JP7621169B2 - Construction machine equipped with stairs for boarding and alighting, method for installing stairs for boarding and alighting on construction machine, and method for controlling operation of stairs for boarding and alighting provided on construction machine - Google Patents

Description

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act A staff member of the Machinery Department at the head office of Yamazaki Construction Co., Ltd. attached the boarding and alighting stairs for construction machinery invented by Hiroaki Sugita and Hideki Shibata to a scrape dozer (SRY-E, manufactured by Yamazaki Construction Co., Ltd.) at the Hamamatsu factory of Yamazaki Construction Co., Ltd., and made it operational.

The present invention relates to construction machinery, and in particular to a device for allowing an operator to ascend and descend to the driver's cab or pilot's compartment of a self-propelled construction machine (vehicle-mounted construction machine).

Self-propelled construction machinery such as bulldozers, scrapers, and dump trucks are equipped with wheeled or crawler-type running bodies, the upper structure of which is equipped with working equipment for loading, excavating, transporting, etc., and a driver's cab (or pilot's cab).

The specifications (size, weight) of construction machinery vary depending on the environment and purpose of use, but as they are intended to perform special tasks at construction sites, the driver's cab and control room are installed at a relatively high position. For this reason, lifting devices are provided as necessary to make it easier for workers to access the driver's cab, etc.

For example, steps are provided near the driver's cab or on the side of the running body (see Patent Document 1). In addition, in the case of large hydraulic excavators and self-propelled cranes, the running gear is higher than the height of the vehicle, so a sliding (retractable) ladder is attached to the rotating body (see Patent Document 2).

Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 63-80 JP 2001-115493 A

In the case of construction machinery whose running body is not as tall as the vehicle itself, steps are often provided near the driver's cab or cockpit. However, at work sites where mining work or soil transportation are carried out, the road surface is not necessarily flat like public roads, and the vehicle may be driven on rough ground. This can easily lead to situations where getting on and off using the steps is difficult. Furthermore, in recent years, with the aging of society, the workers at work sites are also getting older, which places a heavy burden on the workers getting on and off using the steps.

On the other hand, for relatively small construction machinery, the use of a ladder can actually make it more difficult to ascend and descend smoothly. In addition, there is limited space available for installation near the upper working equipment, and installing a ladder could cause problems with driving, operating, and moving around.

Therefore, there is a demand for construction machinery that is equipped with a lifting means that allows safe access to the driver's cab and pilot's compartment without interfering with the operation and work of the machinery.

The construction machine according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a running body, a cab or control room (hereinafter referred to as the cab, etc.) provided on the running body, and a boarding staircase consisting of multiple steps arranged side by side and enabling access to the cab, etc. The boarding staircase can be arranged around the running body with its lower end inclined toward the ground before starting (before the construction machine is in operation). The boarding staircase can be controlled to move to a retreat position where it does not impede running or work. For example, it is possible to move the boarding staircase to a height higher than the running body.

One aspect of the present invention is a method for installing boarding and alighting stairs on a construction machine, which is a method for installing boarding and alighting stairs, which have multiple steps arranged side by side and whose upper ends can rotate on an axis driven by a motor, in a position that allows access to a driver's cab or the like provided on a running body. The upper ends of the boarding and alighting stairs are attached around the boarding and alighting steps that have been installed beforehand near the driver's cab or in a position that replaces the boarding and alighting steps, and the boarding and alighting stairs are placed around the running body with their lower ends inclined toward the ground.

In one aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling the operation of boarding and alighting stairs installed on a construction machine includes arranging multiple steps side by side to allow access to a driver's cab or the like provided on a running body, positioning the boarding and alighting stairs around the running body with their bottom ends inclined toward the ground before starting, and notifying the user that the boarding and alighting stairs are not in an evacuation position or disabling the operation of the construction machine until the boarding and alighting stairs move to an evacuation position where they do not impede running or work.

The present invention allows safe access to the driver's cab and pilot's cabin in construction machinery without interfering with the operation or work of the machinery.

