Abstract:
An access system for a vehicle ( 42 ) has an access device ( 40 ) (such as a stair or ladder), an actuation mechanism for extending and retracting the access device, the access device being extendible from a contracted configuration for deployment to permit access to the equipment and retractable to a contracted configuration for normal operation of the equipment by the actuation mechanism. The access device has a multiplicity of treads to support a user thereof during use, the treads being connected such that the access device retracts by contracting with treads closing together, and wherein the actuation mechanism includes an actuation ram ( 50 ) (hydraulic, pneumatic) and linkages ( 52, 64, 66 ), and at least one pivot ( 68 ) with at least one respective pivot axis about which the access device rotates during retraction or deployment effected by operation of the ram. Thus the access device not only retracts and extends but rotates backwards for stowage under a cab or chassis of the vehicle when retracting. A deployment assistor ( 90 ), such as a gas strut, can be used to assist gravity actuated deploy of the access device.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to access devices for earthmoving vehicles. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Earth moving equipment, such as graders and bulldozers have a chassis, a working tool (bucket, blade, grab, drill etc), large wheels, a protective driver cabin with access door, and some form of access or access system, such as fixed or moveable ladder or stair. The chassis includes all the mechanical parts that form the structural frame of the earth moving equipment. The driver operates the earth moving equipment from the protective driver cabin. A hatch is located behind the driver cabin and typically houses many of the important control units of the earth moving equipment vehicle such as hydraulic controls, hydraulic pump, fuse box, electrical circuit breakers etc. The access device provides access between the ground level and the cabin. Typically, though not always present, walkways are provided around the cabin area for an operator to access the hatch located behind the driver cabin of the earth moving equipment vehicle. The access device is usually attached to the walkway, chassis or cabin structure near the entry door to the cabin. 
         [0003]    Retractable access systems of different configurations are presently known and have two final positions, namely the deployed position and the retracted position. The major types of access devices are the vertical variable height access system and the swing access system. 
         [0004]    The vertical variable height access system would generally be used for large excavators and earth moving equipment. In the vertical variable height access system, the ladder or stairs would be operated vertically and would remain vertical both in the deployed position and retracted position. Essentially, the length of the ladder or stairs does not vary, rather, the ladder or stairs is simply lifted vertically upwards or lowered downwards. 
         [0005]    In the swing type access system, the ladder or stairs when operated will swing (rotate) up or down to reach either the retracted position or deployed position respectively. 
         [0006]    The basic constituents of any access system include a ladder or stairs and a mechanism to actuate the ladder or stairs. The ladder or stairs are generally made of metal such as steel or aluminium. The movement of the ladder or stairs in any access system is controlled by an actuator mechanism. The actuator mechanism moves the ladder or stairs between the deployed and the retracted position. This actuator is usually operated either mechanically, electrically or hydraulically. A combination of these means is also in practice. 
         [0007]    Problems exist with certain types of earth moving equipment. For example, graders have at least one large blade used for levelling earth, soil, sand etc. The blade can be lifted/lowered, rotated and tilted, to allow for an initial level of the surface to be graded and/or to impart a required level to the surface. Basically the blade is set at a required angle, and the vehicle advanced over the surface such that the blade forms a particular slope or level to the surface. This is particularly prevalent when forming a level or particular sloping surface for the sides of new access roads where banks are required in virgin soil that is initially uneven. Graders are also used to re-level loose surface roads that incur holes, washout due to flooding or other disturbances that degrade the surface. These vehicles have a cabin for the operator immediately behind and above the blade. This position allows the operator to oversee the blade position and grading as the vehicle advances. However, because the cabin is above and between the blade to the front and the rear wheel behind, any access means has to extend downwards between the blade and rear wheel to permit access/egress. The blade of a grader is sufficiently manoeuvrable that the access means can be damaged or removed by impact from the blade swinging against the access means. 
         [0008]    A previously proposed solution to one or more of the above problems has been disclosed by the present applicant in their international (PCT) application number PCT/AU2009/000296 published as WO 2009/114897, the contents of which are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference. 
         [0009]    Where the cab of the grader is generally square or rectangular, with an access door immediately to the side (rather than on a forward facing oblique angle), the retracted access means can get trapped between the forward-most wheel of the rear wheels on that side of the vehicle and the chassis/blade when the vehicle is articulating. That is, when the driving end of the grader (including the engine) articulated about a pivot point below the driver operator&#39;s cabin with respect to the working end holding the blade. 
