BR102021021140A2 - CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A WORK VEHICLE AND WORK VEHICLE - Google Patents

Abstract

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A WORK VEHICLE AND, WORK VEHICLE. A control system is provided for a work vehicle having a powerplant and at least one implement configured to engage material during an excavation operation. The control system includes a power source; a transmission configured for selective engagement to transfer power from the propeller and engine to drive a work vehicle powertrain output shaft; and a controller. The controller has a processor and memory architecture configured to: receive at least one operational parameter from the work vehicle; evaluating the at least one operational parameter to determine whether the at least one operational parameter satisfies an excavation preparation condition; and generating, upon satisfying the dig readiness condition, at least one dig readiness command for at least one of the transmission and the drive to prepare the power train for the digging operation before the at least one implement engages the material.

Description

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A WORK VEHICLE AND WORK VEHICLE CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED ORDERS

[001] Not applicable.

DECLARATION OF RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT SPONSORED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

[002] Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[003] This invention generally refers to a control system for a work vehicle, and more specifically, to a power control system for a work vehicle configured to be used in an excavation operation.

FUNDAMENTALS OF THE INVENTION

[004] In the agriculture, construction and forestry industries, various work machines, such as loaders (e.g. a wheel loader), can be used in tasks associated with hitching, lifting, moving and/or dumping various materials ( e.g. dirt, sand, aggregate and so on). In certain examples, a loader may include implements, such as a bucket pivotally coupled by one or more loader booms to the vehicle chassis and manipulated by hydraulic cylinders. Digging and/or lifting increases the load on the power system, potentially resulting in problems for the vehicle or operator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[005] The invention provides the control system for a work vehicle.

[006] In one aspect, a control system is provided for a work vehicle having a powerplant and at least one implement configured to engage material during an excavation operation. The control system includes a power source including at least one of an impeller and a motor configured to generate power; a transmission including at least one forward gear clutch and a plurality of control assembly clutches coupled and configured for selective engagement to transfer power from the propeller and engine to drive an output shaft of the powertrain of the work vehicle accordingly with a plurality of modes; and a controller coupled to the power source and transmission. The controller has a processor and memory architecture configured to: receive at least one operational parameter from the work vehicle; evaluating the at least one operational parameter to determine whether the at least one operational parameter satisfies an excavation preparation condition; and generating, upon satisfying the dig readiness condition, at least one dig readiness command for at least one of the transmission and the drive to prepare the power train for the digging operation before the at least one implement engages the material.

[007] In an additional aspect, a work vehicle is configured to engage a material during an excavation operation. The work vehicle includes a chassis; a powertrain supported by the chassis and including: a power source including at least one of a thruster and a motor configured to generate power; and a transmission including at least one forward direction clutch and a plurality of control assembly clutches coupled and configured for selective engagement to transfer power from the propeller and engine to drive an output shaft of the powertrain of the work vehicle. according to a plurality of modes; at least one implement supported by the chassis and configured to receive power from the power source to engage the material during the excavation operation; and a controller coupled to the power source and transmission. The controller has a processor and memory architecture configured to: receive at least one operational parameter from the work vehicle; evaluating the at least one operational parameter to determine whether the at least one operational parameter satisfies an excavation preparation condition; and generating, upon satisfying the dig readiness condition, at least one dig readiness command for at least one of the transmission and the drive to prepare the power train for the digging operation before the at least one implement engages the material.

[008] The details of one or more modalities are presented in the attached drawings and in the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description, drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[009] FIGURE 1 is a side view of an exemplary work vehicle in the form of a loader that uses an excavation preparation control system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of this invention;
FIGURE 2 is a powertrain for implementing the excavation preparation control system of the exemplary loader of FIGURE 1 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and
FIGURE 3 is a data flow diagram of an excavation preparation control system controller according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Similar reference symbols in the various drawings indicate similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] The following describes one or more exemplary embodiments of the control system, powertrain, work vehicle and/or method described, as shown in the accompanying figures of the drawings described briefly above. Various modifications to the exemplary embodiments may be contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0012] In the agriculture, construction and forestry industries, various work machines, such as loaders (e.g. a wheel loader), can be used in tasks associated with hitching, lifting, moving and/or dumping various materials ( e.g. dirt, sand, aggregate and so on). In certain examples, a loader may include implements, such as a bucket pivotally coupled by one or more loader booms to the vehicle chassis and manipulated by hydraulic cylinders. Generally, a loader can engage in an excavation task or excavation operation by properly positioning the boom and bucket; insert the bucket into the material pile; and collect, remove and transport material out and away from the pile. A number of loader systems and components may be involved in the excavation task, including the attachments, hydraulics, power sources (eg, propeller and engines) and transmission.

[0013] Typically, the wheel loader includes a power control system implemented with a powertrain having a powerplant and one or more additional power sources, such as one or more engines, which individually and collectively provide power through a transmission to power the vehicle and perform work functions, including handling the boom and loader bucket. In some examples, the power control system may implement one or more modes within the transmission in which power from one or both of the thruster and engine selectively provides the output torque. This transmission can be considered a hybrid transmission, an infinitely variable transmission (IVT) or an infinitely variable electrical transmission (eIVT); and this powertrain can be considered a hybrid powertrain, IVT or eIVT.

[0014] As shown above, the loader may approach a pile of material preparing to engage in the excavation operation, and in some situations, the loader may approach and enter the pile to load the bucket at a relatively high speed. . On an eIVT-type loader, the relatively high speed and associated rapid deceleration in the material pile can result in potentially challenging situations for the loader. For example, rapid deceleration can result in inertial load within the transmission, which in turn can result in heavy load on the engine. Unless addressed, heavy load on the engine can result in “overloading” within the powertrain, thereby causing a degradation of machine performance and sensitivity.

[0015] However, in accordance with the present invention, the power control operation is configured to identify a situation in which the operator or loader intends to engage in an excavation operation and prepares accordingly for anticipated demands. As discussed in more detail below, the power control operation can implement a dig readiness function to monitor the dig condition parameters and, upon identification, generate one or more commands to the powertrain, including thruster commands and transmission to accommodate the anticipated increase in load.

[0016] In one example, the power control system considers directional data, external load data, ground speed data, and implement data with respect to assessing excavation preparation conditions. Upon reaching the associated limits, these data can be indicative that excavation preparations are warranted. When the power control system identifies a dig preparation condition, commands to the thruster and transmission can be generated. These commands may include thruster emission commands, thruster air and fuel commands, thruster speed commands, main clutch commands, and clutch modulation commands. The result of these commands is a powertrain better prepared for the demands of the excavation task. In particular, the power control system can intelligently command better or increased performance of the thruster and transmission. This operates to ensure the machine performs as expected during excavation without affecting vehicle performance to avoid reducing overall work efficiency.

[0017] Referring now to FIGURE 1, a work vehicle in the form of a loader 100 may include or otherwise implement a power control system 102 that performs an excavation preparation function to ensure consistent and/or sufficient power during an excavation operation. The view of FIG. 1 generally reflects the loader 100 preparing to engage a pile of material (eg dirt, sand, aggregate and so on). In one example, the power control system 102 may be considered to include or otherwise interact with a controller 104, a powerplant 106, one or more implement arrangements 108, and one or more sensors 110 supported on chassis 112 of the loader. 100. In FIG. 1, loader 100 is provided as an exemplary working vehicle or machine. It will be understood, however, that other configurations may be possible, including configurations with the loader 100 as other machines for lifting and moving various materials in the agriculture, construction and/or forestry industries.