1 is a schematic perspective view of a carrier dump according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the vicinity of the boarding and disembarking stairs of the carrier dump truck. FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the carrier dump truck viewed from the front side near the boarding and disembarking stairs. 1 is a schematic plan view of a carrier dump truck viewed from above in the vicinity of the boarding and disembarking stairs. FIG. FIG. 13 is a block diagram relating to operation control of the boarding and alighting stairs. FIG. 11 is a flow chart relating to the operation control of the boarding and alighting stairs. FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of a scrape dozer according to a second embodiment, seen from the rear side.

The construction machine according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a carrier dump truck according to a first embodiment. The carrier dump truck 10 is an off-road vehicle (dump truck) equipped with a crawler-type running body 40, and its upper structure 10B is equipped with a prime mover 15, a cab 20, etc. A power transmission device (not shown) that connects to the prime mover 15 is installed between a pair of crawlers 40A, 40B that make up the running body 40. A loading platform 30 for carrying soil and sand is attached to the rear side of the upper structure 10B.

A door 20F is provided on the left side of the cab 20 facing forward. A movable boarding staircase 50 is installed diagonally forward to the left of the cab 20. The boarding staircase 50 is configured as a step-type staircase provided on the path for workers to access the cab 20.

Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the carrier dump truck 10 near the boarding and alighting stairs 50. Figure 3 is a schematic front view from the front side, and Figure 4 is a schematic plan view from above. The configuration of the boarding and alighting stairs 50 will be explained using Figures 2 to 4.

The boarding and alighting stairs 50 are equipped with plate-shaped steps 52, 54, and 56, both sides of which are supported by U-shaped support members 58. The steps 52, 54, and 56 are made of metal plates or the like here, and are arranged side by side at equal intervals.

As shown in FIG. 2, a step (hereinafter, referred to as an access step) 60 is provided at the upper end of the boarding/alighting stairs 50, extending in the fore-and-aft direction adjacent to the cab 20 and forming a path for accessing the cab 20. The access step 60 is installed above a separate boarding/alighting step F that is attached to the carrier dump 10 in advance.

The access step 60 has a flat upper surface 60F and is held by the upper structure 10B. Specifically, it is mounted on and fixed to a plate-shaped support member 27 attached to the side of the base portion 25 of the upper structure 10B. Meanwhile, recesses 61A, 61B are formed from above at the front end 60T of the access step 60 so as to sandwich the upper ends 58A, 58B of the support member 58.

The support members 58 of the boarding and alighting stairs 50 are housed in the recesses 61A, 61B and are attached to the access step 60 so that they can rotate around the upper ends 58A, 58B of the support members 58. Through holes are provided in the upper ends 58A, 58B of the support members 58, and the support members 58 are held to the access step 60 by passing bolts 59A, 59B through the outer side surfaces of the recesses 61A, 61B of the access step 60.

Specifically, a nut (not shown) or the like is screwed onto the bolt 59B at the upper end 58B of the support member 58, while the shaft of the motor 90 and the bolt 59A are connected to the end 58A of the support member 58 via a connector or the like.

As shown in FIG. 2, the boarding and alighting stairs 50 extend from their upper ends 58A, 58B to their lower end 58T, bending partway along the way. In the section where the steps 52, 54, and 56 are located, the stairs are inclined at an angle θ to the vertical direction. The boarding and alighting stairs 50 are positioned so that their lower end 58T is a predetermined distance h away from the lowest position of the crawler 40, i.e., the road surface G.

The above angle θ, height h from the road surface G, number of steps, etc. are determined based on the height H of the crawler 40 of the carrier dump 10, the position of the base part 25 of the upper structure 10B, etc., so that the worker can easily get in and out of the cab 20. The height h is determined so that the worker can easily place his/her foot on the step 52, which serves as the first stepping stool, and in this case is determined below the center position of the sprocket of the crawler 40. For example, it can be set in the range of 10 to 50 cm (particularly around 30 cm).

