US20150191890A1 - System and method to operate implement of machine - Google Patents

System and method to operate implement of machine Download PDF

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Publication number
US20150191890A1
US20150191890A1 US14/148,904 US201414148904A US2015191890A1 US 20150191890 A1 US20150191890 A1 US 20150191890A1 US 201414148904 A US201414148904 A US 201414148904A US 2015191890 A1 US2015191890 A1 US 2015191890A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
implement
dipper
controller
crowd
door
Prior art date
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Abandoned
Application number
US14/148,904
Inventor
James Ryan
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Caterpillar Global Mining LLC
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Caterpillar Global Mining LLC
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Application filed by Caterpillar Global Mining LLC filed Critical Caterpillar Global Mining LLC
Priority to US14/148,904 priority Critical patent/US20150191890A1/en
Assigned to CATERPILLAR GLOBAL MINING LLC reassignment CATERPILLAR GLOBAL MINING LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: RYAN, JAMES
Publication of US20150191890A1 publication Critical patent/US20150191890A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02FDREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/28Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets
    • E02F3/30Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets with a dipper-arm pivoted on a cantilever beam, i.e. boom
    • E02F3/304Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets with a dipper-arm pivoted on a cantilever beam, i.e. boom with the dipper-arm slidably mounted on the boom
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02FDREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/28Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets
    • E02F3/30Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets with a dipper-arm pivoted on a cantilever beam, i.e. boom
    • E02F3/308Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets with a dipper-arm pivoted on a cantilever beam, i.e. boom working outwardly
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02FDREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/28Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets
    • E02F3/36Component parts
    • E02F3/40Dippers; Buckets ; Grab devices, e.g. manufacturing processes for buckets, form, geometry or material of buckets
    • E02F3/407Dippers; Buckets ; Grab devices, e.g. manufacturing processes for buckets, form, geometry or material of buckets with ejecting or other unloading device
    • E02F3/4075Dump doors; Control thereof
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02FDREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/28Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets
    • E02F3/36Component parts
    • E02F3/42Drives for dippers, buckets, dipper-arms or bucket-arms
    • E02F3/43Control of dipper or bucket position; Control of sequence of drive operations
    • E02F3/435Control of dipper or bucket position; Control of sequence of drive operations for dipper-arms, backhoes or the like
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02FDREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/28Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets
    • E02F3/36Component parts
    • E02F3/42Drives for dippers, buckets, dipper-arms or bucket-arms
    • E02F3/43Control of dipper or bucket position; Control of sequence of drive operations
    • E02F3/435Control of dipper or bucket position; Control of sequence of drive operations for dipper-arms, backhoes or the like
    • E02F3/437Control of dipper or bucket position; Control of sequence of drive operations for dipper-arms, backhoes or the like providing automatic sequences of movements, e.g. linear excavation, keeping dipper angle constant
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02FDREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/46Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with reciprocating digging or scraping elements moved by cables or hoisting ropes ; Drives or control devices therefor
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02FDREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F9/00Component parts of dredgers or soil-shifting machines, not restricted to one of the kinds covered by groups E02F3/00 - E02F7/00
    • E02F9/20Drives; Control devices
    • E02F9/2004Control mechanisms, e.g. control levers
    • E02F9/2012Setting the functions of the control levers, e.g. changing assigned functions among operations levers, setting functions dependent on the operator or seat orientation
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02FDREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F9/00Component parts of dredgers or soil-shifting machines, not restricted to one of the kinds covered by groups E02F3/00 - E02F7/00
    • E02F9/26Indicating devices
    • E02F9/264Sensors and their calibration for indicating the position of the work tool
    • E02F9/265Sensors and their calibration for indicating the position of the work tool with follow-up actions (e.g. control signals sent to actuate the work tool)

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a system and a method to operate an implement of a machine, and more specifically to the system and the method to operate the implement of a rope shovel.
  • Rope shovels typically include an implement, such as a dipper, for receiving material from a loading position and unloading the material at an unloading position.
  • the unloading position may be a hopper of a crushing machine.
  • the door of the dipper may be unlocked to provide an exit for the material to fall from the dipper.
  • the door of the dipper When the door of the dipper is unlocked, the door may swing freely about a pivotal coupling provided between the door and the dipper. During the swinging movement, the door may hit against the hopper. Further, after the unloading of the material is finished, the dipper may be moved away from the unloading position towards the loading position for another dump cycle. During this time, the freely swinging door of the dipper may again hit against the hopper. This contact between the door and the hopper is undesirable and may cause damage to the door and/or the hopper.
  • U.S. Published Application Number 2012/0263566 discloses a system and method for various levels of automation of a swing-to-hopper motion for a rope shovel.
  • An operator controls a rope shovel during a dig operation to load a dipper with materials.
  • a controller receives position data, either via operator input or sensor data, for the dipper and a hopper where the materials are to be dumped.
  • the controller then calculates an ideal path for the dipper to travel to be positioned above the hopper to dump the contents of the dipper.
  • the controller provides feedback to assist the operator in traveling along the ideal path to the hopper.
  • the controller restricts the dipper motion such that the operator is not able to deviate beyond certain limits of the ideal path.
  • the controller automatically controls the movement of the dipper to reach the hopper.
  • an implement system for a machine includes an implement having a door. The door is selectively locked to the implement.
  • the implement system also includes a crowd mechanism configured to move the implement along a first direction.
  • the implement system further includes a hoist mechanism configured to move the implement along a second direction.
  • the implement system includes a controller communicably coupled to the hoist mechanism and the crowd mechanism. The controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of unlocking the door from the implement.
  • the controller is also configured to actuate the crowd mechanism to move the implement along the first direction.
  • the controller is further configured to actuate the hoist mechanism to move the implement along the second direction.
  • a method for operating an implement of a machine includes receiving an operator input indicative of unlocking a door of the implement.
  • the method further includes actuating a crowd mechanism to move the implement along a first direction.
  • the method also includes actuating a hoist mechanism to move the implement along a second direction.
  • a rope shovel in yet another aspect of the present disclosure, includes a frame.
  • the rope shovel also includes a boom extending from the frame.
  • the rope shovel further includes a hoist mechanism provided on the boom.
  • the rope shovel includes a crowd mechanism extending from the boom.
