Apparatus, system, and method for work tool cushioning

Abstract

A work vehicle comprising a push beam, a work tool, a hydraulic actuator, interconnecting the push beam and the work tool and configured for moving the work tool, an accumulator, wherein the accumulator is fluidly coupled with the hydraulic actuator, a control valve disposed between the accumulator and the hydraulic actuator, wherein the control valve is controllable between an open position and a closed position, a controller configured to receive a cushion control signal selecting one of a cushioned operating condition for providing a cushioned response between the work tool and the push beam and a non-cushioned operating condition for providing non-cushioned response between the work tool and the push beam, control the control valve to the open position when the cushion control signal indicates the cushioned operating condition, and control the control valve to the closed position when the cushion control signal indicates the non-cushioned operating condition.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This document (including the drawings) claims priority and the benefit of the filing date based on U.S. provisional application No. 63 / 627,455, filed Jan. 31, 2024, and titled APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR WORK TOOL CUSHIONING under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e), where the provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to crawler dozers and more specifically to a blade cushioning apparatus, system, and method for crawler dozers.BACKGROUND

[0003] Crawler dozers are frequently used to push another vehicle at a construction site such as when the other vehicle become unable to move (e.g., stuck) and / or in the case of a scraper, can allow for a faster fill time of the scraper to increase productivity. Examples of the other vehicles can include scrapers, dump trucks, and dump trailers (side and bottom). Existing cushioned blades exist that are used by crawler dozers for pushing, but they are small (compared to blades regularly used for earth cutting operators) and are not able to change angles (other than moving the blade up and down) which makes them much less effective for moving material on a construction site (e.g., performing earth cutting operations).SUMMARY

[0004] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a work vehicle can comprise a push beam, a work tool configured to scrape a surface, a hydraulic actuator, interconnecting the push beam and the work tool and configured for moving the work tool relative to the push beam in response to fluid pressure, an accumulator, wherein the accumulator is in fluid communication with the hydraulic actuator, a control valve disposed fluidly between the accumulator and the hydraulic actuator, wherein the control valve is selectively controllable between an open position allowing fluid communication between the accumulator and the hydraulic actuator and a closed position blocking fluid communication between the accumulator and the hydraulic actuator, a controller, wherein the controller is configured to receive a cushion control signal selecting one of a cushioned operating condition for providing a cushioned response between the work tool and the push beam and a non-cushioned operating condition for providing non-cushioned response between the work tool and the push beam, control the control valve to the open position when the cushion control signal indicates the cushioned operating condition, and control the control valve to the closed position when the cushion control signal indicates the non-cushioned operating condition.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cushioning system on a work vehicle can comprise a cushioning system on a work vehicle, the system comprising a push beam, a work tool configured to scrape a surface, a hydraulic actuator, interconnecting the push beam and the work tool and configured for moving the work tool relative to the push beam in response to fluid pressure, a control valve disposed fluidly between the accumulator and the hydraulic actuator, wherein the control valve is selectively controllable between an open position allowing fluid communication between the accumulator and the hydraulic actuator and a closed position blocking fluid communication between the accumulator and the hydraulic actuator, and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to receive a cushion control signal selecting one of a cushioned operating condition for providing a cushioned response between the work tool and the push beam and a non-cushioned operating condition for providing non-cushioned response between the work tool and the push beam, control the control valve to the open position when the cushion control signal indicates the cushioned operating condition, and control the control valve to the closed position when the cushion control signal indicates the non-cushioned operating condition.

[0006] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of cushioning a work tool on a work vehicle can comprise receiving a cushion control signal selecting one of a cushioned operating condition for providing a cushioned response between a work tool and a push beam and a non-cushioned operating condition for providing non-cushioned response between the work tool and the push beam, controlling a control valve to the open position when the cushion control signal indicates the cushioned operating condition, and controlling the control valve to the closed position when the cushion control signal indicates the non-cushioned operating condition.

[0007] Other features and aspects will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The detailed description of the drawings refers to the accompanying figures.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a side view of a crawler dozer, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a portion of the crawler dozer of FIGS. 1 and 2, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIGS. 3A-D are side views of the crawler dozer of FIG. 1, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a blade cushioning system, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a blade cushioning system, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a blade cushioning system, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing steps of a method of cushioning a blade on a crawler dozer, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] Like reference numerals are used to indicate like elements throughout the several figures.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] FIG. 1 is a side view of a crawler dozer, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. A crawler dozer 10 (i.e., a work vehicle) can include a push beam 12 (one on each side) and a blade 14. The push beam 12 is pivotally coupled with a main frame 15 of the crawler dozer 10. The blade 14 can be pivotally coupled with the push beam 12. The blade 14 can also be coupled with the push beam 12 by hydraulic actuators 16 (e.g., hydraulic cylinders), where the hydraulic actuators 16 can change the tilt (and / or pitch) angle of the blade. For clarity, FIG. 1 does not show lift actuators that couple the push beam with a portion of the crawler dozer 10 which allow the push beam to be raised and lowered.

