Patent Description:
Power machines, for the purposes of this disclosure, include any type of machine that generates power for accomplishing a particular task or a variety of tasks. One type of power machine is a work vehicle. Work vehicles, such as loaders, are generally self-propelled vehicles that have a work device, such as a lift arm (although some work vehicles can have other work devices) that can be manipulated to perform a work function. Work vehicles include loaders, excavators, utility vehicles, tractors, and trenchers, to name a few examples.

Many power machines have operator compartments defined, at least in part, by a cab in which an operator can sit while operating the power machine. Some of these cabs have doors that can be opened to allow access into and out of the cab and can be closed to provide protection from the elements and the like when an operator is located within the cab. Some loaders with front door entry have lift arms, at least parts of which move in front of the cab such that the door must be closed while operating the power machine otherwise the door, in the open position, will interfere with the travel path of the lift arm or more particularly, a cross-member that is coupled to lift arms located on each side of the power machine. A solution to this interference problem between the door and the lift arm can include a door that opens upwardly and sits above the operator's head when operated. Inside the cab are various operator controls and instrumentation, including a display. Having such a door could interfere with the display inside of the cab.

<CIT> discloses a hydraulic excavator includes a cab. The cab includes an operator's seat, front pillars, a front window, a monitor device, a monitor and a support member. The monitor is supported on a first pillar above the monitor device. The support member supports the monitor so that it is movable between an interference position interfering with a movement region where the front window moves between a closed state and an opened state of an opening, and a non-interference position with no interference. Accordingly, a hydraulic excavator can be obtained in which a large-sized monitor can be arranged on a front side of the cab without interference with a movable front window.

This Summary and the Abstract are provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description.

Disclosed are front entry cabs, and power machines with front entry cabs, having a door that is moveable between opened and closed positions and a display oriented in the cab to provide information to the operator both while the door is in the opened and closed positions. In the opened position, the door is positioned within an operator compartment of the cab above the operator seat and below a top of the cab. The display is positioned to not interfere with the door, door linkages, or operator joystick control.

In some examples not part of the invention, a cab (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) for a power machine (<NUM>; <NUM>) includes a cab frame (<NUM>; <NUM>) forming an operator compartment and having a first side wall (<NUM>), a second sidewall (<NUM>), a front (<NUM>), a rear (<NUM>), a top (<NUM>) and a bottom (<NUM>). An operator seat (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is positioned within the cab. A cab door (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is configured to cover an opening (<NUM>) in the front of the cab frame when in a closed position and to be moved between the closed position and an open position overhead of the operator seat. A display (<NUM>; <NUM>) is mounted to a pillar (<NUM>) of the cab frame in a corner between the front and one of the first and second sidewalls at a position interior to the cab which provides visual access to the display by an operator positioned on the operator seat with the cab door in the closed position, the open position overhead of the operator seat, or a transition position between the open and closed positions.

In some examples, the cab includes a linkage (<NUM>) coupled to the cab frame and to the cab door and configured to define a path of movement for and support the cab door as the cab door moves between the closed position and the open position overhead of the operator seat. In some embodiments, the linkage is a four-bar linkage. The display is positioned such that neither the cab door nor any links of the linkage obstruct the operator's view of the display as the cab door moves between the closed position and the open position overhead of the operator seat. In some embodiments, in the open position, the cab door is positioned by the linkage beneath the top of the cab frame.

In some examples, the cab further includes a joystick controller (<NUM>) positioned forward of the operator seat. The display is mounted to the pillar at a position such that, with the operator seat moved to its forward most position and with the joystick controller raised to its highest position, the display remains a distance (<NUM>) above the joystick controller. In some exemplary embodiments, the distance is at least six inches.

In some examples, the cab further includes a display mount (<NUM>) mounting the display to the pillar and configured to allow the display to be moved relative to the pillar. The display mount can be configured to allow the display to be rotated between a portrait display position and a landscape display position.

In some examples, the display is configured to automatically display different information in the portrait display position and the landscape display position.

In some examples, the cab further includes a camera (<NUM>), and the display is configured to display operational information when in the portrait display position and to display a video feed from the camera when in the landscape display position. In some embodiments, the video feed from the camera is a video feed of a cutting edge of a tool attached to the power machine.

According to claim <NUM>, a cab (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) for a power machine (<NUM>; <NUM>) includes a cab frame (<NUM>; <NUM>) forming an operator compartment and having a first side wall (<NUM>), a second sidewall (<NUM>), a front (<NUM>), a rear (<NUM>), a top (<NUM>) and a bottom (<NUM>). An operator seat (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is positioned within the cab. A cab door (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is configured to cover an opening (<NUM>) in the front of the cab frame when in a closed position and to be moved between the closed position and an open position overhead of the operator seat. A display (<NUM>) is mounted to the cab door at a position which provides visual access to the display by an operator positioned on the operator seat with the cab door in the closed position and with the cab door in the open position overhead of the operator seat.

In some embodiments, the display is mounted to the cab door at a position in a bottom half of the cab door and centered in front of the operator seat. Further, in some embodiments, the display is mounted at an angle relative to the cab door such that, with the cab door in the closed position the display is angled upward and with the cab door in the open position overhead of the operator seat the display is angled downward to provide improved viewing angles for the operator with the cab door in both of the closed position and the open position overhead of the operator. In some exemplary embodiments, the angle is between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees.

In some embodiments, the cab further includes a moveable mount (<NUM>) mounting the display to the cab door and configured to allow an orientation of the display relative to the cab door to be adjusted.