  • the rope shovel also includes a dipper coupled to the crowd mechanism and the hoist mechanism.
  • the dipper includes a body and a door pivotally coupled to the body. The door is selectively locked to the body.
  • the crowd mechanism is configured to move the dipper along a first direction relative to the frame.
  • the hoist mechanism is configured to move the dipper along a second direction relative to the frame.
  • the rope shovel includes a controller communicably coupled to the hoist mechanism and the crowd mechanism.
  • the controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of unlocking the door from the dipper.
  • the controller is also configured to actuate the crowd mechanism to move the dipper along the first direction.
  • the controller is further configured to actuate the hoist mechanism to move the dipper along the second direction.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary rope shovel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a part of an operator cabin, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a controller coupled to different components of the rope shovel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic representation showing the rope shovel in a loading position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic representation showing the rope shovel moving away from the loading position, according to the embodiment of FIG. 4 ;
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic representation showing the rope shovel at an unloading position, according to the embodiment of FIG. 4 ;
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic representation showing movement of an implement of the rope shovel relative to the unloading position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for operating the implement of the rope shovel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 1 an exemplary rope shovel 100 is illustrated.
  • Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the rope shovel 100 as a machine. However, the present disclosure may also be applicable to other types of machines including, but not limited to, a hydraulic shovel and a dragline excavator.
  • the rope shovel 100 is configured to receive material from a loading position 402 (shown in FIG. 4 ) and dump the material at an unloading position 102 .
  • the loading position 402 may be a dig location such as a quarry.
  • the loading position 402 may be an outlet of a conveying machine.
  • the unloading position 102 may be coincident with a hopper 104 of a crushing machine 106 .
  • the unloading position 102 may be a dump truck, a conveyor or an open ground.
  • the crushing machine 106 may be any known crushing machine, such as a stationary crushing machine, a mobile crushing machine, and so on as per system and/or operational requirements.
  • the crushing machine 106 is configured to receive the material in the hopper 104 from the dipper 108 , crush the received material and output the crushed material.
  • the rope shovel 100 includes a frame 110 .
  • the frame 110 is configured to mount and/or support various components of the rope shovel 100 .
  • the frame 110 is also configured to swing about a swing axis S-S relative to tracks 112 to move the rope shovel 100 from the loading position 402 to the unloading position 102 .
  • the rope shovel 100 includes ground engaging members, such as the tracks 112 coupled to the frame 110 .
  • the tracks 112 are configured to propel the rope shovel 100 forward or backward on ground.
  • the tracks 112 are also configured to turn the rope shovel 100 by varying a speed and/or a direction of each of the tracks 112 relative to each other.
  • the rope shovel 100 includes a boom 114 extending from and coupled to the frame 110 .
  • the rope shovel 100 also includes a crowd mechanism 116 extending from the boom 114 .
  • the crowd mechanism 116 includes a handle 117 and a dipper 108 coupled to the handle 117 .
  • the dipper 108 may act as the implement of the rope shovel 100 .
  • the implement may also be a bucket.
  • the handle 117 is configured to slidably move with respect to the boom 114 .
  • the crowd mechanism 116 is configured to extend or retract the dipper 108 along a first direction 118 relative to the frame 110 based on the sliding movement of the handle 117 .
  • the crowd mechanism 116 includes one or more crowd sensors (not shown).
  • the crowd sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of a position and/or movement of the crowd mechanism 116 relative to the frame 110 .
  • the crowd sensor may include any one or a combination of, but not limited to, an inclinometer, an accelerometer, a proximity sensor and a gyroscope as per system design and requirements.
  • the rope shovel 100 includes a hoist mechanism 120 provided on the boom 114 .
  • the hoist mechanism 120 includes a winch (not shown), a pulley 122 and a hoist cable 124 .
  • the hoist cable 124 is connected to the winch at one end. Further, the hoist cable 124 extends over the pulley 122 and is connected to the dipper 108 at the other end. Based on a rotation of the winch, the cable retracts or extends relative to the winch. Accordingly, the hoist mechanism 120 is configured to raise or lower the dipper 108 along a second direction 126 relative to the frame 110 .
  • the hoist mechanism 120 includes one or more hoist sensors (not shown).
  • the hoist sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of a position and/or movement of the hoist mechanism 120 relative to the frame 110 .
  • the hoist sensor may include any one or a combination of, but not limited to, an inclinometer, an accelerometer, a proximity sensor and a gyroscope. It should be noted that an orientation of the first direction 118 and the second direction 126 may change based on a position of the crowd mechanism 116 and the hoist mechanism 120 .
  • the dipper 108 of the rope shovel 100 includes a body 128 and a door 130 pivotally coupled to the body 128 .
  • the dipper 108 is configured to receive the material and dump the material at the unloading position 102 based on an operation of the door 130 .
  • the rope shovel 100 includes a dipper trip mechanism 132 coupled to the door 130 of the dipper 108 .
  • the dipper trip mechanism 132 is configured to operate the door 130 of the dipper 108 .
  • the dipper trip mechanism 132 includes a trip motor 134 and a trip cable 136 extending between the trip motor 134 and the door 130 . More specifically, the trip cable 136 is coupled to a locking mechanism (not shown) of the door 130 .
  • the locking mechanism is configured to selectively lock the door 130 to the body 128 of the dipper 108 .
  • the locking mechanism may be any locking mechanism known in the art, such as a latch bar and lever arrangement and so on. Based on an operation of the trip motor 134 , the trip cable 136 retracts and actuates the locking mechanism. Based on an actuation of the locking mechanism, the door 130 is unlocked to dump the material at the unloading position 102 .
  • the dipper trip mechanism 132 includes one or more dipper sensors (not shown). The dipper sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of unlocking of the door 130 .
  • the rope shovel 100 includes an operator cabin 138 provided on the frame 110 .
  • the operator cabin 138 includes one or more input devices 202 , such as a joystick 204 .
  • the joystick 204 may be configured to control a swing movement of the frame 110 .
  • the joystick 204 includes a push button 206 .
  • Multiple push buttons may also be provided.
  • the push button 206 may be communicably coupled to the dipper trip mechanism 132 , and is configured to control the actuation of the dipper trip mechanism 132 .
  • the joystick 204 and the push button 206 may be replaced by any other input devices known in the art and may have other independent functionalities not described herein.
