EP2857590A2 - Chargeur frontal - Google Patents

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Publication number
EP2857590A2
EP2857590A2 EP20140184536 EP14184536A EP2857590A2 EP 2857590 A2 EP2857590 A2 EP 2857590A2 EP 20140184536 EP20140184536 EP 20140184536 EP 14184536 A EP14184536 A EP 14184536A EP 2857590 A2 EP2857590 A2 EP 2857590A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
boom
free
link member
center
pivot
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP20140184536
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2857590B1 (fr
EP2857590A3 (fr
Inventor
Kosuke Oyama
Kenzo Ushiro
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Kubota Corp
Original Assignee
Kubota Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kubota Corp filed Critical Kubota Corp
Publication of EP2857590A2 publication Critical patent/EP2857590A2/fr
Publication of EP2857590A3 publication Critical patent/EP2857590A3/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2857590B1 publication Critical patent/EP2857590B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/28—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets
    • E02F3/34—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets with bucket-arms, i.e. a pair of arms, e.g. manufacturing processes, form, geometry, material of bucket-arms directly pivoted on the frames of tractors or self-propelled machines
    • E02F3/3405—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets with bucket-arms, i.e. a pair of arms, e.g. manufacturing processes, form, geometry, material of bucket-arms directly pivoted on the frames of tractors or self-propelled machines and comprising an additional linkage mechanism
    • E02F3/3411—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets with bucket-arms, i.e. a pair of arms, e.g. manufacturing processes, form, geometry, material of bucket-arms directly pivoted on the frames of tractors or self-propelled machines and comprising an additional linkage mechanism of the Z-type
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/28—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets
    • E02F3/34—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets with bucket-arms, i.e. a pair of arms, e.g. manufacturing processes, form, geometry, material of bucket-arms directly pivoted on the frames of tractors or self-propelled machines
    • E02F3/3405—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets with bucket-arms, i.e. a pair of arms, e.g. manufacturing processes, form, geometry, material of bucket-arms directly pivoted on the frames of tractors or self-propelled machines and comprising an additional linkage mechanism
    • E02F3/3408—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets with bucket-arms, i.e. a pair of arms, e.g. manufacturing processes, form, geometry, material of bucket-arms directly pivoted on the frames of tractors or self-propelled machines and comprising an additional linkage mechanism of the parallelogram-type
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/28—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets
    • E02F3/36—Component parts
    • E02F3/42—Drives for dippers, buckets, dipper-arms or bucket-arms
    • E02F3/43—Control of dipper or bucket position; Control of sequence of drive operations
    • E02F3/431—Control of dipper or bucket position; Control of sequence of drive operations for bucket-arms, front-end loaders, dumpers or the like
    • E02F3/432—Control of dipper or bucket position; Control of sequence of drive operations for bucket-arms, front-end loaders, dumpers or the like for keeping the bucket in a predetermined position or attitude
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/28—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets
    • E02F3/36—Component parts
    • E02F3/42—Drives for dippers, buckets, dipper-arms or bucket-arms
    • E02F3/43—Control of dipper or bucket position; Control of sequence of drive operations
    • E02F3/431—Control of dipper or bucket position; Control of sequence of drive operations for bucket-arms, front-end loaders, dumpers or the like
    • E02F3/432—Control of dipper or bucket position; Control of sequence of drive operations for bucket-arms, front-end loaders, dumpers or the like for keeping the bucket in a predetermined position or attitude
    • E02F3/433—Control of dipper or bucket position; Control of sequence of drive operations for bucket-arms, front-end loaders, dumpers or the like for keeping the bucket in a predetermined position or attitude horizontal, e.g. self-levelling
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/627—Devices to connect beams or arms to tractors or similar self-propelled machines, e.g. drives therefor

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a front loader including fixed brackets mounted to a vehicle body, booms mounted to the fixed brackets so as to be vertically swingable about first horizontal pivots as fulcrums, an implement mounted to free-end parts of the booms so as to be swingable about second horizontal pivots as fulcrums, and a mechanical posture maintaining mechanism for maintaining a posture of the implement regardless of the swing displacements of the booms.
  • some posture maintaining mechanisms are each comprised of a swing link member (three-point swing lever body 5), a base-end link member (link rod 3), a free-end link member (work cylinder 13).
  • the swing link member has two free-end parts and is disposed of a longitudinal central location of a boom so as to be swingable about a third horizontal pivot (three-point swing axis 18) as a fulcrum.
  • the base-end link member is bridged between a fixed bracket (columnar body 4) and one of the free-end parts of the swing link member.
  • the free-end link member links the other free-end part of the swing link member to an implement.
  • each boom is formed in a sharply-curved shape where a longitudinal central part thereof is upwardly convex.
  • the posture maintaining mechanism is configured so that a base-end link member (link rod 3), one of the free-end parts of the swing link member (three-point swing lever body 5) coupled to the base-end link member, etc. are located inwardly from the upper surface of the boom (i.e., on the inside of the boom elbow). Further, the posture maintaining mechanism is configured so that the other free-end part of the swing link member and the free-end link member (work cylinder 13) coupled to the other free-end part, etc.
  • the other free-end part of the swing link member is configured in a base-end boom part located toward the fixed bracket (columnar body 4) from the bent point of the boom so that the other free-end part greatly projects upwardly from the upper surface of the boom.
  • the purpose of the present invention is to improve operability of a front loader in a low position operating state.
  • a front loader comprising: a bracket fixed to a vehicle body of the front loader; a boom swingably mounted to the bracket about a first horizontal pivot as a fulcrum; an implement swingably mounted to a free-end part of the boom about a second horizontal pivot as a fulcrum; and a mechanical posture maintaining mechanism configured to maintain the posture of the implement, regardless of swing displacement of the boom, wherein the boom is bent at a vicinity of the center with respect to the longitudinal direction thereof, the vicinity of the center being located above a center-to-center straight line connecting between the center of the first pivot and the center of the second pivot, the posture maintaining mechanism includes a swing link member having two free-end portions and disposed at the vicinity of the center with respect to the longitudinal direction of the boom so as to be swingable about a third horizontal pivot as a fulcrum, a base-end link member extending between the bracket and one of the free-end portions of the swing link member, and a free-end link member linking the other free-end
  • a tractor and a conveyance vehicle are preferred examples of a vehicle body for mounting a front loader according to the present invention thereon.
  • the free-end boom part of the boom can be provided with the swing link member as well as the third pivot.
  • the free-end boom part In the low position operating state in which the boom is lowered to the height where the implement contacts or substantially contacts the ground surface, the free-end boom part is a part which hangs over downwardly from the peak of the boom, by a larger vertical distance than the base-end boom. Therefore, for example, as compared with a case where the base-end boom part is provided to the swing link member, the height of the swing link member with respect to the boom can be lowered in the low position operating state.
  • the projecting amount of, for example, the swing link member which projects upwardly from the upper end of the boom in a downward line-of-sight direction when an operator who rides the vehicle body views, for example, the boom, can be reduced.
  • an area interrupted, for example, by the outer free-end part of the swing link member from a field of view of the operator who rides the vehicle body can be reduced.
  • the visibility of the operating state from the vehicle body side in the low position operation state can be improved by the reduced amount of the interruption area, and the low position operation can be easily performed.
  • a front loader comprising: a bracket fixed to a vehicle body of the front loader; a boom swingably mounted to the bracket about a first horizontal pivot as a fulcrum; an implement swingably mounted to a free-end part of the boom about a second horizontal pivot as a fulcrum; and a mechanical posture maintaining mechanism configured to maintain the posture of the implement, regardless of swing displacement of the boom, wherein the boom is bent at a vicinity of the center with respect to the longitudinal direction thereof, the vicinity of the center being located above a center-to-center straight line connecting between the center of the first pivot and the center of the second pivot, the posture maintaining mechanism includes a swing link member having two free-end portions and disposed at the vicinity of the center with respect to the longitudinal direction of the boom so as to be swingable about a third horizontal pivot as a fulcrum, a base-end link member extending between the bracket and one of the free-end portions of the swing link member, and a free-end link member linking the other free-end
  • a part of the boom on the second pivot side can be provided with the swing link member as well as the third pivot.
