EP1176259A1

EP1176259A1 - Swing type construction machinery

Info

Publication number: EP1176259A1
Application number: EP00966535A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fumimasa Saeki; Hideki Nagao; Tsutomu Fukumoto; Teruo Irino
Original assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co Ltd
Current assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co Ltd
Priority date: 1999-10-19
Filing date: 2000-10-17
Publication date: 2002-01-30
Anticipated expiration: 2020-10-17
Also published as: KR100420639B1; JP3377198B2; EP1176259B1; DE60042882D1; KR20010093194A; EP1176259A4; WO2001029330A1

Abstract

A lower transverse frame plate (23) and an upper transverse frame plate (24) are provided between right and left vertical frame plates (20) and (19) of a revolving frame (17). A hose passage hole (26) is provided in the right vertical frame plate (20) at a position higher than a top surface of the upper transverse frame plate (24). Further, a soil passage (25) is formed between the lower and upper transverse frame plates (23) and (24) to let falling soil flow out therethrough. Accordingly, hydraulic hoses, including a hydraulic hose (37E) from an offset cylinder, a hydraulic hose (37F) from a bucket cylinder and a hydraulic hose (37G) for an arm cylinder, can be passed to the outer side through the hose passage hole (26), permitting an operator to handle these hydraulic hoses (37) quite easily. Through a soil passage (25), falling soil can be discharged from an upper revolving body (2), and prevented from piling up on or around the hydraulic hoses (37).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a revolving type construction machine which can be suitably applied, for example, to hydraulic power shovels or excavators to be used for ground excavating operations.

BACKGROUND ART

Generally speaking, hydraulic power shovels or excavators have been well known as a revolving type construction machine. A hydraulic power shovel type excavator of this sort is largely constituted by a lower track body, an upper revolving body which is rotatably mounted on the lower track body, and a working mechanism which is located in a front portion of the upper revolving body for excavating operations.
In this connection, it has been generally known that excavators of this sort include the so-called mini type excavators which are constructed particularly to suit for excavating operations in narrow limited spaces. This type of excavator is provided with an upper revolving body substantially of a circular shape, along with a working mechanism which is vertically and swingablly mounted on the upper revolving body for excavating motions. Therefore, this type of excavator can turn the working mechanism along with the upper revolving body within a predetermined radius of rotation.
The upper revolving body of the excavator of this sort is largely constituted by a revolving frame, an operator' s seat which is provided on a left portion of the revolving frame, a counterweight which is attached to a rear or posterior end portion of the revolving frame, an engine which is mounted on the revolving frame at a position on the front side of the counterweight, and a group of control valves which are mounted on a right portion of the revolving frame on the front side of the engine. Further provided on the upper revolving body is a housing cover which is arranged to cover the engine and the control valves.
In this instance, the revolving frame is largely constituted by a bottom frame plate which is formed substantially in a circular shape, right and left vertical frame plates which are erected on the bottom frame plate and extended in forward and backward directions, and a transverse frame plate which is extended in the transverse direction at a position in the vicinity of a working mechanism mount portion and which is securely fixed to the right and left vertical frame plates at the opposite ends thereof. The transverse frame plate serves as a reinforcing member for increasing the strength which prevents the vertical frame plates from falling down.
On the other hand, the working mechanism is usually largely constituted by a boom which is mounted on the right and left vertical frame plates of the revolving frame and pivotally supported thereon for excavating motions, an arm which is pivotally connected to the fore end of the boom, a bucket which is pivotally attached to the fore end of the arm. The working mechanism further includes boom cylinders which are provided between the boom and the respective vertical frame plates, an arm cylinder which is provided between the boom and arm, and a bucket cylinder which is provided between the arm and bucket.
Furthermore, hydraulic pipes to or from the arm and bucket cylinders are extended longitudinally along the back side of the boom. These hydraulic pipes are connected to the control valves by means of hydraulic hoses including an arm cylinder hydraulic hose and a bucket cylinder hydraulic hose.
The frame construction on the upper revolving body according to the above-described prior art is described more particularly below with reference to Fig. 9.
As shown in that figure, a revolving frame 101 is providing a bottom frame plate 101A, and right and left vertical frame plates 101B (the right one alone is shown in the drawing) are erected on the bottom frame plate 101A. A transverse frame plate 101C which is inclined downward in the downward direction is provided between the right and left vertical frame plates. Further, a foot portion of a boom 102A which is constituting a working mechanism 102 is pivotally mounted on the right and left vertical frame plates 101B. Furthermore, a partition plate 103 which is extended in the rearward direction is provided in a rear portion of the transverse frame plate 101C. This partition plate 103 is arranged to form a sloped surface along with the transverse frame plate 101C. Provided on the rear side of the partition plate 103 is a housing cover 104 which is arranged to cover an engine (not shown) and other component parts.