  • the input device 202 may be any other device including, but not limited to, switches, buttons, knobs, pedals and levers.
  • the push button 206 may be independent of the joystick 204 and may be provided at any other location different from the joystick 204 .
  • the input device 202 may be configured to receive an operator input indicative of operating and/or controlling the operation of various components and system of the rope shovel 100 including, but not limited to, the tracks 112 , the crowd mechanism 116 , the hoist mechanism 120 and the dipper trip mechanism 132 .
  • the operator cabin 138 also includes a feedback device 208 .
  • the feedback device 208 is configured to provide information to the operator about a status of the rope shovel 100 and other systems communicating with the rope shovel 100 , such as the hopper 104 , the crushing machine 106 and so on.
  • the feedback device 208 may include any one or a combination of, but not limited to, a display device such as a liquid crystal display, light emitting diodes or other illumination device, a heads-up display, a speaker for audible feedback such as a beep, a spoken message and so on, a tactile feedback device such as a vibration device configured to provide vibration to an operator seat or the input devices 202 , or any other feedback device known in the art.
  • the rope shovel 100 also includes a controller 140 .
  • the position of the controller 140 in the rope shovel 100 is purely exemplary in nature, and the controller 140 may be located anywhere in the rope shovel 100 .
  • the controller 140 may embody a single microprocessor or multiple microprocessors that includes a means for receiving signals from the components of the rope shovel 100 . Numerous commercially available microprocessors may be configured to perform the functions of the controller 140 . It should be appreciated that the controller 140 may embody a general machine microprocessor capable of controlling numerous machine functions. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the controller 140 may additionally include other components and may also perform other functionalities not described herein.
  • a block diagram 300 showing the controller 140 communicably coupled to various components of the rope shovel 100 is provided.
  • the controller 140 is communicably coupled to the input device 202 . Accordingly, the controller 140 is configured to receive the operator input indicative of one or more functions to be performed by the rope shovel 100 .
  • the operator input may include a signal indicative of starting or stopping of a dump cycle, swinging of the frame 110 , propelling of the rope shovel 100 and so on.
  • the controller 140 is communicably coupled to the crowd mechanism 116 and/or the crowd sensor. Accordingly, the controller 140 is configured to control and/or monitor an operation of the crowd mechanism 116 .
  • the controller 140 is further communicably coupled to the hoist mechanism 120 and/or the hoist sensor.
  • the controller 140 is configured to control and/or monitor an operation of the hoist mechanism 120 .
  • the controller 140 is also communicably coupled to the dipper trip mechanism 132 and/or the dipper sensor. Accordingly, the controller 140 is configured to control and/or monitor an operation of the dipper trip mechanism 132 .
  • FIGS. 4 , 5 and 6 an exemplary operation of the rope shovel 100 is illustrated. Reference is also made to FIGS. 1 and 2 .
  • the rope shovel 100 is oriented such that the dipper 108 is positioned at the loading position 402 . In this orientation, the door 130 of the dipper 108 is locked to the body 128 and the dipper 108 is configured to receive the material from the loading position 402 . After receiving the material, as shown in FIG.
  • the rope shovel 100 swings in a swing direction 502 (shown clockwise in this embodiment and may change based on a position of the unloading position 102 ) along the swing axis S-S relative to the tracks 112 to move from the loading position 402 towards the unloading position 102 .
  • the operator may manually position the dipper 108 over the unloading position 102 (the hopper 104 of FIG. 1 ) by using the joystick 204 and by visually observing the current position of the dipper 108 from the operator cabin 138 . Additional visual or positioning aids may also be provided to help the operator to position the dipper 108 .
  • the operator provides the operator input indicative of actuation of the dump cycle through the push button 206 .
  • the dipper trip mechanism 132 is configured to actuate. Accordingly, the locking mechanism is actuated to unlock the door 130 .
  • the controller 140 is configured to receive a signal indicative of unlocking of the door 130 from the dipper trip mechanism 132 . This signal, which is indicative of unlocking of the door 130 , may be received from the dipper sensor.
  • FIG. 7 a schematic representation showing movement of the dipper 108 relative to the hopper 104 is illustrated. Reference is also made to FIGS. 1 , 2 and 3 .
  • the door 130 tends to swing freely about the pivotal coupling. During the swinging movement, the door 130 may tend to hit against walls of the hopper 104 which is undesirable. This may cause damage to the door 130 , the locking mechanism and/or the hopper 104 .
  • the present disclosure relates to the system and method for providing movements to the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 to prevent contact of the door 130 and the walls of the hopper 104 during the swinging movement of the door 130 .
  • the controller 140 may be configured to actuate the crowd mechanism 116 to extend or retract the dipper 108 along the first direction 118 . Further, based on the received signal indicative of unlocking the door 130 , the controller 140 may be configured to actuate the hoist mechanism 120 to raise or lower the dipper 108 along the second direction 126 . It should be noted that the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 may be actuated simultaneously or may be actuated sequentially in any order by the controller 140 as per system design and requirements.
  • the controller 140 may be configured to actuate the crowd mechanism 116 to extend or retract the dipper 108 by a first predetermined distance along the first direction 118 . Further, based on the received signal indicative of unlocking the door 130 , the controller 140 may be configured to actuate the hoist mechanism 120 to raise or lower the dipper 108 by a second predetermined distance along the second direction 126 . The first and second predetermined distances are along the first direction 118 and the second direction 126 , respectively. The dipper 108 may therefore move by a third predetermined distance along a third direction 702 . The third predetermined distance and the third direction 702 may be obtained by a vector addition of the first and second predetermined distances along the first and second directions 118 , 126 , respectively. An effective displacement of the dipper 108 may be therefore indicated by the third predetermined distance and the third direction 702 . The effective displacement of the dipper 108 may prevent the door 130 from contacting the hopper 104 during the unloading of the material.
  • the controller 140 may be configured to estimate the predetermined distances in different ways.
  • the controller 140 may be configured to refer to a pre-calibrated reference map stored in a database (not shown) or an internal memory of the controller 140 .
  • the reference map may include pre-calibrated data corresponding to the predetermined distances.
  • the controller 140 may be configured to compute the predetermined distances based on a predetermined mathematical equation. This, mathematical equation may include a multiple polynomial regression model, a physics based model, a neural network model or any other model or algorithm known in the art.
