Steering stick for switching or actuating components of a utilit

Details Steering stick for switching or actuating components of a utilit Steering stick for switching or actuating components of a utilit

1994-07-18

1996-10-22

Marmor, Charles A.

Machine element or mechanism

Control lever and linkage systems

Elements

180333, 200 6188, G05G 104

Patent

active

055665861

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention concerns a steering stick for switching or actuating the components of a utility vehicle, for instance. Said vehicle can be a wheeled loader with a working implement situated at the front. The steering stick consists of a handle ergonomically adapted to the hand of the operator. A head is attached to this which houses a switching or signaling element. Said element is actuated with the thumb of the hand.
In well-known working machines such as wheeled loaders, agricultural tractors, harvesters or the like, fatigue is lessened by an ergonomically favorable configuration and arrangement of the operating elements. However, the operating elements in such working machines have as a rule several levers which coordinate quite different functions. In a wheeled loader, for instance, the forward or reverse travel direction is selected via a lever. The individual speed levels are switched via another lever. For actuating the working hydraulics, for instance, in order to lift and tilt the bucket, additional levers are required.
With the multiplicity of existing levers, a high degree of concentration is demanded from the driver. Additionally, such utility vehicles often must work under difficult conditions. Therefore, it is not surprising that the driver quickly tires under such stresses. The danger of errors in operation also exists.
The invention is based on the problem of providing a steering stick for switching or actuating components, especially for utility vehicles (construction and working machines), which ensures a reliable switching and actuating work that is not fatiguing.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The stated problem is solved by the fact that several switching elements are located in the head of the steering stick in such a manner as to be within reach of the thumb of the hand that grips the handle. With the proposed solution, it is possible to combine all the switching functions or visual signals centrally within the head of the steering stick. This arrangement on the side of the steering stick facing the operator ensures a good overview. The driver does not have to take the hand off the handle of the steering stick for actuating the switching elements. This increases the reliability in operation. Since all functions have to be switched via the thumb-without using the hand--the manipulation is simplified for the driver and accordingly is also less stressful. By a "self-explanatory" arrangement follow according to possible points of view, the danger of an error in operation is practically ruled out.
In a preferred embodiment, the spatial position of a row of first switching elements in relation to the hand is selected so as to be on an arc the radius of which substantially corresponds to the radius of the thumb of the hand gripping the handle. The functions mostly needed can be actuated here by said first switching elements. This selection increases the safety in the manipulation of the steering stick.
Since, in the vehicles in question, in general, comparatively many functions must be taken into account, it is advantageous that a row of additional switching elements be situated on another arc above the row of the first switching elements. It is convenient to coordinate with said switching elements the functions which must be selected or changed comparatively less often. Said switching elements are likewise within the reach of the thumb of the hand gripping the handle. While the first switching elements are to be selected directly by a swiveling motion of the thumb, a slight upward displacement of the thumb is required for actuating the additional switching elements. The operator will find this additional motion hardly disturbing, especially since the frequency of switching is comparatively small for said elements. One of said added switching elements can be, for instance, a key which when actuated, switches the transmission to the neutral position. Two more keys can be provided in order to switch the transmission up or down by one speed level respectively. These feature

REFERENCES:
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patent: 3941009 (1976-03-01), Brown
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patent: 4726442 (1988-02-01), Hansen
patent: 4921140 (1990-05-01), Belcham
patent: 5042314 (1991-08-01), Rytter et al.
patent: 5174115 (1992-12-01), Jacobson et al.

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