  • the part on the second pivot side is part of the boom which hangs over downwardly by a larger vertical distance than part on the first pivot side from a boundary line in the low position operating state. Therefore, for example, as compared with a case where the swing link member is provided to part of the boom on the first pivot side from the boundary line, the height of the swing link member can be lowered with respect to the boom in the low position operating state.
  • the projecting amount of, for example, the swing link member which projects upwardly from the upper end of the boom in the downward line-of-sight direction when the operator who rides the vehicle body views, for example, the boom, can be reduced.
  • the area interrupted, for example, by the outer free-end part of the swing link member from the field of view of the operator who rides the vehicle body can be reduced.
  • the visibility of the operating state from the vehicle body side in the low position operating state can be improved by the reduced amount of the interruption area, and the low position operation can be easily performed.
  • a front loader comprising: a bracket fixed to a vehicle body of the front loader; a boom swingably mounted to the bracket about a first horizontal pivot as a fulcrum; an implement swingably mounted to a free-end part of the boom about a second horizontal pivot as a fulcrum; and a mechanical posture maintaining mechanism configured to maintain the posture of the implement, regardless of swing displacement of the boom, wherein the boom is bent at a vicinity of the center with respect to the longitudinal direction thereof, the vicinity of the center being located above a center-to-center straight line connecting between the center of the first pivot and the center of the second pivot, the posture maintaining mechanism includes a swing link member having two free-end portions and disposed at the vicinity of the center with respect to the longitudinal direction of the boom so as to be swingable about a third horizontal pivot as a fulcrum, a base-end link member extending between the bracket and one of the free-end portions of the swing link member, and a free-end link member linking the other free-end
  • the second pivot side of the boom provided with the swing link member is the side which hangs over downwardly from the peak of the boom in the low position operating state by a larger vertical distance than the first pivot side. Therefore, for example, as compared with a case where the swing link member is provided to the first pivot side from the peak of the boom, the height of the swing link member can be lowered with respect to the boom in the low position operating state.
  • the projecting amount of, for example, the swing link member which projects upwardly from the upper end of the boom in the downward line-of-sight direction when the operator who rides the vehicle body views, for example, the boom, can be reduced.
  • the area interrupted, for example, by the outer free-end part of the swing link member from the field of view of the operator who rides the vehicle body can be reduced.
  • the visibility of the operating state from the vehicle body side in the low position operating state can be improved by the reduced amount of the interruption area, and the low position operation can be easily performed.
  • a front loader comprising: a bracket fixed to a vehicle body of the front loader; a boom swingably mounted to the bracket about a first horizontal pivot as a fulcrum; an implement swingably mounted to a free-end part of the boom about a second horizontal pivot as a fulcrum; and a mechanical posture maintaining mechanism configured to maintain the posture of the implement, regardless of swing displacement of the boom, wherein the boom is bent at a vicinity of the center with respect to the longitudinal direction thereof, the vicinity of the center being located above a center-to-center straight line connecting between the center of the first pivot and the center of the second pivot, the posture maintaining mechanism includes a swing link member having two free-end portions and disposed at the vicinity of the center with respect to the longitudinal direction of the boom so as to be swingable about a third horizontal pivot as a fulcrum, a base-end link member extending between the bracket and one of the free-end portions of the swing link member, and a free-end link member linking the other free-end
  • the upper end of the outer free-end portion of the swing link member is located below an upper end of the boom in a view of a predetermined view point of an operator of the front loader.
  • at least a part of the boom is on or beyond a line extending through an upper end of the outer free-end portion of the swing link member and a predetermined view point of an operator of the front loader.
  • the area interrupted, for example, by the outer free-end part of the swing link member from the field of view of the operator who is sitting on the operator's seat of the vehicle body can be eliminated.
  • the visibility of the operating state from the vehicle body side in the low position operating state can be improved, and the low position operating state can be easily performed.
  • a front loader comprising: a bracket fixed to a vehicle body of the front loader; a boom swingably mounted to the bracket about a first horizontal pivot as a fulcrum; an implement swingably mounted to a free-end part of the boom about a second horizontal pivot as a fulcrum; and a mechanical posture maintaining mechanism configured to maintain the posture of the implement, regardless of swing displacement of the boom, wherein the boom is bent at a vicinity of the center with respect to the longitudinal direction thereof, the vicinity of the center being located above a center-to-center straight line connecting between the center of the first pivot and the center of the second pivot, the posture maintaining mechanism includes a swing link member having two free-end portions and disposed at the vicinity of the center with respect to the longitudinal direction of the boom so as to be swingable about a third horizontal pivot as a fulcrum, a base-end link member extending between the bracket and one of the free-end portions of the swing link member, and a free-end link member linking the other free-end
  • the first reference line is preferably tangential to the upper surface of the boom at a position closest to the center of the first pivot.
  • the second reference line is preferably tangential to the upper surface of the boom at a position closest to the center of the second pivot.
  • the swing link member as well as the third pivot can be provided on the second pivot side from the intersection between the first reference line and the second reference line of the boom.
  • the second pivot side from the intersection between the first reference line and the second reference line of the boom is the side which hangs over downwardly by a larger vertical distance than the first pivot side from the intersection between the first reference line and the second reference line of the boom. Therefore, for example, as compared with a case where the swing link member is provided to the first pivot side from the intersection between the first reference line and the second reference line of the boom, the height of the swing link member can be lowered with respect to the boom in the low position operating state.
  • the projecting amount of, for example, the swing link member which projects upwardly from the upper end of the boom in the downward line-of-sight direction when the operator who rides the vehicle body views, for example, the boom, can be reduced.
  • the area interrupted, for example, by the outer free-end part of the swing link member from the field of view of the operator who rides the vehicle body can be reduced.
  • the visibility of the operating state from the vehicle body side in the low position operating state can be improved by the reduced amount of the interruption area, and the low position operation can be easily performed.
  • a front loader comprising: a bracket fixed to a vehicle body of the front loader; a boom swingably mounted to the bracket about a first horizontal pivot as a fulcrum; an implement swingably mounted to a free-end part of the boom about a second horizontal pivot as a fulcrum; and a mechanical posture maintaining mechanism configured to maintain the posture of the implement, regardless of swing displacement of the boom, wherein the boom is bent at a vicinity of the center with respect to the longitudinal direction thereof, the vicinity of the center being located above a center-to-center straight line connecting between the center of the first pivot and the center of the second pivot, the posture maintaining mechanism includes a swing link member having two free-end portions and disposed at the vicinity of the center with respect to the longitudinal direction of the boom so as to be swingable about a third horizontal pivot as a fulcrum, a base-end link member extending between the bracket and one of the free-end portions of the swing link member, and a free-end link member linking the other free-end
  • the amount of the swing link member exposed outside from the upper surface of the boom can be reduced down to about 1/4 of the entire swing link member.
  • the projecting amount of, for example, the swing link member which projects upwardly from the upper end of the boom in the downward line-of-sight direction when the operator who rides the vehicle body views, for example, the boom, can be reduced.
  • the area interrupted, for example, by the outer free-end part of the swing link member from the field of view of the operator who rides the vehicle body can be reduced.
  • the visibility of the operating state from the vehicle body side in the low position operating state can be improved by the reduced amount of the interruption area, and the low position operation can be easily performed.
