Work machine with lift linkage assembly

Abstract

A work machine includes a frame extending longitudinally, a ground engaging unit supporting the frame, and an operator cab connected to the frame. A cantilever is pivotally connected to a rear portion of the frame and to an attachment coupler at a front portion of the cantilever. The boom extends longitudinally and is configured to move the attachment coupler along a lift path relative to the frame from a first position to a second position. A boom lift assembly connects a rear portion of the boom to the frame, and wherein the boom lift assembly guides the boom to move the attachment coupler along the lift path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to work machines having a lift linkage assembly for improved visibility. Background Art

[0002] All-around visibility is desirable in smaller work machines because these work machines often operate in compact spaces. Premium products often provide advanced awareness of the operator's surroundings by adding expensive and complex technology such as sensors, cameras, etc. While these tools can improve ease of operation by adding to existing designs or retrofitting current work machines, there is an opportunity for a simplified approach to improve visibility for smaller work machines. A work machine with improved visibility may require fewer components and thereby reduce costs, having the effect of improving the operator's ability to work in indoor applications. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a smaller scale work machine, such as a compact track loader, is shown. The work machine includes: a longitudinally extending frame; a ground engaging unit supporting the frame; and an operator cab connected to the frame. A boom is pivotally connected to a rear portion of the frame and is connected to an attachment coupler at a front portion of the boom. The boom extends longitudinally and is configured to move the attachment coupler from a first position to a second position relative to the frame along a lifting path. A boom lift assembly connects the rear portion of the boom to the frame, wherein the boom lift assembly guides the boom to move the attachment coupler along the lifting path.

[0004] The boom lift assembly also includes a rod extending longitudinally and connected to a rear portion of the frame. The rod has a first rod joint in front of a second rod joint. The first rod joint and the second rod joint are located at opposite ends of the rod. A lower link extends to the rear of the second rod joint. A first lower link end is pivotally connected to the frame at the second rod joint. A second lower link end is pivotally connected to a rearmost boom joint. A first distance is defined as the distance between the second rod joint and the rearmost boom joint. An upper link extends to the rear of the first rod joint. A first upper link end is connected to the frame at an upper link joint, the upper link joint being located above the rod and between the first rod joint and the second rod joint. A second upper link end is pivotally connected to the boom at a second rearmost boom joint. An actuator extends to the rear of the first rod joint. A first actuator end is pivotally connected to the frame at the first rod joint. A second actuator end is pivotally connected to the boom at a third rearmost boom joint.

[0005] A second distance is defined between the first rearmost boom joint and the second rearmost boom joint. A length ratio of the second distance to the first distance is within a length ratio range of 0.2 to 0.3. A third distance is defined between the first rod joint and the second rearmost boom joint, the length ratio of the third distance to the first distance is within a length ratio range of 1.1 to 1.2. A fourth distance is defined between the upper link joint and the second rod joint, the length ratio of the fourth distance to the first distance is within a length ratio range of 0.4 to 0.5.

[0006] The operator cab is offset forwardly from the center of the frame.

[0007] The boom and the boom lift assembly are mirror images across a longitudinal centerline of the frame. A support rod is oriented transversely relative to the longitudinal centerline and connects a lower link of a left boom lift assembly and a lower link of a right boom lift assembly.

[0008] The ground engaging unit comprises a crawler frame. The crawler frame comprises a crawler chain extending around the outer periphery of the crawler frame. A first guide wheel and a second guide wheel are rotatably connected to longitudinally opposite end portions of the crawler frame; and a drive sprocket is mounted at the rear of the crawler frame.

[0009] The drive sprocket center axis is elevated relative to the guide wheel center axis. The drive sprocket and the second guide wheel are located directly below the boom lift assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the ground engaging unit includes wheels. The angle between the rear portion of the boom and the front portion of the boom is at least 150 degrees.

[0010] Other features and aspects will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] A detailed description of the drawings is given in the accompanying figures.

[0012] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a work machine with a lift linkage assembly.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of the work machine is shown.

[0014] Figure 3A yes Figure 1 A side view of the work machine is shown with the actuator fully retracted.

[0015] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A detailed view of a portion of a work machine, or more specifically an area having a lift linkage assembly, is shown.

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A side view of a work machine is shown with the actuator partially extended.

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A side view of the work machine is shown with the actuator fully extended.

[0018] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A rear isometric view of the work machine is shown.

[0019] Fig. 7A It is a graph showing the improvement path of the present application relative to the prior art.

[0020] Figure 7B It is a graph showing the change of the improvement capability of the present application relative to the prior art.

[0021] Fig. 8A It is a side view schematic diagram of the prior art.

[0022] Figure 8B yes Figure 1 Side view of the working machine in the.

