Construction machine

Abstract

To further reliably connect an upper rotating body and a lower running body electrically.SOLUTION: A construction machine includes a center frame (222), a rotary connecting member (400), and a terminal unit. The center frame (222) rotatably supports the upper rotating body. The rotary connecting member (400) is provided in the center frame (222) and electrically connects a device provided in the upper rotating body with a device provided in the center frame (222). The terminal unit connects a cable to the rotary connecting member (400). The terminal unit is positioned adjacently to the rotary connecting member (400) inside the center frame (222).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a construction machine. [Background technology]

[0002] A hydraulic excavator, a typical example of construction machinery, generally comprises a self-propelled lower traveling body and an upper rotating body having a working implement mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the lower traveling body via a rotating device. In addition, a typical hydraulic excavator is provided with an earth removal device having a blade (blade) extending in the left-right direction, which is mounted on the front side of a track frame constituting the lower traveling body, and is used to remove earth and sand and to level land such as reclaimed land and roads.

[0003] A ground leveling system is known that controls the earth removal device mounted on a hydraulic excavator in accordance with three-dimensional data of the ground to be worked on (see Patent Document 1). The construction machine in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a prism and tilt sensor for detecting the position and attitude of the blade attached to the hydraulic excavator. Since the controller is located on the upper rotating body, an authentication signal is output from the controller to the prism via the blade-side cable, the rotating body-side cable, and the relay connector. Furthermore, a signal detected by the tilt sensor is output to the controller via the blade-side cable, the rotating body-side cable, and the relay connector. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-12255 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the construction machine of Patent Document 1, the controller is located on the upper rotating body, and the tilt sensor and prism are connected to the upper rotating body via a rotating cable. Therefore, when the upper rotating body rotates relative to the lower running body, the rotating cable also moves significantly. In this case, the rotating cable is pulled strongly, which can cause the electrical connection between the upper rotating body and the lower running body to be broken.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a construction machine that can more reliably electrically connect the upper rotating body and the lower traveling body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a construction machine includes a center frame, a rotary coupling member, and a terminal portion. The center frame rotatably supports an upper rotating body. The rotary coupling member is provided on the center frame and electrically connects a device provided on the upper rotating body with a device provided on the center frame. The terminal portion connects a cable to the rotary coupling member. The terminal portion is disposed adjacent to the rotary coupling member inside the center frame. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the upper rotating body and the lower traveling body are electrically connected more reliably. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1(a) is a schematic perspective view of a construction machine of the present embodiment, and FIG. 1(b) is a schematic perspective view of a lower traveling body and a rotary connecting member in the construction machine. [Figure 2] FIG. 2(a) is a schematic perspective view of a rotary connecting member in the construction machine of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2(b) is a schematic top view of the rotary connecting member. [Figure 3](a) is a schematic side view of the body and anti-rotation portion of the rotary connecting member in the construction machine of this embodiment, (b) is a schematic top view of the body, (c) is a schematic side view of the shaft, rotary joint and connecting portion of the rotary connecting member, and (d) is a schematic top view of the shaft of the rotary connecting member. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a rotary connecting member in the construction machine of the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic partially enlarged view of a construction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a rotary connecting member excluding a shaft in the construction machine of this embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a schematic partial enlarged view of the rotary connecting member. [Figure 7] 2 is a schematic perspective view of a lower traveling body and a rotary connecting member in the construction machine of the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a schematic perspective view of a lower traveling body and a rotary connecting member in the construction machine of the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view showing the vicinity of a relay member in the construction machine of the present embodiment. [Figure 10] 2 is a schematic perspective view of a lower traveling body and a rotary connecting member in the construction machine of the present embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a construction machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts will be designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated. In this specification, to facilitate understanding of the invention, mutually orthogonal X-, Y-, and Z-axes may be described. Typically, the X-axis indicates the direction of travel of the undercarriage, the Z-axis indicates the vertical direction, and the Y-axis indicates a direction orthogonal to the direction of travel of the undercarriage and the vertical direction. However, the X-, Y-, and Z-axes are not limited to these.

[0011] First, a construction machine 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1(a) and 1(b). Here, a hydraulic excavator will be described as an example of the construction machine 100. However, the construction machine 100 is not limited to a hydraulic excavator and may also be an electric excavator. Alternatively, the construction machine 100 may be another type of construction machine.

[0012] FIG. 1(a) is a schematic perspective view of a construction machine 100 of this embodiment, and FIG. 1(b) is a schematic perspective view of a lower traveling body 200 and a rotary connecting member 400 in the construction machine 100 of this embodiment.

[0013] The construction machine 100 includes a lower traveling body 200, an upper rotating body 300, and a rotary connecting member 400. The lower traveling body 200 is self-propelled. The upper rotating body 300 rotates together with the rotary connecting member 400 relative to the lower traveling body 200.

[0014] The lower traveling body 200 includes a traveling mechanism 210, a track frame 220, and an earth removal mechanism 230. The traveling mechanism 210 enables the construction machine 100 to travel.

[0015] The traveling mechanism 210 includes a pair of left and right crawlers 212a, 212b and a pair of left and right electric traveling motors 214a, 214b. The left and right electric traveling motors 214a, 214b drive the left and right crawlers 212a, 212b, respectively, thereby enabling the construction machine 100 to move forward and backward.

[0016] Electric motors 214a and 214b for traveling are attached to the track frame 220. In addition, a rotary connecting member 400 is disposed on the track frame 220.

[0017] The track frame 220 includes a center frame 222 located in the center, and a pair of left and right side frames 224a, 224b located on either side of the center frame 222. The rotary connecting member 400 is attached to the upper surface of the center frame 222.

