Mobile apparatus

Disclosed is a mobile apparatus, including a frame, and operating arm connected to the frame, a cab with one or more cab seats, drive means configured to drive the mobile apparatus and/or the operating arm, and at least one tank, wherein the at least one tank is positioned under the one or more cab seats.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the United States national phase of International Application No. PCT/NL2013/050269 filed Apr. 12, 2013, and claims priority to Netherlands Patent Application No. 2008634 filed Apr. 13, 2012, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of mobile apparatuses with operating arm, such as for instance excavators, wheel loaders and tractors.

BACKGROUND

Known mobile apparatuses are described in, among others, the patent specifications NL2004954, NL2004784, NL2002125, NL1035694, NL1028661, NL1027370 and NL1019918 in the name of applicant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention have the object of providing an improved mobile apparatus, and particularly with an improved packaging of a frame in or on which the parts of the mobile apparatus are positioned.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a mobile apparatus is provided comprising a frame, which can be a main frame or a sub-frame connected in rotatable manner to a main frame. The technical components are preferably positioned relative to each other in a manner such that, as seen in a forward direction of travel, the heaviest components are mounted on the rear side of the frame and the lightest components on the front side. The coupling of these components is preferably such that the connecting elements such as conduits and cabling are short and effective. The interior space of the cab, and thus the ergonomics in the cab for the driver and possible co-drivers, is further preferably optimal.

The mobile apparatus is preferably a mobile apparatus for earth-moving and agricultural machines. The main frame is preferably displaceable on wheels or caterpillar tracks.

According to an embodiment of the mobile apparatus according to the invention, the mobile apparatus comprises a frame, an operating arm connected to the frame, a cab with one or more cab seats, drive means configured to drive the mobile apparatus and/or the operating arm, and at least one tank. The at least one tank is positioned under the one or more cab seats. The at least one tank preferably comprises a first tank and a second tank which, as seen in a width direction perpendicularly of a forward direction of travel of the mobile apparatus, are arranged mutually adjacently and at a mutual distance on the frame under the one or more cab seats. The first tank is for instance a tank for hydraulic liquid and the second tank a fuel tank. The one or more cab seats preferably extend over substantially the full width of the cab.

According to a possible embodiment the frame is a main frame. According to another preferred embodiment the frame is a partially rotatable or wholly rotatable sub-frame rotatable relative to a main frame. The described positioning of the present invention is highly suitable for this purpose.

According to an embodiment of the mobile apparatus according to the invention, the mobile apparatus comprises a frame, an operating arm connected to the frame, a cab with one or more cab seats, drive means configured to drive the mobile apparatus and/or the operating arm. The drive means, typically a motor, optionally with battery pack, for driving the frame and/or the operating arm is positioned behind the cab as seen in the direction of travel so that the large mass of the motor contributes as counterweight to the mass in the operating arm provided at the front.

In preferred embodiments hydraulic pumps or generators or electric motors are mounted on both sides of the motor for the drive or the operating arm, this providing for a better balance compared to a positioning in which the pumps and/or generators are mounted on one side.

In preferred embodiments a motor for driving a gear ring is provided for the purpose of moving the sub-frame relative to the main frame. This gear ring motor is preferably positioned under the cab, between the above discussed first and second tanks, preferably behind the gear ring. This once again has the result that the different masses are placed as far to the rear as possible and that leg-room is created in the cab.

In preferred embodiments a valve block for controlling the operating arm is positioned on the right-hand side of the frame, wherein the conduits run on the right adjacently of the frame and under the right-hand side of the cab.

In preferred embodiments an exhaust gas filter system of the motor is mounted vertically behind and on a side of the cab. The same applies for the condenser of the air-conditioning system.

In preferred embodiments a sub-frame is mounted on the frame, from which sub-frame the rear side of the cab can be suspended. This imparts the necessary stability to the cab because the suspension points of the cab can in this way be mounted at a relatively high position. The sub-frame is preferably an upright sub-frame against which the back of the cab can rest and to which the back of the cab can be connected.

According to a possible embodiment, the exhaust gas filter system or the condenser for the air-conditioning can be mounted on this sub-frame, on the rear side thereof.

