LIFT ARM ASSEMBLY FOR A FRONT END LOADING REFUSE VEHICLE

A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a body, a cab, a lift assembly coupled to the chassis and/or the body, and a control system. The lift assembly includes a first arm, a second arm, an implement coupled to the first arm and the second arm, and an actuator positioned to pivot the first arm and the second arm to facilitate repositioning the implement between a plurality of positions. The control system is configured to (i) control a user interface to provide an indication of a current position of the lift assembly, (ii) automatically reposition the lift assembly without requiring operator intervention to accommodate a low clearance environment, and/or (iii) limit a speed of the refuse vehicle in response to the current position not being a transit position.

BACKGROUND

Refuse vehicles collect a wide variety of waste, trash, and other material from residences and businesses. Operators of the refuse vehicles transport the material from various waste receptacles within a municipality to a storage or processing facility (e.g., a landfill, an incineration facility, a recycling facility, etc.).

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to a refuse vehicle. The refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a body coupled to the chassis, a cab coupled to the chassis and positioned in front of the body, a lift assembly coupled to at least one of the chassis or the body, and a control system. The lift assembly includes a first arm, a second arm, an implement coupled to the first arm and the second arm, and an actuator positioned to pivot the first arm and the second arm to facilitate repositioning the implement between a plurality of positions including a stowed position where the implement is positioned above the body, a working position where the implement is positioned in front of the cab, and a transit position between the stowed position and the working position. The control system is configured to at least one of (i) control a user interface to provide an indication of a current position of the lift assembly, (ii) automatically reposition the lift assembly without requiring operator intervention to accommodate a low clearance environment, or (iii) limit a speed of the refuse vehicle in response to the current position not being the transit position.

Another embodiment relates to a refuse vehicle. The refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a body coupled to the chassis, a cab coupled to the chassis and positioned in front of the body, a lift assembly coupled to at least one of the chassis or the body, and a control system. The lift assembly includes a first arm, a second arm, an implement coupled to the first arm and the second arm, and an actuator positioned to pivot the first arm and the second arm to facilitate repositioning the lift assembly between a plurality of positions. The control system is configured to acquire environment data regarding an environment proximate or ahead of the vehicle, acquire position data regarding a current position of the lift assembly, identify a low clearance environment based on the environment data, and automatically reposition the lift assembly based on the low clearance environment in response to the position data indicating that the lift assembly needs to be repositioned to accommodate the low clearance environment.