[0018] Generally, the powerplant 106 includes one or more power sources, such as a thruster 114 (e.g. a diesel powerplant) and/or one or more continuously variable power sources (CVPs) 116a, 116b (e.g. example, one or more electric and/or hydraulic motors). The power train 106 further includes a transmission 118 that transfers power from the power sources 114, 116a, 116b to a suitable transmission system coupled to one or more sprockets 120 to enable propulsion of the loader 100. The transmission 118 may also supply power. to drive implement arrangement 108. Transmission 118 may include various gears, shafts, clutches, and other power transfer elements that may be operated in a variety of ranges representing selected output speeds and/or torques.

[0019] As shown above, loader 100 additionally includes implement arrangement 108 that performs one or more work tasks, including excavation tasks. In one example, the implement arrangement 108 includes a boom 122a and a bucket 124a. As shown, boom 122a has a first end coupled to chassis 112 and a distal end to which bucket 124a is mounted. Various joints, cross rods, brackets, pins and the like can be provided. Bucket 124a is generally configured to receive a load of material. Implement arrangement 108 additionally includes one or more actuators 126a, 126b which are configured to reposition boom 122a and/or bucket 124a. In one example, actuators 126a, 126b are hydraulic cylinders in which a first actuator (or set of actuators) 126a extends between chassis 112 and boom 122a to reposition boom 122a and a second actuator (or set of actuators) 126b extends between boom 122a and bucket 124a to reposition bucket 124a with respect to boom 122a. Implement arrangement 108 may additionally be considered to include or otherwise interact with a hydraulic system 128 that drives actuators 126a, 126b based on commands from controller 104. Hydraulic system 128 may include one or more pumps and accumulators. (as well as various control valves and conduits) that can be actuated by power sources 114, 116a, 116b (directly or via transmission 118) of loader 100 to extend and retract actuators 126a, 126b. As noted, in some embodiments, a different number or configuration of implement arrangement 108 and hydraulic system 128 may be used. As such, implement arrangement 108 is configured to vertically and/or horizontally position bucket 124a and boom 122a via actuators 126a and hydraulics 128 based on commands from controller 104, for example, in response to operator inputs or autonomously.

[0020] Boom 122a and particularly bucket 124a are movable between various positions for different aspects of the general task, for example, to hitch, dig, level, roll back and dump. In one example, each boom 122a and bucket 124a may have angular positions considered relative to a respective horizontal axis (e.g., axis 122b for boom 122a and axis 124b for bucket 124a). If axle 122b, 124b is assumed to be a 50% reference position, boom 122a and bucket 124a can be pivoted up and down positions to reflect positions relative to horizontal, for example from 0% to a higher position. as low as possible to 100% at the highest possible position.

[0021] Generally, the controller 104 implements the operation of the power control system 102, the power train 106 and other aspects of the loader 100, including any of the functions described herein. Controllers 104 may be configured as computing devices with associated processor devices and memory architectures, such as hydraulic, electrical, or electro-hydraulic controllers, or otherwise. As such, the controller 104 may be configured to perform various computational and control functionality in relation to the loader 100. The controller 104 may be in electronic, hydraulic or otherwise communication with various other systems or devices on the loader 100, including through a CAN bus (not shown). For example, the controller 104 may be in electronic or hydraulic communication with various actuators, sensors, and other devices and systems within (or outside) the loader 100, some of which sensors are discussed in more detail below. An exemplary location for controller 104 is depicted in FIG. 1. It will be understood, therefore, that other locations are possible including other locations on the loader 100 or various remote locations.

[0022] In some embodiments, the controller 104 may be configured to receive input commands and interface with an operator via a human-machine interface or operator interface (not shown), including steering, acceleration, speed, transmission and normal wheel brake controls as well as other suitable controls. The human-machine interface can be configured in a variety of ways and can include one or more joysticks, multiple switches or levers, one or more buttons, a touchscreen interface that can be superimposed on a display, a keyboard, a speaker, a microphone associated with a voice recognition system or various other human-machine interface devices. The controller 104 may also receive input from one or more sensors 110 associated with the various systems and components of the loader 100, as discussed in more detail below. As also discussed below, controller 104 may implement power control system 102 based on these inputs to generate suitable commands for powerplant 106, particularly in response to excavation conditions to generate excavation preparation commands.

[0023] As noted above, the loader 100 may include one or more sensors (generally represented by the sensor 110) in communication to provide various types of feedback and data with the controller 104 in order to implement the functions described in this document. In certain applications, sensors 110 may be provided to observe various conditions associated with loader 100. In one example, sensors 110 may provide information associated with power control system 102 to identify conditions for an excavation preparation function and generate commands for the excavation preparation function.

[0024] In one example, sensors 110 include one or more load sensors configured to collect information associated with vehicle loads, particularly traction loads. The tensile load can correspond to the longitudinal forces that can develop through the drive group 106, for example, due to gravitational forces in the presence of a degree. As examples, load sensors may include any type of sensors suitable for determining external loads, including strain gauges, hydraulic, pneumatic and capacitive load cells, and/or piezoelectric transducers. In some situations, a relatively high pulling load may indicate that the loader 100 is moving up on a relatively high grade, which is indicative that the loader 100 is not preparing to dig.

[0025] Sensors 110 may additionally include kinematic sensors that collect information associated with the position and/or movement of the loader 100. In particular, the sensors 110 may include one or more directional sensors (e.g., that indicate the current direction of the loader 100). 100) and/or one or more ground speed sensors.

[0026] In addition, sensors 110 may include one or more sensors associated with implement arrangement 108, particularly one or more boom position sensors and one or more bucket position sensors. As noted above, boom 122a and/or bucket 124a may be considered to have coordinate systems, each with a respective axis 122b, 124b to provide a reference from which to measure the current angle or position of boom 122a and bucket 124a relative to a horizontal position (or 50%). As such, position sensors (or other mechanisms for determining such information) can be configured to sense the position of boom 122a and bucket 124a.

[0027] Additional sensors (or otherwise sources or data) may provide or include sources of powertrain data, including data sufficient to determine the current or anticipated mode of transmission 118, information associated with the positions of one or more transmission clutch, torque and/or speed information associated with CVPs 116a, 116b, impeller 114 and/or transmission elements 118.

[0028] As described in more detail below, the power control system 102 operates to evaluate the operating parameter to identify excavation readiness conditions and, in response, generate commands that prime the loader 100 powerplant 106 for increased load. excavation task load. The excavation preparation function is particularly useful in a hybrid powertrain system (eg with CVP and thruster power sources). An exemplary transmission that conditions power from such sources is discussed in more detail with reference to FIGURE 2 before further details on the power control system 102 implementing the excavation preparation function with reference to FIGURE 3.

[0029] Referring now to FIGURE 2, an exemplary powerplant 106 is depicted as implementing aspects of the power control system 102. As shown and discussed in more detail below, the power control system 102 may be considered to include the powertrain 106 and controller 104, which is in communication with the various components of powertrain 106 and additionally receives information from various load systems and/or sensors 110 (FIGURE 1).

[0030] As noted above, the powertrain 106 may include one or more power sources 114, 116a, 116b. In particular, the propeller group 106 may include the impeller 114, which may be an internal combustion propeller of various known configurations; and additionally the power train 106 may also include the first CVP 116a (e.g. an electric or hydraulic motor) and the second CVP 116b (e.g. an electric or hydraulic motor), which may be connected together by a conduit 116c (e.g. example, an electrical or hydraulic conduit). Powertrain 106 includes transmission 118 which transfers power from thruster 114, first CVP 130, and/or second CVP 134 to an output shaft 230. As described below, transmission 118 includes a number of gears, clutches, and control assemblies to properly drive the output shaft 230 at different speeds in multiple directions. Generally, in one example, the transmission 118 of the powerplant 106 to implement the power control system 102 can be any type of infinitely variable transmission arrangement.