[0018] In addition, an earth removal mechanism 230 is attached to the lower traveling body 200. The earth removal mechanism 230 is used for removing earth and sand and for leveling land, roads, and the like. The earth removal mechanism 230 has a blade 232 and a blade cylinder 234 for moving the blade 232 relative to the lower traveling body 200. The blade cylinder 234 is, for example, a hydraulic cylinder. For example, the blade cylinder 234 includes a lift cylinder for rotating the blade 232 in the up and down direction.

[0019] The upper rotating body 300 is equipped with a control unit 310, a controller 320, and a work implement 330. The control unit 310 is disposed above the rotary connecting member 400. A control seat is disposed in the control unit 310. A pair of work operation levers are disposed on the left and right sides of the control seat, and a pair of travel levers are disposed in front of the control seat. The operator sits in the control seat and operates the work operation levers, travel levers, etc. to control the hydraulic actuators and perform travel, swing, work, etc.

[0020] The controller 320 is disposed at the rear of the operating unit 310. The controller 320 controls each member of the construction machine 100.

[0021] The work implement 330 is disposed in front of the control section 310. The work implement 330 is equipped with a boom 332, an arm 334, and a bucket 336, which can be driven independently to perform excavation work of earth and sand, etc.

[0022] The boom 332 has a base end supported on the front part of the upper rotating body 300 and is rotated by a boom cylinder 332s that can move telescopically. The arm 334 has a base end supported on the tip part of the boom 332 and is rotated by an arm cylinder 334s that can move telescopically. The bucket 336 has a base end supported on the tip part of the arm 334 and is rotated by a bucket cylinder 336s that can move telescopically. The boom cylinder 332s, arm cylinder 334s, and bucket cylinder 336s are each composed of a hydraulic cylinder.

[0023] The upper rotating body 300 can rotate relative to the lower traveling body 200 via a rotary coupling member 400. In addition to a control unit 310 and a controller 320, a rotation motor, a motor, a power supply, etc. (not shown) are arranged on the upper rotating body 300. The upper rotating body 300 rotates via the rotary coupling member 400 by the driving force of the rotation motor. In addition, the upper rotating body 300 is arranged with multiple hydraulic pumps driven by the motors. These hydraulic pumps supply hydraulic pressure to each hydraulic actuator (blade cylinder 234, boom cylinder 332s, arm cylinder 334s, bucket cylinder 336s, rotation motor, etc.). The power supply may be arranged on the lower traveling body 200.

[0024] The upper revolving body 300 is provided with a power supply port (not shown), and by connecting a power supply cable of a commercial power source (corresponding to an external power source) to this power supply port, the commercial power source can be connected to the power feeder.

[0025] As described above, the construction machine 100 of this embodiment is equipped with the earth removal mechanism 230 in addition to the work implement 330.

[0026] 1(b), a center frame 222 is disposed between the crawlers 212a and 212b. A rotary connecting member 400 is disposed on the center frame 222. The rotary connecting member 400 is disposed in the center of the center frame 222.

[0027] When the upper rotating body 300 rotates relative to the lower running body 200, the rotary connecting member 400 rotates together with the upper rotating body 300. Therefore, when the upper rotating body 300 rotates relative to the lower running body 200, the rotary connecting member 400 serves as the rotation axis of the upper rotating body 300. The rotary connecting member 400 is also used as an oil passage between the upper rotating body 300 and the lower running body 200.

[0028] An earth removal mechanism 230 is attached to the lower traveling body 200. The lower traveling body 200 includes a detection device 240. The detection device 240 is used to detect at least one of the attitude and position of the blade 232.

[0029] Here, the detection device 240 includes a prism 242 and an angle sensor 244. The prism 242 functions as a target for the total station. The prism 242 is disposed on the top of a support 241 attached to the blade 232.

[0030] The angle sensor 244 detects the angle of the blade 232. The angle sensor 244 is installed on the back side of the blade 232.

[0031] The lower running body 200 further includes a relay member 260. The relay member 260 functions as a so-called connector. The prism 242 is electrically connected to the relay member 260 via a cable 252. The angle sensor 244 is electrically connected to the relay member 260 via a cable 254. The relay member 260 is electrically connected to the rotary connecting member 400. As will be described later, the relay member 260 is electrically connected to an end of the rotary connecting member 400.

[0032] Next, the rotary connecting member 400 of the construction machine 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2(a) is a schematic perspective view of the rotary connecting member 400, and Figure 2(b) is a schematic top view of the rotary connecting member 400.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), rotary connecting member 400 has swivel joint 410, rotary joint 420, connecting portion 430, and anti-rotation portion 440. Swivel joint 410 extends vertically. In this example, rotary joint 420 is attached to the lower end of swivel joint 410. Rotary joint 420 includes a slip ring. However, rotary joint 420 may also include a contactless power supply device.

[0034] The connecting portion 430 connects to at least one of the swivel joint 410 and the rotary joint 420. The connecting portion 430 fixes the rotary joint 420 to the swivel joint 410.

[0035] The swivel joint 410 includes a body 412 and a shaft 414. The body 412 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The shaft 414 is rotatably inserted into a through-hole in the body 412. The shaft 414 is rotatable relative to the body 412. The shaft 414 inserted into the body 412 can rotate around a central axis parallel to the Z-axis. The body 412 is fixed to the lower running body 200 (FIG. 1). The shaft 414 rotates relative to the body 412 as the upper rotating body 300 rotates.

[0036] The shaft 414 is provided with a vertical hole 414p and a communication hole 414q. The vertical hole 414p and the communication hole 414q extend in the Z-axis direction. The vertical holes 414p are arranged approximately evenly around a circumference at a predetermined distance from the central axis of the shaft 414. The vertical holes 414p function as oil passages. The communication holes 414q are arranged at or near the central axis of the shaft 414. The communication holes 414q function as wiring paths. For example, a cable for signal transmission or power supply is inserted into the communication hole 414q.