Still another embodiment relates to a refuse vehicle. The refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a body coupled to the chassis, a cab coupled to the chassis and positioned in front of the body, a lift assembly coupled to at least one of the chassis or the body, a user interface, and a control system. The lift assembly includes a first arm, a second arm, an implement coupled to the first arm and the second arm, and an actuator positioned to pivot the first arm and the second arm to facilitate repositioning the implement between a plurality of positions including a stowed position where the implement is positioned above the body, a working position where the implement is positioned in front of the cab, and a transit position between the stowed position and the working position. The control system is configured to control the user interface to (a) provide (i) a first visual indication indicating a current position of the lift assembly and (ii) a second visual indication indicating a current maximum height of the lift assembly at the current position, (b) in response to a speed threshold being reached while the lift assembly is not in the transit position, (i) limit a speed of the refuse vehicle and (ii) provide a notification via the user interface requesting operator approval to reposition the lift assembly to the transit position to permit further acceleration, and (c) automatically reposition the lift assembly without requiring operator intervention to accommodate a low clearance environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to an exemplary embodiment, a refuse vehicle (e.g., a front end loading refuse vehicle, a refuse truck, etc.) includes a lift arm assembly (e.g., an extendable lift arm assembly, a telescoping lift arm assembly, etc.) and a control system. The lift arm assembly is repositionable between a plurality of positions including a stowed position, a working position, and a transit position. The control system is configured to monitor the speed of the refuse vehicle, a current position of the lift arm assembly, and/or the surrounding or upcoming environment around the refuse vehicle. In some embodiments, the control system is configured to control a user interface (e.g., a display, a series of lights, etc.) of the refuse vehicle to provide an indication of a current position of the lift arm assembly. In some embodiments, the control system is additionally or alternatively configured to automatically reposition the lift arm assembly without requiring operator intervention to accommodate a low clearance environment (e.g., if the lift arm assembly is currently in a position that cannot accommodate the low clearance environment, etc.). In some embodiments, the control system is additionally or alternatively configured to limit a speed of the refuse vehicle in response to the current position of the lift arm assembly not being the transit position.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-4, a front end loader, shown as refuse vehicle10(e.g., a garbage truck, a waste collection truck, a sanitation truck, etc.), is configured as a front-loading refuse truck having an extendable lift arm assembly, shown as telescoping lift arm assembly100. In other embodiments, the refuse vehicle10is configured as a side-loading refuse truck or a rear-loading refuse truck. In still other embodiments, the front end loader is another type of vehicle (e.g., a skid-loader, a telehandler, a plow truck, a boom lift, a construction vehicle, etc.). As shown inFIG. 1, the refuse vehicle10includes a chassis, shown as frame12; a body assembly, shown as body14, coupled to the frame12(e.g., at a rear end thereof, etc.); and a cab, shown as cab16, coupled to the frame12(e.g., at a front end thereof, etc.). The cab16may include various components to facilitate operation of the refuse vehicle10by an operator (e.g., a seat, a steering wheel, hydraulic controls, a user interface, switches, buttons, dials, etc.). As shown inFIG. 1, the refuse vehicle10includes a prime mover, shown as engine18, coupled to the frame12at a position beneath the cab16. The engine18is configured to provide power to a plurality of tractive elements, shown as wheel and tire assemblies20, and/or to other systems of the refuse vehicle10(e.g., a pneumatic system, a hydraulic system, etc.). In other embodiments, the tractive elements include track elements. The engine18may be configured to utilize one or more of a variety of fuels (e.g., gasoline, diesel, bio-diesel, ethanol, natural gas, etc.), according to various exemplary embodiments. According to an alternative embodiment, the engine18additionally or alternatively includes one or more electric motors coupled to the frame12(e.g., a hybrid refuse vehicle, an electric refuse vehicle, etc.). The electric motors may consume electrical power from an on-board storage device (e.g., batteries, ultra-capacitors, etc.), from an on-board generator (e.g., an internal combustion engine driven generator, etc.), and/or from an external power source (e.g., overhead power lines, a charger, etc.) and provide power to the systems of the refuse vehicle10.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the refuse vehicle10is configured to transport refuse from various waste receptacles within a municipality to a storage and/or processing facility (e.g., a landfill, an incineration facility, a recycling facility, etc.). As shown inFIG. 1, the body14includes a plurality of panels, shown as panels32, a tailgate34, and a cover36. The panels32, the tailgate34, and the cover36define a collection chamber (e.g., hopper, etc.), shown as refuse compartment30. Loose refuse may be placed into the refuse compartment30where it may thereafter be compacted. The refuse compartment30may provide temporary storage for refuse during transport to a waste disposal site and/or a recycling facility. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the body14and the refuse compartment30extend in front of and/or above the cab16. According to the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the body14and the refuse compartment30are positioned behind the cab16. In some embodiments, the refuse compartment30includes a hopper volume and a storage volume. Refuse may be initially loaded into the hopper volume and thereafter compacted into the storage volume. According to an exemplary embodiment, the hopper volume is positioned between the storage volume and the cab16(i.e., refuse is loaded into a position of the refuse compartment30behind the cab16and stored in a position further toward the rear of the refuse compartment30). In other embodiments, the storage volume is positioned between the hopper volume and the cab16(e.g., a rear-loading refuse vehicle, etc.).

As shown inFIGS. 1-4, the telescoping lift arm assembly100includes a first lift arm, shown as right lift arm110, coupled to a first side of the body14and/or the frame12, and a second lift arm, shown as left lift arm112, coupled to an opposing second side of the body14and/or the frame12such that the right lift arm110and the left lift arm112extend forward of the cab16(e.g., a front-loading refuse vehicle, etc.). In other embodiments, the telescoping lift arm assembly100extends rearward of the body14(e.g., a rear-loading refuse vehicle, etc.). In still other embodiments, the telescoping lift arm assembly100extends from a side of the body14(e.g., a side-loading refuse vehicle, etc.). It should be noted that the description of the left lift arm112provided herein with regards toFIGS. 2-4similarly applies to the right lift arm110.