  • the controller 140 is configured to stop the actuation of the hoist mechanism 120 based on the operator input. Also, the controller 140 is configured to stop the actuation of the crowd mechanism 116 based on the operator input. In such an embodiment, the controller 140 may be configured to start the actuation of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 based on a first operator input such as pressing and retaining the push button 206 in pressed position. Based on a pressed duration of the push button 206 , the controller 140 may be configured to continue the actuation of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 .
  • the controller 140 may be configured to stop the actuation of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 such that the releasing of the push button 206 may be a second operator input.
  • the controller 140 may be configured to start the actuation of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 based on the first operator input such as pressing and releasing of the push button 206 .
  • the controller 140 may be configured to stop the actuation of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 .
  • the signals indicative of the actuation and the stopping of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 may be provided to the controller 140 by the single push button 206 .
  • the signals indicative of the actuation and the stopping of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 may be provided to the controller 140 by different push buttons (not shown) configured to operate the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 independently and/or separately.
  • the controller 140 may be configured to receive a signal indicative of the unloading position 102 .
  • the hopper 104 and/or the crushing machine 106 may include a positioning device (not shown) such as a global and/or satellite positioning module, an optical camera, a three dimensional laser scanner and so on.
  • the positioning device may be communicably coupled to the controller 140 .
  • the positioning device may be configured to generate signals indicative of the unloading position 102 .
  • the controller 140 may be configured to determine a distance of movement for raising or lowering the hoist mechanism 120 relative to the unloading position 102 .
  • the controller 140 may also be configured to determine a distance of movement for extending or retracting the crowd mechanism 116 relative to the unloading position 102 .
  • the controller 140 may be configured to determine the distances of movement of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 in different ways.
  • the controller 140 may be configured to refer to a pre-calibrated reference map stored in a database (not shown) or an internal memory of the controller 140 .
  • the reference map may include pre-calibrated data corresponding to the distances of movement of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 .
  • the controller 140 may be configured to compute the distances of movement of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 based on a predetermined mathematical equation. This, mathematical equation may include a multiple polynomial regression model, a physics based model, a neural network model or any other model or algorithm known in the art.
  • the door of the dipper is unlocked by actuating the dipper trip mechanism.
  • the door of the dipper When the door of the dipper is unlocked, the door tends to swing freely along the pivotal coupling. During the swinging movement, the door may tend to hit against the walls of the hopper. Further, after the unloading of the material is finished, the dipper is moved away from the unloading position towards the loading position for another dump cycle. During this time, the freely swinging door of the dipper may again hit against the walls of the hopper which is also undesirable. This may cause damage to the door, the locking mechanism and/or the hopper.
  • the present disclosure relates to a method for operating the dipper 108 of the rope shovel 100 .
  • the method may prevent contact between the door 130 and the hopper 104 during the unloading of the material.
  • FIG. 8 a flowchart of a method 800 of operating the dipper 108 of the rope shovel 100 is illustrated.
  • the operator may provide the operator input indicative of actuation of the dump cycle through the push button 206 in order to unload the material from the dipper 108 .
  • the dipper trip mechanism 132 is configured to actuate the locking mechanism. Accordingly, the locking mechanism unlocks the door 130 .
  • the controller 140 receives the signal indicative of unlocking of the door 130 from the dipper trip mechanism 132 .
  • the controller 140 actuates the hoist mechanism 120 to raise or lower the dipper 108 along the second direction 126 .
  • the controller 140 actuates the crowd mechanism 116 to extend or retract the dipper 108 along the first direction 118 .
  • the controller 140 actuates the crowd mechanism 116 to extend or retract the dipper 108 by the first predetermined distance along the first direction 118 . Further, based on the received signal indicative of unlocking the door 130 , the controller 140 actuates the hoist mechanism 120 to raise or lower the dipper 108 by the second predetermined distance along the second direction 126 .
  • the first and second predetermined distances are along the first direction 118 and the second direction 126 , respectively.
  • the dipper 108 therefore moves by the third predetermined distance along the third direction 702 .
  • the third predetermined distance and the third direction 702 are obtained by the vector addition of the first and second predetermined distances along the first and second directions 118 , 126 , respectively.
  • the effective displacement of the dipper 108 is therefore indicated by the third predetermined distance and the third direction 702 .
  • the effective displacement of the dipper 108 prevents the door 130 from contacting the hopper 104 during the unloading of the material.
  • the controller 140 stops the actuation of the hoist mechanism 120 based on the operator input. Further, the controller 140 stops the actuation of the crowd mechanism 116 based on the operator input. In such an embodiment, the controller 140 may be configured to start the actuation of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 based on the first operator input such as pressing and retaining the push button 206 in pressed position. Based on the pressed duration of the push button 206 , the controller 140 may be configured to continue the actuation of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 .
  • the controller 140 may be configured to stop the actuation of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 such that the releasing of the push button 206 may be the second operator input.
  • the controller 140 may be configured to start the actuation of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 based on the first operator input such as pressing and releasing of the push button 206 .
  • the controller 140 may be configured to stop the actuation of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 .
  • the controller 140 receives the signal indicative of the unloading position 102 of the hopper 104 . Based on the received signals, the controller 140 determines the distance of movement for raising or lowering the hoist mechanism 120 relative to the unloading position 102 . Based on the received signals, the controller 140 also determines the distance of movement for extending or retracting the crowd mechanism 116 relative to the unloading position 102 .

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Abstract

An implement system for a machine is provided. The implement system includes an implement having a door. The door is selectively locked to the implement. The implement system includes a crowd mechanism configured to move the implement along a first direction. The implement system includes a hoist mechanism configured to move the implement along a second direction. The implement system includes a controller communicably coupled to the hoist mechanism and the crowd mechanism. The controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of unlocking the door from the implement. The controller is also configured to actuate the crowd mechanism to move the implement along the first direction. The controller is further configured to actuate the hoist mechanism to move the implement along the second direction.

Description

    TECHNICAL FIELD
  • The present disclosure relates to a system and a method to operate an implement of a machine, and more specifically to the system and the method to operate the implement of a rope shovel.
