System, assembly, and method for securing a cab to the body of a work machine.
A clamping assembly with C-shaped clamps and a locking mechanism securely fixes the cab riser to the work machine body, addressing the challenge of tool-less transitions and enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CATERPILLAR SARL
- Filing Date
- 2022-09-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing work machines face challenges in securely fixing the cab riser to the body during transitions from transport to operating positions without requiring special tools, especially in environments lacking large-scale equipment or tools for fastening.
A clamping assembly with C-shaped clamps and an electric actuator is used to securely fasten the cab riser to the body, allowing for easy transition between positions, enhanced by a locking mechanism and a key plate for additional stability.
The solution enables secure and efficient fixation of the cab riser to the body without special tools, improving work efficiency and safety by preventing unintended separation or movement during operation.
Smart Images

Figure 0007882726000001 
Figure 0007882726000002 
Figure 0007882726000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a work machine, and more particularly to a work machine having a cab and a cab riser tiltably coupled to a main body, as well as a system, an assembly, and a method thereof.
Background Art
[0002] In work machines such as forestry work machines, in order to improve the visibility of the work machine, the driver's cab can be provided at a relatively high position. On the other hand, for example, when transporting the machine on a transport trailer, it may be necessary to prevent the driver's cab from exceeding the height of the transport regulations according to the transport regulations. Therefore, on the main body, a cab riser can be provided so as to be tilted forward around a shaft provided in front of the work machine. In the operating position, the cab riser and the cab can be upright and raised by tilting them backward, while the cab riser and the cab can be lowered by tilting them forward toward the work machine in the transport position.
[0003] For the safe operation of the work machine, it may be desirable for the bottom of the rear end of the cab riser to be correctly and firmly fixed to the connecting portion of the main body in the operating position. However, after lowering the work machine from the transport trailer at the work site (for example, in the forest), large-scale equipment, tools, and maintenance environments are often not available. Therefore, it may be desirable for the work machine to be easily transferred from the transport position to the operating position.
[0004] U.S. Patent No. 9,096,280 (hereinafter, "U.S. Patent '280") describes a system and apparatus for fixing a cab and a riser to a heavy machine, and the cab riser includes a frame having a plurality of pivot pins coupled to fastening elements for fixing the cab and the riser to the heavy machine inside. According to U.S. Patent '280, by applying a torque force to the activation screws respectively coupled to each of the pivot pins from the outside, such as a wrench or a driver, the fastening element of the riser can be in fastening engagement with the receiving structure of the heavy machine.
[0005] However, in order to improve work efficiency, it has been desirable to be able to fix the cab lifter to the body of the work machine without the need for individual special tools during the transfer of the work machine from the transport position to the operating position. [Overview of the project]
[0006] According to one embodiment, a working machine is described or provided. The working machine may comprise a body, a cab lifter, and a shaft. The cab lifter may include a cab and a frame, the cab being positioned upright on the working machine in a first position and tilted forward in a second position, and the frame comprising a first plate that contacts a second plate provided on the body in the first position. The shaft may rotatably connect the cab lifter to the body, and the cab lifter is rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise around the shaft between the first and second positions. The first plate and the second plate may be clamped together in the first position by a clamping assembly comprising one or more C-clamps for clamping the first plate and the second plate, the clamping assembly may be mounted on the body.
[0007] In another embodiment, a working machine is disclosed or implemented. The working machine may comprise a cab lifter, a body, and a shaft. The cab lifter may include a cab and a frame, the cab being positioned upright on the working machine in a first position and tilted forward in a second position, and the frame comprising a support member for supporting the cab in the first position and a first plate horizontally connected to the support member. The body may include a clamping assembly, the clamping assembly comprising a second plate and a clamping structure, the second plate being mounted on the body at a predetermined height when the cab is in the first position and positioned parallel to the vertical first plate, and the clamping structure being linearly movable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. The shaft may rotatably connect the cab lifter to the body, and the cab lifter may be rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise around the shaft between the first and second positions. The first plate of the cab rizer and the second plate of the body can be fastened together by a fastening structure, when the cab is in the first position, by directly engaging the lower surface of the first plate with the upper surface of the second plate, or by indirectly engaging the lower surface of the first plate with the upper surface of the second plate by inserting another plate between the first and second plates.
