DESC:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
CABIN SUPPORTING STRUCTURE FOR A WORK MACHINE

Applicant:
BEML Limited
A company Incorporated in India under the Companies Act, 1956
Having address:
BEML Soudha, 23/1, 4th Main,
Sampangirama Nagar, Bengaluru - 560 027,
Karnataka, India

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY
[001] This patent application claims priority from Indian Provisional Application 201941054542 filed on December 30, 2019.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[002] The present subject matter described herein, in general, relates to a cabin supporting structure for a work machine. More, specifically, the present invention relates to a cabin supporting structure for a work machine comprising means for isolating vibration between vibrating members.
BACKGROUND
[003] Heavy duty work machines such as crawler dozers are subjected to high vibrations and shocks during operation that affects the efficiency of the operator. Further, electrical and electronic components mounted on the dashboard in the cabin are subjected to high vibrations and may fail prematurely due to vibration. Also, the steering and braking systems controlled by the operator via linkages may loosen due to vibrations and malfunction thereby posing a serious threat to the safety of the operator.
[004] Referring to Figure 1 (prior art), a combined unit comprising of cabin and floor frame secured with fasteners is disclosed. In existing dozer models, cabin 10 is attached to floor frame 12 with fasteners 28, wherein the combined unit is mounted on the bracket assembly and configured to isolate vibration between the cabin and the floor frame. This arrangement of vibration isolation is useful when the cabin is provided as a standard fitment on heavy duty machines like crawler dozer. However, this arrangement fails to extend the vibration isolation to the operator compartment when cabin is not provided as a standard fitment on heavy duty machines like crawler dozer. As both units i.e. cabin and floor frame are mounted together, there should be precise control with jigs and fixtures to avoid mismatch of number of fasteners in different planes, which increases the manufacturing costs as well. Hence, there is a need to provide independent vibration isolation to floor frame and cabin for improving operator comfort, increasing life of dashboard mounted electrical and electronic equipments, etc.
[005] The present disclosure aims to overcome one or more limitations of the prior art discussed above.

OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION
[006] The principal object of the present invention is to provide independent vibration isolation to the floor frame and the cabin for limiting the transmission of vibration from the vehicle main frame to the floor frame and to the cabin during operation.
[007] Another object of the present invention is to prevent direct relative mounting arrangement between floor frame and cabin of dozer.
[008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sealing unit between the cabin and the floor frame for preventing natural transmission of vibration between the cabin and the floor frame.
[009] Yet, another of the present invention is to prevent entry of dust or rain water in the cabin.
[010] Yet, another object of the present invention is to improve the operator comfort and improve the life of the cabin dashboard electrical and electronic components.
[011] Yet, another object of the present invention is to eliminate the need for precise jigs and fixtures for manufacturing floor frame and cabin as there are no fasteners between them.
SUMMARY
[012] Before the present cabin supporting structure for a work machine is described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the system(s), and methodologies described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosures. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular implementations or versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to cabin supporting structure for a work machine. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[013] A cabin supporting structure for a work machine comprises a cabin configured for mounting on a floor frame to form an integrated cabin assembly mounted through plurality of bracket assemblies for providing independent vibration isolation through each bracket assembly. Further, a fender assembly is configured for pivotally mounting said integrated cabin assembly through plurality of bracket assemblies for providing independent vibration isolation through each bracket assembly. Furthermore, a main frame is configured for mounting said fender assembly and at least one sealing unit mounted between said cabin and said floor frame configured for sealing and preventing natural transmission of vibration between said cabin and said floor frame.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[014] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present subject matter, an example of construction of the present subject matter is provided as figures; however, the present subject matter is not limited to the specific process and system disclosed in the document and the figures.
[015] The present subject matter is described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer various features of the present subject matter.
[016] Figure 1 (prior art) illustrates conventional interconnection of cabin and floor frame with fasteners.
[017] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of cabin and floor frame supporting structure of work machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[018] Figure 3 illustrates a constructional view of cabin and floor frame supporting structure of work machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[019] Figure 4 illustrates sealing of cabin and floor frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[020] Figure 5 illustrates mounting arrangement of cabin 10 and floor frame 12 with independent isolators’ that are mounted on main frame 14 with sealing as represented in Figure 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[021] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, may now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any assembly and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary, assembly and methods are now described. The disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Various modifications to the embodiment may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art may readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[022] Various modifications to the embodiment may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments of cabin supporting structure of work machine. However, one of ordinary skill in the art may readily recognize that the present disclosure for cabin supporting structure of work machine is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described, but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[023] In one example, the cabin and the floor frame of the crawler dozer but not limited to excavators, wheel loaders, motor graders, compactors, dump trucks etc. are separated by the isolators. Further, a cabin may be attached to a floor frame with fasteners and the combined unit is mounted on the vibration isolators. Further, the floor frame and the main frame are isolated by isolators independently without having any relative fastening arrangement, and thus eliminate precise jigs and fixtures for manufacture which increases the manufacturing costs as well.
[024] Referring now to figure 2 and 3, side view and constructional view of cabin 10 and floor frame 12 supporting structure of work machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter is disclosed. The work machine comprises a main frame 14, a fender assembly 16, a floor frame 12, a cabin 10 and a track chain 18. The cabin 10 configured for mounting on a floor frame 12 to form an integrated cabin assembly mounted through plurality of bracket assemblies 23 for providing independent vibration isolation through each bracket assembly 23. Further, a fender assembly 16 is configured for pivotally mounting said integrated cabin assembly through plurality of bracket assemblies 33 for providing independent vibration isolation through each bracket assembly 33. Furthermore, a main frame 14 configured for mounting said fender assembly 16 and at least one sealing unit 11 mounted between said cabin 10 and said floor frame 12 configured for sealing and preventing natural transmission of vibration between said cabin 10 and said floor frame 12. The floor frame 12 and the cabin 10 are pivotally mounted using a fastening means 28, wherein the fastening means 28 can be a pin, nut-bolt, rivet or the like. The union of male bracket 20 and female bracket 21 about the fastening means 28 is referred to as bracket assembly 23. The union of male bracket 30 and female bracket 32 about the fastening means 28 is referred to as bracket assembly 33. The cabin 10 is configured to be mounted on said floor frame 12with a bracket assembly 23 constituting male bracket 20 and female bracket 21, wherein said male bracket 20 and said female bracket 21 are mounted on said floor frame 12 and said cabin 10 respectively. The integrated cabin assembly is configured to be mounted on said fender assembly 16 through a pivotal bracket assembly 33 constituting male bracket 30 and female bracket 32 for providing independent vibration isolation between said fender assembly 16 and said integrated cabin assembly. The plurality of male brackets 20, 30 comprises a block 24 and a collar 26 configured to float between rubbers 22 when pivoted about cabin 10 and / or floor frame12 using fastening means 28 to avoid direct contact with vibrating members. The plurality of male brackets 20, 30 are provided with a block 24 configured for mounting inside said plurality of male brackets20,30. Further, a collar 26 is configured for mounting on aperture of said block 24 and plurality of rubbers 22 are configured for mounting on longitudinal end of said block 24 to prevent direct contact between said cabin 10 and said floor frame 12 for isolating vibrations. The plurality of bracket assemblies23 and said plurality of bracket assemblies 33 are configured to be mounted on said integrated cabin assembly and said fender assembly 16 by fastening means 28.
[025] Referring now to Figure4, a mounting of cabin 10 and floor frame 12, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.The cabin 10 and floor frame 12 floats independently over separate plurality of bracket assemblies (23, 33), wherein the plurality of bracket assemblies 23, 33 act as vibration isolators. As independent vibration isolators are provided, better vibration isolation is ensured in all conditions as sufficient gap is provided between cabin 10 and floor frame 12. By providing independent vibration isolation to cabin 10 and floor frame 12 through the plurality of bracket assemblies 23, 33 respectively, separates the floor frame 12 and cabin 10, transmission of vibration directly to cabin and floor frame 12 is separated by vibration isolation, the need for fastening arrangement between the cabin 10 and the floor frame 12 is eliminated. As independent vibration isolation is provided to the cabin 10 and the floor frame 12, heavy duty machines can be manufactured and marketed with or without cabin 10 and at the same time vibration isolation can be ensured to the operator compartment.
[026] Referring now to figure 5, a sealing unit 11 between cabin 10 and floor frame 12 supporting structure of work machine is illustrated. In order to seal the gap between the cabin 10 and floor frame 12, a sealing unit 11 is provided between the cabin 10 and floor frame 12.Further, the sealing unit 11 provided between the cabin 10 and the floor frame 12 is configured to naturally prevent transmission of vibration between vibrating members. . The sealing unit 11 may comprise of an EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) or a synthetic rubber to avoid transit of vibrations during operation. Further, sealing unit 11 is provided between the cabin 10 and the floor frame 12 to naturally prevent transmission of vibration between vibrating members. Furthermore, the sealing unit 11 mounted between the cabin 10 and the floor frame 12 is configured to prevent entry of dust or rain water into the cabin 10. Moreover, the sealing unit 11 may be fastened by means of glue or by mechanical fasteners (bolts, nuts, rivets) either to the floor frame 12 or the cabin 10 depending up on the feasibility.
[027] Exemplary embodiments for disinfection discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include those provided by the following features.
[028] Some embodiments of the cabin supporting structure of work machine provides no direct relative mounting arrangement between the cabin and the floor frame.
[029] Some embodiments of the cabin supporting structure of work machine facilitate geometric dimensioning and tolerance (GD&T) that reduces the manufacturing and inspection costs and helps in better interchangeability as there are no fasteners between them.
[030] Some embodiments of the cabin supporting structure of work machine takes care of the manufacturing deviations of the cabin and the floor frame like flatness, perpendicularity, parallelism etc. up to 7 mm.
[031] Some embodiments of the cabin supporting structure of work machine can be used in excavators, wheel loaders, motor graders, compactors, dump trucks and the like.
[032] Although implementations for the cabin supporting structure of work machine have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features for the cabin supporting structure of work machine as described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as examples of implementations of the cabin supporting structure of work machine.

