Motor vehicles – Manually actuated controlling devices – Multiple vehicle functions controllable by single device
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-29
2001-04-10
Johnson, Brian L. (Department: 3618)
Motor vehicles
Manually actuated controlling devices
Multiple vehicle functions controllable by single device
C180S315000, C180S332000, C074S4710XY, C414S685000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06213244
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention is directed to a multi function control mechanism for a work vehicle which independently positions hydraulic control valves through the manipulation of a single control lever.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In operating work vehicles such as crawler dozers, the operator controls a plurality of work operations through manipulating various control levers that control the positioning of hydraulic control valves and thereby the flow of hydraulic fluid to hydraulic cylinders of a work implement. It is desirable to control a number of work operations from a single control lever. Typically three function control levers have a T-bar shaped control handle that can be moved through orthogonal control arcs to operate the first two functions and twisted to control a third function. It is desirable that the control lever be manipulated to operate each of the functions independently or in unison with the other functions.
Such three function control levers are used on crawler dozers manufactured and marketed by the assignee of the present application, for controlling the position of the working blade. These control levers are operatively coupled to the supporting frame of the dozer by a series of universal joints and/or ball joints. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,131,574, 3,388,609 and 4,938,091 all of which are assigned to the assignee of the present patent application. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,536,055, 4,978,273 and 5,429,037 disclose other examples of three function control mechanisms.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a control mechanism wherein cross talk between controlled functions and the dead band when controlling a specific function are minimized.
Three independent functions are controlled from a single control lever. The lever is mounted on a universal joint having a slip yoke, a flanged yoke and a cross member extending between the two yokes and defining a first transverse pivot axis and a second transverse pivot axis. The slip yoke is provided with a first mounting assembly in the same plane as the cross member and a second mounting assembly also in the same plane as the cross member.
The first function is controlled by the fore-and-aft movement of the control lever. Such a fore-and-aft movement pivots the slip yoke about the first transverse pivot axis moving the first mounting assembly which is coupled to a first link. The first link in turn moves a first hydraulic control valve. The first hydraulic control valve is shifted along a first shift axis. The first hydraulic control valve is provided with first control valve ball joint that is coupled to the first link. The first control valve ball joint is in line with the first shift axis.
The second function is controlled by the side-to-side movement of the control lever. Such a side-to-side movement pivots the slip yoke about the second transverse pivot axis moving the second mounting assembly which is coupled to a second link. The second link in turn moves a second hydraulic control valve. The second hydraulic control valve is shifted along a second shift axis. The second hydraulic control valve is provided with second control valve ball joint that is coupled to the second link. The second control valve ball joint is in line with the second shift axis.
The third function is controlled by the twisting movement of the control lever. A downwardly extending strap is welded to the control lever and is provided with a third mounting assembly. The third mounting assembly is coupled to a third linkage for controlling the movement of the third hydraulic control valve. The third linkage comprises a rod coupled to the third mounting assembly and extending to the first arm of a bell crank. The second arm of the bell crank is coupled to a third link that is pinned to the third hydraulic control valve.
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Stickney Douglas Brian
Waggoner Van Earl
Zopf William Damm
Deere & Company
Draper Deanna
Johnson Brian L.
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