[0037] A portion of the shaft 414 is inserted into a through-hole in the body 412, and another portion of the shaft 414 protrudes from the body 412. A rotation prevention portion 414t is provided on the portion of the shaft 414 that protrudes from the body 412. The rotation prevention portion 414t protrudes radially outward from the shaft 414. The rotation prevention portion 414t engages with the upper rotating body 300. Therefore, the shaft 414 rotates together with the rotation of the upper rotating body 300 (FIG. 1(a)).

[0038] Preferably, rotary joint 420 includes a slip ring. In this case, rotary joint 420 has rotor 422, stator 424, and terminal portion 426. Rotor 422 is rotatable relative to stator 424. A rotatable ring portion and a brush portion that slides around the ring portion are mounted within rotor 422. Within rotor 422, wiring extending from the ring portion and wiring extending from the brush portion are electrically connected. The ring portion is integrated with a shaft portion and rotates within a case portion that houses the brush portion. For example, rotor 422 includes a ring portion and a shaft portion, and stator 424 includes a case portion. The ring portion is electrically connected to a cable arranged in communication hole 414q of shaft 414. Terminal portion 426 is provided on stator 424. For example, terminal portion 426 and stator 424 are provided integrally.

[0039] The coupling portion 430 couples to at least one of the shaft 414 of the swivel joint 410 and the rotor 422 of the rotary joint 420. Here, the coupling portion 430 is disposed between the swivel joint 410 and the rotor 422 of the rotary joint 420, and couples the shaft 414 of the swivel joint 410 and the rotor 422 of the rotary joint 420. The coupling portion 430 rotates together with the shaft 414 relative to the body 412.

[0040] The anti-rotation portion 440 is attached to the swivel joint 410. The anti-rotation portion 440 limits the rotation of the rotary joint 420.

[0041] The body 412 has a generally cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. The body 412 has a body main portion 412a and a fixing portion 412b. The body main portion 412a has an oil passage connecting the upper rotating body 300 and the lower traveling body 200.

[0042] The fixed portion 412b is located below the body main body portion 412a. The fixed portion 412b is fixed to the lower running body 200 (FIG. 1). The fixed portion 412b fixes the body main body portion 412a to the lower running body 200. The fixed portion 412b extends in the X direction relative to the body main body portion 412a. The fixed portion 412b makes it easy to fix the swivel joint 410 to the lower running body 200.

[0043] The fixing portion 412b may be provided integrally with the body main body portion 412a. For example, the fixing portion 412b may be welded to the body main body portion 412a. Alternatively, the fixing portion 412b may be provided as a separate member from the body main body portion 412a.

[0044] Anti-rotation portion 440 is attached to body 412 of swivel joint 410. For example, anti-rotation portion 440 is attached to fixed portion 412b of swivel joint 410. Anti-rotation portion 440 limits the rotation of rotary joint 420. In detail, anti-rotation portion 440 limits the rotation of terminal portion 426 in association with the rotation of rotor 422 of rotary joint 420.

[0045] For example, anti-rotation portion 440 may contact terminal portion 426 to limit the rotation of terminal portion 426. Alternatively, anti-rotation portion 440 may contact stator 424 to limit the rotation of stator 424, thereby limiting the rotation of terminal portion 426.

[0046] Here, rotary joint 420 is attached to the lower part of swivel joint 410. In this case, the axis part of rotary joint 420 is fixed to shaft 414, and the case part of rotary joint 420 is engaged with anti-rotation part 440 erected from body 412, thereby engaging and fixing terminal part 426 protruding from the side wall of the case part (stator 424).

[0047] Rotary joint 420 may be attached to the top of swivel joint 410. In this case, it is preferable to connect the case portion (stator 424) of rotary joint 420 to shaft 414 and engage and fix the shaft portion (rotor 422) with anti-rotation portion 440 attached to body 412.

[0048] The connecting portion 430 may be a member separate from the swivel joint 410 and the rotary joint 420. For example, the connecting portion 430 may be a spacer.

[0049] Alternatively, the coupling portion 430 may be integrally formed with the swivel joint 410 or the rotary joint 420, such that the coupling portion 430 is a single member with one of the swivel joint 410 and the rotary joint 420. For example, the coupling portion 430 may be provided integrally with the swivel joint 410. For example, the coupling portion 430 may be welded to the swivel joint 410, or the coupling portion 430 may be adhesively bonded to the swivel joint 410. Alternatively, the coupling portion 430 may be welded to the rotary joint 420, or the coupling portion 430 may be adhesively bonded to the rotary joint 420.

[0050] The anti-rotation portion 440 is attached to a portion of the swivel joint 410 other than the shaft 414. For example, the anti-rotation portion 440 is attached to the fixed portion 412b. In the construction machine 100 of this embodiment, the rotary joint 420 can be efficiently attached to the lower end of the swivel joint 410. Therefore, even if the construction machine 100 is relatively small, it can easily collect information from the detection device 240 (FIG. 1) attached to the lower traveling body 200 and / or supply power to the electrical transmission equipment attached to the lower traveling body 200.

[0051] Next, the rotary connecting member 400 of the construction machine 100 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 3(a) is a schematic side view of the body 412 and the anti-rotation portion 440 of the rotary connecting member 400, and Figure 3(b) is a schematic top view of the body 412.

[0052] As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the body 412 of the swivel joint 410 has a cylindrical shape. A through-hole 412h is provided in the body 412. The through-hole 412h extends in the vertical direction. A shaft 414 is inserted into the through-hole 412h.

[0053] Furthermore, horizontal holes 412p are provided in the body 412. The horizontal holes 412p extend horizontally. The horizontal holes 412p connect the inside and outside of the body 412. A plurality of horizontal holes 412p are provided in the side of the body 412. The horizontal holes 412p are used as oil passages.

