阅读说明：本技术 用于动力机器的液压子组件 (Hydraulic subassembly for a power machine ) 是由 马克·宾斯托克 斯科特·拉科 谢尔·克罗 肯尼思·L·迪特尔 于 2020-02-24 设计创作，主要内容包括：本公开的液压子组件(448)可以与动力机器(200)一起使用。液压子组件可以包括支撑板件(482)和固定到支撑板件以由支撑板件相对于动力机器进行支撑的多个部件(486、490、492、496、498)。多个部件可以包括控制阀(486),其被配置为提供对作业功能的液压控制。支撑板件可以被配置为动力机器(200)的驾驶室(250)的结构部分。(The hydraulic subassembly (448) of the present disclosure may be used with a power machine (200). The hydraulic subassembly may include a support plate (482) and a plurality of components (486, 490, 492, 496, 498) secured to the support plate for support by the support plate relative to the power machine. The plurality of components may include a control valve (486) configured to provide hydraulic control of the work function. The support panel may be configured as a structural portion of a cab (250) of the power machine (200).)

1. A hydraulic subassembly for use with a power machine having an operator cab, the operator cab including an operator station, the hydraulic subassembly comprising:

a support panel configured to be fixed to a lateral side of the cab; and

a plurality of members fixed to and supported by the support plate;

the plurality of components includes:

a control valve;

an operator input device configured to control a hydraulic work function of the power machine, the operator input device being mounted on and in hydraulic communication with the control valve;

a pilot valve configured to facilitate interoperation of the control valve with the operator input device;

a hydraulic conduit comprising one or more conduits and one or more flexible hoses;

a hydraulic cooler; and

a hydraulic filter; and is

The support panel is configured to define a structural sidewall of the cab, wherein one or more of the control valve, the operator input device, the pilot valve, or the hydraulic cooler are positioned on an opposite side of the support panel from the operator station.

2. The hydraulic subassembly of claim 1, wherein the support panel is configured to form a portion of an interior lateral wall of the cab facing the operator station.

3. The hydraulic subassembly of claim 1, wherein the hydraulic filter is positioned on an opposite side of the support plate from the one or more of the control valve, the operator input device, the pilot valve, or the hydraulic cooler.

4. The hydraulic subassembly of claim 3, wherein the hydraulic filter is positioned on an opposite side of the support plate from each of the control valve, the operator input device, the pilot valve, and the hydraulic cooler.

5. The hydraulic subassembly of claim 4, wherein the hydraulic filter is configured to be positioned at least partially behind or below an operator station of the cab.

6. The hydraulic subassembly of claim 1, wherein the hydraulic cooler is supported by a cooler bracket configured to laterally space the hydraulic cooler from the support panel to provide a gap between the hydraulic cooler and the support panel.

7. The hydraulic subassembly of claim 6, wherein the cooler bracket supports the hydraulic cooler above an access opening in the support plate.

8. The hydraulic subassembly of claim 6, wherein one or more of the hydraulic conduits are arranged through the gap between the hydraulic cooler and the support plate.

9. The hydraulic subassembly of claim 1, wherein the support plate is made from a single piece of material.

10. An articulated loader comprising:

a cab defining an operator station and supported on the front frame member of the articulated frame; and

a hydraulic subassembly, comprising:

a support panel securable to the cab and forming at least a portion of a structural sidewall of the cab laterally adjacent the operator station; and

a control valve secured to the support panel for support by the support panel relative to the cab, the control valve configured to provide hydraulic control of a work function of the articulated loader according to input from an operator within the operator station.

11. The articulated loader of claim 10, wherein the hydraulic subassembly comprises a plurality of hydraulic components supported by the support plate, the plurality of hydraulic components comprising two or more of:

an operator input device configured to provide input to the control valve;

a pilot valve configured to facilitate interoperation of the control valve with the operator input device;

a hydraulic conduit comprising one or more conduits and one or more flexible hoses;

a hydraulic cooler; and

and a hydraulic filter.

12. The articulated loader of claim 11, wherein the operator input device, the pilot valve, the hydraulic conduit, and the hydraulic cooler are supported by the support deck to be on a lateral side of the support deck opposite the operator station.

13. The articulated loader of claim 12, wherein the control valve and the hydraulic cooler are supported on a front portion of the support plate; and is

Wherein the pilot valve is supported on a rear portion of the support plate.

14. The articulated loader of claim 13, wherein the pilot valve is supported on an elevated portion of the support deck configured to pivot with the cab to extend over a rear frame member of the articulated frame when the front frame member pivots relative to the rear frame member.

15. The articulated loader of claim 12, wherein the hydraulic cooler is supported by the support panel to be at least partially forward of the operator station with a lateral clearance provided between the hydraulic cooler and the support panel.

16. The articulated loader of claim 15, wherein the hydraulic filter is supported by the support panel to be on the same lateral side of the support panel as the operator station.

17. The articulated loader of claim 16, wherein the hydraulic filter is supported by the support panel to be located at least below and behind the operator station.

18. A method of manufacturing a power machine, the method comprising:

assembling a hydraulic subassembly comprising:

providing a support plate; and

securing a control valve and a plurality of hydraulic components to the support plate; and

securing the hydraulic subassembly to a frame of the power machine to support the control valve and the plurality of hydraulic components relative to the frame, wherein the support panel defines a structural portion of a lateral side of a cab of the power machine.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the plurality of hydraulic components comprises:

an operator input device configured to hydraulically control a work function of the power machine through hydraulic communication with the control valve;

a pilot valve in hydraulic communication with the control valve for hydraulically controlling the work function;

a hydraulic conduit comprising one or more conduits and one or more flexible hoses;

a cooler mount;

a hydraulic cooler secured to the cooler bracket, wherein one or more of the hydraulic conduits extend through a lateral gap between the hydraulic cooler and the support plate; and

and a hydraulic filter.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the hydraulic subassembly is secured to the frame of the power machine, wherein the control valve, the operator input device, the pilot valve, the cooler bracket, and the hydraulic cooler are positioned on an opposite side of the support panel from an operator station of the cab, and wherein the hydraulic filter is positioned on a same side of the support panel as the operator station and at least partially below the operator station.

Background

The present disclosure relates to power machines. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to hydraulic subassemblies for power machines. Power machines for purposes of this disclosure include any type of machine that generates power to accomplish a task or various tasks. One type of power machine is a work vehicle. Work vehicles, such as loaders, are typically self-propelled vehicles having a work device, such as a lift arm (although some work vehicles may have other work devices), which may be manipulated to perform a work function. Work vehicles include loaders, excavators, utility vehicles, tractors, and trenchers, to name a few examples.

Conventional power machines may include a hydraulic circuit and associated equipment, such as a work actuator circuit and a pump configured to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the work actuator circuit. In some cases, the work actuator circuit is in communication with a work actuator, which may include a lift cylinder, tilt cylinder, telescoping cylinder, etc., for performing certain work functions. The work actuator circuit may include valves and other devices to selectively provide pressurized hydraulic fluid to the various work actuators, and the valves and other devices may be mounted at different locations along the power machine, for example. Such a configuration may also require fluid conduits for the work actuator circuit that may direct fluid between various valves and other components, and may be disposed at various locations and orientations around the power machine.

The discussion above is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Disclosure of Invention

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide improved arrangements of hydraulic subassemblies that may be secured to and used with a power machine. Some arrangements of hydraulic subassemblies according to the present disclosure may provide a support plate upon which various components of the work-causing actuator circuit may be mounted, either directly or indirectly. Accordingly, among other benefits, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a subassembly that may reduce the amount of material and manufacturing time that may be required to assemble a power machine.

In some embodiments, a hydraulic subassembly for use with a power machine having a cab may include a support plate. The control valve may be fixed to the support plate to be supported by the support plate. The control valve is configured to provide hydraulic control of a work function on the power machine. The support panel may be configured to be secured to a structural portion of the power machine to define a cab.

