WO2019146824A1

WO2019146824A1 - Console box for construction machine

Info

Publication number: WO2019146824A1
Application number: PCT/KR2018/001239
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hyunseok Kim; Daeil YANG; Inkyu Choi; Minsung KIM
Original assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Ab
Priority date: 2018-01-29
Filing date: 2018-01-29
Publication date: 2019-08-01

Abstract

A console box for a construction machine is disposed on a side portion of an operator's seat, such that operations, such as forward and backward sliding and tilting, and automatic control of these operations, are possible, thereby improving operator convenience during cab ingress and egress and preventing malfunctions of the construction machine. A console box body is disposed on a side portion of an operator's seat. An operation adjustment unit is disposed on a bottom of the console box body to support the console box body, the operation adjustment unit allowing the console box body to operate. A controller is connected to the operation adjustment unit to receive signals generated in cab ingress and egress of the operator and control the operation adjustment unit to move the console box body to preset positions depending on the signals.

Description

CONSOLE BOX FOR CONSTRUCTION MACHINE

The present disclosure relates to a console box for a construction machine, and more particularly, to a console box for a construction machine, the console box being disposed on a side portion of an operator's seat, such that operations, such as forward and backward sliding and tilting, and automatic control of these operations, are possible, thereby improving operator convenience during cab ingress and egress and preventing malfunctions of the construction machine.

In general, in a construction machine, for example, in a cab of an excavator, a variety of levers, pedals, buttons, switches, and the like for operating the excavator are disposed adjacently to an operator's seat. Console boxes are disposed to the right and left of the operator's seat. Manipulation levers and a variety of manipulation buttons for controlling working devices, such as a boom or an arm, are disposed on the console boxes. In addition, a travel lever is disposed in front of the operator's seat, and a plurality of pedals for manipulation by the feet of the operator are disposed on the floor in front of the operator's seat.

Since the space between the travel lever disposed in front of the operator's seat and the manipulation lever disposed in front of the console box on the side portion of the operator's seat, it is difficult for the operator to pass through the space between the travel lever and the manipulation lever during cab ingress and egress of the construction machine. Thus, the manipulation lever disposed in front of the console box may sometimes be pushed to move by the operator during cab ingress and egress. Consequently, the excavator may be caused to malfunction.

In the related art, it has been possible to manually and slightly adjust the console box and the manipulation lever disposed on the console box. However, in the related art, the console box is only adjustable in the top-bottom direction, and the range of the adjustment is significantly limited. Thus, the ability to overcome the inconvenience of the operator during cab ingress and egress is limitative. Furthermore, in the related art, a control device for manually adjusting the console box is disposed below the operator's seat, and it would be difficult for the operator to manipulate the control device by bowing the body in a narrow space, which is problematic.

Accordingly, the present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-described problems occurring in the related art, and the present disclosure proposes a console box for a construction machine, the console box being disposed on a side portion of an operator's seat, such that operations, such as forward and backward sliding and tilting, and automatic control of these operations, are possible, thereby improving operator convenience during cab ingress and egress and preventing malfunctions of the construction machine.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a console box for a construction machine may include: a console box body disposed on a side portion of an operator's seat; an operation adjustment unit disposed on a bottom of the console box body to support the console box body, the operation adjustment unit allowing the console box body to operate; and a controller connected to the operation adjustment unit to receive signals generated in cab ingress and egress of the operator and control the operation adjustment unit to move the console box body to preset positions depending on the signals.

The console box body may include: a first console box body disposed on one side portion of the operator's seat facing a cab door; and a second console box body disposed on the other side portion of the operator's seat.

The operation adjustment unit may include: a first operation adjustment unit disposed on a bottom of the first console box body to allow the first console box body to operate; and a second operation adjustment unit disposed on a bottom of the second console box body to allow the second console box body to operate.

The first operation adjustment unit may cause the first console box body to slide forwardly and backwardly and to be tilted to open the side portion of the operator's seat.

