MOVABLE COTROL MODULE FOR HYDRAULIC MACHINE WITH LOCKING FEATURE

Abstract

A control module configured to be part of a control station inside a cabin of a machine: includes a fixed support, a main body movably mounted on the support between a work position and a retracted position, a locking means to lock the main body in the work position, the locking means can be operated between an unlocked state and a locked state in which they keep the main body in its work position The control module also includes an elastic means which is compressed when the locking means are operated between the unlocked state and an intermediate unstable state, and a sensor enabling activation of at least one power circuit of the machine only when the locking means move from the intermediate unstable state to the locked state.

Claims

1. A control module configured to be part of a control station inside a cabin of a machine, the control module comprising: a fixed support, a main body movably mounted on the support between a work position and a retracted position, a locking means to lock the main body in the work position, the locking means can be operated between an unlocked state in which they do not prevent the main body from moving and a locked state in which they keep the main body in its work position, wherein, between the unlocked state and the locked state, the locking means reach an intermediate unstable state, wherein the control module also includes an elastic means which is compressed when the locking means are operated between the unlocked state and the intermediate unstable state and which forces the locking means in a direction away from the intermediate unstable state, wherein the control module also includes a sensor enabling activation of at least one power circuit of the machine, wherein the sensor is arranged to be actuated only when the locking means move from the intermediate unstable state to the locked state.

2. The control module according to claim 1, wherein the main body can be moved from the retracted position to the work position, and inversely, by operating the locking means.

3. The control module according to claim 1, further including guiding means for guiding the main body in its movement relative to the support, the guiding means comprising at least one pivotable rod.

4. The control module according to claim 3, wherein the guiding means provide to the main body a motion of circular translation relative to the support.

5. The control module according to claim 1, wherein the main body includes an armrest.

6. The control module according to claim 1, wherein the locking means comprise a first locking lever (31) extending from a first end to a second end, the first locking lever being pivotally connected at an intermediate location between the first end and the second end to the main body for rotation around a first axis and pivotally connected at the second end to a first end of a second locking lever for rotation around a second axis spaced apart from the first axis, a second end of the second locking lever being connected to at least one pivotable rod that enables guiding the main body in its movement relative to the support, for rotation around a third axis spaced apart from the first axis and the second axis, the first locking lever and the second locking lever forming a toggle clamp linkage.

7. The control module according to claim 1, wherein the locking means comprise an operating handle.

8. The control module according to claim 6, wherein the operating handle is located at the first end of the first locking lever and wherein the dimension of the first locking lever between the axis L1 and the axis L2 is superior to the dimension of the second locking lever between the axis L2 and the axis L3.

9. The control module according to claim 6, wherein the main body comprises an abutment to cooperate with the first locking lever when the locking means are in the locked state.

10. The control module according to claim 1, wherein the elastic means is a rubber pad attached to the support and adapted to be compressed by the main body.

11. The control module according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a contact sensor arranged to be actuated by the locking means.

12. The control module according to claim 1, further comprising an emergency system adapted to move the locking means from the locked state towards the unlocked state in order to de-activate the sensor.

13. The control module according to claim 1, further comprising holding means for holding the main body in the retracted position.

14. The control module according to claim 13, wherein the holding means comprise a shoulder configured to retain the locking means when the main body is in the retracted position.

15. The control module according to claim 1, further comprising a joystick for controlling functions of the machine, the joystick being mounted on the main body.

16. The control module according to claim 1, wherein the return force of the elastic means forces the locking means to move from the intermediate unstable state to the locked state.

17. The control module according to claim 1, wherein the operation of the locking means between the unlocked state and the intermediate unstable state forces the main body to move, from its retracted position, forward and wherein the elastic return force of the elastic means forces the locking means to move from the intermediate unstable state to the locked state and forces simultaneously the main body to move backwards until it reaches the work position.

18. The control module according to claim 1, wherein, in the work position, the elastic means remains compressed and therefore exerts on the main body an elastic return force tending to push the main body backwards in direction of the retracted position.

19. The control module according to claim 1, wherein the compressive force of the elastic means is maximum when the locking means are in the intermediate unstable state.