In some embodiments, the power machine may include a cab having lateral sides and an operator station. The hydraulic subassembly may include a single support plate and a plurality of components secured to the single support plate for support by the single support plate relative to the frame. In the context of the present discussion, the phrase single-piece refers to a support panel made of a single piece of material, rather than two or more panels fastened together. The plurality of components may include: a control valve; an operator input device configured to hydraulically control a work function, the operator input device mounted on and in hydraulic communication with the control valve; a hydraulic conduit comprising one or more conduits and one or more flexible hoses; a cooler mount; a hydraulic cooler secured to the cooler bracket to be laterally spaced from the single-piece support panel to provide clearance for the one or more hydraulic conduits between the hydraulic cooler and the single-piece support panel; and a hydraulic filter secured on a side of the one-piece support plate opposite at least one of the control valve, the operator input device, the pilot valve, the cooler bracket, or the hydraulic cooler. The one-piece support panel may be configured to be secured to a lateral side of the cab to define a structural portion of the cab, wherein one or more of the control valve, the operator input device, the pilot valve, the cooler bracket, and the hydraulic cooler are positioned opposite the operator station relative to the one-piece support panel.

In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a power machine having a cab is provided. The method of manufacture may include assembling a hydraulic subassembly comprising: providing a one-piece support plate; and securing the control valve to the one-piece support plate. The method may also include securing the hydraulic subassembly to a structural portion of the power machine to define a cab.

In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a power machine having a cab with lateral sides and an operator station is provided. The method of manufacturing may include assembling the hydraulic subassembly by providing a single-piece support panel and securing the plurality of components to the single-piece support panel. The plurality of components includes: a control valve; an operator input device configured to hydraulically control a work function through hydraulic communication with the control valve; a pilot valve hydraulically communicating with a control valve for hydraulically controlling the work function; a hydraulic conduit comprising one or more conduits and one or more flexible hoses; a cooler mount; a hydraulic cooler secured to the cooler bracket to provide clearance for one or more hydraulic conduits between the hydraulic cooler and the one-piece support panel; and a hydraulic filter secured on a side of the one-piece support plate opposite at least one of the control valve, the operator input device, the pilot valve, the cooler bracket, or the hydraulic cooler. The hydraulic subassembly may be secured to the power machine to define a structural portion of a lateral side of the cab, wherein one or more of the control valve, the operator input device, the pilot valve, the cooler bracket, and the hydraulic cooler are positioned opposite the operator station relative to the single piece support panel, and wherein the hydraulic filter is positioned at least partially below the operator station.

In some embodiments, a hydraulic subassembly is provided for use with a power machine having an operator's compartment that includes an operator station. The hydraulic subassembly may include a support panel configured to be secured to a lateral side of the cab, and a plurality of components secured to and supported by the support panel. The plurality of components may include: a control valve; an operator input device configured to control a hydraulic work function of the power machine, the operator input device mounted on and in hydraulic communication with the control valve; a pilot valve configured to facilitate interoperation of the control valve with an operator input device; a hydraulic conduit comprising one or more conduits and one or more flexible hoses; a hydraulic cooler; and a hydraulic filter. The support panel may be configured to define a structural sidewall of the cab, wherein one or more of the control valve, the operator input device, the pilot valve, or the hydraulic cooler are positioned opposite the operator station relative to the support panel.

In some embodiments, an articulated loader is provided that includes a cab defining an operator station and supported on a front frame member of an articulated frame. The hydraulic subassembly of the articulated loader may include a support plate and a control valve. The support panel may form at least a portion of a structural sidewall of the cab laterally adjacent the operator station. The control valve may be fixed to the support panel to be supported by the support panel relative to the cab. The control valve may be configured to provide hydraulic control of a work function of the articulated loader based on input from an operator within the operator station.

Some embodiments provide a method of manufacturing a power machine. The method may include assembling a hydraulic subassembly comprising: providing a support plate, and securing the control valve and the plurality of hydraulic components to the support plate. The method may also include securing a hydraulic subassembly including the control valve and the hydraulic component to a frame of the power machine to support the control valve and the plurality of hydraulic components relative to the frame, wherein the support panel defines a structural portion of a lateral side of a cab of the power machine.

This summary and abstract are provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary and abstract are not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor are they intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional system of a representative power machine upon which embodiments of the present disclosure may be advantageously practiced.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view generally illustrating a front portion of a power machine in the form of a compact articulated loader upon which embodiments disclosed herein may be advantageously practiced.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view generally illustrating a back portion of the power machine illustrated in FIG. 2.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating components of a hydraulic power system of a loader, such as the loader of fig. 2 and 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view generally illustrating a front portion of a power machine having a hydraulic actuator circuit in the form of a compact loader upon which embodiments disclosed herein may be advantageously practiced.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view generally illustrating a front portion of a power machine having a hydraulic subassembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure in the form of a compact loader on which embodiments disclosed herein may be advantageously practiced.

Fig. 7 is a side view of a first side of a hydraulic subassembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 is a side view of a second side of the hydraulic subassembly of fig. 7, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9 is a top view of the hydraulic subassembly of fig. 7, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view generally illustrating a rear portion of the hydraulic subassembly of fig. 7, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of the hydraulic subassembly of FIG. 7 mounted on a power machine of the type shown in FIG. 6 to at least partially define a structural side wall of a cab of the power machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view generally illustrating a rear portion of the cab of fig. 11 with the hydraulic subassembly of fig. 7 mounted thereon, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a method of manufacturing a hydraulic subassembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The concepts disclosed in this discussion are described and illustrated with reference to exemplary embodiments. However, these concepts are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components in the illustrative embodiments, and can be practiced or carried out in various other ways. The terminology in this document is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As used herein, words such as "comprising," "including," and "having" and variations thereof are intended to cover the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, and additional items.

As used herein in the context of a power machine, unless otherwise defined or limited, the term "lateral" refers to a direction that extends at least partially to the left or right of a front-to-back reference line defined by the power machine. Thus, for example, a lateral side wall of a cab of a power machine may be a left or right side wall of the cab relative to a frame of reference of an operator within the cab or otherwise oriented to operatively engage controls of an operator station of the cab.

Some of the following discussion describes improved arrangements of hydraulic subassemblies for power machines, including subassemblies having a support plate with various hydraulic components mounted directly or indirectly thereon and which may be mounted to a frame of the power machine to secure the entire associated subassembly to the power machine. Some embodiments may provide substantial improvements over conventional hydraulic subassemblies and related manufacturing methods. For example, securing the associated hydraulic components in a particular arrangement on the support plate to form the hydraulic subassembly prior to assembly of the hydraulic subassembly onto the power machine may reduce the time to complete a production build of the power machine, improve quality assurance, reduce inventory costs, and reduce labor and expense required to complete the assembly of the power machine.

In some embodiments, a plurality of components may be secured to the support panel to be supported by the support panel relative to a cab of the power machine (such as a cab of a loader). Further, in some embodiments, one or more components of the subassembly may be fixed in a particular position and orientation relative to other components or other associated structures in the subassembly, such as on a side of the support plate opposite the various other components or in a particular location relative to an operator station of the power machine. This may be useful, for example, to help account for various design constraints of different power machines and to improve operator experience during operation of the power machine.

In some embodiments, multiple hydraulic components may be secured to the support panel, and the support panel may be mounted as a structural part of the power machine. For example, a plurality of hydraulic components for controlling the power machine may be secured to a support panel, which may then be mounted as a structural side wall of the cab of the power machine. Thus, the mounting of the support panel may provide structural integrity to a portion of the cab while also properly orienting the hydraulic components for operation of the power machine. In this regard, some embodiments may include a support panel that provides a rigid sidewall of the cab while also providing for the operator input device to be easily accessible to an operator within the cab and at least partially isolating the operator from noise, vibration, leakage, or other potential effects of operation of other components supported by the support panel.

As used herein, a "structural portion" generally refers to a component of a substantial (e.g., majority) portion of a larger structure or assembly that provides structural strength for the relevant portion of the larger structure or assembly. Thus, for example, the rigid metal side panels forming the walls of the cab may typically be structural parts of the cab, while the plastic or otherwise primarily decorative covers for such walls may typically not be structural parts of the cab.

