METHOD FOR POSITION ADJUSTMENT OF A POWER LIFT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for adjusting a power lift of an agricultural utility vehicle by means of a control element which is rotationally movable with respect to a longitudinal axis and translationally movable along the longitudinal axis, wherein different desired positions of the power lift are set within a position range limited by a predetermined lower limit position and a predetermined upper limit position by means of a different movement control of the control element, wherein the power lift can be adjusted by means of the control element into at least the predetermined lower limit position, the predetermined upper limit position, and into a predetermined desired position given by a predetermined functional position between the lower limit position and the upper limit position, which is a working position of the power lift for a working function of the utility vehicle.

[0002] Power lifts are used, among other things, to connect various attachments to the agricultural vehicle depending on the intended application. For proper handling of the attachment, the power lift can be adjusted to different positions along the vehicle's vertical axis. These adjustments are usually made using corresponding control elements in the driver's cab, which the driver must operate.

[0003] In this context, DE 10 2009 016 919 A1 discloses an arrangement in which a setpoint for the lift adjustment of a three-point linkage mounted on an agricultural tractor can be specified by turning a control element designed as a handwheel. By pressing buttons assigned to the handwheel, it is also possible to save a previously set limit value for an upper lift position or a current setpoint.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to simplify the position adjustment of the power lift for the driver.

[0005] This object is achieved by a method having the features of patent claim 1.

[0006] Further advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention emerge from the subclaims.

[0007] The method according to claim 1 uses a control element for adjusting the position of a power lift of an agricultural vehicle. The control element is rotatably movable relative to a longitudinal axis and translationally movable along this longitudinal axis. Different target positions of the power lift are located within or along a position range defined by a predetermined lower limit position and a predetermined upper limit position. The different target positions of the power lift are adjusted by a different movement control of the control element. In other words, individual target positions of the power lift are adjusted by means of a specific translational movement and / or rotational movement of the control element.More specifically, the power lift can be adjusted by means of the control element to at least the predetermined lower limit position, the predetermined upper limit position, and a predetermined target position defined by a predetermined functional position between the lower limit position and the upper limit position, which is a working position of the power lift for a working function of the commercial vehicle. The power lift is adjusted to the predetermined functional position by means of a translational control movement of the control element.

[0008] This allows the power lift to be quickly and precisely adjusted to the desired working position. This is advantageous, for example, when the user wants to adjust an attachment from a different current position to the predetermined working position or return it to the desired position during work.

[0009] The power lift can be adjusted to various target positions using the control unit. These are relevant for efficient use of the commercial vehicle and are therefore already predetermined or can be predetermined. This means that important positions for the power lift and, if applicable, its attachment unit can be reached quickly, conveniently and efficiently for the respective work application. The predetermination of individual target positions can be carried out, for example, as part of a calibration process before the commercial vehicle and its power lift are actually used for work. This applies in particular to the lower and upper limit positions. This makes it possible to reliably prevent undesirable extreme target positions and the corresponding mechanical damage to the power lift and the commercial vehicle during position adjustment. Alternatively, individual target positions can also be variably defined or predetermined at different times.This particularly applies to the functional position relevant for the driver or user between the lower limit position and the upper limit position.

[0010] The ability to perform a rotary and / or translational control movement with the control unit allows for a wide variety of different position settings of the power lift with a single actuating element. The conventionally required multiple and different actuating elements to cover different position settings of the power lift can be dispensed with, saving costs. Furthermore, this control unit allows the driver or user to comfortably handle and control the power lift. This, in turn, helps them perform the respective work more efficiently.

[0011] The control element advantageously acts as a rotary wheel (rotational movement) with a pressure function (translational movement) to achieve different position settings.

[0012] Preferably, individual position settings or target positions correspond to either a rotational movement or a translational movement, or a combined rotational and translational movement. This combined control movement of the control element is realized in particular by performing a rotational control movement and a translational control movement consecutively at least once each. The order of the two types of movement (rotation and translation) can vary depending on the desired position setting.

[0013] The various desired position settings can be considered as target positions, each of which corresponds to a specific control movement of the control element.

[0014] The lower limit position and the upper limit position represent two extreme target positions that limit the positioning range. The positioning range allows for setting various height positions of the power lift. In particular, the positioning range extends approximately along the vertical axis of the vehicle.

[0015] The target positions are preferably located on an imaginary straight or curved line of the position range.

[0016] The respective target position is preferably represented by a reference point on the power lift. For example, the reference point is a coupling point at the free end of a lower link of the power lift, where an attachment (e.g., an implement or ballasting weight) is coupled to the power lift. Alternatively, the reference point is another suitable location on the power lift.