The second operation adjustment unit may cause the second console box body to slide forwardly and backwardly.

The first operation adjustment unit may include: a first support supporting the first console box body mounted on a top thereof; a sliding rail connected to the first support to allow the first support to slide forwardly and backwardly; and a tilting unit connecting the first support and the sliding rail to tilt the first support with respect to a portion of the sliding rail.

The tilting unit may include: a gear unit attached to the sliding rail; a rotary shaft connected to the gear unit and rotatably coupled to the first support and the sliding rail; and a first motor rotating the rotary shaft by operating the gear unit, the first motor being operated by the controller.

The second operation adjustment unit may include: a second support supporting the second console box body mounted on a top thereof; a sliding member coupled to a bottom of the second support; and a second motor connected to the sliding member to slide the sliding member forwardly and backwardly, the second motor being operated by the controller.

The controller may include a storage generates and stores position change data by matching information regarding an operation of the console box body and a signal generated in cab ingress and egress of the operator.

The controller further may include: a receiver receiving the signal generated in cab ingress and egress of the operator; a data extractor extracting the signal received by the receiver and position change data corresponding to the signal received by the receiver among a plurality of the position change data stored in the storage; and an output device outputting a control signal to the operation adjustment unit based on the position change data extracted by the data extractor.

The storage may store information regarding an operation of the console box, operated by the operation adjustment unit controlled by the control signal.

As set forth above, the console box is disposed on a side portion of an operator's seat, such that operations, such as forward and backward sliding and tilting, and automatic control of these operations, are possible, thereby improving operator convenience during cab ingress and egress and preventing malfunctions of the construction machine.

In addition, the controller includes the storage storing information regarding positions in which the console box previously operated, i.e. previous operation positions. In the case of ingress or egress of the operator into or from the construction machine, the operation of the console box can be automatically controlled so that the console box can move to the previous operation position, i.e. a position intended by the operator.

Furthermore, a signal generated in the case of cab ingress of the operator, e.g. a signal generated when the engine is turned on, is transmitted to the controller, and a signal generated in the case of cab egress of the operator, e.g. a signal generated when the engine is turned off, is transmitted to the controller. When a signal regarding cab ingress or cab egress is received, the controller operates the console box to a preset position or state, based on the corresponding signal. It is therefore possible to improve operator convenience during cab ingress and egress and prevent the construction machine from malfunctioning.

In addition, the spring or the damper is connected to the console box to protect the console box from impacts induced by vibrations generated during the operation of the construction machine.

Furthermore, not only the console box disposed on one side portion of the operator's seat facing the cab door, but also the console box disposed on the other side portion of the operator's seat is configured to slide forwardly and backwardly. Both the console boxes can be located at positions intended by the operator, thereby further improving operator convenience.

FIG. 1 illustrates a console box for a construction machine according to exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates the tilted console box for a construction machine according to exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are conceptual views illustrating a sliding operation and a tilting operation of the console box for a construction machine according to exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the operation adjustment unit of the console box for a construction machine according to exemplary embodiments; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a configuration of a controller of the console box for a construction machine according to exemplary embodiments.

Hereinafter, a console box for a construction machine according to exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the following disclosure, detailed descriptions of known functions and components incorporated herein will be omitted in the case in which the subject matter of the present disclosure may be rendered unclear by the inclusion thereof.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a console box for a construction machine according to exemplary embodiments is disposed on both side portions of an operator's seat 10 of a construction machine, for example, an excavator. On the console box, manipulator levers 20 for controlling working devices, such as a boom, an arm, and a bucket, an engine button 30 for starting the excavator, and a variety of manipulation buttons are disposed.

The console box for a construction machine according to exemplary embodiments includes a console box body 100, an operation adjustment unit 200, and a controller 300.