These concepts may be practiced on a variety of power machines, as will be described below. A representative power machine on which embodiments may be practiced is illustrated in diagrammatic form in fig. 1, one example of which is illustrated in fig. 2-3 and described below prior to disclosure of any embodiments. For the sake of brevity, only one power machine will be discussed. However, as noted above, the following embodiments may be practiced on any of a variety of power machines, including power machines of different types than the representative power machine shown in FIGS. 2-3. A power machine for purposes of this discussion includes a frame, at least one work element, and a power source that may power the work element to accomplish a work task. One type of power machine is a self-propelled work vehicle. A self-propelled work vehicle is a type of power machine that includes a frame, a work element, and a power source that may power the work element. At least one of the work elements is a launch system for moving the power machine under power.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure are presented below in the context of an articulated loader, wherein hydraulic subassemblies and other related components are disposed on and secured to a pivotable front frame of the articulated loader. In some embodiments, hydraulic subassemblies according to the present disclosure may be used with other types of power machines, including with other articulated power machines and non-articulated power machines.

Further, some embodiments of the present disclosure are presented in the context of a hydraulic subassembly for controlling a work function, such as manipulating one or more tools by controlling a work actuator. In some embodiments, hydraulic subassemblies according to the present disclosure may also be configured for other uses, such as controlling other features, actuation, or movement of a power machine.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the basic system of a power machine 100 upon which the embodiments discussed below may be advantageously incorporated and which may be any of a number of different types of power machines. The block diagram of FIG. 1 identifies various systems and relationships between various components and systems on the power machine 100. As mentioned above, at the most basic level, a power machine for the purposes of this discussion includes a frame, a power source, and a work element. Power machine 100 has a frame 110, a power source 120, and a work element 130. Since the power machine 100 shown in fig. 1 is a self-propelled work vehicle, it also has a traction element 140, which is itself a work element arranged to move the power machine over a support surface, and an operator station 150, which provides an operating position for controlling the work element of the power machine. Control system 160 is configured to interact with other systems to perform various job tasks at least partially in response to operator-provided control signals.

Some work vehicles have work elements that may perform specialized tasks. For example, some work vehicles have a lift arm to which an implement, such as a bucket, is attached, such as by a pin arrangement. The work element, i.e., the lift arm, may be manipulated to position the tool to perform a task. In some cases, the implement may be positioned relative to the work element, such as by rotating the bucket relative to the lift arms, to further position the implement. Under normal operation of such a work vehicle, the bucket is intended to be attached and used. Such work vehicles may accept other tools by disassembling the tool/work element combination and reassembling another tool in place of the original bucket. However, other work vehicles are intended for use with a wide variety of tools and have a tool interface, such as tool interface 170 shown in fig. 1. In the most basic sense, the tool interface 170 is a connection mechanism between the frame 110 or work element 130 and a tool, which may be as simple or more complex as a connection point for attaching the tool directly to the frame 110 or work element 130, as discussed below

On some power machines, the tool interface 170 may include a tool carrier, which is a physical structure movably attached to the working element. The tool carrier has an engagement feature and a locking feature to receive and secure any of a number of different tools to the work element. One characteristic of such a tool carrier is that once the tool is attached to it, the tool carrier is fixed to the tool (i.e. not movable relative to the tool) and when the tool carrier moves relative to the working element, the tool moves with the tool carrier. The term tool carrier as used herein is not merely a pivotal connection point, but rather a dedicated device specifically intended to receive and be secured to a variety of different tools. The tool carrier itself may be mounted to a work element 130, such as a lift arm or frame 110. The tool interface 170 may also include one or more power sources for providing power to one or more work elements on the tool. Some power machines may have a plurality of working elements with tool interfaces, each of which may, but need not, have a tool carrier for receiving a tool. Some other power machines may have a work element with multiple tool interfaces so that a single work element may accept multiple tools simultaneously. Each of these tool interfaces may, but need not, have a tool carrier.

The frame 110 includes a physical structure that can support various other components attached thereto or positioned thereon. The frame 110 may include any number of individual components. The frame of some power machines is rigid. That is, no part of the frame may move relative to another part of the frame. At least one portion of the other power machine is movable relative to another portion of the frame. For example, an excavator may have an upper frame portion that rotates relative to a lower frame portion. Other work vehicles have an articulated frame such that one portion of the frame pivots relative to another portion to accomplish a steering function.

The frame 110 supports a power source 120 that may provide power to one or more work elements 130, including one or more traction elements 140, and in some cases to an attached implement via an implement interface 170. Power from power source 120 may be provided directly to any of work element 130, traction element 140, and implement interface 170. Alternatively, power from power source 120 may be provided to control system 160, which in turn selectively powers elements capable of using the power to perform work functions. Power sources for power machines typically include an engine, such as an internal combustion engine, and a power conversion system, such as a mechanical transmission or a hydraulic system, that is capable of converting the output of the engine into a form of power that is available to the work element. Other types of power sources may be incorporated into the power machine, including an electric power source or a combination of power sources commonly referred to as a hybrid power source.

Fig. 1 shows a single work element designated as work element 130, but various power machines may have any number of work elements. The work element is typically attached to a frame of the power machine and may move relative to the frame while performing a work task. Furthermore, the traction elements 140 are special cases of work elements, as their work function is typically to move the power machine 100 over a support surface. Traction element 140 is shown separate from work element 130, as many power machines have additional work elements in addition to the traction element, although this is not always the case. The power machine may have any number of traction elements, some or all of which may receive power from power source 120 to propel power machine 100. The traction elements may be, for example, wheels attached to axles, track assemblies, and the like. The traction element may be mounted to the frame such that movement of the traction element is limited to rotation about the axle (thereby effecting steering by a sliding action), or alternatively pivotally mounted to the frame to effect steering by pivoting the traction element relative to the frame

The power machine 100 includes an operator station 150 that includes an operating position from which an operator may control operation of the power machine. In some power machines, the operator station 150 is defined by an enclosed or partially enclosed cab. Some power machines on which the disclosed embodiments may be practiced may not have a cab or operator compartment of the type described above. For example, a walk behind loader may not have a cab or operator compartment, but rather an operating position that serves as an operator station from which the power machine is suitably operated. More broadly, power machines other than work vehicles may have operator stations that are not necessarily similar to the operating locations and operator compartments described above. Further, some power machines, such as power machine 100, whether they have an operator compartment, an operator location, or neither, may be capable of being remotely operated (i.e., from a remotely located operator station), instead of or in addition to an operator station near or on the power machine. This may include applications where at least some operator-controlled functions of a power machine may be operated from an operating position associated with an implement coupled to the power machine. Alternatively, for some power machines, a remote control device (i.e., remote from both the power machine and any implement coupled thereto) may be provided that is capable of controlling at least some of the operator-controlled functions on the power machine.

2-3 illustrate a loader 200 that is one particular example of a power machine of the type shown in FIG. 1, in which the embodiments discussed below may be advantageously employed. The loader 200 is an articulated loader having a front mounted lift arm assembly 230, which in this example is a telescoping lift arm. The loader 200 is one particular example of the power machine 100 broadly shown in FIG. 1 and discussed above. To this end, features of the loader 200 described below include reference numerals that are generally similar to those used in fig. 1. For example, the loader 200 is depicted with a frame 210, just as the power machine 100 has a frame 110. The description of loader 200 with reference to fig. 2-3 herein provides an illustration of an environment in which the embodiments discussed below may be practiced and should not be considered limiting, particularly with respect to descriptions of features of loader 200 that are not essential to the disclosed embodiments. These features may or may not be included in a power machine other than the loader 200 on which the embodiments disclosed below may be advantageously practiced. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the embodiments disclosed below may be practiced on a variety of power machines, with the loader 200 being only one of those power machines. For example, some or all of the concepts discussed below may be practiced on many other types of work vehicles, such as various other loaders, excavators, trenchers, and dozers, to name a few examples.