[0031] The impeller 114 may provide rotational power via an impeller output element, such as a flywheel, to an impeller shaft 130 in accordance with commands from the controller 104 based on the desired operation. The impeller shaft 130 may be configured to provide rotational energy to a gear 132. The gear 132 may be meshed with a gear 134, which may be supported on (e.g., attached to) a shaft 136. The shaft 136 may be substantially parallel to, and spaced from, the shaft of the thruster 130. The shaft 136 may support various components of a thruster group 106, as will be discussed in detail.

[0032] The gear 132 may also be meshed with a gear 138, which is supported on (e.g., fixed to) a shaft 140. The shaft 140 may be substantially parallel to, and spaced from, the shaft of the impeller 130, and the shaft 140 can be connected to the first CVP 130. Consequently, mechanical energy from the impeller (i.e., the energy from the impeller) may transfer through the impeller shaft 130 to the meshing gears 132, 138 to shaft 140, and for the first CVP 116a. The first CVP 116a can convert this energy to an alternative form (eg, electrical or hydraulic power) for transmission over conduit 116c to the second CVP 116b. This converted and transmitted energy can then be reconverted by the second CVP 116b to the mechanical output along axis 142. Various known control devices (not shown) can be provided to regulate this conversion, transmission, reconversion, and the like. Also, in some embodiments, shaft 142 may support a gear 144 (or other similar component). Gear 144 can be meshed with, and can transfer energy to, a gear 146. Gear 144 can also be meshed with, and can transfer energy to, a gear 148. Consequently, energy from the second CVP 116b (i.e. , CVP power) can be split between gear 146 and gear 148 for transmission to other components, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0033] The drivetrain 106 may additionally include a variator 150 which represents an example of an arrangement that allows infinitely variable power transmission between the thruster 114 and the CVPs 116a, 116b and the output shaft 230. As discussed below, this The arrangement additionally allows the power control system 102, in which the mechanical power from the impeller 114, can be used to increase the power of CVP in a series mode. Other arrangements of variator 150, impeller 114 and CVPs 116a, 116b may be provided.

[0034] In some embodiments, the variator 150 may include at least two planetary gear sets. In some embodiments, the planetary gear sets may be interconnected and supported on a common shaft, such as shaft 136, and the planetary gear sets may be substantially concentric. In other embodiments, a different set of planetary gears may be supported on respective separate shafts which are non-concentric. The arrangement of the planetary gear sets can be configured according to the space available within the loader 100 for stowage of the powerplant 106.

[0035] As shown in the embodiment of FIGURE 2, the variator 150 may include a first planetary gear set (i.e., a "low" planetary gear set 152 with a first sun gear 154, first planetary gears, and associated support 156 and a first ring gear 158. In addition, the variator 150 may include a second planetary gear set (i.e., a "high" planetary gear set 160 with a second sun gear 162, second planetary gears, and associated support 164, and a second ring gear 166. Second planet gears and support 164 may be directly attached to first ring gear 158. Also, second planet gears and holder 164 may be directly attached to a shaft 168 having a gear 170 attached thereto. Furthermore, the second ring gear 166 may be directly affixed to a gear 172. As shown, shaft 168, gear 170, and gear 172 may each receive, and may be substantially concentric with, shaft 136. Although not specifically shown, it will be recognized that the power train 106 may include multiple bearings to support these components concentrically. Specifically, shaft 168 may be rotationally attached via a bearing to shaft 136, and gear 172 may be rotationally attached via another bearing to shaft 168.

[0036] On the opposite side of the variator 150 (from left to right in FIGURE 2), the gear 148 can be mounted (e.g., fixed) on a shaft 174, which also supports the first and second sun gears 154, 162. In some embodiments, shaft 174 may be hollow and may receive shaft 136. A bearing (not shown) may rotationally support shaft 174 on shaft 136 substantially concentrically.

[0037] In addition, the first planetary gears and associated support 156 may be affixed to a gear 176. The gear 176 may be meshed with a gear 178, which is attached to a shaft 180. The shaft 180 may be substantially parallel to, and spaced from, axis 136.

[0038] As noted above, a drive train 106 may be configured to supply power (from the drive 114, the first CVP 116a, and/or the second CVP 116b) to the output shaft 230 or other output component via transmission 118. Output shaft 230 may be configured to transmit this received power to wheel loader 100, to a power take-off (PTO) shaft, to a gearbox, to an implement, or other loader component. 100.

[0039] The powerplant 106 may have a plurality of selectable modes, such as direct drive modes, split path modes, and series modes. In a direct drive mode, power from the impeller 114 may be transmitted to the output shaft 230, and the power from the second CVP 116b may be prevented from transferring to the output shaft 230. split path, the power from the impeller 114 and the second CVP 134 can be summed by the variator 150, and the summed or combined power can be supplied to the output shaft 230. Furthermore, in a series mode, the power to from the second CVP 116b may be transmitted to the output shaft 230 and the energy from the impeller 114 may be prevented from transferring to the output shaft 230. The power unit 106 may also have different speed modes in one or more of the following. direct drive, split path, and series modes, and these different speed modes can provide different angular speed ranges for the output shaft 230. The drivetrain 106 can switch between a plurality of modes to maintain operational efficiency. appropriate. In addition, the powerplant 106 may have one or more forward modes for moving the loader 100 in a forward direction, and one or more reverse modes for moving the loader 100 in a reverse direction.

[0040] Powerplant 106 may implement one or more aspects of the excavation preparation function as well as different modes and speeds, for example using a control set 182. Control set 182 may include one or more transmission components selectable. Selectable transmission components may have first positions or conditions (engaged positions or conditions) in which the respective device effectively transmits all power from an input component to an output component. Selectable transmission components may also have a second position or condition (a disengaged position or condition) in which the device prevents transmission of power from the input to the output component. Selectable transmission components may have third positions or conditions (partially engaged or modulated positions or conditions), in which the respective device transmits only a portion of the energy from an input component to an output component. Unless otherwise noted, the term “engaged” refers to the first position or condition in which effectively all energy is transferred, while “partially engaged” or “modulated” specifically refers to only partial energy transfer. The selectable transmission components of control assembly 182 may include one or more wet clutches, dry clutches, "clamp" clutches, brakes, synchronizers, or other similar devices. Control assembly 182 may also include an actuator for actuating selectable transmission components between first, second and third positions.

[0041] As shown in FIGURE 2, the control assembly 182 may include a first clutch 184, a second clutch 186, a third clutch 188, a fourth clutch 190, and a fifth clutch 192. Also, the control assembly 182 may include a forward directional clutch 194 and a reverse directional clutch 196. As noted above, one or more of the sensors 110 (FIGURE 1) may be associated with the directional clutches 194, 196 to provide feedback and/or status information to the controller. 104 to implement the excavation preparation function.