[0008] In another embodiment, a method for a forestry machine is disclosed or implemented. The method for a forestry machine may include providing a body, providing a cab riser including a cab and a frame, wherein the cab is positioned upright on the forestry machine in a first position and tilted forward in a second position, and when the cab is in the first position, the frame includes a first plate that contacts a second plate provided on the body, providing a shaft that rotatably connects the cab riser to the body, wherein the cab riser is rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise around the shaft between the first and second positions, and providing a clamping that, when the cab is in the first position, clamps the first plate and the second plate together by a clamping assembly, the clamping assembly is mounted on the body and includes one or more C-clamps for clamping the first plate and the second plate.
[0009] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a forestry work machine as an example of a work machine, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side view of the work machine shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cab and cab riser of the work machine shown in Figure 1, in the operating position. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the cab and cab riser of the work machine shown in Figure 1, in the transport position. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an inside perspective view of the cab bulge in the operating position shown in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a clamping assembly of a work machine according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject. [Figure 7A]Figures 7A and 7B show side views of clamping assemblies of work machines in different operating conditions according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 7B] Same as above. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the locking structure of the cabulizer according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing how the first plate and the second plate are coupled with a key plate between the first plate and the second plate according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the subject disclosed, in which the first plate is positioned on a key plate between the second plate. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view of an example of another forestry work machine according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0011] This disclosure relates to working machinery, and more particularly to working machinery such as forestry machinery having a cab and a cab riser tiltably coupled to a body, as well as systems, assemblies and methods thereof. Generally, embodiments of the subject matter disclosed may implement a clamping assembly for securing the cab riser to the body of the working machinery, the clamping assembly may be equipped with a movable clamping structure for clamping a first plate, which may be part of the cab riser and attached to the body, to a second plate, which may be part of the body.
[0012] Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a forestry work machine as an example of work machine 1 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject, although the embodiments of the disclosed subject are not so limited. Figure 2 shows a side view of work machine 1 shown in Figure 1.
[0013] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the work machine 1 may have a body 13 and a lower travel body 11. In the work machine 1, the body 13 can be rotatably provided on the lower travel body 11 as an upper slewing body via a slewing bearing portion 12, acting as a base for attaching the cab 14 to one side of the front portion of the body 13. The cab 14 may be integrally formed on the cab riser 15, i.e., the cab 14 may be part of the cab riser 15. The cab 14 may be equipped with a driver's seat, operating levers, etc. The cab 14 and the cab riser 15 may be integrally formed and tiltably coupled to the body 13 (e.g., the machine body). In other examples, the cab 14 and the cab riser 15 may be manufactured separately and / or detachably coupled. Alternatively, the cab 14 and cab riser 15 may be considered as two sections of a single element, such as a prefabricated element and / or an inseparable element.
[0014] In Figures 1 and 2, a door to the cab 14 may be provided on the rear side of the cab 14 so that the driver can access the interior of the cab 14. The cab 14 may also include one or more viewports 31 (e.g., windows, openings, etc.) that allow the driver positioned inside the cab 14 to see outside.
[0015] Furthermore, a work boom can be attached to the other side of the front of the main body 13. Power equipment such as an engine and a hydraulic pump driven by the engine can be attached to the rear of the main body 13.
[0016] Referring here to Figures 3 and 4, Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cab 14 and cab riser 15 of the work machine 1 of Figures 1 and 2 in the operating position, and Figure 4 is a perspective view of the cab 14 and cab riser 15 of the work machine 1 of Figures 1 and 2 in the transport position. The operating position and the transport position may be referred to herein as the first position and the second position, respectively. The cab 14 and cab riser 15 may be tiltably connected to the body 13 so that the cab 14 and cab riser 15 can tilt around a shaft 33 (which may be, for example, a pair of shafts, or include such a shaft) from the illustrated upright position (i.e., the operating position) shown in Figure 3 to the tilted position (i.e., the transport position) shown in Figure 4. The shaft 33 may be located on the front end of the body 13 and rotatably connect the cab riser 15 to the body 13. The cab riser 15 can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise around the shaft 33 between the operating position and the transport position. An inclined actuator (e.g., a cylinder, ball screw, any electric or hydraulic actuator) may be provided on the body 13 with which the bottom of the cab lifter 15 makes contact. The base of the actuator may be positioned on the body 13, and the end of the actuator may be positioned toward the rear of the cab lifter 15. When the actuator extends, the cab lifter 15 may be tilted forward around the shaft 33 as shown in Figure 4, and when the actuator retracts, the cab lifter 15 may be tilted to an upright position as shown in Figure 3. A switch 36 for controlling the actuator to tilt the cab lifter 15 may be provided, for example, on the side of a component that may be mounted on the body 13 as part of the body 13.