[0054] The anti-rotation portion 440 is attached to the fixed portion 412b of the body 412. The anti-rotation portion 440 is attached to the fixed portion 412b of the body 412, and extends vertically downward from the fixed portion 412b.

[0055] FIG. 3(c) is a schematic side view of the shaft 414, rotary joint 420, and coupling portion 430 of the rotary coupling member 400, and FIG. 3(d) is a schematic top view of the shaft 414.

[0056] 3(c) and 3(d), the shaft 414 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is provided with a plurality of holes.

[0057] A vertical hole 414p is provided in the shaft 414. The vertical hole 414p extends in the vertical direction. More specifically, the shaft 414 is provided with a plurality of vertical holes 414p at equal intervals at positions away from the central axis. The vertical holes 414p are used as oil passages. The vertical holes 414p have a cylindrical shape. Typically, the diameters of the plurality of vertical holes 414p are equal to each other.

[0058] Further, the shaft 414 is provided with a communication hole 414q on its central axis and in its periphery. In this embodiment, a cable is placed in the communication hole 414q. The communication hole 414q has a cylindrical shape. Note that here, the diameter (e.g., length in the X direction) of the communication hole 414q is larger than the diameter (e.g., length in the X direction) of the vertical hole 414p.

[0059] Furthermore, a horizontal hole 414r that connects to an oil passage on the upper rotating body 300 side is provided vertically above the shaft 414.

[0060] The shaft 414 is inserted into through holes in the body main portion 412a and the fixed portion 412b of the body 412. The shaft 414 has a main portion 414a corresponding to the body main portion 412a and a tip portion 414b corresponding to the fixed portion 412b. The diameter (W2) of the tip portion 414b is smaller than the diameter (W1) of the main portion 414a.

[0061] Although omitted in Figure 3(c) for the sake of simplicity, an O-ring is sealed in the vertical center of shaft 414 to form an oil passage corresponding to the actuator installed in the lower running body 200.

[0062] Next, the rotary connecting member 400 of the construction machine 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the rotary connecting member 400 of the construction machine 100.

[0063] 4, rotary joint 420 is attached to the lower part of swivel joint 410 via connecting part 430. In detail, connecting part 430 connects shaft 414 and rotary joint 420 at the lower part of swivel joint 410.

[0064] The anti-rotation portion 440 is attached to the body 412 of the swivel joint 410 .

[0065] Rotary joint 420 electrically connects a cable passing through communication hole 414q of swivel joint 410 to a cable connected to terminal portion 426 of rotary coupling member 400. Rotary joint 420 has a rotor 422, a stator 424, and terminal portion 426. A terminal portion 428 that is electrically connected to terminal portion 426 is disposed inside rotor 422. A cable that passes through communication hole 414q of swivel joint 410 is electrically connected to terminal portion 428.

[0066] The rotor 422 has a main body portion 422a and a flange portion 422f. The main body portion 422a and the flange portion 422f are integrally formed. The main body portion 422a and the flange portion 422f each have a cylindrical outer shape. The flange portion 422f is located on the upper outer edge of the rotor 422. The diameter of the flange portion 422f is larger than the diameter of the main body portion 422a. A bolt hole 422q is provided in the flange portion 422f.

[0067] As described above, flange portion 422f is located on the upper outer edge of rotor 422. The outer edge of coupling portion 430 is substantially the same as the outer edge of flange portion 422f. Therefore, coupling portion 430 is firmly fixed to flange portion 422f of rotary joint 420.

[0068] The connecting portion 430 may be a spacer. In this case, the connecting portion 430 functions as an adapter between the swivel joint 410 and the rotary joint 420. The connecting portion 430 has a thin disk shape, and a through-hole 430h is provided in the center of the connecting portion 430.

[0069] Connecting portion 430 has a thin plate shape. Connecting portion 430 has main surface 430a and main surface 430b. Main surface 430a of connecting portion 430 faces swivel joint 410, and main surface 430b of connecting portion 430 faces rotary joint 420. Through hole 430h of connecting portion 430 passes through main surface 430a and main surface 430b of connecting portion 430.

[0070] Main surface 430b is provided with recess 430p that communicates with through-hole 430h. The outer diameter of recess 430p is smaller than the outer diameter of flange 424f of rotary joint 420. Connecting portion 430 is provided with bolt hole 430s that passes vertically through recess 430p and bolt hole 430t that extends vertically outside recess 430p. Bolt hole 430s is provided in the bottom surface of recess 430p of connecting portion 430, and bolt hole 430t is provided outside recess 430p of connecting portion 430.

[0071] A bolt hole 414s is provided in the shaft 414 of the swivel joint 410 and is threaded, corresponding to the bolt hole 430s of the connecting part 430. A bolt b1 is inserted into the bolt hole 430s and the bolt hole 414s, and the connecting part 430 is fixed to the shaft 414 of the swivel joint 410.

[0072] In addition, bolt hole 430t is threaded. Bolt b2 is inserted into bolt hole 422q and bolt hole 430t of rotary joint 420, and rotary joint 420 is fixed to connecting part 430. As described above, by using connecting part 430, an existing rotary joint 420 can be attached as rotary joint 420, regardless of the size of shaft 414 of swivel joint 410.

[0073] Furthermore, a communication hole 430r is provided in the main surface 430b of the coupling portion 430. The communication hole 430r connects the recess 430p of the coupling portion 430 with the outside.

