A smart cab for a steering wheelless tractor with vibration reduction and noise reduction functions

Abstract

A steering wheel-less intelligent cab for tractors with vibration and noise reduction functions includes a power control unit, a steering control unit, a vibration control device, an active noise reduction device, a central control processing unit, and a display screen. It eliminates the traditional steering wheel design, using left and right armrest control units to achieve power and steering control respectively. Combined with the seat's vibration control device and the ear-mounted active noise reduction device, it achieves active control of vibration and noise inside and outside the cab, significantly reducing the impact of vibration and noise on the driver during driving. It also enables real-time compensation for environmental interference and efficient management of system status, significantly improving the comfort, maneuverability, and safety of the cab.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tractor cab technology, and more particularly to a steering wheel-less intelligent cab with vibration reduction and noise reduction functions. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional tractor cabs typically use steering wheels for operation, which occupy the front space of the cab and limit the driver's range of motion and field of vision. Vibration and noise suppression in the cab mainly relies on passive measures, which have limited effectiveness in suppressing low-frequency vibrations and noise. This not only exposes the driver to high-vibration, high-noise environments for extended periods but also easily leads to operator fatigue and health risks. Simultaneously, the intelligent control system has low integration and poor coordination between subsystems, failing to achieve comprehensive and optimized control. In complex operating environments, vibrations in the mechanical structure and transmission system can adversely affect the overall operational accuracy of the vehicle. With the increasing demand for intelligent agriculture, existing technologies urgently require new intelligent cabs that integrate active vibration reduction, active noise reduction, and intelligent control technologies to achieve real-time compensation for environmental disturbances and efficient management of system status, thereby improving the comfort, operability, and safety of the cab. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a steering wheel-less intelligent cab for tractors with vibration reduction and noise reduction functions, so as to realize steering wheel-less operation of tractors and intelligent control of vibration and noise inside and outside the cab.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is: a steering wheel-less tractor intelligent cab with vibration reduction and noise reduction functions, including a power control unit, a steering control unit, a vibration reduction control device, an active noise reduction device, a central control processing unit, and a display screen;

[0005] The power control unit is located on the left armrest of the seat and includes an electronic throttle control device, an electronic gear control device, and a implement control module. The electronic throttle control device includes a sliding button or a rotary button, and a Hall sensor for monitoring the sliding or rotating movement of the button, and transmitting the button's operation signal to the central control processing unit through the Hall sensor; the electronic gear control device includes a mechanically locking button with multiple gear selections; the implement control module is used to control the movement of agricultural implements connected to the tractor, including a control joystick or control button connected to the hydraulic control system of the agricultural implement;

[0006] The steering control unit is located on the right side of the seat and includes an electronic steering joystick and a steering force feedback system. The electronic steering joystick is equipped with a multi-axis force sensor for monitoring the magnitude and direction of the force applied to the joystick, and transmits the joystick's operation signal to the central control processing unit through the multi-axis force sensor. The steering force feedback system includes a servo motor connected to the electronic steering joystick, which can apply a counterforce to the joystick according to the joystick's operation signal.

[0007] The vibration damping control device includes an active vibration damping actuator installed at the bottom of the seat and a vibration sensor array consisting of multiple vibration sensors. The multiple vibration sensors are respectively installed on the seat base, seat back, and cab floor. The multiple vibration sensors can synchronously transmit real-time vibration detection signals to the central control processing unit. The central control processing unit can obtain the real-time vibration frequency and amplitude of the cab based on the vibration detection signals and send a damping signal to the active vibration damping actuator. The active vibration damping actuator can apply a counterforce to the seat with the opposite phase and equal amplitude to the real-time vibration based on the damping signal.

[0008] The active noise cancellation device includes a microphone array and a noise cancellation speaker. The noise cancellation speaker and multiple microphones are located on the seat back, respectively close to the driver's left and right ear areas. The multiple microphones can simultaneously transmit the noise signal in the cabin to the central control processing unit. The central control processing unit can send a noise cancellation signal to the noise cancellation speaker according to the noise signal. The noise cancellation speaker can send a canceling sound wave with the opposite phase to the noise into the cabin according to the noise cancellation signal.

