PIPE LAIDING MACHINE WITH REAR ENGINE CONFIGURATION

Abstract

Machine (100), comprising: Ground intervention elements (110); a machine chassis (120) that is provided between the ground engagement elements (110); an operator cabin (130) which includes a seat assembly (135) supported by the machine chassis (120); a power source (140) supported by the machine chassis (120); a boom (150) coupled to the machine chassis (120); and a hook component (160) configured to secure or move a load, wherein the operator cabin (130) is stationary in relation to the machine chassis (120) and the ground engagement elements (110); wherein the machine (100) comprises a front section and a rear section; the power source (140) is provided in the rear section; wherein the hook component (160) is connected to the boom (150) via one or more lifting cables (155); and wherein the hook component (160) is provided facing forward in relation to the seat assembly (135).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a pipelaying machine and, for example, to a pipelaying machine having a rear engine configuration. State of the art

[0002] A pipelayer is a machine used for laying large, heavy pipeline segments in and / or above ground. Currently, the pipelayer's boom is located adjacent to a lateral side of a pipelayer's operator's cab. The position of the boom relative to an operator's seat of the cab reduces an operator's visibility relative to the work area surrounding the pipelayer. Furthermore, an engine is provided in a front section of the pipelayer machine. The position of the engine further reduces the operator's visibility. Additionally, the pipelayer's operator's cab is stationary. The stationary nature of the operator's cab further reduces the operator's visibility.

[0003] Operating the pipelayer in reduced visibility conditions may require the operator to frequently stop the pipelayer to ensure that no obstructions (e.g., objects, people, among other examples) are in the pipelayer's path during operation. Accordingly, reduced visibility may reduce the efficiency of the pipelayer's operation.

[0004] US 6,893,189 B2 (the '189 patent) discloses that a pipelayer comprises: a chassis; an upper rotating structure mounted on the chassis for freely rotating thereon; a boom supported by the upper rotating structure for freely raising and lowering; a pulley attached to the boom via a universal joint; a hoist mounted on the upper rotating structure; and a lifting hook suspended from a wire rope extended from the hoist and wrapped around the pulley. The '189 patent further discloses that the pivot point of the boom relative to the upper rotating structure is preferably located in front of an operator's seat installed in the upper rotating structure.

[0005] While the '189 patent discloses that the boom's pivot point relative to the upper rotating structure is preferably located in front of an operator's seat, the '189 patent specifically discloses an upper rotating structure mounted on the chassis for free rotation on the chassis. Therefore, the '189 patent does not address visibility issues associated with a pipelayer with a stationary operator's cab, as discussed above.

[0006] US 5 992 655 A further discloses a Caterpillar side boom replacement assembly for retrofitting old, retired, mechanically actuated Caterpillar low drive side booms with a hydraulically actuated, fail-safe side boom system.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a pipe-laying machine which solves one or more of the above-mentioned problems and / or other problems of the prior art, in particular the improvement of the all-round visibility for the operator. Brief description

[0008] The object of the present invention is achieved by a machine according to claim 1 and by a pipe-laying machine according to claim 1. The subclaims relate to preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0009] In some implementations, a pipelayer machine includes a machine chassis; an operator cab including a seat assembly supported by the machine chassis; an engine supported by the machine chassis; and a boom coupled to the machine chassis, wherein the operator cab is stationary with respect to the machine chassis; wherein the pipelayer machine includes a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the engine is provided in the rear portion, and wherein the boom is provided forward with respect to the seat assembly.

[0010] In some implementations, a machine includes ground engaging elements; a machine chassis provided between the ground engaging elements, an operator cab including a seating assembly supported by the machine chassis, a power source supported by the machine chassis, and a boom coupled to the machine chassis, wherein the operator cab is stationary with respect to the machine chassis and the ground engaging elements, the machine including a front portion and a rear portion, and wherein the power source is provided in the rear portion.