         [0010]    With the aforementioned in mind, it would be desirable to provide a retractable access device for earth moving equipment that is space saving in a retracted position, and preferably less prone to being damaged when retracted. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    With the aforementioned in view, one form of the present invention provides an access system for a vehicle, said system having an access device for mounting to the vehicle and an actuation mechanism for extending and retracting said access device, the access device being extendible from a contracted configuration for deployment to permit access to the equipment and retractable to a contracted configuration for normal operation of the equipment by the actuation mechanism, the access device including a multiplicity of treads to support a user thereof during use, the treads being connected such that the access device retracts by contracting with the treads closing together, and wherein the actuation mechanism includes at least one pivot including at least one respective pivot axis about which the access device rotates during retraction or deployment. 
         [0012]    Consequently, and advantageously, the access device not only retracts to reduce its storage footprint but also rotates to store inwardly towards the chassis and towards an underside of the cab of the grader. 
         [0013]    The actuation mechanism may rotate the access device through up to 90° from a 0° storage position to a 90° deployed position. Preferably the deployed position is approximately 80° rotation with respect to the (retracted) storage position. The actual degree of rotation will be understood to vary with the size and type of vehicle and length of the access device. 
         [0014]    According to one or more preferred forms of the present invention, one or more hydraulic or pneumatic rams, or an electric motor, drives the actuation mechanism. In the case of hydraulic or pneumatic ram(s), the ram(s) are connected through a linkage to the access device and the geometry of the linkage with respect to the access device and to the pivot axis may determine the amount of rotation with respect to the amount of deployment/retraction. 
         [0015]    From a deployed position with the treads of the access device generally horizontal for normal use, the access device may be retracted such that the treads close together during retraction and also rotate away from horizontal until they are nested and stored angled upward/downward. The access device therefore may be stored generally under the cab of a grader rather than predominantly extending outwardly even when retracted. 
         [0016]    Thus, the access device may utilise space under a portion of the cab of a grader and prevent the access device from being damaged by being trapped between a front-most tyre of the rear wheels and blade of the grader. 
         [0017]    A further aspect of the present invention provides an access system for a vehicle, said system having an access device for mounting to the vehicle, and a mechanism for extending and retracting said access device, the access device being extendible from a contracted configuration for deployment to permit access to the equipment and retractable to a contracted configuration for normal operation of the equipment, the access device including a multiplicity of treads to support a user thereof during use, the treads being connected such that the access device retracts by contracting longitudinally with the treads closing together. 
         [0018]    Beneficially, the access device contracting longitudinally permits the treads to close closer together, for example, in a concertina type arrangement, to a relatively compact form such that the access device is clear of the ground and does not require rotation to longitudinally position laying next to the cabin or up in the air. Such compact contraction saves space, and can permit the cabin door to open and close whilst the access device is retracting or deploying. This is especially useful where the access device is employed on a grader by helping to avoid potential damage from the blade and/or damaging the cabin door during retraction/deployment. 
         [0019]    Deployment is preferably a reverse of the retraction arrangement. 
         [0020]    In a preferred form, the access device may contract or extend in a concertina or scissor arrangement. 
         [0021]    The treads may retract to a nested configuration with one tread overlaying the next, such as for improved compact storage. 
         [0022]    Two or more of the treads may be interconnected by pivot linkages. The pivot linkages may include at least one link member pivotably connected at each end thereof to a respective tread. 
         [0023]    Preferably a pair of link members may be pivotably mounted at each end of each member to each side of a respective tread to form a four bar linkage for each side between two consecutive treads. 
         [0024]    The access system may include at least one handrail mounted to the access device. For example, at least one, preferably multiple, handrails may be mounted to the access device, and preferably each handrail may nest with an adjacent handrail when the access device is retracted. A handrail may be provided on one or more sections of a sectional access device, where each section has at least one tread unit including one or more treads. 
         [0025]    Another form of the present invention provides an access system for a vehicle, including a sectional access device, each section including at least one tread unit having at least one tread for supporting a user and each section articulatory connected to at least one other said section by articulation connections such that the tread units close together during upward longitudinal retraction of the access device from a downwardly extended deployed orientation. 
         [0026]    The sections may close together to form retracted access device with the tread units nested together. 
         [0027]    Another form of the present invention provides a method of retracting a deployed access device for earth moving equipment, the access device including a multiplicity of treads for supporting a user, the method including bringing the treads closer together during a longitudinal contraction of the deployed access device. 
         [0028]    Contraction of the access device may nest the treads adjacent one another in a retracted configuration. 
         [0029]    The treads may be successively connected by respective linking means such that apply a force to retract the access device acts through the linking means to retractably bring the treads together. 