On the other hand, the angle θ can be set as an angle at which it is possible to stop at the steps 52, 54, and 56 of the boarding and alighting stairs 50 and board and alight without using one's hands. For example, it can be set in the range of 20° to 60°. However, in this embodiment, a rod-shaped handrail (see FIG. 1) or the like can be inserted into the tube 62, so that the worker can go up and down the boarding and alighting stairs 50 while holding on to it with their hands.

The boarding and alighting stairs 50 can be moved by an upward operation by an operator in the cab 20. The boarding and alighting stairs 50 are pivoted (see FIG. 2) to a top position (hereinafter referred to as the retreated position) along a substantially vertical direction by the drive of the motor 90, and are positioned there. The operator operates the carrier dump 10 with the boarding and alighting stairs 50 in this retreated position. After the operation is completed, the operator lowers the boarding and alighting stairs 50 to rotate on its axis back to its original position (hereinafter referred to as the boarding position).

Figure 5 is a block diagram related to the operation control of the boarding and alighting stairs 50. The controller 80 controls the ascending and descending operation of the boarding and alighting stairs 50, and is connected to the main body operation control unit 95 of the carrier dump 10. When the controller 80 detects a signal sent from the operation unit 82 (lever, push button, etc.) for ascending and descending the boarding and alighting stairs 50, it outputs a control signal to drive the motor 90.

Here, the motor 90 is configured with an output torque performance equivalent to the minimum torque required to rotate the boarding stairs 50 on its axis. When a load exceeding a predetermined value (e.g., 10 kg/m) is applied, the motor 90 does not rotate and the boarding stairs 50 stops. For example, it is possible to apply a motor that drives an automatic opening and closing seat (known as Coborane (registered trademark)) that is attached to the upper end of the side wall (gate) of the loading platform of a dump truck.

The limit switch 92 is a switch configured to switch ON/OFF when the motor 90 moves to the retracted position, and is connected to the controller 80. The buzzer 84 and warning lamp 86 connected to the controller 80 emit a buzzer sound and flash depending on the position of the boarding and alighting stairs 50. The warning lamp 86 is provided inside the driver's cab 20, but it may also be attached to a pole by inserting a pole into the tube 63 shown in Figure 3. Two warning lamps may also be provided.

Figure 6 is a flow diagram for controlling the operation of the boarding and alighting stairs 50.

As described above, before the operator boards the carrier dump 10, the boarding stairs 50 are positioned at the boarding position shown in Figures 1 to 4. When the operator boards the cab 20 and performs the dump operation start operation (starting the engine or starting the electrical system related devices), the operation control of the boarding stairs 50 begins.

Because the boarding/alighting stairs 50 are in the boarding position, the controller 80 controls the buzzer 84 and warning lamp 86, simultaneously emitting a buzzer sound and flashing the warning lamp 86 (S101). When the operator operates the operation unit 82 to move the boarding/alighting stairs 50 to the evacuation position, the controller 80 drives the motor 90 (S102, S103).

When the boarding and alighting stairs 50 move to the retreat position, the motor 90 stops driving, and the boarding and alighting stairs 50 are stopped at the retreat position. When the boarding and alighting stairs 50 move to the retreat position, the limit switch 92 switches, and the controller 80 stops the operation of the buzzer 84 and the warning lamp 86 (S104). When the worker operates the operation unit 82 to lower the boarding and alighting stairs 50 to end operation or to interrupt or finish work, the controller 80 drives the motor 90 and moves the boarding and alighting stairs 50 to the boarding position (S106). During this time, it is also possible to simultaneously generate a buzzer sound and turn on the warning lamp 86. After operation ends, the controller 80 may automatically move the boarding and alighting stairs 50 to the boarding position.

According to this embodiment, a rotatable boarding staircase 50 is provided near the driver's cab 20 of the dump truck 10, and before operation begins (before starting), it is positioned around the crawler 40 inclined toward the front of the machine. After starting the machine, the boarding staircase 50 is raised and removed from around the running body 40.