Further, a group of control valves 105 is provided on the bottom frame plate 101A of the revolving frame 101, at a position in the vicinity of the mount position of the boom 102A and on the outer side of the right vertical frame plate 101B. A hose passage hole 101D is formed in the right vertical frame plate 101A, and the hose passage hole 101D is in the vicinity of the group of control valves 105 and under the lower side of the transverse frame plate 101C. Further, another hose passage hole 103A is formed in the partition plate 103 at a position in the vicinity of a pivoting point of the boom 102A. Hydraulic hoses which are extended toward the boom 102A from the group of control valves 105 are passed through the hose passage holes 101D and 103A in the vertical frame plate 101B and the partition plate 103 and connected to the hydraulic conduit pipes which are provided on the side of the boom 102A.
In the case of an excavating operation in a narrow limited space by the prior art hydraulic power shovel type excavator which is arranged as described above, after scooping soil into the bucket, the boom 102A is upturned and then the arm is similarly upturned to hold the working mechanism 102 within a radius of rotation of the upper revolving body 102. In this state, the upper revolving body 102 is turned into a desired direction. Accordingly, scooped excavated soil can be dumped, for example, on a transportation vehicle which stands by on the opposite side of the excavator away from an excavating spot.
However, difficulties are often encountered with the above-described prior art hydraulic power shovel type excavator in reaching the hydraulic hoses 106 at the time of a hose assembling or replacing job, because the hydraulic hoses 106 are passed through the inner side of the partition plate 103 on the lower side of the transverse frame plate 101C of the revolving frame 101.
Further, the hydraulic hoses 106 are passed toward the boom 102A through the hose passage hole 103A in the partition plate 103. On the other hand, in an excavating operation by the above-described hydraulic excavator, soil 107 in the bucket falls off therefrom when the bucket is lifted up to back off the working mechanism into a compact posture for rotation.
Therefore, there arises a problem that soil 107 which has fallen off the bucket and tends to slide down along the partition plate 103 could be blocked by the hydraulic hoses 106, which are passed through the hose passage hole 103A, forming a pile of stagnant soil on or around the hydraulic hoses 106. Moreover, piled soil or pooled rainwater could get into the upper revolving body through the hose passage hole 103A and could deposit on the bottom frame plate 101A.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above-discussed problems with the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a revolving type construction machine which can facilitate routing and connections of hydraulic hoses on the machine to ensure higher efficiency of hydraulic hose assembling and replacing work.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a revolving type construction machine which can prevent soil from piling up on hydraulic hoses or getting into its upper revolving body.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a revolving type construction machine which basically consists of a lower track body, an upper revolving body rotatably mounted on the lower track body and having an engine and an operator' s seat provided on a revolving frame, and a working mechanism vertically swingablly attached to a front portion of the revolving frame.
In order to solve the above-discussed problems, the revolving type construction machine according to the present invention comprises: a revolving frame constituted by a bottom frame plate, right and left vertical frame plates erected on the bottom frame plate to extend in forward and rearward directions of the machine and adapted to pivotally support on front portions thereof a pivotal joint portion of the working mechanism, and a transverse frame plate extended transversely in the vicinity of the pivotal joint portion of the working mechanism and securely fixed at opposite ends thereof to the right and left vertical frame plates; and a hose passage hole provided at least in one of the right and left vertical frame plates and opened in a direction toward the working mechanism at a position higher than a top surface of the transverse frame plate for passing therethrough hydraulic hoses to be connected to or from the working mechanism.
With the arrangements just described, since the hose passage hole is provided at a position higher than the top side of the transverse frame plate, the respective hydraulic hoses can be passed through the hose passage hole and easily gripped or handled in connecting them to or from hydraulic pipes on the side of the working mechanism. Further, although the hose passage hole is provided on the upper side of the transverse frame plate, it is opened in a vertical frame plate in a transverse direction so that falling soil is prevented from entering into interiors of the upper revolving body through the hose passage hole. Furthermore, a space which is provided between the transverse frame plate and the hydraulic hoses can contribute to prevent soil from being piled up on or around the hydraulic hoses.
In this instance, according to the present invention, a soil passage can be formed between a top side of the transverse frame plate and the hydraulic hoses, which are passed through the hose passage hole, to let falling soil flow down therealong.
With the arrangements just described, falling soil is allowed to flow down through the soil passage between the transverse frame plate and the hydraulic hoses, that is to say, is discharged from the machine without getting into contact with or stagnantly piling up on or around the hydraulic hoses.
On the other hand, according to another feature of the present invention, the revolving type construction machine comprises: a revolving frame constituted by a bottom frame plate, right and left vertical frame plates erected on the bottom frame plate to extend in forward and rearward directions of the machine and adapted to pivotally support on front portions thereof a pivotal joint portion of the working mechanism, and a couple of vertically spaced upper and lower transverse frame plates extended transversely in the vicinity of the pivotal joint portion of the working mechanism and respectively securely fixed at opposite ends thereof to the right and left vertical frame plates; and a plural number of hydraulic hoses connected to or from hydraulic pipes on the side of the working mechanism via a top side of the upper transverse frame plate.
