Patent ID: 12221328

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially toFIGS.1-3, a work machine10is illustrated in accordance with one illustrated embodiment. The work machine10can also be considered a work machine10. As explained below, the work machine10is configured to improve transportation of the work machine10. More specifically, the operator cab22can be tilted (retracted) downwardly from the upright operating position shown inFIG.2to the recumbent transport position shown inFIG.3so that the operator cab22does not project too far in the upward direction during transport.

A single operator can perform the tilting operation, or a reversing operation to un-tilt or reverse (extend) the cab22to the position shown inFIG.2from the position shown inFIG.3. In the illustrated embodiment, the work machine10is forestry machine, such as a long tail tracked logging machine or harvester. Thus, as shown inFIG.2, the work machine10can have a logging attachment (grapple) G or a harvester head (feller head) FH attached to a work implement18. While it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that certain aspects may be particularly beneficial in a forestry machine, it will also be apparent that many of the aspects of the work machine10can be applied to other types of work machines.

In the illustrated embodiment, the work machine10is a tracked work machine that includes a ground propulsion apparatus12, an undercarriage frame14, a machine body16, and a work implement18. The ground propulsion apparatus12has a pair of tracks used to propel and maneuver the work machine10in a conventional manner. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the work machine field from this disclosure that the present disclosure is also applicable the wheeled work machines in which the tracks are replaced by wheels. The ground propulsion apparatus12supports the undercarriage frame14, which in turn supports the machine body16. The machine body16is pivotally supported by the ground propulsion apparatus12via the undercarriage frame14. More specifically, the machine body16is preferably attached to the undercarriage frame14by a swivel connection SC such that the machine body16can be to be selectively rotated 360 degrees relative to the undercarriage frame14and the ground propulsion apparatus12. The work implement18is preferably movably attached to the machine body16. In any event, the work implement18attached to at least one of the undercarriage frame14and the machine body16.17.

The machine body16includes a deck or chassis20on which an operator cab22as well as other components such as an engine E, hydraulic system components, a work tool mounting area, a counterweight CW, etc. are disposed. Thus, the machine body16preferably includes an engine E mounted on the chassis20, the engine powering a hydraulic circuit HC (FIG.15) that operates a tilt mechanism40in accordance with the present disclosure, discussed below. Additional conventional hydraulic components (not shown) are preferably provided to control the work implement18, the ground propulsion apparatus12, etc. in a conventional manner. These components will not be discussed and/or illustrated in detail herein, except as related to the present disclosure.

An operator can operate the work machine10from the cab22. Other than the cab22and the manner in which the cab22is mounted on and movable relative to the chassis20, the components of the machine body16are conventional. Therefore, the machine body16will not be explained and/or illustrated in detail herein except as related to the present disclosure. While the drawing figures generally illustrate the work machine10from a left side, the right side of the work machine is similarly configured and is substantially a mirror image of the left side. Of course, it will be apparent to those is skilled in the art from this disclosure that the cab22is mounted on the left side of the chassis20and the work implement18is mounted on the right side of the chassis20.

Referring still toFIGS.1-3, in the illustrated embodiment, the work implement18includes a boom24, an arm26and an attachment or work tool28. In the illustrated embodiment, the work tool28is a logging grapple G. However, the work tool28can be a harvester head/attachment FH that includes a high-speed disc saw. The boom24has a body attachment end30and an arm attachment end32. The body attachment end30is movably attached to at least one of the undercarriage frame14and the machine body16. The arm attachment end32is attached to the arm26. The arm26has a boom attachment end34and a tool attachment end36. The boom attachment end34is pivotally coupled to the arm attachment end34. The work tool28is coupled to the tool attachment end36of the arm26in a conventional manner.

A pivotal connection attaches the boom24to the arm26in a conventional manner, such that the work machine can be operated with the boom24and the arm26in a plurality of orientations. The boom24and the arm26are operated using the hydraulic system in a conventional manner. While in the illustrated embodiment, the work machine10is a track logging machine in which the work implement18includes the boom24, the arm26, and the grapple G (or feller head FH) as the work tool28, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the present disclosure could be applicable to any work machine having any work implement (e.g., a bucket, an excavator, etc.). Nevertheless, the present disclosure is particularly suited to forestry machines (e.g., a logging machine, a harvesting machine, a forestry excavator, etc.).