Loader 200 includes a frame 210 that supports a power system 220 that can generate or otherwise provide power to operate various functions on the power machine. The frame 210 also supports a work element in the form of a lift arm assembly 230 that is powered by the power system 220 and can perform various work tasks. Since loader 200 is a work vehicle, frame 210 also supports traction system 240, which is also powered by power system 220 and can propel the power machine over a support surface. The lift arm assembly 230, in turn, supports an implement interface 270 that includes an implement carrier 272 that can receive and secure various implements to the loader 200 to perform various work tasks, and a power coupler 274 to which the implements can be coupled to selectively power implements that may be connected to the loader. The power coupling 274 may provide a hydraulic or electric power source, or both. Loader 200 includes a cab 250 defining an operator station 255 from which an operator may manipulate various controls to cause the power machine to perform various work functions. The cab 250 includes a canopy 252 that provides a top for the operator compartment and is configured with an entrance 254 on one side of the seat (in the example shown in fig. 3, the left side) to allow an operator to enter and exit the cab 250. Although cab 250 as shown does not include any windows or doors, doors or windows may be provided.

The operator station 255 includes an operator seat 258 and various operator input devices 260, including control levers that an operator may manipulate to control various machine functions. The operator input devices may include a steering wheel, buttons, switches, levers, sliders, pedals, etc., which may be stand alone devices such as manually operated levers or foot pedals, or incorporated into a handle or display panel including programmable input devices. Actuation of the operator input device may generate a signal in the form of an electrical signal, a hydraulic signal, and/or a mechanical signal. Signals generated in response to the operator input devices are provided to various components on the power machine to control various functions on the power machine. The functions controlled by the operator input devices on the power machine 100 include control of the traction system 240, the lift arm assembly 230, the implement carrier 272, and providing signals to any implement that may be operably coupled to the implement.

The loader may include a human machine interface including a display device disposed in the cab 250 to give an indication, e.g., an audible and/or visual indication, of information related to the operation of the power machine in a form that may be felt by an operator. The audible indication may be in the form of a beep, ring tone, etc. or via verbal communication. The visual indication may be in the form of a graphic, light, icon, meter, alphanumeric character, or the like. The display may be dedicated to providing dedicated indications such as warning lights or meters, or dynamic to provide programmable information, including programmable display devices such as monitors of various sizes and capabilities. The display device may provide diagnostic information, troubleshooting information, instructional information, and various other types of information that assist an operator in operating the power machine or a tool coupled to the power machine. Other information that may be useful to the operator may also be provided. Other power machines, such as walk-behind loaders, may not have a cab, operator compartment, or seat. The operator position on such loaders is typically defined relative to the position at which the operator is best suited to manipulate the operator input device.

The various power machines that may include and/or interact with the embodiments discussed below may have various different frame components that support various work elements. The elements of frame 210 discussed herein are provided for illustrative purposes and should not be considered the only type of frame that a power machine on which embodiments may be practiced may employ. As described above, the loader 200 is an articulated loader and thus has two frame members pivotally coupled together at an articulated joint. For the purposes of this document, frame 210 refers to the entire frame of the loader. The frame 210 of the loader 200 includes a front frame member 212 and a rear frame member 214. The front frame member 212 and the rear frame member 214 are coupled together at a hinged joint 216. An actuator (not shown) is provided to rotate the front frame member 212 and the rear frame member 214 relative to each other about the axis 217 to effect rotation.

The front frame member 212 supports and is operably coupled to a lift arm 230 at joint 216. A lift arm cylinder (not shown, located below the lift arm 230) is coupled to the front frame member 212 and the lift arm 230 and is operable to raise and lower the lift arm under power. The front frame member 212 also supports front wheels 242A and 242B. The front wheels 242A and 242B are mounted to a rigid axle (the axle does not pivot relative to the front frame member 212). The cab 250 is also supported by the front frame member 212 such that when the front frame member 212 is articulated relative to the rear frame member 214, the cab 250 moves with the front frame member 212 such that it will swing sideways relative to the rear frame member 214, depending on the manner in which the loader 200 is steered.

The rear frame member 214 supports various components of the powertrain 220, including the internal combustion engine. Further, one or more hydraulic pumps are coupled to the engine and supported by the rear frame member 214. The hydraulic pump is part of a power conversion system to convert power from the engine into a form that can be used by actuators (such as cylinders and drive motors) on the loader 200. The powertrain 220 is discussed in more detail below. Additionally, the rear wheels 244A and 244B are mounted to a rigid axle, which in turn is mounted to the rear frame member 214. When the loader 200 is pointed in a straight direction (i.e., the front frame portion 212 is aligned with the rear frame portion 214), a portion of the cab is positioned on the rear frame portion 214.

The lift arm assembly 230 shown in fig. 2-3 is one example of many different types of lift arm assemblies that may be attached to a power machine such as the loader 200 or other power machines on which the embodiments of the present discussion may be practiced. The lift arm assembly 230 is a radial lift arm assembly in that the lift arm is mounted to the frame 210 at one end of the lift arm assembly and pivots about the mounting joint 216 as it is raised and lowered. The lift arm assembly 230 is also a telescoping lift arm. The lift arm assembly includes a cantilever arm 232 pivotally mounted to the front frame member 212 at joint 216. A telescoping member 234 is slidably inserted into the boom 232, and a telescoping cylinder (not shown) is coupled to the boom and the telescoping member and operable to extend and retract the telescoping member under power. The telescoping member 234 is shown in a fully retracted position in fig. 2 and 3. A tool interface 270 including a tool carrier 272 and a power coupler 274 is operatively coupled to the telescoping member 234. The tool carrier mounting structure 276 is mounted to the telescoping member. The tool carrier 272 and the power coupler 274 are mounted to the positioning structure. A tilt cylinder 278 is pivotally mounted to both the tool carrier mounting structure 276 and the tool carrier 272 and is operable to rotate the tool carrier under power relative to the tool carrier mounting structure. Among the operator controls 260 in the operator station 255 are operator controls that allow an operator to control the lift, tilt, and tilt functions of the lift arm assembly 230.

Other lift arm assemblies may have different geometries and may be coupled to the frame of the loader in various ways to provide a lift path that is different from the radial path of the lift arm assembly 230. For example, some lift paths on other loaders provide radial lift paths. Others have multiple lift arms coupled together to function as a lift arm assembly. Other lift arm assemblies do not have telescoping members. Others have multiple sections. Unless expressly stated otherwise, none of the inventive concepts set forth in this discussion are limited by the type or number of lift arm assemblies coupled to a particular power machine.

Fig. 4 shows the power system 220 in more detail. Broadly speaking, power system 220 includes one or more power sources 222 that may generate and/or store power for operating various machine functions. On the loader 200, the powertrain 220 includes an internal combustion engine. Other power machines may include a generator, a rechargeable battery, various other power sources, or any combination of power sources that may provide power for a given power machine component. The power system 220 also includes a power conversion system 224 that is operatively coupled to the power source 222. The power conversion system 224 is, in turn, coupled to one or more actuators 226, which may perform functions on the power machine. Power conversion systems in various power machines may include various components, including mechanical transmissions, hydraulic systems, and the like. The power conversion system 224 of the power machine 200 includes a motor that provides power signals to drive motors 226A, 226B, 226C, and 226D. The four drive motors 226A, 226B, 226C, and 226D are in turn each operably coupled to four axles 228A, 228B, 228C, and 228D, respectively. Although not shown, four axles are coupled to the wheels 242A, 242B, 244A, and 244B, respectively. The hydrostatic drive pump 224A may be mechanically, hydraulically, and/or electrically coupled to an operator input device to receive an actuation signal for controlling the drive pump. The power conversion system also includes an implement pump 224B, which is also driven by the power source 222. The implement pump 224B is configured to provide pressurized hydraulic fluid to the work actuator circuit 238. The work actuator circuit 238 is in communication with a work actuator 239. The work actuators 239 represent a variety of actuators including lift cylinders, tilt cylinders, telescoping cylinders, and the like. The work actuator circuit 238 may include valves and other devices to selectively provide pressurized hydraulic fluid to the various work actuators represented by block 239 in fig. 4. Further, the work actuator circuit 238 may be configured to provide pressurized hydraulic fluid to the work actuators on the attached implement.

The above description of the power machine 100 and the loader 200 is provided for illustrative purposes to provide an illustrative environment on which the embodiments discussed below may be practiced. Although the discussed embodiments may be practiced on power machines such as the power machine generally described by power machine 100 shown in the block diagram of fig. 1, and more particularly on loaders such as track loader 200, the concepts discussed below are not intended to limit their application to the environments specifically described above unless otherwise indicated or recited.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a loader 300, which is one particular example of the power machine 100 broadly illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed above, and with respect to which the embodiments discussed herein may be advantageously employed. The loader 300 is similar in some respects to the loader 200 described above, and like numerals represent like parts. For example, as with loader 200, loader 300 includes an articulated frame 310, a lift arm assembly 330, a work actuator circuit 338, a work actuator 339, and an operator enclosure at least partially defined by a cab 350.

