Title of Invention

ARTICULATING OPERATOR'S CABIN

Abstract The present invention relates to an articulating cabin assembly for use in mobile and static surface equipment. The assembly comprises console arrangement (15) comprising plural sections adapted to locate control means for operative functions of machine/equipment, seating means (16) located rotatably and/pivotally on a supporting element (17, 20) operatively joining said console (15) and seating means (16). Supporting element (17, 20) is rotatably located to perform suitable angular deviation about an appropriate vertical axis in the cabin. Cabin is fixed to said equipment adopting swiveling mechanism which provides appropriate and desirable angular disposition of the cabin about a predetermined machine/equipment axis thereby providing operators with best possible viewing of operation.
Full Text FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to an articulating operator's cabin assembly. More particularly, the invention relates to articulating operator's cabin assembly adapted for suitable positioning of cabin and simultaneously providing appropriate orientation to the operator's seat and control panel such that the operator can locate himself in the best viewing position for any particular operation in a convenient manner.
The present invention can be applied in mobile and stationery equipment and plant also, Construction Equipment, Mining Equipment, Surface Miner, Cold Planer (Road Miller), Mobile Crane, Industrial Crane, Control Pulpit in a Plant etc and the like.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART
In the prevailing technologies like wider cabin for the operator or the seat to shuttle between left side and right side to get the view, or lifting cabin (which is positioned at one location only either at one side or at the middle of the machine) is lifted up for operator's viewing. The later concept increases overall height of the machine, and the viewing problem is partially solved only - one side view may be better but not the other side view. In the first concept the cabin is big and needs elaborate control desk.
In some equipment, 2 cabins are provided - for an example, in truck cranes one cabin is for travel and a second cabin
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for crane control. It is possible to avoid a second cabin, if this concept is adopted effectively.
In some cases, the cabin is kept at a high level only to facilitate adequate viewing by the operator around the equipment.
The operator's cabin should ideally be located in such a manner that the operator gets the best possible view of the operation/ job being done by the equipment, e.g. Handling a Component, Travel Direction, Reference Edge for Cold Planer (Road Miller) / Road Roller, etc. He should also be able to orient his body to face towards the intended view direction without discomfort. The locations of control devices / switches with respect to the operator's position and orientation also play a critical role in reducing operator's fatigue over prolonged operating hours. Hence, the location of controls should meet the ergonomic requirements.
US5664909 describes a road roller primarily for compacting road surfacing materials such as asphalt. The road roller provides an ergonomic workplace for the operator in the cabin of the road roller and offers an unobstructed view of the rollers on the lateral edges.
US5086869 describes an operator's control station for a hydrostatically driven tractor in which the operator's control station is rotatable to orient the operator selectively in opposing directions is disclosed wherein a control panel having control devices for manipulating operative functions of the tractor is connected to a pan
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member supporting the seat cushion receiving the operator such that the control panel rotates with the operator's control station.
In the prior art as described above no such arrangement has been described where the cabin can be located at plural angular dispositions which offers the operator best viewing position for any particular operation/job.
Thus there is a need to provide an articulating operator's cabin assembly for providing the operator the best viewing position for any particular operation/job.
The present inventors have found that operators can be provided with best/improved viewing position in mobile and stationery equipments and plant also by way a unique arrangement and movement of the cabin and its console.
OBJECTS OF INVENTION
Thus one object of the present invention is to provide an articulating operator's cabin.
Another object of the present invention is to provide best viewing of operation/job to the operator while sitting comfortably and safely in his position.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide plural swiveling/rotational movements.
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SUMMARY OF INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an articulating cabin assembly for use in mobile and static surface equipment, said assembly comprising
console arrangement comprising plural sections adapted to locate control means for operative functions of machine/equipment;
seating means located rotatably and/pivotally on a supporting element operatively joining said console and seating means
wherein said supporting element being rotatably located so as to perform suitable angular deviation about an appropriate vertical axis In the cabin
characterized in that
cabin being operatively fixed to said equipment adopting
swiveling mechanism
wherein said mechanism provides appropriate and desirable angular disposition of the cabin about a predetermined machine/equipment axis thereby
providing operators with best possible viewing of operation.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a console arrangement for use in mobile and static surface equipment, said arrangement comprising
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plural sections adapted to locate control means for operative functions of machine/equipment;