[0042] In one example, the first clutch 184 may be mounted and supported on a shaft 198. Also, the first clutch 184, in an engaged position, may engage the gear 146 on the shaft 198 for rotation as a unit. First clutch 184, in a disengaged position, may allow gear 146 to rotate with respect to shaft 198. Also, a gear 200 may be attached to shaft 198, and gear 200 may mesh with gear 170 which is attached to shaft 198. axle 168. Reverse directional clutch 196 may be supported on axle 198 (i.e., commonly supported on axle 198 with first clutch 184). Reverse directional clutch 196 may engage and alternatively disengage gear 200 and a gear 202. Gear 202 may be engaged with idler gear 204, and idler gear 204 may be engaged with gear 206. Forward directional clutch 194 can be supported on gear 206, which is in turn supported on axle 136, to selectively engage axle 168. Thus, forward directional clutch 194 can be concentric to both axle 168 and axle 136. The second clutch 186 may be supported on shaft 180. Second clutch 186 may engage and alternatively disengage shaft 180 and a gear 208. Gear 208 may be meshed with gear 210. Gear 210 may be attached to, and mounted on, a countershaft 212. Countershaft 212 may also support a gear 214. Gear 214 may be meshed with gear 216, which is attached to output shaft 230.

[0043] Third clutch 188 may be supported on shaft 218. Shaft 218 may be substantially parallel and spaced a distance from shaft 180. Also, a gear 220 may be attached to, and supported by, shaft 218. Gear 220 may be meshed with gear 172 as shown. Third clutch 188 may engage and alternatively disengage gear 220 and a gear 222. Gear 222 may be meshed with gear 210. Fourth clutch 190 may be supported on shaft 180 (in common with second clutch 186). The fourth clutch 190 may engage and alternatively disengage the shaft 180 and a gear 224. The gear 224 may be meshed with a gear 226 which is mounted on and secured to the countershaft 212. Additionally, the fifth clutch 192 may be supported on shaft 218 (in common with and concentric with third clutch 188). Fifth clutch 192 can engage and alternatively disengage shaft 218 and a gear 228. Gear 228 can be engaged with gear 226.

[0044] The different transmission modes of a powerplant 106 will now be discussed. Like the embodiments discussed above, a powerplant 106 may have at least one at least one split path mode in which power from the thruster 114 and one or more of the CVPs 130, 134 is combined. Also, in some embodiments, a powerplant 106 may additionally have a direct drive mode and/or and at least one CVP-only mode (i.e., series mode).

[0045] In some embodiments, engagement of the first clutch 184 and second clutch 186 may place a powerplant 106 in a first forward mode. Generally, this mode can be a CVP-only mode (ie serial mode). In this mode, mechanical energy from impeller 114 can flow through shaft 130, gear 132, gear 138, and shaft 140 to the first CVP 116a. The first CVP 116a can convert this input mechanical energy into electrical or hydraulic energy and supply the converted energy to the second CVP 116b. Also, energy from impeller 114 flowing through shaft 130, gear 132 and gear 134 to shaft 136 is prevented from being fed to variator 150. Furthermore, mechanical energy from second CVP 116b can rotate shaft 142 and affixed gear 144. This CVP energy can rotate gear 148 to rotate a first sun gear 154. CVP energy can also rotate gear 146, which it can transfer through first clutch 184 to shaft 198, for gear 200, for gear 170, for shaft 168, for second planetary gears and associated support 164, for first ring gear 158. In other words, in this mode, energy from second CVP 116b can drive two components of the variator 150 (a first sun gear 154 and a first ring gear 158), and the energy can be summed and recombined in the first planetary gears and associated support 15 6. Recombined energy can be transferred via gear 176 and gear 178 to shaft 180. Power in shaft 180 may be transferred via second clutch 186 to gear 208, to gear 210, along countershaft 212, to gear 214, to gear 216, and finally to output shaft 230. In some embodiments, the series mode can provide output shaft 230 with relatively high torque at low angular speed output. Thus, this mode may be referred to as a carrier mode in some embodiments. Also, as will become apparent, the first clutch 184 can only be used in this mode; therefore, the first clutch 184 may be referred to as a "carrier clutch". In other words, the second CVP 116b rotates the first sun gear 154 and the first ring gear 158, and the energy of the CVP recombines in the first planetary gears and support 156, as a result.

[0046] In some embodiments, engagement of the forward directional clutch 194 and the second clutch 186 may place a powerplant 106 in a first forward directional mode. This mode may be a split-path mode in which the inverter 150 sums the power of the second CVP 116b and the impeller 114 and supplies the combined power to the output shaft 230. Specifically, the power of the second CVP 116b is transmitted from the shaft 142. , to gear 144, to gear 148, to shaft 174, to drive first sun gear 154. In addition, power from impeller 114 is transmitted to shaft 130, to gear 132, to gear 134, to shaft 136, to gear 206, through forward directional clutch 194, to shaft 168, to second planetary gears and associated support 164 for first ring gear 158. The combined power of second CVP 116b and impeller 114 is summed in first planetary gears and associated support 156 and is transmitted through gear 176 and gear 178 to shaft 180. Power in shaft 180 may be transferred through second clutch 186 to gear 208, to From gear 210, along countershaft 212, to gear 214, to gear 216, and finally to output shaft 230.

[0047] Also, in some embodiments, engaging the forward directional clutch 194 and the third clutch 188 may place the power train 106 into a second forward directional mode as an additional split path mode. Specifically, the power of the second CVP 116b can be transmitted from the shaft 142, to the gear 144, to the gear 148, to the shaft 174, to drive the second sun gear 162. In addition, the power of the impeller 114 is transmitted to the shaft 130, to gear 132, to gear 134, to shaft 136, to gear 206, through forward directional clutch 194, to shaft 168, to second planetary gears and associated support 164. second CVP 116b and impeller 114 can be added to the second ring gear 166 and can be transmitted to gear 172, to gear 220, through third clutch 188, to gear 222, to gear 210, to countershaft 212, to gear 214, to gear 216, and finally to output shaft 230.

[0048] Also, in some embodiments, engaging the forward directional clutch 194 and fourth clutch 190 may place the powerplant 106 into a third forward directional mode as an additional split path mode. Specifically, the power of the second CVP 116b is transmitted from the shaft 142, to the gear 144, to the gear 148, to the shaft 174, to drive the first sun gear 154. In addition, the power of the impeller 114 is transmitted to the shaft. 130, for gear 132, for gear 134, for shaft 136, for gear 206, through forward directional clutch 194, for shaft 168, for second planetary gears and associated support 164, for first ring gear 158. The combined power of the second CVP 116b and the impeller 114 is summed in the first planetary gears and associated support 156 and is transmitted through gear 176 and gear 178 to shaft 180. Power on shaft 180 may be transferred through the fourth clutch 190 to gear 210, to gear 226, along countershaft 212, to gear 214, to gear 216, and finally to output shaft 230.

[0049] Also, in some embodiments, engaging the forward directional clutch 194 and fifth clutch 192 may place the powerplant 106 into a fourth forward directional mode as an additional split path mode. Specifically, the power of the second CVP 116b can be transmitted from the shaft 142, to the gear 144, to the gear 148, to the shaft 174, to drive the second sun gear 162. In addition, the power of the impeller 114 is transmitted to the shaft 130, to gear 132, to gear 134, to shaft 136, to gear 206, through forward directional clutch 194, to shaft 168, to second planetary gears and associated support 164. second CVP 116b and impeller 114 can be added to the second ring gear 166 and can be transmitted to gear 172, to gear 220, through fifth clutch 192, to gear 228, to gear 226, to countershaft 212, to gear 214, to gear 216, and finally to output shaft 230.

