PIPE-LADING MACHINE WITH FORWARD-FACING WINCH CONFIGURATION

Abstract

Pipelaying machine (100), comprising: a machine chassis (120); a winch assembly (180) coupled to the machine chassis (120); an operator cabin (130) supported by the machine chassis (120); an engine (140) supported by the machine chassis (120); and a boom (150) coupled to the machine chassis (120), wherein the pipelaying machine (100) comprises a front section and a rear section, wherein the towing winch assembly (180) is provided in the front section of the pipelaying machine (100), and the operator's cabin (130) is provided between the winch assembly (180) and the engine (140).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a pipe-laying machine and, for example, to a pipe-laying machine having a towing winch configuration. State of the art

[0002] A pipelayer is a machine used for laying large, heavy pipeline segments in and / or above ground. Currently, a pipelayer's towing winch is located in a rear section of the pipelayer, while the operator's seat (of a stationary operator's cab) faces a front section of the pipelayer. The position of the towing winch relative to the direction of the operator's seat negatively impacts the towing operation, which includes the towing winch.

[0003] For example, an operator would have to twist and turn during the towing operation to face the rear section of the pipelayer while maintaining the operator's seat facing the front section of the pipelayer. The operator would have to remain in a twisted and inverted position during the towing operation. Remaining in the twisted and inverted position for an extended period of time will result in operator fatigue. This fatigue can reduce the efficiency of the pipelayer's operation.

[0004] US 10 273 123 B2 (the '123 patent) discloses a rough terrain crane equipped with selective catalytic reduction (hereinafter referred to as "SCR"). The '123 patent discloses that the upper work unit 12 includes a rotatable base 22 having a rear end on which a counterweight is disposed. The '123 patent further discloses that the boom assembly 23 is connected to the rotatable base 22 via a boom root pivot (not illustrated). The '123 patent also discloses that the boom assembly 23 includes a winch 27 driven by a hydraulic motor (not illustrated), and that operation of the winch 27 causes upward and downward movement of a workpiece.

[0005] While the '123 patent discloses a winch, the '123 patent specifically discloses the winch in conjunction with a boom device. Therefore, the '123 patent does not disclose a towing winch.

[0006] Furthermore, US 5,992,655 A discloses a replacement assembly for retrofitting old, retired, mechanically operated Caterpillar low-drive side booms with a hydraulically operated fail-safe side boom system. US 4,278,239 A shows a vehicle winch detachably connected to a vehicle. This includes a cable drum, a motor, and a drive unit that are detachably connected to each other to be manually moved as separate units to a location at a distance from the vehicle and removably connected again at that location. The motor is separate from the vehicle and not connected to it when the winch is operating at a distance from it.

[0007] The object of the invention is to solve one or more of the above-mentioned problems and / or other problems of the prior art. Brief description

[0008] The object of the present invention is achieved 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; a towing winch assembly coupled to the machine chassis; an operator cab supported by the machine chassis; an engine supported by the machine chassis; and a boom coupled to the machine chassis, the pipelayer machine comprising a front portion and a rear portion, the towing winch assembly provided in the front portion of the pipelayer machine, and the operator cab provided between the towing winch assembly and the engine. 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. Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a side view of an exemplary machine described herein. Detailed description

[0010] The present disclosure aims to facilitate operation of a pipe-laying machine using a towing winch assembly of the pipe-laying machine, thereby increasing a degree of efficiency in performing the operation using the towing winch assembly. For example, the towing winch assembly is provided in a front portion of the pipe-laying machine (as opposed to a rear portion of existing pipe-laying machines).

[0011] By placing the towing winch assembly in a forward section of the pipelayer, the pipelayer operator would no longer have to twist and turn for extended periods to face a rear section of the pipelayer to perform an operation using the towing winch assembly. Instead, the operator can remain facing the front section of the pipelayer in a seat facing the front section while performing the operation.

[0012] Accordingly, providing the towing winch assembly in the front section of the pipelayer can improve the ergonomics associated with performing the operation, thereby reducing the fatigue experienced by the operator during the operation. By reducing the level of fatigue, the level of efficiency in performing the operation can be increased.

[0013] 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.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a side view of an exemplary machine 100 described herein. As 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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).

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] The increased 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 increased visibility of the side and front areas may increase a level of efficiency in the operation of the machine 100.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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 forwardly relative to the seat assembly 135. For example, the seat assembly 135 may have a first plane (as shown in Fig. 3) and the boom 150 may be provided intersecting a second plane (not shown) parallel to the first plane. The boom 150 may be provided in the second plane adjacent to the first side surface of the operator cab 130 and directed forward with respect to the seat assembly 135.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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 increased 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.

[0027] The towing winch assembly 180 may be configured to be interchangeable with a weight assembly, as discussed below. For example, the machine 100 may be configured to facilitate interchange of the towing winch assembly 180 with the weight assembly. In other words, the machine 100 may be configured to enable easy interchange of the towing winch assembly 180 with the weight assembly. For example, the towing winch assembly 180 may be coupled to the machine chassis 120 using one or more fasteners to enable easy interchange of the towing winch assembly 180 with the weight assembly. As one example, the towing winch assembly 180 may be bolted to a front bulkhead associated with the machine chassis 120. The weight assembly may be coupled to the machine chassis 120 in a similar manner.