[0011] In some implementations, a pipe-laying machine includes ground-engaging elements; an operator's cab including a seat assembly; a power source; and a boom, wherein the operator's cab and the power source are stationary with respect to the ground-engaging elements, the pipe-laying machine including a front portion and a rear portion, the seat assembly configured to face the front portion of the pipe-laying machine, and the boom provided forward of the seat assembly and adjacent to a side of the operator's cab. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a side view of an exemplary machine described herein. Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a front view of an exemplary machine described herein. Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a top view of an exemplary machine described herein. Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a side view of an exemplary machine described herein. Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a rear view of an exemplary machine described herein. Detailed description

[0012] The present disclosure aims to improve the visibility of an operator of a pipe-laying machine with respect to a work area surrounding the pipe-laying machine. For example, an engine of the pipe-laying machine may be provided in a rear portion of the pipe-laying machine (as opposed to a front portion of existing pipe-laying machines). Additionally, a boom (of the pipe-laying machine) is provided in front of the operator. For example, the boom is provided forward relative to a seating assembly of an operator's cab of the pipe-laying machine.

[0013] By locating the engine in the rear portion of the pipe-laying machine and by locating the boom forward relative to the seat assembly, the operator's visibility can be increased compared to the operator's visibility of existing pipe-laying machines. For example, by locating the engine in the rear portion of the pipe-laying machine, visibility to the sides and front of the pipe-laying machine can be increased, as explained below. Furthermore, visibility to a hook component of the pipe-laying machine can be increased by locating the boom forward relative to the seat assembly, as explained below.

[0014] The term "machine" can refer to a device that performs a process associated with an industry, such as mining, construction, agriculture, transportation, or another type of industry. In addition, one or more work tools may be connected to the machine.

[0015] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a side view of an exemplary machine 100 described herein. We in Fig. 1, the machine 100 is embodied as a pipe-laying machine. Although Fig. 1 illustrates a pipe-laying machine, the present disclosure may also be applied to other types of machines having a lifting assembly.

[0016] As in Fig. 1, the machine 100 includes ground engaging elements 110, a machine chassis 120, an operator cab 130, a power source 140, a boom 150, a hook component 160, a counterweight assembly 170, and a towing winch assembly 180. As shown in Fig. 1, the ground-engaging elements 110 include tracks consisting of a series of interconnected track links in an oval track and / or high-drive configuration. Alternatively, the ground-engaging elements 110 may also include wheels, rollers, tires, tracks, and other examples.

[0017] As in Fig. 1, the machine chassis 120 may be provided between the ground-engaging elements 110 (where "between" refers to the width direction of the machine 100 relative to the forward and reverse travel). In some implementations, the machine 100 may be configured such that the center of gravity of the machine 100 is lower than the center of gravity of existing pipelayer machines. The machine chassis 120 may be configured to support the operator cab 130 and the power source 140. The operator cab 130 may include an integrated display (not shown) and operator controls (not shown), such as integrated joysticks. The operator controls may include one or more input components for generating signals to control the movement of the machine 100 (e.g., for controlling the movement of the ground-engaging elements 110, the boom 150, the hook component 160, and other components of the machine 100).

[0018] The operator cab 130 may further include the seat assembly 135. The seat assembly 135 may be configured to face a front portion of the machine 100. The operator cab 130 may be configured to be stationary with respect to the machine chassis 120 and the ground engaging elements 110. As shown in Fig. 1, the operator cabin 130 may be provided between the power source 140 and the towing winch assembly 180.

[0019] The power source 140 may include a motor. As one example, the power source 140 may include an internal combustion engine. Additionally or alternatively, the power source 140 may include a battery, a fuel cell, among other examples. As shown in Fig. 1, the power source 140 may be provided in a rear portion of the machine 100. For example, the power source 140 may be provided adjacent to a rear surface (not shown) of the operator's cab 130. By providing the power source 140 in the rear portion of the machine 100, visibility (of the operator of the machine 100) to the side and front areas of the machine 100 may be increased.

[0020] The improved visibility of the side and front areas may reduce the frequency of stopping the machine 100 to ensure that no obstructions (e.g., objects, people, among other examples) are in the path of the machine 100 during operation of the machine 100. Accordingly, the improved visibility of the side and front areas may increase a level of efficiency in the operation of the machine 100.

[0021] In some situations, providing the power source 140 in the rear portion of the machine 100 may increase the lifting capacity of the machine 100 relative to a lifting capacity of existing pipe-laying machines. For example, the lifting capacity of the machine 100 during lifting operations performed on an inclined surface may be approximately 26% greater than the lifting capacity of existing pipe-laying machines during lifting operations performed on the inclined surface. As another example, the lifting capacity of the machine 100 during lifting operations performed on a sloping surface may be approximately 30% greater than the lifting capacity of existing pipe-laying machines during lifting operations performed on the sloping surface.