[0017] Referring to Figure 4, the cavity 41 may be located on the rear side of the cab riser 15. The cavity 41 may be adapted to be coupled with the clamping assembly 42 of the work machine 1. Furthermore, the cavity 41 may be adapted to house a frame used to secure the cab 14 and cab riser 15 to the body 13 of the work machine 1.
[0018] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the clamping assembly 42 may be provided on the body 13 of the work machine 1. The clamping assembly 42 includes a base structure, a clamping structure, and an actuator, and can linearly move the clamping structure in the forward travel direction of the work machine 1. Such movement may follow a first linear direction for clamping (e.g., on the opposite side of the forward travel direction), and a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., the opposite side of the forward travel direction) for unclamping.
[0019] As shown in FIGS. 3-4, the carburetor 15 may include an access door 34 located on a side surface 32 of the carburetor 15. According to an embodiment, the operator of the work machine 1, who does not necessarily have to be the same person accessing the cab 14, can open the access door 34 and access a switch inside the housing of the carburetor 15 through the access door 34. A switch 35 for activating the clamping assembly 42 may be arranged adjacent to the clamping assembly 42 that the operator can access through the access door 34. The detailed mechanism of the clamping assembly 42 will be described below.
[0020] Referring now to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 shows an inner perspective view of the carburetor 15 in the operating position shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 5, a side surface portion of the housing of the carburetor 15 is removed for internal illustration.
[0021] According to one or more embodiments, the carburetor 15 may include support members 51a-51c, each of which may be a columnar member extending perpendicularly to the operating position as a frame 50 supporting the cab 14. The support member 51d may be connected to the support member 51a at one end as part of the frame at the operating position and may extend horizontally along the forward travel direction. Similarly, another lateral support member may be connected to another columnar support member at one end as part of the frame at the operating position and may extend horizontally along the forward travel direction parallel to the support member 51d.
[0022] The plate 52, which may be flat, may be positioned to bridge the gap between the support member 51d and another lateral support member mounted parallel to the support member 51d, in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel. At one edge of the plate 52, the lower surface of the plate 52 may contact the upper surface of the support member 51d, and the lower surface of the plate 52 may be fixed to the support member 51d. The other edge of the plate 52 may contact the upper surface of another lateral support member, and the other edge of the plate 52 may be fixed to the other lateral support member. The plate 52 may be referred to herein as the first plate.
[0023] In one embodiment, the support member 51c may be attached to the upper surface of the plate 52, and the bottom surface of the support member 51c may be in contact with the upper surface of the plate 52 at one end. Similarly, other columnar support members may be attached to the upper surface of the plate 52, and the bottom surface of the other columnar support members may be in contact with the upper surface of the plate 52 at one end. The plate 52 and the support members 51c or other columnar support members may be fastened together by fastening members (e.g., bolts with nuts and washers, screws, etc.).
[0024] It should be noted that the embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to the specific arrangement of plate 52 shown in Figure 5. For example, the embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may position plate 52 in different locations as part of the frame of cab rib 15 of the work machine 1.
[0025] As shown in Figure 5, clamps 53a and 53b, each of which may be C-shaped, may be positioned adjacent to the plate 52. Clamps 53a and 53b may be positioned on opposite edges of the plate 52 in the longitudinal direction. Details of clamps 53a and 53b are described with reference to Figures 6-7. Although Figure 5 shows two clamps 53a and 53b, embodiments of the subject matter disclosed may include only one clamp, for example, and are not limited thereto.