As shown inFIGS. 2-4, the left lift arm112(and similarly the right lift arm110) has a plurality of arm portions including at least a first arm portion, shown as first arm portion120, and a second arm portion, shown as second arm portion140. In some embodiments, the plurality of arm portions include three or more arm portions (e.g., that are extendable, pivotable, or otherwise repositionable relative to each other at multiple locations/joints therealong, etc.). The first arm portion120has a first end, shown as first end122, pivotally coupled to a side (e.g., the left side, the right side, etc.) of the body14and/or the frame12at a first pivot point, shown as lift arm pivot40, and an opposing second end, shown as second end124. As show inFIG. 4, the second end124has a protrusion, shown as projection126, extending therefrom. As shown inFIGS. 2-4, the first arm portion120includes (i) a first coupler, shown as first bracket128, coupled along the first arm portion120between the first end122and the second end124(e.g., closer to the first end122, proximate the first end122, etc.), and (ii) a second coupler, shown as first flange130, extending from the first arm portion120, proximate the second end124.

As shown inFIGS. 2-4, the second arm portion140has a first end, shown as first end142, and an opposing second end, shown as second end144. As show inFIG. 4, the first end142defines a cavity, shown as extension cavity146, positioned to slidably receive the projection126of the first arm portion120(e.g., forming a telescoping assembly, etc.). In other embodiments, the second end124of the first arm portion120defines the extension cavity146and the first end142of the second arm portion140has the projection126. As shown inFIGS. 2-4, the second arm portion140includes (i) a third coupler, shown as second flange150, extending from the second arm portion140, proximate the first end142, and (ii) a fourth coupler, shown as second bracket152, coupled along the second arm portion140between the first end142and the second end144.

In an alternative embodiment, the left lift arm112and the right lift arm114do not include the projection126or the extension cavity146. In such an embodiment, the first arm portion120and the second arm portion140may be stacked (e.g., in a side-by-side arrangement, in a top-and-bottom arrangement, etc.) where the first end142of the second arm portion140over-retracts beyond the second end124of the first arm portion120and slides or translates therealong. The first arm portion120and the second arm portion140may be coupled together using a sliding or track mechanism (e.g., a slide assembly, a track assembly, etc.). In some embodiments, the second end124of the first arm portion120is positioned on the inside of the second arm portion140. In some embodiments, the second end124of the first arm portion120is positioned on the outside of the first end142of the second arm portion140. In some embodiments, the second end124of the first arm portion120is positioned on top of the first end142of the second arm portion140. In some embodiments, the second end124of the first arm portion120is positioned below the first end142of the second arm portion140.

As shown inFIGS. 1-4, the telescoping lift arm assembly100includes a pair of first actuators (e.g., hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic actuators, electric actuators, etc.), shown as pivot actuators160, a pair of second actuators (e.g., hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic actuators, electric actuators, etc.), shown as extension actuators170, an implement, shown as fork assembly180, and a pair of third actuators (e.g., hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic actuators, electric actuators, etc.), shown as implement actuators190. As shown inFIGS. 2-4, each of the pivot actuators160includes a first end, shown as first end162, pivotally coupled to a side of the body14and/or the frame12at a second pivot point, shown as pivot actuator pivot42, and an opposing second end, shown as second end164, coupled to the first bracket128of the first arm portion120. According to an exemplary embodiment, the pivot actuators160are positioned such that extension and retraction thereof pivots the right lift arm110and the left lift arm112about the lift arm pivot40between (i) a stowed or dumping position, as shown inFIG. 2, (ii) a working position, as shown inFIG. 4, and (iii) a transit position, as shown inFIG. 3. According to an exemplary embodiment, the transit position is a position between the stowed position and the working position that (i) provides greater operator visibility in front of the refuse vehicle10from the cab16relative to the working position and (ii) provides increased over-height clearance relative to the stowed position.