[0022] The boom 150 may be supported by the machine chassis 120. The boom 150 may be configured to extend at a specific angle from the machine 100 to a specific height (e.g., during a lifting operation performed by the machine 100). As shown in Fig. 1, the boom 150 may be provided adjacent to a first side surface of the operator cab 130 and forward relative to the seat assembly 135. For example, the seat assembly 135 may be provided intersecting a first plane (as shown in Fig. 3), and the boom 150 may be provided which intersects a second plane (as in Fig. 3) that runs parallel to the first plane. The boom 150 can be provided in the second plane adjacent to the first side surface of the operator's cab 130 and facing forward with respect to the seat assembly 135.

[0023] By providing the boom 150 facing forward with respect to the seat assembly 135, the view (of the operator of the machine 100) of the side areas of the machine 100 may be increased. For example, the view of the hook component 160 and other components associated with the boom 150 may be increased. The improved view of the side areas (including the hook component 160 and the other components associated with the boom 150) may, as discussed above, increase a measure of the efficiency of the operation of the machine 100. For example, a measure of the efficiency of performing a task using the hook component 160 may be increased.

[0024] One or more hoist cables 155 may extend from a body of the machine 100 over the boom 150 to the hook component 160 to assist in lifting and / or placing a load. The hook component 160 may include a cradle and / or other mechanism for securing, supporting, holding, lifting, and / or placing a pipeline segment. The hook component 160 may be configured to secure or move the load.

[0025] The counterweight assembly 170 may be supported by the machine chassis 120. The counterweight assembly 170 may be configured to balance the forces generated when the boom 150 extends during a lifting operation performed by the machine 100. For example, the counterweight assembly 170 may be configured to extend away from the machine chassis 120 during the lifting operation. The counterweight assembly 170 may be mounted adjacent to a second side surface (as shown in Fig. 2) of the operator's cab 130 and facing forward with respect to the seat assembly 135, as explained below.

[0026] The towing winch assembly 180 may be coupled to the machine chassis 120. The towing winch assembly 180 may be configured to perform lifting and pulling operations. The towing winch assembly 180 may include a drum and a cable wound around the drum. As shown in Fig. 1, the towing winch assembly 180 may be provided in a front portion of the machine 100.

[0027] By providing the towing winch assembly 180 in the forward portion of the machine 100 and the power source 140 in the rear portion of the machine 100, visibility (of the operator of the machine 100) of the towing winch assembly 180 may be increased. The increased visibility of the towing winch assembly 180 may reduce the frequency of stopping the machine 100 and the frequency of the operator turning to face the rear portion of the machine 100 to ensure that no obstructions (e.g., objects, people, among other examples) are in the path of the machine 100 during a lifting or towing operation of the machine 100. Accordingly, the improved visibility of the towing winch assembly 180 may increase the efficiency of operation of the machine 100 during lifting and towing operations involving the towing winch assembly 180.Furthermore, the weight of the towing winch assembly 180 helps balance the weight of the power source 140, thereby improving the overall balance of the machine 100. Furthermore, the towing winch assembly 180 can be replaced with a weight assembly to provide consistent machine balance and, accordingly, a consistent operator feel for the machine 100.

[0028] As stated above, Fig. 1 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is intended in connection with Fig. 1. The Fig. The number and arrangement of components shown in Figure 1 is provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than shown in the Fig. 1 shown.

[0029] Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a front view of the machine 100. Some elements of the machine 100 have been described above in connection with Fig. 1. As described in Fig. 2, the operator cabin 130 may include a front surface 210, a first side surface 220, and a second side surface 230 opposite the first side surface 220.

[0030] As in Fig. 2, the machine 100 may include a winch 240, a winch tower 250, a pulley 260, and a guide pulley tower 270. The winch 240, the winch tower 250, the pulley 260, and / or the guide pulley tower 270 may be associated with the boom 150 and the hook component 160. In some examples, the winch 240, the winch tower 250, the pulley 260, and / or the guide pulley tower 270 may be used during a lifting operation involving the boom 150 and the hook component 160. For example, one or more hoist cables 155 may extend from the winch 240 through the pulley 260, across the boom 150 to the hook component 160 to assist in lifting, securing, and / or placing a load. As shown in Fig. 2, the winch tower 250 may be provided adjacent to the counterweight assembly 170 and the guide roller tower 270 may be provided adjacent to the boom 150.