[0026] As shown in Figure 5, the base member 54 is mounted on a support member 51d adjacent to the plate 52 and may be fixed to the support member 51d at one end by a fastening member (e.g., a bolt with nuts and washers, screws, etc.). At the other end of the base member 54, a cylindrical member 55 can be connected to the base member 54 so that the cylindrical member 55 can extend along the forward travel direction of the work machine 1. The inside of the cylindrical member 55 may be hollow to receive a locking member, for example, a slide bolt having a handle 56 extending upward from the body of the locking member. More specifically, the locking member can pass through a through hole (e.g., a slot or slit) that may be located on the fastening assembly 42 by manually sliding the handle 56 in the direction opposite to the forward travel direction of the work machine 1. In the embodiment, the cylindrical member 55 and the locking member can be used to lock or otherwise hold the cab lifter 15 to the body 13 of the work machine 1 when the cab lifter 15 is in the first position, in addition to the clamping structure (e.g., clamps 53a and 53b). Such additional locking or holding of the cab lifter 15 to the body 13 of the work machine 1 can further reduce the possibility of separation of the cab lifter 15, which can improve safety. Details of the cylindrical member 55 and the locking member are described in more detail with reference to Figure 8.
[0027] As shown in Figure 5, a switch 57 for activating electric actuators that can be coupled to clamps 53a and 53b may be positioned as part of the frame of the cab riser 15 adjacent to the access door 34, as shown in Figure 3, so that, for example, the driver can operate the switch 57 through the access door 34.
[0028] Referring now to Figures 6, 7A, and 7B, Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the clamping assembly 42 of a work machine according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, and Figures 7A and 7B show side views of the clamping assembly 42 of the work machine 1 in different operating states according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, in particular Figure 7A showing the clamping assembly 42 in an unclamped operating state, and Figure 7B showing the clamping assembly 42 in a clamped operating state.
[0029] As shown in Figure 6, the fastening assembly 42 may include base members 62a and 62b, a support member 63, a plate 64 which may be flat, clamps 53a and 53b, a base member 66, an electric actuator 67, and a connecting member 68. In the embodiment, base members 62a and 66 may be attached to the main body 13 by fastening members (e.g., bolts having nuts and washers, screws, etc.).
[0030] According to one or more embodiments, a support member 63 may be mounted vertically on a base member 62a to support a plate 64 and a connecting member 68. The plate 64 may be connected at one end to the support member 63 and at the other end to another support member mounted on the base member 62b. As shown in Figure 6, the plate 64 may have a recess on one of its lateral edges to receive clamps 53a and 53b. The plate 64 may be referred to herein as the second plate.
[0031] Again, each of the clamps 53a and 53b, which may have a C-shape in the side elevation view, may have bottom contact surfaces 65a and 65b, respectively. The bottom contact surface 65a may be angled to contact the upper surface of the plate 52 (i.e., the first plate) of the cab riser 15. Similarly, the bottom contact surface 65b may be angled to contact the upper surface of the plate 52 (i.e., the first plate) of the cab riser 15.
[0032] In the embodiment, clamps 53a and 53b may be connected to an electric actuator 67, which can provide the clamps 53a and 53b with movement in the forward and reverse directions of the work machine 1. For example, when the cab lifter 15 is in a first or operating position, the electric actuator 67 can move clamps 53a and 53b to the opposite side of the forward direction of travel to engage with the upper surface of the plate 52 of the cab lifter 15. On the other hand, the electric actuator 67 can move clamps 53a and 53b in the opposite direction, i.e., in the forward direction of travel, to engage and disengage, for example, the upper surface of the plate 52 of the cab lifter 15, thereby allowing the cab lifter 15 to be driven to move to a second or transport position.
[0033] As shown in Figure 6, the electric actuator 67 can be connected to the base member 66 at the other end. Furthermore, while engaged with the clamps 53a and 53b, the electric actuator 67 can provide a predetermined force that pushes the clamps 53a and 53b in the opposite direction to the forward travel direction.
[0034] It should be noted that the embodiments of the subject matter disclosed are not limited to the electric actuator 67 shown in Figures 5 and 6. For example, the embodiments of the subject matter disclosed may employ a hydraulic actuator instead of an electric actuator to move the clamps 53a and 53b.