20. A control station, comprising a seat and a control module according to claim 1.

21. A construction machine comprising a control station according to claim 20.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] Other features and advantages of the invention appear from the following detailed description of two of its embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0062] FIG. 1 illustrates a machine comprising the control module according to the disclosure,

[0063] FIG. 2 illustrates the cabin of the machine with the control module in a work configuration and a retracted configuration,

[0064] FIG. 3 diagrammatically illustrates the control module according to a first embodiment with the main body in the retracted position,

[0065] FIG. 4 diagrammatically illustrates the control module according to a first embodiment with the main body between the retracted position and the work position,

[0066] FIG. 5 diagrammatically illustrates the control module according to a first embodiment with the main body in the work position,

[0067] FIG. 6 illustrates the control module according to a first embodiment with the main body in the work position,

[0068] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the control module according to a first embodiment,

[0069] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the control module according to a first embodiment,

[0070] FIG. 9 diagrammatically illustrates the control module according to a second embodiment with the main body in the retracted position,

[0071] FIG. 10 diagrammatically illustrates the control module according to a second embodiment with the main body between the retracted position and the work position,

[0072] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the control module according to a first embodiment,

[0073] FIG. 12 is chart illustrating the control module operations from the retracted position to the work position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0074] In the figures, the same references denote identical or similar elements.

[0075] FIG. 1 shows a machine comprising a control module 1 described hereinafter. The machine of FIG. 1 is depicted in specific example as an excavator but other types of vehicles may be suitable to comprise the control module 1 of the disclosure. A non-exhaustive list of such vehicles comprises construction equipment, heavy equipment, off-road vehicles and cranes.

[0076] The machine comprises a cabin 2 provided with a door. The cabin 2 includes a control station 3 where a user of the machine stands or sits in order to either drive the machine or control the functions of the machine by means of a control module 1. Here, the functions of the machine are understood as hydraulic powered attachments consisting, in FIG. 1, of a bucket. However, any other types of functions that can be operated by vehicles as mentioned above may be considered. The arrow of FIG. 1 represents a longitudinal direction FW which is the direction of the machine's normal forward movement.

[0077] The example of the control station 3 in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a seat and a control module 1. A human-machine interface (HMI) is mounted on the control module 1. The human-machine interface is connected to at least one power circuit of the machine allowing the user to control functions of the machine. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, the human-machine interface may be a joystick 5. In particular, it can be a hydraulic joystick 5. As it can be seen in FIG. 2, the control module 1 is adapted to be longitudinally adjusted between a work position (WP) and a retracted position (RP).

[0078] In the work position, the control module 1 is located on the left and slightly on the front of the user seated in the control station 3. As space inside the cabin 2 is limited, the passage in and out by the door of the cabin 2 is obstructed by the control module 1 when it is in the work position.

[0079] In the retracted position (or configuration), the control module 1 is moved backwards and located on the left of the user and at the same time liberating space to move in or out of the control station 3.

[0080] The control module 1 described hereinafter may alternatively be located on the right of the user. The control station 3 may also include two control modules 1 of the disclosure on both sides of the user.

[0081] In what follows, the term “inner” is used to denote the lateral side of the control module 1 facing the seat and the term “outer” is used to denote the opposite lateral side of the control module 1 (facing the cabin door).

[0082] As represented in FIGS. 2 to 11, the control module 1 comprises a support 4. The support 4 is attached to the control station 3. In particular, the support 4 is attached to a frame supporting the seat of the control station 3, as depicted in FIG. 2. The support 4 takes a shape of a vertical plate extending longitudinally. A tab portion 42 projects laterally outwardly from a lower portion of the support 4. A first arcuate slot 41 extends longitudinally across the upper portion of the support 4 between a forward end and a rear end.

[0083] In addition, the control module 1 comprises a main body 10, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 11. The main body 10 has approximately the shape of a case with an inner wall 11, an outer wall 12 and a front wall 13. The main body 10 also comprises a top wall 15 and a bottom wall 14 both lying mainly horizontally. The top wall 15 of the main body 10 may comprise a first aperture adapted for fixing the joystick 5 to the control module 1.

