EP4698405A1

EP4698405A1 - Control lever assembly developed for use in excavator-type crawler construction machines

Info

Publication number: EP4698405A1
Application number: EP25742603.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fatih ÖZCELIK; Hakan TELISIK; Müslüm Ersoy; Erdi ÖNCÜ
Original assignee: Hidromek Hidrolik Ve Mekanik Makina Imalat Sanayi Ve Ticaret AS
Current assignee: Hidromek Hidrolik Ve Mekanik Makina Imalat Sanayi Ve Ticaret AS
Priority date: 2024-06-28
Filing date: 2025-05-13
Publication date: 2026-02-25
Also published as: TR2024008272A2; WO2026005735A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a control lever assembly. The control lever assembly features a detachable two-part lever structure. This structure comprises at least one left lower lever arm (1) and at least one right lower lever arm (2) that facilitate foot control of the construction machine after removal of the upper lever arms (3), at least two upper lever arms (3) that can be attached and detached to increase the operator's field of view in critical visibility conditions, and at least one foot-rest pedal (6) that enables machine movement control by foot and supports the operator's feet under fatigue.

Description

CONTROL LEVER ASSEMBLY DEVELOPED FOR USE IN EXCAVATOR-TYPE CRAWLER CONSTRUCTION MACHINES

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a control lever assembly developed for use in excavator-type crawler construction machines.

The invention particularly relates to a control lever assembly in excavator-type crawler construction machines that prevents the control levers from obstructing the operator’s line of sight, facilitates foot-operated controls via additional pedals, and serves as a support when the operator wishes to rest his or her feet.

Background Art

In the known art, foot-rest pedals are provided in the operator’s cabin to allow the operator to rest a foot for balance while working, even on an incline. In current practice, it is common to employ control levers linked to these foot-rest pedals in construction machines because they enable the operator to control the machine more precisely and efficiently. These pedals are designed for comfortable foot placement and are typically located alongside the travel control pedals. The associated control levers allow the operator to control the machine’s direction, speed, and other functions by foot movements without using the hands. In the known art, foot-rest pedals and control levers feature an ergonomic layout that enhances operator comfort during extended use and reduces fatigue; control levers linked to these foot-rest pedals are particularly well-suited to tasks requiring frequent directional changes, as the operator can execute quick, precise maneuvers with their feet; this system thus enables safer, more efficient machine operation while significantly lessening the operator’s workload.

One of the existing foot-rest pedals is disclosed in patent document CN104379402A. That document describes a foot-rest support pivotably mounted to the front post of the operator’s cabin by a hinge pin, a locking latch mounted below the hinge pin on the post to detachably secure the foot-rest support, and a fixing pin in a bracket on the post to secure the foot-rest support. Although the document mentions control levers connected to and controlled by the foot-rest pedal, it does not address any restriction those levers impose on the operator’s field of view nor propose any solution for potential movement and visibility limitations. Consequently, in the current art, control levers linked to the foot pedal do not aim to improve visibility and offer no remedy for such issues.

Another document in the prior art, JP2018090032A, discloses a foot rest and floor mat arrangement developed to ensure that the operator can plant both feet securely, and a method to improve the installation and cleanability of that floor mat. The foot rest disclosed therein comprises a pedal positioned adjacent to both sides of the travel control pedal on the floor surface, and a support mechanism component that supports this rest step element and secures it to the lower front frame of the cabin. That invention includes a T-shaped control lever attached to the foot rest; however, like the previous art, it fails to propose any solution for potential obstructions to the operator’s field of view..

Considering the deficiencies present in existing applications — specifically the lack of solutions for reduced operator visibility and maneuverability — it has become necessary to develop improvements to the control lever assemblies used in excavator-type crawler construction machines..

Brief Summary of the Invention

The invention aims to present a structure with distinct technical features that offers a new approach beyond the prior art.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a detachable lever assembly that does not obstruct the operator’s line of sight, thereby granting a wider field of view during operation and increasing safety and productivity.