With the arrangements just described, the upper and lower transverse frame plates which are provided between the right and left vertical frame plates contribute to increase the strength which keeps the two vertical frame plates from falling. In addition, since hydraulic hoses are passed along the top side of the upper transverse frame plate, a space free of hydraulic hoses, which is formed between the two transverse frame plates, can be utilized as a soil passage to get rid of falling soil which would otherwise be allowed to pile up on the upper revolving body of the machine.
In this instance, the soil passage formed between the upper and lower transverse frame plates and arranged to let falling soil flow down therealong.
With the arrangements just described, falling soil is allowed to flow down along the soil passage which is formed between the upper and lower transverse frame plates, and discharged from the machine without being allowed to get into contact with or to pile up on or around hydraulic hoses.
Further, in this instance, a hose passage hole can be formed at least in one of the right and left vertical frame plates at a position higher than a top surface of the upper transverse frame plate for passing therethrough hydraulic hoses.
With the arrangements just described, the hose passage hole is provided at a position higher than the top side of the upper transverse frame plate, so that the hydraulic hoses can be easily grabbed by hand or can be handled in a facilitated manner when connecting or disconnecting them to or from hydraulic pipes on the part of the working mechanism. Although the hose passage hole is provided at a position higher than the top surface of the upper transverse frame plate, it is opened in a transverse direction to prevent intrusion of falling soil into interior portions of the upper revolving body.
Further, according to the present invention, preferably the hydraulic hoses are fixedly retained on the upper transverse frame plate between the right and left vertical frame plates.
With the arrangements just described, a plural number of hydraulic hoses which extends to and from the working mechanism can be fixed in a bundled fashion by the use of the upper transverse frame plate.
Further, according to the present invention, a group of control valves is provided on a front portion of the bottom frame plate on the outer side of one of the right and left vertical frame plates, and the hydraulic hoses are connected to the control valves at one end thereof.
With the arrangements just described, it becomes possible to locate the control valves in the vicinity of the working mechanism which is mounted on front portions of the right and left vertical frame plates, permitting to connect the control valves to the working mechanism by way of the hydraulic hoses in an extremely facilitated manner.
Further, according to the present invention, a hose cover can be provided between the right and left vertical frame plates in such a way as to cover the hydraulic hoses.
With the arrangements just described, soil which falls toward the hydraulic hoses is allowed to simply drops or hits on the hose cover to preclude the possibilities of damages to the hydraulic hoses which might otherwise be caused by falling soil.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings:
Fig. 1 is a front view of a hydraulic power shovel type excavator to which the present invention is applied;
Fig. 2 is a plan view of an upper revolving body of the excavator;
Fig. 3 is a plan view of a revolving frame;
Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of part of the upper revolving body and part of a working mechanism, taken in the direction of arrows IV-IV of Fig. 2;
Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of a group of control valves and hydraulic hoses, taken in the direction of arrow V-V of Fig. 2 and with an outer housing cover removed therefrom for the purpose of illustration;
Fig. 6 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view of the upper revolving body shown in Fig. 4, showing the manner in which fallen soil is discharged;
Fig. 7 is a fragmentary enlarged perspective view, showing the revolving frame, transverse frame plates, hydraulic hoses and hose cover;
Fig. 8 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view of a modification, taken in the same direction as in Fig. 6; and
Fig. 9 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view, showing an upper revolving body and a working mechanism according to a prior art.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereafter, the present invention is described more particularly with reference to Figs. 1 through 8 by way of a hydraulic power shovel type excavator, an exemplary embodiment of the revolving type construction machine according to the present invention.
In the drawings, indicated at 1 is a lower track body of an excavator, and at 2 is an upper revolving body which is rotatably mounted on the lower track body 1 through a rotating mechanism 3. A soil removing blade 4 is vertically swingablly attached to the front side of the lower track body 1. Further, a working mechanism 5 is provided on a front portion of the upper revolving body 2.
Indicated at 5 is the working mechanism which is vertically swingablly attached to a front portion of the upper revolving body 2 for excavating motions as will be described hereinafter. The working mechanism 5 is largely constituted by: a lower boom 6 which is vertically pivotally mounted on vertical frame plates 19 and 20 of a revolving frame 17, which will be described hereinafter, through a pivotal joint portion 6A (see Fig. 4); an upper boom 7 which is pivotally connected to the fore end of the lower boom 6 for swinging motions in rightward and leftward directions; an arm retainer 8 which is pivotally connected to the fore end of the upper boom 7 for swinging motions in rightward and leftward directions; an arm 9 which is pivotally attached to the arm retainer 8 for vertical swinging motions; and a bucket 10 which is pivotally supported on a fore end portion of the arm 9.
Further, pivotally connected between a fore end portion of the lower boom 6 and the arm retainer 8 is a link rod 11, which link rod 11 forms a parallel link together with the lower boom 6, upper boom 7 and arm retainer 8 thereby to retain the arm 9 (arm retainer 8) constantly in parallel relation with the lower boom 6.