[0009] The display screen is located in front of the seat and is used to show the driver a human-machine interface, including tractor operating parameters, work status, and navigation information.

[0010] Preferably, the steering control unit further includes a steering mode selection unit, which transmits the operation signal of the steering knob or steering button to the central control processing unit, and the central control processing unit switches to different steering modes according to the operation signal.

[0011] Preferably, the vibration sensor array includes 10 vibration sensors capable of detecting vibration along the X, Y, and Z axes, with 4 vibration sensors on the seat base, 2 vibration sensors on the seat back, and 4 vibration sensors on the cab floor.

[0012] Preferably, the display screen is a 10.1-inch touch screen.

[0013] According to the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0014] This invention eliminates the traditional steering wheel design, using left and right armrest control units to achieve power control and steering control respectively. Combined with the vibration damping control device in the seat and the active noise reduction device near the ear, it achieves active control of vibration and noise inside and outside the cab, significantly reducing the impact of vibration and noise on the driver during driving, realizing real-time compensation for environmental interference and efficient management of system status, significantly improving the comfort, operability and safety of the cab, and providing solid technical support for the intelligent and cluster operation of modern precision agricultural machinery. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of the cab of a tractor without a steering wheel.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the framework of the driver's cab electronic control system. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Referring to the attached diagram, the specific implementation method is as follows:

[0018] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, a steering wheel-less tractor intelligent cab with vibration and noise reduction functions includes a power control unit, a steering control unit, a vibration control device, an active noise reduction device, a central control processing unit, and a display screen. The display screen, a 10.1-inch touchscreen located in front of the seat, provides the driver with a human-machine interface displaying tractor operating parameters, work status, and navigation information. The entire cab's electronic control system is managed by the central control processing unit, which employs a multi-core processor with a main frequency of no less than 2.0 GHz and a built-in DSP coprocessor specifically for handling vibration reduction and noise reduction algorithms. The system runs a real-time operating system, supports multi-tasking parallelism and high-reliability data processing, and incorporates redundant backup and fault self-diagnosis mechanisms to ensure stable system operation.

[0019] The power control unit is located in the left armrest of the seat and includes an electronic throttle control device, an electronic gear shift control device, and a tool control module. The electronic throttle control device includes a slide button or rotary button, and a Hall sensor to monitor the sliding or rotating motion of the button. The Hall sensor transmits the button's operation signal to the central control processing unit. The sensor has a sensing range of 0-100%, a resolution of 0.1%, communicates with the engine control unit via a CAN bus, and has a response time of less than 10ms. The sensor adopts a contactless design, resulting in a longer service life and higher reliability.

[0020] The electronic gear shift control device includes mechanically locked buttons with multiple gear selection options and clear tactile feedback to prevent accidental operation. The buttons are spaced appropriately to avoid accidental touches, and each button has a unique shape and feel for easy blind operation. Gear shifting is executed through the electronic control system, including multiple gear selections such as high forward, low forward, neutral, and reverse. The system has a built-in safety interlock function that prohibits dangerous gear shifting under specific conditions (such as high-speed driving). Intelligent buffer control is used during shifting to avoid mechanical shock.

[0021] The implement control module controls the movements of agricultural implements connected to the tractor. This includes control joysticks or buttons connected to the implements' hydraulic control system. The modules allow for control of actions such as raising, lowering, unfolding, and folding of the implements via buttons or small joysticks, achieving a control accuracy of ±1mm, meeting the requirements of precision agriculture. The control panel layout follows operational logic, with frequently used functions located in easily accessible positions. The device is programmable, supporting custom operation sequences and enabling one-button completion of complex implement action combinations.

