US 11,453,436 B2 · Cold planer multi cylinder adjustable steering

Abstract

A milling machine can include a frame; at least two tracks coupled to the frame for propelling the milling machine; first and second hydraulic cylinders configured to steer each of the at least two tracks, respectively; an adjustable hydraulic tie rod extending between the at least two tracks; first and second steering collars coupled to the each of the tracks to move the tracks, wherein the first hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the first steering collar and the second hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the second steering collar, and wherein the adjustable hydraulic tie rod is coupled to both of the steering collars; one or more sensors to determine the positions of the at least two tracks; and a hydraulic steering control system coupled to the first and second hydraulic cylinders and the adjustable hydraulic tie rod and configured to vary a steering mode of the at least two tracks between a parallel steering mode and an Ackerman steering mode, wherein if one of the one or more sensors fails, the hydraulic steering control system defaults to move the at least two tracks into the Ackerman steering mode.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A milling machine comprising:

a frame;
at least two tracks coupled to the frame for propelling the milling machine;
first and second hydraulic cylinders configured to steer each of the at least two tracks, respectively;
an adjustable hydraulic tie rod extending between the at least two tracks;
first and second steering collars coupled to the each of the tracks to move the tracks, wherein the first hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the first steering collar and the second hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the second steering collar, and wherein the adjustable hydraulic tie rod is coupled to both of the steering collars;
one or more sensors to determine the positions of the at least two tracks;
and
a hydraulic steering control system coupled to the first and second hydraulic cylinders and the adjustable hydraulic tie rod and configured to vary a steering mode of the at least two tracks between a parallel steering mode and an Ackerman steeling mode, wherein if one of the one or more sensors fails, the hydraulic steering control system defaults to move the at least two tracks into the Ackerman steering mode.

5 more elements

A steering control system for a milling assembly, comprising:

first and second hydraulic cylinders configured to steer each of at least two tracks of the milling assembly, wherein the first and second cylinders are coupled to first and second steeling collars coupled to each of the at least two tracks, respectively;
an adjustable hydraulic tie rod extending between the at least two tracks, wherein the adjustable hydraulic tie rod is coupled to each of the first and second steering collars;
and
a hydraulic steering control system including one or more sensors to determine the positions of the at least two tracks, the hydraulic steering control system being coupled to the first and second hydraulic cylinders and the adjustable hydraulic tie rod and configured to vary a steering mode of the at least two tracks between a parallel steeling mode and an Ackerman steeling mode, wherein if one of the one or more sensors fails, the hydraulic steering control system defaults to move the at least two tracks into the Ackerman steering mode.

1 more element

A method of controlling steering of a milling machine, the method comprising:

coupling first and second hydraulic cylinders configured to steer each of at least two tracks of the milling machine to first and second steering collars coupled to each of the at least two tracks, respectively;
coupling an adjustable hydraulic tie rod extending between the at least two tracks to each of the first and second steering collars;
and
activating a hydraulic steering control system including one or more sensors to determine the positions of the at least two tracks, the hydraulic steering control system being coupled to the first and second hydraulic cylinders and the adjustable hydraulic tie rod and configured to vary a steering mode of the at least two tracks between a parallel steeling mode and an Ackerman steeling mode, wherein if one of the one or more sensors fails, the hydraulic steering control system defaults to move the at least two tracks into the Ackerman steering mode.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Cold planer multi cylinder adjustable steering

Life of this patent

Cold planer multi cylinder adjustable steering

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20