The ground propulsion apparatus12of the illustrated embodiment includes an undercarriage and other conventional parts that enable the work machine10to move along a ground surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the ground propulsion apparatus12includes a left or first track12A and a right or second track12B as shown inFIG.1. The first and second tracks12A and12B are arranged to contact the ground surface. The first and second tracks12A and12B are driven by, for example, a hydraulic motor of a hydraulic system (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the work machine10is a long tail tracked logger in that the rear end of the machine body16extends beyond the first and second tracks. Thus, a rearmost portion of the machine body16is positioned rearward with respect to a rearmost end of the first and second tracks12A and12B when the machine body16is oriented facing forward without a swing angle, as shown inFIGS.2-3.

Although the ground propulsion apparatus12of the illustrated embodiment has the first and second tracks12A and12B, the disclosure is not limited to a work machine that uses tracks. For example, the ground propulsion apparatus12can include wheels or some other means of moving the work machine10along the ground. In addition, this disclosure is not limited to long tailed work machines and is also applicable to short tail work machines.

Referring again toFIG.1, the undercarriage frame14is basically a frame to which the ground propulsion apparatus12is attached. The undercarriage frame14is supported with respect to the ground surface by the ground propulsion apparatus12and serves to support the machine body16with respect to the ground propulsion apparatus12. The undercarriage frame14is configured to support the swivel connection SC that supports the machine body16. The swivel connection SC includes a swing bearing and a swing motor. In the illustrated embodiment, the swing motor, the swing bearing, and the machine body16are coupled together such that the machine body16can be rotated about a vertical swing axis by the swing motor. The machine body16is supported on the swivel connection SC such that the machine body16is swingably mounted to the undercarriage frame14about the vertical swing axis. Although the illustrated embodiment is provided with the swivel connection SC, the disclosure is not limited to a work machine that includes a swivel. The machine body16can be non-rotatable or fixed with respect to the undercarriage frame14.

Referring again toFIGS.1-3, the operator cab22includes a driver's seat, at least one display D and a various operating members (not shown) used by the operator to operate the work machine10, as shown inFIG.1. In the illustrated embodiment, operating members are provided to be operated by hand, and pedal type operating members are provided on the floor to be operated by foot. There are no particular limitations on the arrangement and type of operating members provided in the operator cab22. The operating members are preferably arranged in positions where they are easy for the operator to access and do not obstruct the operator's field of view. In normal operation, the cab22is disposed in an upright, operating positions shown inFIGS.1-2. In this position, the cab projects vertically a height H1, e.g., about 17 feet, which may be too high to be transported on a trailer. Therefore, the cab22can be tilted to the recumbent (retracted, transport) position shown inFIG.3. The height H2inFIG.3is about 75% to 80% of the height H1inFIG.2. These dimensions are mere examples and can be different.

Referring now toFIGS.4-12, the cab22is supported on the chassis20of the machine body16as mentioned above. A tilting mechanism40in accordance with the present disclosure is arranged to move the cab22relative to the chassis20between the positions shown inFIGS.4-5. More specifically, the tilt mechanism40is arranged to tilt the cab22relative to the chassis20between an upright position (FIG.4) and a recumbent position (FIG.5). The positions can also be considered operating and transport positions, respectively. Alternatively, the positions can be considered first and/or second positions, respectively.

The tilting mechanism40basically includes a tilt actuator42and a lock44. The tilt actuator42moves the cab22between the positions shown inFIGS.4-5. However, the lock44locks the cab22in the position shown inFIG.4when locked. Thus, in order to move the cab22from the position shown inFIG.3, the lock44has to be unlocked or released. Then the tilt actuator42can move the cab22to the position shown inFIG.5. When the cab22is in the position shown inFIG.5, the lock44remains unlocked. When the cab is moved from the position shown inFIG.5to the position shown inFIG.4, the tilt actuator42moves the cab22back to the position shown inFIG.4. Once the cab22returns to the position shown inFIG.4, the lock44locks the cab22in position.