[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. 2 is a schematic representation of a front view of the exemplary machine 100 described herein. Some elements of the machine 100 were 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 degree of efficiency of operation of the machine 100 during lifting and pulling operations associated with extending the counterweight assembly 170.

[0033] As stated above, Fig. 2 is provided 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 are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or components arranged differently than in the Fig. 2 shown.

[0034] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a top view of the exemplary machine 100 described herein. Some elements of the machine 100 were described above in connection with Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. As described in Fig. 3, the operator cabin 130 may be provided in a first plane 310 that is horizontal 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 components 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 similar manner as described above.

[0037] As stated above, Fig. 3 is provided 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 are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than in the Fig. 3 shown.

[0038] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a side view of an exemplary machine 100 described herein. Some elements of the machine 100 were described above in connection with Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. As described in Fig. 4, the towing winch assembly 180 has been replaced with a weight assembly 410. In some implementations, a weight of the weight assembly 410 may substantially correspond to a weight of the towing winch assembly 180. Additionally or alternatively, the dimensions of the weight assembly 410 may substantially correspond to the dimensions of the towing winch assembly 180. For example, a width of the weight assembly 410 may substantially correspond to a width of the towing winch assembly 180, a height of the weight assembly 410 may substantially correspond to a height of the towing winch assembly 180, among other examples. The weight and / or dimensions of the weight assembly 410 may be configured to provide the operator with a consistent feel of the machine 100 (e.g., to prevent the operator from recalibrating the controls of various components of the machine 100).The weight assembly 410 may comprise a metal, a rubber material, a combination of materials, among other examples.

[0039] As stated above, Fig. 4 is provided 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 are 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. 5 is a schematic representation of a rear view of an exemplary machine 100 described herein. Some elements of the machine 100 were 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 stated above, Fig. 5 is provided 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 are 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.

[0042] Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a side view of an exemplary machine 100 described herein. Some elements of the machine 100 were described above in connection with Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described. Fig. 6 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.

[0043] As stated above, Fig. 6 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is intended in connection with Fig. 6. The Fig. The number and arrangement of components shown in Figure 6 are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than shown in the Fig. 6 shown. Industrial applicability

[0044] The present disclosure aims to facilitate operation of a pipe-laying machine using a towing winch assembly of the pipe-laying machine, thereby increasing a degree of efficiency in performing the operation using the towing winch assembly. For example, the towing winch assembly is provided in a front portion of the pipe-laying machine (as opposed to a rear portion of existing pipe-laying machines).

[0045] On existing pipe-laying machines (with stationary operator cabs), the towing winch assembly is located in the rear section of the existing pipe-laying machines. Accordingly, an operator would have to remain in a twisted and inverted position during a towing operation. Remaining in the twisted and inverted position for an extended period of time leads to operator fatigue. This fatigue can reduce the efficiency of operating the existing pipe-laying machines.

[0046] In contrast, by providing the towing winch assembly in the front section of the pipe-laying machine, the operator of the pipe-laying machine would no longer have to twist and turn for extended periods of time to face a rear section of the pipe-laying machine to perform an operation using the towing winch assembly. Instead, the operator can remain facing the front section of the pipe-laying machine on a seat facing the front section while performing the operation. Accordingly, providing the towing winch assembly in a front section of the pipe-laying machine can improve the ergonomics associated with performing the operation, thereby reducing the fatigue felt by the operator during the operation. By reducing the level of fatigue, a level of efficiency in performing the operation can be increased.

[0047] As used herein, "a," "an," and "set" are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with "a, 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] Pipe-laying machine (100), comprising: a machine chassis (120); a towing winch assembly (180) coupled to the machine chassis (120); an operator cabin (130) supported by the machine chassis (120); a motor (140) supported by the machine chassis (120); and a boom (150) coupled to the machine chassis (120), wherein the pipe-laying machine (100) comprises a front section and a rear section, wherein the towing winch assembly (180) is provided in the front portion of the pipe-laying machine (100), and wherein the operator cabin (130) is provided between the towing winch assembly (180) and the engine (140). [2] Pipe-laying machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein the operator cabin (130) is stationary with respect to the machine chassis (120), wherein the operator cabin (130) includes a seat assembly (135), and wherein the seat assembly (135) is configured to face the front portion of the pipe-laying machine (100). [3] Pipe-laying machine (100) according to claim 2, wherein the seat assembly (135) is provided in a first plane, wherein the boom (150) is provided in a second plane directed forwardly with respect to the seat assembly (135), and where the second plane is parallel to the first plane. [4] Pipe-laying machine (100) according to claim 2, further comprising: a counterweight assembly (170) provided adjacent to a lateral side of the operator cabin (130), wherein the counterweight assembly (170) is configured to extend away from the machine chassis (120), and 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). [5] Pipe-laying machine (100) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the towing winch assembly (180) is configured to be interchangeable with a weight assembly, and wherein a weight of the weight assembly substantially corresponds to a weight of the towing winch assembly (180).

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