Certain components of the work actuator circuit 338 are schematically illustrated in fig. 5 as being superimposed on the loader 300 to represent potential mounting locations of the components on the loader 300. Among other components, for example, the work actuator circuit 338 includes a pilot valve 362 and a control valve 364 to collectively control the routing of pressurized hydraulic fluid to one or more work actuators 339, such as one or more hydraulic cylinders configured to move the lift arm assembly 330. In some arrangements, the work actuator circuit 338 may include other valves and other devices to selectively provide pressurized hydraulic fluid to the various work actuators 339 or other hydraulic components.

In a conventional arrangement, the pilot valve 362 and the control valve 364 may be separately mounted on the loader 300, which may result in certain inefficiencies. For example, the need to separately position pilot valve 362 and control valve 364 on loader 300 may result in increased manufacturing time and cost, as well as more burdensome quality control. The separate attachment of each of the multiple components of the work actuator circuit 338 to the loader 300 may also increase the design constraints of the overall loader 300, including because multiple components of the loader, such as the frame 310, may accordingly need to include multiple discrete reinforcement or attachment points to support the components of the work actuator circuit 338. Moreover, due to the decentralized arrangement of the relevant components of the work actuator circuit 338, as well as the large number and length of tubing and flexible hoses that may be required, accessing and managing the conventional work actuator circuit 338 for maintenance or other tasks may be difficult.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may address one or more of the above or other issues. For example, some embodiments of the present invention may include a support plate to which components of the work actuator circuit (e.g., pilot valves, control valves, etc.) are attached. As also described above, this may help speed up installation, removal, maintenance of the work actuator circuit, which may reduce manufacturing and maintenance time and costs. For example, attaching multiple components to a single support panel prior to attaching the support panel to the frame of the power machine may simplify and expedite manufacturing of the power machine, including due to the ease of assembling large or complex hydraulic circuit portions prior to mounting the circuit portions (or the entire circuit) on the power machine frame. Further, the use of a support plate to attach multiple components to the power machine may make the support of the multiple components a more robust arrangement, which may improve overall durability of the power machine and reduce maintenance burdens, including simplifying replacement of the entire hydraulic circuit (or multiple component parts thereof).

FIG. 6 illustrates a loader 400 upon which embodiments discussed herein may be advantageously employed. The loader 400 is one particular example of the power machine 100 broadly illustrated in fig. 1 and discussed above with reference to fig. 1-4. The loader 400 is similar in some respects to the loaders 200, 300 described above, with like numerals representing like parts. For example, the loader 400 includes an articulated frame 410, a lift arm assembly 430, a work actuator circuit 438, a cab 45 at least partially defining an operator station 455, and one or more work actuators 439 that may facilitate operation of the lift arm assembly 430 or other devices.

To allow the loader 400 to perform various operations, the frame 410 includes a front frame member 412 that supports a cab 450 and is coupled to a rear frame member 414 at an articulation joint (not shown in fig. 6). This arrangement allows the front of the loader 400, including the cab 450, to pivot relative to the rear of the loader 400 through an articulated joint. In other embodiments, different relative sizes of the front and rear of the loader 400, as well as other different configurations, are possible, including configurations in which different proportions of the cab 450 extend forward or rearward of the articulation joint or are otherwise positioned relative to the front and rear frame members 412, 414 of the loader 400, different shapes or sizes of cabs, different types of operator station or control device configurations, and so forth.

Various configurations of the work actuator circuit of the loader 400 are possible depending on the work function to be performed (e.g., operation of the work actuator 439 controls an implement (not shown) in different ways). For example, the work actuator circuit 438 is fluidly coupled to a tank 480 that is configured to hold a quantity of pressurized hydraulic fluid. The pressurized hydraulic fluid may include, for example, a dedicated hydraulic oil, an engine lubricating oil, a transmission lubricating oil, or the like. The one or more pumps 424 are configured to draw fluid from the tank 480 and return fluid to the tank to allow operation of one or more hydraulic components within the work actuator circuit 438.

To facilitate improved installation, operation, and maintenance relative to conventional systems, the various components of the work actuator circuit 438 are combined in a hydraulic subassembly 448 that may be assembled remotely from the loader 400 and installed as a unitary unit on the loader 400 after assembly. Once the hydraulic subassembly 448 has been installed on the loader and is suitably coupled with other components of the work actuator circuit 438 or other hydraulic systems (e.g., by connecting appropriate hydraulic conduits), pressurized hydraulic fluid may be delivered from the tank 480 or elsewhere to various components included on the hydraulic subassembly 448, such as control or pilot valves, hydraulic coolers, operator input devices (e.g., joysticks), and the like.

In some embodiments, the hydraulic subassembly may include a support plate that may support the plurality of hydraulic components of the hydraulic subassembly and may be secured to a frame of the loader to support the plurality of hydraulic components relative to the frame. Hydraulic subassembly 448, for example, as also shown in fig. 7-9, includes a support plate 482 configured to be positioned along and mounted to cab 450 to at least partially form a sidewall of cab 450, another portion of cab 450, or another associated structural portion of loader 400. A trim panel 484 may be positioned above support panel 482 such that support panel 482 is concealed between operator station 455 and trim panel 484 in the assembled state

In some embodiments, the hydraulic subassembly, or individual components thereof, may exhibit a geometry that is consistent with (i.e., substantially geometrically similar to) the components of the loader to which the subassembly is attached. In the embodiment shown in fig. 6, because the support plate 482 forms a portion of the cab 450, the support plate 482 is configured to pivot with the front of the loader 400 relative to the rear of the loader 400 by movement of the articulated joint. Thus, it may be useful for trim panel 484, support panel 482, and hydraulic subassembly 448 to generally exhibit a geometry that is generally complementary to a portion of the side of cab 450. In this regard, the support plate 482 includes a narrow, elongated rear portion 482a and a wide, downwardly extending front portion 482b, wherein the rear portion 482a also generally forms an upper extension of the dog leg profile of the support plate 482. Similarly, the hydraulic subassembly 448 generally exhibits a narrower, elongated rear portion and a wider, downwardly extending front portion as a whole.

When the support plates 482 are secured to the cab 450, particularly to form structural lateral sidewalls of the cab 450 in the illustrated embodiment, the rear portions 482a extend rearwardly along the sides of the cab 450 to be disposed vertically above a portion of the rear frame member 414 and the one or more pumps 424. Due in part to this narrower rear geometry, rear portion 482a of support plate 482 and hydraulic subassembly 448 may generally pivot along a travel path extending above rear frame member 414 (e.g., above the rear wheels of loader 400) along with other structure of cab 450.

Although the front portion 482b also pivots with other structures of the cab 450 and the front frame portion 412, in the illustrated embodiment it does not move to extend substantially above the rear frame member 414. Thus, similar to cab 450, generally, front portion 482b of support plate 482 exhibits a vertically wider, downwardly extending geometry (relative to rear portion 482a) and thus may be used to support a relatively larger component or components of hydraulic subassembly 448. Accordingly, forward portion 482b may also provide coverage and structural support for a majority of the lateral sides of cab 450, including a majority of the fore-aft depth of the lateral side regions of cab 450 or operator station 455, and a majority of the bottom-to-top height of cab 450 or operator station 455 below the lateral side windows.

Although the geometry of support plate 482 and the geometry of hydraulic subassembly 448 generally form a portion of the side walls of cab 450 and thus exhibit a geometry similar to a portion of the larger profile of cab 450, other configurations are possible. For example, some hydraulic subassemblies may exhibit other profiles, including profiles that are substantially similar to other portions of the power machine (e.g., other portions of the cab, the front frame of the articulated loader, or the rear frame of the articulated loader). In some embodiments, the cab may be secured to a rear frame member of the power machine, and a front frame member of the power machine may pivot relative to the support panel. Accordingly, a support panel (e.g., similar to panel 482) of the hydraulic subassembly may be secured to the rear frame member, including by attaching the support panel to the cab. In some embodiments, the support panels of the subassembly may be secured to a different side of the cab than the cab 450 shown in fig. 6.