Further, a boom cylinder 12 is provided between the revolving frame 17 and the lower boom 6, an arm cylinder 13 is provided between the arm retainer 8 and the arm 9, and a bucket cylinder 14 is provided between the arm 9 and the bucket 10. Furthermore, an offset cylinder 15 is provided between the lower boom 6 and the upper boom 7.
In this instance, as shown in Fig. 4, a plural number of hydraulic pipes 16 (only one of which is shown in the drawing) are attached on the back side of the lower boom 6 which faces backward when the lower boom 6 is in an uplifted position, for supplying pressure oil to and from the arm cylinder 13, bucket cylinder 14 and offset cylinder 15. Connected to these hydraulic pipes 16 are offset operating hydraulic hose 37E, bucket operating hydraulic hose 37F and arm operating hydraulic hose 37G which will be described hereinafter.
On the other hand, the upper revolving body 2 is largely constituted by the revolving frame 17, operator' s seat 28, engine 30, control valves 35 and housing cover 42, as described in greater detail below.
As shown in Fig. 3, the revolving frame 17 is largely constituted by a bottom frame plate 18 in the form of a flat circular plate, a left-hand vertical frame plate 19 which is erected on the bottom frame plate 18 and extended forward substantially from a center portion of the bottom frame plate 18, a right-hand vertical frame plate 20 which is erected on the bottom frame plate 18 in a spaced position on the right side of the left vertical frame plate 19 and extended in forward and backward direction, and a left rear vertical frame plate 21 which is located at and in association with a rear end of the left vertical frame plate 19. A floor panel 22 (Fig. 1) is provided on the revolving frame 17 in such a way as to cover the upper side of the bottom frame plate 18 on the left side of the left vertical frame plate 19. Provided on the floor panel 22 are an operator' s seat 28 and an operating lever assembly 29 which will be described hereinlater. The above-mentioned left rear vertical frame plate 21 is provided with a vertical plate portion 21A which is extended parallel with the right vertical frame plate 20, and a connecting plate portion 21A which connects the right and left vertical frame plates 20 and 19 to each other at a position on the front side of the vertical plate portion 21A.
Indicated at 23 is a lower transverse frame plate which is provided to extend between the right and left vertical frame plates 20 and 19, at a position in the vicinity of the pivotal joint portion 6A of the lower boom 6. This lower transverse frame plate 23 is constituted by a thick and strong structural member which can prevent the right and left vertical frame plates 20 and 19 from falling down. In this instance, as shown in Figs. 4 and 6, the lower transverse frame plate 23 is constituted by an inclined plate portion 23A which is inclined gradually downward in the forward direction, and a vertical plate portion 23B which is extended downward from a fore distal end of the inclined plate portion 23A and abutted against the bottom frame plate 18. The lower transverse frame plate 23 is securely fixed by welding, for example, to the right and left vertical frame plates 20 and 19 at the opposite ends of the inclined plate portion 23A and the vertical plate portion 23B. The lower end of the vertical plate portion 23B is likewise securely fixed by welding, for example, to the bottom frame plate 18.
Indicated at 24 is an upper transverse frame plate which is provided over the lower transverse frame plate 23 and between the right and left vertical frame plates 20 and 19. Similarly to the lower transverse frame plate 23, the upper transverse frame plate 24 is constituted by a thick and strong structural member which can prevent the right and left vertical frame plates 20 and 19 from falling down, and located in spaced parallel relation with the inclined plate portion 23A of the lower transverse frame plate 23. The opposite ends of the upper transverse frame plate 24 is securely fixed by welding, for example, to the right and left vertical frame plates 20 and 19.
Indicated at 25 is a soil passage which is formed between the inclined plate portion 23A of the lower transverse frame plate 23 and the upper transverse frame plate 24. This soil passage 25 provides a passage space where no hydraulic hoses exist, and therefore soil 50 is allowed to tumble down on and along the soil passage without meeting any obstacle.
Denoted at 26 is a hose passage hole which is provided in the right vertical frame plate 20. This hose passage hole 26 is located at a position which is closer to the front side and higher than the top side of the upper transverse frame plate 24. Further, the hose passage hole 26 provides an access to hydraulic hoses 37E, 37F and 37G which supply pressure oil to and from the offset cylinder, bucket cylinder and arm cylinder of the working mechanism 5, which will be described hereinafter.
Designated at 27 is a canopy (see Figs. 1 and 2) which is provided on a left portion of the upper revolving body 2. The canopy 27 is constituted by a plural number of posts or pillars 27A which are erected at suitable intervals in transverse and back and forth directions, and a canopy roof 27B which is mounted on top of the posts 27A. Further, the canopy 27 is fixedly mounted on the bottom frame plate 18 on the front side and on a support frame 41 on the rear side thereof.
Indicated at 28 is the operator' s seat which is provided on a stool 28A which is located on the floor panel 22 of the revolving frame 17 under the canopy 27. An operating lever assembly 29 is provided in front of the operator' s seat 28. The operating lever assembly 29 is largely constituted by a lever stand 29A which is mounted on the floor panel 22, a driving lever 29B and a working mechanism control lever 29C which are provided on the top side of the lever stand 29A, and a reducing type pilot valve (not shown) which is located within the lever stand 29A and operated by the working mechanism control lever 29C.