[0022] The steering control unit is located on the right side of the seat and includes an electronic steering joystick and a steering force feedback system. The electronic steering joystick is equipped with a multi-axis force sensor to monitor the magnitude and direction of the force applied to it, transmitting the joystick's operation signals to the central control processing unit. The sensor is highly sensitive, capable of detecting forces exceeding 5g, and features temperature compensation to ensure stability in various environments. The joystick offset range is ±30°, with a dead zone of ±5° in the center area to prevent steering fluctuations caused by minor vibrations. The joystick is ergonomically designed to reduce fatigue during extended use, and its surface material provides appropriate friction to prevent hand slippage. The ratio of steering angle to joystick offset angle can be adjusted in the system settings to adapt to different operating conditions and driver preferences.

[0023] The steering force feedback system includes a servo motor connected to the electronic steering joystick. The servo motor applies a counterforce to the joystick based on its input signals. The motor is brushless, featuring rapid response (response time <5ms) and high-precision torque control (torque resolution <0.01N·m). The feedback force is adjustable from 0.5 to 5N to suit different driver preferences. The force feedback intensity automatically changes according to vehicle speed and road conditions, providing a light and agile feel at low speeds and a stable and precise feel at high speeds, offering a more realistic steering experience.

[0024] The steering control unit also includes a steering mode selection unit, which transmits the operation signals of the steering knob or steering button to the central control processing unit. The central control processing unit switches to different steering modes according to the operation signals. Specifically, there are three steering modes: (1) Standard mode: suitable for general road driving, with moderate steering sensitivity; (2) Fine mode: suitable for precision work, reducing steering sensitivity and improving accuracy; (3) Automatic navigation mode: enables the GNSS navigation system, automatically controls steering, and the driver can take over at any time. Mode switching is achieved through the knob or button, and the switching process is smooth and without abrupt changes. The parameters in each mode can be further fine-tuned, and personal preference settings can be saved.

[0025] The vibration damping control device includes an active vibration damping actuator installed at the bottom of the seat and a vibration sensor array consisting of multiple vibration sensors. The array includes 10 vibration sensors capable of X, Y, and Z-axis vibration detection, with a detection range of ±10g and a sensitivity of 5mV / g. There are 4 vibration sensors on the seat base, 2 on the seat back, and 4 on the cab floor. These multiple sensors synchronously transmit real-time vibration detection signals to the central control processing unit. The signal sampling frequency is no less than 1000Hz, and a 24-bit A / D converter is used to ensure the capture of both high-frequency and low-frequency vibration components.

[0026] The central control processing unit can obtain the real-time vibration frequency and amplitude of the cab based on the vibration detection signal, and send a damping signal to the active vibration damping actuator. The active vibration damping actuator can apply a counterforce to the seat with the opposite phase and equal amplitude to the real-time vibration, effectively counteracting the vibration transmitted to the driver's body. The active vibration damping actuator has a response time of less than 5ms, a maximum output force of 150N, a stroke of ±25mm, and adopts rare-earth permanent magnet materials and a high-efficiency electromagnetic coil design, resulting in high power density and small size.

[0027] The overall vibration reduction delay of the system is less than 2ms, ensuring the real-time performance of vibration reduction, and providing multiple vibration reduction modes, including: (a) Standard mode: balancing vibration reduction effect and energy consumption; (b) Comfort mode: minimizing vibration transmission and improving comfort; (c) Energy-saving mode: reducing energy consumption while ensuring basic comfort; (d) Terrain-adaptive mode: automatically adjusting vibration reduction parameters according to terrain features.

[0028] The active noise cancellation system includes a microphone array and noise-canceling speakers. The speakers and multiple microphones are positioned on the seatback near the driver's left and right ears, respectively. These microphones simultaneously transmit noise signals from the cabin to the central control processing unit. The microphones have a frequency response range of 20Hz-20kHz, covering the range of human hearing, and a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 75dB.

[0029] The central control processing unit can send noise reduction signals to the noise-canceling speakers based on the noise signal. The speakers, in turn, emit canceling sound waves with opposite phase to the noise into the driver's cabin. The speakers employ a directional design, mounted at specific locations on the seat back, primarily targeting the driver's ear area to ensure the noise reduction signal is directly transmitted to the driver's ears and avoids interference with other areas. The speakers' frequency response matches that of the microphone, resulting in precise and low-distortion output signals. Digital signal processing enables fine-tuning, with system latency controlled within 0.5ms, achieving noise attenuation of 15 to 20 dB.

