Intelligent engine and pump control

Abstract

A method includes detecting a change in a load condition on an engine based on use of an implement system including an engine driven pump, an actuator fluidly coupled to the pump, and an implement repositionable with the actuator. The change in the load condition is detected based on a change in a command signal from a joystick controlling movement of the implement, an outlet pressure of the pump, a displacement of the pump, and / or an engagement signal of a clutch positioned to selectively couple the pump to the engine. The method further includes commanding a fueling system to increase an amount of fuel provided to the engine and / or commanding an air handling system of the machine to increase an amount of air provided to the engine and / or a boost pressure of the air in response to detecting an increase in the load condition based on the change.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention application filed on December 30, 2019, with application number 201980088448.4 and title "Intelligent Engine and Pump Control".

[0002] Cross-referencing of related patent applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 789,721, filed January 8, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] This disclosure relates to engine and pump control for machinery. More specifically, this disclosure relates to intelligently controlling the engine and pump of a machine to prevent a decrease in engine speed during transient loads. Background Technology

[0005] Industrial engines in large machinery (e.g., excavators) often drive hydraulic pumps to operate the machinery's hydraulic components. Typically, the engine operates at a fixed speed under operator control. However, when the engine encounters a sudden load, a significant drop in engine speed may sometimes occur. This drop in engine speed reduces the machine's ability to respond adequately during transient loads, leading to operator dissatisfaction. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One embodiment relates to a method. The method includes: detecting a change in load condition on the engine of a machine, based on the use of a machine's implement system, via processing circuitry. The implement system includes a pump driven by the machine's engine, an actuator fluidly coupled to the pump, and implements repositionable with the actuator. The change in load condition is detected based on a change in at least one of (i) a command signal from a joystick controlling movement of the implement, (ii) the pump's outlet fluid pressure, (iii) the pump's displacement, or (iv) a clutch engagement signal of a clutch positioned to selectively couple the pump to the engine. The method further includes, in response to detecting an increased load condition, commanding via processing circuitry at least one of: (i) the machine's fuel supply system to increase the amount of fuel supplied to the engine by the fuel supply system; or (ii) the machine's air treatment system to increase (a) the amount of air, or (b) the boost pressure of the air supplied to the engine by the air treatment system; based on this change, improving the engine's response to transient loads by substantially preventing a decrease in engine speed due to transient loads.

[0007] Another embodiment relates to a method. The method includes: monitoring the load condition on the engine of a machine based on the use of a machine's implement system via processing circuitry; detecting an increase in the load condition during the use of the implement system via processing circuitry; in response to detecting an increase in the load condition, providing a first command via processing circuitry to the machine's fuel supply system to increase the amount of fuel supplied to the engine by the fuel supply system; and in response to detecting an increase in the load condition, providing a second command via processing circuitry to the machine's air handling system to increase at least one of (i) the amount of air or (ii) the boost pressure of the air supplied to the engine by the air handling system.

[0008] Another embodiment relates to a system. The system includes a control system for a machine. The machine includes an engine, a pump driven by the engine, an actuator driven by the pump, and a implement operated by the actuator. The control system includes processing circuitry having at least one processor coupled to a memory storing instructions that cause the at least one processor to monitor a load condition on the engine based on the use of the implement, detect an increase in the load condition during use of the implement, and provide at least one of: (i) in response to detecting an increase in the load condition, providing a first command to the machine's fuel supply system to increase the amount of fuel supplied to the engine by the fuel supply system; or (ii) in response to detecting an increase in the load condition, providing a second command to the machine's air handling system to increase at least one of (a) the amount of air supplied to the engine by the air handling system, or (b) the boost pressure of the air.

[0009] These and other features, as well as the organization and manner of their operation, will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a machine having a controller and subsystems according to an example embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 According to the example embodiment Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the machine's subsystems.

[0012] Figure 3 According to the example embodiment Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the machine's controller.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a method for controlling machine components to prevent engine speed reduction during transient loads, according to an example embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The following is a more detailed description of various concepts and implementations related to methods, devices, and systems for intelligent engine and pump control of machines. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in more detail below can be implemented in any number of ways, as the described concepts are not limited to any particular implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

[0015] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, the various embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems, apparatuses, and methods for intelligent engine and pump control of machinery, and more specifically, (i) improving the transient response of an engine to sudden loading (i.e., increased demand) to prevent a decrease in engine speed; and / or (ii) improving the fuel efficiency of an engine system by reducing engine speed and increasing pump displacement when demand / load decreases. Since the transient response of an engine may include a significant decrease in engine speed in the event of a sudden transient and / or increased load, the applicant has developed a control system that uses a two-part control scheme to control the engine and pump of large machinery to minimize such a significant decrease in engine speed. As an example, in the event of anticipated or detected increased load conditions, the control system may increase the fuel and / or airflow into the engine to increase the engine's power and / or torque output to accommodate the increased load conditions, thereby preventing or substantially preventing a temporary decrease in engine speed and performance and improving the transient performance of the machinery. As another example, in the event of anticipated or detected decreased load conditions, the control system may reduce the engine speed and increase the pump displacement to improve the efficiency of the engine in the machinery.

