U.S. patent application number 13/617494 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-20 for quick touch clam control for mining shovel.
This patent application is currently assigned to CATERPILLAR, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Lane Colin Hobenshield. Invention is credited to Lane Colin Hobenshield.
Application Number | 20140079519 13/617494 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50274647 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140079519 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hobenshield; Lane Colin |
March 20, 2014 |
Quick Touch Clam Control for Mining Shovel
Abstract
An improved clam control mechanism for a mining shovel may offer
reduced operator fatigue during excavation operations involving the
simultaneous and repetitive manipulation of joysticks and switches.
The control mechanism may be configured for the loading and
unloading of a shovel having a clam rotatable above the shovel, and
may include at least two joysticks adapted for a variety of tasks
including fore and aft movements, and angular rotation of the
shovel. At least one switch may be adapted for moving the clam
automatically between fully open and fully closed positions, such
that when the switch is briefly pressed a first way, the clam
automatically fully opens, and when a switch is briefly pressed a
second way, the clam automatically fully closes. On the other hand,
if the switch is briefly pressed during either automatic opening or
closing of the clam, any movement of the clam may be immediately
halted.
Inventors: |
Hobenshield; Lane Colin;
(Oak Creek, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hobenshield; Lane Colin |
Oak Creek |
WI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
CATERPILLAR, INC.
Peoria
IL
|
Family ID: |
50274647 |
Appl. No.: |
13/617494 |
Filed: |
September 14, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
414/694 ;
701/50 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F 3/437 20130101;
E02F 9/2012 20130101; E02F 3/4075 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
414/694 ;
701/50 |
International
Class: |
E02F 3/36 20060101
E02F003/36; E02F 3/43 20060101 E02F003/43; E02F 3/30 20060101
E02F003/30 |
Claims
1. A work machine including a shovel adapted for excavating
material, the work machine comprising: a main body affixed to and
adapted to swivel about a movable base, the main body including an
operator cab and a boom moveably secured to the main body, and
wherein one end of the boom is vertically movable relative to the
main body; the main body further including a stick, wherein one end
of the stick is aftwardly and rearwardly movably attached to the
other end of the boom, and wherein the shovel is vertically
rotatably secured to the stick at an opposite end of the stick; the
main body further including a movable clam secured to the shovel,
the clam being positioned above the shovel and adapted to swivel
between open and closed positions over the shovel; a control system
configured for loading and unloading the shovel, the control system
including a plurality of joysticks, each configured for
predetermined directional movements, each movement adapted for
cyclic positioning of the shovel; the control system further
configured for moving the clam automatically between fully open and
fully closed positions, the control system including at least one
switch adapted to be briefly pressed a first way to cause the clam
to automatically and fully open, and to be briefly pressed a second
way to cause the clam to automatically and fully close; wherein if
the switch is briefly pressed either way at any time during either
automatic opening or closing of the clam, operation of the clam is
immediately halted.
2. The work machine of claim 1, further comprising a separate
apparatus for changing speeds of any automatic clam movements
between open and closed clam positions.
3. The work machine of claim 1, further comprising a first
directional joystick movement adapted for angularly positioning the
main body relative to the moveable base, and a second directional
joystick movement adapted for raising and lowering the boom.
4. The work machine of claim 3, further comprising a third
directional joystick movement adapted for controlling forward and
aft movements of the stick, and a fourth directional joystick
movement adapted for controlling vertically oriented, angular
rotation of the shovel.
5. The work machine of claim 3, wherein the first and second
directional joystick movements are configured to be carried out by
a first joystick.
6. The work machine of claim 4, wherein the third and fourth
directional joystick movements are configured to be carried out by
a second joystick.
7. The work machine of claim 1, further comprising at least one
hydraulic cylinder actuator configured for moving the clam relative
to the shovel, and wherein the actuator includes a ramp-down
feature.
8. The work machine of claim 7, wherein the ramp-down feature
includes at least one proximity sensor.
9. The work machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one switch is
a two-way rocker switch configured for opening and closing the
clam.