  • BACKGROUND
  • Rope shovels typically include an implement, such as a dipper, for receiving material from a loading position and unloading the material at an unloading position. The unloading position may be a hopper of a crushing machine. During unloading of the material from the dipper, the door of the dipper may be unlocked to provide an exit for the material to fall from the dipper. When the door of the dipper is unlocked, the door may swing freely about a pivotal coupling provided between the door and the dipper. During the swinging movement, the door may hit against the hopper. Further, after the unloading of the material is finished, the dipper may be moved away from the unloading position towards the loading position for another dump cycle. During this time, the freely swinging door of the dipper may again hit against the hopper. This contact between the door and the hopper is undesirable and may cause damage to the door and/or the hopper.
  • U.S. Published Application Number 2012/0263566 discloses a system and method for various levels of automation of a swing-to-hopper motion for a rope shovel. An operator controls a rope shovel during a dig operation to load a dipper with materials. A controller receives position data, either via operator input or sensor data, for the dipper and a hopper where the materials are to be dumped. The controller then calculates an ideal path for the dipper to travel to be positioned above the hopper to dump the contents of the dipper. In some instances, the controller provides feedback to assist the operator in traveling along the ideal path to the hopper. In some instances, the controller restricts the dipper motion such that the operator is not able to deviate beyond certain limits of the ideal path. In some instances, the controller automatically controls the movement of the dipper to reach the hopper.
  • SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
  • In one aspect of the present disclosure, an implement system for a machine is provided. The implement system includes an implement having a door. The door is selectively locked to the implement. The implement system also includes a crowd mechanism configured to move the implement along a first direction. The implement system further includes a hoist mechanism configured to move the implement along a second direction. The implement system includes a controller communicably coupled to the hoist mechanism and the crowd mechanism. The controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of unlocking the door from the implement. The controller is also configured to actuate the crowd mechanism to move the implement along the first direction. The controller is further configured to actuate the hoist mechanism to move the implement along the second direction.
  • In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for operating an implement of a machine is provided. The method includes receiving an operator input indicative of unlocking a door of the implement. The method further includes actuating a crowd mechanism to move the implement along a first direction. The method also includes actuating a hoist mechanism to move the implement along a second direction.
  • In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a rope shovel is provided. The rope shovel includes a frame. The rope shovel also includes a boom extending from the frame. The rope shovel further includes a hoist mechanism provided on the boom. The rope shovel includes a crowd mechanism extending from the boom. The rope shovel also includes a dipper coupled to the crowd mechanism and the hoist mechanism. The dipper includes a body and a door pivotally coupled to the body. The door is selectively locked to the body. The crowd mechanism is configured to move the dipper along a first direction relative to the frame. The hoist mechanism is configured to move the dipper along a second direction relative to the frame. The rope shovel includes a controller communicably coupled to the hoist mechanism and the crowd mechanism. The controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of unlocking the door from the dipper. The controller is also configured to actuate the crowd mechanism to move the dipper along the first direction. The controller is further configured to actuate the hoist mechanism to move the dipper along the second direction.
  • Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary rope shovel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a part of an operator cabin, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a controller coupled to different components of the rope shovel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic representation showing the rope shovel in a loading position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic representation showing the rope shovel moving away from the loading position, according to the embodiment of FIG. 4;
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic representation showing the rope shovel at an unloading position, according to the embodiment of FIG. 4;
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic representation showing movement of an implement of the rope shovel relative to the unloading position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
  • FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for operating the implement of the rope shovel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or the like parts. Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary rope shovel 100 is illustrated. Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the rope shovel 100 as a machine. However, the present disclosure may also be applicable to other types of machines including, but not limited to, a hydraulic shovel and a dragline excavator. The rope shovel 100 is configured to receive material from a loading position 402 (shown in FIG. 4) and dump the material at an unloading position 102. In one embodiment, the loading position 402 may be a dig location such as a quarry. In another embodiment, the loading position 402 may be an outlet of a conveying machine. The unloading position 102 may be coincident with a hopper 104 of a crushing machine 106. In other embodiments, the unloading position 102 may be a dump truck, a conveyor or an open ground. The crushing machine 106 may be any known crushing machine, such as a stationary crushing machine, a mobile crushing machine, and so on as per system and/or operational requirements. The crushing machine 106 is configured to receive the material in the hopper 104 from the dipper 108, crush the received material and output the crushed material.
  • The rope shovel 100 includes a frame 110. The frame 110 is configured to mount and/or support various components of the rope shovel 100. The frame 110 is also configured to swing about a swing axis S-S relative to tracks 112 to move the rope shovel 100 from the loading position 402 to the unloading position 102. The rope shovel 100 includes ground engaging members, such as the tracks 112 coupled to the frame 110. The tracks 112 are configured to propel the rope shovel 100 forward or backward on ground. The tracks 112 are also configured to turn the rope shovel 100 by varying a speed and/or a direction of each of the tracks 112 relative to each other.
  • The rope shovel 100 includes a boom 114 extending from and coupled to the frame 110. The rope shovel 100 also includes a crowd mechanism 116 extending from the boom 114. The crowd mechanism 116 includes a handle 117 and a dipper 108 coupled to the handle 117. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the dipper 108 may act as the implement of the rope shovel 100. However, in various other embodiments, the implement may also be a bucket. The handle 117 is configured to slidably move with respect to the boom 114. Accordingly, the crowd mechanism 116 is configured to extend or retract the dipper 108 along a first direction 118 relative to the frame 110 based on the sliding movement of the handle 117. It should be noted by one skilled in the art that movement may be provided to the crowd mechanism 116 by any known methods (not shown) including, but not limited to, pneumatic arrangement, hydraulic arrangement and/or cable arrangement. The crowd mechanism 116 includes one or more crowd sensors (not shown). The crowd sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of a position and/or movement of the crowd mechanism 116 relative to the frame 110. The crowd sensor may include any one or a combination of, but not limited to, an inclinometer, an accelerometer, a proximity sensor and a gyroscope as per system design and requirements.