  • a front loader comprising: a bracket fixed to a vehicle body of the front loader; a boom swingably mounted to the bracket about a first horizontal pivot as a fulcrum; an implement swingably mounted to a free-end part of the boom about a second horizontal pivot as a fulcrum; and a mechanical posture maintaining mechanism configured to maintain the posture of the implement, regardless of swing displacement of the boom, wherein the boom is bent at a vicinity of the center with respect to the longitudinal direction thereof, the vicinity of the center being located above a center-to-center straight line connecting between the center of the first pivot and the center of the second pivot, the posture maintaining mechanism includes a swing link member having two free-end portions and disposed at the vicinity of the center with respect to the longitudinal direction of the boom so as to be swingable about a third horizontal pivot as a fulcrum, a base-end link member extending between the bracket and one of the free-end portions of the swing link member, and a free-end link member linking the other free-end
  • the free-end boom part where the outer free-end part of the swing link member projects is part which hangs over downwardly by a larger vertical distance than the base-end boom part from the peak of the boom in the low position operating state. Therefore, for example, as compared with a case where the outer free-end part of the swing link member projects upwardly from the base-end boom part, the projecting amount of, for example, the swing link member which projects upwardly from the upper end of the boom in the downward line-of-sight direction when the operator who rides the vehicle body views, for example, the boom, can be reduced.
  • an area interrupted, for example, by the outer free-end part of the swing link member from the field of view of the operator who rides the vehicle body can be reduced.
  • the visibility of the operating state from the vehicle body side in the low position operating state can be improved by the reduced amount of the interruption area, and the low position operation can be easily performed.
  • a front loader comprising: a bracket fixed to a vehicle body of the front loader; a boom swingably mounted to the bracket about a first horizontal pivot as a fulcrum; an implement swingably mounted to a free-end part of the boom about a second horizontal pivot as a fulcrum; and a mechanical posture maintaining mechanism configured to maintain the posture of the implement, regardless of swing displacement of the boom, wherein the boom is bent at a vicinity of the center with respect to the longitudinal direction thereof, the vicinity of the center being located above a center-to-center straight line connecting between the center of the first pivot and the center of the second pivot, the posture maintaining mechanism includes a swing link member having two free-end portions and disposed at the vicinity of the center with respect to the longitudinal direction of the boom so as to be swingable about a third horizontal pivot as a fulcrum, a base-end link member extending between the bracket and one of the free-end portions of the swing link member, and a free-end link member linking the other free-end
  • the area interrupted by the outer free-end part of the swing link member from the field of view when the operator who rides the vehicle body views, for example, the boom can be eliminated.
  • the visibility of the operating state from the vehicle body side in the low position operating state can be improved, and the low position operation can be easily performed.
  • a front loader comprising: a bracket fixed to a vehicle body of the front loader; a boom swingably mounted to the bracket about a first horizontal pivot as a fulcrum; an implement swingably mounted to a free-end part of the boom about a second horizontal pivot as a fulcrum; and a mechanical posture maintaining mechanism configured to maintain the posture of the implement, regardless of swing displacement of the boom, wherein the boom is bent at a vicinity of the center with respect to the longitudinal direction thereof, the vicinity of the center being located above a center-to-center straight line connecting between the center of the first pivot and the center of the second pivot, the posture maintaining mechanism includes a swing link member having two free-end portions and disposed at the vicinity of the center with respect to the longitudinal direction of the boom so as to be swingable about a third horizontal pivot as a fulcrum, a base-end link member extending between the bracket and one of the free-end portions of the swing link member, and a free-end link member linking the other free-end
  • the boom is formed in a smoothly-curved shape, the peak of the boom which is furthest from the center-to-center straight line can be lowered, as compared with a case where, for example, the boom is formed in the sharply-curved shape in which the longitudinal center side of the boom is located above the center-to-center straight line described above.
  • the area of the field of view of the operator who rides the vehicle body, which is interrupted by the boom can be reduced.
  • the base-end link member can be disposed within a limited space between the boom and the boom cylinder, and, without contacting the coupling end side of the base-end link member to the inner free-end part of the swing link member with the coupling part between the boom and the boom cylinder, the base-end link member can extend the free-end side of the boom beyond the longitudinal center location of the boom where the coupling part is located.
  • the base-end link member can be coupled to the inner free-end part of the swing link member at the free-end part of the boom.
  • the free-end part of the boom is the side which hangs over downwardly by a larger vertical distance than the base-end side of the boom in the low position operating state. Therefore, for example, as compared with a case where the swing link member is provided to the base-end side of the boom, the height of the swing link member can be lowered with respect to the boom in the low position operating state.
  • the projecting amount of, for example, the swing link member which projects upwardly from the upper end of the boom in the downward line-of-sight direction when the operator who rides the vehicle body views, for example, the boom, can be reduced.
  • the area of the field of view of the operator who rides the vehicle body which is interrupted, for example, by the boom and the outer free-end part of the swing link member can be reduced.
  • the visibility of the operating state from the vehicle body side in the low position operating state can be improved by the reduced amount of the interruption area, and the low position operation can be easily performed.
  • the base-end link member can be disposed reasonably in the narrow space between the boom and the boom cylinder, and operability in the low position operating state can be improved.
  • any one of the front loaders mentioned above preferably comprises a boom cylinder configured to drive the boom to swing, the boom cylinder linking the bracket and the center of the boom with respect to the longitudinal direction of the boom, and being disposed inward from the boom with respect to a bending direction of the boom, wherein the base-end link member is disposed between the boom and the boom cylinder, and has a substantially curved portion including an end coupled to the inner free-end portion, the curved portion protruding towards the boom such that the curved portion bypasses a coupling part coupling the boom and the boom cylinder.
  • the boom cylinder for driving the boom to swing is preferably bridged between the bracket and the longitudinal central location of the boom, and is located inward in a bending direction of the boom.
  • the base-end link member is preferably provided with a curved portion that is disposed between the boom and the boom cylinder.
  • the base-end link member further preferably curves to the boom side so that the curved portion bypasses, on the coupling end side to the inner free-end part, a coupling part between the boom and the boom cylinder.
  • the base-end link member is disposed within the limited space between the boom and the boom cylinder, and, without contacting the coupling end side of the base-end link member to the inner free-end part of the swing link member with the coupling part between the boom and the boom cylinder, the base-end link member can extend to the free-end side of the boom beyond the longitudinal center location of the boom where the coupling part is located.
  • the base-end link member can be coupled to the inner free-end part of the swing link member in the free-end part of the boom.
  • the free-end part of the boom is the side which hangs over downwardly by a larger vertical distance than the base-end side of the boom in the low position operating state. Therefore, as the extending amount of the coupling end side of the base-end link member to the inner free-end part of the swing link member increases toward the free-end part of the boom, the height of the swing link member coupled to the extending end can be lowered with respect to the boom in the low position operating state.
  • the projecting amount of, for example, the swing link member which projects upwardly from the upper end of the boom in the downward line-of-sight direction when the operator who rides the vehicle body views, for example, the boom, can be reduced.
  • the area of the field of view of the operator who rides the vehicle body which is interrupted, for example, by the boom and the outer free-end part of the swing link member can be reduced.
  • the visibility of the operating state from the vehicle body side in the low position operating state can be improved by the reduced amount of the interruption area, and the low position operation can be easily performed.
  • the base-end link member can be disposed reasonably within the narrow space between the boom and the boom cylinder, and operability in the low position operating state can be improved.
  • the curved portion protrudes towards the boom by a projecting amount of 8% to 15% of a separated distance such that the curved portion bypasses the coupling part coupling the boom and the boom cylinder, the separated distance being a distance between a coupling point of the base-end link member coupled to the bracket and a coupling point of the base-end link member coupled to the inner free-end portion.