As shown inFIGS. 2-4, each of the extension actuators170includes a first end, shown as first end172, coupled to the first flange130of the first arm portion120, and an opposing second end, shown as second end174, coupled to the second flange150of the second arm portion140. In another embodiment, one or both of the extension actuators170include a rotatory actuator (e.g., an electric stepper motor, a hydraulic motor, etc.) and a translator. The translator may be a rack (e.g., such that the extension actuator170is a rack and pinion device, etc.), a cable, a chain, a bar, etc. According to the exemplary embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-4, the extension actuators170are positioned externally relative to the right lift arm110and the left lift arm112and extend between the second end124of the first arm portion120and the first end142of the second arm portion140. In other embodiments, the extension actuators170are positioned internally within the right lift arm110and the left lift arm112and extend between the second end124of the first arm portion120and the first end142of the second arm portion140. According to an exemplary embodiment, the extension actuators170are positioned such that extension and retraction thereof repositions (e.g., extends, retracts, etc.) the second arm portion140relative to the first arm portion120between a retracted position, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, and an extended position, as shown inFIG. 4. According to an exemplary embodiment, retracting the extension actuators170provides increased clearance when the telescoping lift arm assembly100is in the stowed position and increased reach when the telescoping lift arm assembly100is in the working position.

In some embodiments, the extension actuators170are configured to extend (e.g., automatically, etc.) in response to the pivot actuators160pivoting the right lift arm110and the left lift arm112. By way of example, the extension actuators170may be configured to automatically extend based on a position of the telescoping lift arm assembly100relative to the cab16and/or the frame12. For example, the extension actuators170may be configured to automatically extend as the fork assembly180reaches a position where the fork assembly180becomes close to the cab16(e.g., an upper trailing edge thereof, an upper leading edge thereof, etc.) as the telescoping lift arm assembly100is pivoted between the stowed position and the working position (e.g., to prevent the fork assembly180from hitting the cab16, etc.). The extension actuators170may thereafter be configured to automatically retract after the cab16(e.g., the upper trailing edge thereof, the upper leading edge thereof, etc.) is cleared to reduce the overall envelope of the refuse vehicle10. Accordingly, the telescoping lift arm assembly100facilitates using smaller lift arms on vehicles with large cabs without an issue (i.e., due to the extendibility provided by the telescoping lift arm assembly100).

As shown inFIGS. 2-4, the fork assembly180includes a pair of pivotal couplers, shown as fork brackets182, and a pair of forks, shown as forks188, coupled to the fork brackets182. According to an exemplary embodiment, one of the fork brackets182is coupled to a respective one of the right lift arm110and the left lift arm112. The forks188are rotationally fixed with the fork brackets182(e.g., pivotal movement of the fork brackets182causes the forks188to pivot therewith, etc.), according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown inFIGS. 2-4, each of the fork brackets182includes (i) a first coupling point, shown as first coupling point184, pivotally coupled to the second end144of the second arm portion140at a third pivot point, shown as fork assembly pivot148, and (ii) a second coupling point, shown as second coupling point186. Each of the implement actuators190includes a first end, shown as first end192, coupled to the second bracket152of the second arm portion140and an opposing second end, shown as second end194, coupled to the second coupling point186of the fork brackets182. According to an exemplary embodiment, the implement actuators190are positioned such that extension and retraction thereof pivots the fork brackets182and thereby the forks188about the fork assembly pivot148between a stowed position, as shown inFIGS. 2-4, and a working position, as shown inFIG. 1. In other embodiments, the fork assembly180is replaced or replaceable with a plow attachment; a quick attach assembly that is the same or similar to what is disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017/0349374, filed May 31, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; and/or still another type of implement useable with the telescoping lift arm assembly100.

As shown inFIG. 1, the telescoping lift arm assembly100is configured to engage with a container, shown as refuse container200. By way of example, the refuse vehicle10may be driven up to a refuse pick-up location. The pivot actuators160may then be engaged to pivot the right lift arm110and the left lift arm112from the stowed position to the working position, as well as the implement actuators190may be engaged to pivot the forks188from the stowed position to the working position. The refuse container200may thereafter be retrieved from its storage location and brought proximate the telescoping lift arm assembly100or the refuse vehicle10may be driven up to the refuse container200such that the forks188align with fork tubes on the refuse container200. A traditional refuse vehicle includes non-extendable lift arms and, therefore, in order to bring forks of the non-extending lift arms into engagement with fork tubes of a refuse container, the refuse vehicle has to be driven forward such that the forks are received by the fork tubes. The extendibility of the telescoping lift arm assembly100eliminates such a need to drive the refuse vehicle10forward to bring the forks188into engagement with the fork tubes of the refuse container200. For example, once the fork tubes of the refuse container200are in alignment with the forks188, the extension actuators170may be extended such that the second arm portions140extend from the first arm portions120, bringing the forks188into engagement with the fork tubes of the refuse container200. Engaging the forks188with the extension actuators170rather than by driving the refuse vehicle10forward may provide increased control, provide the ability to access refuse containers200in tighter spaces, and/or provide still other advantages.

