U.S. patent application number 11/680601 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-28 for method and device for controlling specific functions within a load-carrying vehicle under dumping and/or loading the load-carrying platform of the vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB. Invention is credited to Jonas Karlsson, Goran Karlstrom, GOSTA SVENSSON.
Application Number | 20070150120 11/680601 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 20279964 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070150120 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SVENSSON; GOSTA ; et
al. |
June 28, 2007 |
METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS WITHIN A
LOAD-CARRYING VEHICLE UNDER DUMPING AND/OR LOADING THE
LOAD-CARRYING PLATFORM OF THE VEHICLE
Abstract
Method and arrangement for controlling a load-carrying vehicle
when dumping or loading a load carrying platform of the vehicle.
The method includes detecting maneuvering of a control input
arranged in a cabin of a load-carrying vehicle having a
load-carrying platform using a computer control unit operatively
coupled between the control input and a brake and a gearbox of the
vehicle. The brake of the vehicle is activated using the computer
control unit and the gearbox of the load-carrying vehicle is caused
to assume a neutral position using the computer control unit.
Inventors: |
SVENSSON; GOSTA; (Lenhovda,
SE) ; Karlsson; Jonas; (Alvesta, SE) ;
Karlstrom; Goran; (Vaxjo, SE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NOVAK DRUCE & QUIGG, LLP;(VOLVO PROSECUTION)
1000 LOUISIANA STREET
FIFTY-THIRD FLOOR
HOUSTON
TX
77002
US
|
Assignee: |
VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT
AB
BRAAS
SE
|
Family ID: |
20279964 |
Appl. No.: |
11/680601 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10065972 |
Dec 5, 2002 |
|
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11680601 |
Feb 28, 2007 |
|
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PCT/SE01/01231 |
Jun 1, 2001 |
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10065972 |
Dec 5, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
701/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60W 10/18 20130101;
B60P 1/04 20130101; F16H 61/20 20130101; B60T 7/107 20130101; B60W
30/1819 20130101; F16H 2061/168 20130101; B60Y 2200/14 20130101;
B60P 1/162 20130101; B60Y 2200/145 20130101; B60W 10/10
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
701/001 |
International
Class: |
G05D 1/00 20060101
G05D001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 5, 2000 |
SE |
0002087-5 |
Claims
1. A method for controlling a load-carrying vehicle when dumping or
loading a load carrying platform of the vehicle, said method
comprising: detecting maneuvering of a control input arranged in a
cabin of a load-carrying vehicle having a load-carrying platform
using a computer control unit operatively coupled between the
control input and a brake and a gearbox of the vehicle; activating
the brake of the vehicle using the computer control unit; and
causing the gearbox of the load-carrying vehicle to assume a
neutral position using the computer control unit.
2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the control input is
arranged in such a way that it is within the reach of a driver of
the vehicle when the driver is maneuvering a steering wheel and a
dumping lever of the vehicle.
3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the control input is
arranged in such a way that it is within the reach of a driver of
the vehicle when the driver is maneuvering a dumping lever with the
same hand.
4. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising utilizing a
sensor connected to the computer control unit for sensing manual
maneuvering of a gear shift lever connected to the gearbox of the
vehicle.
5. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising utilizing a
sensor connected to the computer control unit for sensing a speed
of the vehicle and maintaining the brake of the vehicle in a
non-active position and maintaining a present gear in the gearbox
when the speed of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed.
6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the vehicle is an
articulated dumper.
7. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising detecting
manual movement of a gear selection lever using the computer
control unit and releasing the brake of the vehicle in response
thereto using the computer control unit.
8. A control arrangement for a load-carrying vehicle when dumping
or loading a load carrying platform of the vehicle, said
arrangement comprising: a control input positioned in a cabin of a
load-carrying vehicle having a load-carrying platform; and a
computer control means operatively coupled between said control
input and a brake and a gearbox of the vehicle, said computer
control means configured for detecting operator maneuvering of said
control input and for actuating the brake and causing the gearbox
of the load-carrying vehicle to assume a neutral position.
