초록 ▼

An articulating work machine, such as a scraper, wheel loader, or truck, is disclosed. The articulating work machine includes a fluid-powered differential and a pair of fluid-powered steering cylinders. The fluid-powered differential and the steering cylinders cooperate so as to steer the articulate

An articulating work machine, such as a scraper, wheel loader, or truck, is disclosed. The articulating work machine includes a fluid-powered differential and a pair of fluid-powered steering cylinders. The fluid-powered differential and the steering cylinders cooperate so as to steer the articulated work machine during advancement thereof. Moreover, the articulating work machine includes a number of rotational position and speed sensors for detecting operating parameters associated with the work machine. Such parameters are monitored by a processor in order to control operation of the work machine.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An articulating work machine, comprising:a frame assembly having a first frame structure and a second frame structure, wherein (i) said first frame structure supports a first axle assembly having a first set of wheels secured thereto, (ii) said first frame structure is pi

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An articulating work machine, comprising:a frame assembly having a first frame structure and a second frame structure, wherein (i) said first frame structure supports a first axle assembly having a first set of wheels secured thereto, (ii) said first frame structure is pivotally secured to said second frame structure at a pivot point, (iii) said frame assembly is positionable between an articulated orientation and an aligned orientation;a fluid cylinder having a first end secured to said first frame structure and a second end secured to said second frame structure, wherein said fluid cylinder is positionable between an extended orientation and a neutral orientation;a fluid-powered differential secured to said second frame structure, wherein (i) said fluid-powered differential includes a first half shaft and a second half shaft, (ii) said first half shaft and said second half shaft have a second set of wheels secured thereto, (iii) said fluid powered differential operates in either (A) a first differential mode of operation in which said fluid-powered differential causes said first half shaft to rotate at the same speed relative to said second half shaft, or (B) a second differential mode of operation in which said fluid-powered differential causes said first half shaft to rotate at a different speed relative to said second half shaft;a steering control circuit for controlling direction of travel of said articulating work machine, wherein (i) said steering control circuit includes a processor, (ii) operating said steering control circuit in a first steering mode of operation causes said fluid cylinder to be positioned in said extended orientation and said fluid-powered differential to operate in said second differential mode of operation whereby said frame assembly is positioned in said articulated orientation, and (iii) operating said steering control circuit in a second steering mode of operation causes said fluid cylinder to be positioned in said neutral orientation and said fluid-powered differential to operate in said first differential mode of operation whereby said frame assembly is positioned in said aligned orientation; andan articulated angle sensor which is operatively coupled to said pivot point and said steering control circuit such that said articulated angle sensor (i) can measure an actual angle of articulation between said first frame structure and said second frame structure and (ii) communicate data indicative of said actual angle of articulation to said processor of said steering control circuit.