LIFT ARM STRUCTURE WITH AN ARTICULATED KNEE PORTION

摘要

A lift arm structure for use on a power machine is disclosed. As disclosed, the lift arm structure includes an articulated knee portion pivotally attached to a main lift arm portion. The articulated knee portion is pivotally coupled to a distal end of the main lift arm portion at a bend angle. The bend angle can be fixed by a fixed length rod connected to the main lift arm portion and the articulated knee portion or adjustable through an actuator operably connected to the main lift arm portion and the articulated knee portion. In some applications, the actuator is a hydraulic cylinder connected to the lift arm portion and the articulated knee portion. A rod of the cylinder is extended and retracted to increase or decrease the bend angle of the articulated knee portion. The bend angle can be adjusted utilizing input from operator input devices or machine controlled utilizing pre-programmed bend angle parameters.

主权项

1. A lift arm assembly for attachment to a power machine having a frame and a front end and a rear end wherein the lift arm assembly includes a lift arm structure configured to be pivotally attached to the frame and movable between a lowered position and a raised position comprising:
a main lift arm portion having a proximal end pivotally attachable to the frame; an articulated knee portion having a first end pivotally coupled to a distal end of the main lift arm portion and a second end spaced from the first end; and wherein a length of the main lift arm portion is configured to extend from the pivotal attachment to the frame proximate to the rear end of the machine proximate to the front end of the machine and the articulated knee portion is configured to extend from the main lift arm portion at a bend angle proximate to the front end of the machine.