[0017] The agricultural vehicle is preferably a tractor or tractor.

[0018] The power lift is generally designed as a lifting mechanism. It is preferably a rear or front power lift for the commercial vehicle. In particular, the power lift is designed as a three-point linkage with an upper link and two lower links.

[0019] The predetermined target positions are preferably stored so that they can be retrieved again when the power lift is operated. For example, the predetermined target positions are stored in a control unit, which serves to control the power lift in accordance with the movement control of the control element. The storage of individual target positions, in particular the functional position, can be performed in a multiple function using the control element itself. For example, a current position setting of the power lift can be stored by pressing the control element in its translation direction for a longer period (exceeding a predetermined latency time). Alternatively, an actuating element separate from the control element can be used to predetermine and store at least one target position.

[0020] The predetermined functional position is the working position of the power lift for a specific work function of the commercial vehicle using its attachment unit. This allows the optimal height position of the attachment unit to be predetermined for the respective work application and quickly adjusted as needed. The working position allows for user-friendly consideration of different attachment units, especially implements, and different soil conditions in a field to be worked, thus supporting efficient work.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, several functional positions, in particular working positions, are predetermined between the two boundary positions. This is advantageous, for example, when several height positions are relevant for an attachment during operation (e.g., due to different soil conditions in certain sections).

[0022] In order to enable the driver or user to carry out a technically uncomplicated and convenient fine adjustment of the position settings of the power lift, the power lift is adjusted from the set functional position, preferably by means of a rotary control movement of the control element, to a lower or higher target position between the two limit positions.

[0023] Preferably, the power lift is adjusted from any current position to a next lower or next higher predetermined target position by means of a combined control movement (translational and rotary) of the control element. Once such a predetermined target position has been set, a next lower or next higher predetermined target position can be set from this position again using the aforementioned combined control movement. This supports the user in the simple control-technically simple adjustment of the power lift to different predetermined target positions. In the combined control movement, in particular, the translational control movement occurs first, followed by the rotary control movement.

[0024] By means of a suitable control movement of the control element, it can be decided whether the power lift should be lowered or raised based on a current position setting. For this purpose, a different rotation direction of the rotary control movement is advantageously used. Preferably, the decision as to whether the power lift should be lowered to a lower position (e.g., lower target position or next lower predetermined target position) or raised to a higher position (e.g., higher target position or next higher predetermined target position) is made depending on the rotation direction of the rotary control movement. This supports intuitive operation of the control element.In particular, a clockwise rotational movement of the control element corresponds to a desired lower position of the power lift, while a counterclockwise rotational movement of the control element corresponds to a desired higher position of the power lift.

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment, a signal is emitted as soon as a movement position of the control element is reached that represents a predetermined target position of the power lift. This automatically informs the driver or user in the manner of an assistance function that supports the work, further facilitating the control of the power lift.

[0026] The signaling is, for example, haptic and / or acoustic and / or optical.

[0027] Haptic signaling is preferably carried out by braking or stopping the rotary control movement when the control element reaches the aforementioned movement position (e.g. by means of an electronically controlled braking unit).

[0028] Alternatively, for haptic signaling, the control element can be moved translationally in a jerky manner (e.g., by means of a spring or an electromagnet) opposite to the usual translational control movement direction as soon as the movement position of the control element representing a predetermined target position of the power lift is reached. After a signal time has elapsed, the control element is automatically returned translationally to its last movement position.

[0029] A short-term vibration of the control element can be provided for haptic signaling.

[0030] For acoustic signaling, an acoustic signal can be generated on the control unit itself or outside the control unit (and preferably in the driver's cab).

[0031] The signaling feature described above is not necessarily limited to the application of a predetermined target position according to the patent claims. Rather, the signaling concept, with its various embodiments disclosed in the patent claims and / or the description and / or the drawings, can be applied to any control element with any movement control and any movement position, the achievement of which represents any predetermined or predefined target position of a power lift. This independent concept of signaling upon reaching a movement position of the control element representing a target position of the power lift can be combined with any feature of the patent claims and / or the description and / or the drawings.

[0032] For adjusting the position of the power lift, an arrangement with the control element according to patent claim 7 can be provided. This arrangement preferably contains a control device which receives the various control movements of the control element in the form of corresponding movement control signals. Depending on these movement control signals and possibly further parameters, the control device controls the power lift in order to raise or lower it in accordance with the control movements of the control element. For example, the control device controls hydraulic control valves which, in a known manner, cause the power lift to be hydraulically raised and lowered. In addition, the control device preferably also initiates one of the above-described signaling embodiments on the control element itself and / or on a signal unit external to the control element.