Referring toFIGS.4-7,9,11and12the tilt actuator42is an actuator arranged to move the cab22relative to the chassis20. In the illustrated embodiment the tilt actuator42is a hydraulic tilt actuator disposed in the hydraulic circuit HC ofFIG.15. An example of a hydraulic tilt actuator42is a hydraulic cylinder as shown inFIGS.5-7,9and15. Hydraulic cylinders are conventional, and thus, will not be explained and/or illustrated in further detail herein, except as related to the present disclosure. Thus, the hydraulic tilt cylinder42basically includes an outer cylinder42a, a piston42band an arm42ccoupled to the piston42bwith hydraulic lines extending to spaces of the outer cylinder42aon opposite sides of the piston42b. Thus, hydraulic pressure can move the piston42bback and forth within the outer cylinder42ato cause the arm42cand the outer cylinder42ato move axially relative to each other to move the cab. The tilt actuator42is disposed generally in a middle relative to left and right sides of the cab22to smoothly move the cab22.

The lock44is arranged to selectively lock the cab22in the upright position relative to the chassis20. In the illustrated embodiment, lock44includes a pair of (e.g., left and right) locking devices44A and44B. The locking devices44A and44B are identical to each other, except that the locking devices are mirror images of each other. Therefore, only one of the locking devices44A and44B need be discussed and illustrated in detail herein, and like names will be given to like parts. Although the illustrated embodiment uses a pair of locking devices44A and44B, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that more or fewer locking devices are possible. In any case, in the illustrated embodiment, the lock44includes at least one lock device44A or44B movable between a lock position to lock the cab22in the upright position and a release position in which the cab22is movable from the upright position.

In the illustrated embodiment, each lock device44A and44B is a hydraulic locking device such as a hydraulic cylinder. Hydraulic cylinders are generally well known, and thus will not be explained or illustrated herein except as related to the present disclosure. Thus, each lock device44A and44B includes an outer cylinder46a, a piston46bdisposed in the outer cylinder46aand an arm or lock pin46cconnected to the piston46bto move axially with respect to the outer cylinder46ain response to movement of the piston46b. Hydraulic lines are connected on opposite sides of the piston46bto move the piston46bback and forth along an axially direction of lock device44A or44B. The outer cylinder46ais non-movably fixed relative to either the cab22or the machine body16. The lock pin46cselective engages with a part of the other of either the cab22or the machine body16to lock the cab22in position relative to the machine body16. Thus, the at least one lock device44A or44B is a hydraulic lock pin46c, or includes a hydraulic lock pin46c.

Each lock device44A and44B further includes a biasing member46dthat normally biases the piston46band the lock pin46ctoward a lock position. Thus, even if there is a loss of hydraulic pressure the lock devices44A and44B and the lock44can be maintained in the lock position. Therefore, the lock44includes at least one biasing member44dnormally biasing the at least one lock device44A and44B toward the lock position. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member46dis a coil spring disposed within the outer cylinder46abiasing the piston46btoward the lock position. The biasing members46dcan be seen inFIGS.11-12and15. In addition, one of the lock devices44A and44B includes detectable ring46e(e.g., a magnetic metal ring) mounted on the lock pin46c. A sensor48detects whether the lock devices44A and44B are in the lock or release position by detecting the position of the detectable ring46e.

As best seen inFIGS.6-8,11and12, the lock44further includes the sensor48arranged to detect whether the at least one lock device44A and44B is in the lock position or the release position. The sensor48is mounted adjacent the lock pin46cof the right lock device44B. The sensor48has two sensor regions48aand48bthat send a signal when the detectable ring46eis within a certain distance of the region48aor48b. In this manner, the sensor48can determine and/or send a signal indicating if the lock pin46cis in the release position ofFIG.11or the lock position ofFIG.12. The sensor48is a conventional proximity sensor that uses non-contact activation. One example of such a proximity sensor is the PRX+4800 sold by HSI Sensing. Since the sensor48is conventional, the sensor48will not be discussed and illustrated in detail herein, except as related to the present disclosure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tilt mechanism40preferably further includes a tilt controller50. The tilt controller50can be electronic or mechanical/electrical. In either case, the tilt controller50is operatively connected to the tilt mechanism40, the tilt controller50being operable by an operator to control the actuator42and the lock44to move the cab22between the upright and recumbent positions.

In addition, the tilt controller50can be wired or wireless. In the illustrated embodiment, the tilt controller50is a wired pendant accessible through a door panel DP of the main body16, as best seen inFIGS.4,5and7. Thus, the tilt controller50is disposed outside the cab22. The tilt controller may have it's own processor, RAM/ROM, programming, etc. or may be connected to a central controller C. The central controller C is a conventional controller, utilizing conventional parts such as memory (RAM/ROM) a CPU, input/output interfaces, and programming, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the tilt controller50is a wired switch controller (pendant) connected to the central controller C to control the tilt mechanism in accordance with this disclosure. The elements of the tilt controller50and the central controller C are well known in the art, and thus, will not be discussed and/or illustrated in detail herein, except for the programming of the present disclosure illustrated inFIGS.13-14.

