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US 9,809,955 B2Granted
Control device for an implement system
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorChristopher R. Wright
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A control device for an implement system of a machine is provided. The control device is mounted on a support. The control device includes a first gimbal rotatably coupled to the support. The control device also includes a second gimbal rotatably coupled to the first gimbal. The control device further includes a linear actuator having a first end and a second end. The linear actuator is fixed to the second gimbal from the first end. The control device further includes a handle attached to the linear actuator at the second end. The handle is configured to move in conjunction with rotational movements of the first gimbal and the second gimbal, and a linear movement of the linear actuator to control a movement of the implement system.
Claims20
A control device for an implement system of a machine, the control device mounted on a support and comprising:
- a first gimbal rotatably coupled to the support;
- a second gimbal rotatably coupled to the first gimbal;
- a linear actuator having a first end and a second end, the linear actuator fixed to the second gimbal from the first end;
- and
- a handle attached to the linear actuator at the second end, the handle configured to move in conjunction with rotational movements of the first gimbal and the second gimbal, and a linear movement of the linear actuator to control a movement of the implement system.
2 more elements
A machine comprising:
- an implement system;
- a hydraulic control system configured to operate the implement system;
- a control device for the implement system, the control device mounted on a support and comprising:
- a first gimbal rotatably coupled to the support;
- a second gimbal rotatably coupled to the first gimbal;
- a linear actuator having a first end and a second end, the linear actuator fixed to the second gimbal from the first end;
- a handle attached to the linear actuator at the second end, the handle configured to move in conjunction with rotational movements of the first gimbal and the second gimbal, and a linear movement of the linear actuator to control a movement of the implement system;
- a rotatable sleeve disposed on the handle, the rotatable sleeve configured to control the movement of the implement system;
- a first rotational actuator connected to the first gimbal and configured to constrain the rotational movement of the first gimbal about the support;
- and
- a second rotational actuator connected to the second gimbal and configured to constrain the rotational movement of the second gimbal about the first gimbal;
- and
- a controller configured to control the hydraulic control system and thereby operate the implement system in response to at least one of a movement of the handle and a turning of the rotatable sleeve.
10 more elements
An excavator comprising:
- a drive system;
- a chassis rotatably supported on the drive system;
- an operator station supported on the chassis;
- an implement system, comprising:
- a boom pivotally connected to the chassis;
- a stick pivotally connected to the boom;
- and
- a bucket pivotally connected to the stick;
- a hydraulic control system configured to operate the implement system, the hydraulic control system comprising:
- a first hydraulic actuator associated with the boom, the first hydraulic actuator configured to rotate the boom with respect to the chassis;
- a second hydraulic actuator associated with the stick, the second hydraulic actuator configured to rotate the stick with respect to the boom;
- a third hydraulic actuator associated with the bucket, the third hydraulic actuator configured to rotate the bucket with respect to the stick;
- and
- a fourth hydraulic actuator associated with the chassis, the fourth hydraulic actuator configured to rotate the chassis with respect to the drive system;
- a control device for the implement system, the control device mounted on a support provided in the operator station, the control device comprising:
- a first gimbal rotatably coupled to the support;
- a second gimbal rotatably coupled to the first gimbal;
- a linear actuator having a first end and a second end, the linear actuator fixed to the second gimbal from the first end;
- a handle attached to the linear actuator at the second end, the handle configured to move in conjunction with rotational movements of the first gimbal and the second gimbal, and a linear movement of the linear actuator, to control a movement of the implement system;
- a rotatable sleeve disposed on the handle, the rotatable sleeve configured to control the movement of the implement system;
- a first rotational actuator connected to the first gimbal and configured to constrain the rotational movement of the first gimbal about the support;
- and
- a second rotational actuator connected to the second gimbal and configured to constrain the rotational movement of the second gimbal about the first gimbal;
- and
- a controller configured to control a supply of hydraulic fluid to the first, second, third and fourth hydraulic actuators in the hydraulic control system and thereby operate the implement system in response to at least one of a movement of the handle and a turning of the rotatable sleeve.
22 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.