Load release height control system for excavators
AssigneeCaterpillar Global Mining LLC
InventorJames Ryan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An excavator includes a dipper assembly configured to receive a dipper load, the dipper assembly having an actuated position for emptying the dipper load, a sensor assembly configured to monitor one or more operating conditions of the excavator, and a control module. The control module is configured to receive signals from the sensor assembly, determine a height of the dipper assembly relative to a surface, and inhibit movement of the dipper assembly to the actuated position.
Claims20
An excavator, comprising:
- a dipper assembly configured to receive a dipper load, the dipper assembly having an actuated position for emptying the dipper load;
- a sensor assembly configured to monitor one or more operating conditions of the excavator;
- and
- a control module configured to:
- receive signals from the sensor assembly;
- determine a height of the dipper assembly relative to a surface;
- and
- inhibit movement of the dipper assembly to the actuated position.
A mining shovel, comprising:
- a dipper configured to receive a dipper load, the dipper having an open dipper bottom;
- a dipper door coupled to the dipper, the dipper door having a first position for covering the open dipper bottom and a second position for emptying the dipper load;
- a sensor assembly configured to monitor a height of the dipper relative to a surface;
- and
- a control module configured to receive signals from the sensor assembly, and to control the movement of the dipper door between the first and second positions.
A control system for a dipper assembly having an actuated position for emptying a dipper load, the control system comprising:
- a sensor assembly configured to:
- monitor a height of the dipper assembly relative to a surface;
- and
- monitor a weight of the dipper load;
- a control module configured to:
- receive signals from the sensor assembly;
- calculate a dipper height limit based on the signals;
- and
- inhibit movement of the dipper assembly to the actuated position when the dipper assembly is above the dipper height limit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.