  • The rope shovel 100 includes a hoist mechanism 120 provided on the boom 114. The hoist mechanism 120 includes a winch (not shown), a pulley 122 and a hoist cable 124. The hoist cable 124 is connected to the winch at one end. Further, the hoist cable 124 extends over the pulley 122 and is connected to the dipper 108 at the other end. Based on a rotation of the winch, the cable retracts or extends relative to the winch. Accordingly, the hoist mechanism 120 is configured to raise or lower the dipper 108 along a second direction 126 relative to the frame 110. The hoist mechanism 120 includes one or more hoist sensors (not shown). The hoist sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of a position and/or movement of the hoist mechanism 120 relative to the frame 110. The hoist sensor may include any one or a combination of, but not limited to, an inclinometer, an accelerometer, a proximity sensor and a gyroscope. It should be noted that an orientation of the first direction 118 and the second direction 126 may change based on a position of the crowd mechanism 116 and the hoist mechanism 120.
  • The dipper 108 of the rope shovel 100 includes a body 128 and a door 130 pivotally coupled to the body 128. The dipper 108 is configured to receive the material and dump the material at the unloading position 102 based on an operation of the door 130. The rope shovel 100 includes a dipper trip mechanism 132 coupled to the door 130 of the dipper 108. The dipper trip mechanism 132 is configured to operate the door 130 of the dipper 108. The dipper trip mechanism 132 includes a trip motor 134 and a trip cable 136 extending between the trip motor 134 and the door 130. More specifically, the trip cable 136 is coupled to a locking mechanism (not shown) of the door 130. The locking mechanism is configured to selectively lock the door 130 to the body 128 of the dipper 108. The locking mechanism may be any locking mechanism known in the art, such as a latch bar and lever arrangement and so on. Based on an operation of the trip motor 134, the trip cable 136 retracts and actuates the locking mechanism. Based on an actuation of the locking mechanism, the door 130 is unlocked to dump the material at the unloading position 102. The dipper trip mechanism 132 includes one or more dipper sensors (not shown). The dipper sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of unlocking of the door 130.
  • The rope shovel 100 includes an operator cabin 138 provided on the frame 110. Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of a part of the operator cabin 138 is illustrated. The operator cabin 138 includes one or more input devices 202, such as a joystick 204. The joystick 204 may be configured to control a swing movement of the frame 110. Additionally, the joystick 204 includes a push button 206. Multiple push buttons may also be provided. In this embodiment, the push button 206 may be communicably coupled to the dipper trip mechanism 132, and is configured to control the actuation of the dipper trip mechanism 132. It should be noted that the joystick 204 and the push button 206 may be replaced by any other input devices known in the art and may have other independent functionalities not described herein.
  • In another embodiment, the input device 202 may be any other device including, but not limited to, switches, buttons, knobs, pedals and levers. Further, the push button 206 may be independent of the joystick 204 and may be provided at any other location different from the joystick 204. The input device 202 may be configured to receive an operator input indicative of operating and/or controlling the operation of various components and system of the rope shovel 100 including, but not limited to, the tracks 112, the crowd mechanism 116, the hoist mechanism 120 and the dipper trip mechanism 132.
  • The operator cabin 138 also includes a feedback device 208. The feedback device 208 is configured to provide information to the operator about a status of the rope shovel 100 and other systems communicating with the rope shovel 100, such as the hopper 104, the crushing machine 106 and so on. The feedback device 208 may include any one or a combination of, but not limited to, a display device such as a liquid crystal display, light emitting diodes or other illumination device, a heads-up display, a speaker for audible feedback such as a beep, a spoken message and so on, a tactile feedback device such as a vibration device configured to provide vibration to an operator seat or the input devices 202, or any other feedback device known in the art.
  • Referring to FIG. 1, the rope shovel 100 also includes a controller 140. The position of the controller 140 in the rope shovel 100 is purely exemplary in nature, and the controller 140 may be located anywhere in the rope shovel 100. The controller 140 may embody a single microprocessor or multiple microprocessors that includes a means for receiving signals from the components of the rope shovel 100. Numerous commercially available microprocessors may be configured to perform the functions of the controller 140. It should be appreciated that the controller 140 may embody a general machine microprocessor capable of controlling numerous machine functions. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the controller 140 may additionally include other components and may also perform other functionalities not described herein.
  • Referring to FIG. 3, a block diagram 300 showing the controller 140 communicably coupled to various components of the rope shovel 100 is provided. The controller 140 is communicably coupled to the input device 202. Accordingly, the controller 140 is configured to receive the operator input indicative of one or more functions to be performed by the rope shovel 100. For example, the operator input may include a signal indicative of starting or stopping of a dump cycle, swinging of the frame 110, propelling of the rope shovel 100 and so on. The controller 140 is communicably coupled to the crowd mechanism 116 and/or the crowd sensor. Accordingly, the controller 140 is configured to control and/or monitor an operation of the crowd mechanism 116. The controller 140 is further communicably coupled to the hoist mechanism 120 and/or the hoist sensor. Accordingly, the controller 140 is configured to control and/or monitor an operation of the hoist mechanism 120. The controller 140 is also communicably coupled to the dipper trip mechanism 132 and/or the dipper sensor. Accordingly, the controller 140 is configured to control and/or monitor an operation of the dipper trip mechanism 132.
  • Referring to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, an exemplary operation of the rope shovel 100 is illustrated. Reference is also made to FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the rope shovel 100 is oriented such that the dipper 108 is positioned at the loading position 402. In this orientation, the door 130 of the dipper 108 is locked to the body 128 and the dipper 108 is configured to receive the material from the loading position 402. After receiving the material, as shown in FIG. 5, the rope shovel 100 swings in a swing direction 502 (shown clockwise in this embodiment and may change based on a position of the unloading position 102) along the swing axis S-S relative to the tracks 112 to move from the loading position 402 towards the unloading position 102.
  • As shown in FIG. 6, after the dipper 108 is moved to the unloading position 102, the operator may manually position the dipper 108 over the unloading position 102 (the hopper 104 of FIG. 1) by using the joystick 204 and by visually observing the current position of the dipper 108 from the operator cabin 138. Additional visual or positioning aids may also be provided to help the operator to position the dipper 108. Subsequently, for unloading the material from the dipper 108, the operator provides the operator input indicative of actuation of the dump cycle through the push button 206. Based on the operator input provided, the dipper trip mechanism 132 is configured to actuate. Accordingly, the locking mechanism is actuated to unlock the door 130. Simultaneously, the controller 140 is configured to receive a signal indicative of unlocking of the door 130 from the dipper trip mechanism 132. This signal, which is indicative of unlocking of the door 130, may be received from the dipper sensor.