In some embodiments, some components of the hydraulic subassembly may be contained entirely within the perimeter of a support plate that secures the components to the cab of the power machine. For example, as also discussed below, a control valve 486 and pilot valve 490 are secured to the plate 482 on the side of the support plate 482 opposite the operator station 455, and are entirely within the lateral projected perimeter of the plate 482. Thus, the control valve 486 and pilot valve 490 may be completely shielded in the lateral direction with respect to the operator station 455. However, in some embodiments, some or all of the hydraulic or other components of the hydraulic subassembly, such as components of the work actuator circuit, may extend partially or fully outside the perimeter of the associated support plate.

The support panel may be configured as a single body or as multiple bodies secured together depending on the needs of the particular power machine, the necessary or desired constraints on the mounting method of the support panel (and the hydraulic subassembly as a whole), the size and other aspects of the structural portion of the cab defined by the support panel, or other factors. In the example configuration shown in fig. 7, support plate 482 is a rigid unitary (i.e., one-piece) body that may be formed from a stamped sheet metal blank, or by molding, casting, or otherwise. For example, the support plate 482 may exhibit significant durability and reliability when stamped from sheet metal of suitable gauge, including structural portions that may allow the support plate 482 to provide a cab, and may be easily manufactured using known techniques at relatively low cost. However, other materials and manufacturing techniques are possible. In some embodiments, the support plate may be formed from multiple pieces of sheet metal or other components that are secured together using fasteners, welding, adhesives, or other techniques.

As also described above, the support plate of the hydraulic subassembly may be used to support multiple hydraulic and other components for uniform mounting on the power machine. In different embodiments, different numbers and types of components may be included in the hydraulic subassembly and secured to the support plate. For example, the support panel of some hydraulic subassemblies may be configured to support hydraulic components, including operator input devices (e.g., hydraulic joysticks), control valves, pilot valves, coolers, filters, conduits, fittings, etc., any number of which may be secured to the support panel prior to the support panel being installed on the associated power machine. In some embodiments, some components may be secured together or hydraulically connected to each other before or after being secured to the support panel. In some embodiments, some components may be indirectly secured to the support panel while still being configured to be supported by the support panel relative to the power machine frame, including by being directly secured to other components that are in turn directly or indirectly secured to the support panel.

In particular, as shown in fig. 7 and 8, various components of the work actuator circuit 438 are secured to and supported by a support plate 482. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the components secured to support plate 482 as part of hydraulic subassembly 448 include: a control valve 486 for operating a work function (e.g., by controlling one or more work actuators 439 (see fig. 6)); an operator input device 488 configured as a hydraulic joystick; a pilot valve 490 to facilitate the interoperation of the control valve 486 with the operator input device 488; a plurality of hydraulic conduits 492 comprising a plurality of flexible hoses and a plurality of rigid lines; a set of cooler brackets 494 (see fig. 8); a hydraulic cooler 496 secured to the support plate 482 by a cooler mount 494; and a hydraulic filter 498 fixed to the support plate by a filter support 499. Collectively, these components (and others) may form part of the hydraulic subassembly 448 and, once properly installed, may be controlled or interoperated with each other and with other hydraulic components of the power machine (e.g., loader 400), including one or more work actuators or other components for controlling the power machine. Further, because these components are commonly secured to and supported by the support plate 482, they may be initially configured and interconnected (in whole or in part) remotely from the loader and then may be commonly secured to the loader at any number of manufacturing stages. In particular, hydraulic assembly 448 is configured to be secured to cab 450 (see fig. 6) at a convenient manufacturing stage, with support plate 482 forming a structural portion of cab 450 (see fig. 6 and 11) at lateral side 455 of the operator station.

In this regard, for example, portions of cab 450 may be formed separately from support plate 482, such as by creating a single weldment, and then cab 450 may be completed at least in part by connecting support plate 482 to the cab. The components of the hydraulic subassembly, such as its support plate, may be secured to the power machine in a variety of ways, including using welds, rivets, or other fasteners, depending on the relevant design and manufacturing constraints of the support plate, other components of the subassembly, or the cab or other structure of the power machine.

The components of the hydraulic subassembly may be secured to the support plate in a variety of ways, typically depending on the appropriate design and manufacturing constraints of the support plate, the components themselves, and the associated power machine. For example, as shown in fig. 8, the support plate 482 includes a plurality of locating features 463 and fastener locations 465 for disposing and attaching components on the support plate 482. For example, in other features, the front portion 482b of the support plate 482 defines a plurality of fastener locations 465 configured as bolt holes for attaching the cooler brackets 494. Likewise, the rear portion 482a of the support plate 482 defines a plurality of fastener locations 465 for bolts of the pilot valve 490, and the middle portion of the support plate 482 defines fastener locations 465 for bolts of the control valve 486. Various locating features 463, configured in the example shown as square locating apertures, are also disposed around the support plate 482 to help locate various components for attachment to the support plate 482. In some embodiments, the locating features may help temporarily (e.g., non-rigidly) secure the component in the proper orientation for a bolt or other more permanent fastener to be installed.

In other embodiments, other configurations are possible, including configurations having different arrangements, different shapes or otherwise modified fastener locations, different types of location features (e.g., dimples or other protrusions), and so forth. For example, some hydraulic subassemblies may include fasteners that are integrally formed with or otherwise secured to the support panel prior to use of the fastener attachment component, including non-threaded (e.g., snap-in or snap-button) fasteners or otherwise. As another example, some support panels may be formed with recesses, protrusions, or other features configured to aid in positioning or securing certain components to the support panel.

Other features may also be provided. For example, the front portion 482b of the support plate 482 also defines an opening 464 that is substantially aligned with a side of the cooler 496. The openings 464 may provide a number of benefits, including reducing the total material required for the support plate 482, helping to ensure sufficient air flows into, out of, or around the cooler 496, allowing access to fittings or other components (not shown) on the exposed side of the cooler 496 (e.g., for maintenance operations), allowing one or more conduits 492 to pass between opposing sides of the support plate 482, and the like.

As also described above, the control valve 486 may be configured to actuate one or more of the work actuators 439 (see fig. 6) by controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid through one or more of the conduits 492 to the work actuators 439 or other components of the power machine. To accommodate the proper routing and pressure of such flow or other hydraulic operation, the rigid tubing of the conduit 492 (and other tubing) may be formed of a metallic material or other feasible material and may maintain a predetermined geometry once installed. In some embodiments, the conduit 492 may be formed into the geometry shown prior to installation on the support plate 482 or after installation on the support plate 482 but prior to installation of the support plate 482 on the cab 450, such as may facilitate streamlined assembly and final installation of the associated hydraulic circuit. The flexible hose of the conduit 492 may be formed of a polymeric material, an elastomeric material, a combination thereof, or any other feasible material that allows the hose to flex or bend during or after installation on the support plate 482.

In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 7-10, operator input device 488 is mounted on control valve 486 and, thus, is secured to support plate 482 by control valve 486 (and various fasteners 466). Attachment of operator input device 488 to support plate 482 via control valve 486 may help improve the manufacturing process by allowing control valve 486 and operator input device 488 to be assembled separately from the associated power machine or even initially assembled separately from support plate 482. This arrangement may also reduce the need for additional conduits to hydraulically connect the two components over an extended distance. However, in some embodiments, the operator input device may be secured directly to the support plate member or may be used to secure other components (e.g., valves) to the support plate member.

The operator input device 488 is in hydraulic communication with the control valve 486 such that the operator input device 488 may be used to control various work functions (e.g., at the lift arm assembly 430) via the control valve 486. Although illustrated in fig. 7-12 as joysticks, the operator input device 488 can be any device capable of accepting commands from an operator (e.g., for controlling a work function), including other joysticks, buttons, knobs, or other input devices.

