DESC:SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TILTING VEHICLE CABIN AND SETTING TORSION THEREIN

Field of the invention:

The present invention generally relates to a vehicle cabin tilting and more particularly it relates to a system and method for tilting a vehicle cabin with the help of cabin EMS hanger in an assembly line and setting of a torsion rod in the cabin assembly.

Background of the invention:

The vehicle cabin is mounted on vehicle chassis using a specific torsion generation system. The torsion generation system can be a hydraulic system or mechanical system. In the vehicle assembly line, cabins are dropped on chassis with the help of cabin EMS (electrified monorail system) hanger. The dropping station of the assembly line is designed for mounting cabins with a specific type of torsion generation system. Modifying the cabin dropping station for the cabins having different dimensions or for the cabins with different type of torsion generation system is difficult due to bottlenecking and running production line.

Accordingly, there exists a need to provide a system for tilting a vehicle cabin irrespective of the cabin dimensions and the torsion generation system to be fitted with the cabin.

Objects of the invention:

An object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for tilting a vehicle cabin and installing a mechanical tilting system therein.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for cabin tilting, implemented irrespective of the cabin dimensions and the mechanical cabin tilting system to be fitted with the cabin.

Summary of the invention:

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a system for tilting of a vehicle cabin and setting torsion therein. The system comprises a hanger arranged for picking up and carrying the vehicle cabin from a cab pickup station to a cab drop station and a chassis for receiving the vehicle cabin dropped by the hanger thereon. The hanger has a gripping arm, a cab tilting hoist fitted with the gripping arm A and a tilting hook fitted with the cab tilting hoist, wherein the tilting hook is capable of engaging with the vehicle cabin. The chassis is fitted with a latching hook and a cab resting and anti-latch fixture to avoid cab latching while dropping the vehicle cabin on the chassis. The cab resting and anti-latch fixture includes a bottom locator located on rear cabin mount for holding the anti-latch fixture on the chassis during dropping of the vehicle cabin, a top rest having soft surface for holding painted surface of the vehicle cabin, an up-rest and a recess provided for an engagement of the tilting hook thereon.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for vehicle cabin tilting and torsion setting therein. At first step, the method comprises of receiving the vehicle cabin from the cab pickup station and carrying the vehicle cabin to the cab drop station with the help of the hanger. At next step, the vehicle cabin is dropped on the chassis by the hanger. The anti-latching fixture is fixed on the chassis, only when the vehicle cabin is mechanical tilting type. The tilting hook then gets engaged with the vehicle cabin with help of the anti-latch fixture and tilts the vehicle cabin with degree angle. Thereafter, in the tilted position of the vehicle cabin, a torsion rod is inserted and fixed with an end cap and end cap bolt and then the cab tilting hoist is lowered down so that the tilting hook is disengaged with the vehicle cabin and gets released due to gravity. After releasing the tilting hook, the vehicle cab will be disengaged from the hanger, the cab tilting hoist and the tilting hook will return to the home position and the empty hanger will move from final line to return line.

Brief description of the drawings:

The objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the disclosure is read in conjunction with the following figures, wherein

Figure 1 shows a cabin received by an EMS (Electrified Monorail System) hanger, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 shows the cabin dropped on the chassis, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 3 and 4 show the cab tilting with cab tilting hoist on EMS hanger, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 5 and 6 show a detailed view of a torsion rod and an end cap inserted in the assembly, in accordance with the present invention;

Figures 7, 8 and 9 show a detailed view of anti-latch fixture, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 10 shows a torsion generation process in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 11 shows a flow chart of a method of cabin tilting and configuration of torsion generation system to the cabin.

Detailed description of the invention:

The foregoing objects of the present invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art, techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiments.

The present invention provides a system for vehicle cabin tilting and setting a mechanical torsion therein, and a method thereof. The system includes a cab EMS (Electrified Monorail System) hanger, cab tilting hoist mounted on hanger, tilting hook and a cab resting & anti latch fixture. The system is capable of fixing the vehicle cabins on chassis, irrespective of the type of vehicle cabin such as hydraulic tilting type & mechanical tilting type. A characteristic arrangement is provided in the system for fixing the torsion bar to the mechanical tilting type vehicle cabins. In accordance with the present invention, the mechanical tilting type vehicle cabin is dropped on the chassis and is engaged with the cab resting & anti-latch fixture; lifted with cab tilting hoist & tackle and tilted up to 45 degrees. The torsion rod is fixed and tackle gets automatically released. Insertion of torsion rod and fixing of end cap is completed.

