Electronic Parallel Lift And Return To Dig On A Backhoe Loader

Abstract

A backhoe loader 10 with a controller 100 that uses angular signals from at least one sensor to calculate a loader tool angle with respect to the vehicle frame 12 or with respect to the earth and to maintain the loader tool angle via controller generated commands to a tool actuator 60 as a function of the angular signals and commands to a boom actuator 50. The controller 100 enables proportional control of the tool angle via a command input device such as an electronic joystick 21. If the electronic joystick 21 is moved to an appropriate detent position, the controller 100 executes a return to dig function. If the bucket 31 is below the return to dig angle at the time the joystick 21 is moved to the detent position, the controller 100 generates commands to move the bucket 36 to the return to dig angle via a curling motion. If the bucket 31 is above the return to dig angle at the time the joystick 21 is moved to the detent position, the controller 100 generates commands to move the bucket 36 to the return to dig angle via a dumping motion. If either return to dig or a return to carry function while the other is being executed then the two are combined such that return to dig is completed prior to return to carry.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to a system for sensing and automatically controlling the orientation of a work toolBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]A variety of work machines can be equipped with tools for performing a work function. Examples of such machines include a wide variety of loaders, excavators, telehandlers, and aerial lifts. A work vehicle such as backhoe loader may be equipped with a backhoe tool, such as a backhoe bucket or other structure, for excavating and material handling functions as well as a loader tool such as a loader bucket.[0003]In the backhoe portion of the backhoe loader, a swing frame pivotally attaches to the vehicle frame at a rear portion of the vehicle, a backhoe boom pivotally attaches to the swing frame, a dipperstick pivotally attaches to the backhoe boom, and the backhoe tool pivotally attaches to the dipperstick about a backhoe tool pivot. A vehicle operator controls the orientation of the backhoe bucket relative to the dipper...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]An object of the present invention is to provide an improved system for controlling the orientation of a tool for a work vehicle.

[0011]The invention provides for other functions for controlling the loader tool such as, for example, return to carry, return to dig and anti-spill which is designed to keep a loader bucket from spilling its contents on the hood or cab of the vehicle.

Problems solved by technology

Work operation with a loader bucket entails similar problems to those encountered in work operations with the backhoe bucket.

The continual adjustment of the loader tool orientation, combined with the simultaneous manipulation of a loader boom command input device, requires a degree of operator attention and manual effort that can diminish overall work efficiency and increase operator fatigue.

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