The console box body 100 is disposed on one side portion of the operator's seat 10. The console box body 100 may include a first console box body 110 and a second console box body 120. The first console box body 110 is disposed on one side portion of the operator's seat 10 facing a door of a cab. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first console box body 110 can be slid forwardly and backwardly using the operation adjustment unit 200 and can be tilted to open one side portion of the operator's seat 10, the operation of which is controlled by the controller 300. When the first console box body 110 is slid backwardly or is tilted to open one side portion of the operator's seat 10 facing the cab door, a space between the front part of the cab and the first console box body 110 is wider than an initial position, i.e. a position before backward sliding or tilting. Consequently, sufficient space for the operator to move can be obtained to improve operator convenience during cab ingress and egress and to prevent the operator from accidentally contacting the manipulation levers 20, thereby preventing the excavator from malfunctioning. When the first console box body 110 is disposed to be able to slide forwardly and backwardly, the first console box body 110, on which the manipulation lever 20 and a variety of manipulation switches or buttons are disposed, can be moved to a position intended by the operator, thereby improving convenience of the operation.

The second console box body 120 is disposed on the other side of the operator's seat 10. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the second console box body 120 is slid forwardly and backwardly using the operation adjustment unit 200, the operation of which is controlled by the controller 300. When the second console box body 120 is disposed to be able to slide forwardly and backwardly as described above, the second console box body 120, on which the manipulation lever 20, the engine button 30, or the like are disposed, can be moved to a position intended by the operator, as in the first console box body 110, so that convenience of the operation can be further improved.

The operation adjustment unit 200 is disposed on the bottom of the console box body 100. The operation adjustment unit 200 is connected to the controller 300, and the operation thereof is controlled by the controller 300. The operation adjustment unit 200 is a device allowing the console box body 100 to operate, more particularly, to slide forwardly and backwardly, while supporting the console box body 100.

The operation adjustment unit 200 according to exemplary embodiments may include a first operation adjustment unit 210 and a second operation adjustment unit 220.

The first operation adjustment unit 210 is disposed on the bottom of the first console box body 110 to enable the operation of the first console box body 110. According to embodiments, when the operator, for example, turns the engine on by pressing the engine button 30 to operate the excavator or to activate a working device after cab ingress, the first operation adjustment unit 210 moves the first console box body 110 to a position in which the first console box body 110 can be operated or can be adjusted with regard to the working devices by sliding the first console box body 110 forwardly and returning the first console box body 110 to the original position from the tilted position.

In contrast, when the operator turns the engine off by pressing the engine button 30 to stop the operation or work for cab egress, the first operation adjustment unit 210 slides the first console box body 110 backwardly and tilts the first console box body 110 to a predetermined angle to open the side portion of the operator's seat 10, thereby obtaining sufficient space for the operator to move. Here, the degree of forward and backward sliding and the degree of tilting of the first console box body 110 are automatically controlled by the controller 300. This will be described in greater detail later.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, according to exemplary embodiments, the first operation adjustment unit 210 may include a first support 211, a sliding rail 212, and a tilting unit 213 to operate the first console box body 110 in the above-described manner.

The first support 211 is a member supporting the first console box body 110. The first support 211 is coupled to the bottom of the first console box body 110 to support the first console box body 110 mounted on a top thereof. Thus, the operation of the first console box body 110 is dependent on the operation of the first support 211. Specifically, the forward and backward sliding and the tilting of the first console box body 110 are realized by the forward and backward sliding and the tilting of the first support 211.

The sliding rail 212 is connected to the first support 211 to enable the first support 211 to slide forwardly and backwardly. As the first support 211 slides forwardly or backwardly on the sliding rail 212, the first console box body 110 slides forwardly or backwardly.

The tilting unit 213 is a device connecting the first support 211 to the sliding rail 212 and tilting the first support 211 with respect to one portion of the sliding rail 212. As the first support 211 is tilted by the tilting unit 213, the first console box body 110 is tilted to open the side portion of the operator's seat 10 facing the cab door. Consequently, sufficient space for the operator to move for cab ingress and egress can be obtained. In this regard, the tilting unit 213 according to exemplary embodiments may include a gear unit 214, a rotary shaft 215, and a first motor 216.