Denoted at 30 is an engine (indicated by a broken line in Fig. 2) which is mounted transversely on a rear portion of the revolving frame 17. A heat exchanger 31 such as a radiator, oil cooler or the like is located on the right side of the engine 30, while a hydraulic pump 32 is mounted on the left side of the engine 30.
Further, indicated at 33 is a counterweight which is attached to the rear side of the revolving frame 17. The counterweight 33 is formed in an arcuate shape which corresponds to the radius of rotation of the upper revolving body 2.
Designated at 34 is an operating oil tank (shown in Figs. 2 and 5) which is located on a right portion of the revolving frame 17 on the front side of the engine 30 to store therein operating oil for driving hydraulic cylinders and motor.
Indicated at 35 is a group of control valves which are located on the right (outer) side of the right vertical frame plate 20 of the revolving frame 17 on the front side of the operating oil tank 34. These control valves 35 are mounted on the bottom frame plate 18 through a valve support member 36. Further, the control valves 35 are constituted by a plural number of directional control valves which are stacked one on the other in the vertical direction. The directional control valves include, from lower to upper side, a blade directional control valve 35A, left and right driving directional control valves 35B and 35C, a spare directional control valve 35D, an offset directional control valve 35E, a bucket directional control valve 35F, an arm directional control valve 35G, a boom directional control valve 35H, and a rotating mechanism directional control valve 35J.
Further, of the directional control valves 35A to 35J, the directional control valves 35A to 35C are constituted by mechanically operating type directional control valves and are each connected to the operating lever assembly 29 through a cable (not shown), while the other directional control valves 35D to 35J are constituted by hydraulic pilot type directional control valves and are each connected to a pilot valve of the operating lever assembly 29 through a pilot hose (not shown).
In this instance, of the directional control valves 35A to 35J, the arm directional control valve 35G, bucket directional control valve 35F and offset directional control valve 35E which control the arm cylinder 13, bucket cylinder 14 and offset cylinder 15 of the working mechanism 5, respectively, are located at a position substantially on level with the height of the hose passage hole 26 in the right vertical frame plate 20. Therefore, when connecting the directional control valves 35G, 35F and 35E to the cylinders 13 to 15 by the use of arm operating hydraulic hose 37G, bucket operating hydraulic hose 37F and offset operating hydraulic hose 37E, which will be described hereinlater, these hydraulic hoses 37G, 37F and 37E can take substantially a straight and direct route to the hose passage hole 26 from the respective directional control valves 35G, 35F and 35E. Accordingly, the routing of the hydraulic hoses 37E, 37F and 37G can be facilitated to a considerable degree.
Indicated at 37 are hydraulic hoses which are connected to the group of control valves 35, including a blade operating hydraulic hose 37A, driving hydraulic hoses 37B and 37C, offset operating hydraulic hose 37E, bucket operating hydraulic hose 37F, arm operating hydraulic hose 37G, and rotational operating hydraulic hose 37J.
Accordingly, connected to the blade directional control valve 35A is the blade operating hydraulic hose 37A, which is connected at the opposite end to the soil removing blade 4 through a center joint (not shown). Further, connected to the left and right driving directional control valves 35B and 35C are driving hydraulic hoses 37B and 37C, which are connected to right and left driving motors (not shown) through a center joint, respectively.
Further, connected to the offset directional control valve 35E, bucket directional control valve 35F and arm directional control valve 35G are offset operating hydraulic hose 37E, bucket operating hydraulic hose 37F and arm operating hydraulic hose 37G, respectively. These offset operating hydraulic hose 37E, bucket operating hydraulic hose 37F and arm operating hydraulic hose 37G are each passed onto the upper transverse frame plate 24 through the hose passage hole 26 in the right vertical frame plate 20, and connected to the hydraulic pipes 16 via the lower side of the pivotal joint portion 6A of the lower boom 6. Moreover, these hydraulic hoses 37E, 37F and 37G are fixed side by side in an aligned state on the upper transverse frame plate 24 by means of a hose bracket 38.
On the other hand, connected to the boom directional control valve 35H is a boom operating hydraulic hose 37H which is connected to the boom cylinder 12 through another boom operating hydraulic hose which is not shown in the drawing. Further, connected to the rotating mechanism directional control valve 35J is a rotational operating hydraulic hose 37J which is connected to a rotating motor (not shown), that is, to a drive source of the rotating mechanism 3.
Indicated at 39 and 40 are skirt covers which are provided around the circumference of the revolving frame 17. More particularly, as shown in Fig. 2, these skirt covers 39 and 40 are arranged to cover the circumference of the revolving frame 17 in continuation from the counterweight 33.
Indicated at 41 is the support frame (shown in Figs. 4 and 6) which serves to support the canopy 27. This support frame 41 is provided on a rear portion of the revolving frame 17 astride of the engine 30. In this instance, the support frame 41 is constituted by a plural number of leg members 41A which are located in longitudinally and transversely spaced positions, and a support plate 41B which is set transversely on the leg members 41A.