According to claim <NUM>, a cab (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) for a power machine (<NUM>; <NUM>) includes a cab frame (<NUM>; <NUM>) forming an operator compartment and having a first side wall (<NUM>), a second sidewall (<NUM>), a front (<NUM>), a rear (<NUM>), a top (<NUM>) and a bottom (<NUM>). An operator seat (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is positioned within the cab. A cab door (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is configured to cover an opening (<NUM>) in the front of the cab frame when in a closed position and to be moved between the closed position and an open position overhead of the operator seat. A display (<NUM>) is mounted to a portion of the cab frame below the opening (<NUM>) and the cab door when the cab door is in the closed position.

In some exemplary embodiments, the display is mounted under a lip (<NUM>) of the cab frame to protect the display and to prevent the display from interfering with operator ingress and egress.

In some exemplary embodiments, the cab further includes a camera (<NUM>) and the display, mounted for example below the opening (<NUM>), is configured to display a video feed from the camera. In some exemplary embodiments, the video feed from the camera is a video feed of a cutting edge of a tool attached to the power machine.

These and other features of the disclosed cabs and power machines are described in detail below. The above described and other features of the various disclosed embodiments can be included in differing combinations.

The concepts disclosed in this discussion are described and illustrated by referring to illustrative embodiments. These concepts, however, are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components in the illustrative embodiments and are capable of being practiced or being carried out in various other ways. The terminology in this document is used for description and should not be regarded as limiting. Words such as "including," "comprising," and "having" and variations thereof as used herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, as well as additional items.

Disclosed are displays for cabs, and power machines with cabs, having doors that are moveable between opened and closed positions. In some illustrative embodiments, the door is positioned within an operator compartment of the cab above the operator seat and below a top of the cab when in the opened position. In some examples, a display is positioned on a frame adjacent to a door opening at a height which is above a path of an operator joystick, but which does not intersect a path of the door when the door is moved to the opened position above the operator seat and below a top of the cab. In other embodiments, the display is positioned on the door and moves with the door between the closed and opened positions. In these embodiments, the display can be oriented at an angle which allows viewing by an operator with the door in both of the closed and opened positions. In still other embodiments, the display is positioned beneath the door opening. In some embodiments, the display is configured to show the user a cutting-edge view from a camera to aid in the operator's control of the power machine while using a bucket or other implement to perform a work task. These and other features of the disclosed cabs and power machines are described in detail below.

These concepts can be practiced on various power machines, as will be described below. A representative power machine on which the embodiments can be practiced is illustrated in diagram form in <FIG> and one example of such a power machine is illustrated in <FIG> and described below before any embodiments are disclosed. For the sake of brevity, only one power machine is illustrated and discussed as being a representative power machine. However, as mentioned above, the embodiments below can be practiced on any of several power machines, including power machines of different types from the representative power machine shown in <FIG>. Power machines, for the purposes of this discussion, include a frame, at least one work element, and a power source that can provide power to the work element to accomplish a work task. One type of power machine is a self-propelled work vehicle. Self-propelled work vehicles are a class of power machines that include a frame, work element, and a power source that can provide power to the work element. At least one of the work elements is a motive system for moving the power machine under power.

<FIG> is a block diagram that illustrates the basic systems of a power machine <NUM>, which can be any of a number of different types of power machines, upon which the embodiments discussed below can be advantageously incorporated. The block diagram of <FIG> identifies various systems on power machine <NUM> and the relationship between various components and systems. As mentioned above, at the most basic level, power machines for the purposes of this discussion include a frame, a power source, and a work element. The power machine <NUM> has a frame <NUM>, a power source <NUM>, and a work element <NUM>. Because power machine <NUM> shown in <FIG> is a self-propelled work vehicle, it also has tractive elements <NUM>, which are themselves work elements provided to move the power machine over a support surface and an operator station <NUM> that provides an operating position for controlling the work elements of the power machine. A control system <NUM> is provided to interact with the other systems to perform various work tasks at least in part in response to control signals provided by an operator.

Certain work vehicles have work elements that can perform a dedicated task. For example, some work vehicles have a lift arm to which an implement such as a bucket is attached such as by a pinning arrangement. The work element, i.e., the lift arm can be manipulated to position the implement for performing the task. The implement, in some instances can be positioned relative to the work element, such as by rotating a bucket relative to a lift arm, to further position the implement. Under normal operation of such a work vehicle, the bucket is intended to be attached and under use. Such work vehicles may be able to accept other implements by disassembling the implement/work element combination and reassembling another implement in place of the original bucket. Other work vehicles, however, are intended to be used with a wide variety of implements and have an implement interface such as implement interface <NUM> shown in <FIG>. At its most basic, implement interface <NUM> is a connection mechanism between the frame <NUM> or a work element <NUM> and an implement, which can be as simple as a connection point for attaching an implement directly to the frame <NUM> or a work element <NUM> or more complex, as discussed below.

On some power machines, implement interface <NUM> can include an implement carrier, which is a physical structure movably attached to a work element. The implement carrier has engagement features and locking features to accept and secure any of several implements to the work element. One characteristic of such an implement carrier is that once an implement is attached to it, it is fixed to the implement (i.e. not movable with respect to the implement) and when the implement carrier is moved with respect to the work element, the implement moves with the implement carrier. The term implement carrier as used herein is not merely a pivotal connection point, but rather a dedicated device specifically intended to accept and be secured to various implements. The implement carrier itself is mountable to a work element <NUM> such as a lift arm or the frame <NUM>. Implement interface <NUM> can also include one or more power sources for providing power to one or more work elements on an implement. Some power machines can have a plurality of work element with implement interfaces, each of which may, but need not, have an implement carrier for receiving implements. Some other power machines can have a work element with a plurality of implement interfaces so that a single work element can accept a plurality of implements simultaneously. Each of these implement interfaces can, but need not, have an implement carrier.