The present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in bracket in the following description.

Referring to figures 1 to 11, a system (100) for tilting a vehicle cabin (20) and setting a mechanical torsion therein, (hereinafter referred as “the system (100)”), in accordance with the present invention is disclosed. The system (100) comprises a hanger (10) arranged for picking up and carrying the vehicle cabin (20) from a cab pickup station to a cab drop station and a chassis (40) for receiving the vehicle cabin (20) dropped by the hanger (10) thereon.

In an embodiment, the vehicle cabin (20) is selected from any one of a mechanical tilt type vehicle cabin and a hydraulic tilt type vehicle cabin. The hanger (10) is an electrified monorail system hanger. The vehicle cabin (20) is carried by the hanger (10) from the cab pickup station to the cab drop station. The hanger (10) is equipped with a gripping arm (10A). The gripping arm (10A) is fitted with a cab tilting hoist (60). The cab tilting hoist (60) is fitted with a tilting hook (70) that is capable of engaging with the mechanical tilt type vehicle cabin (20).

The chassis (40) is fitted with a latching hook (32) and a cab resting and anti-latch fixture (30) to avoid the cab latching while dropping the vehicle cabin (20) on the chassis (40). In a specific embodiment, when the vehicle cabin (20) is ready to fit on the chassis (40) with a cabin latch mechanism (not numbered), there should be enough gap between cabin latch and the latching hook (32) on the chassis (40). The same gap is utilized to engage the tilting hook (70) with the vehicle cabin (20), so that no additional lifting area is required on the vehicle cabin (20). The cab resting and anti-latch fixture (30) includes a bottom locator (42), a top rest (34), a recess (36) and an up-rest (38). The bottom locator (42) is located on rear cabin mount and precisely holds the anti-latch fixture (30) on a frame during the cabin dropping. The top rest (34) is provided with a soft surface for resting painted surface of the vehicle cabin (20) thereon. The up-rest (38) fixture and the recess (36) are provided for an engagement of the tilting hook (70) thereon.

In an operation, the vehicle cabin (20) is received from the cab pickup station by the hanger (10) and dropped on the chassis (40). The vehicle cabin (20) gets engaged with the anti-latch fixture (30). The tilting hook (70) then gets engaged with the vehicle cabin (20) with the help of the anti-latch fixture (30) and tilts the vehicle cabin (20) with 45 degree angle. When the vehicle cabin (20) is in tilted position, a torsion rod (80) is inserted and fixed with an end cap (85) and end cap bolt (90). The cab tilting hoist (60) is then lowered down, so that the tilting hook (70) is disengaged with the cabin (20) and gets released due to gravity.

Again, referring to figures 1 to 11, in another aspect, a method (200) for tilting of the vehicle cabin (20) and setting a mechanical torsion system therein is described. The method (200) is described in conjunction with the system (100).

At step (110), the method (200) comprises of receiving the vehicle cabin (20) from cab pickup station with the help of hanger (10). In this step, a carrier is waiting at the cab pickup station for authorization of vehicle cabin pickup from an operator. The vehicle cabin (20) is identified as a hydraulic tilting type cabin or a mechanical tilting type cabin, either by manually reading or automatically scanning a cabin build card and a respective selector switch on an operating panel is selected by the operator. The vehicle cabin (20) is then being carried to the cab drop station.

At step (120), the method (200) comprises of placing the vehicle cabin (20) on the chassis (40). The operator will place the anti-latching fixture (30) on the chassis (40), only when the vehicle cabin (20) is mechanical tilting type.

At step (130), the method (200) comprises of engaging the tilting hook (70) with the vehicle cabin (10) with the help of the anti-latch fixture (30) and tilting the vehicle cabin (20) with 45 degree angle. The EMS gripping hand (10A) is fitted with the tilting hoist (60) and the tilting hook (70) is activated only when the vehicle cabin (20) dropped on the chassis (40) is of mechanical tilting type.

At step (140), the method (200) comprises of inserting the torsion rod (80) and fixing the same with the end cap (85) and end cap bolt (90).

At step (150), the method (200) comprises of lowering the cab tilting hoist (60) to release the tilting hook (70) automatically by gravity. After releasing the tilting hook (70), the vehicle cabin (20) will be disengaged from the hanger (10), the cab tilting hoist (60) and the tilting hook (70) will return to the home position and the empty hanger (10) will move from final line to return line.