[0031] As in Fig. 2, the boom 150, the hook component 160, and the idler tower 270 may be provided adjacent the first side surface 220, while the counterweight assembly 170 and the winch tower 250 may be provided adjacent the second side surface 230. In some implementations, the boom 150, the hook component 160, and the idler tower 270 may be provided adjacent the second side surface 230, while the counterweight assembly 170 and the winch tower 250 may be provided adjacent the first side surface 220.

[0032] As mentioned above in connection with Fig. 1, the counterweight assembly 170 may be configured to extend away from the machine chassis 120. As shown in Fig. 2, an upper surface 280 of the counterweight assembly 170 may be provided below an upper portion 290 of the seat assembly 135 when the counterweight assembly 170 extends away from the machine chassis 120. By providing the upper surface 280 of the counterweight assembly 170 below the upper portion 290 of the seat assembly 135, the view (of the operator of the machine 100) of the side surfaces (e.g., adjacent to the counterweight assembly 170) may be increased. Accordingly, the increased view of the side surfaces may increase a measure of the efficiency of the operation of the machine 100 during lifting and pulling operations associated with extending the counterweight assembly 170.

[0033] As already mentioned, Fig. 2 is shown as an example. Other examples may differ from what is intended in connection with Fig. 2. The Fig. The number and arrangement of components shown in Figure 2 is provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than shown in the Fig. 2 shown.

[0034] Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a top view of the machine 100. Some elements of the machine 100 have been described above in connection with Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. As described in Fig. 3, the operator's cab 130 may be provided in a first plane 310 that is perpendicular to a ground surface on which the machine 100 is deployed. The boom 150 (together with the hook component 160 and the idler tower 270) may be provided in a second plane 320 that is parallel to the first plane 310. The winch tower 250 may be provided in a third plane 330 that is parallel to the first plane 310.

[0035] As in Fig. 3, the guide roller tower 270 (and the hook component 160) can be provided facing forward with respect to the seat assembly 135. By providing the guide roller tower 270 and the hook component 160 facing forward with respect to the seat assembly 135, the visibility (of the operator of the machine 100) of the guide roller tower 270, the hook component 160, and the side areas adjacent to the boom 150 can be increased. Accordingly, a degree of efficiency of operation of the boom 150 and the hook component 160 can be increased in a similar manner as described above.

[0036] As in Fig. 3, the winch tower 250 may be provided facing forward with respect to the seat assembly 135. By providing the winch tower 250 facing forward with respect to the seat assembly 135, the visibility (of the operator of the machine 100) of the winch tower 250 and the side areas adjacent to the winch tower 250 may be increased. Accordingly, a degree of efficiency of operation of the boom 150 and the hook component 160 may be increased in a manner similar to that described above.

[0037] As already mentioned, Fig. 3 is shown as an example. Other examples may differ from what is intended in connection with Fig. 3. The Fig. The number and arrangement of components shown in Figure 3 is provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than shown in the Fig. 3 shown.

[0038] Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a side view of the machine 100. Some elements of the machine 100 have been described above in connection with Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described. Fig. 4 illustrates an elevated view (of the operator of the machine 100) of the winch tower 250 and side areas adjacent to the winch tower 250.

[0039] As already mentioned, Fig. 4 is shown as an example. Other examples may differ from what is intended in connection with Fig. 4. The Fig. The number and arrangement of components shown in Figure 4 is provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than in the Fig. 4 shown.

[0040] Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a rear view of the machine 100. Some elements of the machine 100 have been described above in connection with Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. As described in Fig. 5, the operator cabin 130 includes a rear surface 510.

[0041] As already mentioned, Fig. 5 is shown as an example. Other examples may differ from what is intended in connection with Fig. 5. The Fig. The number and arrangement of components shown in Figure 4 is provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than in the Fig. 5 shown. Industrial applicability

[0042] The present disclosure aims to improve the visibility of an operator of a pipe-laying machine with respect to a work area surrounding the pipe-laying machine. For example, an engine of the pipe-laying machine is provided in a rear portion of the pipe-laying machine (as opposed to a front portion of existing pipe-laying machines). Additionally, a boom (of the pipe-laying machine) is provided in front of the operator. For example, the boom is provided forward with respect to a seating assembly of an operator's cab of the pipe-laying machine.

