Method for setting response modes of construction vehicle operation lever

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method for freely setting response modes of the operation lever of construction vehicle, according to driver's skills or proficiency and work characteristics, in which the method includes the steps of: receiving a mode signal from a mode selection means, and selecting one of a plurality of selection modes; receiving an operation signal from the operation lever; filtering the operation signal through a filter which is operating in response to the selected response mode; and outputting a filtered control signal.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates in general to an operation lever of a construction vehicle, and more particularly, to a method for freely setting response modes of the operation lever of a construction vehicle according to the skills or proficiency of a driver and work characteristics. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] In general, construction vehicle including an excavator has an operational lever like a joystick, which operates working apparatus such as a boom, arm, bucket, and swing unit. Hydraulic pressure from an engine-driven hydraulic pump is a driving power source of operations of the working apparatus. The construction vehicle also have a controller that controls a control valve according to the control signal of the operation lever and thus, controls the pressure, direction and flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to working apparatus. [0005] Sometimes drivers tend to move the operation lever quick...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a method for setting response modes of an operation lever in construction vehicle, allowing a driver to freely set a response mode of the operation lever according to the driver's skills and work characteristics.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to reduce driver's fatigue by relieving vibration and shocks on working apparatus caused by the sudden operation of an operation lever, and to secure an initial response of the operation lever, whereby improving work efficiency.

Problems solved by technology

When the operation lever is manipulated fast, the control valve's spool, which supplies hydraulic fluid to an actuator for driving a working apparatus, starts moving violently.

Therefore, shock-induced vibration is generated at the start or end of the operation of the actuator, and repeatedly generated vibration makes drivers feel more tired.

Even though an experienced driver is able to operate the operation lever with great delicacy and skill and to move the working apparatus gently, a beginner often has difficulty in handling the operation lever, especially for starting and finishing the operation of the lever because of shock-induced vibration generated by the inertia of the working apparatus.

As aforementioned, the vibration generated at the start or end of the operation of the construction vehicle adds to the fatigue of the drivers, which not only reduces work efficiency but also shortens lifespan of the vehicle.

Although the above technique could absorb shocks caused by the sudden operation and thus, secure the safety of using the construction vehicle, the response of the operation lever became noticeably worse and this in turn lowered work speed, consequently reducing overall work efficiency.

Moreover, because response of the operation lever was fixed regardless of different skills of drivers and work characteristics, both skilled drivers and beginners were not satisfied with the related art operation levers and it was impossible to adjust response modes of the operation lever appropriate for various work characteristics.

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