         [0030]    The linking means may be linking members forming four bar linkages at either side of the treads, and retracting one tread causes a retraction force to be applied through the linkages to retract the connected tread or treads in a longitudinal direction of the access device. 
         [0031]    Another form of the present invention provides a retractable access device for a vehicle, the access device having a longitudinal extent when deployed, and including a multiplicity of treads interconnected in series by connectors pivotably mounted with respect to the treads, the connectors permitting the access device to contract longitudinally. 
         [0032]    Four bar type linkages may be used to connect the treads together. These may be provided either side of the treads. Consequently, a force applied to retract the access device, applied to or adjacent one tread, may be transferred through the connectors to the other treads, thereby bringing the treads closer together to a retracted configuration. 
         [0033]    An access device according to one or more forms or embodiments of the present invention has treads that are connected such that they close together along an access device retraction axis, preferably whilst remaining in parallel. 
         [0034]    The earth moving equipment is preferably a grader, which has particular issues and difficulties for access systems. The blade of a grader has an extensive range of movement, such that an extended/deployed access device (such as a set of steps or ladder) can be damaged or knocked off of the grader by the blade, even when retracted. Consequently an access system or device, such as an extending ladder or steps, needs to be compact when retracted to avoid the blade being moved to a position which would damage the ladder or steps. It is possible to punch the cabin windows out of the vehicle cabin with the blade and/or damage the door and/or steps if not operated correctly, as does happen. Also, it is desirable that the access device is sufficiently compact when retracted so as not to impede movement of the cabin door, such as for emergency egress of the operator or ventilation/protection when necessary. 
         [0035]    It is also preferred that the access device have minimal effect on the visibility out of the machine when retracted 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0036]      FIGS. 1   a  to  1   d  show various views of a section of an access device according to an embodiment of the present invention in extended/deployed configuration. 
           [0037]      FIGS. 2   a  to  2   d  show various views of a section of an access device according to an embodiment of the present invention in partial extended/deployed configuration. 
           [0038]      FIGS. 3   a  to  3   d  show various views of a section of an access device according to an embodiment of the present invention in retracted/contracted configuration. 
           [0039]      FIGS. 4   a  to  4   d  show various views of a section of an access device according to an embodiment of the present invention in extended configuration, the access device including handrails. 
           [0040]      FIGS. 5   a  to  5   d  show various views of a section of an access device according to an embodiment of the present invention in partially retracted configuration, the access device including handrails. 
           [0041]      FIGS. 6   a  to  6   d  show various views of a section of an access device according to an embodiment of the present invention in retracted configuration, the access device including handrails. 
           [0042]      FIG. 7   a  shows an access device according to an embodiment of the present invention in deployed mode on a grader. 
           [0043]      FIGS. 7   b  to  7   d  show an access device according to an embodiment of the present invention in partially retracted mode on a grader. 
           [0044]      FIGS. 8   a  to  8   c  show an access device according to an embodiment of the present invention in retracted mode on a grader. 
           [0045]      FIGS. 9   a  to  9   d  show an access device according to an embodiment of the present invention during various stages of retraction and rotation. 
           [0046]      FIGS. 10   a  to  10   d  show the access system according to an embodiment of the present invention in closer detail in various stages from extended to retracted, though not mounted to a grader. 
           [0047]      FIGS. 11   a  to  11   l  show the access device according to an embodiment of the present invention in various stages of deployment/retraction. 
           [0048]      FIGS. 12   a  to  12   c  show a top section of the access system according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 11   a  shows the access device (such as a stair) extended.  FIG. 11   b  shows the access device partially retracted, and  FIG. 11   c  shows the access device fully retracted and rotated back. 
       
    
    
       [0049]    Particular embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described, including with reference to accompanying figures. It will be appreciated that the embodiments described do not limit the generality of the present invention. 
       DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0050]      FIGS. 1   a  to  1   d  show various views of a section of an access device according to an embodiment of the present invention in extended/deployed configuration. It will be appreciated that the section of the access device, in this instance a set of steps or stair for a grader vehicle, can be extended in length by adding additional repeatable portions. The steps  10  include individual treads  10   a - 10   f.  These are pivotably linked by connectors  12   a  . . .  16   b,  which can be extended by addition of further connectors if a longer set of steps is required for a particular application. The connectors can act as four bar linkages to allow the steps to concertina closed, as shown through stages  FIGS. 2  (partially closed) and  3  (fully closed). 