9. An arrangement that controls a load-carrying vehicle when
dumping or loading a load carrying platform of the vehicle, said
arrangement comprising: a control input positioned in a cabin of a
load-carrying vehicle having a load-carrying platform; and a
computer control unit operatively coupled between said control
input and a brake and a gearbox of the vehicle and wherein said
computer control unit is configured to detect operator maneuvering
of said control input and to actuate the brake and cause the
gearbox of the load-carrying vehicle to assume a neutral
position.
10. The arrangement as recited in claim 9, wherein the control
input is arranged within the reach of a driver of the vehicle when
the driver is maneuvering a steering wheel and a dumping lever of
the vehicle.
11. The arrangement as recited in claim 9, wherein the control
input is arranged within the reach of a driver of the vehicle when
the driver is maneuvering a dumping lever with the same hand.
12. The arrangement as recited in claim 9, further comprising a
sensor connected to the computer control unit that senses manual
maneuvering of a gear shift lever.
13. The arrangement as recited in claim 9, further comprising a
sensor connected to the computer control unit for sensing a speed
of the vehicle and said computer control unit configured to
maintain the brake of the vehicle in a non-active position and to
maintain a present gear in the gearbox when the speed of the
vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed.
14. The arrangement as recited in claim 9, wherein the vehicle is
an articulated dumper.
15. A device for controlling a load-carrying vehicle when dumping
or loading a load-carrying platform of the vehicle, the device
installed in a load-carrying vehicle having a dumping load-carrying
platform, said device comprising: a maneuvering organ configured to
be arranged in a cabin of the load-carrying vehicle for hand
maneuvering by a driver; and a computer control unit operatively
coupled to the maneuvering organ, to a brake of the load-carrying
vehicle and to a gearbox of the load-carrying vehicle, so that the
device, when the maneuvering organ is activated, activates the
brake and institutes a neutral position in the gearbox.
16. The device as recited in claim 15, wherein the maneuvering
organ is arranged in such a way that it is within the reach of the
driver while the driver simultaneously is maneuvering a steering
wheel and a dumping lever of the vehicle.
17. The device as recited in claim 15, wherein the maneuvering
organ is arranged on a panel in the cabin, in the immediate
vicinity of a dumping lever of the vehicle, in such a way that the
maneuvering organ is within reach of the driver while
simultaneously maneuvering the dumping lever with the same
hand.
18. The device as recited in claim 15, further comprising a sensor
connected to the control unit for sensing a manual movement of a
gear shift lever connected to the gearbox.
19. The device as recited in claim 15, further comprising a sensor
connected to the control unit for sensing the speed of the vehicle
with the purpose of maintaining the brake in a non-active position
and a present gear in the gearbox, despite an activation of the
maneuvering organ when a speed of the vehicle exceeds a
predetermined speed.
20. The device as recited in claim 15, further comprising a sensor
coupled to the control unit for sensing brake pressure, and wherein
the control unit is coupled to a parking brake of the vehicle for
its activation when brake pressure falls below a predetermined
value.
21. The device as recited in claim 15, wherein the device is
adapted for use in an articulated dumper.
22. A control device for a load-carrying vehicle with a plurality
of brakes and a gearbox having a neutral position, the device
comprising: a computer control unit, installed in a load-carrying
vehicle having a dumping load-carrying platform, coupled in control
communication with a brake and a gearbox of the vehicle; and a
maneuvering control for operation by a driver, the maneuvering
control being in signal communication with the control unit, the
maneuvering control generating a signal for activating the brake
and for selecting the neutral position of the gearbox when the
maneuvering control is activated.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/065,972 filed Dec. 5, 2002, which is a
continuation patent application of International Application No.
PCT/SE01/01231 filed 1 Jun. 2001 which was published in English
pursuant to Article 21(2) of the Patent Cooperation Treaty, and
which claims priority to Swedish Application No. 0002087-5, filed 5
Jun. 2000. All of said applications are expressly incorporated
herein by reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a device for controlling
specific functions of a load-carrying vehicle when dumping and/or
loading the load-carrying platform of the vehicle. The
load-carrying vehicle is preferably a construction machine. In the
following, the invention will be described in the context of a
waist controlled dumper (articulated hauler). This is to be seen as
a preferred but in no way limiting application of the invention.