[0030] The cab integrates multiple communication interfaces, including: (a) CAN bus: connecting various electronic control units of the tractor; (b) Bluetooth / Wi-Fi: connecting the driver's mobile device; (c) 4G / 5G cellular module: enabling remote data transmission and monitoring; (d) GNSS receiver: receiving satellite positioning signals, supporting RTK differential positioning technology, with positioning accuracy up to the centimeter level.

[0031] In addition, the tractor as a whole and in the cab are equipped with a safety monitoring system, an automatic navigation assistance system, a remote monitoring and diagnostic system, and a fully automatic control system for farmland operations.

[0032] The safety monitoring system uses multiple sensors to monitor the driver's condition and the surrounding environment.

[0033] (1) Driver status monitoring module, by configuring seat pressure sensor, infrared and visible light camera, and using physiological feature (such as heart rate, eye movement) recognition technology, can automatically identify abnormal driver status, monitor driver's on-site status and fatigue and attention status in real time, and issue warning signals in a timely manner.

[0034] (2) Environmental perception module: By arranging 360° full-coverage ultrasonic sensors, multi-eye stereo cameras, millimeter-wave radar and infrared thermal imaging devices outside the cab, these sensors work together to realize real-time detection and identification of surrounding obstacles, pedestrians, other vehicles and operating equipment. Through sensor data fusion algorithm, static and dynamic targets are classified and accurate environmental information is output.

[0035] (3) Key system monitoring module, which monitors the engine, transmission, hydraulic, electrical system and tire status in real time, detects parameters such as temperature, pressure, current and voltage, and has built-in fault warning and self-diagnosis module to detect potential faults in a timely manner.

[0036] (4) Safety linkage control unit: When the system detects potential danger, it automatically performs emergency braking, intelligent engine shutdown, audible and visual alarm and automatic obstacle avoidance to ensure the safety of the cab and the whole vehicle.

[0037] Automatic navigation assistance systems include:

[0038] (1) High-precision positioning module, which integrates multiple system GNSS, IMU and RTK technologies to achieve centimeter-level positioning and improves anti-interference capability through multi-sensor data fusion.

[0039] (2) Automatic path planning module, which supports the import of farmland maps and GIS data, automatically identifies the operation boundary, plans the optimal path, and realizes obstacle avoidance and terrain adaptive adjustment.

[0040] (3) Automatic control module, which realizes automatic steering, speed adjustment and precise stopping, and supports driver intervention and safety protection functions.

[0041] (4) Map and data management module, which records farmland boundaries, operation routes and historical data, and supports cloud synchronization and visualization display.

[0042] The remote monitoring and diagnostic system includes:

[0043] (1) Remote data transmission module, based on 4G / 5G and satellite communication, supports encrypted data transmission and low-latency real-time uploading of job and equipment data.

[0044] (2) Cloud platform management module, which provides Web and mobile application interfaces to realize real-time location, status and work progress monitoring.

[0045] (3) Remote diagnostic module, including automatic fault code identification, intelligent maintenance suggestions, predictive maintenance and component wear assessment, and supports remote software upgrades.

[0046] (4) Data analysis module, which performs statistical analysis on operation efficiency, fuel consumption, maintenance costs and equipment utilization and generates a comprehensive report.

[0047] The fully automated control system for farmland operations includes:

[0048] (1) Computer vision recognition module, equipped with high-resolution multispectral camera and deep learning algorithm, to realize real-time detection of crop type, growth status and weed distribution, and analyze soil moisture and nutrients.

[0049] (2) Precision operation control module, which automatically adjusts the sowing depth, fertilizer application rate and spraying parameters based on visual and sensor data to achieve optimal resource allocation.

[0050] (3) Cluster collaborative operation module: This module utilizes wireless communication to achieve multi-machine collaborative scheduling. Multiple tractors equipped with this system can form an operation cluster, sharing location and operation information through the wireless communication network to collaboratively complete large-area farmland operations. The system automatically allocates operation areas, optimizes operation paths, avoids duplicate operations or missed areas, and significantly improves operation efficiency. All operation data is recorded in real time through the cloud, facilitating historical trajectory queries and operation efficiency statistics.

