Land vehicles: bodies and tops – Bodies – Lining
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-05
2001-08-28
Pape, Joseph D. (Department: 3612)
Land vehicles: bodies and tops
Bodies
Lining
C296S214000, C296S190030, C454S137000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06279978
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention is directed to the roof structure of a work vehicle wherein the sound insulating foam liner together with the headliner form ventilating ducts through which airflow from a HVAC system passes.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The operator's compartment on work vehicles used in construction, agriculture mining and forestry operations is typically provided with a roll over protection system (ROPS). In addition to protecting the operator, the operator's compartment performs many other functions. The compartment must conform to various standards and regulations for operator noise comfort, visibility and interior size. As such, the operator's compartment includes sound absorbing materials to reduce noise levels in the compartment. In addition, the operator's compartment maybe provided with a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system (HVAC) to maintain a comfortable operator work environment. The HVAC system can be mounted in the roof structure of the operator's compartment. The air is routed through a series of ducts that are usually formed of molded plastic and are provided with additional insulation to reduce heat transfer from and to the air in the duct. The ducts are usually attached to each other, the HVAC unit, to the insulation and the roof structure by various mechanical mechanisms.
Typically separate components are used for sound absorption and HVAC airflow distribution functions. Sound absorption is accomplished by adhering or mechanically fastening foam sheets to either the roof or bonding them to the headliner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a roof structure for an operator's cab that requires less parts and is less costly to manufacture.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a HVAC system wherein the ventilating ducts have reduced airflow noise.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a HVAC system wherein the ventilating ducts have reduced condensation.
It is a feature of the present invention that a sound insulating foam liner and the headliner form ventilating ducts through which ventilating air from the HVAC system is directed.
The operator's cab of a work vehicle is provided with a ROPS on which is mounted a roof structure. The roof structure is provided with a roof having a top surface exposed to the outside and a bottom surface facing the interior of the operator's compartment. A sound insulating foam liner having a top surface and a bottom surface is located under the roof. The top surface of the foam liner is secured to the bottom surface of the roof by adhesives. The bottom surface of the foam liner is provided with ventilating channels. The ventilating channels have two sidewalls and a top wall extending between the sidewalls. A headliner is located below the foam liner. The headliner has a top surface facing the bottom surface of the foam liner and a bottom surface facing the interior of the operator's compartment. The top surface of the headliner encloses the ventilating channels formed in the foam liner thereby forming ventilating ducts. The top surface of the headliner forming the bottom wall, whereas the foam liner forms the two sidewalls and the top wall of the ventilating duct.
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Mueller Daniel Joseph
Schreyer Bernard Eugene
Carpenter Scott
Deere & Company
Pape Joseph D.
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