[0050] Powerplant 106 may also have one or more reverse modes to drive loader 100 in the opposite (reverse) direction of those modes discussed above. In some embodiments, the main group 106 may provide a series reverse mode, which corresponds to the series forward mode discussed above, in which the first clutch 184 and second clutch 186 may be engaged so that the second CVP 116b drives the axle 142 and the other downstream component in the opposite direction from that described above to move the loader 100 in the reverse direction.

[0051] In addition, the powerplant 106 may have a plurality of split-path reverse directional modes. In some embodiments, the powerplant 106 may provide reverse directional modes that correspond to the forward directional modes discussed above; however, reverse directional clutch 196 can be engaged instead of forward directional clutch 194 to achieve reverse modes.

[0052] Accordingly, the powerplant 106 can provide a first reverse directional mode by engaging the reverse directional clutch 196 and the second clutch 186. As such, the power of the second CVP 116b can be transmitted from the shaft 142 to the gear 144, to gear 148, to shaft 174, to drive first sun gear 154. Furthermore, power from impeller 114 may be transmitted to shaft 130, to gear 132, to gear 134, to shaft 136, to gear 206, to idler gear 204, to gear 202, through reverse directional clutch 196, to gear 200 to gear 170, to shaft 168, to second planetary gears and associated support 164 for first ring gear 158. The combined power of the second CVP 116b and the impeller 114 may be summed in the first planetary gears and associated support 156 and may be transmitted through gear 176 and gear 178 to the shaft. 180. Power on shaft 180 can be transferred through second clutch 186 to gear 208, to gear 210, along countershaft 212, to gear 214, to gear 216, and finally to output shaft 230.

[0053] The powerplant 106 can also provide a second reverse directional mode by engaging the reverse directional clutch 196 and the third clutch 188. As such, power from the second CVP 116b can be transmitted from the shaft 142, to the gear 144, to the gear 148, to shaft 174, to drive second sun gear 162. In addition, power from impeller 114 may be transmitted to shaft 130, gear 132, gear 134, shaft 136, gear 206, idler gear 204, gear 202, through reverse directional clutch 196, gear 200, gear 170, shaft 168, second planetary gears, and associated support 164. The combined energy of second CVP 116b and impeller 114 can be summed in the second ring gear 166 and can be transmitted to gear 172, to gear 220, through third clutch 188, to gear 222, to gear 210, to countershaft 212, to gear 214, to gear gear 216 and finally to the output shaft 230.

[0054] Also, in some embodiments, engaging the reverse directional clutch 196 and the fourth clutch 190 may place the powerplant 106 into a third reverse directional mode. Specifically, power from second CVP 116B can be transmitted from shaft 142 to gear 144 to gear 148 to shaft 174 to drive first sun gear 154. In addition, power from thruster 114 can be transmitted to shaft 130, for gear 132, for gear 134, for shaft 136, for gear 206, for idler gear 204, for gear 202, through reverse directional clutch 196, for gear 200, for gear 170 for the shaft 168, for the second planetary gears and associated support 164, for the first ring gear 158. The combined energy of the second CVP 116b and the impeller 114 can be summed in the first planetary gears and the associated support 156 and can be transmitted through gear 176 and gear 178 to shaft 180. Power on shaft 180 may be transferred through fourth clutch 190 to gear 210, to gear 226, along countershaft 212, p. to gear 214, to gear 216, and finally to output shaft 230.

[0055] Also, in some embodiments, engaging the reverse directional clutch 196 and fifth clutch 192 may place the powerplant 106 into a fourth reverse directional mode. Specifically, the power of the second CVP 116b can be transmitted from the shaft 142, to the gear 144, to the gear 148, to the shaft 174, to drive the second sun gear 162. In addition, the power of the impeller 114 can be transmitted to the shaft 130, to gear 132, to gear 134, to shaft 136, to gear 206, to idler gear 204, to gear 202, through reverse directional clutch 196, to gear 200, to gear 170, to shaft 168, to second gears gears and associated support 164. The combined energy of the second CVP 116b and the impeller 114 may be added to the second ring gear 166 and may be transmitted to the gear 172, to the gear 220, through the fifth clutch 192, to the gear 228. , to gear 226, to countershaft 212, to gear 214, to gear 216, and finally to output shaft 230.

[0056] In addition, powerplant 106 may provide one or more direct drive modes, in which power from thruster 114 is transferred to output shaft 230 and power from second CVP 116b is prevented from transferring to output shaft 230. 230. Specifically, engaging the second clutch 186, third clutch 188 and forward directional clutch 194 can provide a first forward direct drive mode. As such, the power of the impeller 114 can be transferred from the shaft 130, to the gear 132, to the shaft 136, to the gear 206, through the forward directional clutch 194, to the second planetary gears and support 164, and to the first ring gear 158. Furthermore, with the second and third clutches 186, 188 engaged, the second ring gear 166 and the first planetary gears and support 156 lock in a fixed ratio to the countershaft 212 and thus the output shaft 230. This effectively restricts the ratio of each side of the variator 150 and locks the impeller speed directly to the travel speed of the loader 100 by a ratio determined by the tooth count of the gear train engaged. In this scenario, the speed of the sun gears 154, 162 is fixed and the sun gears 154, 162 carry torque between the two sides of the variator 150. Furthermore, the first CVP 116a and the second CVP 116b may be de-energized.

[0057] Likewise, engaging the fourth clutch 190, fifth clutch 192 and forward directional clutch 194 can provide a second direct forward drive mode. Furthermore, engaging the second clutch 186, third clutch 188 and reverse directional clutch 196 can provide a first reverse direct drive mode. Furthermore, engaging the fourth clutch 190, fifth clutch 192 and reverse directional clutch 196 can provide a second reverse direct drive mode.

[0058] As shown above, controller 104 is coupled to control various aspects of power control system 102, including thruster 114 and transmission 118 to implement the excavation preparation function. With respect to the transmission 118 of FIGURE 2 and as discussed in more detail below, the controller 104 may operate in accordance with the dig preparation function to pre-charge the clutches 184, 184, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196 to downshift and set actuation limits for the directional clutches (particularly the forward directional clutch 194) to allow slippage within the transmission 118. Preloading the clutches 184, 184, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196 may include advancing the priming limits for clutches 184, 184, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196 to increase responsiveness to travel commands. One such mechanism for implementing this command is described in United States Patent No. 10,655,686, which is incorporated herein by reference. A more detailed description of the excavation preparation function is provided below with reference to FIGURE 3.

[0059] Referring now also to FIGURE 3, a data flow diagram illustrates an embodiment of the power control system 102 implemented by sensors 110, controller 104, thruster 114 and transmission 118 to perform the excavation preparation function, identifying one or more conditions suitable for the function and, upon identification, generate commands suitable for implementation. Generally, controller 104 can be considered a vehicle controller, a dedicated controller, or a combination of engine and/or transmission controllers. With respect to the power control system 102 of FIGURE 3, the controller 104 may be organized as one or more functional units or modules 240, 242 (e.g., software, hardware, or combinations thereof). As can be appreciated, the modules 240, 242 shown in FIGURE 3 may be combined and/or partitioned further to perform functions similar to those described in this document. For example, each of the modules 240, 242 may be implemented with processing architecture, such as a processor 244 and memory 246, as well as appropriate communication interfaces. For example, controller 104 may implement modules 240, 242 with processor 244 based on programs or instructions stored in memory 246. In some examples, the consideration and implementation of the excavation preparation function by controller 104 is continuous, for example , constantly active. In other examples, the activation of the excavation preparation function can be selective, for example, activated or deactivated based on input from the operator or other considerations. In any case, the excavation preparation function can be activated and implemented by the power control system 102, as described below.

