Method and apparatus for controlling an implement of a work machine

• Main Authors: GARDNER; CYNTHIA M, SCHIMPF; JAMES E, COBO; MICHAEL A
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 04.05.1999
• Edition: 6
• Subjects: BLASTING; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DREDGING; FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVO-MOTORS; FOUNDATIONS; HAND TOOLS; HAULING; HEATING; HOISTING; HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDEDFOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCEDIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD; HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL; LIFTING; LIGHTING; MANIPULATORS; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; SOIL SHIFTING; SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; TRANSPORTING; WEAPONS

An apparatus for controllably moving a work implement. The implement is connected to a work machine and is moveable in response to the operation of a hydraulic cylinder. The apparatus includes an operator controlled joystick that generates an operator command signal, which is indicative of a desired velocity of the work implement movement. Cylinder position sensors produce cylinder position signals in response to the position of lift and tilt cylinders. A valve assembly receives an electrical valve signal, and controllably provides hydraulic fluid flow to the respective hydraulic cylinders to move the cylinders in accordance with the operator command signal. A controller receives the operator command and cylinder position signals, and responsively produces a pump command signal to change the displacement of a variable displacement pump to regulate the movement of the hydraulic cylinders.