The invention can, for example, also be used in a truck. The
invention also relates to a method for performing the control
functions.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] When dumping the load-carrying platform of a waist
controlled dumper, also known as a basket, according to previous
technology a number of operations are necessary on the part of the
driver of the vehicle. These operations will be described
below.
[0006] The vehicle is backed up against an intended dumping
position, and the platform is tilted, allowing the driver to see
the ground below and behind the platform. The position of the
platform is controlled by means of a tilting lever arranged in the
cabin. The tilting lever is usually arranged to the right of the
driver, for maneuvering with his right hand. When the vehicle has
reached the intended dumping position, the gas pedal is released,
and instead the brake pedal is activated. Using the left hand, a
gear lever coupled to the gearbox is brought to the neutral
position. During the dumping, the brakes are either activated by
means of the brake pedal, or the parking brake of the vehicle is
utilized. Following the dumping and the return of the platform to
the initial position, a gear is engaged, the activated brake is
released and the vehicle is driven away.
[0007] Loading of a waist controlled dumper according to previous
technology can, for example, be done in the following manner.
[0008] The dumper is backed up against an intended loading
position, and is braked. The brake is then kept activated, and/or
the parking brake is activated, and the gearbox is brought to the
neutral position. When the platform has been loaded, a gear is
engaged and the vehicle is driven away.
[0009] In many cases, especially when loading the dumper from
behind, the brakes are subjected to large forces. The parking brake
is usually too weak to withstand these forces, leading to the
driver instead utilizing the brakes of the vehicle. Especially when
loading for long periods, this is tiresome for the driver since he
must keep the brake pedal pressed down.
[0010] Due to the large tractive forces obtained at least in larger
models of waist controlled dumpers, there is a risk that, when
utilizing the parking brake, the driver, especially after loading,
will forget to release the parking brake. This will lead to wear,
and in some cases to a breakdown of the parking brake.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0011] A purpose of the invention is to obtain a device that
simplifies and facilitates the maneuvering of a load-carrying
vehicle when dumping and/or loading. In addition, a device is
achieved which contributes to improved safety during such maneuvers
relative to previously known technology. Additionally, a device is
desired which secures the parking brake function of the vehicle
with reduced risk of unnecessary wear.
[0012] These purposes are obtained by a device that includes a
maneuvering organ (control input) that is arranged in the cabin of
the load-carrying vehicle for hand maneuvering by the driver, and
by the maneuvering organ (control input) being coupled to at least
one of the brakes of the load-carrying vehicle, and to the gearbox
of the load-carrying vehicle, so that when activated, it may
activate the brake and obtain a neutral position of the gearbox. In
so doing, two functions are obtained by means of only one hand
operation, which considerably simplifies the maneuvering of the
vehicle. In addition, the driver does not need to keep the brake
pedal pressed down during loading, which is a simplification,
especially when loading during longer periods of time.
[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
maneuvering organ (control input) is arranged in such a way that it
is within reach of the driver while the driver at the same time is
maneuvering the steering wheel and the tilting lever. This means
that the driver can bring about the neutral position of the gearbox
without moving his hands from the steering wheel or the tilting
lever respectively, which leads to improved safety.
[0014] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention,
the maneuvering organ (control input) is arranged on a panel in the
cabin, in the immediate vicinity of a tilting lever in such a way
that it can be reached by the driver while simultaneously
maneuvering the tilting lever with the same hand. This means that
the driver can bring the gearbox to the neutral position by
maneuvering the maneuvering organ (control input) with the same
hand, preferably the right hand, that he is using to maneuver the
tilting lever with. Thus, the driver does not need to use his left
hand to maneuver the gear lever, but has his left hand free to
control the steering wheel of the vehicle.