[0060] Generally, the controller 104, particularly an excavation conditions module 240, can receive input data in a number of ways and/or from a number of sources. In FIGURE 3, controller 104 is described as receiving input data from sensors 110, although such input data may also come from other systems or controllers, internal or external to loader 100. Generally, the input data considered by the condition module 240 represents any data sufficient to assess conditions that are potentially indicative that the operator is preparing to engage in an excavation operation and, therefore, that conditions are suitable for performing an excavation preparation function.

[0061] As shown, the dig conditions module 240 receives input data from sensors 110 associated with the kinematic or operational condition of the loader 100. In particular, the dig conditions module 240 receives input data representing the current direction ( e.g. actual thrust direction) and commanded direction (eg commanded thrust direction). Typically, the digging conditions module 240 considers a forward current direction and/or a forward commanded direction as indicative that the loader 100 may be preparing for a digging operation.

[0062] Excavation conditions module 240 may additionally receive input data from sensors 110 (or other data sources) associated with loader load condition 100. In particular, excavation conditions module 240 receives input data that represent the actual pulling load being imposed on the loader 100. Typically, the digging conditions module 240 considers a pulling load determination greater than a predetermined threshold (e.g., a “heavy pulling load”) as indicative that the operator may be preparing for an excavation operation. As noted above, the tensile load corresponds to the longitudinal forces that can develop through the drive group 106, for example, due to gravitational forces in the presence of a degree. Relatively high pulling load may indicate that the loader 100 is moving up a relatively high grade, which is not indicative of getting ready to dig. The load limit can be set or derived based on empirical data and/or operator experience.

[0063] Excavation conditions module 240 may additionally receive input data from sensors 110 (or other data sources) associated with vehicle speed from loader 100. Typically, excavation conditions module 240 assumes a lower vehicle speed to a predetermined threshold (eg, a relatively low vehicle speed) as an indication that the operator may be preparing for an excavation operation. In one example, the default threshold might be approximately 12 km/h (kilometers per hour). The speed limit can be set or derived based on empirical data and/or operator experience.

[0064] Digging conditions module 240 may additionally receive input data from sensors 110 (or other data sources) associated with boom 122a of loader 100. In particular, digging conditions module 240 receives input data representing the position and/or status of the boom. Typically, the digging conditions module 240 considers a boom position lower than a predetermined threshold (e.g., a relatively low boom position) as indicative that the operator may be getting ready for a digging operation. In some examples, the boom position may be considered in combination with the current state or command for boom 122a. In particular, the boom position limit for a boom 122a being lowered may be greater than if boom 122a is stationary (or moving up). In other words, a boom 122a that is being lowered may be more indicative of excavation preparation than a static boom 122a that already has a lower boom position. In one example, the boom position limit for a static boom might be approximately 20% and the boom position threshold for a boom moving down might be approximately 40%. The boom position limit can be set or derived based on empirical data and/or operator experience.

[0065] Excavation conditions module 240 may additionally receive input data from sensors 110 (or other data source) associated with bucket 124a of loader 100. In particular, excavation conditions module 240 receives input data representing bucket position. Typically, the digging conditions module 240 considers a bucket position less than a predetermined threshold (e.g., a relatively low bucket position) to be indicative that the operator may be preparing for an excavation operation. In one example, the bucket position limit might be approximately 80%. The bucket position limit can be set or derived based on empirical data and/or operator experience.

[0066] In some examples, the excavation conditions module 240 evaluates the various types of input data in combination with each other in order to identify an excavation preparation condition. In particular, the excavation conditions module 240 may consider two or more of the various types of input data discussed above to identify the excavation preparation condition. In one example, the dig preparation module 242 may require the following parameter values and/or input data state to identify the dig preparation condition: [actual direction = forward] and [commanded direction = forward] and [external (or pulling) load < a predetermined load limit] and [travel speed < a predetermined speed limit] and [[if static or moving up, boom position < a first predetermined limit of boom position boom] or [moving down, boom position < a predetermined second boom position limit] ] and [bucket position < a predetermined bucket limit] . Any single or combination of parameters can be used to trigger or signal the excavation preparation commands of the excavation preparation function.

[0067] In some examples, the excavation conditions module 240 may record or store the input data for subsequent evaluation, particularly in view of later tasks of the loader 100. In particular, the excavation conditions module 240 may consider occurrences in that the loader 100 is engaged in an excavation function and identify the parameters or conditions prior to the loader 100, thereby providing data that can be evaluated to determine those indicative parameters or conditions during the periods prior to the excavation. In other words, the 242 excavation preparation module can use machine learning to more appropriately identify the types or thresholds of input data that suggest an excavation task is imminent.

[0068] Upon identifying an excavation preparation condition, the excavation conditions module 240 generates a excavation preparation command to the excavation preparation module 242. In response, the excavation preparation module 242 generates commands for one or more more systems and/or components of the loader 100, particularly the thruster 114 and transmission 118. Generally, the commands generated by the excavation preparation module 242 allow the loader 100 to be more prepared for excavation, for example, to allow a more responsive response. faster or more appropriate to the increased load of the excavation task. Indeed, such commands can be generated and/or executed prior to actually excavating the material and/or prior to the associated increase in load.

[0069] The excavation preparation module 242 can generate a series of commands associated with the thruster 114, particularly to prepare the loader 100 for the higher transient loads involved with the excavation task. In one example, the excavation preparation module 242 may generate thruster emissions commands, for example, in order to modify EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) thresholds or parameters to prepare for increased thruster activities. In a further example, the excavation preparation module 242 may generate air and/or fuel commands from the thruster, for example, in order to modify the amount of air and/or the amount of fuel to the thruster 114. Such increases in air and/or fuel can prepare the propellant 114 and general propellant 106 for the higher transient loads. In addition, the dig preparation module 242 can generate an increase in thruster speed (or at least a minimum) to prepare the thruster 114 for a higher transient load, for example to ensure that the loader 100 does not attempt to dig when the 114 thruster is operating at an idle speed insufficient to increase the load.

[0070] The excavation preparation module 242 can generate a series of commands associated with the transmission 118, particularly to prepare the loader 100 for the higher transient loads involved with the excavation task. In one example, the dig preparation module 242 can generate primary clutch commands. In one example, primary clutch commands operate to advance clutch priming thresholds to pre-charge (or prepare to pre-charge) downshift clutches (e.g. 184, 184, 188, 190, 192, 194 clutches). , 196 of FIGURE 2). In effect, the primary clutch drives allow for faster downshifting and otherwise faster response to anticipated clutch downshifting that may be required during the digging operation. In a further example, the excavation preparation module 242 can generate clutch modulation commands. In one example, the clutch modulation commands provide modified limits to allow faster clutch response during digging operation, particularly by allowing the forward directional clutch 194 to slip to minimize inertia-load thruster overload during operation. of excavation. In effect, 194 forward directional clutch modulation facilitates slippage with less than full engagement (eg, less than 100% engagement). The amount of clutch modulation can be predetermined or based on one or more input conditions.

[0071] After the dig preparation commands are generated and executed, the controller 104 can continue monitoring the input data and, if the parameters change such that the condition is no longer suitable for the dig preparation function, the controller 104 can generate commands to return to normal operation.

[0072] The power control system discussed in this document may additionally be incorporated as a method for controlling a loader powertrain. In particular, the method may include receiving at least one operational parameter; evaluating the at least one operating parameter to determine whether the at least one operating parameter corresponds to an excavation preparation condition; and generating, after identifying the dig readiness condition, at least one dig readiness command for at least one of the transmission and the drive to prepare the power train for the digging operation before the at least one implement engages the material.