  • the curved portion is preferably curved to the boom side by a projecting amount of 8% to 15% of a separated distance between a coupling point of the base-end link member to the bracket and a coupling point to the inner free-end part so that the curved portion bypasses the coupling part between the boom and the boom cylinder.
  • the curved portion of the base-end link member is curved to the boom side by a projecting amount smaller than 8% with respect to the separated distance described above, the possibility of the curved portion of the base-end link member contacting, for example, the coupling part between the boom and the boom cylinder increases at the time of driving the boom to swing, as the projecting amount becomes smaller.
  • the curved portion of the base-end link member is curved to the boom side by a projecting amount larger than 15% with respect to the separated distance described above, it becomes more difficult to secure the necessary strength of the base-end link member, as the projecting amount becomes larger.
  • the possibility of the curved portion of the base-end link member contacting the bottom of the boom at the time of driving the boom to swing increases.
  • a modulus of section of the boom decreases, and it becomes difficult to secure the necessary strength of the boom.
  • the curved portion is curved to the boom side by the projecting amount of 8% to 15% of the separated distance described above.
  • the curved portion of the base-end link member can be curved by the appropriate projecting amount by which the base-end link member can avoid the contact, for example, with the coupling part between the boom and the boom cylinder, without causing the inconveniences, such as the difficulties in securing the necessary strength of the boom or the base-end link member by excessively increasing the projecting amount.
  • the swing link member is configured such that, when the boom is at the lowest position, a coupling point at which the inner free-end portion and the base-end link member are coupled is located below a line extending from the boom cylinder.
  • the swing link member is preferably configured such that the coupling point of the inner free-end part and the base-end link member is located below an extended line of the boom cylinder when the boom in use is lowered at the maximum.
  • the swing link member in the low position operating state in which the boom is maximally lowered, can be disposed at the position of the boom closer to the free-end part so that the coupling point between the inner free-end part of the swing link member and the base-end link member is located below the extended line of the boom cylinder.
  • the free-end part of the boom is the side which hangs over downwardly by a larger vertical distance than the base-end side of the boom in the low position operating state. Therefore, the height of the swing link member can be lowered with respect to the boom in the low position operating state.
  • the projecting amount of, for example, the swing link member which projects upwardly from the upper end of the boom in the downward line-of-sight direction when the operator who rides the vehicle body views, for example, the boom can be even smaller.
  • the area of the operator's field of view interrupted, for example, by the outer free-end part of the swing link member can be even smaller.
  • the base-end link member includes a reinforcing member at the curved portion, the reinforcing member having a substantially curved shape substantially along the curved portion of the base-end link member.
  • the modulus of section in the curved portion of the base-end link member can be increased.
  • deformation in the curved portion which may be caused when compressive load is applied to the base-end link member can be securely prevented.
  • the reinforcing member tapers off to two ends thereof with respect to the longitudinal direction of the base-end link member.
  • the reinforcing member preferably has a tapered shape in which the width of the reinforcing member continuously becomes narrower toward the ends thereof with respect to the longitudinal direction of the base-end link member.
  • the curved portion of the base-end link member has a substantially linear part on the side of the boom.
  • the curved portion is preferably formed into a substantially flat shape on the curve outer side.
  • the boom cylinder is coupled at an end on the cylinder tube side to the boom, and includes a joint for connecting with a hydraulic hose at a position facing to the base-end link member at the end of the boom cylinder located on the cylinder tube side, and the curved portion of the base-end link member protrudes towards the boom so as to bypass the joint as well as the coupling part coupling the boom and the boom cylinder.
  • the boom cylinder preferably couples at an end on the cylinder tube side to the boom.
  • the boom further preferably includes a joint for connecting with a hydraulic hose on the boom coupling side at the end of the cylinder tube so as to face to the base-end link member.
  • the curved portion is preferably curved to the boom side so as to bypass the joint as well as the coupling part coupling the boom and the boom cylinder.
  • the base-end link member, as well as the joint provided to the cylinder tube of the boom cylinder and the hydraulic hose connected with the joint can be disposed in the limited space between the boom and the boom cylinder, and the possibility of the base-end link member contacting the joint and the hydraulic hose can be avoided.
  • the boom cylinder includes a joint for connecting with a hydraulic hose at a position facing to the base-end link member at an end of a cylinder tube of the boom cylinder, the end of the cylinder tube being located on the bracket side, and the base-end link member includes a curved portion on the bracket side, the curved portion on the bracket side projecting towards the boom such that the curved portion on the bracket side bypasses the joint on the bracket side, the projecting amount of the curved portion on the bracket side being adjusted to be smaller than that of the curved portion coupled to the swing link member.
  • the boom cylinder preferably includes a joint for connecting with a hydraulic hose in an end of the cylinder tube on the bracket side, at a location facing to the base-end link member.
  • the base-end link member preferably has a loose curved portion on the coupling end side to the bracket.
  • the loose curved portion preferably curves gently to the boom side such that the loose curved portion bypasses the joint on the bracket side.
  • the loos curved portion preferably projects by an amount which is smaller than that of the curved portion of the base-end link member.
  • the base-end link member, as well as the joint provided to the cylinder tube of the boom cylinder and the hydraulic hose connected with the joint can be disposed in the limited space between the boom and the boom cylinder, and the possibility of the base-end link member contacting the joint and the hydraulic hose can be avoided.
  • the configuration can be simplified by eliminating the reinforcing member, for example.
  • a front loader according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is mounted onto a tractor is described as one example of a form for carrying out the present invention based on the accompanying drawings.
  • the tractor is one of preferred examples of a vehicle body for mounting a front loader according to the present invention thereon.
  • "right” and “left” hereinafter are intended to be right and left sides respectively with respect to the moving direction of the front loader heading forward.
  • a tractor A illustrated as a vehicle body A in this first embodiment includes a power source part 2 and right-and-left front wheels 3 in a front part of a vehicle body frame 1.
  • the tractor A also includes a cabin 5 forming a cockpit part 4 and right-and-left rear wheels 6 in a rear part of the vehicle body frame 1.
  • Right-and-left support brackets 7 for mounting a front loader B are mounted to a longitudinal intermediate part of the vehicle body frame 1.
  • a steering wheel 8, an operator's seat 9, etc. are mounted to the cockpit part 4.
  • the front loader B illustrated in this first embodiment includes right-and-left fixed brackets 10, right-and-left booms 12, right-and-left swing brackets 14, a single implement 15, a mechanical posture maintaining mechanism 16, right-and-left boom cylinders 17.
  • the right-and-left fixed brackets 10 are detachably mounted to the respective support brackets 7.
  • the right-and-left booms 12 are coupled to the respective fixed brackets 10 so as to be vertically swingable about a first pivot 11 as a fulcrum extending in right-and-left directions.
  • the right-and-left swing brackets 14 are coupled to respective free-end parts of the booms 12 so as to be swingable about a second pivot 13 as a fulcrum extending in the right-and-left directions.
  • the implement 15 is detachably coupled to the right-and-left swing brackets 14 so as to be swingable about the second pivot 13 as the fulcrum, integrally with the right-and-left swing brackets 14.
  • the posture maintaining mechanism 16 is configured to maintain the implement 15 at predetermined postures, regardless of the swing displacements of the right-and-left booms 12.
  • the right-and-left boom cylinders 17 are hydraulic reciprocating cylinders, and drive the respective booms 12 to swing.
  • Each fixed bracket 10 is formed in a substantially U-shape in a plan view, and is configured to be fitted onto a corresponding coupling end, such as the boom 12.
  • Each boom 12 includes a base-end boom body 18, a free-end boom body 19, and right-and-left reinforcement plates 20.
  • the base-end boom body 18 is coupled at one end to the fixed bracket 10.
  • the free-end boom body 19 is coupled at one end to the swing bracket 14.
