Data processing: generic control systems or specific application – Specific application – apparatus or process – Mechanical control system
Reexamination Certificate
2001-06-29
2003-04-01
Voeltz, Emanuel Todd (Department: 2121)
Data processing: generic control systems or specific application
Specific application, apparatus or process
Mechanical control system
C701S050000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06542789
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates generally to a tool recognition and control system for use on a work machine and, more particularly, to a system and method for electronically configuring the hydraulic and control systems associated with a particular work machine to control the operation of a particular work tool mounted for use on the work machine based upon the operating parameters associated with the work tool.
BACKGROUND ART
Work machines such as integrated tool carriers, skid steer loaders, agricultural tractors, excavators and a wide variety of other work machines typically have a large number of hydraulically controlled work tools or attachments that are attachable or mountable to the particular work machine to perform a particular work function. These work tools or attachments are typically controlled through an implement control system which typically includes one or more hydraulic systems which are used to actuate and control the implement lift and/or tilt mechanisms. In the case of certain types of work machines such as skid steer loaders, a second and separate auxiliary hydraulic system is used to control the operation of hydraulic motors or actuators sometimes associated directly with the particular work tool or attachment to actuate and control the operation thereof.
In addition, these work tools or attachments are likewise controlled through the use of various operator input devices such as one or more implement control levers, foot pedals, or an implement control joystick. Still further, various switches associated with a particular work machine may likewise control the operation and function of certain work tools or attachments such as various switches located in the operator compartment which are used to select the direction of fluid flow to a particular attachment or work tool; to actuate continuous flow to a particular attachment or work tool in a selected direction; to select and engage a high fluid flow rate to the particular attachment or work tool; and other function specific switches associated with different types of work machines.
All of these different types of work tools or attachments differ in the way they are controlled and their hydraulic flow and pressure requirements likewise vary. For example, the operation of a certain series of switches associated with a particular work machine could represent one mode of operation for one tool whereas operation of the same series of switches for a different tool could represent a different mode of operation for that particular tool. Also, the operating pressures and flow rates associated with one tool may vary drastically when compared with the operating pressures and flow rates of another tool. For example, some work tools must be operated at a system pressure of 3000 PSI whereas other tools only need to operate at system pressures of 1000 PSI. In this regard, often times, depending upon the particular work tool involved and the particular application or task being performed by such work tool, full hydraulic flow to the particular work tool is not always necessary. In fact, under certain operation conditions, less than full or maximum flow provided by the implement hydraulic control circuit, or any other hydraulic circuit, is desirable. This is not always possible with the known systems and, as a result, hydraulic system flow rates often times exceed the task requirements for a particular tool. Still further, some of the older work tools cannot operate at the pressures and flow rates associated with the newer tools.
The control and operation of certain work tools may also affect the use and operation of the particular operator input device that controls the particular work tool such as one or more implement control levers, foot pedals, or a joystick. For example, skid steer loaders typically have a backhoe tool that can be attached to the machine. Presently, this backhoe tool has a separate set of controls, along with a seat, associated with the tool which must be utilized in lieu of the operator controls associated with the skid steer loader in order to allow the operator to control the backhoe tool. Also, depending upon the particular work tool, movement of the particular operator input device in one direction may command different tool responses depending upon the particular tool.
Presently, the various hydraulic systems associated with a particular work machine must be mechanically adjusted to achieve the correct fluid flow rates and pressures within the various hydraulic circuits prior to use of a particular tool. Also, the controls for some work tools, such as use of a backhoe tool with a skid steer loader, are so substantially different that a separate set of controls is added to the tool itself. These controls must be manually configured and adjusted by the machine operator. All of this manual reconfiguration time and effort adds cost to the particular work tool and certainly increases set-up time for the operator when switching from one work tool to another.
Still further, in certain situations, the operator input device that controls directional movement of the particular work machine may also be affected by use of a particular work tool. For example, certain work tools used on certain types of work machines require high engine speed in order to operate the work tool properly. These higher operating engine speeds produce a higher output flow from the hydraulic pump which controls the respective drive motors or drive mechanisms associated with the work machine. Generally, the higher the engine speed, the higher the pump flow available to the drive motors or drive mechanism, which higher pump flow creates a more responsive, less controllable machine at higher engine speeds. At a result, when these types of work tools are used, it is sometimes very difficult to control the steering of a particular work machine such as a skid steer loader, particularly in space limited environments.
It is therefore desirable to provide a tool recognition and control system which would automatically detect and identify the particular, type of work tool that is being attached or mounted to a particular work machine and, thereafter, automatically reconfigure the various controls and switches as well as the operating parameters of the various hydraulic systems necessary to operate the particular work tool to match the specific parameters and control functions for that particular work tool. Under certain conditions, it is also desirable to automatically reconfigure the operator input directional control device of a particular work machine based upon the particular type of tool or attachment being utilized on the work machine.
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a tool recognition and control system is disclosed wherein various control systems associated with a particular work machine are electronically reconfigured based upon the operating parameters of the particular work tool attached to the machine for use therewith. In one aspect of the present invention, each particular work tool which can be used with a particular work machine includes a unique identification code or other identifier means which is recognizable by the work machine when the tool is attached thereto. When attached or mounted to a particular machine, the tool recognition code for that particular tool, or a signal indicative thereof, is inputted to one or more electronic control modules (ECM) associated with the work machine and such identification code is thereafter used to select and access the specific operating parameters associated with that particular tool for reconfiguring the affected systems of the work machine as will be hereinafter explained. In this regard, the particular work tool will include circuit means or other recognition means which will provide a signal to one or more ECMs associated with the work machine indicative of the particular type of work tool being attached
Caterpillar Inc.
Gain, Jr. Edward F.
LandOfFree
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