[0035] Furthermore, it should be noted that the embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure are not limited to the same number of clamps 53a and 53b as shown in Figure 6. For example, the embodiments of the subject matter disclosed may employ one or more clamps to fasten plates 52 and 64 together. Optionally or alternatively, one or more clamps may be positioned at any point around plates 52 and 64 in the top view.
[0036] In Figure 6, the connecting member 68 can be mounted on the support member 63 and the plate 64. As described above, the connecting member 68 may have a through hole 69 in its center to receive, for example, a locking member from the cab riser 15. The diameter of the through hole 69 may match the diameter of the cylindrical member 55.
[0037] Referring here to Figures 7A and 7B, Figure 7A shows the engagement and disengagement of the clamp 53a and plate 52 of the cab lifter 15, and Figure 7B shows the engagement of the clamp 53a and plate 52 of the cab lifter 15. As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, one end of the clamp 53a may have a bottom contact surface 65a that can be angled by a predetermined angle, and the other end of the clamp 53a may be connected to a plate 71 that may be flat. The plate 71 may hereafter be referred to as the third plate. When the electric actuator 67 moves the clamp 53a in the forward travel direction and in the opposite direction (for example, left and right in Figure 7A, respectively), the plate 71 can move together with the clamp 53a (and the clamp 53b on the other side). More specifically, the plate 71 can slide under the control of the electric actuator 67.
[0038] As shown in Figure 7B, when clamp 53a is engaged, it can clamp the upper surface of plate 52 and the lower surface of plate 64 with the end of clamp 53a and plate 71. Therefore, the lower surface of plate 52 can contact the upper surface of plate 64 when clamp 53a (and clamp 53b on the other side) is engaged.
[0039] It should be noted that the embodiments of the subject matter disclosed are not limited to the engaged state of clamps 53a and 53b in which the lower surface of plate 52 is in direct contact with the upper surface of plate 64, as shown in Figures 7A, 7B and 9. For example, in the embodiments of the subject matter disclosed, another plate may be used between the lower surface of plate 52 and the upper surface of plate 64 in the engaged state of the clamps, so that the lower surface of plate 52 can indirectly contact the upper surface of plate 64 by sandwiching the other plate in the engaged state of the clamps.
[0040] Referring here to Figure 8, which shows a perspective view of the locking structure of the cab lifter 15 according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. As described above, the through-hole 69 may be provided at the center of a connecting member 68, which can be part of a clamping assembly, for example, to receive the locking member 81 from the cab lifter 15. The locking member 81 is formed as a cylindrical shape having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical member 55 and can slide longitudinally within the cylindrical member 55. Furthermore, the locking member 81 can be connected to a handle 56. For example, the handle 56 can be accessed through an access door 34 of the cab lifter 15 and the handle 56 can be manually moved in the opposite direction to the forward travel direction to lock it, so that the locking member 81 can pass through the through-hole 69 of the connecting member 68. As a result, the cab lifter 15 can be connected to the body 13 by the locking member 81 in addition to the clamping assembly 42, according to one or more embodiments. Therefore, even if the clamps 53a and / or 53b unintentionally engage or disengage the plate 52, or if the power supply to the electric actuator 67 is cut off, the locking mechanism having the locking member 81 can prevent situations in which the cab 14 and cab riser 15 unnecessarily engage or disengage, such as tilting forward from the driving position to the transport position. The handle 56 may engage with a holding member (e.g., a gripping arm) when the locking member 81 and the handle 56 are fully seated within the cylindrical member 55.
[0041] In one embodiment, the handle 56 and the locking member 81 may be moved in the forward travel direction to unlock the locking member 81 and further to remove the locking member 81 and the handle 56 from the cylindrical member 55.
[0042] Referring now to Figure 9, Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of a first plate (i.e., plate 52) and a second plate (i.e., plate 64) being coupled with a key plate 91 between the first plate and the second plate, according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject.
[0043] As shown in Figures 8-9, the support members 82a and 82b, as well as the vertical plate 83 which may be positioned parallel to the plate 64, may be part of the fastening assembly 42. The plate 83 may be longitudinally connected to the support member 63 at one end, and the support members 82a and 82b may be attached to the upper surface of the plate 83.