  • the other end of the base-end boom body 18 and the other end of the free-end boom body 19 are butt-welded to each other, and the right-and-left reinforcement plates 20 are welded to the butted parts.
  • each boom 12 is configured in a smoothly-curved shape in which the central part thereof in the longitudinal direction is curved to be located above a center-to-center straight line La which connects between the center Pa of the first pivot 11 and the center Pb of the second pivot 13, and at least the central part is curved.
  • the right-and-left free-end boom bodies 19 are coupled to each other via a coupling member 21 which is comprised of a round steel pipe extending in the right-and-left directions.
  • a coupling member 21 which is comprised of a round steel pipe extending in the right-and-left directions.
  • the right-and-left booms 12 are configured to integrally swing about the first pivot 11 as the fulcrum.
  • the base-end boom body 18 is comprised of a first base-end member 22 and a second base-end member 23 which are welded together.
  • the first base-end member 22 forms an upper surface 12A on the base-end side, and right-and-left side surfaces 12B, of the boom 12.
  • the second base-end member 23 forms, for example, a lower surface 12C on the base-end side of the boom 12.
  • the free-end boom body 19 is comprised of a first free-end member 24 and a second free-end member 25 which are welded together.
  • the first free-end member 24 forms an upper surface 12D and right-and-left side surfaces 12E of the free-end part of the boom 12.
  • the second free-end member 25 forms a lower surface 12F of the free-end part of the boom 12.
  • An intermediate plate 26 is welded to the right-and-left reinforcement plates 20.
  • the intermediate plate 26 is bridged between the right-and-left reinforcement plates 20 so as to be continuous from the second free-end members 25.
  • Each boom 12 is configured to have a link space 12G in a center part in the longitudinal direction.
  • the link space 12G is formed so as to penetrate the booms 12 over the upper surface 12A on the base-end side and the upper surface 12D on the free-end side from between the second base-end members 23 and the intermediate plate 26.
  • the swing brackets 14 are coupled to each other via a coupling member 27 which is comprised of a round steel pipe extending in the right-and-left directions so that the swing brackets 14 integrally swing.
  • the implement 15 is configured to be replaceable to any other implement suitable for operations to be performed, such as a bucket used for carrying soil and/or sand, and a roll grab used for carrying a roll bale.
  • a state where the bucket is mounted to the right-and-left swing brackets 14 as the implement 15 is illustrated.
  • the posture maintaining mechanism 16 includes right-and-left swing link members 28, right-and-left base-end link members 30, and right-and-left drive cylinders 31.
  • the right-and-left swing link members 28 have two free-end parts 28A and 28B, respectively.
  • a third pivot 29 extending in the right-and-left directions is disposed at the center in the longitudinal direction of the booms 12 so that the booms 12 are swingable about a third pivot 29 as a fulcrum.
  • the right-and-left base-end link members 30 are made from steel plates, and each base-end link member is bridged between the corresponding fixed bracket 10 and one of the free-end parts (28A) of the corresponding swing link member 28.
  • the right-and-left drive cylinders 31 are hydraulic reciprocating cylinders, and also serve as the free-end link members which link the other free-end part 28B of the swing link member 28 and the swing bracket 14, respectively.
  • each swing link member 28 is configured so that one of the free-end parts (28A) coupled to the base-end link member 30 becomes the "inner" free-end part 28A located inside the link space 12G which is inward from the upper surfaces 12A and 12D of the corresponding boom 12 in boom a bending direction. Further, the swing link member 28 is configured so that the other free-end part 28B coupled to the drive cylinder 31 becomes the "outer" free-end part 28B located outwardly from the corresponding upper surfaces 12A and 12D of the boom 12 in the boom bending direction.
  • the swing link member 28 is formed in a crescent shape in which curves so that inner free-end part 28A and the outer free-end part 28B are located forward in the vehicle body longitudinal direction from a swing fulcrum part 28C provided with the third pivot 29.
  • the inner free-end part 28A is coupled to one end of the base-end link member 30 via a first coupling shaft 32 extending in the right-and-left directions.
  • the outer free-end part 28B is coupled to one end of the drive cylinder 31 via a second coupling shaft 33 extending in the right-and-left directions.
  • Each fixed bracket 10 includes a fourth pivot 34 extending in the right-and-left directions, below the first pivot 11 described above.
  • Each swing link member 28 includes the first coupling shaft 32 described above in the inner free-end part 28A.
  • Each base-end link member 30 is bridged between the fourth corresponding pivot 34 of the corresponding fixed bracket 10 and the first coupling shaft 32 of the swing link member 28, in an area which is inward in the boom bending direction from the upper surfaces 12A and 12D of the boom 12, and within the right-and-left width of the boom 12. Further, parts of the base-end link members 30 on the first coupling shafts side are configured to enter into the link space 12G after passing through between the second base-end members 23 of the booms 12 and the intermediate plate 26.
  • the drive cylinders 31 are provided for the implement, which drive to swing the implement 15 which are mounted to the right-and-left swing brackets 14.
  • One ends of the cylinders 31 are coupled to the outer free-end parts 28B of the swing link members 28 via the second coupling shaft 33.
  • the other ends of the cylinders 31 link to the swing brackets 14 via first link members 35, and link to the free-end parts of the booms 12 via second link members 36.
  • the bucket 15 is configured to swing downwardly in a direction of a dumping posture, interlocking with an extending operation of the right-and-left drive cylinders 31, and to swing upwardly in a direction of a scooping-up posture, interlocking with a contracting operation of the right-and-left drive cylinders 31.
  • the posture maintaining mechanism 16 is interlocked with the vertical swing of the right-and-left booms 12 to perform the extending-and-contracting operation.
  • the extending-and-contracting operation when the right-and-left booms 12 reach a lower limit position, the right-and-left swing link members 28, base-end link members 30, and drive cylinders 31 are bent in a substantially Z-shape in a side view.
  • the right-and-left booms 12 reach an upper limit position, the right-and-left swing link members 28, base-end link members 30, and drive cylinders 31 extend in a substantially arch shape along the booms 12 in the side view.
  • the right-and-left swing brackets 14 and the bucket 15 are maintained in predetermined postures by the telescopic operation of the right-and-left drive cylinders 31 during the extending-and-contracting operation, regardless of the swing displacements of the right-and-left booms 12.
  • the posture maintaining mechanism 16 is configured into a so-called mechanical link having a built-in Z-shaped boom in which the mechanism 16 is at least partially built into the right-and-left booms 12, and the right-and-left booms 12 are bent in the substantially Z-shape in the side view at the lower limit position.
  • Each fixed bracket 10 includes a fifth pivot 37 extending in the right-and-left directions, below the fourth pivot 34 described above.
  • Each boom 12 includes a sixth pivot 38 extending in the right-and-left directions, below the intermediate plate 26 of the right-and-left reinforcement plates 20 located in the longitudinal center part.
  • Each boom cylinder 17 is bridged between the fifth pivot 37 of the corresponding fixed bracket 10 and the sixth pivot 38 of the corresponding boom 12 so that a cylinder tube 17A is located on the sixth pivot side.
  • the boom cylinders 17 are disposed at an inward location in the boom bending direction from the base-end link members 30, and at a height where the boom cylinders 17 do not interfere with the right-and-left front wheels 3 when the boom cylinders 17 are in a posture in which the boom cylinders 17 are oriented substantially along the base-end link members 30.
  • the front loader B operates the right-and-left drive cylinders 31 to change the posture of the bucket 15 into the scooping-up posture, then operates the right-and-left boom cylinders 17 to swing the right-and-left booms 12 downwardly until the bucket 15 contacts or substantially contacts the ground surface to change the posture of the bucket 15 to the low position operating state in which material such as soil and/or sand (hereinafter, simple referred to as "soil and/or sand”) can be scooped up into the bucket 15 while the front loader B is traveling forward.
