Machine system having task-adjusted economy modes

• US 7,962,768 B2
• Filed: 02/28/2007
• Issued: 06/14/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 02/28/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Inventors: Grill, Thomas Lynn, Berlage, Rick William, Knapp, Lucas Adam, Cler, Eric Wade
• Primary Examiner(s): TRAN, VINCENT HUY
• Application Number:
  US11/711,760
• Publication Number:
  US 20080202468A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,567 Days
• Field of Search: 713/300, 701/50, 701/54, 701/56
• US Class Current: 713/300
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 9/2235 including an electronic controller
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 9/2246 Control of prime movers, e.g. depending on the hydraulic load of work tools
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 9/2296 Systems with a variable displacement pump
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 29/00 Controlling engines, such controlling being peculiar to the devices driven thereby, the devices being other than parts or accessories essential to engine operation, e.g. controlling of engines by signals external thereto

Abstract

A control system for a machine is disclosed. The control system may have a power source, an operator input device, a work implement, and a controller in communication with the power source and the operator input device. The operator input device may be configured to generate a signal indicative of a desired mode of power source operation. The work implement may be driven by the power source to accomplish a task. The controller may be configured to classify a currently performed task, and adjust power source operation based on the task signal and the classification.

Claims

1. A machine control system, comprising:

a power source;

an operator input device configured to allow selection of an economy mode;

a work implement configured to accomplish a task;

a pump driven by the power source to pressurize fluid to move the work implement; and

a controller in communication with the power source and the operator input device, the controller being configured to;

determine if the task currently performed by the work implement is a high power task or a low power task; and

when the operator input device is set to the economy mode, allow the power source and the pump to operate at full capacity if the currently performed task is a high power task and limit the operation of the power source and the pump if the currently performed task is a low power task.

2. The machine control system of claim 1, wherein operation of the pump is configured to be limited by about the same percentage as operation of the power source.

3. The machine control system of claim 1, further including a task sensor configured to generate a task signal indicative of at least one of a work implement position, machine travel speed, and transmission gear ratio, wherein the controller is in communication with the task sensor and configured to determine the currently performed task based on the task signal.

4. The machine control system of claim 1, wherein:

determining if the task currently performed by the work implement is a high power task or a low power task includes determining a position of a work implement.

5. The machine control system of claim 4, wherein:

limiting operation of the power source comprises limiting a maximum speed setting of the power source.

6. The machine control system of claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to limit the speed setting by up to 30%.

7. The machine control system of claim 6, wherein:

the operator input device allows selection of a normal mode of operation, a first economy mode of operation, and a second economy mode of operation;

the controller is configured to limit the speed setting by up to 20% in the first economy mode of operation; and

the controller is configured to limit the speed setting by up to 30% in the second economy mode of operation.

8. The machine control system of claim 4, wherein:

the controller includes a plurality of task classifications stored in the memory thereof.

9. The machine control system of claim 8, wherein the high power task includes a digging operation.

10. A method of machine control, comprising:

generating a power output;

pressurizing a fluid;

directing the pressurized fluid to actuate a work implement, the work implement performing a task;

receiving an input indicative of a desired mode of power output generation;

classifying the currently performed task;

adjusting power generation based on the input and the classification;

adjusting a flow rate of the fluid based on the input and the classification;

when the desired mode of operation is the economy mode, adjusting power generation includes;

adjusting power generation to full capacity if the currently performed task is a high power task, and

limiting power generation if the currently performed task is a low power task.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein limiting power generation includes limiting power generation by up to 30%.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein:

when the desired mode of operation is the economy mode, adjusting a flow rate of the fluid includes;

adjusting a flow rate of the fluid to full capacity if the currently performed task is a high power task, and

limiting the flow rate of the fluid if the currently performed task is a low power task.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the high power task includes a digging operation.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the flow rate is adjusted by about the same percentage as the power generation.

15. A machine, comprising:

a traction device;

a work implement;

a power source configured to generate a power output;

a transmission configured to transmit the power output to the traction device;

a pump driven by the power source to pressurize fluid directed to drive the work implement;

an operator input device configured to generate a signal indicative of a desired mode of power source operation; and

a controller in communication with the power source, the operator input device, and the pump, wherein the controller includes a plurality of selectable modes of power source operation stored in a memory thereof, the plurality of selectable modes including at least one economy mode of operation, the controller being configured to;

determine if a task currently performed by the machine is a high power task or a low power task; and

when the controller is set via the operator input device to the economy mode, allow power source operation and/or pump operation at full capacity if the currently performed task is a high power task and limit the power source operation and pump operation if the currently performed task is a low power task.

16. The machine of claim 15, wherein:

the power source has a maximum speed setting; and

the controller is further configured to;

reduce the maximum speed setting by up to 30% when the controller is set to the economy mode of operation.

17. The machine of claim 15, determine if a task currently performed by the machine is a high power task or a low power task includes determining a position of the work implement.