Frame <NUM> includes a physical structure that can support various other components that are attached thereto or positioned thereon. The frame <NUM> can include any number of individual components. Some power machines have frames that are rigid. That is, no part of the frame is movable with respect to another part of the frame. Other power machines have at least one portion that can move with respect to another portion of the frame. For example, excavators can have an upper frame portion that rotates with respect to a lower frame portion. Other work vehicles have articulated frames such that one portion of the frame pivots with respect to another portion for accomplishing steering functions.

Frame <NUM> supports the power source <NUM>, which is configured to provide power to one or more work elements <NUM> including the one or more tractive elements <NUM>, as well as, in some instances, providing power for use by an attached implement via implement interface <NUM>. Power from the power source <NUM> can be provided directly to any of the work elements <NUM>, tractive elements <NUM>, and implement interfaces <NUM>. Alternatively, power from the power source <NUM> can be provided to a control system <NUM>, which in turn selectively provides power to the elements that capable of using it to perform a work function. Power sources for power machines typically include an engine such as an internal combustion engine and a power conversion system such as a mechanical transmission or a hydraulic system that is configured to convert the output from an engine into a form of power that is usable by a work element. Other types of power sources can be incorporated into power machines, including electrical sources or a combination of power sources, known generally as hybrid power sources.

<FIG> shows a single work element designated as work element <NUM>, but various power machines can have any number of work elements. Work elements are typically attached to the frame of the power machine and movable with respect to the frame when performing a work task. In addition, tractive elements <NUM> are a special case of work element in that their work function is generally to move the power machine <NUM> over a support surface. Tractive elements <NUM> are shown separate from the work element <NUM> because many power machines have additional work elements besides tractive elements, although that is not always the case. Power machines can have any number of tractive elements, some or all of which can receive power from the power source <NUM> to propel the power machine <NUM>. Tractive elements can be, for example, track assemblies, wheels attached to an axle, and the like. Tractive elements can be mounted to the frame such that movement of the tractive element is limited to rotation about an axle (so that steering is accomplished by a skidding action) or, alternatively, pivotally mounted to the frame to accomplish steering by pivoting the tractive element with respect to the frame. Power machine <NUM> includes an operator station <NUM> that includes an operating position from which an operator can control operation of the power machine. In some power machines, the operator station <NUM> is defined by an enclosed or partially enclosed cab.

<FIG> illustrate a loader <NUM>, which is one particular example of a power machine of the type illustrated in <FIG> where the embodiments discussed below can be advantageously employed. Loader <NUM> is a skid-steer loader, which is a loader that has tractive elements (in this case, four wheels) that are mounted to the frame of the loader via rigid axles. Here the phrase "rigid axles" refers to the fact that the skid-steer loader <NUM> does not have any tractive elements that can be rotated or steered to help the loader accomplish a turn. Instead, a skid-steer loader has a drive system that independently powers one or more tractive elements on each side of the loader so that by providing differing tractive signals to each side, the machine will tend to skid over a support surface. These varying signals can even include powering tractive element(s) on one side of the loader to move the loader in a forward direction and powering tractive element(s) on another side of the loader to mode the loader in a reverse direction so that the loader will turn about a radius centered within the footprint of the loader itself. The term "skid-steer" has traditionally referred to loaders that have skid steering as described above with wheels as tractive elements. However, it should be noted that many track loaders also accomplish turns via skidding and are technically skid-steer loaders, even though they do not have wheels. For the purposes of this discussion, unless noted otherwise, the term skid-steer should not be seen as limiting the scope of the discussion to those loaders with wheels as tractive elements.

Loader <NUM> is one particular example of the power machine <NUM> illustrated broadly in <FIG> and discussed above. To that end, features of loader <NUM> described below include reference numbers that are generally similar to those used in <FIG>. For example, loader <NUM> is described as having a frame <NUM>, just as power machine <NUM> has a frame <NUM>. The loader <NUM> should not be considered limiting especially as to the description of features that loader <NUM> may have described herein that are not essential to the disclosed embodiments and thus may or may not be included in power machines other than loader <NUM> upon which the embodiments disclosed below may be advantageously practiced. Unless specifically noted otherwise, embodiments disclosed below can be practiced on a variety of power machines, with the loader <NUM> being only one of those power machines. For example, some or all of the concepts discussed below can be practiced on many other types of work vehicles such as various other loaders, excavators, trenchers, and dozers, to name but a few examples.

Loader <NUM> includes frame <NUM> that supports a power system <NUM>, the power system can generate or otherwise providing power for operating various functions on the power machine. Power system <NUM> is shown in block diagram form, but is located within the frame <NUM>. Frame <NUM> also supports a work element in the form of a lift arm assembly <NUM> that is powered by the power system <NUM> and can perform various work tasks. As loader <NUM> is a work vehicle, frame <NUM> also supports a traction system <NUM>, which is also powered by power system <NUM> and can propel the power machine over a support surface. The lift arm assembly <NUM> in turn supports an implement interface <NUM>, which includes an implement carrier <NUM> that can receive and securing various implements to the loader <NUM> for performing various work tasks and power couplers <NUM>, to which an implement can be coupled for selectively providing power to an implement that might be connected to the loader. Power couplers <NUM> can provide sources of hydraulic or electric power or both. The loader <NUM> includes a cab <NUM> that defines an operator station <NUM> from which an operator can manipulate various control devices <NUM> to cause the power machine to perform various work functions. Cab <NUM> is accessible from an opening in the front of the cab. Although not shown in <FIG>, in many instances, a door is provided to cover the opening and is positionable between a closed and an opened position. Many of these doors are pivotally mounted about a vertical axis so that door pivots outward from the door when in the opened position. When the door is in the opened position, it is necessary for the lift arm <NUM> (as discussed below) to be in in the lowered position because the door would otherwise interfere with the lift arm or components on the lift arm, specifically tilt cylinder actuators. Cab <NUM> can be pivoted back about an axis that extends through mounts <NUM> to provide access to power system components as needed for maintenance and repair. Access to power system components can also be provided by opening a tailgate <NUM> that is pivotally mounted to the frame <NUM> of the power machine at a rear end thereof.