,CLAIMS:
1. A cabin supporting structure for a work machine comprises:
a cabin (10) configured for mounting on a floor frame (12) to form an integrated cabin assembly mounted through plurality of bracket assemblies (23)for providing independent vibration isolation through each bracket assembly (23);
a fender assembly (16) configured for pivotally mounting said integrated cabin assembly through plurality of bracket assemblies (33)for providing independent vibration isolation through each bracket assembly (33);
a main frame (14) configured for mounting said fender assembly (16); and
at least one sealing unit (11) mounted between said cabin (10) and said floor frame (12) configured for sealing and preventing natural transmission of vibration between said cabin (10) and said floor frame (12).

2. The cabin supporting structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cabin (10) is configured to be mounted on said floor frame (12) with a bracket assembly (23) constituting male bracket (20) and female bracket (21); wherein said male bracket (20) and said female bracket (21) are mounted on said floor frame(12) and said cabin (10)respectively.

3. The cabin supporting structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said integrated cabin assembly is configured to be mounted on said fender assembly (16) through a pivotal bracket assembly (33) constituting male bracket (30)and female bracket (32)for providing independent vibration isolation between said fender assembly (16) and said integrated cabin assembly.

4. The cabin supporting structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of male brackets(20, 30) are provided with
a block (24) configured for mounting inside said plurality of male brackets(20, 30);
a collar (26) configured for mounting on aperture of said block (24); and
plurality of rubbers (22) configured for mounting on longitudinal end of said block (24)to prevent direct contact between said cabin (10) and said floor frame (12) for isolating vibrations.

5. The cabin supporting structure as claimed in claim 4, wherein said plurality of male brackets (20, 30)provided with plurality of apertures are configured for mounting said block (24) and said collar (26).

6. The cabin supporting structure as claimed in claim 1,wherein said plurality of bracket assemblies (23)and said plurality of bracket assemblies (33) are configured to be mounted on said integrated cabin assembly and said fender assembly (16)by fastening means (28).

7. The cabin structure as claimed in claim 6,wherein said fastening means (28) are configured to be a pin or nut-bolt or rivet.

8. The cabin supporting structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein a sealing unit (11) mounted between said cabin (10) and said floor frame (12) is configured for sealing the gap to prevent entry of dust or water inside said cabin (12).

9. The cabin structure as claimed in claim1, wherein said sealing unit (11) is made from one of an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) or synthetic rubber.