In an embodiment the frame is provided with a motor sub-frame, on which motor sub-frame is mounted the motor with pumps and cooling pack. This motor sub-frame enables quicker and simpler assembly.

Provided according to another aspect on the front side of the frame is a contact surface with openings to which the air channels of the air-conditioning of the cab connect when the cab is folded closed on the frame. The conduits of the air-conditioning system can in this way be mounted solely on the frame, and conduits to the cab are not necessary.

Provided according to another aspect of the invention is a mobile apparatus comprising a frame, an operating arm, a cab with a driver's seat and with a rear side lying behind the driver's seat as seen in a forward direction of travel (R) of the mobile apparatus, drive means configured to move the mobile apparatus and/or the operating arm, and a motor bonnet movable between an open and a closed position in order to provide access to the drive means. The bonnet is mounted pivotally via a pivot shaft on the rear side of the cab, this such that the bonnet is pivotable away from the cab and away from the drive means in upward direction.

Broadly speaking for all mobile apparatuses an embodiment of the invention relates to a bonnet which pivots away from the cab and away from the motor in upward direction via a pivot point on an upper side and rear side of the cab. All components on the rear of the frame are in this way very easily accessible by maintenance staff.

In a further embodiment the bonnet pivots away from the cab and from the motor in upward direction via a pivot point on the upper side and rear side of an upright sub-frame from which the rear side of the cab can be suspended. According to an alternative embodiment, the pivot point is provided on a motor sub-frame, which motor sub-frame bears the motor.

In a further embodiment a protective cover is provided obliquely behind and under the motor. It can be removed in simple manner so that maintenance staff can easily work under the motor, the pumps and generators.

A further embodiment has a pump control on the front side on the frame, whereby the cab can pivot forward. The person operating the pump control has in this way a direct view of the pivoting angle of the cab.

In an embodiment one or more socket outlets are provided which are arranged on the left-hand side of the frame under the cab. Plugs of electrical tools can be inserted into these socket outlets. The position of these socket outlets is such that the plugs are not easily overlooked, since they lie within the field of vision of someone entering the cab.

A further embodiment has side covers on the frame on either side of the cab. These are removable for maintenance of the components located therebehind, such as electronics, hydraulics and filters for the air-conditioning system.

A further embodiment has electronic components on the front side of the frame, on one side or on both sides, which can be viewed and serviced from the cab. Fuses for instance can thus be checked from the cab, or indicator lamps can be viewed from the seat. Because these electronic components are not mounted on the cab but on the frame, no cables run through the cab.

A further embodiment has a cab which is provided with two doors, a left-hand and a right-hand door. The described positioning of the components is highly suitable for creating space in the cab for at least one person, wherein two or three persons can also sit comfortably. The exit on the right-hand side therefore provides extra comfort, certainly in the case of a rotating upper carriage.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-5illustrate a possible embodiment of a mobile apparatus. The different measures and features of the mobile apparatus are illustrated in combination with each other for this embodiment, although the skilled person will appreciate that they can also be applied individually on existing mobile apparatuses. The mobile apparatus comprises a frame1. The frame is provided with a number of pivot points2,2′ to which components of an operating arm (not shown) are connectable. As shown best inFIGS. 3-5, the mobile apparatus comprises a cab6with one or more seats (not shown) for one or more drivers of the mobile apparatus. Frame1is provided with drive means3which can take the form of a motor or a motor with battery pack and which are intended to drive the mobile apparatus and/or the operating arm. Two tanks are further provided: a first tank4for a hydraulic liquid and a second tank5for a fuel. The invention is not limited to two tanks, and the skilled person will appreciate that more than two tanks may also be provided.

The two tanks4,5are positioned under the one or more seats such that the one or more cab seats can extend over substantially the full width of the cab. The first and second tanks4,5are arranged mutually adjacently and at a mutual distance on frame1, as seen in a width direction B perpendicularly of a forward direction of travel R of the mobile apparatus. Drive means3comprise a motor or a motor with battery pack and are positioned behind the at least one tank as seen in the direction of travel R. One or more hydraulic pumps7, generators or electric motors8can further be mounted on both sides of motor3as seen in the width direction B.