[0016] For example, a control system can identify an increasing load condition. This increased demand indicates a need for increased hydraulic flow to meet the demand. According to an example embodiment, to meet the increased demand, additional fuel is injected into the engine to increase torque. However, in some embodiments, the increased fuel injection alone may not be sufficient. Therefore, the control system may first modify the actuator position (e.g., in a variable-geometry turbocharger (VGT), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, intake manifold, etc.) to increase boost pressure to provide more air to the engine, rather than simply increasing the fuel supply. The control system can then analyze the current hydraulic pressure and pump stroke (i.e., displacement) to calculate the feedforward fuel supply demand. Based on the feedforward fuel supply calculation, the control system accordingly increases the fuel supply, thereby increasing the engine's torque output and improving the engine's transient response.

[0017] As another example, the control system can recognize that the load condition is decreasing. This reduction in demand indicates that a lower hydraulic flow condition is needed to meet the demand. In response to this reduction in demand, the control system can reduce the engine speed and increase the pump displacement. This operation can advantageously reduce the engine's overall fuel consumption, and the pump can be more efficient when operating at a higher displacement.

[0018] Now for reference Figure 1 It shows a schematic diagram of a machine 10 with a controller 150 according to an example embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, machine 10 typically includes a powertrain 100, a machine subsystem 120, operator input / output (I / O) devices 130, sensors 140 communicatively coupled to one or more components of machine 10, and a controller 150. These components will be described more fully herein. Machine 10 can be a road vehicle or an off-road vehicle, including but not limited to excavators, backhoes, front-end loaders, skid steer loaders, heavy machinery, or any other type of machine or vehicle suitable for the systems described herein. Therefore, this disclosure is applicable to a variety of embodiments.

[0019] The components of machine 10 can communicate with each other or with external components using any type and any number of wired or wireless connections. For example, wired connections may include serial cables, fiber optic cables, CAT5 cables, or any other form of wired connection. Wireless connections may include the Internet, Wi-Fi, cellular, radio, Bluetooth, ZigBee, etc. In one embodiment, a controller local area network (CAN) bus provides the exchange of signals, information, and / or data. The CAN bus includes any number of wired and wireless connections. Because controller 150 can communicatively connect to... Figure 1 The system and components in machine 10, so controller 150 is configured to receive information about Figure 1 Data from one or more components shown. For example, the data may include operational data acquired by one or more sensors (e.g., sensor 140) regarding the operating status of the powertrain 100 and / or other components (e.g., engine, pump, clutch, operator I / O device 130, etc.). As another example, the data may include input from operator I / O device 130. Controller 150 may determine how to control the powertrain 100 and / or machine subsystem 120 based on the operational data.

[0020] like Figure 1As shown, the powertrain 100 includes an engine system 110, which comprises an engine 101, a transmission 102, a driveshaft 103, a differential 104, and a final drive 105. The engine 101 can be configured as any engine type, including spark-ignition internal combustion engines, compression-ignition internal combustion engines, and / or fuel cells, as well as other alternatives. The engine 101 can be powered by any type of fuel (e.g., diesel, ethanol, gasoline, natural gas, propane, hydrogen, etc.). Similarly, the transmission 102 can be configured as any type of transmission, such as a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a manual transmission, an automatic transmission, an automatic-manual transmission, a dual-clutch transmission, etc.

[0021] Therefore, as the transmission evolves from a geared transmission to a continuously variable configuration (e.g., a continuously variable transmission), transmission 102 can include various configurations (e.g., gears for a geared transmission) that affect different output speeds based on the input speeds received from it (e.g., from generator 101, etc.). Similar to engine 101 and transmission 102, drive shaft 103, differential 104, and / or final drive 105 can be configured in any way depending on the application (e.g., final drive 105 is configured as a wheel, track element, etc.). Furthermore, drive shaft 103 can be configured as any type of drive shaft depending on the application, including but not limited to one-piece, two-piece, and sleeve-type drive shafts.

[0022] According to an example embodiment, engine 101 receives a chemical energy input (e.g., fuel such as gasoline, diesel, etc.) and burns the fuel to generate mechanical energy in the form of a rotating crankshaft. Transmission 102 receives the rotating crankshaft and manipulates its speed (e.g., engine revolutions per minute (RPM)) to influence the desired drive shaft speed. The rotating drive shaft 103 is received by differential 104, which provides the rotational energy of drive shaft 103 to final drive 105. Final drive 105 then propels or moves machine 10.

[0023] Still referencing Figure 1 Machine 10 includes machine subsystem 120. Machine subsystem 120 may include components, including mechanically driven or electrically driven components (e.g., HVAC systems, lights, pumps, hydraulic systems, fans, fuel supply systems, air handling systems, etc.). Machine subsystem 120 may also include any components for reducing exhaust emissions, such as selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalysts, diesel oxidation catalysts (DOC), diesel particulate filters (DPF), diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) feeders with diesel exhaust fluid supply, multiple sensors for monitoring the aftertreatment system (e.g., nitrogen oxide (NOx) sensors, temperature sensors, etc.) and / or other components.

[0024] Machine subsystem 120 may include one or more electric accessories and / or engine-driven accessories. The electric accessories may receive power from onboard energy storage devices and / or generators to facilitate their operation. Because they are electric, the accessories can be driven largely independently of the engine 101 of machine 10 (e.g., without disengaging from belt drive, power take-off (PTO), etc., coupled to engine 101). Electric accessories may include, but are not limited to, air compressors (e.g., for pneumatic devices), air conditioning systems, power steering pumps, engine coolant pumps, fans, and / or any other electric accessories. Reference Figure 2 and 3 This article describes the machine subsystem 120 in more detail.