[0023] The same reference numbers are used to refer to the same elements throughout the several drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] refer to Figure 1 , shows a smaller scale work machine 100, or more specifically, a compact track loader. The work machine 100 includes a frame 102 extending longitudinally 118, a ground engaging unit 104 supporting the frame 102, and an operator cab 106 connected to the frame 102. A rear portion 110 of a boom 108 is pivotally connected to a rear portion 116 of the frame 102. An attachment coupler 112 is connected to the front portion 114 of the boom 108. The boom 108 extends longitudinally 118 and is configured to move the attachment coupler 112 along a lift path 126 (e.g., Fig. 7A The boom lift assembly 128 connects the rear portion 116 of the boom 108 to the frame 102, wherein the boom lift assembly 128 (as shown) is movable from the first position 122 to the second position 124 relative to the frame 102. Figure 3B ) guides the cantilever arm 108 to move the attachment coupler 112 along the lift path 126.

[0025] The boom lift assembly 128 includes a rod 130 that extends generally longitudinally 118 or in a fore-aft direction of the work machine 100 and is connected to a rear portion 116 of the frame 102. The rod 130 has a first rod joint 132 forward of a second rod joint 134, wherein the first rod joint 132 is positioned generally toward a frame center 164. The first rod joint 132 and the second rod joint 134 are located at opposite ends of the rod 130. A lower link 136 extends rearward of the second rod joint 134. A first lower link end 138 is pivotally connected to the frame 102 at the second rod joint 134. A second lower link end 140 is pivotally connected to a rearmost boom joint 142. The distance between the second rod joint 134 and the rearmost boom joint 142 defines a first distance L1 (e.g., Figure 3A 132). The upper link 146 extends rearwardly of the first rod joint 132. The first upper link end 148 is connected to the frame 102 at an upper link joint 150, which is located above the rod 130 and between the first rod joint 132 and the second rod joint 134. The second upper link end 152 is pivotally connected to the boom 108 at a second rearward boom joint 154. The actuator 156 extends rearwardly of the first rod joint 132. The first actuator end 158 is pivotally connected to the frame 102 at the first rod joint 132. The second actuator end 160 is pivotally connected to the boom 108 at a third rearward boom joint 162.

[0026] Continue to refer FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B A second distance L2 is defined between the rearmost boom joint 142 and the second rearmost boom joint 154. The length ratio of the second distance L2 to the first distance L1 is within a length ratio range of 0.2 to 0.3. A third distance L3 is defined between the first rod joint 132 and the second rearmost boom joint 154, wherein the length ratio of the third distance L3 to the first distance L1 is within a length ratio range of 1.1 to 1.2. A fourth distance L4 is defined between the upper link joint 150 and the second rod joint 134, wherein the length ratio of the fourth distance L4 to the first distance L1 is within a length ratio range of 0.4 to 0.5.

[0027] The operator cab 106 is offset forwardly from the frame center 164 .

[0028] The boom 108 and boom lift assembly 128 are mirror images across the longitudinal centerline 166 of the frame 102, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 Now this article also refers to Figure 6 The support bar 168 is oriented transversely with respect to the longitudinal centerline 166 and connects the lower link 136 of each of the left boom lift assembly 128a and the right boom lift assembly 128b. In addition, the support bar 168 is located below the operator's line of sight.

[0029] Now go to Figure 4 , the ground engaging unit 104 may include a crawler chassis. The crawler chassis includes a crawler chain 202 extending around the outer perimeter of a crawler frame 204. A first guide wheel 206 and a second guide wheel 208 are rotatably connected to longitudinally opposite crawler frame end portions (210a, 210b). A drive sprocket 212 is mounted at the rear of the crawler frame 204.

[0030] The drive sprocket center axis 214 is elevated relative to the guide wheel center axis 216. The drive sprocket 212 and the second guide wheel 208 are positioned below the boom lifting assembly 128. In an alternative embodiment, the ground engaging unit may include wheels (not shown). In addition to a standard engine, the positioning of the drive sprocket 212 as shown in the figure is advantageously further conducive to electrically driven work machinery, because the substantial portion of the base allows sufficient space for battery placement while improving the weight balance of the work machinery. Similar to the crawler chassis, the wheel drive also includes a drive sprocket toward the rear of the frame and below the boom lifting assembly. The angle 218 between the rear portion 116 of the boom 108 and the front portion 114 of the boom 108 is at least 150 degrees.

[0031] Now go to FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims presented below, the technical effect of the disclosed embodiments is to generate a true vertical lift path while improving lift capacity 224. The unique linkage configuration of the boom lift assembly enables the actuator to be fully extended (e.g., Figure 5 As shown) to achieve a substantially vertical lift ( Fig. 7A ). Figure 7B A graph outlining the change in lift capacity 224 of the present embodiment relative to the prior art is disclosed. The x-axis represents lift height. The y-axis represents lift capacity 224. The average car height 172 is shown by the vertical dashed line, where the maximum lift capacity 224 is at least 25% greater than the prior art. The prior art shown is a Deere 317G compact track loader.

