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In the operation of work machines of the type required to carry heavy loads over uneven ground conditions, it is oftentimes desirable to provide the work machine with a way to automatically maintain the chassis in a substantially horizontal condition. The present invention provides a work machine ha

In the operation of work machines of the type required to carry heavy loads over uneven ground conditions, it is oftentimes desirable to provide the work machine with a way to automatically maintain the chassis in a substantially horizontal condition. The present invention provides a work machine having a chassis and at least one elongate member having a first end rotatably coupled with the chassis. Also provided is a controller and a position sensor coupled to at least one of the elongate members which generates a position signal indicative of an orientation of the elongate member relative to the chassis and relays the position signal to the controller. The controller, in response to the position signal, determines an actual height of the chassis from the position signal and adjusts the actual chassis height to conform to a controller-inputted desired chassis height.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A work machine for traversing terrain, comprising:a chassis; at least one ground engaging member having limits of travel; at least one elongate member each having a first end and a second end; said first end rotatably coupled with said chassis; said second end coupled to said ground engaging memb

1. A work machine for traversing terrain, comprising:a chassis; at least one ground engaging member having limits of travel; at least one elongate member each having a first end and a second end; said first end rotatably coupled with said chassis; said second end coupled to said ground engaging member; a position sensor for generating a position signal indicative of an orientation of said elongate member relative to said chassis and relaying said position signal to said controller; a roll sensor for generating a orientation signal indicative of a transverse pitch of said chassis and relaying said orientation signal to said controller; and a controller for calculating an average slope value of the terrain and adjusting the chassis to a desired orientation in response thereto based on said position signal and said orientation signal; wherein said controller adjusts the chassis in response to said position signal of at least one of said ground engaging member reaching said limits of travel. 2. The work machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein said position sensor comprises a potentiometer.3. The work machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein said chassis includes:a cab portion; and a first trailer portion hingedly coupled to said cab portion. 4. The work machine as set forth in claim 3 including a second trailer portion coupled to said first trailer portion.5. The work machine as set forth in claim 4 wherein said second trailer portion is articulable relative to said first trailer portion.6. The work machine as set forth in claim 1 including a motive device coupled to said second end for imparting motion to said ground engaging member.7. The work machine as set forth in claim 6 wherein said motive device is a hydraulic motor.8. The work machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein:said controller, in response to at least one of said position signal or said orientation signal, adjusts at least one said elongate member to orient said chassis substantially horizontally. 9. The work machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein said roll sensor comprises a gravity operated sensor.10. The work machine as set forth in claim 9 wherein said gravity operated sensor is a pendulum.11. A method of stabilizing the chassis of a work machine used for traversing terrain and having at least one elongate member having a first end rotatably coupled with the chassis and having limits of travel, comprising the steps of:sensing the orientation of at least one of the elongate members and generating a position signal in response thereto; sensing the transverse pitch of the chassis and generating an orientation signal in response thereto; sensing when the said elongate member is reaching said limits of travel in response to said position signal; calculating an average slope value of the terrain based on said position signal and orientation signal; adjusting the chassis to a desired orientation in response to said average slope value; and adjusting the chassis in response to at least one of said elongate member reaching said limits of travel. 12. The method as set forth in claim 11 wherein the desired orientation of the chassis is substantially horizontal.13. The method as set forth in claim 12 wherein said step of sensing the transverse pitch of the chassis is with a gravity operated sensor.14. The method as set forth in claim 11 including the step of:providing the chassis with a cab portion and a first trailer portion hingedly coupled to said cab portion. 15. The method as set forth in claim 14 including the step of providing a second trailer portion coupled to said first trailer portion.16. The method as set forth in claim 11 wherein said step of sensing the orientation of at least one of the elongate members is with a potentiometer.17. A method of stabilizing the chassis of a work machine used for traversing terrain and having at least one elongate member having a first end rotatably coupled with the chassis and having limits of travel, comprising the steps of:sensing the orientation of at least one of the elongate member and generating a position signal in response thereto; sensing when the said elongate member is reaching said limits of travel in response to said position signal; and adjusting the chassis in response to said elongate member reaching said limits of travel.