[0015] The device suitably includes a control unit to which the
maneuvering organ (control input), the gearbox and the brakes are
coupled, for controlling the activation of the brakes and bringing
the gearbox to the neutral position when activating the maneuvering
organ (control input) respectively. The control unit is also
arranged to release the brakes, and to permit selection of a gear
in the gearbox with a gear lever when deactivating the maneuvering
organ (control input).
[0016] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention,
the device comprises an organ (control input) connected to the
control unit for detecting a manual movement of a gear lever
connected to the gearbox. This means that the brakes can be
released only after the gearbox has been brought to a gear position
separate from the neutral position, which means that the
transmission is in a tractive position. This reduces the risk that
the vehicle will start to move before the tractive position is
reached, which is risky especially when the vehicle is on a
slope.
[0017] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention,
the device includes an organ or input connected to the control unit
for detecting the speed of the vehicle with the purpose of
maintaining the brakes in a non-active position and the current
gear of the gearbox in spite of an activation of the maneuvering
organ (control input) when the speed of the vehicle exceeds a
predetermined speed. This eliminates the risk that the brakes will
be activated when the maneuvering organ (control input) has been
maneuvered by mistake during motion of the vehicle.
[0018] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention,
the device comprises an organ (element/member) coupled to the
control unit for detecting the pressure in the brakes, and the
control unit is coupled to the parking brake of the vehicle for
activation of it when the brake pressure falls below a certain
value. This reduces the risk of an undesired movement of the
vehicle during dumping/loading with a faulty brake.
[0019] An additional purpose of the invention is to enable a method
that simplifies and facilitates the maneuvering of a load-carrying
vehicle when dumping and/or loading. In addition, a method is
desired which contributes to improved safety during the maneuvering
relative to previously known technology. Additionally, a method is
desired which secures the parking brake function of the vehicle
with a reduced risk of unnecessary wear.
[0020] These purposes are obtained by means of a method for
controlling specific functions of a load-carrying vehicle when
dumping and/or loading the load-carrying platform of the vehicle,
with the detection of maneuvering of a hand maneuvering organ
arranged in the cabin of the load-carrying vehicle and by at least
one of the brakes of the load-carrying vehicle being activated and
the gearbox of the load-carrying vehicle being brought to assume a
neutral position when activating the hand maneuvering organ
(control input).
[0021] Other preferred embodiments and advantages of the invention
will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The invention will in the following be described in more
detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the appended
drawings.
[0023] FIG. 1 shows an instrument panel in the cabin of the
vehicle; and
[0024] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the coupling between the
components of the invention in a preferred embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] In the following, the invention will be explained with the
aid of FIG. 1 and 2. The invention relates to a device for
controlling specific functions of a load-carrying vehicle when
dumping and/or loading the load-carrying platform of the vehicle.
The device exemplarily includes a maneuvering organ (control input)
1 arranged on a panel 14 in the cabin of the vehicle, the
maneuvering organ (control input) being in the form of a button
which is intended to be hand maneuvered by a driver of the vehicle.
The word "panel" refers herein to an inner wall section of the
cabin, more precisely to the instrument panel of the vehicle. The
function of the maneuvering organ (control input) 1 is accomplished
at least in part via a control unit 2 coupled to at least one of,
and preferably all of, the brakes 3 of the vehicle, and to the
gearbox 4 of the vehicle. When activating the maneuvering organ
(control input) 1, the brakes 3 are activated and the gearbox 4 is
brought to its neutral position.
[0026] The brakes 3 are more precisely activated by means of a
brake pressure determined in advance. Preferably, the pressure is
activated successively until the predetermined brake pressure has
been reached.
[0027] The gearbox is preferably automatic and connected to a
converter. An engaged gear would bring about energy losses in the
form of so-called "dragging" in a non-moving vehicle. This means
that the neutral position should be obtained (selected) in the
gearbox during dumping or loading respectively.