[0032] Another technical effect of one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein is improved ease of use for indoor applications. Fig. 8A An exemplary prior art illustrated as a compact track loader is disclosed. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B The upper limit 222 shown in both can be defined as a flat surface that coincides with the top surface of the operator cab. Figure 8BIn the present embodiment of the present invention, the boom lift assembly 128 operably connected to the boom enables the operator to raise the attachment coupler, or alternatively the end of the boom 108, to a height 220 of at least 50 inches prior to any potential interference of the boom 108 with the upper limit 222. The height 220 ( Figure 8B ) is substantially greater than the maximum height ( ) of the end of the boom 108 achieved prior to any potential interference of the boom 108 or the boom lift assembly 128 with the upper limit Fig. 8A shown).

[0033] Another technical effect of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein is enhanced visibility and thereby reduced need for more cameras and sensors to achieve similar visibility. Fig. 8A Prior art cantilever and frame configurations are disclosed that have limited rear visibility due to the pillar-like structure in the rear.

[0034] As used herein, "for example" is used to list examples in a non-exhaustive manner and has the same meaning as alternative illustrative phrases such as "including," "including but not limited to," and "including, without limitation." Unless otherwise limited or modified, a list of elements separated by a conjunction (e.g., "and") and also preceded by the phrase "one or more" or "at least one" indicates a configuration or arrangement that potentially includes the individual elements in the list or any combination thereof. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" or "one or more of A, B, and C" indicates the following possibilities: only A; only B; only C; or any combination of two or more of A, B, and C (e.g., A and B; B and C; A and C; or A, B, and C).

[0035] Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as "upper," "lower," "upward," "downward," "top," "bottom," and the like are used descriptively in the drawings and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the teachings may be described herein in terms of functional and / or logical block components and / or various processing steps. It should be appreciated that such block components may include any number of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions.

[0036] Terms of degree such as “substantially,” “substantially,” or “approximately” are understood by those of ordinary skill to refer to a reasonable range outside a given value or orientation, such as general tolerances or positional relationships associated with the manufacture, assembly, and use of the described embodiments.

[0037] Although the above describes example embodiments of the present disclosure, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Rather, other variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A working machine, comprising: a frame extending longitudinally; a ground engaging unit supporting the frame; an operator cab connected to the frame; attachment coupling; a cantilever arm pivotally connected to the attachment coupler at a front portion of the cantilever arm, the cantilever arm extending longitudinally and configured to move the attachment coupler from a first position to a second position relative to the frame along a lifting path; as well as a boom lift assembly connecting a rear portion of the boom to the frame, the boom lift assembly guiding the boom to move the attachment coupler along the lift path, Wherein, the cantilever lifting assembly comprises: a rod extending longitudinally and connected to the rear portion of the frame, the rod having a first rod joint forward of a second rod joint, the first rod joint and the second rod joint being located at opposite ends of the rod; a lower link extending rearwardly of the second rod joint, a first lower link end being pivotally connected to the frame at the second rod joint, a second lower link end being pivotally connected to the rearmost boom joint; a first distance being defined between the second rod joint and the rearmost boom joint; an upper link extending rearwardly of the first rod joint, a first upper link end connected to the frame at an upper link joint, the upper link joint being located above the rod and between the first rod joint and the second rod joint, a second upper link end pivotally connected to the boom at a second rearmost boom joint; and An actuator extends rearwardly of the first rod joint, a first actuator end being pivotally connected to the frame at the first rod joint, and a second actuator end being pivotally connected to the boom at a third rearmost boom joint.

2. The working machine according to claim 1, wherein: A second distance is defined between the rearmost cantilever joint and the second rearmost cantilever joint, and a length ratio of the second distance to the first distance is within a length ratio range of 0.2 to 0.

3.

3. The working machine according to claim 2, wherein: A third distance is defined between the first rod joint and the second rearmost cantilever joint, the third distance having a length ratio to the first distance within a length ratio range of 1.1 to 1.

2.

4. The working machine according to claim 3, wherein: A fourth distance is defined between the upper link joint and the second rod joint, and a length ratio of the fourth distance to the first distance is within a length ratio range of 0.4 to 0.

5.

5. The working machine according to claim 1, wherein: The operator cab is offset forwardly from the center of the frame.

6. The working machine according to claim 1, wherein: The boom and boom lift assembly are mirror images across the longitudinal centerline of the frame, and A support rod is oriented transversely relative to the longitudinal centerline and connects a lower link of the left boom lift assembly and a lower link of the right boom lift assembly.