Indicated at 42 is an housing cover which is provided on the revolving frame 17 and extended from a right portion to a rear portion of the revolving frame 17. As shown in Fig. 2, the housing cover 42 is largely constituted by an engine front cover 43 which is erected on the revolving frame 17 in such a way as to cover top and front sides of the engine 30, a right side cover 44 which is located on a right portion of the revolving frame 17 in such a way as to cover the operating oil tank 34 as well as the group of control valves 35, a left cover 45 which is located on the left side and arranged to cover the hydraulic pump 32, and a bonnet 46 which is located on the counterweight 33 and arranged to cover the rear side of the engine 30.
Denoted at 47 is a partition plate which is provided between the engine front cover 43 and the lower transverse frame plate 23. As shown in Fig. 6, this partition plate 47 is constituted by lower and upper plate members 47A and 47B which are connected with each other substantially in a rectangular shape. The upper end of the partition plate 47 is fixed to the engine front cover 43 by screws, while its lower end is fixed to the upper end of the lower transverse frame plate 23 similarly by screws. The partition plate 47 as a whole is arranged to present a gradual downslope in the forward direction. Further, the partition plate 47 serves to stop a gap between the engine front cover 43 and the lower transverse frame plate 23 for the purpose of preventing intrusion of soil into the upper revolving body 2.
Further, indicated at 48 is a protector cover which is provided on the front side of the lower transverse frame plate 23. The upper end of this protector cover 48 is fixed to the inclined plate portion 23A of the lower transverse frame plate 23 by screws. The protector cover 48 is provided for the purpose of covering pilot hoses (all not shown in the drawings) which connect pilot valves in the operating lever assembly 29 with the group of control valves 35.
In this instance, the inclined plate portion 23A of the lower transverse frame plate 23, the partition plate 47 and the protector cover 48 are arranged to form a downslope surface in the forward direction. Soil which falls on this downslope surface is discharged to the front side through the soil passage 25.
Indicated at 49 is a hose cover which is provided between and bolted to the right and left vertical frame plates 20 and 19. This hose cover 49 is provided between a fore end portion of the hose passage hole 26 and the pivotal joint portion 6A of the lower boom 6 to cover the offset operating hydraulic hose 37E, bucket operating hydraulic hose 37F and arm operating hydraulic hose 37G which would otherwise be left in an exposed state on the upper side thereof.
Following is a description on the operation by the present embodiment of the invention, with the arrangements as described above.
Firstly, by an operator who is seated on the operator' s seat 28, the driving lever 29B of the operating lever assembly 29 is tilted back and forth to put the lower track body 1 in travel. At this time, other operating lever which is not shown in the drawings can also be tilted to turn the soil removing blade 4 up and down if necessary for removing soil.
Further, the working mechanism control lever 29C is tilted in forward, rearward, rightward and leftward directions to turn the upper revolving body 2 on the lower track body 1 or to put the working mechanism 5 for an excavating operation.
For example, the excavator according to the present embodiment can be used for an excavating operation in a narrow limited space, in the manner as follows. In this case, after excavating soil by operating the bucket 10, the lower boom 6 is turned upward and the arm 9 is turned downward as shown in Figs. 1 and 4 to fold the working mechanism 5 into a radius of rotation of the upper revolving body 2. In this state, the upper revolving body 2 is turned, for example, toward and excavated soil is dumped onto a transportation vehicle which stands by on the opposite side of the excavator away from an excavating site.
In an excavating operation as described above, each time the upper revolving body 2 is turned around, part of scooped soil which falls off the bucket 10 is poured on the upper revolving body 2 as indicated at 50 in Fig. 6.
At this time, the inclined plate portion 23A of the lower transverse frame plate 23, which forms a downslope, the partition plate 47 and the protector cover 48 urge the fallen soil 50 to tumble down in the forward direction, so that the soil is discharged to the front side of the excavator through the soil passage 25, which is provided free of hydraulic hoses between the upper and lower transverse frame plates 24 and 23, thereby to prevent the fallen soil 50 from being stagnantly piled up on the upper revolving body.
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the hose passage hole 26 is provided in the right vertical frame plate 20 at a position which is higher than the upper transverse frame plate 24, more specifically, higher than the top side of the upper transverse frame plate 24. Therefore, the offset operating hydraulic hose 37E, bucket operating hydraulic hose 37F and arm operating hydraulic hose 37G can be passed to the outer side through the hose passage hole 26, and can be gripped or handled by an operator easily from outside whenever necessary. It follows that these hydraulic hoses 37E, 37F and 37G can be easily connected to the hydraulic pipes 16 on the side of the working mechanism 5 to make their assembling work and replacements very easy.
In addition to the location which is higher than the top side of the upper transverse frame plate 24, the hose passage hole 26 is formed transversely across the right vertical frame plate 20, so that falling soil 50 and rainwater are prevented from getting into the upper revolving body 2 through the hose passage hole 26. Accordingly, the interior side of the upper revolving body 2 can be kept in a clean state.