[0028] The maneuvering organ (control input) 1 is arranged in the
immediate vicinity of the tilting lever 5 of the vehicle in such a
way that the driver can maneuver the tilting lever 5 and the
maneuvering organ (control input) 1 at the same time, and with the
same hand. The tilting lever 5 is connected to the load-carrying
platform of the vehicle via hydraulic circuits with the purpose of
raising lowering the platform. According to a preferred embodiment,
the tilting lever 5 is arranged on the right side of the driver so
that it may be maneuvered with the right hand. The maneuvering
organ (control input) 1 is arranged to be maneuvered by the thumb
of the driver while the driver still has the rest of his hand
available for maneuvering the tilting lever 5. Since the
maneuvering organ (control input) 1 is a button, its activation can
take place quickly by means of depressing the button, and with a
relatively small diversion of attention from controlling the rest
of the vehicle and the load-carrying platform, which simplifies the
dumping for the driver and contributes to an improved safety.
[0029] When dumping, the vehicle is backed up against an intended
dumping position, and the platform is tilted, which allows the
driver to see the ground behind the platform. When the vehicle has
reached the intended dumping position, the driver eases up on the
gas pedal and depresses the button 1. During dumping, the brakes 3
will now be activated automatically. After dumping and returning
the platform to its initial position, the driver moves the gear
lever 6 of the vehicle from its gear position to the neutral
position, and then to the intended gear position. The device
comprises an organ (element) 12 connected to the control unit 2 for
detecting manual movement of the gear lever 6. The organ (element)
12 for detecting the gear lever can, for example, be a breaker.
When the gear lever 6 reaches the neutral position, the operation
of the maneuvering organ (control input) 1 is terminated as it
relates to the positioning of the gearbox to the neutral position.
When the gear lever has been brought to the intended gear position
and the transmission thus is in a tractive position, the function
of the maneuvering organ (control input) 1 is terminated with
relationship to the activation of the brakes 3.
[0030] The device additionally includes an organ (indicator) 8
coupled to the control unit 2 for indicating that the maneuvering
organ (control input) 1 is activated, and that the brake 3 thus is
activated, and that the gearbox 4 is in its neutral position. The
indication organ 8 is preferably a lamp arranged on the instrument
panel. The lamp is lit when the maneuvering organ (control input) 1
is activated, and is shut-off when the brakes 3 are released.
[0031] The device additionally includes an organ (element) 9
coupled to the control unit 2 for detecting the speed of the
vehicle, with the purpose of maintaining the brake 3 in a
non-active position and the current gear of the gearbox 4, in spite
of an activation of the maneuvering organ (control input) 1 when
the speed of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed. This
predetermined speed is preferably in the range of 0-7 km/h. The
speed sensing organ (element) 9 can, for example, be a conventional
speedometer.
[0032] The device also has an organ (sensor) 10 coupled to the
control unit 2 for sensing the pressure in the brake 3. The control
unit 2 is coupled to the parking brake 11 of the vehicle for
activating it when the brake pressure falls below a predetermined
value. In FIG. 1 a control device 13 is illustrated which is
coupled to the parking brake 11 for manual control of the parking
brake.
[0033] The control unit 2 is also coupled to the engine 7 of the
vehicle. The control unit 2 is arranged to activate the parking
brake 11 if the engine is turned off or if the engine is stalled
with the brakes activated and the gearbox is in the neutral
position.
[0034] The control unit 2 is preferably a computer unit including
software for controlling the parts and functions of the device.
[0035] In an alternative to the above described position for the
maneuvering organ (control input) 1, i.e. next to and in the
immediate vicinity of the tilting lever, the maneuvering organ is
directly on the tilting lever. In yet another alternative, the
maneuvering organ is arranged on the steering wheel of the
vehicle.
[0036] The maneuvering organ (control input) 1 can, as an
alternative to a button, be a another control means.
[0037] Another equivalent to the above described embodiment is of
course that the maneuvering organ (control input) 1 is arranged in
a vehicle, with the instrument panel including, among other things,
the tilting lever on the left side of the driver. The maneuvering
organ (control input) 1 is also in this case preferably arranged on
the left side of the driver in connection to the tilting lever.
* * * * *