[0025] Now for reference Figure 2 Machine 10 includes a clutch 200; an engine system 110 including an engine 101, a fuel supply system 112, and an air treatment system 114; and a machine subsystem 120 including an actuation system 210. The actuation system 210 includes a pump 220, a valve 230, an actuator 240, and a implement 250. The clutch 200 is positioned to selectively and mechanically connect the pump 220 of the implement system 210 to the engine 101 of the engine system 110 (e.g., connected to its power output (PTO), etc.). In some embodiments, machine 10 does not include a clutch 200, such that the engine 101 (e.g., its power output (PTO), etc.) is directly connected to the pump 220. According to an example embodiment, the engine 101 drives the pump 220, which in turn drives the actuator 240. For example, the pump 220 may be fluidly coupled to a fluid source (e.g., a hydraulic fluid reservoir, etc.) and drive fluid into the actuator 240 (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder, etc.) to reposition the implement 250. The implement 250 can be any suitable implement that can be used in the machine 10 described herein. For example, the implement 250 can be a bucket implement, a drilling implement, a breaking ball implement, a crane implement, a grab implement, and / or another suitable type of implement.

[0026] In one embodiment, pump 220 is a variable displacement pump. In such an embodiment, actuator 210 may or may not include valve 230. In another embodiment, pump 220 is a fixed displacement pump. Valve 230 may be an electrically controlled variable valve and / or configured to selectively limit the flow rate of fluid supplied by pump 220 to actuator 240.

[0027] The fuel supply system 112 may include various components that facilitate the variable supply of fuel to the engine 101. For example, the fuel supply system 112 may include a fuel reservoir, a fuel injector, a fuel pump, and / or other components typically included in a vehicle fuel supply system or a machine fuel supply system.

[0028] Air treatment system 114 may include various components that facilitate the variable supply of air (e.g., compressed air, etc.) to engine 101. In some embodiments, air treatment system 114 includes a forced intake system. In one embodiment, forced intake system includes one or more exhaust-driven turbochargers (e.g., VGT, etc.) and / or one or more electrically driven and exhaust-driven turbochargers (e.g., to reduce turbo lag, etc.). In another embodiment, forced intake system includes one or more conventional engine-driven turbochargers and / or one or more electrically driven turbochargers. In other embodiments, forced intake system includes a combination of turbochargers and superchargers. In some embodiments (e.g., embodiments including turbochargers, etc.), air treatment system 114 includes an EGR system (e.g., to drive one or more turbochargers, etc.). In some embodiments, air treatment system 114 includes an intake manifold for engine 101. Therefore, air treatment system 114 may be configured to facilitate selectively changing the amount of air entering the combustion chamber of engine 101 and / or the boost pressure.

[0029] Return to reference Figure 1 The operator I / O device 130 enables the operator of machine 10 to communicate with machine 10 and controller 150. For example, operator I / O device 130 may include, but is not limited to, an interactive display, a touchscreen device, one or more buttons and switches, a voice command receiver, etc. In one embodiment, operator I / O device 130 includes a brake pedal or lever, an accelerator pedal or throttle, a first joystick (e.g., a motion control joystick), and / or a second joystick (e.g., an implement control joystick). For example, engaging the first joystick allows engine 101 to provide power throughout the powertrain 100 to drive its components (e.g., transmission 102, drive shaft 103, differential 104, final drive 105, etc.). As another example, engaging the second joystick allows engine 101 to provide power to implement system 210 to operate implement 250 (e.g., digging, lifting buckets, picking up objects, drilling, etc.).

[0030] Sensor 140 may include sensors positioned and / or configured to monitor the operating characteristics of various components of machine 10. As an example, sensor 140 may include sensors positioned to facilitate monitoring and detection of load conditions on implement system 210 (e.g., engagement / disengagement of clutch 200, outlet pressure of pump 220, displacement of pump 220, movement of one or more levers of operator I / O device 130, etc.). As another example, sensor 140 may include sensors positioned to facilitate monitoring the operating conditions of engine 101, clutch 200, implement system 210 (e.g., pump 220, valve 230, actuator 240, etc.), fuel supply system 112, and / or air treatment system 114.

[0031] because Figure 1 and 2 The components are shown as being included in machine 10, therefore controller 150 can be configured as one or more electronic control units (ECUs). Thus, controller 150 can be separate from or included in at least one of a transmission control unit, exhaust aftertreatment control unit, powertrain control unit, engine control unit, etc. Regarding Figure 3 The functions and structure of controller 150 are described in more detail.

[0032] Now for reference Figure 3 According to the example embodiment, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the controller 150 of machine 10. (See diagram below.) Figure 3 As shown, controller 150 includes processing circuitry 151 with processor 152 and memory 154; load detection circuitry 155; fuel supply circuitry 156; air handling circuitry 157; engine circuitry 158; pump circuitry 159; and communication interface 153. As described herein, controller 150 is configured to (i) improve the transient response of engine 101 to sudden loads (i.e., increased demand) to prevent engine speed reduction; and / or (ii) increase the fuel efficiency of engine 101 when demand decreases by reducing engine speed (e.g., below a threshold speed, below the typical operating speed of engine 101, etc.) and increasing the displacement of pump 220 (e.g., relative to the displacement before the demand reduction).