Advantages of the invention:

1. The system (100) provides flexibility for all types of cabin (day, sleeper), it is user friendly with different cabin widths and cowl.
2. The same method (200) can be used to drop Cowl and RTD (ready to drive chassis) on the frame.
3. No special bracket is required on the vehicle cabin (20) for lifting, as the cab anti-latch fixture (30) provides enough gap between the cabin latch and the latching hook (32) on the chassis (40).
4. No fatigue to the operator.
5. The system (100) is user friendly and safe.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the present invention. ,CLAIMS:We claim:

1. A system (100) for tilting of a vehicle cabin (20) and setting torsion therein comprising:
a hanger (10) arranged for picking up and carrying the vehicle cabin (20) from a cab pickup station to a cab drop station, the hanger (10) having,
• a gripping arm (10A),
• a cab tilting hoist (60) fitted with the gripping arm (10A),
• a tilting hook (70) fitted with the cab tilting hoist (60), wherein the tilting hook (70) is capable of engaging with the vehicle cabin (20); and
a chassis (40) for receiving the vehicle cabin (20) dropped by the hanger (10) thereon, the chassis (40) fitted with,
• a latching hook (32), and
• a cab resting and anti-latch fixture (30) to avoid cab latching while dropping the vehicle cabin (20) on the chassis (40), the cab resting and anti-latch fixture (30) having,
a bottom locator (42) located on rear cabin mount for holding the anti-latch fixture (30) on the chassis (40) during dropping of the vehicle cabin (20),
a top rest (34) having soft surface for holding painted surface of the vehicle cabin (20),
an up-rest (38) and a recess (36) provided for an engagement of the tilting hook (70) thereon;
wherein, as the vehicle cabin (20) is dropped on the chassis (40) by the hanger (10), the vehicle cabin (20) gets engaged with the anti-latch fixture (30) and the tilting hook (70) then gets engaged with the vehicle cabin (20) with help of the anti-latch fixture (30) and tilts the vehicle cabin (20) with 45 degree angle and thereafter, in the tilted position of the vehicle cabin (20), a torsion rod (80) is inserted and fixed with an end cap (85) and end cap bolt (90) and then the cab tilting hoist (60) is lowered down so that the tilting hook (70) is disengaged with the vehicle cabin (20) and gets released due to gravity.

2. The system (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the vehicle cabin (20) is selected from any of a mechanical tilt type vehicle cabin and a hydraulic tilt type vehicle cabin.

3. The system (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the hanger (10) is an electrified monorail hanger system.

4. The system (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein a gap is maintained between the vehicle cabin (20) and the latching hook (32) while fitting the vehicle cabin (20) on the chassis (40) using a cabin latch mechanism and the same gap is used while enraging the tilting hook (70) with the vehicle cabin (20), thereby avoiding requirement of any additional lifting area on the vehicle cabin (20).

5. A method (200) for tilting of a vehicle cabin (20) and setting torsion therein comprising steps of:
receiving the vehicle cabin (20) from a cab pickup station by a hanger (10) and carrying the vehicle cabin (20) to a cab drop station (step 110) after receiving an authorization from an operator;
placing an anti-latching fixture (30) on a chassis (40) and then placing the vehicle cabin (20) thereon (step 120);
engaging a tilting hook (70) with the vehicle cabin (10) with the anti-latch fixture (30) and tilting the vehicle cabin (20) at 45 degree angle (step 130);
inserting a torsion rod (80) and fixing the torsion rod (80) with an end cap (85) and an end cap bolt (90) (step 140); and
lowering a cab tilting hoist (60) to release the tilting hook (70) automatically by gravity (step 150);
wherein, after releasing the tilting hook (70), the vehicle cabin (20) is disengaged from the hanger (10), the cab tilting hoist (60) and the tilting hook (70) are returned to the home position and the empty hanger (10) is moved from the cab drop station (final line) to the cab pickup station (return line).

6. The method (200) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein at the step (110), at the cab pickup station, the vehicle cabin (20) is identified from any one of a hydraulic tilting type cabin and a mechanical tilting type cabin, by any one of manual reading and automatic scanning of a cabin build card and respective selector switch on an operating panel is selected by the operator to give the authorization of picking up the vehicle cabin (20).

7. The method (200) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein at the step (120), the operator is placed the anti-latching fixture (30) on the chassis (40), only when the vehicle cabin (20) is mechanical tilting type cabin.

8. The method (200) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the gripping hand (10A) fitted with the tilting hoist (60) and the tilting hook (70) is activated only when the vehicle cabin (20) dropped on the chassis (40) is of mechanical tilting type

Dated this 26th day of October 2018

Madhavi Vajirakar
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-2337)