Systems and methods for traction lock engagement control for a power machine
AssigneeDoosan Bobcat North America, Inc.
InventorsAustin Gapinski, Chance Uhrig, Boston Zachmann
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A power machine can include a traction lock system to stop movement of the power machine. The traction lock system can include a controller configured to receive a brake input from an operator. In response to receiving the brake input, the controller can temporarily command a target (e.g., reduced) speed of the engine before engaging the brake.
Claims21
A system for controlling a traction lock system on a power machine with an engine configured to drive one or more tractive elements, the system comprising:
- a brake configured to lock one or more tractive elements;
- and
- a control system in communication with the engine and the brake, the control system including at least one processor device and at least one memory storing instructions executable by the at least one processor device, the instructions when executed by the control system causing operations that comprise:
- receiving a brake input for activation of the brake;
- in response to receiving the brake input, temporarily commanding the engine towards a predetermined engine speed that is less than an operating speed of the engine that corresponds to an operator-provided throttle command when the brake input is received;
- and
- delaying engagement of the brake based on the brake input until after the engine is commanded towards the predetermined engine speed.
A method of controlling a traction lock system of a power machine, the method comprising:
- receiving from an operator, at an electronic controller, a brake input for activation of a brake of the power machine;
- determining an operating speed of an engine of the power machine that corresponds to an operator-provided throttle setting when the brake input is received;
- based on receiving the brake input and before activating the brake, automatically providing an electronic signal to reduce the operating speed of the engine to a target engine speed that is less than the operating speed that corresponds to the operator-provided throttle setting;
- and
- delaying engagement of the brake based on the brake input until after the electronic signal to reduce the operating speed of the engine is provided.
A power machine comprising:
- a main frame;
- an engine supported by the main frame and controlled by an engine throttle;
- a drive pump powered by the engine;
- a drive motor driven by the drive pump and configured to power one or more tractive elements operably coupled to the drive motor;
- and
- a traction lock system including a brake that is arranged between the drive motor and the one or more tractive elements and is configured to lock the one or more tractive elements, and a control system in communication with the engine throttle and the brake, including one or more electronic controllers;
- wherein the control system is configured to:
- receive a throttle signal corresponding to an operator-provided throttle setting;
- receive a brake input for activation of the brake;
- and
- in response to receiving the brake input, temporarily delay activation of the brake based on the brake input and output a modified throttle signal configured to control the engine throttle to temporarily command a reduction in engine speed relative to the operator-provided throttle setting.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.