[0033] In one configuration, load detection circuitry 155, fuel supply circuitry 156, air preparation circuitry 157, engine circuitry 158, and / or pump circuitry 159 are implemented as machine- or computer-readable media executable by a processor (e.g., processor 152). As described herein and in other uses, machine-readable media facilitate the execution of specific operations to achieve the reception and transmission of data. For example, machine-readable media can provide instructions (e.g., commands, etc.) to, for example, acquire data. In this respect, machine-readable media may include programmable logic defining the frequency of data acquisition (or data transmission). Therefore, computer-readable media may include code that can be written in any programming language, including but not limited to Java, and any conventional procedural programming language (such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages). Computer-readable program code can be executed on one processor or multiple remote processors. In the latter case, remote processors can be connected to each other via any type of network (e.g., CAN bus, etc.).

[0034] In another configuration, the load detection circuit 155, fuel supply circuit 156, air treatment circuit 157, engine circuit 158, and / or pump circuit 159 are implemented as hardware units (e.g., electronic control units). In this regard, the load detection circuit 155, fuel supply circuit 156, air treatment circuit 157, engine circuit 158, and / or pump circuit 159 can be implemented as one or more circuit components, including but not limited to processing circuits, network interfaces, peripherals, input devices, output devices, sensors, etc. In some embodiments, the load detection circuit 155, fuel supply circuit 156, air treatment circuit 157, engine circuit 158, and / or pump circuit 159 can take the form of one or more analog circuits, electronic circuits (e.g., integrated circuits (ICs), discrete circuits, system-on-a-chip (SoC) circuits, microcontrollers, etc.), telecommunications circuits, hybrid circuits, and any other type of "circuit". In this regard, the load detection circuit 155, fuel supply circuit 156, air treatment circuit 157, engine circuit 158, and / or pump circuit 159 may include any type of components for performing or facilitating the implementation of the operations described herein. For example, the circuits described herein may include one or more transistors, logic gates (e.g., NAND, AND, NOR, OR, XOR, NOT, XNOR, etc.), resistors, multiplexers, registers, capacitors, inductors, diodes, wiring, etc. Therefore, the load detection circuit 155, fuel supply circuit 156, air treatment circuit 157, engine circuit 158, and / or pump circuit 159 may also include programmable hardware devices, such as field-programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, etc. In this regard, the load detection circuit 155, fuel supply circuit 156, air treatment circuit 157, engine circuit 158, and / or pump circuit 159 may include one or more memory devices for storing instructions executable by one or more processors of the load detection circuit 155, fuel supply circuit 156, air treatment circuit 157, engine circuit 158, and / or pump circuit 159. The one or more memory devices and processors may have the same definitions provided below with respect to memory 154 and processor 152. Therefore, in this hardware unit configuration, the load detection circuit 155, fuel supply circuit 156, air treatment circuit 157, engine circuit 158, and / or pump circuit 159 may be geographically distributed in various individual locations within the machine 10 (e.g., individual control units, etc.). Alternatively, and as shown, the load detection circuit 155, fuel supply circuit 156, air treatment circuit 157, engine circuit 158, and / or pump circuit 159 may be implemented in or within a single unit / housing (shown as controller 150).

[0035] In the example shown, controller 150 includes processing circuitry 151 having processor 152 and memory 154. Processing circuitry 151 may be configured or constructed to execute or implement the instructions, commands, and / or control processes described herein regarding load detection circuitry 155, fuel supply circuitry 156, air treatment circuitry 157, engine circuitry 158, and / or pump circuitry 159. Therefore, the described configuration represents the above arrangement, wherein load detection circuitry 155, fuel supply circuitry 156, air treatment circuitry 157, engine circuitry 158, and / or pump circuitry 159 are implemented as machine- or computer-readable media. However, as stated above, this description is not intended to be limiting, as this disclosure contemplates other embodiments such as those described above, in which load detection circuitry 155, fuel supply circuitry 156, air treatment circuitry 157, engine circuitry 158, and pump circuitry 159 are configured as hardware units, or at least one of the circuits in load detection circuitry 155, fuel supply circuitry 156, air treatment circuitry 157, engine circuitry 158, and pump circuitry 159 is configured as a hardware unit. All these combinations and variations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0036] Processor 152 may be implemented as one or more general-purpose processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), a set of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. In some embodiments, one or more processors may be shared by multiple circuits (e.g., engine speed range circuit 155, torque curve region circuit 156, engine speed circuit 157, engine torque circuit 158, and calibration circuit 159 may include or otherwise share the same processor, which, in some exemplary embodiments, may execute instructions stored or otherwise accessed via different areas of memory). Optionally or additionally, one or more processors may be configured to perform or otherwise perform certain operations independently of one or more coprocessors. In other example embodiments, two or more processors may be bus-connected to enable independent, parallel, pipelined, or multithreaded instruction execution. All these variations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. Memory 154 (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) may store data and / or computer code used to facilitate the various processes described herein. Memory 154 may be communicatively connected to processor 152 to provide processor 152 with computer code or instructions to perform at least some of the processes described herein. Furthermore, memory 154 may be or include tangible non-transient volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Therefore, memory 154 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure used to support the various activities and information structures described herein.

[0037] Communication interface 153 may include wired or wireless interfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas, transmitters, receivers, transceivers, wired terminals, etc.) for data communication with various systems, devices, or networks. For example, communication interface 153 may include Ethernet cards and ports for sending and receiving data via Ethernet-based communication networks and / or Wi-Fi transceivers for communication via wireless communication networks. Communication interface 153 may be configured to communicate via local area networks (LANs) or wide area networks (e.g., the Internet) and may use various communication protocols (e.g., IP, Local Operation Network (LON), Controller Area Network (CAN), J1939, Local Interconnect Network (LIN), Bluetooth, ZigBee, radio, cellular, near field communication, etc.).