seating means located rotatably and/pivotally on a supporting element operatively joining said console and seating means
wherein said supporting element being rotatably located so as to perform suitable angular deviation about an appropriate vertical axis; and
plural cover means enclosing console fully/partially in a manner to provide unobstructed view of operation to the operator.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
In the present invention the articulating cabin assembly comprises a console arrangement comprising plural sections adapted to locate control means for operative functions of machine/equipment. Essential operative functions of the machines are controlled from the switches, levers etc. which are located in the console (control panel). Visual gauges are also located in the console. The arrangement enables the operator to face towards the right direction with the console remaining always in front of him without any change in relative location of the control switches / lever with respect to him. Thereby the ergonomic features for MMI are maintained irrespective of the angular position (i. e. orientation) of the operator inside the cabin.
The console has one top section and one bottom section. The top section is mainly for housing visual gauges, indication
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lamps etc. which are for operator's information. The bottom console (control panel) is mainly for housing switches, levers, joysticks etc, for operative functions of the machine/equipment. The advantage of this arrangement is that the operator can have unobstructed viewing in the important working area which lies in between the two console sections, and at the same time he can control operative functions of the equipment and see the gauges.
One embodiment of the present invention describes seating means located rotatably and/pivotally on a supporting element operativeiy joining said console and seating means. The seat is of a revolving type. The supporting element is rotatably located so as to perform suitable angular deviation about an appropriate vertical axis in the cabin.
The cabin is fixed to the equipment adopting swiveling
mechanism providing appropriate and desirable angular
disposition of the cabin about a predetermined
machine/equipment axis.
The operator can position the cabin in the front of the equipment when the equipment is to move forward, or he can place the cabin on the right hand side of the equipment if the job (required view direction) is on right hand side, or he can place the cabin on the left hand side of the equipment if the job (required view direction) is on left hand side. The cabin can be positioned any where in between the two extreme positions by pressing a button in the console. The articulations (viz. cabin, control panel & seat) provide an excellent choice to the operator for repositioning himself at desired locations.
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The cabin positioning and simultaneous orientation of operator's body direction may be carried out without disrupting the operation of the equipment in most of the situations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective plan view of the articulating cabin assembly of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is showing plan view of console along-with operator's seat.
Fig. 3 is a side view of console along-with operator's seat.
Fig. 4 is a perspective plan view of the operator's seat inside the cabin
Fig 5 is showing a perspective plan view of the arrangement for articulating the operator's cabin.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
In figure 1, the position of the operator's cabin (15) can be varied with respect to the equipment (10), mobile or stationary, as illustrated in the sketch. The cabin (15) is provided with fixed windows on three vertical sides and doors (2 sliding doors) on the 4 th vertical side. The windows and doors are having glazing glasses covering the windows and doors to the maximum extent possible, for all
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round view by the operator. The cabin may be in front (Location A) of the equipment during long travel for a mobile equipment.
Whereas, the operator can choose left side (Location C) or right side (Location B) depending upon his requirements for proper view to run the equipment comfortably and safely. The operator remains at his preferred orientation for a proper viewing without stretching or bending. Fig. 1 shows a Surface Miner type of machine. However, this does not restrict the scope of the invention. Other areas of application are crane, construction equipment and the like.
The operator can comfortably be seated while the cabin is being re-positioned, by press of a button in the control panel (15), which is located conveniently in front of him. E.g. the operator may choose to locate the cabin in location B to observe closely the Drum edge (11A) in machine like Road Planer, Surface Miner, Road Roller etc. Similarly, cabin location (C) is good for viewing the other side edge (11B) . The clear view of edge is required for accurate machine control for carrying out operation beside a pole, curbs, high surface structure, etc.
Fig. 2 depicts typical arrangement of the seat (16) with console /Control Panel (15). The console and operator's seat are on a common arm (17) with a pivotal support (20) to facilitate rotation of the console and seat together. The axis of the pivot (20), that is, the axis of rotation is generally vertical.
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The orientation of the console-seat assembly is changed in a very simple and intuitive manner. He needs only to press his leg against the cabin floor while seated, similar to manipulation of any normal swing chair, which are used for general office / home purpose. The console along with the seat rotates by this simple manual action. No electric or otherwise powered drive is involved for swiveling the seat-console assembly.