[0033] The method according to the invention and a corresponding arrangement are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Components that are identical or comparable in terms of their function are identified by the same reference numerals. They show: Fig. 1 a block diagram arrangement for carrying out the method according to the invention, and Fig. 2 a perspective and schematic representation of a control element as part of the arrangement.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a schematic of an arrangement 10 for adjusting the position of a power lift 12. The power lift 12 is mounted in a known manner on an agricultural utility vehicle 14. The arrangement 10 is a component of the utility vehicle 14 and, in particular, is integrated into a driver's cab (not shown here). In addition to a manually operable control element 16, the arrangement 10 also contains at least one control device 18. Optionally, a signal unit 20 is also included for acoustic signaling (e.g., loudspeaker) and / or optical signaling (e.g., display, screen, warning light) of a specific movement position of the control element 16.

[0035] Different target positions of the power lift 12 can be set using the control element 16. These target positions are located within an imaginary position range 22, which is limited along a vehicle vertical 24 by a lower limit position P_lim1 and an upper limit position P_lim2.

[0036] By means of a different movement control of the control element 16, which will be described later, the power lift 12 can be moved to different target positions. The individual positions on the position range 22 represent a suitable point of the power lift 12, for example, a coupling point K1 of a lower link 26. Two parallel lower links 26 and a top link 28, as components of a three-point power lift, can couple an attachment unit (e.g., an attachment or ballasting weight) in the usual way.

[0037] The two limit positions P_lim1 and P_lim2 are predetermined and stored in the control device 18. The movement control is defined in the control device 18 such that a set target position cannot fall below the lower limit position P_lim1 and cannot exceed the upper limit position P_lim2. Between the two limit positions P_lim1 and P_lim2, at least one further functional position relevant to the power lift 12 can be predetermined as a target position and stored in the control device 18. Such a functional position is, for example, a working position P_arb of the power lift 12, the specific height setting of which must be maintained for efficient use of the attachment used on the field to be worked.Several different working positions P_arb can also be predefined for the same work assignment along the positioning range, for example, in a field to be worked with varying soil conditions in certain sections. Depending on the field section being worked, the appropriate working position P_arb can then be set as the new target position.

[0038] In Fig. 2 The control element 16 is schematically depicted as a combined push-and-turn wheel or push-and-turn actuator. The control element 16 is rotationally movable with respect to a longitudinal axis 30, while it is translationally movable along this longitudinal axis 30. The rotational mobility allows two opposite rotational control directions R1 (e.g., counterclockwise) and R2 (e.g., clockwise). A translational longitudinal control direction T preferably corresponds to the direction of a compressive force against the control element 16.

[0039] The motion control logic for the control element 16 is described below. By means of a translational control movement of the control element 16 in the longitudinal control direction T, the power lift 12 is set to the predetermined functional position or working position P_arb or to one of several predetermined functional positions or working positions P_arb. Starting from the set functional position or working position P_arb, the power lift 12 is set to either a lower or higher target position between the two limit positions P_lim1, P_lim2 by means of a rotary control movement of the control element 16. The rotary control movement for a lower target position preferably follows the clockwise control direction of rotation R2, while the counterclockwise rotary control movement (control direction of rotation R1) results in a higher target position of the power lift 12.

[0040] Starting from any current position of the power lift 12 on the positioning range 22, the power lift 12 is adjusted either to a next lower predetermined target position or to a next higher predetermined target position by means of a combined translational control movement (longitudinal control direction T) and subsequent rotational control movement of the control element 16. The clockwise rotational control movement (control rotation direction R2) preferably adjusts the power lift 12 to the next lower predetermined target position, while the counterclockwise rotational control movement (control rotation direction R1) preferably adjusts the power lift 12 to the next higher predetermined target position.

[0041] The power lift 12 is, for example, in a current position P_akt between the predetermined lower limit position P_lim1 and the predetermined working position P_arb. By means of a translational control movement in the longitudinal control direction T, the power lift 12 is then automatically raised to the working position P_arb. Starting from this set working position P_arb, the power lift 12 can be raised further towards the upper limit position P_lim2 by rotating the control element 16 in the control direction of rotation R1. Analogously, starting from the set working position P_arb, the power lift 12 can be lowered further towards the lower limit position P_lim1 by rotating the control element 16 in the opposite control direction of rotation R2.