At least one of the tilt controller50and the central controller C are connected to the display D within the cab22. Therefore, the sensor48can sends a signal to an interior of the cab22when the at least one lock device44B is not in the lock position. In this manner, if an operator is in the cab22an indicator is present to notify the operator that the cab22is not in the lock position. In the illustrated embodiment, the display D has the indicator. However, other indicators are possible such as a light or an audible indicator. In any event, the cab22preferably includes an indicator configured to notify an operator that the at least one lock device44B is not in the lock position. In addition, at least one operation of the work machine10is disabled in response to detection by the sensor48that the at least one lock device44B is not in the lock position. For example, movement of the ground propulsion apparatus12, operation of the work implement18and/or pivoting of the main body16relative to the undercarriage frame14can be disabled when the cab18is not in the lock position.

Referring still toFIGS.4-12, although the cab22can be coupled to the chassis20in a variety of ways, in the illustrated embodiment, the tilt mechanism40preferably includes a lower riser52and an upper riser54pivotally attached to the lower riser52. The lower riser52is non-movably attached to the chassis20. The upper riser54is non-movably attached to the cab22. The tilt actuator42is coupled between the lower and upper risers52and54to move the upper riser54relative to the lower riser52. Thus, the cab22is moved relative to the chassis20when the tilt actuator42is activated via the tilt controller50. More specifically, the outer cylinder42ais attached to the lower riser52, and the rod42cis attached to the upper riser54, as best seen inFIGS.7and9. Therefore, when the rod42cmoves relative to the outer cylinder42a, the upper riser54moves relative to the lower riser52.

Each of the lower and upper risers52and54are constructed of strong rigid material such as a metallic material (e.g., steel). Each of the lower and upper risers52and54has an irregular box shaped configuration, with four sides of unequal lengths. The lower front edge of the upper riser54is pivotally attached to the upper front edge of the lower riser52. The lock devices44A and44B lock the lower rear edge of upper riser54to the upper rear edge of the lower riser52. In particular, the lower riser has a pair of slots52A and52B, and the upper riser has a pair of flanges54A and54B selectively received in the slots52A and52B of the lower riser52. In addition, the lock devices are attached to the lower riser52. In particular, the outer cylinders46aare non-movable attached to the lower riser52. Holes are formed on both sides of the slots52A and52B and in the flanges54A and54B to receive the lock pins46ctherein. Of course, the arrangements could be reversed. However, a preferable arrangement is illustrated in that the hydraulic components, e.g., the outer cylinders42aand46a, the hydraulic lines for the tilt actuator42and the lock devices44A and44B and a sequencing valve56are mounted to the stationary part (lower riser52).

Referring now toFIGS.13-14the movement of the cab22will now be explained in more detail. A method of moving the cab22of the work machine10includes tilting the cab22relative to the chassis20of the machine body16from an upright position (FIG.4) to a recumbent position (FIG.5) is illustrated inFIG.13. The tilting the cab22includes moving the lock44(lock devices44A and44B) from a lock position to a release position, and then moving the cab22relative to the chassis20from the upright position to the recumbent position. The lock44selectively locks the cab22in the upright position relative to the chassis20in the lock position. The method also preferably includes reverse tilting the cab22relative to the chassis20from the recumbent position (FIG.5) to the upright position (FIG.4), as illustrated inFIG.14. The reverse tilting the cab22includes moving the cab22relative to the chassis from the recumbent position to the upright position, and moving the lock44(lock devices44A and44B) from the release position to the lock position to lock the cab22in the upright position relative to the chassis20.