[0074] Anti-rotation portion 440 is provided with locking portion 442. Anti-rotation portion 440 is recessed from the vertically lower side to the vertically upper side at locking portion 442. Locking portion 442 locks terminal portion 426 of rotary joint 420. The diameter of locking portion 442 is approximately equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of terminal portion 426. As described above, because locking portion 442 of anti-rotation portion 440 engages with terminal portion 426 of rotary joint 420, even if rotor 422 of rotary joint 420 rotates, stator 424 and terminal portion 426 can be prevented from rotating together with rotor 422.

[0075] Next, the rotary connecting member 400 of the construction machine 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the vicinity of the rotary connecting member 400 of the construction machine 100.

[0076] The rotary connecting member 400 is disposed on the upper part of the center frame 222 of the lower running body 200. In detail, a circular through-hole 222p is provided in the center of the center frame 222, and a support portion 222s is provided extending in the X direction so as to cover a part of the through-hole 222p. The rotary connecting member 400 is supported by the support portion 222s of the center frame 222.

[0077] As described above, here, rotary joint 420 is attached to the lower end of swivel joint 410. In a typical relatively small construction machine, various pipes and / or cables are arranged above swivel joint 410, and the upper part of swivel joint 410 does not have much space. On the other hand, there are fewer pipes and / or cables arranged below swivel joint 410, and the lower part of swivel joint 410 often has more space. For this reason, it is preferable that rotary joint 420 be attached to the lower end of swivel joint 410. However, rotary joint 420 may also be attached to the upper end of swivel joint 410.

[0078] In the construction machine 100 of this embodiment, the rotary joint 420 can be attached to the rotation axis of the construction machine 100. This eliminates the need to collect information from the detection device 240 (FIG. 1) attached to the lower traveling body 200 and / or to route cables to enable power supply to the electric transmission equipment attached to the lower traveling body 200, allowing the machine to rotate relatively freely.

[0079] The shaft 414 is rotatable with respect to the lower traveling body 200 together with the upper rotating body 300, whereas the body 412 is fixed with respect to the lower traveling body 200.

[0080] 3(c) and 3(d), the shaft 414 is provided with a circumferentially extending vertical hole 414p. A horizontal hole 414r is provided vertically above the shaft 414, and connects to an oil passage on the upper rotating structure 300 side, and the vertical hole 414p communicates with the horizontal hole 414r. The vertical hole 414p of the shaft 414 and the horizontal hole 412p of the body main body portion 412a form an oil passage on the lower traveling structure 200 side.

[0081] In addition, shaft 414 has multiple oil passages engraved circumferentially from top to bottom for each actuator installed on lower running body 200, and the spaces between the upper and lower oil passages are sealed with O-rings.

[0082] The shaft 414 is provided with a communication hole 414q extending in the vertical direction. A cable 340 is inserted into the communication hole 414q. The cable 340 inserted into the communication hole 414q is electrically connected to the controller 320 (FIG. 1(a)) of the upper rotating body 300. The cable 340 may be a cable routed in the upper rotating body 300, or may be a cable dedicated to the rotary connecting member 400.

[0083] The body 412 is fixed at a fixing portion 412b located at the bottom thereof with bolts to the bottom surface of the track frame 220 of the lower traveling body 200. The tip of the shaft 414 passes through the fixing portion 412b from the body main body portion 412a with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the shaft 414 fitted into the body main body portion 412a. A communication hole 414q is provided in the center of the shaft 414, passing through the upper and lower ends, and a cable 340 extending from the rotary joint 420 is passed through the communication hole 414q. The shaft 414 rotates integrally with the upper rotating body 300 by means of a rotation stopper 414t attached to the upper rotating body 300.

[0084] Next, the rotary connecting member 400 of the construction machine 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. Figure 6(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotary connecting member 400 of the construction machine 100 in which the shaft 414 has been removed and the connecting portion 430 has been separated from the body 412.

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 3(c) and 6(a), the body 412 is provided with a through-hole 412h through which the shaft 414 is inserted. The shaft 414 passes through the through-hole of the body 412 and the through-hole of the fixed portion 412b. As described above, the diameter (W2) of the tip end 414b of the shaft 414 is smaller than the diameter (W1) of the main body portion 414a of the shaft 414. The diameter of the through-hole 412h changes depending on the vertical position. In the through-hole 412h, the diameter (L2) of the portion corresponding to the fixed portion 412b is smaller than the diameter (L1) of the portion corresponding to the body main body portion 412a. This allows the shaft 414 to be easily inserted into the body 412 and prevents oil leakage from the shaft 414.

[0086] Furthermore, the rotary joint 420 can be efficiently attached to the lower end of the swivel joint 410 of the construction machine 100. Therefore, even if the construction machine 100 is small, it is possible to easily collect information from the detection device 240 attached to the lower traveling body 200 and / or supply power to the electrical transmission equipment attached to the lower traveling body 200.

[0087] As described above, the communication hole 430r is provided in the connecting portion 430. The communication hole 430r connects the inside and outside of the connecting portion 430.

[0088] Figure 6(b) is a partially enlarged view of the rotary connecting member 400 in the construction machine 100. As shown in Figure 6(b), a communication hole 430r is provided in the connecting portion 430. The communication hole 430r is provided in the side portion of the connecting portion 430, and the inside and outside of the connecting portion 430 are connected by the communication hole 430r.

[0089] Even if liquid such as rainwater seeps into the interior of the rotary coupling member 400 through the communication hole 430r, damage to the rotary joint 420 can be suppressed. In particular, the construction machine 100 can become extremely dirty during operation, and since the dirt on the construction machine 100 is often washed away with high-pressure cleaning liquid, liquid can seep into the interior of the rotary coupling member 400. However, even if liquid seeps into the interior of the rotary coupling member 400, the communication hole 430r of the coupling part 430 allows the liquid to be discharged to the outside of the rotary coupling member 400.

[0090] As described above with reference to FIG. 1( b ), the lower traveling body 200 is equipped with an earth removal mechanism 230 , and the position and / or posture of the earth removal mechanism 230 can be detected by using a detection device 240 .