[0084] Besides, the hydraulic pipe system of the joystick 5 for connection with the functions of the machine can be arranged between the inner and outer lateral walls of the main body 10 and exit by the rear open side of the main body 10. The top wall 15 of the main body 10 shows a top surface.

[0085] The top surface of the main body 10 may define an armrest for the user of the machine. The top surface may also define a recess 18. The recess 18 can be adapted to receive beverage containers or any personal belongings.

[0086] The main body 10 is movable relative to the support 4 between a retracted position RP shown in FIG. 3 and the right side of FIG. 2 and a work position WP shown in on the left side of FIG. 2 and FIG. 5. In the retracted position, the main body 10 is located in a longitudinally backward position relative the support 4. In the work position, the main body 10 is in a longitudinally forward position relative to the support 4.

[0087] Furthermore, the control module 1 is provided with guiding means 20 to guide the movement of the main body 10 relatively to the fixed support 4. The guiding means 20 comprise at least a first pivotable rod 21. This first pivotable rod 21 is pivotally connected at a first end to the support 4 for rotation around a shaft having a transversal axis A2. The axis A2 is substantially located at a rear end of the lower portion of the support 4. The first pivotable rod 21 is pivotally connected at a second end to the main body 10 for rotation around a shaft having a transversal axis B2. In particular, the first pivotable is pivotally connected to the inner wall 11 of the main body 10. The axis B2 is located at the rear of the inner wall 11 of the main body 10. The first pivotable rod 21 is then located between the inner wall 11 and the outer wall 12 of the main body 10.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 8 concerning a first embodiment of the control module 1, the guiding means 20 comprise a second pivotable rod 22. The second pivotable rod 22 is pivotally connected at one end to the support 4 for rotation around a shaft having a transversal axis A1 which is substantially located forward to the transversal axis A2. The second pivotable rod 22 is pivotally connected at a second end to the main body 10 for rotation around a shaft having a transversal axis B1 which substantially located forward to the transversal axis B2. In particular, the second pivotable rod 22 is pivotally connected to the outer wall 12 of the main body 10. The second pivotable rod 22 is then located on the outer side of the outer wall 12 of the main body 10.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10 concerning a second embodiment of the control module 1, the guiding means 20 are further made of a second arcuate slot 43 extending longitudinally in the upper portion of the support 4. The second arcuate slot 43 may be positioned above the first arcuate slot 41. The second arcuate slot 43 is intended to cooperate with an inner end of a transversal pin 16 having a transversal axis Cl and mounted on the inner wall 11 of to the main body 10.

[0090] Both embodiments of the guiding means 20 enable moving the main body according to a motion of circular translation. The motion of circular translation maintains a constant orientation of the main body 10 through its all range of motion (which is circular or curved). Consequently, the top surface of the main body 10 remains horizontal during the all range of motion of the main body 10. Therefore, personal belongings or beverages containers can be disposed in the recess 18 of the top surface without being dropped from the top surface as the main body 10 is moved. The circular translation of the main body 10 also provides a motion that occupies less space in the cabin 2 in comparison to a regular rotation, as it is commonly used in the known systems.

[0091] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 11, the control module 1 comprises a first locking lever 31 extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end. A first portion comprising the first end of the first locking lever 31 is located substantially outside of the main body 10 and forward relative to the front wall 13 of the main body 10. The first end of the first locking lever 31 is also provided with an operating handle 31a. The operating handle 31a is then located substantially forward relative to the main body 10.

[0092] A second portion of the first locking lever 31 comprising the second end of the locking lever lies inside the main body 10 between the inner wall 11 and outer wall 12 of the main body 10. Therefore, the first locking lever 31 passes through a vertical slot 17 of the front wall 13 of the main body 10. The outer edge of the vertical slot 17 may present a shoulder 19 represented on FIG. 11. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the shoulder 19 may be located on the inner edge of the vertical slot 17. The shoulder 19 includes a horizontal flange.