The pivot actuators160may thereafter be engaged to lift the refuse container200over the cab16. According to an exemplary embodiment, the implement actuators190are positioned to articulate the forks188, where such articulation may assist in tipping refuse out of the refuse container200and into the hopper volume of the refuse compartment30through an opening in the cover36. According to an exemplary embodiment, a door, shown as top door38, is movably coupled along the cover36to seal the opening, thereby preventing refuse from escaping the refuse compartment30(e.g., due to wind, bumps in the road, etc.). The pivot actuators160may thereafter be engaged to pivot the right lift arm110and the left lift arm112to return the empty refuse container200to the ground. The extension actuators170may then be engaged to retract the forks188from the fork tubes of the refuse container200(e.g., without having to drive the refuse vehicle10in reverse, etc.).

According to the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 5, a control system300for the refuse vehicle10includes a controller310. In one embodiment, the controller310is configured to selectively engage, selectively disengage, control, or otherwise communicate with components of the refuse vehicle10. As shown inFIG. 5, the controller310is coupled to (e.g., communicably coupled to) components of the refuse vehicle10including the engine18, the pivot actuators160, the extension actuators170, the implement actuators190, one or more sensors, shown as sensors320, and a user input/output device, shown as user interface330. By way of example, the controller310may send and receive signals (e.g., control signals) with the engine18, the pivot actuators160, the extension actuators170, the implement actuators190, the sensors320, and/or the user interface330.

The controller310may be implemented as a general-purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), one or more field programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”), a digital-signal-processor (“DSP”), circuits containing one or more processing components, circuitry for supporting a microprocessor, a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. According to the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 5, the controller310includes a processing circuit312and a memory314. The processing circuit312may include an ASIC, one or more FPGAs, a DSP, circuits containing one or more processing components, circuitry for supporting a microprocessor, a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. In some embodiments, the processing circuit312is configured to execute computer code stored in the memory314to facilitate the activities described herein. The memory314may be any volatile or non-volatile computer-readable storage medium capable of storing data or computer code relating to the activities described herein. According to an exemplary embodiment, the memory314includes computer code modules (e.g., executable code, object code, source code, script code, machine code, etc.) configured for execution by the processing circuit312. In some embodiments, the controller310may represent a collection of processing devices (e.g., servers, data centers, etc.). In such cases, the processing circuit312represents the collective processors of the devices, and the memory314represents the collective storage devices of the devices.

In some embodiments, the sensors320are or include one or more position sensors configured to acquire position data regarding the position one or more components of the telescoping lift arm assembly100. By way of example, the position sensors may be configured to acquire position data regarding an amount of extension or retraction of the pivot actuators160, the extension actuators170, and/or the implement actuators190. By way of another example, the position sensors may be additionally or alternatively configured to acquire position data regarding an amount of rotation of the telescoping lift arm assembly100about the lift arm pivot40.

In some embodiments, the sensors320are or include one or more environment sensors configured to acquire environment data regarding an environment proximate or ahead of the refuse vehicle10. By way of example, a first environment sensor may be or include a camera, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor/detector, and/or still another suitable sensor configured to acquire environment data regarding the position of external objects and/or the position or proximity of the telescoping lift arm assembly100to the external objects (e.g., an overpass, a roof or overhang, a low clearance area/environment, a garage, a parking structure, etc.). By way of another example, a second environment sensor may be or include a GPS sensor, a telematics sensor, etc. configured to acquire environment data regarding environmental characteristics (e.g., upcoming overpasses, upcoming low clearance areas/environments, etc.) proximate or ahead of the refuse vehicle10from a remote source (e.g., a GPS system, a telematics server, etc.).