[0073] Therefore, the present power control system can implement an excavation preparation function during anticipation, but before, excavating in the material. After the dig preparation condition is identified, the powertrain implements a series of modifications to the impeller and/or transmission that enhance loader performance during the subsequent digging operation.

[0074] In addition, the following examples are provided, numbered for ease of reference.

[0075] 1. A control system for a work vehicle having a powertrain and at least one implement configured to engage material during an excavation operation, the control system comprising: a power source including at least one of an impeller and motor configured to generate power; a transmission including at least one directional clutch and a plurality of control assembly clutches coupled and configured for selective engagement to transfer power from the propeller and engine to drive a work vehicle powertrain output shaft in accordance with a plurality in ways; and a controller coupled to the power source and transmission, the controller having a processor and memory architecture configured to: receive at least one operational parameter from the work vehicle; evaluating the at least one operational parameter to determine whether the at least one operational parameter satisfies an excavation preparation condition; and generating, upon satisfying the dig readiness condition, at least one dig readiness command for at least one of the transmission and the drive to prepare the power train for the digging operation before the at least one implement engages the material.

[0076] 2. The control system of example 1, wherein the controller is configured to generate the at least one excavation preparation command to modulate the at least one directional clutch to allow the slip of at least one directional clutch.

[0077] 3. The control system of example 1, wherein the controller is configured to generate the at least one dig preparation command to pre-charge at least one of the plurality of control set clutches.

[0078] 4. The control system of example 1, where the controller is configured to generate at least one excavation preparation command to increase at least one of air and fuel to the thruster.

[0079] 5. The control system of example 1, where the controller is configured to generate at least one dig prepare command to increase the minimum thruster speed.

[0080] 6. The control system of example 1, where the controller is configured to: receive at least one operational parameter as vehicle steering input data; and evaluating the at least one operating parameter to determine that the at least one operating parameter corresponds to the excavation preparation condition only when vehicle steering input data indicates that the work vehicle is moving forward.

[0081] 7. The control system of example 1, in which the controller is configured to: receive the at least one operational parameter as input data from the vehicle's traction load; and evaluating the at least one operating parameter to determine that the at least one operating parameter corresponds to the excavation preparation condition only when the vehicle pulling load input data indicates that the work vehicle is subject to a load of traction less than a predetermined traction load limit

[0082] 8. The control system of example 1, in which the controller is configured to: receive the at least one operational parameter as input data of the vehicle's travel speed; and evaluating the at least one operating parameter to determine that the at least one operating parameter corresponds to the excavation preparation condition only when the vehicle travel speed input data indicates that the work vehicle is moving at a speed travel below a predetermined speed limit.

[0083] 9. The control system of example 1, where the controller is configured to: receive at least one operational parameter as input data from the boom position; and evaluating the at least one operating parameter to determine that the at least one operating parameter matches the dig preparation condition only when boom position input data indicates that a boom of the at least one implement is below a threshold predetermined boom position.

[0084] 10. The control system of example 1, where the controller is configured to: receive at least one operational parameter as input data of the bucket position; and evaluating the at least one operating parameter to determine that the at least one operating parameter matches the dig preparation condition only when the bucket position input data indicates that a bucket of the at least one implement is less than a threshold predetermined bucket position.

[0085] 11. A work vehicle configured to engage material during an excavation operation, comprising: a chassis; a powertrain supported by the chassis and including: a power source including at least one of a powerplant and an engine configured to generate power; and a transmission including at least one directional clutch and a plurality of control assembly clutches coupled and configured for selective engagement to transfer power from the propeller and engine to drive a work vehicle powertrain output shaft in accordance with a plurality of modes; at least one implement supported by the chassis and configured to receive power from the power source to engage the material during the excavation operation; and a controller coupled to the power source and transmission, the controller having a processor and memory architecture configured to: receive at least one operational parameter from the work vehicle; evaluating the at least one operational parameter to determine whether the at least one operational parameter satisfies an excavation preparation condition; and generating, upon satisfying the dig readiness condition, at least one dig readiness command for at least one of the transmission and the drive to prepare the power train for the digging operation before the at least one implement engages the material.

[0086] 12. The work vehicle of example 11, wherein the controller is configured to generate the at least one excavation preparation command to modulate the at least one directional clutch to allow the at least one directional clutch to slip.

[0087] 13. The work vehicle of example 11, wherein the controller is configured to generate the at least one excavation preparation command to pre-charge at least one of the plurality of control set clutches.

[0088] 14. The work vehicle of example 11, wherein the controller is configured to generate the at least one excavation preparation command to increase at least one of air and fuel to the thruster.

[0089] 15. The work vehicle of example 11, where the controller is configured to generate at least one excavation preparation command to increase the minimum thruster speed.

[0090] The terminology used in this document is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms of "an", "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising", when used in this specification, specify the presence of features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or declared components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.

[0091] For convenience of notation, "component" may be used in this document, particularly in the context of a planetary gear set, to denote an element for transmitting power, such as a sun gear, a ring gear, or a planetary gear holder. . In addition, references to a "continuously" variable transmission, powertrain or power source will be understood to also encompass, in various embodiments, configurations including an "infinitely" variable transmission, powertrain or power source.

[0092] In the discussion in this document, several exemplary configurations of shafts, gears, and other power transmission elements are described. It will be understood that various alternative configurations may be possible, within the spirit of this invention. For example, various configurations may use multiple shafts in place of a single shaft (or a single shaft in place of multiple shafts), may interpose one or more idler gears between multiple shafts or gears for the transmission of rotational energy, and so on.

[0093] As will be recognized by one skilled in the art, certain aspects of the subject matter described may be incorporated as a method, system (e.g., a working machine control system included in a working machine) or computer program product . Consequently, certain modalities may be implemented entirely as hardware, entirely as software (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or as a combination of software and hardware (and other) aspects. In addition, certain embodiments may take the form of a computer program product on a computer usable storage medium having computer usable program code embedded in the medium.

[0094] As one skilled in the art will appreciate, aspects of the subject matter described may be described in terms of methods, systems (e.g., control or display systems deployed on board or otherwise used in conjunction with work machinery) and computer program products. With respect to computer program products, in particular, embodiments of the invention may consist of or include tangible, non-transient storage media that store computer-readable instructions or code to perform one or more of the functions described throughout this document. As will be readily apparent, such computer-readable storage media can be realized using any type of memory currently known or later developed, including various types of random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention are open or "agnostic" to the particular memory technology employed, noting that magnetic storage solutions (hard disk drive), solid state storage solutions (flash memory), storage solutions ideals and other storage solutions can all potentially contain computer-readable instructions for performing the functions described in this document. Likewise, the systems or devices described in this document may also contain memory that stores computer-readable instructions (for example, such as any combination of firmware or other software running on an operating system) that, when executed by a processor or processing, instruct the system or device to perform one or more of the functions described in this document. When executed locally, such computer-readable instructions or code may be copied or distributed into the memory of a particular computing system or device in a number of different ways, such as by transmission over a communications network including the Internet. Generally, then, embodiments of the present invention should not be limited to any particular set of hardware or memory structure, or the particular way in which computer-readable instructions are stored, unless expressly specified otherwise herein.

[0095] A computer-readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer-readable program code embedded therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electromagnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer-readable signal medium may be non-transient and may be any computer-readable medium other than a computer-readable storage medium that can communicate with, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with a system, instruction execution apparatus or device.