  • material such as soil and/or sand
  • the front loader B After scooping up the soil and/or sand in the bucket 15, the front loader B operates the right-and-left boom cylinders 17 to swing the right-and-left booms 12 upwardly to elevate the bucket 15 up to a predetermined height for a conveyance travel while the bucket 15 is maintained in the scooping-up posture by the posture maintaining mechanism 16.
  • the front loader B operates the right-and-left boom cylinders 17 to swing the right-and-left booms 12 upwardly and downwardly so that the bucket 15 is located at a height suitable for discharge, and then operates the right-and-left drive cylinders 31 to change the posture of the bucket 15 into the dumping posture so that the soil and/or sand inside the bucket can be discharged to the predetermined discharge site, such as a loading platform of a truck.
  • each boom 12 includes a base-end boom part 12K and a free-end boom part 12L.
  • the base-end boom part 12K is located on the first pivot side from a peak 12a of the boom 12 which is furthest from the center-to-center straight line La.
  • the free-end boom part 12L is located on the second pivot side from the peak 12a of the boom 12.
  • the third pivot 29 supporting the swing link members 28 is mounted to the free-end boom parts 12L.
  • Each swing link member 28 is configured to be located on the second pivot side from the peak 12a of each boom 12.
  • the front loader B is configured such that the center Pc of each third pivot 29 that supports the right-and-left swing link members 28 is located within an area 12H on the second pivot side from a boundary line Lb which extends perpendicularly to the center-to-center straight line La from the 1/2 location of the center-to-center distance between the center Pa of the first pivot 11 and the center Pb of the second pivot 13 of each boom 12, where the area 12H includes the boundary line Lb.
  • the front loader B is configured such that the center Pc of each third pivot 29 is located on the second pivot side from an intersection X0 between a first reference line L1 extending substantially from the corresponding first pivot side and a second reference line L2 extending substantially from the second pivot side of the boom 12.
  • the first reference line L1 is a perpendicular line to a first perpendicular line L1a at an intersection X1 between a first perpendicular line L1a which passes through the center Pa of the first pivot 11 and intersects perpendicularly to the upper surface 12A on the boom base-end side, and the upper surface 12A on the boom base-end side.
  • the first reference line L2 is preferably substantially tangential to the upper surface 12A of the boom 12 at a position closest to the center Pa of the first pivot 11.
  • the second reference line L2 is a perpendicular line to a second perpendicular line L2a at an intersection X2 between a second perpendicular line L2a which passes through the center Pb of the second pivot 13 and intersects perpendicularly to the upper surface 12D on the boom free-end side, and the upper surface 12D on the boom free-end side.
  • the second reference line L2 is tangential to the upper surface 12D of the boom 12 at a position closest to the center Pb of the second pivot 13.
  • each boom 12 is configured so that an opening 12Ga of the link space 12G on the boom upper surface side is located in a free-end boom part 12L.
  • each base-end link member 30 is disposed between the corresponding boom 12 and the corresponding boom cylinder 17.
  • a curved portion 30A is provided on the first coupling shaft side which is a coupling end side with the inner free-end part 28A of the swing link member 28.
  • Each curved portion 30A is curved to the boom side so that it bypasses a coupling part 39 between the corresponding boom 12 and the corresponding boom cylinder 17, as well as the intermediate plate 26 located above the coupling part 39.
  • each base-end link member 30 contacts the coupling part 39 between the boom 12 and the boom cylinder 17, and the intermediate plate 26 when each boom 12 is driven to swing, while disposing each boom cylinder 17 at the height where the boom cylinder 17 does not contact the corresponding front wheel 3. Further, the coupling position between each base-end link member 30 and the inner free-end part 28A of the swing link member 28 can be brought toward the corresponding second pivot side of the boom 12, while performing such a contact prevention. As a result, each swing link member 28 can be reasonably disposed on the second pivot side of the corresponding boom 12.
  • each swing link member 28 is disposed on the second pivot side of the corresponding boom 12.
  • the outer free-end part 28B is configured so that it projects forward in the vehicle body longitudinal direction from the opening 12Ga on the boom upper surface side in the link space 12G which is formed in the free-end boom part 12L of the corresponding boom 12.
  • each swing link member 28 is formed in the crescent shape.
  • the first coupling shaft 32 provided to the inner free-end part 28A, the second coupling shaft 33 provided to the outer free-end part 28B, and the third pivot 29 provided between the coupling shafts 32 and 33 are disposed in a triangular shape.
  • a triangular area Ta on the second coupling shaft side having about 20% of the area T is configured to be exposed outside from the upper surface 12D on the free-end side of the corresponding boom 12 (see Fig. 4 ).
  • an upper end 28a of the outer free-end part 28B of each swing link member 28, as well as the end of the drive cylinder 31 coupled to each outer free-end part 28B, are configured to be located below an upper end 12b of each boom 12 along a downward line of sight L3 when an vehicle operator who is sitting on the operator's seat 9 of the tractor A views each boom 12 (see Fig. 1 ).
  • the entire posture maintaining mechanism 16 provided to the front loader B is unseen from the operator who is sitting on the operator's seat 9 of the tractor A because it is hidden by the right-and-left fixed brackets 10 and the right-and-left booms 12.
  • the scooping-up operation which is one example of the low position operation in which the vehicle body travels forward in the state where the bucket 15 at the scooping-up posture is located at such a height that the bucket 15 touches or substantially touches the ground surface and scoops up the soil and/or sand by the bucket 15, it can avoid that the outer free-end part 28B of each swing link member 28 and each drive cylinder 31 of the posture maintaining mechanism 16 interrupt the field of view of the operator who is sitting on the operator's seat 9 of the tractor A.
  • the visibility in the operating state from the cockpit part 4 in the low position operating state in which, for example, the scooping-up operation is performed can be improved, and the low position operation, such as the scooping-up operation, becomes easier.
  • the curved portion 30A is curved to the boom side by a projecting amount H which is 12% of a separated distance Lc between the center Pf of the fourth pivot 34 as the coupling point of the base-end link member 30 to the fixed bracket 10 and the center Pd of the first coupling shaft 32 as the coupling point of the swing link member 28 to the inner free-end part 28A so that the curved portion 30A bypasses the coupling part 39 between the boom 12 and the boom cylinder 17, and the intermediate plate 26.
  • each base-end link member 30 can be curved with an appropriate projecting amount such that the curved portion 30A does not contact, for example, the coupling part 39 between the boom 12 and the boom cylinder 17, and the intermediate plate 26.
  • each boom cylinder 17 is disposed at such a height so that boom cylinder 17 does not contact the front wheel 3, even if the coupling part 39 between the boom 12 and the boom cylinder 17, and the intermediate plate 26 approach each base-end link member 30, it can avoid that each base-end link member 30 contact the coupling part 39 between the boom 12 and the boom cylinder 17, and the intermediate plate 26 when each boom 12 is driven to swing.
  • the posture maintaining mechanism 16 has each swing link member 28 disposed at the location on the free-end side from the longitudinal intermediate location of each boom 12 so that the coupling point Pd between each base-end link member 30 and the inner free-end part 28A of the swing link member 28 is located below an extending line Ld extending from each boom cylinder 17 and passing through the center of each boom cylinder 17.
  • each swing link member 28 with respect to each boom 12 can be lowered in the low position operating state.
  • it can be easy to acquire a state in which, for example, the outer free-end part 28B of each swing link member 28 which projects from the upper surfaces 12A and 12D of each boom 12 is hidden by each boom 12 so that it is unseen from the operator who is sitting on the operator's seat 9 of the tractor A.
  • each base-end link member 30 includes a reinforcing member 40 on the side surface of the curved portion 30A.