Another object of the invention is to offer an ergonomic design whereby the foot rest pedal serves as a support when the operator wishes to rest his or her feet, increasing comfort and reducing fatigue during prolonged operation.

A further object of the invention is to enable construction machine operators to work longer with less physical stress by allowing them to comfortably rest their feet and easily engage the control levers when necessary.

Description of the Figures

In order to best understand the structure of the present invention and its advantages in combination with the additional components, the following figures should be reviewed:

Figure 1 : Perspective view of the control lever assembly of the present invention. Figure 2: Front perspective view of the two-part control levers of the control lever assembly.

Figure 3: Front perspective view of the pedal of the control lever assembly.

Figure 4: Front perspective view of the control lever assembly with the upper lever arms removed. Explanation of Reference Numerals in Figures

The reference numerals in the figures are as follows:

1 . Left lower lever arm

2. Right lower lever arm

3. Upper lever arms

4. Nut

5. Handle

6. Foot-rest pedal

7. Bolt

8. Left pedal

9. Right pedal

Detailed Description of the Invention

In this detailed description, the preferred embodiments of the invention are explained solely to facilitate understanding and impose no limiting effect.

The control lever assembly of the invention comprises a detachable two-part lever structure including at least one left lower lever arm (1 ) and at least one right lower lever arm (2) that facilitate foot control of the construction machine after removal of the upper lever arms (3); at least two upper lever arms (3) that can be attached and detached to increase the operator’s field of view in critical visibility conditions; at least two nuts (4) securing the handles (5) to the lever structure; at least two handles (5) for lever control; at least one foot-rest pedal (6) that enables machine movement control by foot and serves as a support for resting the operator’s feet under fatigue conditions; a bolt (7) for connecting the foot-rest pedal (6) to the lever structure; and at least one left pedal (8) and one right pedal (9) for machine control, each operating independently.

Figure 2 shows a front perspective view of the two-part control levers of the control lever assembly. As understood from that figure and the foregoing description, the lever assembly comprises two fixed parts — the left lower lever arm (1 ) and the right lower lever arm (2) — and two movable parts — the upper lever arms (3). When the operator’s field of view is restricted, the upper lever arms (3) can be removed to improve visibility. Figure 3 shows a front perspective view of the pedal of the control lever assembly. As seen therein, the foot-rest pedal (6) is fastened to the fixed lever arms — left lower lever arm (1 ) and right lower lever arm (2) — by bolts (7). Figure 4 shows a front perspective view of the control lever assembly with the upper lever arms (3) removed. In this configuration, the operator controls the construction machine using the left pedal (8) and the right pedal (9), which remain fixed to the respective lower lever arms.

Claims

1 . A control lever assembly for crawler construction machines, wherein the control levers do not obstruct the operator’s field of view, facilitate foot-operated controls, and allow the operator to rest his or her feet, the assembly comprising:

• a detachable two-part lever structure which, after removal of the upper lever arms (3), provides at least one left lower lever arm (1 ) and at least one right lower lever arm (2) to facilitate foot control of the construction machine;

• at least two upper lever arms (3) that can be attached and detached to increase the operator’s field of view in critical visibility conditions; and

• at least one foot-rest pedal (6) for enabling movement control of the construction machine by foot and supporting the operator’s feet.

2. The control lever assembly of claim 1 , further comprising at least two handles (5) fixed to the at least two upper lever arms (3).

3. The control lever assembly of claim 1 , wherein the handles (5) are secured by nuts (4).

4. The control lever assembly of claim 1 , wherein the foot-rest pedal (6) is fixed to the left lower lever arm (1 ) and at least one right lower lever arm (2).

5. The control lever assembly of claim 1 , wherein the foot-rest pedal (6) is secured to the lever structure by a bolt (7).

6. The control lever assembly of claim 1 , wherein the left pedal (8) and the right pedal (9) operate independently.