The method of tilting ofFIG.13will now be discussed in more detail. First in step S1, the tilt controller50as actuated by the user to the up position shown inFIG.10. Next in step S2the lock pins46care unlocked. In particular, hydraulic fluid is sent to move the lock pins46cfrom the locked positions to the release positions. Next in step S3it is determined if the lock pins46care in the unlocked positions (e.g., are the lock pins46ccompletely unlocked). If so, the logic proceeds to step S4. If not, the logic returns to step S2to unlock the lock pins46c. Once it is confirmed that the lock pins46care completely unlocked, the logic will be at step S4. At step S4the tilt actuator42starts tilting the cab22. In particular, hydraulic fluid is sent to the tilt actuator42to move the upper riser54away from the lower riser52. The logic then proceeds to step S5. In step S5it is determined if the cab22is tilted completely or not. If so, the logic proceeds to step S6and stops tilting the cab22. If not, the logic returns to step S4and continues to tilt the cab22. Once step S6is completed, then the logic ends at step S7. This is all done in one sequence via a remote pendant.

The method of reversing ofFIG.14will now be discussed in more detail. First in step S8, the tilt controller50as actuated by the user to the down position shown inFIG.10. Next in step S9reversing movement of the cab22is started. In particular, hydraulic fluid is sent to move the arm42cfrom the extended position ofFIG.5to the retracted position ofFIG.4. Next in step S10it is determined if the cab22has been moved completely back to the upright position ofFIG.4. If so, the logic proceeds to step S11. If not, the logic returns to step S9to continue reversing the cab. Once it is confirmed that the cab22has been moved completely back to the upright position, the logic is at step S11. AT step S11, the lock pins46care moved from the release positions ofFIG.11to the lock positions ofFIG.12. In particular, hydraulic fluid is sent to the lock devices44A and44B to move the lock pins46coutwardly into the holes of the lower and upper risers52and54. The logic then proceeds to step S12. In step S12it is determined if lock44(lock devices44A and44B) are completely locked. If so, the logic proceeds to step S13and stops moving the lock pins46c. If not, the logic returns to step S11and continues to move the lock pins46c. Once step S13is completed, then the logic ends at step S14. This is all done in one sequence via a remote pendant.

Steps S3and S12utilize the sensor48, which can detect if the lock pin is in the lock position or the release position. However, steps S5and S10do not utilize a sensor, as now explained in more detail. Only one sensor48is needed with two choices, pin locked or pin not locked for steps S3and S12. However, regarding step S5, when opening the operator can see when the cab22is tilted sufficiently and can turn off the tilt controller50from the “UP” position at that point. However, when closing (moving the cab22to the upright position ofFIG.4), according to step S10, the operator does not determine when the cab22is in the fully closed position upon using closing function. Rather, there is a mechanical hard stop that does this, (accurately set-up during assembly) to allow pin alignment. This ensures that the pins46care aligned with the holes prior to moving the pins46c. More specifically, the operator turns the tilt controller50knob to “DN” on the pendant and the sequencing valve56does everything after. The sequencing valve56determines when cab22cannot tilt closed anymore, via hydraulic pressure. Once the cab22hits the hard stop, (closed), the sequencing valve56sees a pressure spike and “shifts” hydraulic flow to locking pin cylinders46a. After hydraulic pressure sensor in the sequencing valve detects hydraulic pressure spike, the cab cannot tilt closed anymore, and/or other detection information, the sequencing valve56shifts hydraulic flow to locking pin cylinders. This is where the sensor48comes into play, sending a signal to computer (controller C) when pin46cis locked, verifying all is acceptable. The sensor assists in addition, because, if somehow, the cab got open stuck mechanically, it would pressure spike the sequence valve, tricking it to think cab is closed. It would take very odd situation for the open cab to stay open under the severe cylinder force, though this plans for that. The operator has all the control via pendant knob as he must continue to turn knob until pins are locked. The tilt controller50can also move the cab22and the lock44separately. In that case, the operator turns on the controller50to move the cab22for tilting/reversing and the lock44to lock position/release position separately.

Referring toFIG.15, the hydraulic circuit HC of the tilting mechanism is illustrated. Some or all of the parts of the valves and hydraulic lines can be considered parts of the sequencing valve56of the present disclosure. The parts of the sequencing valve56are conventional, except how they are connected to operate the tilt mechanism40as explained herein. The lock devices44A and44B are not limited to only pin type, but also any other type of locking systems are possible.

Many parts of the work machine are conventional components that are well known in the work machine field. Since these components are well known in the work machine field, these structures will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein, except as related to the disclosure set forth in the following claims.

As used herein, the following directional terms “forward, rearward, above, downward, vertical, horizontal, below and transverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a work machine on a level surface. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the present disclosure should be interpreted relative to a work machine equipped with the present disclosure. The terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the work machine field from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present disclosure are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Thus, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.