[0093] The first locking lever 31 is pivotally connected at an intermediate position between the first end and the second end to the main body 10 for rotation around a first axis L1. The intermediate position is located inside the main body 10 between the inner wall 11 and the outer wall 12. This pivotal connection is carried out by a transversal shaft 47 passing though the intermediate position of the first locking lever 31 and through the inner lateral wall of the main body 10. The inner end of the shaft 47 is enclosed in the first arcuate slot 41 of the support 4. The first locking lever 31 is pivotally connected at the second end to a first end of a second locking lever 32 for rotation around shaft having a second axis L2 spaced apart from the first axis L1. The second locking lever 32 extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. The second end of the second locking lever 32 is connected to the at least one pivotable rod of the guiding means 20 for rotation around a shaft having a third axis L3 spaced apart from the first axis L1 and the second axis L2. The first locking lever 31 and the second locking lever 32 forming a toggle clamp linkage.

[0094] Because of the pivotable connection between the first locking lever 31 and the main body 10 and because of the pivotable connection between the second locking lever 32 and the at least one pivotable rod, it is therefore possible to move the main body 10 between the work position and the retracted position by operating (manually) the locking means 30. More specifically, moving the main body 10 between the retracted position and the work position can be done by only operating the first locking lever 31. A user can then move the main body 10 by holding the operating handle 31a located at the first end of the first locking lever 31 to both actuate the locking means 30 and move the main body 10.

[0095] Precisely, the user pulls the handle 31a toward him (backwards) to move the main body 10 from the work position to the retracted position and pushes the handle 31a forward, i.e. moves the handle 31a away from him, to move the main body 10 from the retracted position to the work position.

[0096] Preferably, the dimension of the first locking lever 31 between the axis L1 and the axis L2 is greater than the dimension of the second locking lever 32 between the axis L2 and the axis L3. This limitation leads to reduce the range of motion of the first locking lever 31 required to move the main body 10 between the retracted position and the working position. Also, the user of the machine can move and lock the main body 10 by driving the operating handle 31a of the first locking lever 31 over a shorter range of motion.

[0097] The inner end of the transversal shaft 47 enclosed in the first arcuate slot 41 of the support 4 abuts the rear end of the first arcuate slot 41 when the main body 10 is in the retracted position. On the contrary, the inner end of the transversal shaft 47 enclosed in the first arcuate slot 41 of the support 4 is near to the forward end of the slot when the main body 10 is in the work position. The inner end of the shaft 47 slides inside the first arcuate slot 41 during the movement of the main body 10 between the retracted position and the work position.

[0098] The shoulder 19 of the vertical slot 17 of the front wall 13 of the main body 10 is adapted to retain the first locking lever 31 when the main body 10 is in the retracted position. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the locking means 30 (and the main body 10) from moving when the latest is in the retracted position.

[0099] The locking means 30 are said in an unlocked state when the axis L2 is under a line joining the axis L1 and the axis L3 as shown in FIG. 4. The locking means 30 remain in the unlocked state through the all range of motion of the main body 10 between the retracted position and the work position. Likewise, the locking means 30 are said in a locked state when the axis L2 is above a line defined by the axis L1 and the axis L3 as shown in FIG. 5. The locked state of the locking means 30 is only reachable when the main body 10 is the work position.

[0100] As a toggle clamp linkage, alignment of pivotal connections around axis L1, L2 and L3 of the first locking lever 31 and the second locking lever 32 creates an intermediate unstable state of the locking means 30. The intermediate unstable state is an unstable mechanical equilibrium. Therefore, the locking means 30 tend to spontaneously move further away from the intermediate unstable state.

[0101] An abutment 8 is provided on the inner side of the inner wall 11 of the main body 10 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The abutment 8 is adapted to cooperate with the first locking lever 31 when the locking means 30 are in a locked state, in order to stop the range of motion of the locking means 30.

[0102] An elastic means is provided between the fixed support 4 and the main body 10. The elastic means is typically a rubber pad 7, as represented in FIGS. 6, 7 and 11 but any other types of suitable elastic means may be used. The rubber pad 7 is attached at one end to a top surface the tab portion 42 of the support 4. The other end of the rubber pad 7 is adapted to be abutted against the bottom wall 14 of the main body 10.