[0018] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a portion of the crawler dozer of FIG. 1, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 shows the push beam 12 coupled with the blade 14 by the hydraulic actuators 16. Each of the hydraulic actuators 16 can be operatively connected to a hydraulic accumulator 18. In one embodiment, the hydraulic accumulator includes a balloon device charged with a gas (e.g., nitrogen) that has a pre-set pressure.

[0019] Another embodiment could include the hydraulic accumulator 18 positioned on the rod end of the hydraulic actuator 16. Each of the hydraulic accumulators 18 can be fluidly connected (i.e., in fluid communication) to the corresponding hydraulic actuator 16 by a control valve (not shown). The control valve (e.g., a solenoid valve) can be used to selectively control (e.g., allow / disallow, be open (i.e., the control valve is in an open position), closed (i.e., the control valve is in a closed position, or partially open / closed (i.e., the control valve is in a partially open / closed position)) flow of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic actuator 16 and the hydraulic accumulator 18. As hydraulic fluid is forced into the hydraulic accumulator 18 the gas can be compressed and dampen the force transmitted by the hydraulic fluid.

[0020] In another embodiment, the control valve and hydraulic accumulator 18 could be omitted and the hydraulic actuator 16 could be configured to allow a controlled change in hydraulic fluid in the actuator in response to the blade cushioning system being engaged. This could be achieved, for example, with a hydraulic actuator that is coupled with a proportioning valve (i.e., a control valve) to allow hydraulic fluid to leak back to a hydraulic tank and then the hydraulic actuator can be refilled by a hydraulic pump fluidly coupled with the hydraulic tank.

[0021] FIGS. 3A-D are side views of the crawler dozer of FIG. 1, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3A is a side view of the crawler dozer 10 with the push beam 12, the blade 14, the hydraulic actuator 16 (other side is hidden in this view), and hydraulic accumulator 18. FIG. 3A shows the blade 14 in line with plane A.

[0022] When crawler dozer 10 is moving along a surface 20, the blade 14 can be used to push against a portion of a vehicle stuck at a work site, such as a scraper (or a dump truck, or any other vehicle). The stuck vehicle can have a push bar 22 used for pushing. When the crawler dozer 10 contacts the push bar 22 it is beneficial to have the blade 14 configured to allow for absorption of some of the force (i.e., a cushioned response to the force) that occurs when contact is made between the blade 14 and the push bar 22. A blade cushioning system also allows the crawler dozer to maintain its regular functionality (e.g., effective earth cutting) while still allowing for cushioning when pushing something else (e.g., other vehicles).

[0023] One way to absorb some of that force is to allow the blade 14 to pivot backwards by allowing the hydraulic actuator 16 to send some hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic accumulator 18. This can be permitted by allowing a solenoid valve to be open to permit the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic actuator 16 to flow into the hydraulic accumulator 18 (not shown in FIGS. 3A-B, see FIG. 6 and related discussion for more information).

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3B, when the blade 14 is in contact with push bar 22, the blade cushioning system can be engaged, allowing the blade 14 to tilt and be aligned with plane B. This change in angle alpha can be achieved by allowing some of the hydraulic fluid in hydraulic actuator 16 to move to the hydraulic accumulator 18. Allowing the blade 14 to change angle due to the cushioning system described herein is beneficial to prevent and / or limit damage and / or wear to components on the work vehicle and to prevent / limit damage to a vehicle being pushed by the crawler dozer.

[0025] FIGS. 3C-D are side views of the crawler dozer 10 with the push beam 12, the blade 14, the hydraulic actuator 16 (other side is hidden in this view), and hydraulic accumulator 18. FIG. 3C shows the blade 14 in line with plane A.

[0026] When crawler dozer 10 is moving along a surface 20, the blade 14 can be used to push against material 24 to move the material 24 (or move some of the material 24). When the crawler dozer 10 contacts the material 24 it is beneficial to have the blade 14 configured to prevent / minimize absorption of the force that occurs when contact is made between the blade 14 and the material 24.