  • Referring to FIG. 7, a schematic representation showing movement of the dipper 108 relative to the hopper 104 is illustrated. Reference is also made to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. During unloading of the material, when the door 130 of the dipper 108 is unlocked, the door 130 tends to swing freely about the pivotal coupling. During the swinging movement, the door 130 may tend to hit against walls of the hopper 104 which is undesirable. This may cause damage to the door 130, the locking mechanism and/or the hopper 104. The present disclosure relates to the system and method for providing movements to the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 to prevent contact of the door 130 and the walls of the hopper 104 during the swinging movement of the door 130.
  • Based on the received signal indicative of unlocking the door 130, the controller 140 may be configured to actuate the crowd mechanism 116 to extend or retract the dipper 108 along the first direction 118. Further, based on the received signal indicative of unlocking the door 130, the controller 140 may be configured to actuate the hoist mechanism 120 to raise or lower the dipper 108 along the second direction 126. It should be noted that the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 may be actuated simultaneously or may be actuated sequentially in any order by the controller 140 as per system design and requirements.
  • In one embodiment, the controller 140 may be configured to actuate the crowd mechanism 116 to extend or retract the dipper 108 by a first predetermined distance along the first direction 118. Further, based on the received signal indicative of unlocking the door 130, the controller 140 may be configured to actuate the hoist mechanism 120 to raise or lower the dipper 108 by a second predetermined distance along the second direction 126. The first and second predetermined distances are along the first direction 118 and the second direction 126, respectively. The dipper 108 may therefore move by a third predetermined distance along a third direction 702. The third predetermined distance and the third direction 702 may be obtained by a vector addition of the first and second predetermined distances along the first and second directions 118, 126, respectively. An effective displacement of the dipper 108 may be therefore indicated by the third predetermined distance and the third direction 702. The effective displacement of the dipper 108 may prevent the door 130 from contacting the hopper 104 during the unloading of the material.
  • The controller 140 may be configured to estimate the predetermined distances in different ways. In one embodiment, the controller 140 may be configured to refer to a pre-calibrated reference map stored in a database (not shown) or an internal memory of the controller 140. The reference map may include pre-calibrated data corresponding to the predetermined distances. In another embodiment, the controller 140 may be configured to compute the predetermined distances based on a predetermined mathematical equation. This, mathematical equation may include a multiple polynomial regression model, a physics based model, a neural network model or any other model or algorithm known in the art.
  • In another embodiment, the controller 140 is configured to stop the actuation of the hoist mechanism 120 based on the operator input. Also, the controller 140 is configured to stop the actuation of the crowd mechanism 116 based on the operator input. In such an embodiment, the controller 140 may be configured to start the actuation of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 based on a first operator input such as pressing and retaining the push button 206 in pressed position. Based on a pressed duration of the push button 206, the controller 140 may be configured to continue the actuation of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116. Further, as the push button 206 is released, the controller 140 may be configured to stop the actuation of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 such that the releasing of the push button 206 may be a second operator input. In another exemplary embodiment, the controller 140 may be configured to start the actuation of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 based on the first operator input such as pressing and releasing of the push button 206. Further, as the push button 206 is again pressed and released to provide the second operator input to the controller 140, the controller 140 may be configured to stop the actuation of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116.
  • It should be noted that the signals indicative of the actuation and the stopping of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 may be provided to the controller 140 by the single push button 206. In another embodiment, the signals indicative of the actuation and the stopping of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 may be provided to the controller 140 by different push buttons (not shown) configured to operate the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 independently and/or separately.
  • In yet another embodiment, the controller 140 may be configured to receive a signal indicative of the unloading position 102. Accordingly, the hopper 104 and/or the crushing machine 106 may include a positioning device (not shown) such as a global and/or satellite positioning module, an optical camera, a three dimensional laser scanner and so on. The positioning device may be communicably coupled to the controller 140. The positioning device may be configured to generate signals indicative of the unloading position 102. Based on the received signals, the controller 140 may be configured to determine a distance of movement for raising or lowering the hoist mechanism 120 relative to the unloading position 102. Based on the received signals, the controller 140 may also be configured to determine a distance of movement for extending or retracting the crowd mechanism 116 relative to the unloading position 102.
  • The controller 140 may be configured to determine the distances of movement of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 in different ways. In one embodiment, the controller 140 may be configured to refer to a pre-calibrated reference map stored in a database (not shown) or an internal memory of the controller 140. The reference map may include pre-calibrated data corresponding to the distances of movement of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116. In another embodiment, the controller 140 may be configured to compute the distances of movement of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 based on a predetermined mathematical equation. This, mathematical equation may include a multiple polynomial regression model, a physics based model, a neural network model or any other model or algorithm known in the art.
  • INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
  • During unloading of the material from the dipper of the rope shovel, the door of the dipper is unlocked by actuating the dipper trip mechanism. When the door of the dipper is unlocked, the door tends to swing freely along the pivotal coupling. During the swinging movement, the door may tend to hit against the walls of the hopper. Further, after the unloading of the material is finished, the dipper is moved away from the unloading position towards the loading position for another dump cycle. During this time, the freely swinging door of the dipper may again hit against the walls of the hopper which is also undesirable. This may cause damage to the door, the locking mechanism and/or the hopper.
  • The present disclosure relates to a method for operating the dipper 108 of the rope shovel 100. The method may prevent contact between the door 130 and the hopper 104 during the unloading of the material. Referring to FIG. 8, a flowchart of a method 800 of operating the dipper 108 of the rope shovel 100 is illustrated. The operator may provide the operator input indicative of actuation of the dump cycle through the push button 206 in order to unload the material from the dipper 108. Based on the operator input provided, the dipper trip mechanism 132 is configured to actuate the locking mechanism. Accordingly, the locking mechanism unlocks the door 130. Simultaneously, at step 802, the controller 140 receives the signal indicative of unlocking of the door 130 from the dipper trip mechanism 132.
  • At step 804, based on the received signal indicative of unlocking the door 130, the controller 140 actuates the hoist mechanism 120 to raise or lower the dipper 108 along the second direction 126. At step 806, based on the received signal indicative of unlocking the door 130, the controller 140 actuates the crowd mechanism 116 to extend or retract the dipper 108 along the first direction 118.
