Coordinated linkage system for a work vehicle

A tool control system for a work vehicle, the work vehicle having a frame, the tool control system comprising:

• a boom having a first boom end and a second boom end, the first boom end pivotally attached to the frame;
• a dipperstick having a first dipperstick end and a second dipperstick end, the first dipperstick end pivotally attached to the second boom end;
• a tool pivotally attached to the second dipperstick end, the tool being adapted to perform a work function;
• a tool actuator adapted to controllably pivot the tool about the second dipperstick end;
• a boom actuator adapted to controllably pivot the boom about the frame;
• a dipperstick actuator adapted to controllably pivot the dipperstick about the second boom end;
• a controller in communication with the tool actuator and at least one of the boom actuator and the dipperstick actuator;
• a tool command input device in communication with the controller, the tool command input device adapted to generate a first signal upon a manipulation of the tool command input device corresponding to a desired tool movement;
• and
• a tilt sensor attached to the tool, the tilt sensor detecting an inclination of the tool with respect to the earth and generating corresponding a second signal indicative of the inclination, the controller being capable of receiving the first signal and generating first tool control signals controlling at least one of the tool actuator, the boom actuator and the dipperstick actuator, the controller capable of receiving the second signal and generating second tool control signals controlling the at least one of the tool actuator, the boom actuator and the dipperstick actuator.

A tool control system for a vehicle having a frame, the tool control system comprising:

• a linkage having a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotally attached to the frame at a first pivot;
• a tool operatively attached to the second end;
• a linkage actuator adapted to controllably impart motion to the linkage;
• a tool actuator adapted to controllably pivot the tool about the second end;
• a controller in communication with the linkage actuator and the tool actuator;
• and
• a tilt sensor attached to the tool, the tilt sensor detecting an inclination of the tool with respect to the earth and generating a corresponding tool inclination signal, the controller being capable of automatically generating a tool control signal controlling at least one of the linkage actuator and the tool actuator based on the tool inclination signal.

A method of linkage coordination for a work vehicle, the work vehicle including a tool, an auto-hold command switch, a tool tilt sensor, and a controller, the method comprising:

• recording a set angle of a tool with respect to the earth with the auto-hold command switch;
• detecting an angle of the tool with respect to the earth with the tool tilt sensor;
• generating a tool angle signal with the tool tilt sensor, the tool angle signal corresponding to the angle of the tool;
• automatically generating a tool control signal with the controller, the tool control signal being based on the tool angle signal, the tool control signal causing the tool actuator to keep the tool angle at approximately the set angle of the tool.