The operator station <NUM> includes an operator seat <NUM> and a plurality of operation input devices, including control levers <NUM> that an operator can manipulate to control various machine functions. Operator input devices can include buttons, switches, levers, sliders, pedals, and the like that can be stand-alone devices such as hand operated levers or foot pedals or incorporated into hand grips or display panels, including programmable input devices. Actuation of operator input devices can generate signals in the form of electrical signals, hydraulic signals, and/or mechanical signals. Signals generated in response to operator input devices are provided to various components on the power machine for controlling various functions on the power machine. Among the functions that are controlled via operator input devices on power machine <NUM> include control of the tractive elements <NUM>, the lift arm assembly <NUM>, the implement carrier <NUM>, and providing signals to any implement that may be operably coupled to the implement.

Loaders can include human-machine interfaces including display devices that are provided in the cab <NUM> to give indications of information relatable to the operation of the power machines in a form that can be sensed by an operator, such as, for example audible and/or visual indications. Audible indications can be made in the form of buzzers, bells, and the like or via verbal communication. Visual indications can be made in the form of graphs, lights, icons, gauges, alphanumeric characters, and the like. Displays can be dedicated to providing dedicated indications, such as warning lights or gauges, or dynamic to provide programmable information, including programmable display devices such as monitors of various sizes and capabilities. Display devices can provide diagnostic information, troubleshooting information, instructional information, and various other types of information that assists an operator with operation of the power machine or an implement coupled to the power machine. Other information that may be useful for an operator can also be provided. Other power machines, such walk behind loaders may not have a cab nor an operator compartment, nor a seat. The operator position on such loaders is generally defined relative to a position where an operator is best suited to manipulate operator input devices.

Various power machines that can include and/or interacting with the embodiments discussed below can have various frame components that support various work elements. The elements of frame <NUM> discussed herein are provided for illustrative purposes and frame <NUM> is not the only type of frame that a power machine on which the embodiments can be practiced can employ. Frame <NUM> of loader <NUM> includes an undercarriage or lower portion <NUM> of the frame and a mainframe or upper portion <NUM> of the frame that is supported by the undercarriage. The mainframe <NUM> of loader <NUM>, in some embodiments is attached to the undercarriage <NUM> such as with fasteners or by welding the undercarriage to the mainframe. Alternatively, the mainframe and undercarriage can be integrally formed. Mainframe <NUM> includes a pair of upright portions 214A and 214B located on either side and toward the rear of the mainframe that support lift arm assembly <NUM> and to which the lift arm assembly <NUM> is pivotally attached. The lift arm assembly <NUM> is illustratively pinned to each of the upright portions 214A and 214B. The combination of mounting features on the upright portions 214A and 214B and the lift arm assembly <NUM> and mounting hardware (including pins used to pin the lift arm assembly to the mainframe <NUM>) are collectively referred to as joints 216A and 216B (one is located on each of the upright portions <NUM>) for the purposes of this discussion. Joints 216A and 216B are aligned along an axis <NUM> so that the lift arm assembly is capable of pivoting, as discussed below, with respect to the frame <NUM> about axis <NUM>. Other power machines may not include upright portions on either side of the frame, or may not have a lift arm assembly that is mountable to upright portions on either side and toward the rear of the frame. For example, some power machines may have a single arm, mounted to a single side of the power machine or to a front or rear end of the power machine. Other machines can have a plurality of work elements, including a plurality of lift arms, each of which is mounted to the machine in its own configuration. Frame <NUM> also supports a pair of tractive elements in the form of wheels 219A-D on either side of the loader <NUM>.

The lift arm assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> is one example of many different types of lift arm assemblies that can be attached to a power machine such as loader <NUM> or other power machines on which embodiments of the present discussion can be practiced. The lift arm assembly <NUM> is what is known as a vertical lift arm, meaning that the lift arm assembly <NUM> is moveable (i.e. the lift arm assembly can be raised and lowered) under control of the loader <NUM> with respect to the frame <NUM> along a lift path <NUM> that forms a generally vertical path. Other lift arm assemblies can have different geometries and can be coupled to the frame of a loader in various ways to provide lift paths that differ from the radial path of lift arm assembly <NUM>. For example, some lift paths on other loaders provide a radial lift path. Other lift arm assemblies can have an extendable or telescoping portion. Other power machines can have a plurality of lift arm assemblies attached to their frames, with each lift arm assembly being independent of the other(s). Unless specifically stated otherwise, none of the inventive concepts set forth in this discussion are limited by the type or number of lift arm assemblies that are coupled to a particular power machine.

As referred to briefly above, the lift arm assembly <NUM> has a pair of lift arms <NUM> that are disposed on opposing sides of the frame <NUM>. A first end of each of the lift arms <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the power machine at joints <NUM> and a second end 232B of each of the lift arms is positioned forward of the frame <NUM> when in a lowered position as shown in <FIG>. Joints <NUM> are located toward a rear of the loader <NUM> so that the lift arms extend along the sides of the frame <NUM>. The lift path <NUM> is defined by the path of travel of the second end 232B of the lift arms <NUM> as the lift arm assembly <NUM> is moved between a minimum and maximum height.

