The present disclosure is directed to a control system for a work machine and, more particularly, to a joystick control system for a work machine.
Work machines such as, for example, motor graders, backhoe loaders, agricultural tractors, wheel loaders, skid-steer loaders, and other types of heavy machinery are used for a variety of tasks requiring operator control of the work machine and various work implements associated with the work machine. These work machines and work implements can be relatively complicated and difficult to operate. They may have an operator interface with numerous controls for steering, position, orientation, transmission gear ratio, and travel speed of the work machine, as well as position, orientation, depth, width, and angle of the work implement.
Historically, work machines have incorporated single-axis lever control mechanisms with complex mechanical linkages and multiple operating joints, or a plurality of cables to provide the desired functionality. Such control mechanisms require operators with high skill levels to control the many input devices. After a period of operating these control mechanisms, the operators may become fatigued. In addition, because an operator's hand may be required to travel from one actuating element to another, an operator's delayed reaction time and the complexity and counter-intuitiveness of the controls may result in poor quality and/or low production.
An operator interface may include a joystick control system designed to reduce operator fatigue, improve response time of the operator, and improve results of the work machine. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,314 (the '314 patent) issued to Rytter et al. on Aug. 27, 1991, describes a steering and transmission shifting control mechanism that includes a transversally rockable control handle. The steering and transmission shifting control mechanism also includes a steering actuator element connected at the bottom of the control handle to depress either a left or right actuating plunger of a hydraulic pilot valve assembly for effecting steering. The steering and transmission shifting control mechanism further includes an electrical switch activating element to change the speed of a multi-speed transmission through an associated electronic control system.
Although the steering and transmission shifting control mechanism of the '314 patent may alleviate some of the problems associated with separate work machine controls for effecting steering and transmission operations, the steering and transmission shifting control mechanism may not control enough of the features and/or functions of the work machine and work implement to reduce operator fatigue and improve the quality and/or production of the work machine. An operator may still be required to operate multiple control devices to effect articulation, wheel tilt, work implement position and orientation control, throttle control, alignment control, differential control, and other work machine and implement functions and features. In addition, the steering and transmission operations of the steering and transmission shifting control mechanism of the '314 patent may still require operator input that is complex or counter-intuitive.
The disclosed control system is directed towards overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.
A control system for a work machine having an articulated joint and a work implement with at least one axis of rotation, includes a first lever with a first longitudinal axis. A twist angle of the first lever about the first longitudinal axis is related to an articulation speed of the work machine. The control system also includes a second lever having a second longitudinal axis of rotation. A twist angle of the second lever about the second longitudinal axis is related to a rotation speed of the work implement about the at least one axis. A plurality of operator control devices are disposed on the first and second levers.
A method of controlling a work machine includes twisting a first lever through a first twist angle in one of a clockwise and counterclockwise direction to cause an articulation of an articulated joint of a work machine, such that a portion of the work machine rotates about the articulated joint in the one of the clockwise and counterclockwise directions at an articulation speed related to the first twist angle. The method further includes twisting a second lever through a second twist angle in one of a clockwise and counterclockwise direction to cause a rotation of a work implement about a first axis in the same one of a clockwise and counterclockwise direction and at a rotation speed related to the second twist angle. A plurality of operator control devices are disposed on the first and second levers.
a illustrates a diagrammatic perspective view of a joystick controller according to an exemplary embodiment;
b illustrates a top view schematic of the operation of the joystick controller of
a illustrates a diagrammatic perspective view of a joystick controller according to an exemplary embodiment;
b illustrates another diagrammatic perspective view of the joystick controller of
c illustrates a schematic of the operation of the joystick controller of
An exemplary embodiment of a work machine 10 is illustrated in
Steerable traction device 12 may include one or more wheels 24 located on each side of work machine 10 (only one side shown). Alternately, steerable traction device 12 may include tracks, belts, or other traction devices. Wheels 24 may be rotatable about a vertical axis 26 for use during steering. Wheels 24 may also be tiltable about a horizontal axis 28 to oppose a reaction force caused by DCM 20 engaging a work surface, or to adjust a height of DCM 20. Steerable traction device 12 may or may not be driven.
Driven traction device 14 may include wheels 30 located on each side of work machine 10 (only one side shown). Alternately, driven traction device 14 may include tracks, belts or other traction devices. Driven traction device 14 may include a differential gear assembly (not shown) configured to divide power from power source 18 between wheels 30 located on either side of work machine 10. The differential gear assembly may allow wheels 30 on one side of work machine 10 to turn faster than wheels 30 located on an opposite side of work machine 10. The differential gear assembly may also include a lock feature that will be described in more detail below. Driven traction device 14 may or may not be steerable.