The rotation may be full circle (360 degree) or less than 360 degree depending upon the design of electric wire connection. If an electric Turning Joint along the axis of the pivot (20) is used at the interface of the cabin and rest of the machine / plant, the rotation can be 360 degree. Whereas, the rotation is restricted to a little less than 360 degree, if flexible wire/cable is used at this interface.
Fig. 3 shows the side view of seat-console arrangement. The console (15) is projected towards the operator at his seated position during machine operation. This enables adequate knee-space underneath the console and therefore, the control switches / levers man machine interface (MMI) are within his comfortable reach.
Fig. 4 depicts the convenient orientation of the seat while the operator intends to take the seat or stand up from the seat. The operator seat (16) is revolving type. As noted earlier, the console (15) is projected towards the operator at his seated position during machine operation. The revolving seat facilitates easy entry / exit of the operator by rotating the seat suitably so that the console
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does not create obstruction for the operator to get into the seat or leave the seat.
While seated, he may also use the console for supporting his hand/ elbow during operation of the machine and maintain a right body posture. This is another possible support available to the operator in addition to the arm rests of the seat.
The present invention is flexible to adopt any particular type of seat - with or without height adjustment, flexible suspension, and so on.
Optionally, seat (16) with proper suspension {like air suspension) can be provided to suppress machine vibration and height adjustment features for operator's comfort, to reduce fatigue and other body vibration related health problem.
The front of the operator's cabin has been kept always in the same direction irrespective of cabin position - front, left or right. This is to avoid confusion of the operator and near by persons about the front of the equipment and normal direction of the travel in case of mobile equipment.
Fig. 5A and 5B show a perspective view of a simple 4-bar mechanism for cabin movement. It is also possible to have some other mechanism for cabin movement.
In Fig. 5A, the cabin movement is by a linear actuator (20A) (like Electrically Operated Linear Actuator, Hydraulic Cylinder or Pneumatic Cylinder etc.).
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Alternatively, it is also possible to actuate cabin
movement by using a rotary actuator (20B) as shown in Fig.
5B.
The links (18 & 19} of the mechanism also support the cabin
and its accessories. The links may be provided conveniently
at the bottom, side or top of the cabin (14).
Another alternative way to support the cabin is to mount the cabin on profile tracks. In this case, the cabin is provided with rotating wheels, which travels over the tracks. The above mentioned linkage arrangement for cabin movement may be employed in this case also. Another alternative method for cabin movement is to provide drive to the wheel.
The invention has been described in a preferred form only and many variations may be made in the invention which will still be comprised within its spirit. The invention is not limited to the details cited above. The swiveling mechanism, linear actuator and revolving seating arrangements herein described may be replaced by its technical equivalence and yet the invention can be performed. The structure thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all the details may furthermore be replaced with elements having technical equivalence. In practice the materials and dimensions may be any according to the requirements, which will still be comprised within its true spirit.
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WE CLAIM
1. An articulating cabin assembly for use in mobile and
static surface equipment, said assembly comprising
console arrangement comprising plural sections adapted to locate control means for operative functions of machine/equipment;
seating means located rotatably and/pivotally on a supporting element operatively joining said console and seating means
wherein said supporting element being rotatably located so as to perform suitable angular deviation about an appropriate vertical axis in the cabin
characterized in that
cabin being operatively fixed to said equipment
adopting swiveling mechanism
wherein said mechanism provides appropriate and desirable angular disposition of the cabin about a predetermined machine/equipment axis thereby
providing operators with best possible viewing of operation.
2. A console arrangement for use in mobile and static
surface equipment, said arrangement comprising
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plural sections adapted to locate control means for operative functions of machine/equipment;
seating means located rotatably and/pivotally on a supporting element operatively joining said console and seating means
wherein said supporting element being rotatably located so as to perform suitable angular deviation about an appropriate vertical axis; and
plural cover means enclosing console fully/partially in a manner to provide unobstructed view of operation to the operator.
3. A console arrangement as claimed in claims 1 and 2,
wherein the supporting element comprises common arm
being ergonomically designed adapted to locate the
operator facing towards desired direction with the
console remaining always in front of him without any
change in relative location of control switches.
4. A console arrangement as claimed in claim 3, wherein
the common arm selectively comprises turning joint,
flexible wire/cable along axis of pivot adapted to
provide rotation and rotational variation thereof
between 0° and 360° or 360° and/or more.
5. Assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the swiveling
mechanism comprises plural link supports operatively
connected to linear actuator means.
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Documents:

01411-kol-2006 abstract.pdf

01411-kol-2006 claims.pdf

01411-kol-2006 correspondence others.pdf

01411-kol-2006 correspondence-1.2.pdf

01411-kol-2006 correspondence-1.3.pdf

01411-kol-2006 description(complete).pdf

01411-kol-2006 drawings.pdf

01411-kol-2006 form-1-1.1.pdf

01411-kol-2006 form-1.pdf

01411-kol-2006 form-18.pdf

01411-kol-2006 form-2.pdf

01411-kol-2006 form-3.pdf

01411-kol-2006 p.a.pdf

01411-kol-2006-correspondence-1.1.pdf

01411-kol-2006-form-9.pdf

1411-kol-2006-abstract.pdf

1411-KOL-2006-AMENDED DOCOMENT.pdf

1411-KOL-2006-CANCELLED DOCOMENT.pdf

1411-KOL-2006-CLAIMS.pdf

1411-kol-2006-claims1.1.pdf

1411-KOL-2006-CORRESPONDENCE 1.1.pdf

1411-KOL-2006-CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 1.4.pdf

1411-kol-2006-correspondence.pdf

1411-kol-2006-description (complete).pdf

1411-kol-2006-description complete 1.1.pdf

1411-KOL-2006-DESCRIPTION COMPLETE.pdf

1411-kol-2006-drawings 1.1.pdf

1411-KOL-2006-DRAWINGS.pdf

1411-kol-2006-examination report.pdf

1411-kol-2006-form 1.1.pdf

1411-KOL-2006-FORM 1.pdf

1411-kol-2006-form 18.pdf

1411-kol-2006-form 2.1.pdf

1411-KOL-2006-FORM 2.pdf

1411-kol-2006-form 3.pdf

1411-kol-2006-pa.pdf

1411-kol-2006-reply to examination report 1.1.pdf

1411-KOL-2006-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

1411-kol-2006-specification.pdf


Patent Number 240784
Indian Patent Application Number 1411/KOL/2006
PG Journal Number 24/2010
Publication Date 11-Jun-2010
Grant Date 01-Jun-2010
Date of Filing 29-Dec-2006
Name of Patentee LARSEN & TOUBRO LIMITED
Applicant Address KANSBAHAL WORKS, DIST. SUNDARGARH
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 NAG, UDAY KUMAR L & T LIMITED, DEPARTMENT-EDRC, KANSBAHAL WORKS, DIST. SUNDARGARH-770 034
PCT International Classification Number B60K 26/00
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 NA