[0038] The communication interface 153 of controller 150 can facilitate communication between controller 150 and one or more components of machine 10 (e.g., components of powertrain 100, machine subsystem 120, operator I / O devices 130, sensors 140, etc.). Communication between and within the components of machine 10 can be achieved via any number of wired or wireless connections (e.g., any standard under IEEE 802, etc.). For example, wired connections can include serial cables, fiber optic cables, CAT5 cables, or any other form of wired connection. In contrast, wireless connections can include the Internet, Wi-Fi, cellular, Bluetooth, ZigBee, radio, etc. In one embodiment, a CAN bus provides the exchange of signals, information, and / or data. The CAN bus can include any number of wired and wireless connections that provide the exchange of signals, information, and / or data. The CAN bus can include a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or can establish a connection with an external computer (e.g., via the Internet provided by an Internet service provider).

[0039] The load detection circuit 155 is configured to monitor and detect changes in load conditions (e.g., increased load, decreased load, sudden loading) or lack of load conditions (e.g., persistent low load conditions) on the engine 101 based on the operation of the implement system 210. In one embodiment, the load detection circuit 155 is configured to detect changes in load conditions based on command signals from the implement control joystick of the operator I / O device 130 (e.g., current signals from sensor 140, etc.). As an example, the load detection circuit 155 may detect an increased load condition in response to a command signal from the implement control joystick indicating that the implement control joystick is moving away from the nominal position (i.e., indicating an increased demand requested by the operator). As another example, the load detection circuit 155 may detect a decreased load condition in response to a command signal from the implement control joystick indicating that the implement control joystick is moving towards the nominal position (i.e., indicating a decreased demand requested by the operator). In some embodiments, the command signal must exist for a period of time exceeding a threshold (e.g., half a second, one second, two seconds, etc.) before a change in load condition is considered valid by the load detection circuit 155 (e.g., filtering out unintentional movement of the joystick).

[0040] In another embodiment, the load detection circuit 155 is additionally or optionally configured to detect changes in load conditions based on the outlet fluid pressure of the pump 220 (e.g., via sensor 140, etc.). As an example, the load detection circuit 155 may detect an increased load condition in response to an increase in the outlet fluid pressure of the pump 220 (i.e., indicating an increased demand requested by the operator). As an example, the load detection circuit 155 may detect a decreased load condition in response to a decrease in the outlet fluid pressure of the pump (i.e., indicating a decreased demand requested by the operator).

[0041] In another embodiment, the load detection circuit 155 is additionally or optionally configured to detect changes in load conditions based on the pump displacement of pump 220 (e.g., via sensor 140, etc.). As an example, the load detection circuit 155 may detect an increased load condition in response to an increase in the pump displacement of pump 220 (i.e., indicating an increased demand requested by the operator). As an example, the load detection circuit 155 may detect a decreased load condition in response to a decrease in the pump displacement of pump 220 (i.e., indicating a decreased demand requested by the operator).

[0042] In another embodiment, the load detection circuit 155 is additionally or optionally configured to detect changes in load conditions based on clutch engagement signals of the clutch 200 (e.g., via sensor 140, etc.). As an example, the load detection circuit 155 may detect an increased load condition in response to a clutch engagement signal indicating that the clutch 200 is engaged (i.e., indicating that the pump 220 is engaged with the engine 101 and a demand requested by the operator has occurred). As another example, the load detection circuit 155 may detect a decreased load condition in response to a clutch engagement signal indicating that the clutch 200 is disengaged (i.e., indicating that the pump 220 is not engaged with the engine 101 and there is no demand requested by the operator). In some embodiments, the load detection circuit 155 is configured to monitor and detect changes in load conditions based on two or more of the following: signals from the implement control lever, outlet fluid pressure of the pump 220, pump displacement of the pump 220, and clutch engagement signals of the clutch 200 (e.g., both outlet fluid pressure and pump displacement, etc.).

[0043] In some embodiments, the load detection circuit 155 is configured to detect a persistent low load condition in response to an indication that there is no increase or decrease in the load condition on engine 101 and / or that the load on engine 101 is less than a load threshold during a threshold time period. As an example, the load detection circuit 155 may be configured to identify the presence of a persistent low load condition in response to (i) a command signal from a machine control joystick, (ii) the outlet fluid pressure of pump 220, (iii) the pump displacement of pump 220, and / or (iv) the clutch engagement signal of clutch 200 remaining constant or substantially unchanged during the threshold time period.

[0044] Fuel supply circuit 156 is configured to control the operation of fuel supply system 112. As an example, fuel supply circuit 156 may be configured to increase the amount of fuel supplied by fuel supply system 112 to engine 101 in response to load detection circuit 155 detecting an increased load condition, to (i) prevent or substantially prevent a temporary decrease in engine speed and performance, and (ii) improve the transient performance of engine 101, implement system 210, and machine 10. As another example, fuel supply circuit 156 may be configured to reduce the amount of fuel supplied by fuel supply system 112 to engine 101 in response to load detection circuit 155 detecting a decreased load condition and / or a persistent low load condition, to increase the fuel efficiency of engine 101.