Each of the lift arms <NUM> has a first portion 234A of each lift arm <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the frame <NUM> at one of the joints <NUM> and the second portion 234B extends from its connection to the first portion 234A to the second end 232B of the lift arm assembly <NUM>. The first portions 234A of the lift arms <NUM> are each coupled to each other via a cross member <NUM>. Cross member <NUM> provides increased structural stability to the lift arm assembly <NUM>. The second portions 234B via a cross member <NUM> that is attached to each of the second portions of the lift arms 234B. Cross member <NUM> provides increased structural stability to the lift arm assembly <NUM>.

A pair of actuators <NUM>, which on loader <NUM> are hydraulic cylinders configured to receive pressurized fluid from power system <NUM>, are pivotally coupled to both the frame <NUM> and the lift arms <NUM> at pivotable joints 238A and 238B, respectively, on either side of the loader <NUM>. The actuators <NUM> are sometimes referred to individually and collectively as lift cylinders. Actuation (i.e., extension and retraction) of the actuators <NUM> cause the lift arm assembly <NUM> to pivot about joints <NUM> and thereby be raised and lowered along a fixed path illustrated by arrow <NUM>. Each of a pair of control links <NUM> are pivotally mounted to the frame <NUM> and one of the lift arms <NUM> on either side of the frame <NUM>. The control links <NUM> help to define the fixed lift path of the lift arm assembly <NUM>.

Some lift arms, most notably lift arms on excavators but also possible on loaders, may have portions that are controllable to pivot with respect to another segment instead of moving in concert (i.e. along a pre-determined path) as is the case in the lift arm assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Some power machines have lift arm assemblies with a single lift arm, such as is known in excavators or even some loaders and other power machines. Other power machines can have a plurality of lift arm assemblies, each being independent of the other(s).

An implement interface <NUM> is provided proximal to a second end 232B of the lift arm assembly <NUM>. The implement interface <NUM> includes an implement carrier <NUM> that can accept and securing a variety of different implements to the lift arm <NUM>. Such implements have a complementary machine interface that is configured to be engaged with the implement carrier <NUM>. The implement carrier <NUM> is pivotally mounted at the second end 232B of the arm <NUM>. Implement carrier actuators <NUM> are operably coupled the lift arm assembly <NUM> and the implement carrier <NUM> and are operable to rotate the implement carrier with respect to the lift arm assembly. Implement carrier actuators <NUM> are illustratively hydraulic cylinders and often known as tilt cylinders.

By having an implement carrier capable of being attached to a plurality of different implements, changing from one implement to another can be accomplished with relative ease. For example, machines with implement carriers can provide an actuator between the implement carrier and the lift arm assembly, so that removing or attaching an implement does not involve removing or attaching an actuator from the implement or removing or attaching the implement from the lift arm assembly. The implement carrier <NUM> provides a mounting structure for easily attaching an implement to the lift arm (or other portion of a power machine) that a lift arm assembly without an implement carrier does not have.

Some power machines can have implements or implement like devices attached to it such as by being pinned to a lift arm with a tilt actuator also coupled directly to the implement or implement type structure. A common example of such an implement that is rotatably pinned to a lift arm is a bucket, with one or more tilt cylinders being attached to a bracket that is fixed directly onto the bucket such as by welding or with fasteners. Such a power machine does not have an implement carrier, but rather has a direct connection between a lift arm and an implement.

The implement interface <NUM> also includes an implement power source <NUM> available for connection to an implement on the lift arm assembly <NUM>. The implement power source <NUM> includes pressurized hydraulic fluid port to which an implement can be removably coupled. The pressurized hydraulic fluid port selectively provides pressurized hydraulic fluid for powering one or more functions or actuators on an implement. The implement power source can also include an electrical power source for powering electrical actuators and/or an electronic controller on an implement. The implement power source <NUM> also exemplarily includes electrical conduits that are in communication with a data bus on the excavator <NUM> to allow communication between a controller on an implement and electronic devices on the loader <NUM>.

The description of power machine <NUM> and loader <NUM> above is provided for illustrative purposes, to provide illustrative environments on which the embodiments discussed below can be practiced. While the embodiments discussed can be practiced on a power machine such as is generally described by the power machine <NUM> shown in the block diagram of <FIG> and more particularly on a loader such as loader <NUM>, unless otherwise noted or recited, the concepts discussed below are not intended to be limited in their application to the environments specifically described above.

<FIG> is a side view illustration of a cab <NUM> providing an operator compartment or station <NUM> with a display <NUM> configured and positioned to facilitate the use of an overhead opening door, according to one illustrative example not part of the invention. <FIG> is a perspective view of cab <NUM>, with the display <NUM> omitted to simplify the illustration of other cab and door features. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate cab <NUM> with the door in the closed position. <FIG> and <FIG> are side and perspective view illustrations of cab <NUM> with the door in a partially open position. Display <NUM> is omitted in <FIG> to simplify the illustration of other cab and door features. <FIG> is a side view illustration of the cab <NUM> with the door in the fully opened position.

Cab <NUM> is generally similar to the cab <NUM> in the sense that it provides an operator station such as operator station <NUM> discussed above. Cab <NUM> also advantageously provides an improved structure that allows a door to be moved between closed and opened positions to provide an operator better cab ingress and egress, prevents door interference with a lift arm structure, and minimizes interference with operator visibility. Display <NUM> is mounted within cab <NUM> in a corner at a position that both provides the operator with improved visual access to the display and avoids interference with a door <NUM> and door linkages (<NUM>, see below) as the door is moved from a closed position to an opened position above the operator's head. Other benefits of various disclosed embodiments will also be apparent in the following disclosure.

