STEERING SYSTEM WITH AUTOMATED ARTICULATION CONTROL
First Claim
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1. An articulated machine, comprising:
- a first frame having a first traction device and a steering apparatus operable to control a steering angle of the first traction device;
a second frame pivotally coupled to the first frame at an articulation joint, the second frame having a second traction device;
a steering sensor configured to provide a steering signal indicative of the steering angle; and
an electronic controller configured to automatically control an articulation angle of the first frame relative to the second frame based on the steering signal.
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Abstract
An articulated machine and method of operation, the articulated machine having a first frame with a first traction device and a steering apparatus that controls a steering angle thereof, the first frame pivotally coupled to a second frame at an articulation joint, the second frame having a second traction device, a steering sensor configured to provide a steering signal indicative of the steering angle, and an electronic controller configured to automatically control an articulation angle based on the steering signal.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An articulated machine, comprising:
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a first frame having a first traction device and a steering apparatus operable to control a steering angle of the first traction device; a second frame pivotally coupled to the first frame at an articulation joint, the second frame having a second traction device; a steering sensor configured to provide a steering signal indicative of the steering angle; and an electronic controller configured to automatically control an articulation angle of the first frame relative to the second frame based on the steering signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of operating a motor grader having steerable front wheels and a front and rear frame pivotally connected at an articulation joint, comprising:
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selecting an automatic articulation mode; propelling the motor grader along a direction of travel; commanding front wheel steering to turn the motor grader; and providing a front wheel steering signal to an electronic controller, the electronic controller automatically commanding articulation of the front frame relative to the rear frame about the articulation joint in response to the front wheel steering signal. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A motor grader, comprising:
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a front frame having a first and second steerable wheel disposed on opposing sides of the frame; a rear frame pivotally coupled to the front frame at an articulation joint, a first and second articulation cylinder disposed between the front and rear frames in opposing orientation, the rear frame having a tandem with two rear wheels pivotally connected on opposing sides of the rear frame; a steering sensor configured to provide a steering signal indicative of a steering angle of the first and second steerable wheels; and an electronic controller configured to automatically command the first and second articulation cylinders to control an articulation angle of the first frame relative to the rear frame based on the steering angle.
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Specification