[0091] Next, the construction machine 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of the lower traveling structure 200 and the rotary connecting member 400 of the construction machine 100.

[0092] An earth removal mechanism 230 is attached to the lower running body 200. The lower running body 200 is equipped with a detection device 240 for detecting the attitude and / or position of the blade 232. The detection device 240 is connected to a cable extending from the center frame 222 of the lower running body 200.

[0093] Here, the detection device 240 includes a prism 242 and an angle sensor 244. The prism 242 functions as a target of the total station. The prism 242 is attached to a support 241 located on the back surface of the blade 232. The support 241 extends in the vertical direction. More specifically, the support 241 is erected on a stay attached to the back surface of the blade 232. The angle sensor 244 is attached to the back side of the blade 232.

[0094] A relay member 260 is disposed on the front side of the center frame 222. The relay member 260 is electrically connected to the prism 242 via a cable 252 outside the housing of the center frame 222. The relay member 260 is also electrically connected to the angle sensor 244 via a cable 254. Therefore, the detection device 240 is electrically connected to the rotary connecting member 400.

[0095] The relay member 260 has a first connector 262 and a second connector 264. The first connector 262 is connected to the cable 252. The second connector 264 is connected to the cable 254. The first connector 262 and the second connector 264 are electrically connected to terminals of the rotary connecting member 400, respectively.

[0096] Next, a construction machine 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. Figure 8 is a schematic, partially enlarged view showing the electrical connections of the construction machine 100.

[0097] 7 and 8, within the housing of center frame 222, first connector 262 is electrically connected to the terminal portion of rotary joint 420 via cable 256. Furthermore, second connector 264 is electrically connected to the terminal portion of rotary joint 420 via cable 258. Therefore, relay member 260 is electrically connected to the terminal portion of rotary joint 420 of rotary coupling member 400 via cables 256 and 258. The terminal portion of rotary joint 420 is electrically connected to controller 320 via cable 340. Therefore, prism 242 and angle sensor 244 are electrically connected to controller 320 via cables 252, 254, 256, and 258.

[0098] In this way, rotary connecting member 400 not only rotates about the rotation axis, but also transmits power or an electric signal between cables 252, 254, 256, and 258 extending from detection device 240 and disposed in lower running body 200, and cable 340 disposed inside upper rotating body 300. Therefore, cables 252 and 254 extending from detection device 240 can be prevented from being damaged by the rotational movement of upper rotating body 300.

[0099] The cables 256 and 258 extend from the terminal portion of the rotary joint 420 to a first connector 262 and a second connector 264 located at the front left of the construction machine 100. However, a cable 259 extending to the front right of the construction machine 100 may also be connected to the terminal portion of the rotary joint 420.

[0100] Next, the relay member 260 in the construction machine 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a schematic partial enlarged view showing the relay member 260 and its vicinity.

[0101] 9, relay member 260 is located in front of center frame 222. Relay member 260 is sandwiched between a pair of upper and lower covers 260a, 260b that are cut out to fit the cross-sectional shapes of first connector 262 and second connector 264, and is attached to the front of center frame 222 by fixing covers 260a, 260b to center frame 222 with bolts.

[0102] Next, a construction machine 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1, 7 to 10. Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of the lower traveling structure 200 and the rotary connecting member 400 of the construction machine 100.

[0103] 10, the center frame 222 is provided with a pair of pivotal connections 222a, 222b and a protruding portion 222c. The pair of pivotal connections 222a, 222b are arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction relative to the protruding portion 222c. The pivotal connection 222a is located on the left side as viewed in the forward direction of the lower running body 200, and the pivotal connection 222b is located on the right side as viewed in the forward direction of the lower running body 200.

[0104] The protruding portion 222c protrudes from the front center of the center frame 222. The protruding portion 222c is located between a pair of pivoting portions 222a, 222b. Arms 226a, 226b are pivotally connected to the pivoting portions 222a, 222b. The pair of pivoting portions 222a, 222b are located on the left and right of the protruding portion 222c, and can pivotally connect the earth removal mechanism 230 so that it can be raised and lowered freely.

[0105] The blade cylinder 234 includes a lift cylinder 234a, a tilt cylinder 234b, and an angle cylinder 234c. The lift cylinder 234a is attached to the protruding portion 222c. The angle cylinder 234c is attached to the arms 226a and 226b.

[0106] One end of the lift cylinder 234a is connected to the blade 232, and the other end of the lift cylinder 234a is connected to the protruding portion 222c. The protruding portion 222c pivotally connects the lift cylinder 234a together with the blade 232.

[0107] The angle cylinders 234c are located on both sides of the lift cylinder 234a. One end of the angle cylinders 234c is connected to the blade 232, and the other end of the angle cylinders 234c is connected to the pivot connections 222a and 222b, respectively. The pivot connections 222a and 222b pivot the angle cylinders 234c together with the blade 232.

[0108] The relay member 260 is attached to the front of the center frame 222. The relay member 260 is disposed between the pivotal connection portion 222a and the protruding portion 222c of the center frame 222.

[0109] The first connector 262 and the second connector 264 of the relay member 260 are disposed between the pivotal connection portion 222a and the protruding portion 222c. Therefore, the first connector 262 and the second connector 264 are less likely to come into contact with obstacles, reducing the risk of damage. Furthermore, when an operator removes the cables 252 and 254, a working space for the operator can be provided between the soil removal mechanism 230 and the center frame 222, making it possible to easily remove the cables 252 and 254. The cables 252 and 254 extending from the first connector 262 and the second connector 264, respectively, pass above the arm 226a and reach the prism 242 and / or the angle sensor 244.