[0045] Air handling circuit 157 is configured to control the operation of air handling system 114. As an example, air handling circuit 157 may be configured to increase the amount of air and / or boost pressure supplied by air handling system 114 to engine 101 in response to load detection circuit 155 detecting an increased load condition, in order to (i) prevent or substantially prevent a temporary decrease in engine speed and performance, and (ii) improve the transient performance of engine 101, implement system 210 and machine 10. For example, in response to the detection of an increased load condition, the air handling circuit 157 can pre-spool the turbocharger of the air handling system 114 (e.g., by activating the electric motor coupled to the turbocharger of the air handling system 114, by engaging the actuator of the EGR system to provide more exhaust flow to the turbocharger of the air handling system 114, by engaging the actuator of the VGT of the air handling system 114 to adjust the VGT aspect ratio, etc.) to increase boost pressure and prevent or substantially minimize any turbo lag, so that engine power can be immediately used by the implement 250 to perform the requested operation without causing a temporary reduction in engine speed due to the increased load. As another example, the air handling circuit 157 can be configured to change (e.g., reduce, etc.) the amount of air and / or boost pressure supplied by the air handling system 114 to the engine 101 in response to the load detection circuit 155 detecting a reduced load condition and / or a persistent low load condition (e.g., by reducing the turbo speed, etc.).

[0046] Engine circuit 158 ​​is configured to control the operation of engine 101. As an example, engine circuit 158 ​​may be configured to cooperate with fuel supply circuit 156 and / or air treatment circuit 157 to control engine 101 in response to load detection circuit 155 detecting an increased load condition, adapting to an increased fuel supply and / or airflow to engine 101. As another example, engine circuit 158 ​​may be configured to cooperate with fuel supply circuit 156 and / or air treatment circuit 157 to control engine 101 in response to load detection circuit 155 detecting a decreased load condition, adapting to a decreased fuel supply and / or airflow to engine 101. For example, engine circuit 158 ​​may be configured to reduce the speed of engine 101 in response to load detection circuit 155 detecting a decreased load condition and / or a sustained low load condition, which may thereby improve the fuel efficiency of engine 101.

[0047] Pump circuit 159 is configured to control the operation of pump 220. As an example, pump circuit 159 may be configured to increase the displacement of pump 220 in response to load detection circuit 155 detecting a reduced load condition and / or a sustained low load condition. According to an example embodiment, reducing the speed of engine 101 and increasing the displacement of pump 220 will reduce the total fuel consumption of engine 101, and pump 220 can operate more efficiently at higher displacements (e.g., this might not be usable at higher engine speeds, etc.). Further detailed descriptions of the functions of controller 150, load detection circuit 155, fuel supply circuit 156, air treatment circuit 157, engine circuit 158, and pump circuit 159 are referenced herein. Figure 4 supply.

[0048] Now for reference Figure 4 A method 400 for controlling machine components to prevent engine speed reduction during transient loading is illustrated according to an example embodiment. In one example embodiment, method 400 can be used... Figure 1-3 This is implemented using machine 10, machine subsystem 120, and controller 150. Thus, it is possible to... Figure 1-3 Description method 400.

[0049] In process 402, a controller (e.g., controller 150, load detection circuit 155, etc.) is configured to monitor load conditions based on the use of a tool system (e.g., tool system 210, etc.) of a machine (e.g., machine 10, etc.). In some embodiments, load conditions are monitored based on command signals from a joystick controlling movement of a tool (e.g., tool 250, etc.) of the tool system. In some embodiments, load conditions are monitored based on the outlet fluid pressure of a pump (e.g., pump 220, etc.) of the tool system driven by an engine (e.g., engine 101, etc.) of the machine. In some embodiments, load conditions are monitored based on the pump displacement. In some embodiments, load conditions are monitored based on a clutch engagement signal from a clutch (e.g., clutch 200, etc.) positioned to selectively engage the pump with the engine. In some embodiments, load conditions are monitored based on a combination of two or more of the following: command signals from the joystick, pump outlet fluid pressure, pump displacement, and clutch engagement signal.

[0050] In process 404, the controller is configured to determine or detect that a change in load conditions has occurred. According to an exemplary embodiment, the change in load conditions is detected based on at least one of (i) a command signal from the joystick, (ii) the pump outlet fluid pressure, (iii) the pump displacement, or (iv) a clutch engagement signal. The controller is configured to proceed to process 410 in response to (i) an increase in the command signal from the joystick, the pump outlet fluid pressure, and / or the pump displacement, and / or (ii) a clutch engagement signal indicating that the clutch has engaged (from a disengaged configuration). Alternatively, the controller is configured to proceed to process 430 in response to (i) a decrease in the command signal from the joystick, the pump outlet fluid pressure, and / or the pump displacement, (ii) a clutch engagement signal indicating that the clutch has disengaged (from an engaged configuration), and / or (iii) a persistent low load condition (e.g., no command to move implement 250, etc., is provided within a threshold time period).

[0051] In process 410, a controller (e.g., pump circuit 159, etc.) is configured to determine the current outlet fluid pressure of the pump and the current pump displacement. In process 412, the controller (e.g., pump circuit 159, etc.) is configured to (e.g., based on pump outlet pressure, pump displacement, command signals from a joystick, etc.) determine the current pump torque demand on the pump. Processes 410 and 412 may be executed continuously, periodically, and / or simultaneously with process 402. In process 414, the controller (e.g., pump circuit 159, etc.) is configured to (e.g., indicated by changes in command signals from a joystick, etc.) determine the required additional pump torque demand to accommodate the increase in demand.