[0051] (4) Environmental adaptability control module, which automatically adjusts the operation strategy according to real-time weather and terrain conditions to ensure operation efficiency and safety.

[0052] This embodiment eliminates the traditional steering wheel design, integrating the power and steering control unit into the dual armrests. Combined with a multi-stage active vibration damping system within the seat and active noise cancellation devices near the ears, it significantly reduces the impact of vibration and noise on the driver during driving, improving driving comfort. Simultaneously, the use of a high-performance electronic control system and a dedicated collaborative control module enables automatic navigation, remote monitoring, and collaborative operation between multiple tractors, greatly improving operational efficiency and safety. Safety monitoring and anomaly handling mechanisms ensure that backup plans can be quickly activated in the event of a subsystem failure, guaranteeing continuous and stable equipment operation.

Claims

1. A steering wheel-less tractor intelligent cab with vibration reduction and noise reduction functions, characterized in that: It includes a power control unit, a steering control unit, a vibration damping control device, an active noise reduction device, a central control processing unit, and a display screen; The power control unit is located on the left armrest of the seat and includes an electronic throttle control device, an electronic gear control device, and a implement control module. The electronic throttle control device includes a sliding button or a rotary button, and a Hall sensor for monitoring the sliding or rotating movement of the button, and transmitting the button's operation signal to the central control processing unit through the Hall sensor; the electronic gear control device includes a mechanically locking button with multiple gear selections; the implement control module is used to control the movement of agricultural implements connected to the tractor, including a control joystick or control button connected to the hydraulic control system of the agricultural implement; The steering control unit is located on the right side of the seat and includes an electronic steering rocker and a steering force feedback system. The electronic steering rocker is equipped with a multi-axis force sensor for monitoring the magnitude and direction of the force applied to the rocker, and the operation signal of the rocker is transmitted to the central control processing unit through the multi-axis force sensor. The steering force feedback system includes a servo motor connected to the electronic steering joystick, which can apply a counterforce to the joystick according to the joystick's operation signal; The vibration damping control device includes an active vibration damping actuator installed at the bottom of the seat and a vibration sensor array consisting of multiple vibration sensors. The multiple vibration sensors are respectively installed on the seat base, seat back, and cab floor. The multiple vibration sensors can synchronously transmit real-time vibration detection signals to the central control processing unit. The central control processing unit can obtain the real-time vibration frequency and amplitude of the cab based on the vibration detection signals and send a damping signal to the active vibration damping actuator. The active vibration damping actuator can apply a counterforce to the seat with the opposite phase and equal amplitude to the real-time vibration based on the damping signal. The active noise cancellation device includes a microphone array and a noise cancellation speaker. The noise cancellation speaker and multiple microphones are located on the seat back, respectively close to the driver's left and right ear areas. The multiple microphones can simultaneously transmit the noise signal in the cabin to the central control processing unit. The central control processing unit can send a noise cancellation signal to the noise cancellation speaker according to the noise signal. The noise cancellation speaker can send a canceling sound wave with the opposite phase to the noise into the cabin according to the noise cancellation signal. The display screen is located in front of the seat and is used to show the driver a human-machine interface, including tractor operating parameters, work status, and navigation information.

2. The intelligent cab of a steering wheel-less tractor with vibration reduction and noise reduction function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steering control unit also includes a steering mode selection unit, which transmits the operation signals of the steering knob or steering button to the central control processing unit. The central control processing unit switches to different steering modes according to the operation signals.

3. The intelligent cab for a steering wheelless tractor with vibration reduction and noise reduction functions according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vibration sensor array includes 10 vibration sensors capable of detecting vibrations along the X, Y, and Z axes. The seat base has 4 vibration sensors, the seat back has 2 vibration sensors, and the cab floor has 4 vibration sensors.

4. The intelligent cab of a steering wheel-less tractor with vibration reduction and noise reduction function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The display is a 10.1-inch touchscreen.

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