Further, the upper and lower transverse frame plates 24 and 23 which are provided between the right and left vertical frame plates 20 and 19 contribute to increase the strength which prevents the two vertical frame plates 20 and 19 from falling down.
Besides, in the case of the present embodiment, the soil passage 25 is provided between the upper and lower transverse frame plates 24 and 23, free of hydraulic hoses. Therefore, soil 50 which falls off the bucket 10 can be positively discharged to the front side of the machine via the partition plate 47, soil passage 25 and protector cover 48, in the order just mentioned, to prevent soil 50 from piling up on the upper revolving body 2. If desired, a poker rod or rods may be used for forcibly discharging piled soil forward because both of the transverse frame plates 23 and 24 are strong enough for this purpose.
Further, the group of control valves 35 which are provided on the right side of the right vertical frame plate 20 can be located in the vicinity of the working mechanism 5. Accordingly, it becomes extremely easy to connect the respective control valve 35 to the working mechanism 5 and to complete the connecting work very efficiently.
Furthermore, the hose cover 49 is provided between the two vertical frame plates 19 and 20 to cover the offset operating hydraulic hose 37E, bucket operating hydraulic hose 37F and arm operating hydraulic hose 37G. Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent fallen soil 50 from colliding against or piling on these hydraulic hoses 37E, 37F and 37G and causing damages thereto.
Moreover, by the hose bracket 38 which is provided on the upper transverse frame plate 24, the hydraulic hoses 37E, 37F and 37G can be fixed in a transversely aligned state on the upper transverse frame plate 24.
In the above-described embodiment, by way of example, the upper transverse frame plate 24 is provided at a spaced position over the lower transverse frame plate 23, and the hose passage hole 26 is provided in the right vertical frame plate 20 at a position higher than the top side of the upper transverse frame plate 24. However, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular arrangements shown. For example, as shown in a modification of Fig. 8, a revolving frame 61 may be constituted by the bottom frame plate 18, the right and left vertical frame plates 20 and 19, left rear vertical frame plate 21, the floor panel 22 and the lower transverse frame plate 23, omitting the upper transverse frame plate 24. In this case, the hose passage hole 26 is provided in the right vertical frame plate 20 at the position which is spaced from the top side of the lower transverse frame plate 23. Accordingly, the soil passage 25 can be secured between the hydraulic hoses 37E, 37F and 37G, which are passed through the hose passage hole 26, and the top surface of the lower transverse frame plate 23.
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the hose passage hole 26 is provided in the right vertical frame plate 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this particular arrangement. In case the group of control valves 35 are located on the left side of the left vertical frame plate 19, for example, a hose passage hole can be provided in the left vertical frame plate 19.
Further, in the foregoing embodiment, the revolving type construction machine according to the present invention has been described by way of a small-size hydraulic power shovel type excavator. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to small-size construction machines. For instance, it is possible to apply the present invention similarly to middle- and large-size crawler or wheel type excavators.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As clear from the foregoing detailed description, according to the present invention, a revolving frame of an upper revolving body is constituted by a bottom frame plate, right and left vertical frame plates which are erected on the bottom frame plate to extend in back and forth directions and adapted to support in front portions thereof a pivotal joint portion of a working mechanism, and a transverse frame plate which is extended transversely in the vicinity of the pivotal joint portion of the working mechanism and securely fixed at opposite ends thereof to the right and left vertical frame plates, and a hose passage hole is provided in one of the vertical frame plates and opened toward the working mechanism at a position higher than a top surface of the transverse frame plate. Therefore, the hydraulic hoses which are passed through the hose passage hole can be grabbed by hand and easily connected to or disconnected from hydraulic pipes on the side of the working mechanism in an efficient manner.
Besides, the hose passage hole is located at a position higher than the top surface of a transverse frame plate but opened in a transverse direction, so that it can prevent passage therethrough of falling soil and its intrusion into interior portions of an upper revolving body, keeping interior portions of the upper revolving body in a clean state. In addition, a gap space can be provided between the hydraulic hoses and the transverse frame plate to prevent falling soil from piling up on and around the hydraulic hoses.
In this instance, according to the present invention, a soil passage can be formed between the top surface of the transverse frame plate and the hydraulic hoses, which are passed through the hose passage hole, to let falling soil flow down therealong. It follows that falling soil can be urged to flow down along the soil passage and discharged without being allowed to get into contact with or to pile up on the hydraulic hoses.
On the other hand, in another preferred form of the present invention, the revolving frame of the upper revolving body is constituted by a bottom frame plate, a couple of right and left vertical frame plates which are erected on the bottom frame plate to extend in back and forth directions and adapted to support on front portions thereof a pivotal joint portion of a working mechanism, a couple of vertically spaced upper and lower transverse frame plates which are extended transversely in the vicinity of a pivotal joint portion of a working mechanism and securely fixed at opposite ends to the right and left vertical frame plates. In this case, hydraulic hoses are connected to hydraulic pipes on the side of the working mechanism via a top surface of the upper transverse frame plate, and the two transverse frame plates contribute to increase the strength which keeps the vertical frame plates from falling in. In addition, in this case, since the hydraulic hoses which are passed via the top side of the upper transverse frame plate, a space free of hydraulic hoses can be provided between the two transverse frame plates, which can be utilized as a soil passage to let falling soil flow out therethrough instead of piling up on the revolving frame.