[0027] One way to prevent / minimize the absorption of force is to prevent the blade 14 from pivoting backwards can be by preventing the hydraulic actuator 16 from sending some fluid into the hydraulic accumulator 18. This can be permitted by having the solenoid valve closed to prevent the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic actuator 16 from flowing into the hydraulic accumulator 18 (not shown in FIGS. 3A-B, see FIG. 6 and related discussion for more information).

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3D, the blade 14 can, when in contact with the material 24, stay in line with plane A (or substantially in line based on forces on the blade by the material, the work vehicle speed, etc.). Maintaining the angle of the blade is beneficial for maximizing the effectiveness of the crawler dozer 10 as it moves material around a work site.

[0029] FIG. 4 a schematic diagram of a blade cushioning system, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. In this embodiment of a blade cushioning system 50A, each of the hydraulic cylinders 16 could be fluidly coupled with: (1) a first control valve 19A (e.g., a solenoid valve) where the first control valve 19A is fluidly coupled with a hydraulic pump 30, (2) a second control valve 19B where the second control valve 19B is fluidly coupled with a relief valve 32, and (3) a third control valve 19C where the third control valve 19C is fluidly coupled with a reservoir 34 that is configured to hold hydraulic fluid. Some of all of these system 50A components can be in communication (wired or wireless) with a controller 52 that includes a non-transitory computer-readable memory 53.

[0030] In this embodiment, when the blade cushioning system is enabled, a hydraulic cylinder position would be monitored by a hydraulic cylinder position sensor. If contact with the blade 14 and an object generates a force sufficient to exceed a cushioning threshold, hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic cylinder could flow through a relief valve that is fluidly coupled with the hydraulic cylinder by a solenoid valve 19B, which would allow the hydraulic cylinder to collapse (e.g., contract, shorten, etc.).

[0031] The hydraulic cylinder position sensor could be used to detect that the hydraulic cylinder has collapsed and the controller 52 would activate solenoid valve 19A that fluidly connects a hydraulic pump to the hydraulic cylinders. The hydraulic pump could then pump hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic cylinders to extend them (e.g., expand, lengthen, etc.).

[0032] In some variations of this embodiment, another solenoid valve 19C could be fluidly coupled with a rod end of hydraulic cylinder 16 to a reservoir (e.g., a tank) to allow the hydraulic pump to extend the hydraulic cylinders after they have been collapsed.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a blade cushioning system, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, a blade cushioning system 50B each of the hydraulic cylinders 16 could be fluidly coupled: (1) a first control valve 19A (e.g., a solenoid valve) where the first control valve 19A is fluidly coupled with a pressure reducing valve 36 that is fluidly coupled with a hydraulic pump 30, (2) a second control valve 19B where the second control valve 19B is fluidly coupled with a relief valve 32, and (3) a third control valve 19C where the third control valve 19C is fluidly coupled with a reservoir 34 that is configured to hold hydraulic fluid. Some of all of these system 50B components can be in communication (wired or wireless) with a controller 52 that includes a non-transitory computer-readable memory 53.

[0034] In this embodiment similar to that of system 50A above, blade cushioning system 50B (does not include a cylinder position sensor) can, when active (i.e., engaged) detect a reduced pressure (a local pressure to the barrel end of this cylinder—not an overall system pressure) pushing on a barrel end of a hydraulic cylinder 16 to have an extension force (e.g., a consistent, a steady force). If something contacts the blade 14 (e.g., another vehicle such as a scraper), flow of hydraulic fluid can move towards the relief valve 32, which can have a set pressure well above the reduced pump pressure to allow the hydraulic cylinder 16 to collapse. After the load on the blade 14 is gone (i.e., relieved, removed, alleviated) the reduced pump pressure can then extend the hydraulic cylinder 16 back out.

[0035] In some embodiments, a solenoid valve 19C could then fluidly connect the rod end of the hydraulic cylinder 16 to reservoir 34 (i.e., tank 34) to allow the pump to extend the hydraulic cylinder 16 back out.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a blade cushioning system, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. A blade cushioning system 50C can include a controller 52, a memory 53, an operator input 54, a blade position sensor 56, a display 58, a blade 14, a hydraulic actuator 16, a hydraulic accumulator 18, and a control (i.e., solenoid) valve 19.

[0037] The controller 52 can be operatively connected to the memory 53, the operator input 54, the blade position sensor 56 the display 58, the hydraulic actuator 16, and the solenoid valve 19. The blade position sensor 56 can be proximate the push beam 12 and / or the blade 14. The blade position sensor 56 can be configured to determine a position of the blade 14 with respect to rest of the crawler dozer 10 (e.g., to determine when the blade 14 is in an “up” position and a “down” position. The position of the blade 14 can be considered in reference to, for example, an angle of the push beam 12 with respect to a portion of the work vehicle 10 (e.g., level or horizontal when the push beam 12 is in line with an undercarriage (i.e., tracks or wheels) of the work vehicle 10).

