Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6631653
-
Patent Number
6,631,653
-
Date Filed
Wednesday, December 6, 200023 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, October 14, 200320 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
- Howard & Howard
- Hanley; Steven M.
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 074 471 XY
- 074 47321
- 074 47333
- 403 53
- 403 57
- 137 6362
-
International Classifications
- F16H5900
- F16C1106
- G05G100
-
Abstract
A single lever control assembly that limits motion due to the inherent design of the assembly. In other words, no additional components are required to limit the motion of the single lever control assembly. The assembly includes two U-shaped members each having a base and parallel legs extending from the base, a lever connected to one of the U-shaped members and a pivot block interconnecting the parallel legs for allowing the U-shaped members to rotate relative to one another. The assembly has at least one of the parallel legs having a projection that engages one of the parallel legs of the other U-shaped member. In general, the single lever control assembly is a type of modified universal joint whose movement is limited by a projection.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates generally to a single lever control assembly for controlling a machine and more particularly to a control shift pattern joint.
BACKGROUND ART
Single lever control assemblies of the type known for controlling a machine typically comprise two U-shaped members each having a base and parallel legs extending along spaced longitudinal axes from the base to respective distal ends, a lever supported by one of the U-shaped members, and a pivot block interconnecting the parallel legs. Typically, the range of motion of a single lever control assembly includes a plus pattern and 360° rotation, i.e., a swiveling motion.
The pivot block allows the U-shaped members to rotate relative to one another about transverse first and second axes to obtain the plus pattern. In other words, the parallel legs of the first U-shaped member rotate about the first axis when the legs of the first U-shaped member move between the parallel legs of the second U-shaped member. Also, the parallel legs of the first U-shaped member rotate about the second axis when the parallel legs of the first U-shaped member move about the legs of the second U-shaped member. The 360° of rotation occur because all the legs of the U-shaped members terminate within a radius of clearance about the axes.
Typically, single lever control assemblies rotate in a plus pattern and in a 360° pattern when viewed from above the single lever control assembly. Specific functions are activated and deactivated by moving the single lever control assembly to certain positions. Generally, a specific function is activated at each endpoint of the plus pattern. Two functions can be activated simultaneously by rotating the single lever control about the 360° pattern to the midpoint position between the two desired functions.
A disadvantage of using this type of single lever control assembly is that additional components need to be added to limit the range of motion of the lever assembly. Typically, a plate is used to limit the range of motion. For instance, the plate could be either flat or rounded and is placed over the single lever control assembly. Each plate includes a cutout portion or slot in the areas where movement of the single control lever is allowed or desired. One example of such an apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,133,251. In that example, the lever is movable laterally in two generally perpendicular directions via a slotted gate pattern.
Another disadvantage of this type of single lever control assembly is that there is an additional expense in manufacturing the plates. Yet another disadvantage is the time required to properly install such a plate. Finally, there is always the possibility that the plate will slip out of position resulting in unrestricted movement of the single lever control.
Therefore, it is desirable to limit the 360° motion of the single lever control assembly without requiring extra structural elements. The present invention is directed to overcome one or more of the problems as set forth above.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a single lever control assembly for controlling a machine. The single lever control comprises two U-shaped members each having a base and supporting spaced parallel legs, a lever connected to one of the U-shaped members, and a pivot block interconnecting the parallel legs of the two U-shaped members. The single lever control assembly is characterized by at least one of the legs of one of the U-shaped members having a projection engaging one of the parallel legs of the other U-shaped member to limit rotation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a perspective view of one embodiment of the single lever control assembly of the subject invention;
FIG. 2
is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 3
is a top view of the range of motion of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 4
is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the subject invention;
FIG. 5
is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 4
; and
FIG. 6
is a top view of the range of motion of the embodiment shown in FIG.
4
.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Referring to the drawings where like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a single lever control assembly for controlling a machine is generally shown at
10
. A single lever control assembly is also commonly known as a joystick. The types of machines controlled by the single lever control assembly
10
of the present invention include, but are not limited to, loaders, excavators, tractors, winches and/or rippers.