The gear unit 214 is attached to the sliding rail 212. The gear unit 214 rotates the rotary shaft 215 by transferring torque, generated by the motor 216, to the rotary shaft 215. For this function, the gear unit 214 according to exemplary embodiments may be a combination of a variety of gears. In the present disclosure, the structure of the gear unit 214, and the types and combination of the gears, are not specifically limited.

The rotary shaft 215 is connected to the gear unit 214. The rotary shaft 215 is rotatably coupled to the first support 211 and the sliding rail 212. The rotary shaft 215 is rotated by the gear unit 214 to tilt the first support 211 to a predetermined angle.

The first motor 216 rotates the rotary shaft 215 by operating the gear unit 214. Consequently, the first support 211 and the first console box body 110 are tilted. The first motor 216 operates in response to a signal applied by the controller 300, so that the first support 211 and the first console box body 110 are tilted to open the side portion of the operator's seat 10 or to return to default positions. Here, the first motor 216 is used not only as a power source for tilting the first support 211, but also as a power source for sliding the first support 211 forwardly or backwardly. Alternatively, to efficiently control a variety of operations of the first support 211, a separate actuator may be used as the power source for sliding the first support 211 forwardly or backwardly.

The second operation adjustment unit 220 is disposed on the bottom of the second console box body 120 to enable the operation of the second console box body 120. When the operator, for example, turns the engine on by pressing the engine button 30 after cab ingress, the second operation adjustment unit 220 slides the second console box body 120 forwardly or backwardly to a position intended by the operator, thereby improving convenience of the operation of the operator. Here, the degree of forward or backward sliding of the second console box body 120 is automatically controlled by the controller 300. This will be described in greater detail later.

According to exemplary embodiments, the second operation adjustment unit 220 may include a second support 221, a sliding member 222, and a second motor 223, to operate the second console box body 120 in the above-described manner.

The second support 221 is a member supporting the second console box body 120. The second support 221 is coupled to the bottom of the second console box body 120 to support the second console box body 120 mounted on a top thereof. Thus, the second console box body 120 operates integrally with the second support 221.

The sliding member 222 is coupled to the bottom of the second support 221. The sliding member 222 is configured to be able to slide forwardly or backwardly. Thus, the second support 221, coupled to the sliding member 222, and the second console box body 120, mounted on the second support 221, operate integrally with the sliding member 222.

The second motor 223 is connected to the sliding member 222 to slide the sliding member 222 forwardly or backwardly. Consequently, the second console box body 120 is slid forwardly or backwardly. The second motor 223 operates in response to a signal applied by the controller 300.

The controller 300 is connected to the operation adjustment unit 200. The controller 300 receives signals generated in the case of cab ingress and egress of the operator. Signals generated in the case of cab ingress and egress of the operator may include, for example, a signal transmitted to the controller 300 by a sensor, sensing the operator seated in the operator's seat 10, turning the engine on or off by manipulating the engine button 30, and a signal transmitted to the controller 300 by a sensor sensing the operator opening or closing the cab door. Sensors may also be disposed in a variety of locations or on electric circuits, capable of sensing cab ingress and egress of the operator, to sense cab ingress and egress of the operator and transmit resultant signals to the controller 300. The controller 300 receiving signals generated in the case of cab ingress and egress of the operator controls the operation adjustment unit 200 to move the console box body 100 to preset positions depending on the signals. Consequently, the first console box body 110, tilted to open the side portion of the operator's seat 10 in the case of cab ingress of the operator, is automatically tilted to the default position, and the first console box body 110 and the second console box body 120 are automatically slid to positions in which operator convenience for operations is improved. In addition, in the case of cab egress of the operator, the first console box body 110 is automatically tilted to open the side portion of the operator's seat 10 and is slid backwardly to provide a space for the operator to egress the cab. This can consequently improve operator convenience and prevent the construction machine from malfunctioning during cab ingress and egress.