The pilot valve 490 is secured to the support plate 482 by one or more of the fasteners 466 and is positioned behind the control valve 486 when the support plate 482 is secured to the front frame of the loader (see, e.g., fig. 6). The pilot valve 490 is hydraulically coupled to the control valve 486 through one or more of the hydraulic conduits 492 and may regulate the flow of fluid into and out of the control valve 486 to help control work functions, such as the operation of a tool or other components of the power machine. The pilot valve 490 or other components may also be hydraulically coupled to a hydraulic fluid tank 480, shown schematically in fig. 6.

As shown in fig. 7-8, the hydraulic filter 498 is secured to a side of the support plate 482 opposite the control valve 486, the operator input device 488, the pilot valve 490, the cooler support 494 and the hydraulic cooler 496. Thus, in some embodiments, once installed, the hydraulic filter 498 may be positioned to be supported on a side of the support plate 482 closer to the operator station 455.

In some embodiments, the hydraulic filter (or other component) may be secured to the support plate indirectly, such as by a support bracket. As shown in fig. 9-10, for example, the hydraulic filter 498 is secured to the support plate 482 with a filter bracket 499 that includes an attachment portion for securing the bracket to the support plate 482 (e.g., using fasteners or welding) and a support portion that extends in a vertical direction from the attachment portion (and from the support plate 482 after installation). Hydraulic filter 498 is configured to be secured to a support portion of filter support 499 such that filter support 499 secures hydraulic filter 498 at a lateral offset from support plate 482, with conduits extending from hydraulic filter 498 through support plate 498 to other components of hydraulic subassembly 448. In some embodiments, hydraulic filter 498 is positioned in a non-vertical orientation relative to the ground. In this case, the top of the filter 498 may be disposed further back than the bottom of the filter 498 to create additional clearance for rotation of the front frame relative to the back frame. Other configurations are also possible, including configurations with brackets arranged to support the hydraulic filter at different locations (e.g., on different sides of the support panel or with different lateral or other offsets), configurations without support brackets for the filter, or configurations with different numbers or types of filters.

In some embodiments, the support panel may be configured to allow hydraulic flow to be easily routed between opposite sides of the support panel. For example, as shown in fig. 10, the support plate 482 defines a cutout 483 generally aligned with the hydraulic filter 498 and the filter support 499. In general, the cutouts 483 or other cutouts in the support panel may allow hydraulic fluid to be routed through the support panel without completely surrounding the larger outer perimeter of the support panel. Specifically, in the example shown, a conduit 492 from the filter 498 is arranged to extend through the cutout 483 to communicate hydraulic fluid from the filter 498 to one or more components located on opposite sides of the support plate 482, such as the pilot valve 490, the control valve 486, or the hydraulic cooler 496. In other embodiments, other configurations are possible, including configurations with multiple cuts or no cuts at all.

In some embodiments, the filter 498 or other component may be fluidly coupled with a hydraulic cooler 496 mounted on the front portion 482b of the support plate 482 on an opposite lateral side of the support plate 482 from the filter 498. The hydraulic cooler 496 is generally configured to cool hydraulic fluid within the work actuator circuit 438. In some embodiments, the hydraulic cooler 496 may additionally or alternatively function as a heat exchanger for any other fluid configured to cool the loader. In some embodiments, to further increase the airflow along the hydraulic cooler 496, a fan 468 is installed on or within the hydraulic cooler 496. The fan 468 may be driven by a motor, such as a hydraulically driven motor (not shown) within the hydraulic subassembly 448, or any other suitable motor, as appropriate.

In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 7-10, the hydraulic cooler 496 is indirectly secured to the support plate 482 by a cooler bracket 494. Further, the cooler bracket 494 has a similar offset design such that the cooler bracket 494 supports the hydraulic cooler 496 with the hydraulic cooler 496 laterally spaced from the support plate 482. This laterally spaced (i.e., laterally offset) arrangement may provide clearance between the hydraulic cooler 496 and the support plate 482 such that one or more of the conduits 492 may be positioned between the hydraulic cooler 496 and the support plate 482, including when the support plate 482 is secured to the frame of the loader. The positioning of one or more of the conduits 492 between the hydraulic coolers 496 and the support plates 482 may help reduce the required length of the associated conduit 492 by avoiding the need to route the conduit 492 around the coolers 496. It may also protect the associated conduit 492 during operation of the loader or may help cool the fluid therein. Further, the lateral offset between the hydraulic cooler 496 and the support plate 482 may allow for a large amount of airflow between the hydraulic cooler 496 and the support plate 482, which may generally help cool the hydraulic cooler 496 and thereby increase its thermal efficiency.

In different embodiments, different bracket configurations may be used to properly support the hydraulic cooler or other components relative to the support panel. For example, as particularly shown in fig. 9, the brackets 494 are configured as a set of substantially similar bracket members, each having a body portion 495 and a pair of opposed arms 497 angled away from the respective body portion 495. Body portion 495 and arm 497 of each bracket 494 may be formed as a single component or piece integrally formed by any operable manufacturing process. During installation, body portion 495 is configured to align with a set of fastener locations 465 through which a set of fasteners can couple bracket 494 to support plate 482. Likewise, each arm 497 may be aligned to couple the bracket 494 to the hydraulic cooler 496. For example, the use of two brackets 494 may allow for the brackets 494 to be secured on opposite sides of an opening 464 (see fig. 8) in the support plate 482, which may facilitate useful access to the cooler 496 during installation or maintenance.

As also noted above, in some embodiments, the support panel may be configured to at least partially define a lateral (or other) side of an operator station of the power machine, such as one or more components supported on the support panel may be usefully positioned with respect to the operator station while providing appropriate structural strength and closure structure for the operator station. In this regard, for example, the operator station 455 is schematically illustrated in fig. 10 and is indicated in fig. 6, 11, and 12 with respect to the cab 450. In other embodiments, other types of operator stations may be used, including operator stations that are not necessarily defined by some or all of the operator compartments.

In embodiments of the power machine that include a cab, the support panels of the hydraulic subassembly, alone or in combination with one or more body panels, may at least partially define the cab, including by providing structural portions of the cab. For example, as shown in fig. 11 and 12, the cab 450 includes a plurality of body plates 431 (including plates 431a, 431b) and a plurality of pillars 435 that define portions (e.g., a single weldment) of the cab 450, and the like. In addition, the cab 450 includes support plates 482 that are secured to the weldment to collectively define the outer boundaries of the operator station 455. In particular, support plate 482 is secured to the weldment to provide a lateral interior structural sidewall of cab 450 that is adjacent the enclosed area of operator station 455 and generally below and to the side of the interior side of the exterior lateral sidewall formed by plate 431 a. However, in other embodiments, the support panel of the hydraulic subassembly may form other structural portions of the cab or its operator station.

In various embodiments, the operator's compartment or station defined at least in part by the support panels of the hydraulic subassemblies may have a variety of different configurations. For example, for the cab 450, the body panel 431 at least partially defines portions of a front wall 437 of the cab 450, a floor pan 441, a seat pan 443 supporting seats (not shown in fig. 11 and 12), a rear wall 445, and side walls 447 opposite the entrance 454. One or more posts 435 extend upward to support a canopy that provides a roof for the operator compartment.

Like the support plate 482, the strut 435 and the body plate 431 may exhibit significant durability and reliability, and may be easily manufactured using known techniques at relatively low cost. However, other materials and manufacturing techniques are possible. In some embodiments, the body panel 431 may be formed from multiple pieces of sheet metal or other components secured together using fasteners, welding, adhesives, or other techniques. Likewise, the strut 435 may be formed from a tube (of any geometry), such as made from any feasible material. The thickness of the strut 435 may be greater than the thickness of the body plate 431 and the support plate 482 of the subassembly to mount the support body plate 431 and the support plate 482 thereto. Further, the strut 435 may have a square tubular shape to support the various body plates 431 and support plates 484 at various offsets relative to each other. Other components, such as control plates, may also be supported by and coupled with body plate 431, brace 435, and support plate 482.

