Differential lock control in articulated work machine
First Claim
1. A method of operating an articulated work machine comprising the steps of:
- determining a value indicative of an articulation angle of the work machine;
determining another value indicative of a wheel steering angle of the work machine that is separate from the articulation angle; and
controlling a locking state of a differential of the work machine responsive to a steering radius thereof.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method of operating an articulated work machine includes sensing an articulation angle in a wheel steering angle of the work machine, and controlling a locking state of a differential responsive to a steering radius of the work machine. An articulated frame wheeled work machine is further provided, and includes a front frame unit with a wheel steering apparatus, a back frame unit and an articulation apparatus coupled between the front and back frame units. First and second sensors are operable to sense a wheel steering angle and an articulation angle of the work machine, and an electronic control is provided which is configured to selectively lock or unlock a differential of the back frame unit responsive to a steering radius of the work machine.
52 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of operating an articulated work machine comprising the steps of:
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determining a value indicative of an articulation angle of the work machine;
determining another value indicative of a wheel steering angle of the work machine that is separate from the articulation angle; and
controlling a locking state of a differential of the work machine responsive to a steering radius thereof. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An articulated work machine comprising:
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a front frame unit including a wheel steering apparatus operable to steer the work machine;
a back frame unit coupled with the front frame unit and including a lockable differential;
an articulation apparatus coupled between the front and back frame units and also operable to steer the work machine; and
an electronic controller configured to control at least one of locking and unlocking of the differential responsive to a steering radius of the work machine. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
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- 19. An electronic controller configured to control a locking state of a differential in an articulated work machine responsively to a comparison of a steering radius of the work machine with a minimum steering radius that is based at least in part on stress indicia associated with at least one work machine operating parameter.
Specification