In this regard, the controller 300 according to exemplary embodiments may include a storage 310, a receiver 320, a data extractor 330, and an output device 340, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

The storage 310 generates and stores position change data by matching information regarding operations of the console box body 100 and signals generated in the case of cab ingress and egress of the operator. Here, the position change data is data obtained by matching, for example, signal "A", received in the controller 300, with the angle of tilting and the distance of backward sliding of the first console box body 110, controlled by the controller 300, in the case of cab egress of the operator. Since the range of initial operation of the first console box body 110 is input by the operator, such position change data is stored in the storage 310 to be applied as the position change data regarding signal "A" when signal "A" is received in the controller 300. Thus, once the range of operation of the first console box body 110 is set, without an additional input by the operator, the first console box body 110 can be automatically operated to move to the position in which the first console box body 110 was being operated when signal "A" was received, i.e. a position intended or preferred by the operator.

The receiver 320 receives signals generated in the case of cab ingress and egress of the operator. For example, the receiver 320 receives a signal generated when the operator, having entered the cab, turns the engine on by pressing the engine button 30 to operate the excavator or activate the working device. In addition, the receiver 320 receives a signal generated when the operator turns the engine off by pressing the engine button 30 to stop the operation or work and egress the cab.

The data extractor 330 extracts a signal received by the receiver 320 and position change data, corresponding to the signal received by the receiver 320, among position change data stored in the storage 310. For example, when signal "A" is received by the receiver 320, the data extractor 330 extracts position information data, generated based on the operation of the first console box body 110, moved in response to previous signal "A", among the position change data stored in the storage 310.

The output device 340 outputs a control signal based on the position change data extracted by the data extractor 330. The control signal output by the output device 340 is transferred to the operation adjustment unit 200, more particularly, to the first motor 216 and the second motor 223 of the operation adjustment unit 200, to activate the first and

second motors

216 and 223. Consequently, the console box body 100 is tilted to open the side portion of the operator's seat 10 or returns to the default position, i.e. the position before being tilted, while being slid forwardly or backwardly.

Information regarding the operation of the console box body 100, following the operation adjustment unit 200 controlled by the control signal output by the output device, may be stored in the storage 310. Here, information regarding the operation of the console box body 100, stored in the storage 310 can be corrected by the operator at any time.

Although not specifically illustrated, the console box for a construction machine according to exemplary embodiments, may include a spring or a damper connected to the bottom thereof. The spring or the damper can protect the console box from impacts induced by vibrations generated during the operation of the excavator.

Hereinafter, operations of the console box for a construction machine according to exemplary embodiments, will be described. Ingress and egress signals transferred to the controller will be taken as being generated in response to the manipulation of the engine button.

1. Egress Mode

A state in which the operator has turned the engine off by pressing the engine button 30 to stop the operation of the construction machine and egress the cab is taken. In this case, an egress signal is transmitted to the controller 300. When the egress signal is received, the controller 300 outputs a control signal to the first motor 216 of the first operation adjustment unit 210, based on position change data regarding the same signal stored in the storage 310. This causes the first motor 216 to operate.

As the first motor 216 operates, the gear unit 214 connected to the first motor 216 is operated to rotate the rotary shaft 215. Following the rotation of the rotary shaft 216, the first support 211 operates, and the first console box body 110, operating integrally with the first support 211, is slid backwardly while being tilted to open the side portion of the operator's seat 10. Consequently, sufficient space for the operator to move for cab egress is automatically obtained.

2. Ingress Mode

A state in which the first console box body 110 is tilted to open the side portion of the operator's seat 10 and is slid backwardly due to the egress mode is taken. In this state, when the operator is seated in the operator's seat 10 through the space for movement obtained in the egress mode and then turns the engine on by pressing the engine button 30, an ingress signal is transmitted to the controller 300. When the ingress signal is received, the controller 300 outputs a control signal to the first motor 216 of the first operation adjustment unit 210, based on position change data regarding the same signal stored in the storage 310. This causes the first motor 216 to operate. Here, the controller 300 may output the control signal to the second motor 223 of the second operation adjustment unit 220, depending on the setting input by the operator.