As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2
, the assembly
10
comprises a single lever
12
and a first U-shaped member, generally indicated at
14
, having a base
16
supporting the lever
12
. Parallel legs
18
(
a
),
18
(
b
) extend along spaced longitudinal axes from the base
16
to respective distal ends
20
(
a
),
20
(
b
).
The assembly
10
also comprises a second U-shaped member, generally indicated at
22
. The second U-shaped member
22
also has a base
24
and parallel legs
26
(
a
),
26
(
b
) extending along spaced longitudinal axes from the base
24
to respective distal ends
28
(
a
),
28
(
b
).
As shown in
FIG. 2
, a pivot block
30
interconnects the parallel legs
18
(
a
),
18
(
b
),
26
(
a
),
26
(
b
) for allowing the first U-shaped member
14
to rotate relative to the second U-shaped member
22
. Further, the pivot block
30
has a square cross-section and contains two transverse holes
32
for receiving pins
34
that connect the U-shaped members
14
,
22
to the pivot block
30
.
There is also typically an actuating plate attached to the first U-shaped member
22
(not shown). The actuating plate functions to engage respective valve elements responsive to movement of the single lever
12
. Engagement of the valve elements causes performance of desired functions associated with the machinery being controlled by the joystick.
The second U-shaped member
22
is stationary because it is connected to a base member that attaches to the machinery the lever is controlling. The base member is shown as an X-shaped support bracket
82
in FIG.
1
.
The single lever control assembly
10
is characterized by at least one of the parallel legs
18
(
a
),
18
(
b
),
26
(
a
),
26
(
b
) of one of the U-shaped members
14
,
22
having a projection
36
engaging one of the parallel legs
18
(
a
),
18
(
b
),
26
(
a
),
26
(
b
) of the other U-shaped member
14
,
22
to limit rotation. The projection extends beyond the leg's
18
(
a
),
18
(
b
),
26
(
a
),
26
(
b
) radius
46
of clearance which is a reference radius that extends about the first and second axes
42
,
44
. It is recognized that the projection could have various shapes or contours to obtain various operating characteristics.
As discussed previously, a 360° pattern of the single lever
12
is achieved when the end
20
(
a
),
20
(
b
),
28
(
a
),
28
(
b
) of each leg
18
(
a
),
18
(
b
),
26
(
a
),
26
(
b
) terminates at or within the reference radius 46. In that case, each leg clears the parallel legs
18
(
a
),
18
(
b
),
26
(
a
),
26
(
b
) of the opposite U-shaped member
14
,
22
in all degrees of rotation between the U-shaped members
14
,
22
. In the prior art single lever control assemblies, the distal ends of all of the parallel legs terminate at or within the reference radius of clearance
46
. In the present invention, rotation of the single lever control assembly
10
is limited because at least one of the parallel legs has a projection
36
that extends, at least in part, beyond the reference radius
46
.
The plus pattern
38
illustrated in
FIG. 3
is achieved when the first U-shaped member
14
is limited to rotate only relative to the second U-shaped member
22
about transverse first and second axes
42
,
44
(see FIG.
1
). The first U-shaped member
14
rotates about the first axis
42
when the parallel legs
18
(
a
),
18
(
b
) of the first U-shaped member
14
rotate between the parallel legs
26
(
a
),
26
(
b
) of the second U-shaped member
22
. The first U-shaped member
14
rotates about the second axis
44
when the parallel legs
18
(
a
),
18
(
b
) of the first U-shaped member
14
rotate about the parallel legs
26
(
a
),
26
(
b
) of the second U-shaped member
22
.