10. A control system for a machine having a main body and a base
including tracks, the main body being adapted to swivel
horizontally and angularly relative to the base, the main body
including an operator cab and a boom vertically movable relative to
the main body; the main body further including a stick movably
attached to the boom at a first end of the boom, and having a
shovel vertically rotatably secured to the stick at a second end of
the boom; the main body further including a movable clam secured to
the shovel, the clam being positioned above the shovel, the clam
adapted to swivel between open and closed positions over the
shovel; wherein the control system is configured for loading and
unloading the shovel, the control system including a plurality of
joysticks, each configured for predetermined directional movements,
each movement adapted for cyclic positioning of the shovel, the
control system further including at least one switch adapted for
moving the clam automatically between fully open and fully closed
positions, such that when a switch is briefly pressed a first way,
the clam automatically fully opens, and when a switch is briefly
pressed a second way, the clam automatically fully closes; wherein
if the switch is briefly pressed either way at any time during
either automatic opening or closing of the clam, operation of the
clam is immediately halted.
11. The control system of claim 10, further comprising a separate
apparatus for changing speeds of any automatic clam movements
between open and closed clam positions.
12. The control system of claim 10, further comprising a first
directional joystick movement adapted for angularly positioning the
main body relative to the moveable base, and a second directional
joystick movement adapted for raising and lowering the boom.
13. The control system of claim 12, further comprising a third
directional joystick movement adapted for controlling forward and
aft movements of the stick, and a fourth directional joystick
movement adapted for controlling vertically oriented, angular
rotation of the shovel.
14. The control system of claim 12, wherein the first and second
directional joystick movements are configured to be carried out by
a first joystick.
15. The control system of claim 13, wherein the third and fourth
directional joystick movements are configured to be carried out by
a second joystick.
16. The control system of claim 10, further comprising at least one
hydraulic cylinder actuator configured for moving the clam relative
to the shovel, and wherein the actuator includes a ramp-down
feature.
17. The control system of claim 16, wherein the ramp-down feature
includes at least one proximity sensor.
18. The control system of claim 10, wherein the at least one switch
is a two-way rocker switch configured for opening and closing the
clam.
19. A method for providing a quick touch clam control for a work
machine having a shovel clam, comprising: providing a CPU, a
plurality of joysticks, and a plurality of switches, and
configuring the CPU to interface with the joysticks and switches
through respective joystick and clam switch bus interfaces;
providing a system of signals to be generated from the joysticks in
accordance with directional joystick movements, and having the
signals read by the CPU through the joystick bus interface;
providing a system of signals to be generated from the switches in
accordance with selective switch movements, and having the signals
correspondingly read by the CPU through the switch bus interface;
configuring the switches to control a shovel clam; wherein the
shovel clam may be either automatically fully opened or fully
closed by briefly touching an open or a close switch,
respectively.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein if the switch is briefly
pressed at any time during either automatic opening or closing of
the clam, operation of the clam is immediately halted.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates to operational improvements in work
machines utilized in excavation processes such as mining
operations. More particularly, the disclosure relates to an
improved clam operating control feature adapted to reduce operator
fatigue during routine manipulations of a mining shovel.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Mining shovels are generally employed on worksites to
excavate such materials as iron ore, bauxite, limestone, precious
metals, and numerous other substances, including dirt. The shovels
may be mounted to various work machines, such as so-called
excavators, for example. Mining shovels are generally powered by
hydraulic fluid pressure, but may alternatively be powered by
pneumatic pressure sources. In any event, a generally high-pressure
fluid may be utilized for cyclically moving the shovel for
repetitively loading and unloading the shovel. The excavated
material may generally be transferred to another work machine, for
example to an adjacent dump truck for removal from the
worksite.
[0003] The operation of a mining shovel general involves at least
five repetitive actions and/or functions, all directed to the
cyclic loading and emptying of the shovel. Once a work machine is
optimally situated; i.e., positioned to initiate a mining
excavation process, the operator must use at least two separately
moveable levers, called joysticks, to successfully carry out the
excavation process. One directional movement of a first lever may
be employed to horizontally rotate the superstructure of the work
machine, including the cab and boom, about the tracks of the work
machine, so as to angularly position the boom to initiate shoveling
of the material to be excavated. A second directional movement of
the first lever may be employed to raise and/or lower the boom so
as to move the stick to a position to begin an excavation cycle. A
second lever may be employed to accommodate a third directional
movement resulting in fore and aft movements of the stick, for
example to force the shovel into the excavation material. A fourth
directional movement of the second lever may be employed to rotate
the shovel relative to the end of the stick. As such, the shovel
may be raised to directly engage and capture the material, and/or
lowered in a vertical plane to unload the material into another
work machine, typically a receiving vehicle, for example, a dump
truck.