[0044] According to one or more embodiments, the key plate 91 may be detachably positioned between the plate 52 and the plate 64, or may be removable. More specifically, the lower surface of the plate 52 may have a first recess 97, and the upper surface of the plate 64 may have a second recess 96. Optionally, the key plate 91 may have a width different from (e.g., smaller than) the width of the first recess 97 and / or the second recess 96 (i.e., within the page of Figure 9). The key plate 91 may be formed to conform to the shape of the space created by the first recess 97 and the second recess 96 when the clamps 53a and 53b are engaged.
[0045] Optionally, as shown in Figure 9, the key plate 91 may be attached to the plate 52 with fastening members such as bolts 92, nuts 93, and washers 94. The fastening members can be provided by any fastening means and are not limited to the examples in this disclosure.
[0046] As a result, by positioning the key plate 91 between plate 52 and plate 64, the two plates can make firm contact without undesirable longitudinal movement (e.g., rattling).
[0047] Referring now to Figure 10, Figure 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view in which the key plate 91 positions the first plate 52 relative to the second plate 64 located between them, according to an embodiment of the subject disclosed.
[0048] As shown in Figure 10, the first recess 97 and the second recess 96 may be formed in a trapezoidal shape in the cross-sectional view, thereby allowing for smooth contact between the plate 52 and the plate 64 and the key plate 91. Thus, the key plate 91 may be formed to match the shape of the space created by the first recess 97 and the second recess 96 in the cross-sectional view when the cab 14 is positioned in the operating position, that is, when the two plates are engaged by the clamps 53a and 53b.
[0049] When the key plate 91 is attached to the plate 52 by a fastening member, the shape of the first recess 97 does not have to be trapezoidal, and since positioning of the key plate 91 and the plate 52 may not be necessary, it may be approximately rectangular in shape.
[0050] It should be noted that the embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure are not limited to the specific shape and arrangement of the key plate 91 shown in Figures 9-10. For example, the embodiments of the subject matter disclosed may involve molding the key plate 91 in different ways or positioning the key plate 91 at different locations between the two plates 52 and 64.
[0051] Referring here to Figure 11, which is a perspective view of another forestry work machine as an example of work machine 2 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. In Figure 11, the height of the cab riser 112 and the position of the door 113 are different from those shown in Figure 1. The operator of work machine 2 can enter the cab 111 through the door 113 which is provided on the side of the cab 111. The positioning of the cab riser 112 relative to the body, clamping assembly, and / or locking assembly discussed herein can be equally applied to work machine 2.
[0052] It should be noted that the embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure are not limited to the specific arrangement of the cab lifter and the position of the door shown in Figure 11. For example, the embodiments of the subject matter disclosed may have the cab lifter and its components arranged in different positions on the work machine 2. [Industrial applicability]
[0053] As stated above, this disclosure relates to working machinery, and more particularly to forestry working machinery having a cab and a cab riser tiltably coupled to the body, as well as systems, assemblies and methods thereof.
[0054] Embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure may include a work machine that comprises a body, a cab lifter, and a shaft. The cab lifter may include a cab and a frame, the cab being positioned upright on the work machine in a first position and tilted forward in a second position, and the frame comprising a first plate that contacts a second plate provided on the body in the first position. The shaft may rotatably connect the cab lifter to the body, and the cab lifter is rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise around the shaft between the first and second positions. The first plate and the second plate may be clamped together in the first position by a clamping assembly comprising one or more C-shaped clamps for clamping the first plate and the second plate, the clamping assembly may be mounted on the body.
[0055] Alternatively, embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure may include a work machine comprising a cab lifter, a body, and a shaft. The cab lifter may include a cab and a frame, the cab being positioned upright on the work machine in a first position and tilted forward in a second position, and the frame comprising a support member for supporting the cab in the first position and a first plate horizontally connected to the support member. The body may include a clamping assembly, the clamping assembly comprising a second plate and a clamping structure, the second plate being mounted on the body at a predetermined height when the cab is in the first position and positioned parallel to the vertical first plate, and the clamping structure being linearly movable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. The shaft may rotatably connect the cab lifter to the body, and the cab lifter may be rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise around the shaft between the first and second positions. The first plate of the cab rizer and the second plate of the body can be fastened together by a fastening structure, when the cab is in the first position, by directly engaging the lower surface of the first plate with the upper surface of the second plate, or by indirectly engaging the lower surface of the first plate with the upper surface of the second plate by inserting another plate between the first and second plates.