[0038] In some embodiments, a position of the blade 14 could be determined by multiple sensors, inertial measurement units (IMUs), or other similar devices rather than a single position sensor.

[0039] The blade cushioning system 50 can be engaged / disengaged (i.e., turned on, turned off) by an operator input 54 such as pressing a button, flipping a switch, interacting with a touch screen icon, etc. The blade cushioning system 50 can also be engaged / disengaged based on a signal from a blade position sensor 56. For example, when the blade position sensor 56 detects that the blade is raised to a certain position (e.g., a certain height above the ground when the crawler dozer is level, when the push beam pivots to a certain position with respect to the main frame, (a specific angle of the blade which could be set by an operator or during manufacturing / assembly of the crawler dozer 10 (i.e., a set blade angle), etc.) the blade cushioning system 50 can be engaged as this is the position a blade 14 would be in for the crawler dozer 10 to contact a push bar of a scraper or other vehicle to push the scraper.

[0040] When the blade 14 is lowered below the certain position, the blade position sensor 56 can detect this change in blade position and the blade cushioning system 50 can be disengaged.

[0041] An electronic processor is provided and configured to perform an operation of engaging a blade cushioning system 50 by using an input from an operator input or a blade position sensor 56 to engage / disengage a solenoid valve fluidly coupled with a hydraulic actuator 16 and a hydraulic accumulator 18 or using a hydraulic actuator with position sensing of the blade 14 using the blade position sensor 56, displaying information to an operator regarding the blade cushioning system.

[0042] The electronic processor may be arranged locally as part of the work vehicle 10 or remotely as a remote processing center (not shown). In various embodiments, the electronic processor may comprise a processor, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a controller (e.g., controller 52), a central processing unit, a programming logic array, a programmable logic controller, or other suitable programmable circuitry that is adapted to perform data processing and / or system control operations. The electronic processor executes or otherwise relies upon computer software applications, components, programs, objects, modules, or data structures, etc. Software routines resident in the included memory (e.g., memory 53) of the electronic processor or the memory are executed in response to signals received.

[0043] The computer software applications, in other embodiments, may be located in the cloud. The executed software includes one or more specific applications, components, programs, objects, or sequences of instructions typically referred to as “program code.” The program code includes one or more instructions located in memory and other storage devices which execute the instructions which are resident in the memory, which are responsive to other instructions generated by the system, or which are provided by an operator interface operated by the user (e.g., located in the operator cab or at a remote location in in the operator cab). The electronic processor is configured to execute the stored program instructions.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing steps of a method of cushioning a blade on a crawler dozer, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. A method 100 of cushioning a blade on a crawler dozer can include a step 102 of receiving a cushion control signal selecting one of a cushioned operating condition for providing a cushioned response between a work tool and a push beam and a non-cushioned operating condition for providing non-cushioned response between the work tool and the frame, a step 104 of controlling a control valve to the open position when the cushion control signal indicates the cushioned operating condition; and a step 106 controlling the control valve to the closed position when the cushion control signal indicates the non-cushioned operating condition.

[0045] The cushion control signal of method 100 can comprise an operator input or a blade position sensor signal. The operator input can include, for example, selecting an icon on a touch screen, moving a switch, pressing a button, etc. The blade position sensor signal can be generated when the blade position sensor detects a set blade angle of the blade (e.g., when the blade is raised (with respect to the ground and reaches a certain angle). For example, as an operator raises the blade, the blade can reach a set blade angle that triggers the blade position sensor to generate a blade angle signal. Some embodiments could use the blade reaching a set position or a specific height off the ground that triggers the blade position sensor to generate a signal (i.e., a blade position signal, a blade height signal) that corresponds to the blade angle signal.

[0046] With respect to the method 100, the valve can comprise a solenoid valve in fluid communication with the hydraulic actuator and the hydraulic accumulator.

[0047] The method of claim 15 can further comprise a step 108 of displaying, on a display, information regarding a status of a blade cushion system.

[0048] With respect to the method 100, the status can comprise a blade cushion system engaged notification or a blade cushion system disengaged notification.

[0049] Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as “above,”“below,”“upward,”“downward,”“top,”“bottom,” etc., are used descriptively for the figures, and do not represent limitations on the scope of the disclosure, as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the teachings may be described herein in terms of functional and / or logical block components and / or various processing steps. It should be realized that such block components may be comprised of any number of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions.