Cab <NUM> has a cab frame <NUM> having first and second side walls <NUM> and <NUM>, a front side <NUM>, a rear side <NUM>, a top side <NUM>, and a bottom side <NUM>. Display <NUM> is mounted in a corner between the front side <NUM> and side wall <NUM> on an interior of the cab as is described below in greater detail. As shown, the display <NUM> is mounted on a right-hand side of the cab from the perspective of an operator. Although not shown here, the display <NUM> is, in some examples, mounted on the left-hand side of the operator.

A seat <NUM> is supported on the bottom side <NUM> of the cab frame <NUM>. The cab frame <NUM> also defines a lower portion <NUM>, positioned below the bottom side <NUM>, where the seat is supported in which an operator can position feet during machine operation. As shown, the front side <NUM> of the cab <NUM> extends down and forms a front of the lower portion <NUM>. The remainder of the bottom portion can be formed from individual pieces of material and attached such as by welding to the side walls <NUM> and <NUM> or parts of the lower portion <NUM> can be formed as part of the side walls. In <FIG> and <FIG>, cab door <NUM> is in a closed position at the front of the operator compartment <NUM> covering an opening <NUM> in front portion <NUM> of frame <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate cab door <NUM> in a partially open position, and <FIG> illustrates cab door <NUM> in a fully open position. Cab door <NUM> includes, in some embodiments, a cover portion <NUM> that at least partially covers and/or forms a part of, lower portion <NUM> when door <NUM> is in the illustrated closed position. In some examples, cover <NUM> is raised and lowered with door <NUM>. Thus, when door <NUM> is raised to the open position shown in <FIG>, the opening <NUM> through which the operator moves into and out of the cab is fully or nearly fully unobstructed to provide improved ingress and egress. The cover portion <NUM> is shown as extending beyond (i.e., forward of) top side <NUM> in the opened position, but in some examples, the cover portion does not extend beyond the top side <NUM>.

In some examples, a linkage <NUM> is provided on each of first and second sides <NUM> and <NUM> to couple door <NUM> to frame <NUM> and to control movement of the door between closed and open positions along a configured path. The linkage <NUM> shown in <FIG> is a four-bar linkage arrangement that includes a first link <NUM> and a second link <NUM> each of which are pivotally attached to the frame <NUM> and the door <NUM>. The first link <NUM> is pivotally attached to frame <NUM> at first pivot connection <NUM>. Portions of the frame <NUM> between attachment points of links <NUM> and <NUM> to the frame act as the third link of the four-bar linkage. The portion of the door <NUM> between the connection points provides the fourth link of the four-bar linkage <NUM>. In examples, four-bar linkage <NUM> includes features that provide a movement path for door <NUM> such that, when moved to a fully open position (shown in <FIG>), door <NUM> is positioned horizontally above the operator's head, but inside or substantially inside of the cab. Thus, in the fully opened position, door <NUM> extends at least partially horizontally beneath the top side <NUM> as is discussed below in greater detail. While raising door <NUM> along the movement path provided by four-bar linkage <NUM>, door <NUM> extends beyond a front plane (represented by dashed line <NUM>) of cab <NUM> as shown <FIG>, but does not interfere with any portion of the lift arm (such as, for example, cross member <NUM> shown in <FIG>) of the power machine, regardless of the position of the lift arm relative to the frame (i.e., whether it is fully lowered or not). Alternatively, the door can be positioned so that it does not extend forward of the front side <NUM> of the cab <NUM>. Further, display <NUM> mounted on pillar <NUM> to one side (e.g., the right side) of the operator seat is positioned such that neither door <NUM> nor any of the individual links of linkage <NUM> contact the display as the door moves from the closed position to the opened position as shown in <FIG>. The links and door also do not obstruct the operator's view of display <NUM> as the door moves from the closed position to the overhead opened position.

In the illustrated example, first link <NUM> of the four-bar linkage has a first pivot connection <NUM> to the frame <NUM> configured to allow link <NUM> to rotate relative to frame <NUM>. Link <NUM> also has a second pivot connection <NUM>, to door <NUM>, which is better shown in the partially open-door position of <FIG> and <FIG>. Second pivot connection <NUM> is configured to allow link <NUM> and door <NUM> to pivot relative to one another. In some examples first link <NUM> includes at least a first link section <NUM> and a second link section <NUM>, which are best shown in <FIG>. Link sections <NUM> and <NUM> of first link <NUM> are rigidly connected or continuously formed such that sections <NUM> and <NUM> do not pivot or rotate relative to each other. In some embodiments, link sections <NUM> and <NUM> are oriented or arranged such that the link sections form an obtuse angle relative to one another. Forming an obtuse angle between link sections <NUM> and <NUM> of first link <NUM> can, in various examples serve several purposes. For example, such a configuration provides the range of motion over which door <NUM> movement is constrained between the closed and open positions. Further, while providing that door movement, the obtuse angle between link sections <NUM> and <NUM> allows link section <NUM> to be positioned along a horizontally extending reinforcement <NUM> of the cab side wall <NUM> when door <NUM> is in the closed position. This prevents or reduces obstruction of the operator's view by first link <NUM>, and thereby improves visibility.

Similar to first link <NUM>, second link <NUM> of the four-bar linkage has a first pivot connection <NUM> to the frame <NUM> configured to allow link <NUM> to rotate relative to frame <NUM>. For example, pivot connection <NUM> can be on or near horizontally extending reinforcement <NUM>, or elsewhere on side wall <NUM>. As shown in the simplified illustration of <FIG>, portions of horizontally extending reinforcement <NUM> or of side wall <NUM> are removed to better show a location of pivot connection <NUM>. Second link <NUM> also has a second pivot connection <NUM>, to door <NUM>, which is again better shown in <FIG>. Second pivot connection <NUM> is configured to allow link <NUM> and door <NUM> to pivot relative to one another.