[0096] As used in this document, unless otherwise limited or modified, lists with elements that are separated by conjunctive terms (e.g., “and”) and that are also preceded by the phrase “one or more than ” or “at least one of” indicate configurations or arrangements that potentially include individual elements of the list, or any combination thereof. For example, “at least one of A, B and C” or “one or more of A, B and C” indicates the possibilities of only A, only B, only C or any combination of two or more of A, B and C. C (for example, A and B; B and C; A and C; or A, B and C).

[0097] As used herein, the term module refers to any hardware, software, firmware, electronic control component, processing logic, and/or processor device, individually or in any combination, including, without limitation: integrated circuit specific application (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated or group) and memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. The term module can be synonymous with unit, component, subsystem, subcontroller, circuit set, routine, element, structure, control section and the like.

[0098] The embodiments of the present invention can be described in this document in terms of functional and/or logic block components and various processing steps. It must be recognized that such block components may be realized by any number of hardware, software and/or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, one embodiment of the present invention may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, lookup tables, or the like, which can perform a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced in conjunction with any number of work vehicles.

[0099] For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to signal processing, data transmission, signaling, control, and other functional aspects of systems (and the individual operating components of the systems) may not be described in detail in this document. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained in this document are intended to represent examples of functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in an embodiment of the present invention.

[00100] Aspects of certain embodiments described herein may be described with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products in accordance with embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of any such flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams and combinations of blocks in such flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams may be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine such that the instructions, which execute through the computer's processor or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means to implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block or blocks of the block diagram.

[00101] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instructions that implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block or blocks of the block diagram.

[00102] Computer program instructions may also be loaded into a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process in a manner that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable device provide steps to implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block or blocks of the block diagram.

[00103] Any flowchart and block diagrams in the figures, or similar discussion above, may illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of computer program systems, methods, and products in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment or part of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logic function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions seen in the block (or otherwise described here) may occur out of the order seen in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession (or two operations described in succession) may, in fact, be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks (or operations) may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of any block diagram and/or flowchart illustration and combinations of blocks in any block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations may be implemented by systems based on special purpose hardware that perform the specified functions or acts , or combinations of special-purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[00104] The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention as described. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Embodiments explicitly referenced in this document have been chosen and described in order to better explain the principles of the invention and its practical application and to allow others skilled in the art to understand the invention and recognize many alternatives, modifications and variations in the described examples. Therefore, various modalities and implementations other than those explicitly described are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (15)

Control system (102) for a work vehicle (100) having a powerplant (106) and at least one implement (108) configured to engage material during an excavation operation, characterized in that the control system (102) comprises: a power source (114, 116a, 116b) including at least one of an impeller (114) and a motor (116a, 116b) configured to generate power; a transmission (118) including at least one forward clutch (194) and a plurality of control assembly clutches (184, 186, 188, 190, 192) coupled together and configured for selective engagement to transfer power from the thruster (118). 114) and the motor (116a, 116b) for driving an output shaft (230) of the drivetrain (106) of the work vehicle (100) in a plurality of modes; and a controller (104) coupled to the power source (114, 116a, 116b) and transmission (118), the controller (104) having a processor (244) and memory (246) architecture configured to: receive at least one operational parameter of the work vehicle (100); evaluating the at least one operational parameter to determine whether the at least one operational parameter satisfies an excavation preparation condition; and generating, upon satisfying the dig readiness condition, at least one dig readiness command for at least one of the transmission (118) and the drive (114) to prepare the drive (106) for the digging operation prior to at least one implement (108) engages the material. Control system (102) according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller (104) is configured to generate the at least one excavation preparation command to modulate the at least one drive direction clutch (194) to allow the at least one forward clutch (194) to slip. Control system (102) according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller (104) is configured to generate the at least one excavation preparation command to pre-charge at least one of the plurality of clutches of a set of gears. control (184, 186, 188, 190, 192). Control system (102) according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller (104) is configured to generate the at least one excavation preparation command to increase at least one of air and fuel to the thruster (114). ). Control system (102) according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller (104) is configured to generate at least one excavation preparation command to increase the minimum speed of the thruster (114). Control system (102) according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller (104) is configured to: receive at least one operational parameter as vehicle steering input data; and evaluating the at least one operating parameter to determine that the at least one operating parameter corresponds to the excavation preparation condition only when vehicle steering input data indicates that the work vehicle (100) is moving forward . Control system (102) according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller (104) is configured to: receive the at least one operational parameter as vehicle traction load input data; and evaluating the at least one operating parameter to determine that the at least one operating parameter corresponds to the excavation preparation condition only when the vehicle's pulling load input data indicates that the work vehicle (100) is subject to a pulling load less than a predetermined pulling load limit. Control system (102) according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller (104) is configured to: receive the at least one operational parameter as vehicle travel speed input data; and evaluating the at least one operating parameter to determine that the at least one operating parameter corresponds to the excavation preparation condition only when the vehicle travel speed input data indicates that the work vehicle (100) is moving at a travel speed below a predetermined speed limit. Control system (102) according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller (104) is configured to: receive at least one operational parameter as boom position input data; and evaluating the at least one operating parameter to determine that the at least one operating parameter corresponds to the dig preparation condition only when the boom position input data indicates that a boom (122a) of the at least one implement (108) ) is less than a predetermined boom position limit. Control system (102) according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller (104) is configured to: receive the at least one operational parameter as bucket position input data; and evaluating the at least one operating parameter to determine that the at least one operating parameter corresponds to the dig preparation condition only when the bucket position input data indicates that a bucket (124a) of the at least one implement (108) ) is less than a predetermined bucket position limit. Work vehicle (100) configured to engage material during an excavation operation, characterized in that it comprises: a chassis (112); a powertrain (106) supported by the chassis (112) and including: a power source (114, 116a, 116b) including at least one of a thruster (114) and a motor (116a, 116b) configured to generate power; and a transmission (118) including at least one forward clutch (194) and a plurality of control assembly clutches (184, 186, 188, 190, 192) coupled and configured for selective engagement to transfer power from the impeller (114) and the motor (116a, 116b) for driving an output shaft (230) of the drivetrain (106) of the work vehicle (100) in a plurality of modes; at least one implement (108) supported by the chassis (112) and configured to receive power from the power source (114, 116a, 116b) to engage the material during the excavation operation; and a controller (104) coupled to the power source (114, 116a, 116b) and transmission (118), the controller (104) having a processor (244) and memory (246) architecture configured to: receive at least one operational parameter of the work vehicle (100); evaluating the at least one operational parameter to determine whether the at least one operational parameter satisfies an excavation preparation condition; and generating, upon satisfying the dig readiness condition, at least one dig readiness command for at least one of the transmission (118) and engine (114) to prepare the powerplant (106) for the digging operation before the at least least one implement (108) engages the material. Work vehicle (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that the controller (104) is configured to generate the at least one excavation preparation command to modulate the at least one drive direction clutch (194) to allow the at least one forward clutch (194) to slip. Work vehicle (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that the controller (104) is configured to generate the at least one excavation preparation command to preload at least one of the plurality of control set clutches ( 184, 186, 188, 190, 192). Work vehicle (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that the controller (104) is configured to generate the at least one excavation preparation command to increase at least one of air and fuel to the thruster (114). ). Work vehicle (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that the controller (104) is configured to generate at least one excavation preparation command to increase the minimum speed of the thruster (114).

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