[0056] Furthermore, an electric actuator may be provided for simultaneously moving the C-shaped clamp linearly in the forward and reverse directions. The electric actuator can simultaneously move the C-shaped clamp linearly in the reverse direction to engage with the upper surface of the first plate in the first position, to fasten the first plate to the second plate, and to engage and disengage the upper surface of the first plate in the forward direction.
[0057] Furthermore, an electric actuator may be provided to operate a switch that moves the C-shaped clamp in the forward and reverse directions. The switch is located adjacent to the clamping assembly and can be accessed through an access door, which may be incorporated into the cabliizer housing in a side section.
[0058] Furthermore, the electric actuator can provide a predetermined pressing force to the C-shaped clamp in a first direction while it is engaged with the C-shaped clamp.
[0059] Furthermore, each of the C-shaped clamps may include a first end and a second end, in which case each first end may be formed so that its bottom contact surface contacts the upper surface of the first plate. Furthermore, a third plate may be integrally attached to each of the second ends to support the C-shaped clamps, and the third plate may be formed so that its upper contact surface slidably contacts the lower surface of the second plate. In this case, each of the C-shaped clamps can clamp the upper surface of the first plate and the lower surface of the second plate with the first end and the third plate of the C-shaped clamp. Optionally, the bottom contact surface of each of the C-shaped clamps may be angled horizontally with respect to the upper surface of the first plate.
[0060] Furthermore, an additional locking mechanism can be provided by passing a locking member through the cab lifter to the main body. The cab lifter may include a base member positioned on the side of the frame and a cylindrical member connected to the base member, the base member being adjacent to the clamping assembly and the cylindrical member in the first position. The locking member may be movably mounted through the cylindrical member so that the locking member passes through a through hole positioned on the main body along the cylindrical member, thereby locking the cab lifter to the main body in the first position.
[0061] Furthermore, a key plate can be provided to securely lock the first plate and the second plate together. In this embodiment, the lower surface of the first plate may have a first recess, and the upper surface of the second plate may have a second recess, the second recess being perpendicular to the first recess in the first position. Here, at least one of the first and second recesses may form a trapezoidal recess in the cross-sectional view of the first and second plates. Next, a key plate can be provided in the first and second recesses when the cab is in the first position, such that it matches the shape of the space created by the first and second recesses when the cab is in the first position. More specifically, the first hole may be located in the center of the key plate, the second hole may be located on the first plate and the second hole being aligned with the first hole in the top view of the work machine, and the third hole may be located on the second plate and the third hole being aligned with the first and second holes in the top view.
[0062] Optionally, the key plate may be engaged by fastening members when it is positioned in the first and second recesses, the fastening members may include bolts, nuts, and washers. The bolts can then pass through the first hole, the second hole, and the third hole, as well as the key plate, and be secured with nuts and washers to fasten the first plate, the second plate, and the key plate.
[0063] Optionally, the key plate may be detachably attached to the first plate, and the first recess may be formed by a rectangular parallelepiped shape in the cross-sectional view.
[0064] Accordingly, the embodiments of the disclosed subject matter allow the cab lifter to be fixed to the body of the work machine without the need for separate special tools during the transition of the work machine from the transport position to the operating position, which can increase work efficiency.
[0065] According to the embodiment, it may be possible to fix the cab and cab riser to the body of the work machine without using separate special tools. Thus, such an arrangement can increase the work efficiency of the work machine (e.g., transition to a moving or running state more quickly and reliably). Specifically, according to the embodiment, the cab riser and cab can be securely and firmly fixed to the body of the work machine by fastening the plates of the cab riser and the plates of the body of the work machine with a fastening structure according to the embodiments of the subject disclosed, and by applying force to the fastening structure. Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the safety of the work machine in failure situations can be increased by locking the cab riser and body with a rocking member. Furthermore, according to the embodiment, undesirable lateral movement (e.g., rattling) of the cab riser and cab can be prevented or minimized by inserting a key plate between the plates. Thus, the safety of the cab in the running position can be increased.