Like first link <NUM>, in some examples, second link <NUM> includes at least a first link section <NUM> and a second link section <NUM>, which are best shown in <FIG>. Link sections <NUM> and <NUM> of second link <NUM> are rigidly connected or continuously formed such that sections <NUM> and <NUM> do not pivot or rotate relative to each other. Also like first link <NUM>, in some examples of second link <NUM>, link sections <NUM> and <NUM> are oriented or arranged such that the link sections form an obtuse angle relative to one another to move door <NUM> along the desired path, and in order to allow link section <NUM> to be positioned along horizontally extending reinforcement <NUM> when door <NUM> is in the closed position. The obtuse angle formed by sections of link <NUM> need not be the same as the obtuse angle formed by sections of link <NUM>. This masking of the links <NUM> and <NUM> by the cab structure when the door is in the closed position can provide significant improvement in side visibility by an operator of the power machine. Also, providing the links <NUM> and <NUM> as shown for each four-bar linkage allows coupling of the door <NUM> to the cab without hindering or interfering with forward visibility of the operator when the door is in the fully opened position shown in <FIG>. In other examples, different linkages can be employed. Such linkages can be positioned in alternative positions from the linkage <NUM> to remain as unobtrusive to the operator as possible. One advantageous feature of the linkage configuration shown in FIGs. is that as the door moves from a closed position to an open position, a bottom portion of the door extends out of the operator compartment space. As a result, the door moves along a path that allows for maximum headroom while the door is moving. In addition, the portion of the door that extends out of the cab also clears the lift arm no matter where the lift arm is positioned along its travel path. Various linkages can be used to position the door and insofar as the position of the display in the cab is concerned, no one linkage arrangement is vital if the linkage does not interfere with the display when moving from one position to another or especially if the linkage does not impair the view of the display from an operator's perspective. The linkages themselves and how they operate to move the door between a closed position and an opened position above the operator's head are a separate matter from the position of the display and various embodiments have their own unique advantages.

In examples, placement of pivot connections <NUM> and <NUM> has been found to allow for improved or optimized operation of the four-bar linkage <NUM> in moving door <NUM> along its configured path, while also allowing impact on visibility to be reduced. For example, it has been found that placement of lower pivot connection <NUM>, from a side view perspective, rearward of an operator seatback <NUM> and below an operator seat <NUM> provides improved results. Also, in some examples, it has been found that placement of upper pivot connection <NUM> vertically near the horizontal reinforcing member <NUM> is beneficial. In some alternative or more specific examples, placement of upper pivot connection <NUM> below a horizontally extending center line <NUM> (centered vertically) of the cab side wall <NUM> provides improved results. In some embodiments, upper pivot connection <NUM> can be in a position forward of seat back <NUM> but rearward of joystick <NUM>. For example, upper pivot connection <NUM> can be positioned at or adjacent to the Seat Index Point (SIP) for the operator seat, as defined by the seat manufacturer according to a standard such as the European Standard EN ISO <NUM>:<NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, shown is another example of a cab <NUM>, similar to cab <NUM> shown in <FIG>, having a display <NUM> mounted on a pillar <NUM> forward and to one side of operator seat <NUM>. In the illustrated examples, the display <NUM> is mounted on the right-hand side of the operator seat <NUM>. However, in other examples, display <NUM> can be mounted to the left-hand side of the operator seat. In still other examples, display <NUM> can be moveable between data ports on the pillars on either side of the operator seat.

Cab <NUM> has a door <NUM> at the front of the cab that opens to an overhead position using a linkage <NUM> on each side of cab <NUM>. Linkage <NUM> can be similar to linkage <NUM>, though they need not have the same configuration of individual links. Generally, linkages <NUM> on each side of the operator seat <NUM> in cab <NUM> are four-bar linkages, with the moveable individual links moving on the sides of the cab in positions that do not interfere with the operator, the joysticks <NUM>, or the display <NUM>. Seat <NUM> can be configured to slide forward and backward to accommodate different sized operators, and joysticks <NUM> can be configured to be moved up and down for the same purpose. The display <NUM> is positioned at a height such that, even with the seat <NUM> moved all the way forward and joysticks <NUM> raised to their highest positions, the display remains a distance <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) above the corresponding (e.g., right hand side) joystick <NUM>. The distance <NUM> is selected such that the display does not interfere with the corresponding joystick <NUM> or the operator's hand (positioned on the joystick) at any point along the joystick path, even at the highest joystick position along the arcuate path of the joystick, at the forward most actuated position of the joystick, etc. In one example, distance <NUM> is at least six inches.

In some examples, display <NUM> is also positioned at a height such that the display remains a second distance <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) below door <NUM> as the door moves between its closed position (shown in <FIG>) toward the overhead opened position. <FIG> illustrates door <NUM> in an intermediate position along the path toward the overhead opened position. In one example, the second distance <NUM> is at least two inches. Display <NUM> is configured to be useable by the operator with the door at any position. Thus, the display can be used not only with the door fully closed, but also with the door fully opened and stored overhead of the operator. Further, the display remains operational at intermediate positions of the door as the door travels between the closed and open positions such that if the door can be maintained in an intermediate position (and this is not the case with the linkages <NUM>) the display is still visible to the operator, unobstructed by any of the door <NUM> or any linkages that movably attach the door <NUM> to the frame.