Frame 16 may connect steerable traction device 12 to driven traction device 14. Frame 16 may include an articulated joint 31 that connects driven traction device 14 to frame 16. Work machine 10 may be caused to articulate steerable traction device 12 relative to driven traction device 14 via articulated joint 31. Work machine 10 may also include a neutral articulation feature that, when activated, causes automatic realignment of steerable traction device 12 relative to driven traction device 14 to cause articulation joint 31 to return to a neutral articulation position.
Power source 18 may be an engine such as, for example, a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a natural gas engine, or any other engine known in the art. Power source 18 may also be another source of power such as a fuel cell, a power storage device, or another source of power known in the art.
The transmission may be an electric transmission, a hydraulic transmission, a mechanical transmission, or any other transmission known in the art. The transmission may be operable to produce multiple output speed ratios and may be configured to transfer power from power source 18 to driven traction device 14 at a range of output speeds.
DCM 20 may include a drawbar assembly 32 supported by a center portion of frame 16 via a hydraulic ram assembly, and connected to a front portion of frame 16 via a ball and socket joint 33. A circle assembly 34 may be connected to drawbar assembly 32 via additional hydraulic rams and may be configured to support a moldboard assembly 36 having a blade 38. DCM 20 may be both vertically and horizontally positioned relative to frame 16. DCM 20 may also be controlled to rotate circle assembly 34 and moldboard assembly 36 relative to drawbar assembly 32. Blade 38 may be positioned both horizontally and vertically, and oriented relative to circle assembly 34. It is contemplated that DCM 20 may be absent and replaced with another work implement such as, for example, a ripper, a bucket, or another work implement known in the art.
As illustrated in
a illustrates left joystick controller 42 having a plurality of buttons 46, 48, 50, 52, 54 and a trigger 56 disposed on a lever 58. Various functions of work machine 10 and DCM 20 may be actuated in different manners according to the condition and/or position of buttons 46, 48, 50, 52, and 54, the position of trigger 56, and the position and orientation of lever 58.
For example, buttons 46 and 48 may cause the transmission output speed ratio to change. Button 46 may cause the transmission to shift to a higher output speed ratio. Button 48 may cause the transmission to shift to a lower output speed ratio. Transmission ratio shifting buttons 46 and 48 may be recessed within lever 58, with a ridge 60 separating buttons 46 and 48 from each other. As an operator attempts to press one of buttons 46 or 48, ridge 60 forces an operator's finger towards one or the other of buttons 46 or 48. Ridge 60 may block depressive movement of an operator's finger in the area between buttons 46 and 48. In this manner, an operator may be impeded from inadvertently pressing both button 46 and button 48 simultaneously.
Buttons 50 and 52 may cause wheels 24 to lean or tilt relative to a tilt plane through horizontal axis 28. Button 50 may cause wheels 24 to tilt to the left relative to an operator's perspective, while button 52 may cause wheels 24 to tilt to the right. The tilt speed of wheels 24 caused by buttons 50 and 52 may correspond to the engagement positions of the respective buttons. For example, buttons 50 and 52 may have a maximum position corresponding to a maximum tilt speed and a minimum position corresponding to a minimum tilt speed (e.g., tilt speed of zero magnitude). Buttons 50 and 52 may be placed at any position between the maximum and minimum positions to tilt wheels 24 at a corresponding speed between the maximum and minimum tilt speeds. In this manner, motion of buttons 50 and 52 may be related (i.e., proportional) to movement speed of the associated components controlled by the buttons. After depressing either of buttons 50 and 52 to set a tilt speed of wheels 24, wheels 24 may continue to tilt at the same tilt speed until a position of either button 50 or 52 is changed or an end tilt position of wheels 24 is attained.
Button 54 may be a neutral articulation button configured to move steerable traction device 12 back into alignment with driven traction device 14, via articulated joint 31, after an articulated operation. When enabled, this neutral alignment feature may provide automatic alignment of steerable device 12 and driven traction device 14 without an operator needing to rely upon instrumentation or visual observation.
Trigger 56 may be configured to control a transmission condition when actuated. Trigger 56 may be a three-way rocker switch that toggles between a forward, neutral, and reverse output direction of the transmission. Trigger 56 may have an upper portion 56a and a lower portion 56b configured to pivot about pivot point 57. When starting in the neutral condition, the reverse condition may be selected by pulling upper portion 56a a first distance, thereby causing the transmission to operate in a first output rotational direction. Pulling lower portion 56b the first distance returns the transmission condition to neutral. Pulling lower portion 56b a second distance selects the forward condition, thereby causing the transmission output rotation to rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction. Pulling upper portion 56a the second distance returns the transmission condition to neutral.