7. The working machine according to claim 1, wherein: The ground engaging unit comprises: Track frame; a track chain extending around an outer perimeter of the track frame; first and second guide wheels rotatably connected to longitudinally opposing track frame end portions; and A drive sprocket is mounted behind the track frame.

8. The working machine according to claim 7, wherein: The center axis of the drive sprocket is elevated relative to the center axis of the guide wheel.

9. The working machine according to claim 7, wherein: The drive sprocket and the second guide wheel are located directly below the boom lift assembly.

10. The working machine according to claim 7, wherein: The ground engaging units include wheels.

11. The working machine according to claim 1, wherein: The angle between the rear portion of the cantilever and the front portion of the cantilever is at least 150 degrees.

12. A compact crawler loader comprising: a frame extending longitudinally; a ground engaging unit supporting the frame; an operator cab connected to the frame; attachment coupling; a cantilever arm pivotally connected to the attachment coupler at a front portion of the cantilever arm, the cantilever arm extending longitudinally and configured to move the attachment coupler from a first position to a second position relative to the frame along a lifting path; as well as a boom lift assembly connecting a rear portion of the boom to the frame, the boom lift assembly guiding the boom to move the attachment coupler along the lift path, Wherein, the cantilever lifting assembly comprises: a rod extending longitudinally and connected to the rear portion of the frame, the rod having a first rod joint forward of a second rod joint, the first rod joint and the second rod joint being located at opposite ends of the rod; a lower link extending rearwardly of the second rod joint, a first lower link end being pivotally connected to the frame at the second rod joint, a second lower link end being pivotally connected to the rearmost boom joint; a first distance being defined between the second rod joint and the rearmost boom joint; an upper link extending rearwardly of the first rod joint, a first upper link end connected to the frame at an upper link joint, the upper link joint being located above the rod and between the first rod joint and the second rod joint, a second upper link end pivotally connected to the boom at a second rearmost boom joint; and an actuator extending rearwardly of the first rod joint, a first actuator end being pivotally connected to the frame at the first rod joint, a second actuator end being pivotally connected to the boom at a third rearmost boom joint, wherein a second distance is defined between the rearmost cantilever joint and the second rearmost cantilever joint, and a length ratio of the second distance to the first distance is within a length ratio range of 0.2 to 0.3; wherein a third distance is defined between the first rod joint and the second rearmost cantilever joint, and a length ratio of the third distance to the first distance is within a length ratio range of 1.1 to 1.2; A fourth distance is defined between the upper link joint and the second rod joint, and a length ratio of the fourth distance to the first distance is in a range of 0.4 to 0.

5.

13. The compact track loader according to claim 12, wherein: The boom and boom lift assembly are mirror images across the longitudinal centerline of the frame, and A support rod is oriented transversely relative to the longitudinal centerline and connects a lower link of the left boom lift assembly and a lower link of the right boom lift assembly.

14. The compact track loader according to claim 12, wherein: The angle between the rear portion of the cantilever and the front portion of the cantilever is at least 150 degrees.

15. A working machine linkage assembly, comprising: a cantilever arm pivotally connected to the attachment coupler at a front portion of the cantilever arm, the cantilever arm extending longitudinally and configured to move the attachment coupler from a first position to a second position relative to the frame along a lift path; as well as a boom lift assembly connecting a rear portion of the boom to the frame, the boom lift assembly guiding the boom to move the attachment coupler along the lift path, Wherein, the cantilever lifting assembly comprises: a rod extending longitudinally and connected to the rear portion of the frame, the rod having a first rod joint forward of a second rod joint, the first rod joint and the second rod joint being located at opposite ends of the rod; a lower link extending rearwardly of the second rod joint, a first lower link end being pivotally connected to the frame at the second rod joint, a second lower link end being pivotally connected to the rearmost boom joint; a first distance being defined between the second rod joint and the rearmost boom joint; an upper link extending rearwardly of the first rod joint, a first upper link end connected to the frame at an upper link joint, the upper link joint being located above the rod and between the first rod joint and the second rod joint, a second upper link end pivotally connected to the boom at a second rearmost boom joint; and an actuator extending rearwardly of the first rod joint, a first actuator end being pivotally connected to the frame at the first rod joint, a second actuator end being pivotally connected to the boom at a third rearmost boom joint, wherein a second distance is defined between the rearmost cantilever joint and the second rearmost cantilever joint, and a length ratio of the second distance to the first distance is within a length ratio range of 0.2 to 0.3; wherein a third distance is defined between the first rod joint and the second rearmost cantilever joint, and a length ratio of the third distance to the first distance is within a length ratio range of 1.1 to 1.2; A fourth distance is defined between the upper link joint and the second rod joint, and a length ratio of the fourth distance to the first distance is in a range of 0.4 to 0.5.

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