[0052] In process 416, the controller (e.g., fuel supply circuit 156, engine circuit 158, etc.) is configured to determine the additional fuel demand required to operate the engine to drive the pump to meet the additional pump torque demand. In process 418, the controller (e.g., air treatment circuit 157, engine circuit 158, etc.) is configured to determine the additional flow / pressure demand required to operate the engine to drive the pump to meet the additional pump torque demand. In some embodiments, process 418 is optional (e.g., if only an engine fuel change is sufficient, etc.). In process 420, the controller (e.g., fuel supply circuit 156, air treatment circuit 157, etc.) is configured to command the fuel supply system (e.g., fuel supply system 112, etc.) and / or the air treatment system (e.g., air treatment system 114, etc.) to provide additional fuel supply and / or additional flow / pressure, respectively.

[0053] In process 430, a controller (e.g., engine circuit 158, etc.) is configured to (e.g., by a target amount, etc.) reduce the engine speed. In process 432, a controller (e.g., pump circuit 159, etc.) is configured to increase the pump displacement (e.g., to accommodate the reduction in engine speed, etc.). In some embodiments, process 432 is optional (e.g., if the current pump displacement and the reduced engine speed are sufficient to meet the reduced load, etc.). In process 434, a controller (e.g., fuel supply circuit 156, air handling circuit 157, engine circuit 158, etc.) is configured to determine the required fuel supply and / or airflow / boost to accommodate the reduced engine speed and / or increased pump displacement. In process 436, the controller (e.g., fuel supply circuit 156, air treatment circuit 157, etc.) is configured to command the fuel supply system and / or air treatment system to provide fuel supply (e.g., reduced fuel supply, etc.) and / or air flow / boost (e.g., reduced air flow / boost, etc.) as needed at reduced engine speed and / or increased pump displacement.

[0054] It should be understood that the elements claimed in this document should not be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of 35U.SC112(f) unless the element is explicitly stated using the phrase "for...".

[0055] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "connection" refers to two components being directly or indirectly connected or linked to each other. Such a connection can be fixed or movable in nature. For example, the driveshaft of an engine being "connected" to a transmission represents a movable connection. Such a connection can be achieved with two components or two components and any additional intermediate components. For example, circuit A being communicatively "connected" to circuit B can represent circuit A communicating directly with circuit B (i.e., without an intermediate medium) or indirectly with circuit B (e.g., through one or more intermediate media).

[0056] Although Figure 3 Various circuits with specific functions are shown, but it should be understood that controller 150 may include any number of circuits for performing the functions described herein. For example, the activities and functions of load detection circuit 155, fuel supply circuit 156, air treatment circuit 157, engine circuit 158, and / or pump circuit 159 may be combined in multiple circuits or as a single circuit. Additional circuits with additional functions may also be included. Furthermore, it should be understood that controller 150 may further control other activities beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0057] As described above, and in one configuration, the "circuit" can be implemented in a machine-readable medium for execution by various types of processors, such as... Figure 3The processor 152. For example, the circuit of the identified executable code may include one or more computer instructions, for example, organized as physical or logical blocks of objects, processes, or functions. However, the executable of the identified circuit does not need to be physically located together, but may include scattered instructions stored in different locations, which, when logically connected together, constitute the circuit and achieve the circuit's stated purpose. In fact, the circuit of computer-readable program code can be a single instruction or many instructions, and can even be distributed across different programs and several different code segments across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data can be identified and described within the circuit, and can be implemented in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. Operational data may be collected as a single dataset or may be distributed across different locations including different storage devices, and may exist at least in part only as electronic signals on a system or network.

[0058] Although the term "processor" has been briefly defined above, it should be understood that the terms "processor" and "processing circuitry" are intended to be interpreted broadly. In this regard, and as stated above, a "processor" can be implemented as one or more general-purpose processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or other suitable electronic data processing components configured to execute instructions provided by memory. One or more processors can take the form of a single-core processor, a multi-core processor (e.g., a dual-core processor, a triple-core processor, a quad-core processor, etc.), a microprocessor, etc. In some embodiments, one or more processors can be external to the device; for example, one or more processors can be remote processors (e.g., cloud-based processors). Preferably or additionally, one or more processors can be internal and / or local to the device. In this respect, a given circuitry or its components can be arranged locally (e.g., as part of a local server, a local computing system, etc.) or remotely (e.g., as part of a remote server, such as a cloud-based server). For this purpose, a "circuitry" as described herein can include components distributed across one or more locations.