[0103] The rubber pad 7 is arranged so as to be compressed by the main body 10 to enable the transfer of the locking means 30 between the unlocked state and the locked state by reaching the intermediate unstable state. The intermediate unstable state of the locking means 30 corresponds to a forward end position FEP of the main body. The main body 10 in its forward end position FEP provokes peak compression stress of the rubber pad 7. Besides, the elastic means forces the main body 10 to move backward and simultaneously indirectly forces the locking means 30 in a direction away from the intermediate unstable state to remain either in the unlocked state or in the locked state, according to which state they initially are.

[0104] For example, if the locking means 30 are operated to move from the unlocked state in direction of the intermediate unstable state but are released before reaching said intermediate unstable state, then the locking means 30 automatically move back to the unlocked state (under the return force of the elastic means). Precisely, the locking means 30 move back to a specific configuration wherein the elastic means 7 has regained its initial shape and is in contact against the bottom wall 14 of the main body 10 (without any compression).

[0105] Inversely, if the locking means 30 are operated to move from the locked state in direction of the intermediate unstable state but are released before reaching said intermediate unstable state, then the locking means 30 automatically move back to the locked state (under the return force of the elastic means).

[0106] In another embodiment not shown, the elastic means is positioned between the at least one pivotable rod of the guiding means 20 and a tab portion 42 of the support 4 positioned to face the at least one pivotable rod of the support 4.

[0107] Abutment 8 is also positioned such that when the first locking lever 31 abuts the abutment 8, the rubber is not completely released from the main body 10. Therefore, the first locking lever 31 is urged toward the abutment 8 while being stopped by it. The locking means 30 are then locked in the locked state. The main body 10 is locked accordingly.

[0108] The fact that, in the work position, the elastic means 7 remains compressed and therefore exerts on the main body 10 an elastic return force tending to push the main body 10 backwards, i.e. in direction of the retracted position, enables to correct any mechanical clearance between the moving parts of the module 1.

[0109] Also, a sensor 6 is provided to be actuated by the locking means 30 when they are moved from the intermediate unstable state to the locked state. The sensor 6 enables the activation of at least one power circuit of the machine controlled by the joystick 5.

[0110] Accordingly, the sensor 6 is arranged so that it is activated only when the locking means 30 have reached the intermediate unstable state. This means that the sensor 6 is activated when the main body 10 is in the work position or almost in the work position. In particular, the sensor 6 is a contact sensor 6. A moving part of the contact sensor 6 is arranged to be pushed by the first locking lever 31 as it is represented in FIGS. 5 and 6. Furthermore, the contact sensor 6 can be calibrated based on the position of the abutment 8. It ensures a precise location of the contact sensor 6 and guarantees that the contact sensor 6 will not be actuated before that the locking means 30 have overcome the intermediate unstable state. Also, calibrating the sensor 6 based on the abutment 8 position prevents the contact sensor 6 from damages that could be inflicted by the first locking lever 31.

[0111] The mechanism of moving the main body 10 between the retracted position and the work position will now be described in reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 and FIG. 12.

[0112] The FIG. 3 shows the control module 1 with the main body 10 located in the retracted position. One can notice that the inner end of the transversal shaft 47 aligned with axis L1 abuts the rear end of the first arcuate slot 41 of the support 4. Also, the first locking lever 31 is retained by the shoulder 19 defined on the outer edge of the vertical slot 17 of the main body 10 ensuring that the locking means 30 are locked. It is therefore not possible to move the main body 10 away from the retracted position because this latest is coupled to the locking means 30. This is particularly advantageous because it ensures that the passage in and out of the control station 3 of the machine remains free while a user moves in or out of the control station 3. It is also advantageous because it prevents the main body 10 to be moved away from the retracted position and eventually be damaged when the machine is carried out for transportation or shipment.

[0113] In order to unlock the locking means 30, a side effort as represented in FIG. 12 has to be exerted by the user to slightly inwardly bend the first locking lever 31 and to release it from the shoulder 19.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 12, a forward manoeuver force A is then applied to the operating handle 31a of the first locking lever 31 to push it forwardly. The main body 10 is moved accordingly with a motion a circular translation from the retracted position of FIG. 3 to the working position of FIG. 4. During all range of motion of the main body 10, the locking means 30 remains in the unlocked state as the axis L2 remains under the line joining the axis L1 and the axis L3. The forward manoeuver force depends upon orientation of the first arcuate slot 41 and upon friction of of the transversal pin 47 sliding in the first arcuate slot 41. According to an embodiment of the invention, the manoeuver force A may have a value being zero or near to zero.