In the embodiment of
FIGS. 1 and 2
, each of the parallel legs
18
(
a
),
18
(
b
),
26
(
a
),
26
(
b
) includes a reference radius of clearance 46 extending about the first and second axes
42
,
44
. Further, all four legs
18
(
a
),
18
(
b
),
26
(
a
),
26
(
b
) of the single lever control assembly
10
have at least one projection
36
to limit movement. In other words, there are a plurality of projections
36
extending beyond the reference radius
46
, each projection
36
on a different parallel leg
18
(
a
),
18
(
b
),
26
(
a
),
26
(
b
). Each projection
36
extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the parallel leg
18
(
a
),
18
(
b
),
26
(
a
),
26
(
b
) of the projection
36
it extends from. Alternatively, the projection
36
extends transverse to the longitudinal axis of the parallel leg
18
(
a
),
18
(
b
),
26
(
a
),
26
(
b
). As previously noted, the projections
36
do not have to extend to a point as illustrated in the drawings. It is recognized that various contours could be used without departing from the essence of the subject invention.
Each parallel leg
18
(
a
),
18
(
b
),
26
(
a
),
26
(
b
) includes parallel spaced sides
50
(
a
),
52
(
a
),
50
(
b
),
52
(
b
),
50
(
c
),
52
(
c
),
50
(
d
),
52
(
d
) extending from the base
16
,
24
to a distal end
20
(
a
),
20
(
b
),
28
(
a
),
28
(
b
). As shown in
FIG. 2
, in the first U-shaped member
14
leg
18
(
a
) includes parallel spaced sides
50
(
a
) and
52
(
a
) that terminate at distal end
20
(
a
). Leg
18
(
b
) includes parallel spaced sides
50
(
b
) and
52
(
b
) that terminate at distal end
20
(
b
). On the second U-shaped member
22
, leg
26
(
a
) includes parallel spaced sides
50
(
c
) and
52
(
c
) that terminate at distal end
28
(
a
). Leg
26
(
b
) includes parallel spaced sides
50
(
d
) and
52
(
d
) that terminate at distal end
28
(
b
). As shown in
FIG. 1
, both sides
50
(
a
),
52
(
a
),
50
(
b
),
52
(
b
),
50
(
c
),
52
(
c
),
50
(
d
),
52
(
d
) of each parallel leg
18
(
a
),
18
(
b
),
26
(
a
),
26
(
b
) extend beyond the reference radius
46
to the leg's distal end
20
(
a
),
20
(
b
),
28
(
a
),
28
(
b
).
Each distal end
20
(
a
),
20
(
b
),
28
(
a
),
28
(
b
) extends in a straight line between the sides
50
(
a
),
52
(
a
),
50
(
b
),
52
(
b
),
50
(
c
),
52
(
c
),
50
(
d
),
52
(
d
) and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to provide a squared distal end
20
(
a
),
20
(
b
),
28
(
a
),
28
(
b
). Each squared distal end
20
(
a
),
20
(
b
),
28
(
a
),
28
(
b
) also preferably includes a beveled surface
54
. The squared distal end
20
(
a
),
20
(
b
),
28
(
a
),
28
(
b
) could also include an arcuate surface
56
adjacent the beveled surface
54
. As shown in the embodiment of
FIG. 3
, the single lever control assembly
10
has only a plus pattern
38
range of motion. The projections
36
on each parallel leg
18
(
a
),
18
(
b
),
26
(
a
),
26
(
b
) prevent any rotation within the 360° range except that movement within the plus pattern.
Another embodiment is shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5
. The assembly
58
comprises a single lever
12
and a first U-shaped member, generally indicated at
60
, having a base
62
supporting the lever
12
. Parallel legs
64
(
a
),
64
(
b
) extend along spaced longitudinal axes from the base
62
to respective distal ends
66
(
a
),
66
(
b
).
The assembly
58
also comprises a second U-shaped member, generally indicated at
68
. The second U-shaped member
68
also has a base
70
and parallel legs
72
(
a
),
72
(
b
) extending along spaced longitudinal axes from the base
70
to respective distal ends
74
(
a
),
74
(
b
).