[0043] In existing pipe-laying machines (with stationary operator cabs), the location of the boom relative to an operator's seat reduces the operator's view of the work area around the pipe-laying machine. Furthermore, the location of the engine (e.g., in a front section of the pipe-laying machine) further reduces the operator's view.

[0044] In contrast, by providing the engine in the rear portion of the pipe-laying machine and by providing the boom forward with respect to the seat assembly, as explained herein, an operator's view may be increased compared to the view of operators of existing pipe-laying machines. For example, by providing the engine in the rear portion of the pipe-laying machine, the view of the side and front portions of the pipe-laying machine may be increased, as explained herein. Furthermore, the view of a hook component of the pipe-laying machine may be increased by providing the boom forward with respect to the seat assembly, as described below.

[0045] As used herein, "a," "an," and "set" are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with "a, an, one, or more." Furthermore, the article "the," as used herein, is intended to include one or more items referred to in conjunction with the article "the," and may be used interchangeably with "the one or more." Further, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "at least in part based on," unless expressly stated otherwise. The term "or," as used herein, is intended to be inclusive when used in a series and may be used interchangeably with "and / or" unless expressly stated otherwise (e.g., when used in combination with "either" or "only one of").Furthermore, for ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) for convenience, as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass various orientations of the device, apparatus, and / or element in use or operation in addition to the orientation illustrated in the figures. The device may be oriented differently (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

Claims

[1] Machine (100), comprising: Ground engagement elements (110); a machine chassis (120) provided between the ground engaging elements (110); an operator cab (130) including a seat assembly (135) supported by the machine chassis (120); a power source (140) supported by the machine chassis (120); a boom (150) coupled to the machine chassis (120); and a hook component (160) configured to secure or move a load, wherein the operator cabin (130) is stationary with respect to the machine chassis (120) and the ground engaging elements (110); wherein the machine (100) comprises a front section and a rear section; wherein the power source (140) is provided in the rear portion; wherein the hook component (160) is connected to the boom (150) via one or more lifting cables (155); and wherein the hook component (160) is provided facing forward with respect to the seat assembly (135). [2] Machine (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: an operator cabin (130) supported by the machine chassis (120), wherein the operator cabin (130) includes a seat assembly (135), wherein the seat assembly (135) is configured to face the front portion of the machine (100), and wherein the boom (150) is provided facing forward with respect to the seat assembly (135). [3] Machine (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the machine chassis (120) is provided between the ground engaging elements (110). [4] Machine (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the operator cabin (130) and the power source (140) are stationary with respect to the ground engaging elements (110). [5] Pipe-laying machine (100), comprising: Ground engagement elements (110); an operator cabin (130) including a seat assembly (135); a power source (140) including a motor (140); and a boom (150), wherein the operator cabin (130) and the power source (140) are stationary with respect to the ground engaging elements (110), wherein the pipe-laying machine (100) comprises a front section and a rear section, wherein the seat assembly (135) is configured to face the front portion of the pipe-laying machine (100), and wherein the boom (150) is directed forward with respect to the seat assembly (135) and is provided adjacent to one side of the operator's cab (130); and wherein the power source is provided in the rear portion of the pipe-laying machine (100). [6] Pipe-laying machine (100) according to claim 5, further comprising: a machine chassis (120), wherein the operator cabin (130) and the power source (140) are supported by the machine chassis (120), and wherein the machine chassis (120) is provided between the ground engaging elements (110). [7] Pipe-laying machine (100) according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising: a hook component (160) configured to secure or move a load, wherein the hook component (160) is connected to the boom (150) via one or more lifting cables (155), and wherein the hook component (160) is provided facing forward with respect to the seat assembly (135). [8] Pipe-laying machine (100) according to any one of claims 5-7, further comprising: a machine chassis (120) configured to support the operator cab (130) and the power source (140); and a counterweight assembly (170) configured to extend away from the machine chassis (120), wherein, when the counterweight assembly (170) is extended away from the machine chassis (120), an upper surface of the counterweight assembly (170) is provided below an upper portion of the seat assembly (135).

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