[0059] It should be noted that while the diagrams herein may illustrate the specific order and composition of the method steps, it should be understood that the order of these steps may differ from that depicted. For example, two or more steps may be performed simultaneously or partially simultaneously. Furthermore, some method steps may be combined as separate steps, steps performed as combined steps may be divided into separate steps, the order of certain processes may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of separate processes may be altered or changed. According to alternative embodiments, the order or sequence of any element or device may be varied or substituted. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. These changes will depend on the machine-readable medium and hardware system chosen, as well as the designer's selection. It should be understood that all such changes are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0060] The above description of embodiments has been made for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and modifications and variations may be made in accordance with the above teachings, or may be obtained from the present disclosure. The embodiments were chosen and described to explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, enabling those skilled in the art to utilize various implementations and modifications suitable for the particular intended use. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may be made in the design, operation, and arrangement of the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the supply of air and fuel to the engine of a machine, characterized in that, The method includes: Based on the use of the machine's tool system, changes in the load condition on the machine's engine are detected by the processing circuit; In response to detecting that the increase in the load condition is less than a threshold amount, the processing circuit provides a first command to the machine's fuel supply system to increase the amount of fuel supplied to the engine by the fuel supply system; and In response to detecting that the increase in the load condition is greater than a threshold amount, the processing circuit (i) provides a first command to the fuel supply system of the machine to increase the amount of fuel supplied to the engine by the fuel supply system; and (ii) provides a second command to the air handling system of the machine to increase at least one of (a) the amount of air or (b) the boost pressure of the air supplied to the engine by the air handling system.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The implement system includes a pump driven by the engine of the machine, an actuator fluidly connected to the pump, and implements repositionable with the actuator.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The change in load condition is detected based on at least one of the following: (i) a command signal from a joystick controlling the movement of the implement; (ii) the outlet fluid pressure of the pump; (iii) the pump displacement; or (iv) a change in a clutch engagement signal of a clutch positioned to selectively connect the pump to the engine.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The change in load condition is detected based on the change in the command signal from the joystick that controls the movement of the machine.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The processing circuitry also provides the first and second commands in response to a threshold time period existing in the command signal from the joystick, and does not provide the command in response to a time period less than the threshold time period existing in the command signal from the joystick.

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The change in load condition is detected based on the change in the outlet fluid pressure of the pump.

7. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The change in load condition is detected based on the change in the pump displacement of the pump.

8. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The change in load condition is detected based on the change in the clutch engagement signal of the clutch.

9. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The change in load condition is detected based on at least two of the following: (i) the command signal from the joystick, (ii) the outlet fluid pressure of the pump, (iii) the pump displacement of the pump, or (iv) the clutch engagement signal of the clutch.

10. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: In response to the reduction in the load condition, the speed of the engine is reduced via the processing circuit; and In response to the decrease in the load condition, the pump displacement is increased by the processing circuit.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, It also includes at least one of the following: In response to the reduction in the load condition, the processing circuit reduces the amount of fuel supplied to the engine by the fuel supply system; or In response to a decrease in the load condition, the processing circuit reduces at least one of the air quantity or the boost pressure of the air supplied to the engine by the air handling system.

12. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: In response to (i) an indication that there is no increase or decrease in the load condition on the engine within a threshold time period and (ii) that the load on the engine is less than a load threshold, a low load condition is detected by the processing circuit; and In response to the detection of the low load condition, perform at least one of the following operations: The processing circuit reduces the speed of the engine; The pump displacement is increased by the processing circuit. The processing circuit reduces the amount of fuel supplied to the engine; or The processing circuit reduces at least one of the air volume or the boost pressure of the air supplied to the engine by the air handling system.

13. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: The current pump torque requirement on the pump is determined by the processing circuit; and Based on the increase in the load condition, the processing circuit determines the increase in the current pump torque demand; The first and second commands are based on the increase in the current pump torque requirement.

14. A method for controlling the supply of air and / or fuel to the engine of a machine, characterized in that, The method includes: Based on the use of the machine's implement system, a processing circuit is used to detect changes in the load condition on the machine's engine. The implement system includes a pump driven by the machine's engine, an actuator connected to the pump, and implements repositioned with the actuator. The changes in the load condition are detected based on changes in at least two of the following: (i) a command signal from a joystick controlling the movement of the implement; (ii) the pump's outlet fluid pressure; (iii) the pump's pump displacement; or (iv) a clutch engagement signal of a clutch positioned to selectively connect the pump to the engine. In response to detecting that the increase in the load condition is less than a threshold amount, the processing circuit provides a first command to the machine's fuel supply system to increase the amount of fuel supplied to the engine by the fuel supply system. In response to detecting that the increase in the load condition is greater than a threshold amount, the processing circuit (i) provides a first command to the fuel supply system of the machine to increase the amount of fuel supplied to the engine by the fuel supply system; and (ii) provides a second command to the air handling system of the machine to increase at least one of (a) the amount of air or (b) the boost pressure of the air supplied to the engine by the air handling system.

15. A system for a machine, characterized in that, The machine includes an engine, a fuel supply system, and an air handling system, the system comprising: Processing circuitry, the processing circuitry having at least one processor coupled to a memory, the memory storing instructions that cause the at least one processor to: Provide at least one of the following: (i) In response to detecting an increase in load conditions on the engine during use of components of the machine, a first command is provided to the fuel supply system to increase the amount of fuel supplied by the fuel supply system to the engine; or (ii) In response to detecting an increase in the load condition, a second command is provided to the air handling system to increase at least one of (a) the amount of air or (b) the boost pressure of the air supplied by the air handling system to the engine; The instructions further cause the at least one processor to: Based on the fact that the increase in load condition is less than a threshold amount, the first command is provided to the fuel supply system; and Based on the fact that the increase in the load condition is greater than the threshold amount, the first command is provided to the fuel supply system and the second command is provided to the air handling system.

16. The system according to claim 15, characterized in that, The components include a pump driven by the engine of the machine, an actuator fluidly connected to the pump, and a tooling repositionable with the actuator.

17. The system according to claim 16, characterized in that, The increase in load condition is detected based on a change in at least one of the following: (i) a command signal from a joystick controlling the movement of the implement; (ii) the outlet fluid pressure of the pump; (iii) the pump displacement; or (iv) a clutch engagement signal of a clutch positioned to selectively connect the pump to the engine.

18. The system according to claim 15, characterized in that, It also includes sensors configured to facilitate the detection of increases in the load condition.

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