First, following the operation of the first motor 216, the gear unit 214 connected to the first motor 216 operates, causing the rotary shaft 215 to rotate in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the egress mode. In addition, following the rotation of the rotary shaft 215, the first support 211 operates, and the first console box body 110, operating integrally with the first support 211, is tilted to return to the position occupied before being tilted in the egress mode, while being slid forwardly to a position in which the operator can manipulate the first console box body 110. In addition, following the rotation of the second motor 223, the sliding member 222 connected to the second motor 223 is slid forwardly or backwardly. Consequently, the second support 221 coupled to the sliding member 222 and the second console box body 120 mounted on the second support 221 to operate integrally with the second support 221 are slid forwardly or backwardly, along with the sliding member 222. The second console box body 120 may be slid to a position intended by the operator, stored in the storage 310 of the controller 300, i.e. a position of the second console box body 120 in which the operator has previously felt comfortable when manipulating the manipulation lever 20.

100: console box body 110: first console box body

120: second console box body

200: operation adjustment unit

210: first operation adjustment unit

211: first support 212: sliding rail

213: tilting unit 214: gear unit

215: rotary shaft 216: first motor

220: second operation adjustment unit

221: second support 222: sliding member

223: second motor 300: controller

310: storage 320: receiver

330: data extractor 340: output device

10: operator's seat 20: manipulator levers

30: engine button

Claims

A console box for a construction machine, comprising:

a console box body disposed on a side portion of an operator's seat;

an operation adjustment unit disposed on a bottom of the console box body to support the console box body, the operation adjustment unit allowing the console box body to operate; and

a controller connected to the operation adjustment unit to receive signals generated in cab ingress and egress of the operator and control the operation adjustment unit to move the console box body to preset positions depending on the signals.
The console box of claim 1, wherein the console box body comprises:

a first console box body disposed on one side portion of the operator's seat facing a cab door; and

a second console box body disposed on the other side portion of the operator's seat.
The console box of claim 2, wherein the operation adjustment unit comprises:

a first operation adjustment unit disposed on a bottom of the first console box body to allow the first console box body to operate; and

a second operation adjustment unit disposed on a bottom of the second console box body to allow the second console box body to operate.
The console box of claim 3, wherein the first operation adjustment unit causes the first console box body to slide forwardly and backwardly and to be tilted to open the side portion of the operator's seat.
The console box of claim 3, wherein the second operation adjustment unit causes the second console box body to slide forwardly and backwardly.
The console box of claim 4, wherein the first operation adjustment unit comprises:

a first support supporting the first console box body mounted on a top thereof;

a sliding rail connected to the first support to allow the first support to slide forwardly and backwardly; and

a tilting unit connecting the first support and the sliding rail to tilt the first support with respect to a portion of the sliding rail.
The console box of claim 6, wherein the tilting unit comprises:

a gear unit attached to the sliding rail;

a rotary shaft connected to the gear unit and rotatably coupled to the first support and the sliding rail; and

a first motor rotating the rotary shaft by operating the gear unit, the first motor being operated by the controller.
The console box of claim 5, wherein the second operation adjustment unit comprises:

a second support supporting the second console box body mounted on a top thereof;

a sliding member coupled to a bottom of the second support; and

a second motor connected to the sliding member to slide the sliding member forwardly and backwardly, the second motor being operated by the controller.
The console box of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a storage generates and stores position change data by matching information regarding an operation of the console box body and a signal generated in cab ingress and egress of the operator.
The console box of claim 9, wherein the controller further comprises:

a receiver receiving the signal generated in cab ingress and egress of the operator;

a data extractor extracting the signal received by the receiver and position change data corresponding to the signal received by the receiver among a plurality of the position change data stored in the storage; and

an output device outputting a control signal to the operation adjustment unit based on the position change data extracted by the data extractor.
The console box of claim 10, wherein the storage stores information regarding an operation of the console box, operated by the operation adjustment unit controlled by the control signal.