As shown in
FIG. 4
, a pivot block
30
interconnects the parallel legs
64
(
a
),
64
(
b
),
72
(
a
),
72
(
b
) for allowing the first U-shaped member
60
to rotate relative to the second U-shaped member
68
. Further, the pivot block
30
has a square cross-section and contains two transverse holes
32
for receiving pins
34
that connect the U-shaped members
60
,
68
to the pivot block
30
.
There is also typically an actuating plate attached to the first U-shaped member
60
(not shown). The actuating plate functions to engage respective valve elements responsive to movement of the single lever
12
. Engagement of the valve elements causes performance of desired functions associated with the machinery being controlled by the joystick.
The second U-shaped member
68
is connected to the base member that attaches to the machinery the lever is controlling. The base member is shown as an X-shaped support bracket
82
in FIG.
5
.
Each parallel leg
64
(
a
),
64
(
b
),
72
(
a
),
72
(
b
) includes parallel spaced sides
76
(
a
),
78
(
a
),
76
(
b
),
78
(
b
),
76
(
c
),
78
(
c
),
76
(
d
),
78
(
d
) extending from the base
62
,
70
to a distal end
66
(
a
),
66
(
b
),
74
(
a
),
74
(
b
). In the first U-shaped member
58
, leg
64
(
a
) includes parallel spaced sides
76
(
a
) and
78
(
a
) that terminate at distal end
66
(
a
). Leg
64
(
b
) includes parallel spaced sides
76
(
b
) and
78
(
b
) that terminate at distal end
66
(
b
). In the second U-shaped member
68
, leg
72
(
a
) includes parallel spaced sides
76
(
c
) and
78
(
c
) that terminate at distal end
74
(
a
). Leg
72
(
b
) includes parallel spaced sides
76
(
d
) and
78
(
d
) that terminate at distal end
74
(
b
).
In the subject embodiment
58
, the first parallel leg
64
(
a
) of the first U-shaped member
60
does not include a projection. Therefore, the distal end
66
(
a
) of the first parallel leg
64
(
a
) is at the reference radius of clearance
46
and has a semicircular distal end
66
(
a
). On the other hand, each side
76
(
b
),
78
(
b
) of the second parallel leg
64
(
b
) extends beyond the reference radius
46
to the leg's distal end
66
(
b
). The distal end
66
(
b
) extends in a straight line between the sides
76
(
b
),
78
(
b
) and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to provide a squared distal end
66
(
b
).
The first side
76
(
c
),
76
(
d
) of each parallel leg
72
(
a
),
72
(
b
) of the second U-shaped member
68
extends beyond the reference radius
46
to the leg's distal end
74
(
a
),
74
(
b
). In other words, each side
76
(
c
),
76
(
d
) includes a projection
36
. The second side
78
(
c
),
78
(
d
) of each parallel leg
72
(
a
),
72
(
b
) of the second U-shaped member
68
does not extend beyond the reference radius
46
. In other words, the second sides
78
(
c
),
78
(
d
) do not include projections.
The projections
36
on the legs
72
(
a
),
72
(
b
) of the second U-shaped member
68
are adjacent the second parallel leg
64
(
b
) of the first U-shaped member
60
. As a result of this configuration, the range of motion includes a T-shaped pattern
39
and 180° of unrestricted rotation
80
, as shown in FIG.
6
. To further facilitate this motion, the distal end
66
(
a
),
66
(
b
),
74
(
a
),
74
(
b
) of each parallel leg
64
(
a
),
64
(
b
),
72
(
a
),
72
(
b
) also includes a beveled surface
54
. The distal ends
66
(
a
),
66
(
b
),
74
(
a
),
74
(
b
) could also include an arcuate surface
56
adjacent the beveled surface
54
.
Of course, various modifications of this invention would come within the scope of the invention. The main fundamental concept is to limit the rotation of a single lever control assembly due to the inherent design of the mechanism.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1 through 3
, the single lever control assembly is restricted to movement in a plus pattern. As shown in
FIG. 3
, there are four endpoints A, B, C, D to the plus pattern. Further, there is a valve associated and aligned with each endpoint A, B, C, D. Moving the lever to a particular endpoint will actuate the associated valve. Actuation of a particular valve causes performance of a specific function. Typically, the valve is hydraulic.