As shown in the top view illustration of
Tilting lever 58 fore and aft about axis 65, may cause blade 38 to move. Tilting lever 58 in a fore direction about axis 65 may cause a left end (relative to an operator's perspective) of blade 38 to lower, while tilting lever 58 in an aft direction about axis 65 may cause the left end of blade 38 to lift.
The magnitude of the lever tilt angle away from axis 62 in the fore/aft direction, along axis 63, may relate to a speed of blade movement. As the tilt angle of lever 58 away from longitudinal axis 62, about axis 65, approaches a maximum position, the movement speed of blade 38 in the associated direction approaches a maximum rate. In this manner, motion of lever 58 may be related (e.g., proportional) to movement speed of blade 38.
Tilting lever 58 side-to-side away from longitudinal axis 62, about axis 63, may cause the angle of wheels 24 to rotate about vertical axis 26 to steer work machine 10. Tilting lever 58 in a left direction about axis 62 may cause wheels 24 to rotate in a counter clockwise direction, as viewed from an operator's perspective. Similarly, tilting lever 58 in a right direction about axis 62 may cause wheels 24 to rotate in a clockwise direction.
The magnitude of the lever tilt angle away from axis 62, along axis 65, in the side-to-side direction may be related to the rotation angle of wheels 24. As the tilt angle of lever 58 away from longitudinal axis 62, along axis 65, approaches a maximum position, the rotation angle of wheels 24 in the associated direction approaches a maximum value. In this manner, motion of lever 58 is related (i.e., proportional) to steering angle.
Lever 58 may include an operator interface having ridges corresponding to joints of an operator's hands. A first ridge 64 may correspond to a joint between a thumb and a palm, while a second ridge 66 may correspond to a joint in the fingers of the operator's hand. Ridges 64 and 66 may improve operator comfort by providing positive placement of an operator's hand on lever 58.
a and 3b illustrate right joystick controller 44 of control system 22. Right joystick controller 44 may include a four-way rocker switch 70 and a trigger 78 disposed on a lever 80. Various functions of work machine 10 and DCM 20 may be actuated in different manners according to the engagement position of rocker switch 70, the position of trigger 78, and the orientation of lever 80.
For example, actuation of rocker switch 70 in left and right directions (relative to an operator's perspective) may cause the entire DCM 20 to shift from side-to-side. Rocking rocker switch 70 to the left may cause DCM 20 to shift left. Rocking rocker switch 70 to the right may cause DCM 20 to shift right. Rocker switch 70 may also cause blade 38 to rotate or tip about a pivot axis 82. Rocking rocker switch 70 forward may cause the top of blade 38 to tip forward towards a work surface. Rocking rocker switch 70 aft may cause the top of blade 38 to tip backwards, bringing the bottom of blade 38 upwards and away from the work surface.
The speed of side-to-side movement of DCM 20 and/or rotation of blade 38 about pivot axis 82 caused by movement of rocker switch 70 may be related to an engagement position of rocker switch 70 in the respective direction. Rocker switch 70 may have maximum rock positions corresponding to maximum shift speeds of DCM 20 in left and right directions or maximum rotation speeds of blade 38. Rocker switch 70 may also have minimum rock positions corresponding to minimum shift speeds of DCM 20 or minimum rotation speeds of blade 38. Rocker switch 70 may be rocked to any position between the maximum and minimum depressed positions to shift DCM 20 or rotate blade 38 at corresponding minimum and maximum speeds in the associated direction. In this manner, motion of rocker switch 70 may be related (i.e., proportional) to movement speed of the associated components controlled by rocker switch 70. After rocking rocker switch 70 in the left, right, fore, or aft directions to set either a movement speed of DCM 20 or a rotation speed of blade 38, DCM 20 or blade 38 may continue to move or rotate at the same speed until rocker switch 70 is rocked to a new position. In addition, rocker switch 70 may be utilized to cause movement of DCM 20 and rotation of blade 38 simultaneously. In particular, rocker switch 70 may be rocked towards a fore/right direction, a fore/left direction, an aft/left direction, an aft/right direction, or to any position therebetween, thereby causing simultaneous movement of DCM 20 and rotation of blade 38 in the associated directions.
Button 76 may enable and disable the differential lock feature to lock and unlock the speed of wheels 30 located on one side of work machine 10 with wheels 30 located on the other side of work machine 10. When enabled, this feature may provide substantially uniform or equal speed to each of wheels 30 of driven traction device 14, thereby providing additional traction to the work surface when required.