[0004] In combination with the above described joystick movements,
a two-way switch must be typically pressed and held to vertically
open or close a shovel clam attached to an upper portion of the
shovel for unloading or retaining excavated material within the
shovel between excavation cycles, as will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art. To the extent that such repetitive tasks are
associated with work machines generally, not just mining shovels,
constant efforts have been made to improve and/or enhance various
work machine functions.
[0005] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,981,833 discloses a first work
machine i.e., a harvesting machine, adapted for moving an
agricultural product through a conveyor tube for its transfer to a
second work machine, such as a vehicle having a receiving bin. The
tube may be swung back and forth, from a retracted or stored
position, to a position over the bin of the second work machine for
enabling the bin to be "topped off" under precise operator control.
The vehicle includes a control system having an extend switch and a
retract switch, which operates in a both a latched first mode
whenever the product conveyor device is inactive, and in an
unlatched second mode whenever the conveyor is powered up to
transfer grain. In the unlatched mode, if the operator presses the
extend or retract switch, the corresponding swinging motion
commences upon such contact. However, in the latter mode, the
extend or retract motion ceases whenever the operator ceases
tactile contact with, i.e. continuous pressing of, the
corresponding switch.
[0006] It may thus be beneficial to utilize a more easily executed
switch control function to accommodate movements of a shovel clam
in light of an operator's repetitive manipulations associated with
use of a mining shovel, particularly where multiple joy-stick may
be involved. A simplified operation may facilitate the operator's
ability to better handle repetitive cyclic movements of the shovel
apparatus, and thus to reduce operator fatigue during an excavation
process.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] In one aspect of the disclosure, a work machine including a
shovel may be configured for excavating material. The work machine
may include a main body and a base including tracks, with the main
body adapted to swivel about the base. The main body may include an
operator cab, and may have a boom moveably secured to the main body
at one end. The second end of the boom may be vertically movable
relative to the main body. A stick may have a first end attached to
the second end of the boom, while a second end of the stick may be
aftwardly and rearwardly rotatably movable with respect to the
boom. A shovel may be rotatably secured to the second end of the
stick.
[0008] In another aspect of the disclosure, the main body may
include a movable clam secured to the shovel; the clam may be
positioned above the shovel, and adapted to swivel above the shovel
between open and closed positions.
[0009] In yet another aspect of the disclosure, the work machine
may include a control system configured for loading and unloading
the shovel, and the control system may include several moveable
levers or joysticks for manipulating the shovel and associated
components during an excavation process.
[0010] In yet another aspect of the disclosure, a first directional
joystick movement may be adapted for angularly positioning the main
body relative to the tracks, a second directional joystick movement
adapted for raising and lowering the boom, a third directional
joystick movement adapted for controlling forward and aft movements
of the stick, and a fourth directional joystick movement may be
adapted for controlling vertically oriented, angular rotation of
the shovel.
[0011] In a still further aspect of the disclosure, the control
system may include a simple rocker switch configured for quick
touch actuation, wherein the clam will automatically fully open or
fully close whenever the appropriate (open or close) rocker switch
end is quickly pressed and released.
[0012] In accordance with a final aspect of the disclosure,
whenever the switch may be pressed again, or at any time during
either an automatic opening or closing cycle of the clam, any
otherwise continued movement of the clam may be immediately
halted.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an excavating machine that
may incorporate the disclosed clam control system, shown unloading
excavated material contents into an adjacent receiving machine.
[0014] FIG. 2 is one schematic representation of the disclosed
joystick and clam control system.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of one exemplary operation of the
disclosed clam switch control system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Referring initially to FIG. 1, a work machine, such as an
excavating machine 10, of a type used for mining, and adapted for
digging and removing iron ore, bauxite, limestone, precious metals,
and other substances, including dirt, from a construction worksite,
is shown. The excavating machine 10 may incorporate an operator cab
12 (shown only fragmentarily and in phantom) secured to, and
constituting a part of, a base 16. The base 16 may include an
engine, a hydraulic pump unit, and operating controls (none shown).
The base 16 may be supported by, and may be transportable on,
tracks 14. An extensible and/or rotatable boom 20 may be movably
anchored to the base 16, and an articulating stick 22, also
variously called a lift arm, may be secured to and supported for
movement on the boom 20.
[0017] The excavating machine 10 may incorporate a shovel 24 at one
end of the stick 22. Joysticks or operating levers (not shown) may
be adapted to be controlled by hydraulic cylinder actuators 26 to
move the boom 20 relative to the base 16, the stick 22 relative to
the boom 20, and to move the shovel 24 relative to the stick
22.
