Control system for a vehicle/implement hitch

• US 20020134558A1
• Filed: 03/13/2002
• Published: 09/26/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/22/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Deere & Company
• Original Assignee: Deere & Company
• Inventors: Weiss, Heinz, Fedotov, Sergiy, Rudik, Ruslan, Bernhardt, Gerd
• Granted Patent: US 6,688,403 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 172/7
• CPC Class Codes: A01B 69/004 automatic

Abstract

A hitch control system controls a hitch for coupling an implement to a utility vehicle. The hitch includes longitudinally adjustable coupling elements operable to shift or pivot the implement in a lateral direction relative to the utility vehicle. A sensor, such as a wheel steering angle sensor, senses a parameter associated with lateral or turning movements of the vehicle. A control unit automatically adjusts the length of the coupling elements as a function of the sensor signals so that the position of the implement relative to the vehicle is adapted to the curved path. This reduces the outer radius of the area over which the vehicle and implement travel when traveling along a curved path and helps avoid collisions with objects.

Claims

1. A hitch control system for a hitch for coupling an implement to a utility vehicle, the hitch having a adjustable coupling element operable to move the implement in a lateral direction relative to the vehicle, the control system comprising:

a sensor for sensing a parameter associated with lateral movements of the utility vehicle; and

a control unit which automatically adjusts a length of the coupling elements as a function of the sensed parameter.

2. The control system of claim 1, wherein:

the hitch comprises six longitudinally adjustable coupling elements coupled in a hexapod assembly between the utility vehicle and the implement.

3. The control system of claim 1, wherein:

the sensor senses a turning curve value dependent on a turning radius of the vehicle, and the control unit adjusts the coupling elements as a function of the turning curve value so that a lateral position of the implement is adapted to the turning radius.

4. The control system of claim 1, wherein:

the sensor comprises a steering angle sensor.

5. The control system of claim 1, wherein:

the sensor comprises an acceleration sensor for detecting lateral acceleration of the utility vehicle, the control unit adjusting the coupling elements as a function of sensed lateral acceleration of the utility vehicle.

6. The control system of claim 1, further comprising:

an inclination sensor for sensing lateral inclination of the utility vehicle, the control unit adjusting the coupling elements as a function of sensed inclination.

7. The control system of claim 1, further comprising:

a wheel tread force sensor for sensing wheel tread forces of the utility vehicle, the control unit adjusting the coupling elements as a function of the sensed wheel tread forces and laterally adjusting a center of gravity of the utility vehicle and the implement.

8. The control system of claim 7, wherein:

the wheel tread force sensor comprises strain gauges mounted on wheel axles.

9. The control system of claim 1, wherein:

further comprising a speed sensor for sensing travel speed of the vehicle, the control unit adjusting the coupling element length as a function of the sensed vehicle speed.

10. The control system of claim 9, wherein:

the control unit limits a speed of lateral relative movement of the implement relative to the vehicle as travel speed increases.

11. The control system of claim 9, wherein:

the control unit deactivates adjustment of the coupling element when a settable speed limit is exceeded.

12. The control system of claims 1, wherein:

the control unit deactivates adjustment of the coupling element in response an operator input.

13. The control system of claim 1, further comprising:

the control unit controls the coupling element and causes the implement to automatically track the vehicle.

14. The control system of claim 13, further comprising:

a first input device for causing the control unit to activate and deactivate automatic tracking as a function of a turning path of the vehicle; and

a second input device for causing the control unit to activate and deactivate automatic tracking as a function of vehicle inclination.

15. The control system of claim 13, further comprising:

a first input device for causing the control unit to activate and deactivate automatic tracking as a function of a turning path of the vehicle; and

a second input device for causing the control unit to activate and deactivate automatic tracking as a function of sensed wheel tread forces.