         [0051]      FIG. 2   b  in particular demonstrates the longitudinal contraction/extension properties of the steps. The side connectors allow fixed pairs of treads to concertina in unison, such that they nest together, as shown in  FIG. 3   b . The top tread  10   a ,  10   c ,  10   e  of each pair partially overlays the top tread of the adjacent pair. Likewise, the bottom tread  10   b ,  10   d ,  10   f  of each pair partially overlays the respective bottom tread of the adjacent pair. The connectors (or linkages) collapse/open in a scissor like pivoting action, somewhat like the action of expandable lattice/trellis. This arrangement of the present invention permits the steps to take up reduced storage space once collapsed, but are readily extended by applying an opening force action at any point, preferably in an area near the top or bottom of the step run.  FIGS. 3   a - 3   d  show a fully collapsed/contracted configuration of the steps. 
         [0052]    The linking connectors are provided at the respective sides of the treads. Thus, the pair of risers connecting one step to another of a pair, and their respective side connectors for a four bar linkage for each side to permit collapse of one pair towards or extension away from the next adjacent pair. The connectors are attached at pivot points, such as at  18   a  to  20   b.  Other pivot points are ensilaged, as shown. 
         [0053]    In use, the steps are mounted to a vehicle, such as a grader. An actuator mechanism, such as a hydraulic ram, or electrical motor is used to deploy the steps from a collapse/contracted position. The connectors, which can be termed linkages, allow the steps to concertina open and thus extend longitudinally downwards. Once deployed, a user can climb/walk up the treads. To retract the steps, the reverse procedure is employed. The actuator mechanism, or a return spring mechanism, or combination of both to ease retraction forces of the weight of the steps due to gravity, returns the steps to a collapsed/contracted configuration. Thus the steps are nested together in a closed position with the steps effectively raised from the ground at a position close to the cabin adjacent the top tread. 
         [0054]    The blade of a grader can move to almost any position, consequently an access system or device, such as an extending ladder or steps, needs to be compact to avoid the blade being moved to a position which would damage the ladder or steps. It is possible to punch the cabin windows out of the vehicle cabin with the blade and/or damage the door and/or steps if not operated correctly, as does happen. 
         [0055]      FIGS. 4   a  through  6   d  show deployment/retraction stages of the device corresponding to  FIGS. 1   a  to  3   d , except that the set of steps has multiple handrails  20   a  to  20   f.  It will be appreciated that fewer, longer handrails may be fitted, or more handrails, especially where the access device is longer with a greater number of sections  20 ,  21 ,  23 . The sections provide tread units, in this instance each tread unit having two treads or steps. These sections are hinged or otherwise articulatory connected to at least one other section. It will be appreciated that the topmost and bottom most section will only be connected to its next adjacent section, whereas intermediate sections connect to at least one above and at least one below.  FIGS. 4   a  to  6   d  show snapshots of stages during retraction of the access device, or deployment if taken in reverse. The handrails nest together for the collapsed, retracted position. That is they interfit within one another to a compact “stacked” arrangement. 
         [0056]      FIG. 7   a  shows the access device (steps)  33  in a deployed configuration on a grader  30 . The steps are clearly seen extending downwards between the rear wheel  32  and the grader&#39;s blade  31 . The steps are mounted to the sill  35  entering the operator&#39;s cabin  34 . 
         [0057]      FIGS. 7   b  to  7   d  show the steps in partially retracted configuration as they are folded up towards their compact retracted position for movement of the vehicle. 
         [0058]      FIGS. 8   a  to  8   c  show the access device retracted in a stowed position for movement of the vehicle. The sections and tread units are compactly nested together due to the pivoting articulation members connecting consecutive sections. These allow the tread units to nest such that the top tread of one unit rests adjacent the top tread of an adjacent unit, and the bottom tread of a unit rests adjacent the bottom tread of an adjacent unit. Similarly, the handrails, where fitted, are shaped so as to allow one to fit through the next for compact stowage. 
         [0059]      FIGS. 9   a  to  9   d  show the access device  40  mounted to a grader  42  and showing in stages the access device being moved from a deployed position ( FIG. 9   a ) to a retracted position ( FIG. 9   d ). As can be seen, the access system is mounted to a portion of a chassis  44  of the grader. The access system including the actuation mechanism stores generally underneath the cab  46 . The cab is of a common generally square or rectangular footprint with the access  48  to the immediate side of the grader. 
         [0060]    A ram  50  of the actuation mechanism operates a linkage  52  via a pivot  54 . The linkage causes the access device (ladder or stair) to retract/deploy and to rotate. Thus the access device opens out from a retracted position (with the treads nested) and angled upwards/downwards to a deployed, opened out position, with the treads generally horizontal (presuming the vehicle is on level even ground). 