In examples, the display <NUM> can be mounted to pillar <NUM> using a display mount <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). Mount <NUM> can be any type of display mount that is suitable for attaching the display to the cab <NUM>. For example, display mount <NUM> can be a hinged display mount that allows the display <NUM> to be moved or rotated to change viewing angles for different operators, to move the display during ingress into and egress from the cab, etc. In other examples, a spherical ball joint can be used to allow the display to be moved for these or other purposes. In still other examples, the display is configured to be rotated between portrait and landscape positions, and to change the user interface represented on the display based upon the portrait or landscape position of the display. For instance, the display can be configured to show the user operational control information while in the portrait orientation, and to show the user a video feed from a camera while in the landscape orientation. This would allow the display to show the user a camera view of the cutting edge of an attached bucket or implement to allow the user better control in a work operation. A cutting-edge viewing system is described in further detail below with reference to <FIG>. In still other examples, the display can be fixed to the pillar <NUM> and not moveable.

<FIG> illustrate another embodiment of a cab <NUM>, like cabs <NUM> and <NUM>, having a front entry door <NUM> which moves from a closed position (shown in the front and rear views of <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively) to an overhead opened position (shown in <FIG>). The linkages used to move the door between the open and closed positions are not illustrated but can be the same or like the linkages discussed above with reference to cabs <NUM> and <NUM>. Also shown in cab <NUM> are an operator seat <NUM>, joysticks <NUM>, and a display <NUM>.

In cab <NUM>, display <NUM> is positioned on door <NUM>, centered between the knees of the operator when seated on seat <NUM>. Display <NUM> is positioned toward a bottom of door <NUM> and is oriented or angled upward (when the door is in the closed position) to provide an improved viewing angle to a seated operator. <FIG> provides a diagrammatic illustration of display <NUM> mounted on door <NUM> with the door in the closed position (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). In this position, display <NUM> is oriented upward with the direction <NUM> orthogonal to the display screen at an angle Θ relative to the horizontal direction <NUM>.

As the door moves to the overhead open position shown in <FIG>, the orientation of the display relative to the door remains fixed. Thus, in the open-door position, the display is oriented or angled downward to provide an improved viewing angle to the seated operator. <FIG> provides a diagrammatic illustration of display <NUM> and door <NUM> with the door in the opened position. In exemplary embodiments, angle Θ is selected to provide optimized viewing of the display in the combination of closed and open-door positions. In one exemplary embodiment, angles Θ of between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees have been found to provide an optimized combination of viewing in the closed and open positions. The diagrammatic representations of display <NUM> and door <NUM> are not intended to provide a representation of actual door shapes, orientations, etc., but instead are provided to represent the selection of a display orientation relative to a reference direction such as the horizontal direction.

In some embodiments, display <NUM> is mounted on door <NUM> using a moveable mount <NUM> which allows the orientation of the display relative to the door or relative to the horizontal direction to be adjusted. The adjustment can be made by the operator, which allows the operator to select the display position for optimized viewing in each of the closed and open-door positions. In other embodiments, the adjustment of display orientation can be automatic using a mechanism or an actuator such as a small electric motor guided with the input from an inclinometer to automatically change the orientation of the display relative to the door or relative to the horizontal direction in different door positions. In still other embodiments, the angle of the display is fixed.

Referring now to <FIG>, shown is another embodiment of a cab <NUM>, similar to cabs <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, having a front entry door <NUM> which moves from a closed position to an overhead opened position. In cab <NUM>, a display <NUM> is mounted to a portion <NUM> of the frame below the door <NUM>. In this position, display <NUM> is mounted to the frame near the operator's feet when seated in the cab, and remains in this position regardless of whether the door <NUM> is closed or opened. In exemplary embodiments, display <NUM> is mounted under a lip <NUM> of the frame below the door to protect display <NUM> and prevent the display from interfering with operator ingress and egress. In some embodiments display <NUM> is positioned within a protective casing <NUM> to protect the display <NUM> from being damaged by contact with the operator's feet, mud, moisture, etc..

In some embodiments, display <NUM> is configured to provide the operator with a video feed, from a camera <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), of the cutting edge <NUM> of an implement <NUM> coupled to the front of the power machine. Camera <NUM> can be mounted on brow <NUM> of cab top <NUM>, or in any suitable position, and oriented toward cutting edge <NUM>. When looking at the cutting edge <NUM> without such a system, operators conventionally have been required to look generally downward toward the cutting-edge of an implement. Thus, the low position of display <NUM> in cab <NUM> with a cutting-edge viewing system provides an improved cutting-edge view, while allowing the operator to look generally in the conventional direction for observing the cutting edge.

While camera <NUM> is illustrated with reference to cab <NUM> and display position <NUM>, camera <NUM> can be used with any cab and any display position to provide a video feed of a view of cutting edge <NUM> of implement <NUM>. Further, it is not required that the display providing the cutting-edge view to the operator be dedicated for only this purpose. Instead, the display can be multi-purpose and can change the displayed information either automatically, or in response to an input from the operator. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the display can be configured to change the displayed information to automatically provide the cutting-edge view when the display is rotated from a portrait orientation to a landscape orientation.

The discussion above provides several important advantages. Included is the ability to mount a display in various locations within an operator compartment to accommodate a door that opens to an overhead position. In the various embodiments, the display is positioned in locations that allow freedom of movement of such a door while also providing convenient locations for an operator to view the display, irrespective of the position of the door.

Claim 1:
A cab (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) for a power machine (<NUM>; <NUM>), the cab comprising:
a cab frame (<NUM>; <NUM>) forming an operator compartment and having a first side wall (<NUM>), a second sidewall (<NUM>), a front (<NUM>), a rear (<NUM>), and a top (<NUM>);
an operator seat (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) positioned within the operator compartment;
a cab door (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) configured to cover an opening (<NUM>) in the front of the cab frame when in a closed position and to be moved between the closed position and an open position above the operator seat; and characterized by
a display (<NUM>) mounted to the cab door at a position that provides visual access to the display by an operator positioned on the operator seat with the cab door in the closed position and with the cab door in the open position overhead of the operator seat.