[0110] Furthermore, providing a cable guide above arm 226a can prevent damage to cables 252, 254. When a hydraulic cylinder such as angle cylinder 234c is disposed outside the vertical plate that constitutes arm 226a, a hose guide may be attached to the cylinder cover that protects the rod of the hydraulic cylinder.

[0111] Blade cylinder 234 preferably includes tilt cylinder 234b and angle cylinder 234c. Tilt cylinder 234b is attached to the tip of arm 226b. Tilt cylinder 234b is attached so that blade 232 can move up and down to tilt and can move back and forth to angle. Tilt cylinder 234b pivotally connects the back surface of blade 232 to the upper tip of arm 226b.

[0112] Angle cylinder 234c pivotally connects the outsides of arms 226a, 226b to the underside of blade 232. Piping on the bottom rod side of tilt cylinder 234b and angle cylinder 234c is attached to the underside of one vertical plate of the arm through which the cable of detection device 240 passes, and is connected to selector valve 238. Furthermore, this piping is connected to two hydraulic pipes that connect to a control valve extending from between protrusion 222c and pivotal connection part 222b of center frame 222, and to cable 259 that transmits a switching signal for a solenoid valve that switches the valve position of selector valve 238.

[0113] In response to a switching signal, oil flowing from the control valve is sent to tilt cylinder 234b or angle cylinder 234c. The extension portions of these multiple pipes and the attachment positions of first connector 262 and second connector 264 are separated into different areas by protruding portion 222c, which improves the ease with which an operator can attach and detach first connector 262 and second connector 264.

[0114] It should be noted that a pilot-operated switching valve may be used instead of a solenoid valve to switch the valve position of the selector valve 238. In this case, two hydraulic hoses that constitute a pilot oil passage for supplying pilot pressure and a pilot oil passage for discharging pilot pressure may be used instead of a cable for transmitting signals.

[0115] As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 , rotary joint 420 connects an oil passage in upper rotating body 300 and an oil passage in lower traveling body 200. Rotary joint 420 includes a cylindrical body 412 and a shaft 414 rotatably fitted within body 412. Shaft 414 is provided with a circumferential vertical hole 414p, and above vertical hole 414p, a horizontal hole 414r is provided that connects to an oil passage on the upper rotating body 300 side. Below vertical hole 414p, a horizontal hole 412p is formed in body main body 412a. The horizontal hole 412p connects to an oil passage cut circumferentially that connects to an oil passage on the lower traveling body 200 side. A plurality of circumferential oil passages are cut from the top to the bottom of body main body 412a, one for each oil passage corresponding to an actuator installed on lower traveling body 200, and the upper and lower oil passages are sealed by an O-ring. Fixed portion 412b located at the bottom of body main body portion 412a is fastened to the bottom surface of center frame 222 with bolts, and the tip of shaft 414 passes through fixed portion 412b from body main body portion 412a with a diameter smaller than the diameter of shaft 414 fitted into body main body portion 412a. Shaft 414 has a communication hole 414q at the center thereof that passes through the upper and lower ends, and communication hole 414q allows cable 340 extending from rotary joint 420 to pass through. In addition, shaft 414 rotates integrally with upper rotating body 300 due to a rotation stopper 414t attached to upper rotating body 300.

[0116] As described above, rotary joint 420 may include a slip ring. However, rotary joint 420 may also include a contactless power supply device and supply power to detection device 240 via the contactless power supply device. For example, rotary joint 420 may supply power to detection device 240 by magnetic induction.

[0117] When rotary joint 420 includes a slip ring, as described above, rotary joint 420 includes a rotatable ring portion and a brush portion that slides around the ring portion. The wiring extending from the ring portion and the wiring extending from the brush portion are electrically connected. The ring portion is integrated with the shaft portion and rotates within the case portion that houses the brush portion.

[0118] Power is supplied to the prism 242 from a predetermined power source disposed in the upper rotating body 300 via a rotary joint 420. A signal detected by the angle sensor 244 is sent to the controller 320 via the rotary joint 420. A switching signal for the changeover switch of the selector valve 238 is sent to the solenoid valve of the selector valve 238 via a swivel joint.

[0119] The relay member 260 is attached to the front of the center frame 222 located in the middle of the pair of left and right side frames 224a, 224b of the lower traveling body 200. This allows the cable 340 to be easily attached and detached.

[0120] Relay member 260 is attached between pivot connection portion 222a and protruding portion 222c. This not only makes it easier to attach and detach cables 252, 254, but also allows first connector 262 and second connector 264 to be positioned in a way that minimizes contact with obstacles, thereby preventing damage to first connector 262 and second connector 264.

[0121] Furthermore, a drive cable 272 extends from between the pivotal connection portion 222b and the protruding portion 222c in front of the center frame 222. The drive cable 272 includes a hydraulic hose for driving the blade 232. The position and / or attitude of the blade 232 can be controlled by hydraulic pressure flowing through the hydraulic hose of the drive cable 272. Alternatively, the drive cable 272 may include a cable for driving the blade 232.

[0122] The drive system cable 272 is configured so that it cannot be detached in principle. Therefore, the drive system cable 272 and the cables 252, 254 that are detachable from the first connector 262 and the second connector 264 of the relay member 260 can be spatially separated and arranged by the protruding portion 222c. Therefore, the cables 252, 254 can be easily attached and detached.

[0123] The blade cylinder 234 preferably includes at least one of a tilt cylinder 234b and an angle cylinder 234c. In this case, the drive system cable 272 preferably includes at least one of a hydraulic hose communicating with the angle cylinder 234c and a hydraulic hose communicating with the tilt cylinder 234b.