[0018] Continuing reference to FIG. 1, a shovel clam 30 may be
rotatably secured to the shovel 24. The shovel clam 30 may be
raised upwardly from the shovel 24 in the direction of arrow R, as
shown, and may include a plurality of teeth 32 adapted to
facilitate removal of excavation material from a worksite, such as
a mine. The shovel clam 30 may be movable via a dedicated pair of
hydraulic cylinder actuators 26, and may be adapted to retain
excavation material until time for its release, such as into the
refuse bin 34 of an awaiting dump truck 38, as shown.
[0019] Referring now to FIG. 2, an operating control system 40 is
shown schematically. The control system 40 may include an
electronic central processing unit, or CPU 42, and a display unit
44, both situated within the cab 12. The control system 40 may also
include a hydraulic pump 46, physically situated apart from the cab
12 but within the base 16 of the work machine 10. The CPU 42 may
communicate electronically with a joystick signal interface unit 48
as well as a clam switch signal interface unit 50. The interface
units 48 and 50 may function as electronic buses, capable of
facilitating electronic data transfers between clam switches 52, 54
and various signal-generating directional joystick movements 60,
62, 64, and 66, the latter triggered by unidirectional movements of
a pair of joysticks (not show) positioned within the cab 12 for
manipulation by a cab operator.
[0020] The switches 52 may provide for respective automated opening
and closing operations of the shovel clam 30 (FIG. 1). The switch
54 may operate as an override to immediately halt any movement of
the clam 30 whenever the switch 54 may be actuated during any
closing or opening operation of the clam 30. In the disclosed
control system 40, the open and close switches 52 may be embodied
as a single rocker switch (not shown), while the switch 54 may be
an entirely separate unit, although interfaced with the open and
close switches 52. Alternatively, the switches 52, 54 may be
embodied as a single unit, with the rocker switch configured to
have clam opening and closing functions triggered by pressing
opposite ends of the rocker, while the halting function may be
configured to be triggered only while either of the opening and
closing functions are actually taking place. For example, in the
latter instance if either the opening or closing end of a rocker
switch 52 is pressed, a quick press of either of those two switch
ends could trigger the halting function.
[0021] Continuing reference to FIG. 2, the various
signal-generating directional joystick movements 60, 62, 64, and 66
may be functionally embodied in a pair of joysticks, and may be
described as follows. Directional joystick movement 60 may be a
side to side motion of a first joystick (not shown). That movement,
identified in the schematic as J-1, may cause the base 16 to swivel
on the tracks 14. Directional joystick movement 62, identified in
the schematic as J-2, may be a forward-aft motion of the same first
joystick, producing a vertical movement; i.e. the raising and
lowering, of the boom 20. Directional joystick movement 64,
identified in the schematic as J-3, may be a forward-aft motion of
a second joystick (not shown), resulting in a forward aft motion of
the stick 22. Finally, directional joystick movement 66, identified
in the schematic as J-4, may be a side to side motion of the same
second joystick, resulting in a vertical rotation of the shovel
24.
[0022] The disclosed control system 40 may incorporate additional
enhancements. For example, the opening and closing functions of the
clam 30 may be associated with a so-called "ramp-down" feature,
wherein hydraulic actuating cylinders 26 associated with the clam
30 may utilize a control valve system configured for slowing the
flow of hydraulic fluid as the ends of cylinder travel, associated
with the opening and closing limits of clam movement, are
approached, whether during cylinder extension or retraction. This
feature may soften normally otherwise harsh loads associated with
"hitting the stops", and thus may be effective to avoid damage to
cylinder end parts and/or to otherwise prolong the actuator
cylinder life. As such, the hydraulic cylinder actuators 26 may
incorporate position limit or proximity sensors, or may
alternatively be configured to slow the flow of hydraulic fluid
whenever a limit switch is tripped.
[0023] Although the drawings and description herein may appear to
be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, those skilled in
the art may appreciate that numerous variations may fall within the
spirit and scope of the appended claims.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0024] In use, the disclosed control system 40 may be adapted for
an excavating machine 10, such as a mining shovel. The control
system 40 may be beneficial for reducing operator errors, as well
as for potential reductions in damages to a clam 30, a shovel 24,
and even more generally to the excavating machine 10. In addition,
the control system 40 may offer a general reduction in operator
fatigue. Moreover, the improved clam switch control function,
utilizing the switch signal interface unit 50, may support a
quicker learning curve for new operators.
