 510 attached to the central wall 422 ( Figure 5 ) on the work machine 100. The first cover 502 and the second cover 504 can be opened and closed independently of each other. Here, the second cover 504 is shown in phantom in the open position. Likewise, the first cover 502 can be swung upward and opened in a similar manner. The use of two covers 502, 504 allows a user to open either half of the component box 150 to allow serviceability, such as by standing on the rails of the work machine 100. Each cover 502, 504 can also include one or more locks 508.
[0040] Figure 8 A cross-sectional detail of a lid hinge 510 for a component bin 150 according to one embodiment is shown. Here, each of the one or more hinges 510 may include an L-shaped hinge having a first leg 512 attached to the lid 310 and a second leg 514 attached to the center wall 422. The first leg 512 and the second leg 514 are coupled at a pivot 516. In this example, the hinge structure is shaped so that the pivot 516 is elevated above the upper surface of the upper lid 310. When the lid 310 is opened, the design allows the lid 310 to swing away from the center wall 422. This swinging away motion pulls the lid 310 away from the center wall 422 so that the lid 310 does not roll against the gasket 520 when the lid 310 is opened.
[0041] Fig. 91 shows a perspective view of a component bin 150 according to one embodiment. As described above, the component bin 150 may include three lifting members, with a first lifting member 302 at a rear corner of the component bin 150, a second lifting member 304 at a rear corner opposite the first lifting member 302, and a third lifting member 306 at a center front position of the component bin 150. The three lifting members 302-306 allow a tether 530 to be attached to each lifting member to easily lift the component bin 150 off the top of the work machine 100.
[0042] In addition, the component box 150 includes a plurality of legs 230 configured to be mounted on the top of the cab. In one example, the legs 230 may include an inclined shape that is inclined rearward and include a plurality of bolt holes to accommodate bolts for mounting the component box 150 on the top of the cab.
[0043] Industrial Applicability
[0044] This system can be applied to many situations in construction. For example, this system can be used for compact crawler loaders and other working machines.
[0045] Thus, the present system provides an electrical component box associated with a work machine such as a compact track loader (CTL). The electrical component box can be disposed on top of the work machine. The electrical component box includes a structure having at least one bi-fold hinged cover and holds a plurality of components. The plurality of components can include a blower and an ECM that can be disposed in the electrical component box; the component box can also include an antenna, one or more support structures for communication devices (e.g., GPS, antenna, etc.), a plurality of legs, and a plurality of indicator lights that can be disposed on the electrical component box.
[0046] In summary, the present system provides a 360 degree field of view established by the lidar sensor and camera and the arrangement of antennas and other components to allow this field of view to be integrated with the bottom structural elements of the box.
[0047] Various examples are illustrated in the drawings and the foregoing description. One or more features from one or more of these examples may be combined to form other examples.
[0048] The above detailed description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. The scope of the present invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
Claims
1. A working machine (100), comprising: Machine frame (110); as well as a component box (150) holding a plurality of electrical components mounted to a top (145) of the machine frame; The component box includes a plurality of indicator light groups (280, 282, 284, 286) exposed on an outer surface of the component box, wherein the plurality of indicator light groups are configured to indicate an operating mode of the work machine to an outsider.
2. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein each indicator light group of the plurality of indicator light groups comprises: a first light (288), the first light (288) being used to indicate that the operating machine is unmanned; a second light (290), the second light (290) is used to indicate that the working machine is operated by someone; a third light (292), the third light (292) is used to indicate that the system is temporarily stopped due to an error; and a fourth light (294) for indicating when the work machine system detects a person.
3. A working machine according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the multiple indicator light groups include four indicator light groups, a first indicator light group is located on the front outer surface of the component box, a second indicator light group is on the first side surface of the component box, a third indicator light group is on the opposite second side surface of the component box, and a fourth indicator light group is on the rear surface of the component box.
4. The working machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of indicator light groups are observable by an outsider around the working machine in 360 degrees.
5. A working machine (100), comprising: Machine frame (110); a component box (150) holding a plurality of electrical components mounted to a top (145) of the machine frame; wherein the component box includes an enclosed compartment (402) defined by a lower wall, four side walls (404, 406, 408, 410) and an upper cover (310), wherein the enclosed compartment (402) includes a central wall (422) extending the length of the enclosed compartment, the enclosed compartment dividing the enclosed compartment into a first half (430) and a second half (435); and A dual blower fan (440) is positioned within the enclosed compartment with one blower (442) directed toward the first half and a second blower (444) directed toward the second half.
6. The work machine of claim 5, wherein the dual blower fans are mounted on a front portion of the component bin adjacent to one or more air inlets (450, 452) on the component bin.
7. The work machine of any one of claims 5-6, wherein the plurality of electrical components includes one or more heat-sensitive components, and wherein the heat-sensitive components are positioned in the enclosed compartment within the airflow path.
8. The work machine of claim 7, wherein the heat sensitive component comprises a dual ECM, one ECM (460, 465) on each side of the central wall.
9. The work machine according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the upper cover comprises a bifold cover hinged at the central wall.
10. The work machine of claim 9, wherein the bi-fold cover comprises a first cover (502) and a second cover (504), each cover being mounted to the central wall by one or more hinges (510).
11. A working machine according to claim 10, wherein each of the one or more hinges comprises an L-shaped hinge having a first leg (512) and a second leg (514) connected at a pivot (516), and wherein the pivot is elevated above the upper surface of the upper cover.
12. The working machine according to any one of claims 5-11, wherein the component box includes three lifting members (302, 304, 306), a first lifting member is located at a rear corner of the component box, a second lifting member is located at a rear corner opposite to the first lifting member, and a third lifting member is located at a central front position of the component box.
13. The work machine of any one of claims 5-12, wherein the component box includes a plurality of legs (230) configured for mounting to the top of the machine frame.