Work machine with operator presence detection strategy
First Claim
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1. A method of operating a machine, comprising the steps of:
- sensing indicators of operator presence in the machine, which includes sensing a seat sensor, a transmission output speed sensor and a conveyance gear sensor;
the sensing step also includes sensing depression of an inching pedal when an operator is standing, a conveyance gear is in neutral, a transmission output speed is zero, and the machine is not moving;
enabling the machine if at least one of the indicators indicates that an operator is present in the machine; and
disabling the machine if none of the indicators indicates that an operator is present in the machine.
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Abstract
A work machine uses an operator presence detection strategy to enable or disable the work machine. A plurality of sensors provide independent indications of operator presence. These sensors may include a seat sensor, an inching pedal sensor, a transmission output speed sensor and a conveyance gear sensor. The work machine is enabled if at least one sensor indicates the presence of an operator; however, the work machine is disabled if none of the sensors indicate an operator.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method of operating a machine, comprising the steps of:
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sensing indicators of operator presence in the machine, which includes sensing a seat sensor, a transmission output speed sensor and a conveyance gear sensor; the sensing step also includes sensing depression of an inching pedal when an operator is standing, a conveyance gear is in neutral, a transmission output speed is zero, and the machine is not moving; enabling the machine if at least one of the indicators indicates that an operator is present in the machine; and disabling the machine if none of the indicators indicates that an operator is present in the machine. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A machine comprising:
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a machine body that includes an operator station; an electronic controller connected to the machine body; a transmission output speed sensor in communication with the electronic controller; a conveyance gear sensor in communication with the electronic controller; a seat sensor in communication with the electronic controller;
the electronic controller includes an operator presence algorithm operable to enable the machine based on any one of a seat sensor indication, a transmission output speed sensor indication, and a conveyance gear sensor indication, and being operable to disable the machine based on a combination of all of the seat sensor indication, the transmission output speed sensor indication and the conveyance gear sensor indication; andthe operator presence algorithm being operable to enable the machine based upon an inching pedal mode of operation when the machine is not moving, an operator is standing, a conveyance gear is in neutral and a transmission speed is zero. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An electronic controller for a machine comprising:
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an operator presence algorithm operable to enable control communication between a machine implement and an operator control if at least one of a plurality of sensors has an indication that satisfies a respective predetermined criterion, and being operable to disable control communication between the machine implement and the operator control if a combination of all of the plurality of sensors have indications that fail to satisfy the respective predetermined criteria; and the operator presence algorithm also being operable to enable the machine based upon an inching pedal mode of operation when the machine is not moving, an operator is standing, a conveyance gear is in neutral and a transmission speed is zero. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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Specification