  • the modulus of section in the curved portion 30A of each base-end link member 30 can be increased, and deformation in the curved portion 30A which may be caused when a compressive load is applied to each base-end link member 30 can be securely prevented.
  • Each reinforcing member 40 is formed at both ends in longitudinal direction thereof into a tapered shape in which end sides are continuously narrower. Thereby, it can be prevented that the modulus of section changes sharply, for example, in the curved portion 30A of each base-end link member 30 by providing the reinforcing member 40 to the curved portion 30A of each base-end link member 30. As a result, when the compressive load is applied to each base-end link member 30, it can be avoided that stress is concentrated on part where the modulus of section in each base-end link member 30 changes sharply and the base-end link member 30 deforms.
  • Each base-end link member 30 is formed into a flat shape in the curved portion 30A thereof on the curve outer side.
  • the curved portion 30A is formed in each base-end link member 30, it can be easily avoided that the curve outer side of the curved portion 30A in each base-end link member 30 contacts the lower surface 12C of the corresponding boom 12 to cause troubles to the swinging drive of each boom 12 when each boom 12 is driven to swing.
  • Each boom cylinder 17 is coupled at an end on the cylinder tube side to the corresponding booms 12.
  • L-shaped joints 41 and 42 for connecting hydraulic hoses are provided to both end parts of each cylinder tube 17A, opposing to the base-end link member 30.
  • Each base-end link member 30 is curved to the boom side in the curved portion 30A thereof to bypass, for example, the coupling part 39 between the boom 12 and the boom cylinder 17, as well as the joint 41 provided to the coupling end of the cylinder tube 17A to the boom 12. Further, each base-end link member 30 has a loose curved portion 30B on the fourth pivot side which is the coupling end side to the fixed bracket 10, by a projecting amount smaller than the curved portion 30A so that the loose curved portion 30B curves gently to the boom side to bypass the joint 42 provided to an end of the cylinder tube 17A on the fixed bracket side.
  • the base-end link member 30 contacts the joints 41 and 42, and the hydraulic hoses 43 and 44, while disposing the base-end link member 30 as well as the joints 41 and 42 provided to the cylinder tube 17A of the boom cylinder 17, and the hydraulic hoses 43 and 44 connected with the joints 41 and 42, in the limited space between the corresponding boom 12 and the corresponding boom cylinder 17.
  • each base-end link member 30 since it is not necessary to form the dedicated curved portion for avoiding contact with the joint 41 and the hydraulic hose 43 of the cylinder tube 17A on the boom coupling end side, it is advantageous in, for example, formation and securing the strength of each base-end link member 30.
  • each base-end link member 30 since the amount of deformation of each base-end link member 30 required for avoiding contact with the joint 42 and the hydraulic hose 44 of the cylinder tube 17A on the fixed bracket side becomes smaller, securing the strength against the compressive load becomes easier. Thereby, the configuration can be simplified because the reinforcing member is not needed, for example.
  • the front loader B illustrated in this second embodiment is obtained by adding improvements to the configurations of the booms 12 and the posture maintaining mechanism 16 in the front loader illustrated in the first embodiment described above. Therefore, only configurations different from the configurations of the boom 12 and the posture maintaining mechanism 16 which are described in the first embodiment will be described below, and explanation of other same configurations is omitted herein.
  • the base-end boom body 18 is formed by welding the first base-end member 22, the second base-end member 23, etc.
  • the first base-end member 22 forms the upper surface 12A and the right-and-left side surfaces 12B on the base-end side of the boom 12.
  • the second base-end member 23 forms the lower surface 12C on the base-end side of the boom 12.
  • the free-end boom body 19 is formed by welding the first free-end member 24, the second free-end member 25, etc.
  • the first free-end member 24 forms the upper surface 12D and the right-and-left side surfaces 12E on the free-end side of the boom 12.
  • the second free-end member 25 forms the lower surface 12F of the free-end side of the boom 12, etc.
  • the intermediate plate 26 is welded to the right-and-left reinforcement plates 20 so as to be substantially continuous from the lower surface 12F of the boom 12 which the second free-end member 25 forms.
  • each swing link member 28 is formed in the substantially crescent shape so that the inner free-end part 28A and the outer free-end part 28B are located forward in the vehicle body direction from the swing fulcrum part 28C provided with the third pivot 29.
  • Each fixed bracket 10 includes the fifth pivot 37 extending in the right-and-left directions, below the fourth pivot 34 described above.
  • Each boom 12 includes the sixth pivot 38 extending in the right-and-left directions, near the intermediate plate 26 on the first pivot side from the intermediate plate 26 of the right-and-left reinforcement plates 20 located in the longitudinal center part.
  • Each boom cylinder 17 is bridged between the fifth corresponding pivot 37 of the corresponding fixed bracket 10 and the sixth pivot 38 of the corresponding boom 12 so that the cylinder tube 17A is located on the sixth pivot side.
  • Each swing link member 28 is disposed on the second pivot side of the corresponding boom 12.
  • the outer free-end part 28B In the low position operating state in which each boom 12 is lowered to the height where the bucket 15 contacts or substantially contacts the ground surface, in the state where the outer free-end part 28B is located below the peak 12a which is separated most from the center-to-center straight line La of the boom 12, the outer free-end part 28B is configured to project forward in the vehicle body longitudinal direction from the opening 12Ga on the boom upper surface side of the link space 12G formed in the free-end boom part 12L of the corresponding boom 12.
  • the upper end 28a of the outer free-end part 28B of each swing link member 28, as well as the end part of the drive cylinder 31 coupled to each outer free-end part 28B, are configured to be located below the upper end 12b of each boom 12 in a direction of a downward line of sight when the operator who is sitting on the operator's seat 9 of the tractor A views each boom 12.
  • the entire posture maintaining mechanism 16 provided to the front loader B is configured to be unseen from the operator who is sitting on the operator's seat 9 of the tractor A because it is hidden by the right-and-left fixed brackets 10 and the right-and-left booms 12.
  • the scooping-up operation which is one example of the low position operation
  • the vehicle body travels forward to scoop up the soil and/or sand by the bucket 15 while the bucket 15 at the scooping-up posture is located at the height where the bucket 15 contacts or substantially contacts the ground surface
  • the outer free-end part 28B of each swing link member 28 and each drive cylinder 31 of the posture maintaining mechanism 16 interrupt the field of view of the operator who is sitting on the operator's seat 9 of the tractor A.
  • the low position operation such as the scooping-up operation, becomes easy to perform.
  • the posture maintaining mechanism 16 has each swing link member 28 disposed at the location on the free-end side from the longitudinal intermediate location of each boom 12 so that the third pivot 29 that supports each swing link member 28 is located near the extending line Ld from each boom cylinder 17 passing through the center of each boom cylinder 17.
  • Each base-end link member 30 is made from a steel plate, and a reinforcing member 45 made from a steel plate is welded to a side face of the base-end link member 30.
  • the reinforcing member 45 has a length extending from a location nearby the coupling point between the base-end link member 30 and the fixed bracket 10 to the coupling point between the base-end link member 30 and the inner free-end part 28A of the swing link member 28.
  • the reinforcing member 45 is formed in substantially the same shape as the base-end link member 30 in the side view.
  • each base-end link member 30 has a high strength substantially throughout the length thereof.
  • each base-end link member 30 the curved portion 30A is curved to the boom side to bypass the coupling part 39 between the boom 12 and the boom cylinder 17, and the intermediate plate 26, by a projecting amount H of 16% with respect to the separated distance Lc between the center Pf of the fourth pivot 34 as the coupling point to the fixed bracket 10 of the base-end link member 30 and the center Pd of the first coupling shaft 32 as the coupling point to the inner free-end part 28A of the swing link member 28.