Trigger 78 may be configured to control a throttle feature when actuated. During operation of work machine 10, there may be times when the speed of power source 18 controllably deviates from a predetermined position in order to accomplish a particular function. Engaging trigger 78 may cause the throttle to return to the predetermined position. For example, an operator may set a desired throttle position. During particular functions such as for example, turning, lifting, idling, and other functions known in the art, the throttle may be caused to deviate from the desired throttle position set by the operator to properly accomplish these functions. Upon completion of the particular function, the operator may engage trigger 78 to cause the throttle to return to the desired position previously set by the operator.
As shown in the top-view illustration of
Tilting lever 80 side-to-side away from longitudinal axis 83, about axis 87, may cause blade 38 to shift in the same direction as the tilt of lever 80. Tilting lever 80 in a left direction about axis 87 may cause blade 38 to shift in a left direction, as viewed from an operator's perspective. Similarly, tilting lever 80 in a right direction about axis 87 may cause blade 38 to shift in a right direction as viewed from an operator's perspective.
The magnitude of the lever tilt angle away from axis 83 in the side-to-side direction may relate to the speed of movement of blade 38 in the same direction. As the tilt angle of lever 80 away from longitudinal axis 83 approaches a maximum position about axis 87, the movement speed of blade 38 in the associated direction approaches a maximum value.
Tilting lever 80 in a fore/aft direction away from longitudinal axis 83, about axis 85, may cause blade 38 to move in a vertical direction, as viewed from an operator's perspective. Tilting lever 80 in a fore direction about axis 85 may cause a right end of blade 38 to lower towards the work surface, as viewed from an operator's perspective. Similarly, tilting lever 80 in an aft direction about axis 85 may cause the right end of blade 38 to lift away from the work surface, as viewed from an operator's perspective.
The magnitude of the lever tilt angle away from axis 83 in the side-to-side direction may relate to the magnitude of the movement speed of the right end of blade 38. As the tilt angle of lever 80 away from longitudinal axis 83 approaches a maximum position about axis 85, the movement speed of the right end of blade 38 in the associated direction approaches a maximum value.
Similar to lever 58, lever 80 may include an operator's hand interface having ridges corresponding to joints of an operator's hands. A first ridge 84 may correspond to a joint between a thumb and a palm, while a second ridge 86 may correspond to a joint in the fingers of the operator's hand. Ridges 84 and 86 may improve operator comfort by providing positive placement of an operator's hand on lever 58.
Lever 80 may also include a guard 88, located on one side of lever 80, proximal to button 76. Guard 88 may reduce the risk of inadvertently or accidentally pressing differential lock button 76.
During manipulation of left and/or right joystick controllers 42 and 44, an operator may use hand stabilizer 92 to offset the resistive force caused by movement of left and/or right joystick controllers 42 and 44. An operator may apply pressure to a portion of ring 94, forward of the respective joystick controller, in a rearward direction during tilting of the associated lever in a forward direction. Similarly, when tilting the associated lever rearward, or side-to-side, an operator may apply pressure to ring 94 opposite the direction of the tilt so as to resist the force resulting from the hand pushing or pulling the associated lever in that direction.
Control system 22 having left and right joystick controllers 42, 44 may be applicable to any work machine requiring multiple operator control inputs to position and/or orient the work machine or work tool, or to control a work machine function. Control system 22 may effectively reduce operator fatigue by providing oft-used actuators within very close proximity to each other and on common controllers. Locating the oft-used actuators on common controllers allows the operator to control different machine functions without moving between different controllers.
In addition, because the actuating motion of the buttons, triggers, and/or levers associated with control system 22 may relate to corresponding work machine or work implement motion, the operation of these control devices is intuitive. The intuitiveness of the control devices may allow for improved quality and production of work machine 10 as well as the operation of work machine 10 by an operator with a lower skill level.
Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed embodiments. For example, many different features and/or functions of work machine 10 may be controlled by left and right joystick controllers 42 and 44. Those functions and/or features described as being controlled by left joystick controller 42 may alternately be controlled by right joystick controller 44, and vice versa. Additional or fewer features and/or functions may be controlled by left and right joystick controllers 42 and 44. The features and/or functions may be controlled by various operator control devices, other than buttons and triggers, located on first and second levers 58 and 80 such as, for example, switches, push/pull devices, levers, disk adjusters, and other operator control devices known in the art. In addition, those functions and/or features described as being controlled by buttons or rocker switches could also be controlled by lever manipulation, and vice versa. Further, those buttons, rocker switches, triggers, and/or levers described as causing motion or speed of an associated component proportional to the position of the buttons, rocker switches, triggers, and/or levers, may alternately be on/off-type control devices, wherein motion of the affected component is continuous or step-wise while the button, trigger, and/or lever is in an engaged position. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the invention being indicated by the following claims.
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