The relatively light components are in this way provided at the front of the frame, while the relatively heavy components are provided at the rear. A good counterweight to the operating arm is thus created. Such a construction has particular advantages when frame1is a rotatable sub-frame, as in the illustrated embodiment. Sub-frame1is intended for rotatable mounting on a main frame (not shown) via a gear ring. Arranged between the first and second tanks4,5is a gear ring motor9for driving the gear ring. Further provided is a rotary joint10which is placed in front of the gear ring motor as seen in the direction of travel, seeFIG. 2. Further provided is a valve block11which is configured to control the operating arm. Valve block11is positioned on the right-hand side of the frame as seen in the direction of travel, and conduits12connected to the valve block run on the right adjacently of the frame and under the right-hand side of cab6.

A filter system13for the exhaust gases of motor3can also be provided. Filter system13is mounted on a rear side of cab6as seen in the direction of travel. Typically further provided are an air-conditioning system and a condenser14for cooling the air-conditioning system. Condenser14is preferably mounted on a rear side of the cab as seen in the direction of travel R. In the illustrated embodiment a sub-frame15with an upright part is mounted on the frame. In the closed position of cab6the rear side of the cab is supported against this upright part and is connected mechanically to this upright part. Filter system13and/or condenser14are preferably mounted on the rear side of sub-frame15.

A rear sub-frame25is further mounted on frame1substantially behind the cab as seen in the direction of travel. The rear sub-frame25runs obliquely upward to the rear, and motor3with pumps7and a cooling pack16, among other parts, are mounted on this sub-frame25.

Formed on a front side of the frame is a contact surface with openings17, seeFIG. 2. Cab6is provided with air channels (not shown) of the air-conditioning system which connect to openings17when the cab is folded closed on the frame.

FIGS. 3-5illustrate that a bonnet18is provided which is movable between an open and a closed position so as to provide access to drive means3. The bonnet is mounted pivotally via a pivot point in an area19on the rear side of the cab such that bonnet18is pivotable away from the cab and away from drive means3in upward direction. The one or more pivot points are preferably provided at the top of the upright sub-frame15, against which the rear side of the cab rests in the operative position of the cab.

A protective cover20can further be removably arranged obliquely behind and under drive means3. Removable side covers23are also arranged on either side of cab6and under cab6.

Cab6is preferably mounted for pivoting relative to frame1around a pivot point located on the front side of cab6such that the cab can pivot forward as seen in the direction of travel, seeFIG. 3.

Additional optional measures are: a pump control21for pivoting the cab which is provided on the frame on a left-hand front side of the cab as seen in the direction of travel; one or more socket outlets22which are arranged under the cab on a left-hand side of the frame as seen in the direction of travel; electrical components24which are mounted on a front side of frame1on at least one side thereof and which can be viewed and serviced from the cab.

Cab6is preferably provided with a left-hand and a right-hand door26,26′ on either side of cab6.

As shown inFIG. 3, bonnet18is movable between an open and a closed position in order to provide access to drive means3. Upright sub-frame15is mounted on frame1, substantially behind cab6.FIG. 4shows that bonnet18is mounted pivotally via a first pivot point101and a second pivot point102in an area at the rear side of the cab6, this such that bonnet18is pivotable away from the cab6and away from the drive means3in upward direction. First and second pivot point101,102are provided at an upper part of upright sub-frame15. Upright sub-frame15has a left upwardly directed sub-frame top portion201and a right upwardly directed sub-frame top portion202and an empty space203between the left and right upwardly directed top portions201,202, see alsoFIG. 1. Left and right upwardly directed sub-frame top portions201,202are provided with first and the second pivot point101,102, respectively. Bonnet18comprises a left and a right upwardly directed bonnet top portion301,302and an empty space303between the left and right upwardly directed bonnet top portion301,302. Left and right upwardly directed sub-frame top portion201,202is configured to receive left and a right upwardly directed bonnet top portion301,302, respectively, in the closed position of bonnet18, see alsoFIG. 5. Bonnet18and the upright sub-frame15are configured such that, in the closed position of bonnet18, empty space203,303is formed between first and the second pivot point101,102and such that, in the closed position of bonnet18, the rear side of cab6is visible through empty space203,303.

The skilled person will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to the above described embodiment and that many modifications and variants can be envisaged within the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the following claims.