[0066] While aspects of this disclosure have been specifically shown and described with reference to the embodiments described above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be conceived by modifications of the disclosed machines, assemblies, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed content. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of this disclosure as determined by the claims and any equivalents thereof.
Claims
1. It is a work machine, The main unit and A cab riser including a cab and a frame, wherein the cab is positioned upright on the work machine in a first position and tilted forward in a second position, and the frame has a first plate that contacts a second plate provided on the body in the first position, A shaft rotatably connects the cab riser to the main body, wherein the cab riser is rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise around the shaft between the first position and the second position, The first plate and the second plate are fastened together by a fastening assembly in the first position, the fastening assembly includes one or more C-shaped clamps for fastening the first plate and the second plate. A work machine on which the fastening assembly is mounted on the main body.
2. The fastening assembly includes an electric actuator, The second plate is part of the fastening assembly, The work machine according to claim 1, wherein one or more C-shaped clamps engage with the upper surface of the first plate in the first position and are simultaneously movable by the electric actuator linearly in a first direction to fasten the first plate to the second plate, and in a second direction opposite to the first direction to engage with and disengage the upper surface of the first plate.
3. The clamping assembly includes two C-shaped clamps that, when the cab is in the first position, clamp the first plate and the second plate together in the longitudinal direction of the first plate and the second plate at the opposite edge portions of the first plate and the second plate. Each of the C-shaped clamps includes a first end and a second end, Each of the first ends is formed such that its bottom contact surface contacts the upper surface of the first plate. A third plate is integrally attached to each of the second ends to support the C-shaped clamp, and the third plate is formed such that its upper contact surface slides into contact with the lower surface of the second plate. Each of the C-shaped clamps clamps the upper surface of the first plate and the lower surface of the second plate with the first end of the C-shaped clamp and the third plate. The working machine according to claim 2, wherein the lower surface of the first plate contacts the upper surface of the second plate when the C-shaped clamp is engaged.
4. The working machine according to claim 3, wherein each of the bottom contact surfaces of the C-shaped clamps is angled horizontally with respect to the upper surface of the first plate.
5. The lower surface of the first plate is provided with the first recess, The upper surface of the second plate is provided with a second recess, and the second recess is aligned perpendicularly to the first recess when the cab is in the first position. At least one of the first recess and the second recess forms a trapezoidal recess in the cross-sectional view of the first plate and the second plate. The work machine according to claim 3, wherein a key plate that matches the shape of the space created by the first recess and the second recess when the cab is in the first position is provided in the first recess and the second recess when the cab is in the first position.
6. The work machine according to claim 5, wherein the key plate is engaged by a fastening member when it is provided in the first recess and the second recess.
7. The key plate is detachably attached to the first plate. The working machine according to claim 5, wherein the first recess has a rectangular parallelepiped shape in the cross-sectional views of the first plate and the second plate.
8. It is a work machine, A cab lifter including a cab and a frame, wherein the cab is positioned upright on the work machine in a first position and tilted forward in a second position, and the frame comprises a support member for supporting the cab in the first position and a first plate horizontally connected to the support member, A body including a clamping assembly, wherein the clamping assembly includes a second plate and a clamping structure, the second plate being mounted on the body at a predetermined height when the cab is in the first position and positioned parallel to the vertical first plate, and the clamping structure being linearly movable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, A shaft rotatably connects the cab riser to the main body, wherein the cab riser is rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise around the shaft between the first position and the second position, A working machine in which the first plate of the cab riser and the second plate of the main body are fastened together by the fastening structure, either by directly engaging the lower surface of the first plate with the upper surface of the second plate when the cab is in the first position, or by indirectly engaging the lower surface of the first plate with the upper surface of the second plate by inserting another plate between the first plate and the second plate.
9. The working machine according to claim 8, wherein the clamping assembly includes two clamps as part of the clamping structure for clamping the first plate and the second plate together in the longitudinal direction of the first plate and the second plate at the opposite edge portions of the first plate and the second plate when the cab is in the first position.
10. The fastening assembly includes an electric actuator, The work machine according to claim 9, wherein the two clamps are C-shaped clamps that engage with the upper surface of the first plate in the first position and are simultaneously movable by the electric actuator linearly in the first direction to fasten the first plate to the second plate and in the second direction to engage with and disengage the upper surface of the first plate.