Development of a panoramic cabin concept for 4-cylinder tractors range for mixed applications (field farmyard)

摘要

Market data show that the use of a 4-cylinders tractor in the range from 80 to 120hp is a mix between field work and farmyard work, including handling and work with loader. In comparison, more powerful tractors are mostly dedicated to field work and transport. Therefore developing of a new tractor in this range requires special focus in the design of the cabin in order to meet ergonomic requirements clearly oriented to farmyard work, while keeping the necessary fundamental design to efficient work in the fields. These constraints have led the concept and development of a panoramic cab towards two main directions: develop a state of the art HMI (Human Machine Interface) and provide excellent high and front visibility. The challenges to achieve were : an industrial design challenge : to design a panoramic cabin while respecting the principles of CLAAS tractor dynamic style - a complexity challenge : to develop a panoramic cabin in parallel of 3 other classic cabin versions with which at least 80% of common components had to be shared - a technical challenge: to draw an interface between the windshield and the panoramic glass without front crossbar remaining compliant with safety requirements (FOPS and ROPS) but also reaching mechanical requirements due to stress generated on the cabin frame by the use of such an agricultural tractor ( climatic and vibrational wear, fatigue, ... ). From a technical point of view we focused our efforts on 5 items : 1. the choice of polycarbonate material for the panoramic glass - 2. the design for attaching the panoramic glass on the cab frame – 3. the design of the windshield bonding and panoramic glass – 4. the sealing connecting windshield and panoramic glass (type of sealing, mechanical strength, heat resistance, assembly process) – 5-the robustness of the cab frame with a front cross moved to the middle of the roof the regarding its ability to be compliant with standards safety requirements.