Data processing: vehicles – navigation – and relative location – Vehicle control – guidance – operation – or indication – Vehicle subsystem or accessory control
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-22
2001-03-13
Cuchlinski, Jr., William A. (Department: 3661)
Data processing: vehicles, navigation, and relative location
Vehicle control, guidance, operation, or indication
Vehicle subsystem or accessory control
C701S033000, C701S036000, C307S009100, C370S235000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06202012
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to machine control systems and more particularly to an electronic control system for a machine which is capable of controlling one or more functions among a plurality of systems within a machine.
BACKGROUND ART
When controlling large machines, such as track-type tractors and other construction and mining machines, it is desirable to control various systems or subsystems within the machine. For example, such machines have a central control system, an HVAC system, a hydraulic control system, an engine control system, a transmission or drivetrain control system, and a resolver module system, which each need to be controlled or monitored by an operator. In order to facilitate control or operation of all of these systems it is required to individually connect each of the systems through the machine to a central location, such as a cab where an operator is positioned. Running wiring or cabling from each of the systems to the cab results in a complex machine which increases the time and cost to assemble such a machine. Additionally, connection of each system to the central location typically requires mechanical connectors or linkages which add to the cost to design and manufacture the machine. The mechanical connections, due to their size and bulk, take up additional space within the machine and increase the time and difficulty in constructing a machine. The use of mechanical linkages also adds to problems associated with maintenance and repair of the machine. It is often times difficult to determine what is causing a problem when mechanical connectors or systems are employed within a machine. Again, mechanical connectors add to the time required to determine where a problem exists in a machine and this adds to the cost to repair the problem.
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention an electronic control system for controlling operation of a machine is provided which comprises a first control system connected to a first electronic control module, a second control system connected to a second electronic control module, and a first data link connected between the first electronic control module and the second electronic control module for transmission of data between the first control system and the second control system.
In another aspect of the present invention an electronic control system for controlling operation of a machine is provided with the system comprising a first control system connected to a first electronic control module, a plurality of other control systems each being connected to an electronic control module, and a data link connected between the first electronic control module and the other electronic control modules for transmission of data between the first control system and the other control systems.
In yet another aspect of the present invention an electronic control system for a machine is provided with the machine including a first control system, a hydraulic control system, a transmission control system, and an engine control system, the electronic control system comprising an electronic control module connected to each of the systems, a first data link for connecting each of the electronic control modules together for transmitting data between all of the control systems over the first data link, and a second data link for connecting each of the electronic control modules together for transmitting data between all of the control systems over the second data link.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4654890 (1987-03-01), Hasegawa et al.
patent: 4715012 (1987-12-01), Mueller et al.
patent: 4924391 (1990-05-01), Hirano et al.
patent: 4949083 (1990-08-01), Hirabayashi et al.
patent: 5224124 (1993-06-01), Hamano et al.
patent: 5313104 (1994-05-01), Shibata et al.
patent: 5467272 (1995-11-01), Yoshida et al.
patent: 5687081 (1997-11-01), Wellman et al.
patent: 5699250 (1997-12-01), Kobayashi
patent: 0 734 905 A2 (1996-10-01), None
Gile David V.
Smith Vernon R.
Beaulieu Yonel
Caterpillar Inc.
Chervitz David H.
Cuchlinski Jr. William A.
McPherson III W. Bryan
LandOfFree
Electronic control system for a machine does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Electronic control system for a machine, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Electronic control system for a machine will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2509641