In various embodiments, the side walls of the cab opposite the entrance into the cab, or any other portion of the cab, may be defined by the support panels of the hydraulic subassembly, alone or in combination with one or more body panels that may together provide support and rigidity to the cab. In some examples, additional components, such as control panels, may be coupled intermediate the support panels and the body panels to provide an aesthetic appearance of the cab, provide associated components for operator access, or generally also provide support and rigidity to the cab. For example, as shown in fig. 11 and 12, the body panel 431a forms a first upper and laterally outer portion of the side wall 447. A support plate 482 extends below the body plate 431a and forms a second separate lower and laterally inner portion. Further, the support plate 482 is laterally offset from the body plate 431a and a control plate 449 extends laterally between the support plate 482 and the body plate 431 a. A first side of control plate 449 may be coupled with support plate 482 and a second, opposite side of control plate 449 may be coupled with offset body plate 431a (e.g., using fasteners or welding).

In some embodiments, the control panel may be secured to a support panel of the hydraulic subassembly, including providing a basic structural connection between the support panel and other portions of the cab. For example, as particularly shown in fig. 11 and 12, control plate 449 includes a laterally extending surface 449a and a set of depending skirts 449b, 449c extending from opposite sides of the laterally extending surface 449 a. The skirt extends laterally inward to the support plates 482 and may couple the support plates 482 using one or more fasteners or any other method of attachment. Skirt 449c is located farther from operator station 455 than support plate 482 and is configured to couple with body plate 431a that extends over control plate 449 and support plate 482. Laterally extending surfaces 449a, which extend between first and second skirts 449b, 449c, may support various features and components. For example, the control panel 449 may define a cup holder or a storage compartment. In addition, control panel 449 may support various operator input devices, display panels, or other components. In some embodiments, an operator input device (e.g., device 488) secured to support plate 482 may extend through control plate 449 for an operator to engage or interoperate with another component within operator station 455.

In some embodiments, the support panel may extend forward of the operator station and a pillar that supports the roof of the operator station while still forming the side walls and basic structural support components of the cab. For example, as shown in fig. 11, a front portion 482b of the support plate 482 that defines the opening 464 extends forward of the operator station 455. The placement of front portion 482b and, correspondingly, cooler 496 in front of operator station 455 (see fig. 12) can provide various benefits. For example, as described above, the cooler 496 may include a fan. In addition, the cooler 496 may reject a significant amount of heat to the surrounding environment as it cools the hydraulic fluid. During operation, since the cooler 496 is placed forward of the operator station 455 by the arrangement of the support plate 482, noise from the fan can be minimized within the cab 450, such as by heating the cab 450 via the cooler 496.

As shown in fig. 10-12, the control valve 486, operator input device 488, pilot valve 490, cooler bracket 494, and hydraulic cooler 496 may be positioned on an opposite side of the support plate 482 from the operator station 455. In embodiments including those shown in fig. 10-12, due to the offset orientation of the body panel 431a of the sidewall 447 relative to the support panel 482 disposed below the body panel 431a, a plurality of these components may also be disposed below a portion of the control panel 449 and laterally inward of the body panel 431a of the sidewall 447. This may be useful, for example, to provide these components with easy access during maintenance, as well as to protect operators from undesired exposure to these components (e.g., to direct a large number of potential leaks away from the operator). Further, although operator input device 488 is located on an opposite lateral side of support plate 482 from operator station 455, it is positioned to extend through control plate 449 for engagement by an operator from within operator station 455. This arrangement may allow an operator at operator station 455 convenient access to operator input device 488 to control one or more work functions, while still retaining the benefits described above.

In some embodiments, configuring certain components secured to the support panel in a manner laterally offset from the support panel may help properly position those components relative to other systems of the power machine. For example, and as particularly shown in fig. 10-12, when support plate 482 is mounted to form sidewall 447 of cab 450 (and operator station 455), filter mount 499 is configured to position hydraulic filter 498 at least partially behind and below operator station 455. In some configurations, the operator station 455 may include an operator seat 458 (shown schematically in fig. 10), and the hydraulic filter 498 may be positioned below the seat 458. More specifically, in some embodiments, the hydraulic filter 498 may be supported by a support plate 482 to be disposed on a side of the body plate 431b forming the seat portion opposite the operator station 455. Thus, for example, the filter 498 may be disposed in shielding 455 from the operator station while still being relatively easily accessible for replacement or other maintenance even after the support plate 482 is installed. Generally, the filter 498 is configured to remove impurities from the hydraulic oil, and over time it may accordingly require replacement or repair. Thus, improvements in accessibility of the hydraulic filter, such as may typically be provided by the described configuration of the support plate and hydraulic subassembly, may provide substantial benefits.

In embodiments where the power machine does not include a cab, the support plate of the hydraulic subassembly according to the present disclosure may form other structural components of the power machine. For example, a support plate similar to support plate 482 may define at least a portion of a sidewall of an enclosure of the operator station or other structure of the power machine without a cab, including by serving substantial structural components thereof.

As also described above, some embodiments may include (or facilitate) improved manufacturing methods for power machines, including due to the inclusion of multiple hydraulic components in a hydraulic subassembly that may be integrally mounted on a frame of the power machine. FIG. 13 illustrates an example method 500 of manufacturing a power machine having an operator station and a frame according to an embodiment of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the method may include assembling 502 a hydraulic subassembly including a support plate. The support plate may be a one-piece (e.g., unitary) component, such as plate 482 shown in fig. 7-10, and may be formed by any feasible manufacturing and assembly process.

Assembling 502 the hydraulic subassembly may also include securing a plurality of components to the support plate. In general, as described in the above examples, various hydraulic and other components may be secured to the support plate to form a unified assembly. For example, the components may include one or more of the following: a control valve (e.g., control valve 486); operator input devices (e.g., operator input device 488), including an operator device configured to hydraulically control a work function through hydraulic communication with a control valve; a pilot valve (e.g., pilot valve 490) mounted in hydraulic communication with the control valve for hydraulically controlling the work function; hydraulic conduits, such as flexible hoses and rigid lines; a hydraulic cooler (e.g., cooler 496 fixed laterally offset from the support plate); a hydraulic filter (e.g., filter 498); as well as any number of other components.

In some cases, certain components may be equivalently fixed to each other on opposite sides of the support panel. For example, hydraulic filters may be secured to opposite lateral sides of the support plate along with control valves, operator input devices, pilot valves, hydraulic coolers, and various hydraulic conduits. As another example, the hydraulic cooler may be fixed to a front portion or a rear portion of the support plate opposite the pilot valve or the hydraulic filter.

Once assembled 502, the hydraulic subassembly may be secured 504 to the power machine to define a portion of a side wall of an operator's cab or station. In some embodiments, the hydraulic subassembly may be secured 504 to the power machine by one or more attached components, such as a control valve, an operator input device, a pilot valve, a cooler bracket, or a hydraulic cooler positioned on the opposite side of the support plate from the operator station. In some embodiments, the hydraulic subassembly may be secured 504 to the power machine by a hydraulic filter positioned at least partially behind or below the operator station. In some embodiments, including the embodiment described above with respect to the power machine 400, the hydraulic subassembly may be secured 504 to the power machine to provide a structural portion of the power machine, including a structural portion (e.g., a structural sidewall) of the cab or operator station.

Embodiments provided herein may provide several advantages. For example, use of the hydraulic subassemblies described herein may reduce the time required to complete a production build of a loader or other power machine, as well as improve quality assurance and potentially reduce the labor and expense required for manufacturing. In addition, proper placement of components on the support plate may help improve the maneuverability of the power machine and the overall experience of the operator. For example, proper placement of hydraulic devices on the support plate may help reduce the length of hydraulic conduits required for an associated hydraulic circuit (e.g., a work actuator circuit). This is useful, for example, to further reduce costs and minimize potential failures (e.g., leaks) within the hydraulic circuit. Similarly, filters, coolers or other components may be readily arranged to be easily installed as part of a larger hydraulic subassembly while being properly positioned and shielded relative to the operator station or other components of the power machine, yet remaining properly accessible for maintenance and efficient operation. In some embodiments, the hydraulic subassembly may also define a portion of an operator station of the power machine, such as by forming at least a portion of a wall of a cab containing the operator station. In this regard, particularly when the support panels of the hydraulic subassembly form a structural portion of the cab, the amount of material required for the remaining body panels or other components of the cab may be significantly reduced, thereby potentially reducing the material cost and weight of the power machine and the overall manufacturing time.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the concepts discussed herein.