  • each sixth pivot 38 which couples the corresponding boom 12 to the corresponding boom cylinder 17 is configured, regardless of the upward and downward swing of each boom 12, to be located between a connecting line Le which linearly connects the center Pf of the fourth pivot 34 of the corresponding fixed bracket 10 with the center Pd of the first coupling shaft 32 of the swing link member 28, and each base-end link member 30.
  • each base-end link member 30 contacts the coupling part 39 between the boom 12 and the boom cylinder 17 when each boom 12 is driven to swing, while disposing each swing link member 28 lower with respect to each boom 12 in the low position operating state and disposing each boom cylinder 17 at the height where the boom cylinder 17 does not contact the front wheel 3.
  • each base-end link member 30 the curved portion 30A is formed to have a larger vertical width as it goes toward the longitudinal central part of the base-end link member 30, in other words, as the separated distance from the connecting line Le described above becomes larger.
  • each base-end link member 30 can be increased.
  • deformation in the curved portion 30A which may be caused when compressive load is applied to each base-end link member 30 can be securely prevented.
  • each base-end link member 30 can be prevented that the modulus of section changes sharply in the curved portion 30A of each base-end link member 30.
  • the compressive load is applied to each base-end link member 30, it can be avoided that stress concentrates on the part where the modulus of section in each base-end link member 30 changes sharply and the base-end link member 30 deforms.
  • each base-end link member 30 is formed so that the fourth pivot side extending from the curved portion 30A to the fourth pivot 34 of the fixed bracket 10 serves as a linear portion 30C extending substantially along a straight line.
  • the fourth pivot side extending from the curved portion 30A to the fourth pivot 34 of the fixed bracket 10 serves as a linear portion 30C extending substantially along a straight line.
  • Each boom cylinder 17 includes the L-shaped joints 41 and 42 for connecting the hydraulic hoses which are provided to both ends of those cylinder tubes 17A on the side away from the base-end link member 30. Thereby, it is avoidable at the time of vertically driving each boom 12 that each base-end link member 30 connects the joints 41 and 42 provided to the cylinder tube 17A of each boom cylinder 17, and the hydraulic hoses 43 and 44 connected with the joints 41 and 42.
  • each base-end link member 30 is disposed at the location inward in the boom bending direction with respect to each boom 12 so that a length part thereof at least longer than 1/2 of the entire length from the first coupling shaft 32 to the fourth pivot 34 is located so as to be exposed outside the corresponding boom 12.
  • each base-end link member 30 is configured so that at least a lower edge portion of the linear portions 30C opposing to the boom cylinder 17 is located so as to be exposed outside the boom 12 in the section inward in the boom bending direction with respect to each boom 12.
  • each boom 12 in the maximally lowered state and the maximally elevated state of each boom 12, it is configured so that at least a length part longer than 1/2 of the entire length of each base-end link member 30 from the first coupling shaft 32 to the fourth pivot 34 is located so as to be exposed outside the corresponding boom 12 (see Figs. 10 and 12 ).
  • each base-end link member 30 is configured so that at least a length part longer than 2/3 of the entire length of the base-end link member 30 from the first coupling shaft 32 to the fourth pivot 34 is located so as to be exposed outside the corresponding boom 12 (see Fig. 11 ).
  • the front loader B includes the following fundamental elements (A) to (I) as described in the above embodiments:
  • the base-end link member 30 itself may be configured to have the high strength by adopting, for example, a steel pipe member, as the constituent member thereof.
  • the curved portion of the base-end link member 30 illustrated in the first embodiment is curved to the boom side by the projecting amount of 8% to 15% of the separated distance Lc, inconveniences, such as difficulties in securing the necessary strength of the boom and the base-end link member, which may be invited when the projecting amount is excessively large, or contacting of the base-end link member with the coupling part between the boom and the boom cylinder, which may be invited when the projecting amount is excessively small, can be avoided.
  • the curved portion of the base-end link member 30 illustrated in the second embodiment is curved to the boom side by the projecting amount of 13% to 19% of the separated distance Lc, inconveniences, such as difficulties in securing the necessary strength of the boom and the base-end link member, which may be invited when the projecting amount is excessively large, or contacting of the base-end link member with the coupling part between the boom and the boom cylinder, which may be invited when the projecting amount is excessively small, can be avoided.
  • the present invention is applicable to the front loader provided with the mechanical posture maintaining mechanisms for maintaining the posture of the implement, regardless of the swing displacements of the booms.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Shovels (AREA)
  • Operation Control Of Excavators (AREA)
EP14184536.2A 2013-10-04 2014-09-12 Chargeur frontal Active EP2857590B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2013209472 2013-10-04

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EP2857590A2 true EP2857590A2 (fr) 2015-04-08
EP2857590A3 EP2857590A3 (fr) 2015-07-01
EP2857590B1 EP2857590B1 (fr) 2022-04-06

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102015218113A1 (de) * 2015-09-21 2017-03-23 Deere & Company Frontlader und Laderfahrzeug mit einem solchen
DE102015218116A1 (de) * 2015-09-21 2017-03-23 Deere & Company Frontlader und Laderfahrzeug mit einem solchen
EP3610076A4 (fr) * 2018-01-26 2021-01-27 Guangxi LiuGong Machinery Co., Ltd. Chargeur avec agencement de levage
SE2050817A1 (en) * 2020-07-01 2022-01-02 Aaloe Ab A front loader for a working vehicle and a working vehicle

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EP1903147A2 (fr) 2006-09-21 2008-03-26 Wilhelm Stoll Maschinenfabrik GmbH Chargeur frontal doté d'un guidage parallèle mécanique

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US3237792A (en) * 1964-05-22 1966-03-01 Theodore M Boehmer Front end high lift loading device
DE3429214A1 (de) * 1984-08-08 1986-02-20 O & K Orenstein & Koppel Ag, 1000 Berlin Zusatzausruestung zum senkrechten bewegen von lasten oder anbaugeraeten fuer radlader
DE19800164A1 (de) * 1998-01-05 1999-07-22 Orenstein & Koppel Ag Mobile Lademaschine mit Frontladeausrüstung
US6309171B1 (en) * 1998-09-04 2001-10-30 O&K Orenstein & Koppel Aktiengesellschaft Mobile loading machine with front-end loading equipment
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DE102006003768A1 (de) * 2006-01-25 2007-07-26 Wilhelm Stoll Maschinenfabrik Gmbh Frontlader und Traktorkabine für einen Traktor
DE202007007452U1 (de) * 2007-05-25 2007-10-18 Agco Gmbh Zugstange für einen Frontlader
KR101088091B1 (ko) * 2009-04-08 2011-11-30 (주)태성공업 트랙터 장착용 로우더 장치

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1903147A2 (fr) 2006-09-21 2008-03-26 Wilhelm Stoll Maschinenfabrik GmbH Chargeur frontal doté d'un guidage parallèle mécanique

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102015218113A1 (de) * 2015-09-21 2017-03-23 Deere & Company Frontlader und Laderfahrzeug mit einem solchen
DE102015218116A1 (de) * 2015-09-21 2017-03-23 Deere & Company Frontlader und Laderfahrzeug mit einem solchen
EP3610076A4 (fr) * 2018-01-26 2021-01-27 Guangxi LiuGong Machinery Co., Ltd. Chargeur avec agencement de levage
SE2050817A1 (en) * 2020-07-01 2022-01-02 Aaloe Ab A front loader for a working vehicle and a working vehicle
SE544752C2 (en) * 2020-07-01 2022-11-01 Aaloe Ab A front loader for a working vehicle and a working vehicle
US12104346B2 (en) 2020-07-01 2024-10-01 Ålö AB Front loader for a working vehicle and a working vehicle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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EP2857590A3 (fr) 2015-07-01

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