[0124] The earth removal mechanism 230 preferably includes a tilt cylinder 234b or an angle cylinder 234c. Alternatively, the earth removal mechanism 230 may include a selector valve 238 that switches the flow of hydraulic pressure toward either the tilt cylinder 234b or the angle cylinder 234c. In this case, the drive system cable 272 preferably includes a hydraulic hose that communicates with the selector valve 238 and a cable 259 that transmits a switching signal to the selector valve 238.

[0125] As described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10 , the detection device 240 detects the position and / or attitude of the blade 232. For example, the detection device 240 detects the position of the blade 232. The construction machine 100 controls the operation of the blade 232 based on the difference between the detected position information of the blade 232 and the three-dimensional design data to perform automatic leveling work. For example, in automatic leveling work, the total station measures the position information of the prism 242 and transmits the position information to a radio attached to a bracket erected behind the control unit 310. Therefore, the position information of the construction machine 100 is input to the controller 320.

[0126] Additionally, angle sensor 244 measures the vertical movement (tilt angle) of blade 232 due to tilt operation and outputs the measurement results to controller 320. Controller 320 calculates position information of blade 232 based on this information, and performs automatic control by sending a control signal from controller 320 to an electromagnetic proportional valve that communicates with the pilot pressure input port of the directional control valve that controls lift cylinder 234a and tilt cylinder 234b based on the difference in design data.

[0127] At a construction site, other total stations may be combined with the prism 242 to carry out automatic leveling in cooperation with other construction machinery. In this case, each prism 242 has its own ID and must transmit ID information to the corresponding total station. For this reason, power is supplied to the prism 242 via cable 252. Position information measured by the total station is input wirelessly to the controller 320 mounted on the upper rotating body 300.

[0128] The angle sensor 244 is connected to the upper rotating body 300 via a cable 254 for transmitting angle information to a controller 320 mounted on the upper rotating body 300. The angle sensor 244 is adjacent to a pivotal support part that controls the angle of the blade 232, rotating it back and forth. The angle sensor 244 is attached to a stay formed by welding an L-shaped steel beam to a part on the underside of the blade 232, higher than the center of the blade 232. The angle sensor 244 is covered from above by a box. A connector part of a cable that outputs detection data protrudes from the rear of the angle sensor 244. The top of the box is covered from above by a cover member that covers the tilt cylinder 234b. With this configuration, the angle sensor 244 is protected from soil and sand that creeps up from below the underside of the blade 232 and from soil and sand that spills from above during leveling work.

[0129] The support 241 and the prism 242 are detachable from the blade 232. Because the prism 242 is relatively expensive, the prism 242 is typically removed after the day's construction is completed to prevent theft. At that time, the cable 252 connecting the prism 242 and the lower running body 200 is removed from the first connector 262 attached to the lower running body 200.

[0130] Although the detection device 240 includes the prism 242 and the angle sensor 244, the present embodiment is not limited to this. The detection device 240 may include at least one of the prism 242 and the angle sensor 244. Alternatively, the detection device 240 may include another element or sensor in addition to the prism 242 and the angle sensor 244. Alternatively, the detection device 240 may include another element or sensor instead of the prism 242 and the angle sensor 244.

[0131] For example, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) antenna may be used instead of the prism 242. In this case, without using a total station, the position information of the blade 232 can be calculated from the GNSS antenna position information input directly from the GNSS antenna via a cable to the controller 320 (FIGS. 1(a) and 7) and a separately detected tilt angle. Therefore, the detection device 240 is not limited to the prism 242 and the angle sensor 244, and the detection device 240 may be a GNSS antenna or an acceleration sensor. Even in this case, it is preferable that the detection device 240 be connected to electrical components such as the controller 320 installed on the upper rotating body 300 via cables 252 and 254.

[0132] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be omitted from all components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined. The drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner to facilitate understanding. The thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown may differ from the actual thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments due to the convenience of drawing. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited. Various modifications are possible within a scope that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present invention.

[0133] <Notes on the invention> According to one aspect of the present invention, a construction machine includes a lower traveling body, an upper rotating body, and a rotary connecting member that rotates together with the upper rotating body relative to the lower traveling body. The rotary connecting member includes a swivel joint having a body with a through hole and a shaft that is rotatably arranged relative to the body in the through hole of the body and has a communication hole, a rotary joint including a slip ring having a rotor that rotates with the shaft, a stator, and terminals arranged on the stator, a cable that passes through the communication hole of the shaft and is electrically connected to the terminals of the rotor, a connecting portion of the slip ring that connects at least one of the rotor and the shaft, and a rotation stopper that is fixed to the body and limits rotation of the terminals of the slip ring.

[0134] According to one aspect of the present invention, a construction machine includes a center frame. The center frame rotatably supports an upper rotating body and has a blade attached to its front. An internal cable located inside the center frame and an external cable located outside the center frame are detachably connected to each other at the front of the center frame. [Industrial Applicability]

[0135] The present invention is suitable for use in construction machinery. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 100 Construction Machinery 200 Undercarriage 230 Earth removal mechanism 300 Upper rotating body 320 Work Equipment 400 Rotating connecting member 410 Swivel Joint 420 rotary joint

Claims

1. a center frame that rotatably supports the upper rotating body; a rotary connecting member provided on the center frame and electrically connecting a device provided on the upper rotating body to a device provided on the center frame; a terminal portion for connecting a cable to the rotary connecting member, The terminal portion is disposed adjacent to the rotary connecting member inside the center frame. Construction machinery.

2. The rotary connecting member is supported by a support portion of the center frame. The construction machine according to claim 1.

3. The terminal portion is supported by the support portion. The construction machine according to claim 2.

4. The terminal portion and the rotary connecting member are disposed on the same surface of the support portion. The construction machine according to claim 3.

5. A blade equipped with a detection device is attached to the front of the center frame. The construction machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The detection device is electrically connected to the terminal portion via the cable. The construction machine according to claim 5.

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