  • In one embodiment, the controller 140 actuates the crowd mechanism 116 to extend or retract the dipper 108 by the first predetermined distance along the first direction 118. Further, based on the received signal indicative of unlocking the door 130, the controller 140 actuates the hoist mechanism 120 to raise or lower the dipper 108 by the second predetermined distance along the second direction 126. The first and second predetermined distances are along the first direction 118 and the second direction 126, respectively. The dipper 108 therefore moves by the third predetermined distance along the third direction 702. The third predetermined distance and the third direction 702 are obtained by the vector addition of the first and second predetermined distances along the first and second directions 118, 126, respectively. The effective displacement of the dipper 108 is therefore indicated by the third predetermined distance and the third direction 702. The effective displacement of the dipper 108 prevents the door 130 from contacting the hopper 104 during the unloading of the material.
  • In another embodiment, the controller 140 stops the actuation of the hoist mechanism 120 based on the operator input. Further, the controller 140 stops the actuation of the crowd mechanism 116 based on the operator input. In such an embodiment, the controller 140 may be configured to start the actuation of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 based on the first operator input such as pressing and retaining the push button 206 in pressed position. Based on the pressed duration of the push button 206, the controller 140 may be configured to continue the actuation of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116. Further, as the push button 206 is released, the controller 140 may be configured to stop the actuation of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 such that the releasing of the push button 206 may be the second operator input. In another exemplary embodiment, the controller 140 may be configured to start the actuation of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116 based on the first operator input such as pressing and releasing of the push button 206. Further, as the push button 206 is again pressed and released to provide the second operator input to the controller 140, the controller 140 may be configured to stop the actuation of the hoist mechanism 120 and the crowd mechanism 116.
  • In yet another embodiment, the controller 140 receives the signal indicative of the unloading position 102 of the hopper 104. Based on the received signals, the controller 140 determines the distance of movement for raising or lowering the hoist mechanism 120 relative to the unloading position 102. Based on the received signals, the controller 140 also determines the distance of movement for extending or retracting the crowd mechanism 116 relative to the unloading position 102.
  • While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:
1. An implement system for a machine, the implement system comprising:
an implement having a door, the door being selectively locked to the implement;
a crowd mechanism configured to move the implement along a first direction;
a hoist mechanism configured to move the implement along a second direction;
and
a controller communicably coupled to the hoist mechanism and the crowd mechanism, the controller configured to:
receive a signal indicative of unlocking the door from the implement;
actuate the crowd mechanism to move the implement along the first direction; and
actuate the hoist mechanism to move the implement along the second direction.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to:
actuate the crowd mechanism to move the implement by a predetermined distance along the first direction; and
actuate the hoist mechanism to move the implement by a predetermined distance along the second direction.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to receive an operator input indicative of:
stopping the actuation of the hoist mechanism based on the operator input; and
stopping the actuation of the crowd mechanism based on the operator input.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to:
receive a signal indicative of an unloading position;
determine a distance by which the hoist mechanism moves the implement based on the unloading position; and
determine a distance by which the crowd mechanism moves the implement based on the unloading position.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the unloading position is received from one of a satellite positioning system and a three-dimensional laser scanner.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the implement further comprises:
a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the door to the implement,
wherein the locking mechanism is operated by an operator input device to unlock the door.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the operator input device is a push button.
8. A method for operating an implement of a machine, the method comprising:
receiving an operator input indicative of unlocking a door of the implement;
actuating a crowd mechanism to move the implement along a first direction; and
actuating a hoist mechanism to move the implement along a second direction.
9. The method of claim 8 further comprising:
actuating the crowd mechanism to move the implement by a predetermined distance along the first direction; and
actuating the hoist mechanism to move the implement by a predetermined distance along the second direction.
10. The method of claim 8 further comprising:
stopping the actuation of the hoist mechanism based on an operator input; and
stopping the actuation of the crowd mechanism based on the operator input.
11. The method of claim 8 further comprising:
receiving a signal indicative of an unloading position;
determining a distance by which the hoist mechanism moves the implement based on the unloading position; and
determining a distance by which the crowd mechanism moves the implement based on the unloading position.
12. A rope shovel comprising:
a frame;
a boom extending from the frame;
a hoist mechanism provided on the boom;
a crowd mechanism extending from the boom;
a dipper coupled to the crowd mechanism and the hoist mechanism, the dipper comprising:
a body; and
a door pivotally coupled to the body, the door being selectively locked to the body,
wherein the crowd mechanism is configured to move the dipper along a first direction relative to the frame;
wherein the hoist mechanism is configured to move the dipper along a second direction relative to the frame; and
a controller communicably coupled to the hoist mechanism and the crowd mechanism, the controller configured to:
receive a signal indicative of unlocking the door from the dipper;
actuate the crowd mechanism to move the dipper along the first direction; and
actuate the hoist mechanism to move the dipper along the second direction.
13. The rope shovel of claim 12, wherein the controller is further configured to:
actuate the crowd mechanism to move the dipper by a predetermined distance along the first direction; and
actuate the hoist mechanism to move the dipper by a predetermined distance along the second direction.
14. The rope shovel of claim 12, wherein the controller is further configured to receive an operator input indicative of:
stopping the actuation of the hoist mechanism based on the operator input; and
stopping the actuation of the crowd mechanism based on the operator input.
15. The rope shovel of claim 12, wherein the controller is further configured to:
receive a signal indicative of an unloading position;
determine a distance by which the hoist mechanism moves the dipper based on the unloading position; and
determine a distance by which the crowd mechanism moves the dipper based on the unloading position.
16. The rope shovel of claim 15, wherein the unloading position is received from one of a satellite positioning system and a three-dimensional laser scanner.
17. The rope shovel of claim 15, wherein the unloading position is a position of a hopper, the hopper being a component of a crushing machine.
18. The rope shovel of claim 12, wherein the dipper further comprises:
a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the door to the body,
wherein the locking mechanism is operated by an operator input device to unlock the door.
19. The rope shovel of claim 18, wherein the operator input device is a push button.
20. The rope shovel of claim 12, wherein the frame is configured to swing along a swing axis.
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US10982410B2 (en) * 2016-09-08 2021-04-20 Joy Global Surface Mining Inc System and method for semi-autonomous control of an industrial machine
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