More particularly, in this instance, according to the present invention, a downslope soil passage can be formed between the upper and lower transverse frame plates to let falling soil flow out therethrough without contacting or piling up on the hydraulic hoses.
Further, in this instance, according to the present invention, the hose passage hole is provided at least in one of the right and left vertical frame plates at a position higher than a top surface of the upper transverse frame plate, and the hydraulic hoses are passed to the outer side through the hose passage hole. Accordingly, the hydraulic hoses can be easily grabbed in handling those hoses, permitting to connect or disconnect the hydraulic hoses to or from hydraulic pipes on the part of the working mechanism efficiently in a facilitated manner. In addition, the hose passage hole, which is provided at a position higher than a top surface of the upper transverse frame plate, is opened in a transverse direction, preventing falling soil from entering interior portions of the upper revolving body through the hose passage hole to keep the interiors of the upper revolving body in a clean state.
Further, according to the present invention, a plural number of hydraulic hoses to or from the working mechanism can be fixedly retained on the upper transverse frame plate between the right and left vertical frame plates, namely, can be fixed tidily in a transversely aligned form by the use of the upper transverse frame plate.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, a group of control valves are provided on a front portion of the revolving frame on the transversely outer side of one of right and left vertical frame plates, and the hydraulic hoses are connected to the group of control valves at one end thereof. This arrangements permit to locate the control valves in the vicinity of the working mechanism which is mounted on front portions of the right and left vertical frame plates, and to connect the group of control valves to the working mechanism in an extremely facilitated manner.
Moreover, according to the present invention, a hose cover is provided between the right and left vertical frame plates of the revolving frame to cover the hydraulic hoses. Therefore, excavated soil which partly fall over the hydraulic hoses is received by the hose cover and prevented from coming into contact with the hydraulic hoses to protect them against damages and ensure a prolonged service life of these hoses.

Claims

A revolving type construction machine consisting of a lower track body, an upper revolving body rotatably mounted on said lower track body and having an engine and an operator' s seat provided on a revolving frame, and a working mechanism vertically swingablly attached to a front portion of said revolving frame, characterized in that said revolving type construction machine comprises:

a revolving frame constituted by a bottom frame plate, right and left vertical frame plates erected on said bottom frame plate to extend in forward and rearward directions of the machine and adapted to support on front portions thereof a pivotal joint portion of said working mechanism, and a transverse frame plate extended transversely in the vicinity of said pivotal joint portion of said working mechanism and securely fixed at opposite ends thereof to said right and left vertical frame plates; and

a hose passage hole provided at least in one of said right and left vertical frame plates and opened in a direction toward said working mechanism at a position higher than a top surface of said transverse frame plate for passing therethrough hydraulic hoses to be connected to or from said working mechanism.
A revolving type construction machine as defined in claim 1, further comprising a soil passage formed between a top side of said transverse frame plate and hydraulic hoses passed through said hose passage hole and adapted to let falling soil flow down therealong.
A revolving type construction machine consisting of a lower track body, an upper revolving body rotatably mounted on said lower track body and having an engine and an operator' s seat provided on a revolving frame, and a working mechanism vertically swingablly attached to a front portion of said revolving frame, characterized in that said revolving type construction machine comprises:

a revolving frame constituted by a bottom frame plate, right and left vertical frame plates erected on said bottom frame plate to extend in forward and rearward directions of the machine and adapted to pivotally support on front portions thereof a pivotal joint portion of said working mechanism, and a couple of vertically spaced upper and lower transverse frame plates extended transversely in the vicinity of said pivotal joint portion of said working mechanism and respectively securely fixed at opposite ends thereof to said right and left vertical frame plates; and

a plural number of hydraulic hoses connected to or from hydraulic pipes on the side of said working mechanism via a top side of said upper transverse frame plate.
A revolving type construction machine as defined in claim 3, further comprising a soil passage formed between said upper and lower transverse frame plates to let falling soil flow down therealong.
A revolving type construction machine as defined in claim 3, further comprising a hose passage hole formed at least in one of said right and left vertical frame plates at a position higher than a top surface of said upper transverse frame plate for passing therethrough said hydraulic hoses.
A revolving type construction machine as defined in claim 3, wherein said hydraulic hoses are fixedly retained on said upper transverse frame plate between said right and left vertical frame plates.
A revolving type construction machine as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a group of control valves provided on said bottom frame plate on the outer side of one of said right and left vertical frame plates, and said hydraulic hoses are connected to said control valves at one end thereof.
A revolving type construction machine as defined in any one of claim 1 to 6, further comprising a hose cover provided between said right and left vertical frame plates in such a way as to cover said hydraulic hoses.