The boarding and alighting stairs 50 have the same functions as the ladders used on airplanes and ships, and are available only when necessary for boarding and alighting. In addition, by installing them near the boarding and alighting step F that has been installed in advance, workers can access the cab 20 smoothly in a relatively short distance.

In addition, by adjusting the height h of the lower end 58T of the boarding and alighting stairs 50, the spacing between the steps 52, 54, and 56, the number of steps, and the inclination angle θ to match the height H to the superstructure 10B, the stride length when boarding and alighting is not too wide or too narrow, making it easier to board and alight.

Furthermore, by controlling the movement of the boarding stairs 50 by driving the motor 90 rather than by manual operation, it is possible to move the boarding stairs 50 to a position as far away (upward) as possible from the area around the running body 40, which reliably prevents the boarding stairs 50 from interfering with driving or work.

The boarding and alighting stairs 50 are positioned so that they are inclined toward the front, preventing the need to climb over the side of the crawler 40 to access the machine. This reduces the risk of contact with the crawler 40. In addition, this ensures a lateral space when the machine is stopped or parked, making it easy to line up construction machines side by side.

On the other hand, the boarding and alighting stairs 50 are positioned facing the crawler 40 (one of the crawlers 40A) so as to be located as close as possible to the door 20F of the cab 20. This makes it possible to shorten the length of the access path to the cab 20 as much as possible.

The boarding and alighting stairs 50 are equipped with access steps 60 that are supported by the superstructure 10B and extend along the base portion 25 (horizontally), forming an access path between the cab 20 and the steps 56. This allows the worker to easily get into the cab 20, and when disembarking, he or she can safely move to the position of the steps 56.

The motor 90 is configured to output only the torque required to rotate the boarding stairs 50 upward on its axis, and will stop driving if a load greater than this is applied. Therefore, if the boarding stairs 50 comes into contact with a worker or the like while rotating, no further force will be applied, improving safety. In particular, since the motor for the automatic opening and closing seat described above can be applied, there is no need to prepare a dedicated motor.

When the worker starts the dump truck 10, the buzzer 84 generates a warning sound and the warning lamp 86 flashes to notify the worker that the boarding and alighting stairs 50 have not moved to the retreat position. This prevents the worker from starting to drive or work with the boarding and alighting stairs 50 in the boarding position. The main body operation control unit 95 may control the dump truck 10 to be unable to operate until the boarding and alighting stairs 50 move to the retreat position. For example, a function similar to that of a safety lever may be provided to prevent the working device from operating until the boarding and alighting stairs 50 reach the retreat position.

Next, the boarding and alighting stairs of a construction machine according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. In the second embodiment, the boarding and alighting stairs are provided on the rear side of the construction machine.

Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of the scrape dozer according to the second embodiment, seen from the rear. The scrape dozer 100 has an access path 170 to the operator's cab 120, which is provided on the upper structure of the crawler 140, provided on the rear side. A boarding staircase 150 having a step structure that can rotate on an axis is installed between the crawlers 140 (140A, 140B). The boarding staircase 150 is attached to its mounting position after the steps (not shown) have been removed in advance.

By providing the boarding stairs 150 in line with the access route 170 to the cab 120, the worker can move smoothly to the cab 120. In addition, since the boarding stairs 150 are disposed between the crawlers 140 and positioned so as to be inclined toward the rear, there is no possibility of contact between the crawlers 140 and the boarding stairs 150, and the boarding stairs 150 can be driven and controlled safely.

It is possible to equip or retrofit vehicle-mounted construction machinery other than the above-mentioned carrier dump 10 and scrape dozer 100 with similar boarding and alighting stairs. This can be applied to both crawler-type and wheel-type running bodies, and the number of steps, inclination angle, height from the road surface to the bottom end, etc. can be set according to the height of the running body. In the case of wheel-type, the bottom end of the boarding and alighting stairs can be set below the center position of the wheel. Boarding and alighting stairs can also be applied to vehicle-mounted construction machinery equipped with a driver's cabin in the same way.

