IP Library Granted Patent US 7,856,301
Granted Patent B2
US 7,856,301 · App. 10/904,102 · Granted Dec 21, 2010

Device and method for controlling a machine

Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,856,301
App. No.
10/904,102
Granted
Dec 21, 2010
Kind
B2
Abstract

Method and device for controlling a machine which is intended to be operated in several different operating states, the machine being intended to utilize different types of equipment in at least two of these operating states for different activities. The device includes a means ( 1 ) which is intended to be actuated and which can be set in a number of different positions ( 2 - 6 ), and each of these positions corresponds to one of the operating states.

Claims (16)

1. A control system for a construction vehicle to which at least two different types of working implements are or can be attached either one-at-a-time by exchanging implements or simultaneously, the construction vehicle having a driveline that includes an engine and a transmission gearbox and the control system comprising:

an operator control device configured to be set to a plurality of operational control configurations, the operational control configurations each corresponding to a different realm of use of the construction vehicle, and

a control unit, operationally connected to and responsive to the operator control device, for controlling operation of the engine in response to operator command inputs and a control unit, operationally connected to and responsive to the operator control device, for controlling operation of the transmission gearbox in response to operator command inputs;

wherein the maximum speed of the engine varies as a function of the operational control configuration to which the operator control device is set;

wherein transmission shifting points vary as a function of the operational control configuration to which the operator control device is set; and

wherein a plurality of different working implements can be utilized within at least one of the realms of use of the construction vehicle.

2. The control system according to claim 1 , wherein one of the working implements is attached to the construction vehicle and the manner in which the movements of the working implement are controlled in response to a given operator command input varies as a function of the operational control configuration to which the operator control device is set.

3. The control system according to claim 2 , wherein a speed range for movement of the working implement attached to the construction vehicle varies as a function of the operational control configuration to which the operator control device is set.

4. The control system according to claim 1 , wherein the speed of movement of the vehicle for a given operator command input varies as a function of the operational control configuration to which the operator control device is set.

5. The control system according to claim 4 , wherein a torque curve of the engine varies as a function of the operational control configuration to which the operator control device is set.

6. The control system according to claim 1 , wherein two realms of use of the construction vehicle correspond to operation with two different working implements.

7. The control system according to claim 1 , wherein two realms of use of the construction vehicle correspond to operation with a given working implement for two different applications.

8. The control system according to claim 1 , wherein said transmission shifting points are points that are based on engine speed.

9. The control system according to claim 1 , wherein said transmission shifting points are points that are based on vehicle speed.

10. The control system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit for controlling operation of the engine and the control unit for controlling operation of the transmission gearbox are separate from each other.

11. The control system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit for controlling operation of the engine and the control unit for controlling operation of the transmission gearbox are integrated into a single control unit.

Assignments (2)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Nov 3, 2010
From: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT HOLDING SWEDEN AB
To: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
Reel/Frame 025244/0546 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 7, 2006
From: SJOGREN, JOAKIM; VIGHOLM, BO; BANKESTAD, NILS-ERIK; CARLSSON, SVEN-AKE; LOWESTRAND, GUNNAR
To: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT HOLDING SWEDEN AB
Reel/Frame 017132/0904 →
Priority Claims (1)
SE 0201196-3 · Apr 22, 2002 · national
Continuity (2)
Continuation In Part PCTSE030064900 · Apr 17, 2003
Related Publication 20080040006A1 · Feb 14, 2008