[0050] As used herein, “e.g.” is utilized to non-exhaustively list examples and carries the same meaning as alternative illustrative phrases such as “including,”“including, but not limited to,” and “including without limitation.” Unless otherwise limited or modified, lists with elements that are separated by conjunctive terms (e.g., “and”) and that are also preceded by the phrase “one or more of” or “at least one of” indicate configurations or arrangements that potentially include individual elements of the list, or any combination thereof. For example, “at least one of A, B, and C” or “one or more of A, B, and C” indicates the possibilities of only A, only B, only C, or any combination of two or more of A, B, and C (e.g., A and B; B and C; A and C; or A, B, and C).

[0051] Terms of degree, such as “generally”, “substantially” or “approximately” are understood by those of ordinary skill to refer to reasonable ranges outside of a given value or orientation, for example, general tolerances or positional relationships associated with manufacturing, assembly, and use of the described embodiments.

[0052] While the above describes example embodiments of the present disclosure, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Rather, other variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A work vehicle comprising:a push beam;a work tool configured to scrape a surface;a hydraulic actuator, interconnecting the push beam and the work tool and configured for moving the work tool relative to the push beam in response to fluid pressure;an accumulator, wherein the accumulator is in fluid communication with the hydraulic actuator;a control valve disposed fluidly between the accumulator and the hydraulic actuator, wherein the control valve is selectively controllable between an open position allowing fluid communication between the accumulator and the hydraulic actuator and a closed position blocking fluid communication between the accumulator and the hydraulic actuator; anda controller, wherein the controller is configured toreceive a cushion control signal selecting one of a cushioned operating condition for providing a cushioned response between the work tool and the push beam and a non-cushioned operating condition for providing non-cushioned response between the work tool and the push beam;control the control valve to the open position when the cushion control signal indicates the cushioned operating condition; andcontrol the control valve to the closed position when the cushion control signal indicates the non-cushioned operating condition.

2. The work vehicle of claim 1, where the work tool comprises a dozer blade.

3. The work vehicle of claim 1, wherein the cushion control signal comprises an operator input or a blade angle signal from a blade position sensor.

4. The work vehicle of claim 3, wherein a set blade angle triggers the cushion control signal from the blade position sensor.

5. A cushioning system on a work vehicle, the system comprising:a push beam;a work tool configured to scrape a surface;a hydraulic actuator, interconnecting the push beam and the work tool and configured for moving the work tool relative to the push beam in response to fluid pressure;a control valve disposed fluidly between the accumulator and the hydraulic actuator, wherein the control valve is selectively controllable between an open position allowing fluid communication between the accumulator and the hydraulic actuator and a closed position blocking fluid communication between the accumulator and the hydraulic actuator; anda controller, wherein the controller is configured toreceive a cushion control signal selecting one of a cushioned operating condition for providing a cushioned response between the work tool and the push beam and a non-cushioned operating condition for providing non-cushioned response between the work tool and the push beam,control the control valve to the open position when the cushion control signal indicates the cushioned operating condition, andcontrol the control valve to the closed position when the cushion control signal indicates the non-cushioned operating condition.

6. The cushioning system of claim 5, further comprising a display, wherein the controller is further configured to display, on the display, information about a status of the cushioning system.

7. The cushioning system of claim 6, wherein the status comprises a blade cushion system engaged notification or a blade cushion system disengaged notification.

8. The cushioning system of a claim 5, wherein the cushion control signal comprises an operator input or a blade angle signal from a blade position sensor.

9. The cushioning system of claim 8, wherein the operator input comprises one or more of pressing a button, flipping a switch, and interacting with a touch screen icon.

10. The cushioning system of claim 8, wherein a set blade angle triggers the cushion control signal from the blade position sensor.

11. A method of cushioning a work tool on a work vehicle, the method comprising:receiving a cushion control signal selecting one of a cushioned operating condition for providing a cushioned response between the work tool and a push beam and a non-cushioned operating condition for providing non-cushioned response between the work tool and the push beam;controlling a control valve to an open position when the cushion control signal indicates the cushioned operating condition; andcontrolling the control valve to a closed position when the cushion control signal indicates the non-cushioned operating condition.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the cushion control signal comprises an operator input or a blade position sensor signal.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the blade position sensor signal is generated when a blade position sensor detects a set blade angle of the blade.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the valve comprises a solenoid valve in fluid communication with a hydraulic actuator coupled with the work tool and a hydraulic accumulator that is fluidly coupled with the hydraulic actuator.

15. The method of claim 11 further comprising displaying, on a display, information regarding a status of a blade cushion system.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the status comprises a blade cushion system engaged notification or a blade cushion system disengaged notification.

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