[0115] FIG. 4 shows the main body 10 with its bottom wall 14 abutting the elastic means 7. Also, the axis L2 being under the line joining the axis L1 and the axis L3, the locking means 30 are still in the unlocked state. Besides, the inner end of the transversal shaft 47 aligned with the axis L1 is now near to the forward end of the first arcuate slot 41 of the support 4.

[0116] From the position of FIG. 4, a higher effort shall now be exerted so to reach a threshold effort B as seen in FIG. 11. The effort B allows the compression of the rubber pad 7 required for reaching the forward end position FEP of the main body 10 aligning the axis L1, L2 and L3 and thus required for reaching the intermediate unstable state of the locking means 30. Once this intermediate unstable state has been overcome, the locking means 30 are then in the locked state.

[0117] Pressure on the handle of the first locking lever 31 might then be released. The rubber pad 7 forcing the main body 10 backwards provokes the locking means 30 in the locked state to move further away from the intermediate unstable state. The axis L2 is displaced further above of the line joining the axis L1 and the axis L3. The displacement of the locking means 30 is then stopped when the first locking lever 31 abuts the abutment 8. The main body 10 is the in the work position WP. Simultaneously, the first locking lever 31 reaches the contact sensor 6 and actuates it for enabling the activation of at least one power circuit of the machine controlled by the joystick 5. The main body 10 is then in the working position with the locking means 30 in the locked state as represented in FIG. 5.

[0118] Furthermore, the rubber pad 7 is advantageously not completely released when the main body 10 is in the configuration of FIG. 5. Therefore, the rubber pad 7 maintains tension on the main body 10 and all the elements of the control module 1 which are connected to the main body 10. This tension guarantees the locking of the locking means 30 and the main body 10. This tension distributed in all the elements also generates solidity and compactness of the whole control module 1 during operations. It also ensures to keep the locking lever in contact with the contact sensor 6.

[0119] Overall safety is then improved because the hydraulic powered functions of the machine cannot be actuated until the main body 10 is in the work position and with the locking means 30 in the locked state. Contrary to the known techniques, the hydraulic functions of the machine cannot be actuated while the main body 10 of the control module 1 is between the retracted position and the work position unlocked.

[0120] In a various embodiment not shown, the control module 1 may further comprise an emergency system. The emergency system is adapted to move the locking means 30 in the locked state toward the unlocked state in order to relieve the contact sensor 6 from the first locking lever 31 which has for consequences to deactivate the functions of the machine. More specifically, the emergency is designed as rod connected to a pushbutton for external action on the emergency system. The rod is adapted to be pushed on the locking means 30 to force the axis L2 to move under the line joining the axis L1 and the L3. The emergency system enables a faster deactivation of the hydraulic functions of the machine than unlocking the locking system by compressing back the elastic means in order to move the locking means 30 from the locked state to the unlocked state. The emergency system can also deactivate the functions of the machine if for any reason the locking means 30 are blocked. [0121] Control module 1 [0122] Cabin 2 [0123] Control station 3 [0124] Joystick 5 [0125] Support 4 [0126] First arcuate slot 41 [0127] Tap portion 42 [0128] Second arcuate slot 43 [0129] Transversal pin 47 [0130] Main body 10 [0131] Inner wall 11 [0132] Outer wall 12 [0133] Forward wall 13 [0134] Bottom wall 14 [0135] Top wall 15 [0136] Transversal pin 16 [0137] Vertical slot 17 [0138] Recess 18 [0139] Shoulder 19 [0140] Sensor 6 [0141] Rubber pad 7 [0142] Abutment 8 [0143] Guiding means 20 [0144] First pivotable rod 21 [0145] Second pivotable rod 22 [0146] Locking means 30 [0147] First locking lever 31 [0148] Second locking lever 32 [0149] Handle 31a