[0025] As disclosed, latched mode switches 52, 54 may be embodied
in a two-way rocker type switch having open and close positions at
opposite ends of the rocker. In a latched mode, the switches may be
actuated via a quick touch; conversely in a so-called unlatched
mode, such switches may require a constant tactile pressure for
assuring continued movement of the clam 30 during an opening or
closing sequence. The switches 52, 54 may thus be configured for
being touched briefly at one end, or in a first way, to initiate an
automatic fully open clam function, and at an opposite end, or in a
second way, for initiating an automatic fully close clam function.
A quick touch of a clam control switch 52, 54 as defined herein
provides that any clam opening and closing sequence will continue
after a respective open or close switch has been briefly actuated
by a touch, irrespective of any need to press and hold the switch
continuously during such opening or closing operation.
[0026] A typical excavation operation associated with a mining
shovel may extend over several workdays. Providing a quick touch
clam control mechanism for a mining shovel to avoid an operator's
having to continuously press and hold a button numerous times per
cycle, particularly while simultaneously manipulating a pair of
joysticks, may offer significant operator fatigue relief.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary operation of the clam
switch controls, utilizing the disclosed functional open and close
switches 52 and the clam halt override switch 54, may now be
described as follows.
[0028] In the following description, the meanings of "no" and "not"
are synonymous. Upon initialization via an operator in the cab 12,
the CPU 42 may initially make inquiry as to whether the
above-described joystick and switch controls are active. If the
controls are not active, the CPU may reroute the same inquiry, per
the loop shown, until the controls become active.
[0029] If and when the controls are or have become active, the CPU
may next inquire whether the clam is fully open. If not, the CPU
may ask whether the open switch has been pressed. If not, the CPU
may again reroute the inquiry to determine whether the controls are
active, per the loop shown. If yes, the CPU may command the clam to
fully open. Once the clam begins to open, the CPU may inquire as to
whether the close or open switch has been pressed while the clam is
opening.
[0030] If not, the CPU will continue to command the clam to fully
open. If either the close or open switches have been pressed while
the clam is opening, the CPU will command the clam to immediately
halt any further motion. Once the clam has been halted, the CPU
will reroute the inquiry back to whether or not the controls are
active, as per the loop shown.
[0031] On the other hand, if the response to whether the claim is
fully open is yes, the CPU may next inquire whether the close
switch has been pressed. If not, the CPU may reroute the inquiry to
determine whether the controls are active, per the loop shown. If
yes, the CPU may command the clam to fully close. While closing,
the CPU may inquire as to whether either of the close or open
switches has been pressed while the claim is closing.
[0032] If not, the CPU will continue to command the clam to fully
close. On the other hand if yes, the CPU will command the clam to
halt. Once the clam has halted, the CPU will once again reroute the
inquiry back to whether or not the controls are active, as per the
loop shown.
[0033] A method of providing a quick touch clam control for a work
machine having a mining shovel clam 30 may include:
[0034] providing a CPU, a plurality of joysticks, and a plurality
of switches, and configuring the CPU to interface with the
joysticks and switches through respective joystick and clam switch
bus signal interface units;
[0035] providing a system of signals to be generated from the
joysticks in accordance with a set of predetermined directional
joystick movements, and having the signals read by the CPU through
the joystick bus signal interface unit;
[0036] providing a system of signals to be generated from
predetermined switch positions in accordance with selective switch
movements, and having the signals read by the CPU through the
switch bus signal interface unit;
[0037] configuring the switches to control a shovel clam, such that
the shovel clam may be either automatically fully opened or fully
closed by briefly touching a respective open or a close switch;
and
[0038] providing a halt switch override function, such that any
automatic movement of the shovel clam is immediately halted by
briefly touching either the open or close switch during any open or
close movement of the shovel clam.
[0039] Although only one generally described method of forming a
quick touch clam switch control system has been disclosed herein,
numerous other variations may fall within the spirit and scope of
this disclosure. For example, a separate control apparatus may be
included and configured to change the timing of fully open and
fully closed automatic clam sequences, as for example to offer a
range of opening and closing speeds of clam movement between clam
position limits
[0040] As another example, the described latched switch
functionality may be an adjunct to, rather than a replacement of,
an unlatched clam switch arrangement, the latter requiring the
pressing and holding of the clam switch for continuous movement of
the clam between respective open and close position limits In the
unlatched arrangement, clam movement would be automatically halted
upon an operator's physical release of the switch.
* * * * *