In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 4 through 6
, the single lever control assembly is restricted to a T-shaped pattern and 180° of rotation. As shown in
FIG. 6
, there are three endpoints to the T-pattern. There is a valve associated and aligned with each endpoint. Moving the lever to a particular endpoint will actuate the associated valve. There is also a valve associated with the point situated at the outer periphery midpoint of the 180° pattern. In other words, there is a valve situated 90° from endpoints A, C and 180° from endpoint B. Further, the lever can move freely within the 180° pattern. As the lever is moved within the 180° several functions can be performed simultaneously. For example, the function associated with the valve corresponding to the midpoint of A and C can be actuated simultaneously with the function associated with endpoint A or C.
The single lever control assembly of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art single lever control assemblies because no additional components need to be added to control the shift pattern of the single lever control assembly. The shift pattern of the present invention is predetermined by the design of each component in the single lever control assembly. In other words, the shift pattern is inherent based on the shape of the single lever control assembly components.
Other aspects, objects and advantages of this invention can be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims.
Claims
- 1. A single lever control assembly adapted for controlling a machine, said assembly comprising;a lever, a first U-shaped member having a base supporting said lever and parallel legs extending along spaced longitudinal axes from said base to respective distal ends; a second U-shaped member having a base and parallel legs extending along spaced longitudinal axes from said base to respective distal ends; a pivot block interconnecting said parallel legs for allowing said U-shaped members to rotate relative to one another about transverse first and second axes for allowing said parallel legs of said first U-shaped member to rotate about said first axis between said parallel legs of said second U-shaped member and for allowing said parallel legs of said first U-shaped member to rotate about said second axis with said parallel legs of said second U-shaped member therebetween; a first of said parallel legs of said first U-shaped member having a projection engaging one of said parallel legs of said second U-shaped member to limit rotation of said lever about said second axis; and a first of said parallel legs of said second U-shaped member having a projection engaging one of said legs of said U-shaped member to limit rotation of said lever about said first axis.
- 2. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said parallel legs includes a reference radius extending about one of said first and second axes which would clear said parallel legs of the opposite U-shaped member in all degrees of rotation between said U-shaped members and said projection extends beyond said reference radius.
- 3. An assembly as set forth in claim 2 including a plurality of said projections each on a different parallel leg and extending beyond said reference radius.
- 4. An assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said projection extends transverse to at least one of said longitudinal axes.
- 5. An assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said projection extends parallel to at least one of said longitudinal axes.
- 6. An assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein each said parallel leg includes parallel spaced sides extending from said base to said distal ends and at least one of said sides extends beyond said reference radius to said distal end.
- 7. An assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein both of said sides of one of said parallel legs extend beyond said reference radius to said distal end.
- 8. An assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein said distal end extends in a straight line between said sides of said one of said parallel legs.
- 9. An assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein said straight line is perpendicular to at least one of said longitudinal axes to provide a squared said distal end.
- 10. An assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein each of a plurality of said parallel legs includes a squared said distal end.
- 11. An assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein said squared distal end includes a beveled surface.
- 12. An assembly as set forth in claim 11 wherein said squared distal end includes an arcuate surface adjacent said beveled surface.
- 13. An assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein a first side of said parallel leg extends beyond said reference radius to said distal end.
- 14. An assembly as set forth in claim 13 wherein a second side of said parallel leg does not extend beyond said reference radius to said distal end.
- 15. An assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein said distal end is squared at said first side and said distal end is rounded at said second side.
- 16. An assembly as set forth in claim 15 wherein said distal end includes a beveled surface.
- 17. An assembly as set forth in claim 16 wherein said distal end includes an arcuate surface adjacent said beveled surface.
US Referenced Citations (17)