[0042] Starting from the set current position P_act, the power lift 12 can be automatically adjusted to the next lower predetermined target position (corresponding to the lower limit position P_lim1) or the next higher predetermined target position (corresponding to the working position P_arb) using the combined translational and subsequent rotational control movement described above. Starting from the set working position P_arb, the combined translational and subsequent rotational control movement can be performed again to automatically adjust the power lift 12 to the upper limit position P_lim2.

[0043] As soon as the control element 16 reaches a movement position during movement control, which represents a predetermined target position (e.g., P_lim1 or P_lim2 or P_arb) of the power lift 12, the control device 18 sends specific control signals S_sig1 to the control element 16 and / or specific control signals S_sig2 to the signaling unit 20, which signal the driver or user that the movement position of the control element 16 has been reached. As signaling, the control signals S_sig1 cause, for example, an electronically controlled braking unit to decelerate or stop a rotary control movement R1 or R2 of the control element 16. Alternatively, the control signals S_sig1 can cause the control element 16 to be automatically moved translationally counter to the longitudinal control direction T (e.g., via a controlled spring mechanism or electromagnet).The control element 16 can also be set into haptic-mechanical vibration by the control signals S_sig1. Furthermore, the control signals S_sig1 can generate an acoustic signal on the control element 16.

[0044] The control signals S_sig2 can generate an acoustic signal and / or optical signal for the driver or user in the signal unit 20.

[0045] Please note that individual details in the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale.

Claims

1. Method for adjusting the position of a power lift (12) of an agricultural utility vehicle (14) by means of a control member (16) which is rotationally movable relative to a longitudinal axis (30) and translationally movable along the longitudinal axis (30), wherein various target positions (P_lim1, P_arb, P_lim2) of the power lift (12) are adjusted within a position range (22) which is defined by a predetermined lower limit position (P_lim1) and a predetermined upper limit position (P_lim2) by means of a variable movement control (T, R1, R2) of the control member (16), wherein the power lift (12) is able to be adjusted by means of the control member (16) into at least the predetermined lower limit position (P_lim1), the predetermined upper limit position (P_lim2), and into a predetermined target position which is defined by a predetermined functional position (P_arb) between the lower limit position (P_lim1) and the upper limit position (P_lim2) and is a working position (P_arb) of the power lift (12) for a working function of the utility vehicle (14), characterized in that the power lift (12) is adjusted by means of a translational control movement (T) of the control member (16) into the predetermined functional position (P_arb).

2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that starting from the adjusted functional position (P_arb) the power lift (12) is adjusted by means of a rotational control movement (R1, R2) of the control member (16) into a lower or higher target position between the two limit positions (P_lim1, P_lim2).

3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the power lift (12) is adjusted by means of a combined translational and rotational control movement (T, R1; T, R2) of the control member (16) into a next lower or next higher predetermined target position (P_lim1, P_arb, P_lim2) .

4. Method according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the decision is made between the lower target position or next lower predetermined target position (P_arb, (P_lim1), on the one hand, and the higher target position or next higher predetermined target position (P_arb, P_lim2), on the other hand, as a function of a rotational direction (R1, R2) of the rotational control movement.

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a signalling procedure (S_sig1, S_sig2) is carried out when a movement position of the control member (16) representing a predetermined target position (P_lim1, P_arb, P_lim2) of the power lift (12) is attained.

6. Method according to Claim 5, characterized in that for the signalling procedure (S_sig1, S_sig2) - the rotational control movement (R1, R2) of the control member (16) is braked or stopped, and / or - the control member (16) is moved in a translational manner counter to the translational control movement (T), and / or - the control member (16) is set into a mechanical vibration, and / or - an acoustic signal is generated on the control member (16) or outside the control member (16).

7. Arrangement (10) with a control member (16) for adjusting the position of a power lift (12) of an agricultural utility vehicle (14), wherein the control member (16) is rotationally movable relative to a longitudinal axis (30) and translationally movable along the longitudinal axis (30), such that various target positions (P_lim1, P_arb, P_lim2) of the power lift (12) are able to be adjusted within a position range (22) which is defined by a predetermined lower limit position (P_lim1) and a predetermined upper limit position (P_lim2) by means of a variable movement control (T, R1, R2) of the control member (16), wherein the power lift (12) is able to be adjusted by means of the control member (16) into at least the predetermined lower limit position (P_lim1), the predetermined upper limit position (P_lim2), and into a predetermined target position which is defined by a predetermined functional position (P_arb) between the lower limit position (P_lim1) and the upper limit position (P_lim2) and is a working position (P_arb) of the power lift (12) for a working function of the utility vehicle (14), characterized in that the power lift (12) can be adjusted by means of a translational control movement (T) of the control member (16) into the predetermined functional position (P_arb).