The retreat position of the boarding and alighting stairs may be determined according to the type of construction machine to which it is attached, and may be a position below the highest vertical position. In addition, movement control other than axial rotation, such as sliding movement, may be performed, and the staircase structure may be configured to indicate multiple steps lined up. Furthermore, multiple boarding and alighting stairs may be provided for a construction machine. For example, boarding and alighting stairs can be installed for a construction machine that allows access to the driver's cab from the platform marked with the symbol N in Figure 1. The stairs may be installed in the access route to the driver's cab or the control room.

10. Carrier dump (construction machinery)
10B Upper structure 20 Cab 30 Cargo platform 40 Crawler (traveling body)
50: Stairs for boarding and disembarking 60: Access step 90: Motor 100: Scrape dozer (construction machinery)
F. Steps for boarding and alighting

Claims (8)

A running body,
A cab or a steering room (hereinafter referred to as a cab or the like) provided on the running body;
A boarding and alighting staircase having a plurality of steps arranged side by side to enable access to the cab, etc.;
The boarding and alighting stairs can be arranged around the running body with a lower end facing the ground and inclined forward before starting,
The boarding and alighting stairs can be controlled to move to a retreat position where they do not interfere with travel or work ,
The vehicle is supported by a base portion of the upper structure of the vehicle body, and a front end portion of the access step protrudes forward from the driver's cab or the like to form a path to the driver's cab or the like;
A construction machine characterized in that the boarding and alighting stairs are attached to a front end portion of the access step . 2. The construction machine according to claim 1, wherein the boarding and alighting stairs extend in a bent manner from the middle . The construction machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the boarding and alighting stairs are arranged in a position facing the wheels or crawlers of the running body in the fore-and-aft direction of the construction machine, or between the wheels or crawlers in the width direction of the construction machine. 4. A construction machine according to claim 1 , wherein the access step is provided with a tube into which a rod-shaped handrail can be inserted . A running body,
A cab or a steering room (hereinafter referred to as a cab or the like) provided on the running body;
A boarding and alighting staircase having a plurality of steps arranged side by side to enable access to the cab, etc.;
The boarding and alighting stairs can be arranged around the traveling body with a lower end thereof inclined toward the ground before starting,
The boarding and alighting stairs can be controlled to move to a retreat position where they do not interfere with travel or work,
The boarding and alighting stairs are rotatable around an axis near the top end thereof, and are driven by a motor having an output torque performance equivalent to the minimum torque required for the axis rotation;
A construction machine characterized in that the motor is a motor that drives an automatic opening and closing seat attached to an upper end of a side wall of a loading platform of a dump truck . 6. A construction machine according to claim 1, wherein the boarding and alighting stairs are attached around a boarding and alighting step that has been installed in advance near the driver's cab or the like. A method for installing a staircase for boarding and alighting on a construction machine, the method comprising: mounting a staircase for boarding and alighting, the staircase having a plurality of steps arranged side by side and an upper end of which can be rotated around an axis by driving a motor, at a position accessible to a cab or a control room (hereinafter referred to as a cab, etc.) provided on a running body;
An access step forming a path to the cab or the like is fixed to a base portion of the upper structure of the traveling body so that a front end portion of the access step protrudes forward from the cab or the like;
The upper end side of the boarding/alighting stairs is attached to the front end side of the access step ,
A method for installing boarding and alighting stairs on a construction machine, characterized in that the boarding and alighting stairs are arranged around the running body with their lower ends inclined forward toward the ground. A method for controlling the operation of a boarding/alighting staircase installed in a construction machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising:
A method for controlling the operation of boarding and alighting stairs provided on a construction machine, characterized by notifying that the position of the boarding and alighting stairs is not in an evacuation position or disabling the operation of the construction machine until the boarding and alighting stairs move to a evacuation position where they do not hinder travel or work.

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