         [0061]      FIGS. 10   a  to  10   d  show the access system stair  40  in closer detail in various stages from extended to retracted, though not mounted to a grader. As is shown, through operation and connection of the side linkages between tread assemblies, the uppermost treads  10   a ,  10   b  remain static, the lowermost tread rotates in the opposite direction to the intermediate treads  10   c - 10   f.  Thus the lowermost tread can nest into space between intermediate treads. During this retraction, the whole arrangement of treads rotates backwards (in direction A) such that the intermediate and lowermost treads do not project forward further than the assembly with the uppermost treads. 
         [0062]    The ram  50  acts through linkage arm  52  and further linkages  56  to effect a particular retraction/extension and rotation of the access device. The geometry of these linkages can be varied to suit particular applications. 
         [0063]    Advantageously, the access system can mount to a chassis of the grader via a single point mount  60  and a mounting plate  62 . 
         [0064]      FIGS. 12   a  to  12   c  show an upper section of the stair  40  in various stages of deploy/retraction.  FIG. 11   a  shows the stair  40  fully extended with the ram  50  retracted. One end of the ram  50  is mounted to a static portion of the system that is itself mounted to the chassis of the vehicle. A distal end of the linkage arm  52  acts on further linkages. The linkage arm  52  is a rocker linkage pivotably connected to a link rocker  64 . An opposite end of the link rocker is pivotably connected to an adapter link  66 . The adapter link  66  has an adapter link extension  66   a  fixedly connected thereto. Movement of the linkage arm  52  to rotate about a linkage arm pivot  54  may be effected by gravity acting on the mass of the access device or by powered means, such as a powered ram. Thus, the linkage arm is caused to act as a rocker. Link rocker  64  transfers the motion of the linkage arm to the adapter link, and thereby to the adapter link extension. An upper end of the adapter link is pivotably connected to a main pivot  68  through the mount  70 . Movement through the aforementioned linkages causes the adapter link to rotate via the main pivot  68  backwards towards the vehicle. Movement to deploy the access device may be effected by a powered means, such as the ram  50  (e.g. as a double acting ram) or by gravity (and the ram  50  extends un-powered). An intermediate portion towards a distal end of the adapter link is pivotably connected to a first link  72 . A distal end of the adapter link  66  is pivotably connected  76  to a second link  74 . The second link  74  is pivotably connected  78  to a retraction link  61 . An upper end of the retraction link is pivotably connected  80  to the mount  70 . The first and second links are also connected at their respective distal ends to a first retractable tread  80 . Action of the ram  50  through the aforementioned linkages causes the first and second links to retract the stair. The retraction link  61  is effectively longer than the adapter link  66 , creating a non-parallel four bar link, and thereby causing the stair to retract by movement of the retraction link about the pivot  80  to the mount  70 . Because the adapter linkage  66  is also connected to the linkage arm  52  via the rocker link  64 , the stair is also caused to rotate backwards via main pivot  68  to bring the retracting stair under the cab of the vehicle. Deployment (extension) of the stair (access device) is a reversal of the retraction movement. The ram retracts and the stair rotates forward and extends to deploy. It will be appreciated that the aforementioned linkages and components are repeated on each side of the stair. Only a single ram (either single acting or double acting) may be used. 
         [0065]    First handrails  82   a  (left) and  82   b  (right) are mount to the adapter link  66  at each respective side of the access system. These handrails rotate backwards with retraction of the stair and rotate forwards with deployment of the stair. Upper fixed handrails  84  may also be provided. The fixed handrails are connected to the fixed mount  70  and do not rotate. A second (lower) set of handrails may be connected to the first retractable tread  80 . The first and second handrails may be shaped so as to not interfere with one another during the access device retraction and extension movements. 
         [0066]    A deployment assistor may be provided to ensure that the access device fully deploys, such as during an emergency shutdown of power from the vehicle. For example, a gas strut  90  may be connected between the mount  70  and the adapter link  66 . A gas strut houses a gas under pressure in a cylinder providing a push out force on a piston and associated piston rod. When the access device is deployed by gravity i.e. un-powered deployment, the push out force of the gas strut assists in ensuring that the access device fully deploys. This is particularly beneficial when the ram  50  is a single acting ram that is not providing a push out force during extension of the access device. Gravity, with assistance from the gas strut when provided, acts to deploy the access device. Retraction of the access device may then be effected by extension of the ram. A double acting ram may not require assistance from a gas strut because deployment and retraction actions would both be powered.