In some embodiments, the sensors320are or include one or more speed sensors configured to acquire speed data regarding a speed of the engine18and/or the refuse vehicle10. In some embodiments, the sensors320are or include one or more mode detection sensors configured to acquire mode selection or condition data regarding a current operation mode or condition of the refuse vehicle10.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller310is configured to control the engine18, the pivot actuators160, the extension actuators170, the implement actuators190, and/or the user interface330based on the data (e.g., the position data, the environment data, the speed data, the mode selection or condition data, etc.) acquired from the sensors320. In some embodiments, the controller310is configured to monitor a current position of the telescoping lift arm assembly100and/or one or more components thereof (e.g., the stowed position, the working position, the transit position, etc.) based on the position data acquired from the sensors320and provide a visual indication of the current position of the telescoping lift arm assembly100to the operator via the user interface330.

As shown inFIGS. 5-7, the user interface330includes a first output or set of indicators, shown as indicators340, and/or a second output or display device, shown as display350. As shown inFIG. 6, the indicators340include a first indicator, shown as indicator342, a second indicator, shown as indicator344, and a third indicator, shown as indicator346. According to an exemplary embodiment, the indicator342is associated with a first position or the stowed position of the telescoping lift arm assembly100, the indicator344is associated with a second position or the transit position of the telescoping lift arm assembly100, and the indicator346is associated with a third position or the working position of the telescoping lift arm assembly100. In other embodiments, the indicators340include a different number of indicators to provide increased granularity regarding additional positions of the telescoping lift arm assembly100(i.e., positions between the stowed position, the working position, and the transit position). According to an exemplary embodiment, the indicators340are or include lighting elements (e.g., lights, light bulbs, LEDs, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller310is configured to illuminate, flash, change the color of, or otherwise activate the indicators340to provide the visual indication of the current position of the telescoping lift arm assembly100to the operator. In some embodiments, the indicators340function as inputs (e.g., buttons, etc.) that allow the operator to manually provide a command to the controller310to control the actuators of the telescoping lift arm assembly100to reposition the telescoping lift arm assembly100to the position associated with the selected indicator340. By way of example, the operator may select the indicator344and the controller310may be configured to control the actuators of the telescoping lift arm assembly100to move the telescoping lift arm assembly100to the second or transit position.

As shown inFIG. 7, the controller310is configured to control the display350to display a position graphical user interface (“GUI”), shown as position GUI352, to provide the visual indication of the current position of the telescoping lift arm assembly100to the operator. The position GUI352includes a first section, shown as current height indicator354, and a second section, shown as current position indicator356. According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller310is configured to populate, adjust, update, etc. the current height indicator354and/or the current position indicator356based on the position data. The current height indicator354facilitates providing a visual indication of a current maximum height of the telescoping lift arm assembly100to the operator. Such information may be used by the operator to manually manipulate the position of the telescoping lift arm assembly100as the refuse vehicle10approaches height restricted or low clearance areas/environment (e.g., an overpass, a roof or overhang, a garage, a packing structure, etc.). The current position indicator356facilitates providing a visual indication of the current position of the telescoping lift arm assembly100(e.g., the stowed position; the working position; the transit position; positions between the stowed position, the working position, and the transit position; etc.). In some embodiments, the position GUI352displays various selectable buttons or tiles (e.g., a stowed button/tile, a transit button/tile, a working button/tile, etc.) that allow the operator to manually provide a command to the controller310to control the actuators of the telescoping lift arm assembly100to reposition the telescoping lift arm assembly100to the positioned associated with the selected button or tile. By way of example, the operator may select a respective button or tile and the controller310may be configured to control the actuators of the telescoping lift arm assembly100to move the telescoping lift arm assembly100to the position associated therewith.

In some embodiments, the controller310is configured to control the actuators of the telescoping lift arm assembly100to automatically adjust the position of the telescoping lift arm assembly100(e.g., while the mode or condition data indicates the refuse vehicle10is in a transit mode or condition, etc.) based on the environment data and/or the position data acquired from the sensors320to avoid upcoming or proximate external objects. According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller310is configured to automatically reduce the current height of the telescoping lift arm assembly100to accommodate low clearance areas/environments while maintaining sufficient visibility for the operator from the cab16ahead of the refuse vehicle10(e.g., the controller310will not substantially block or obstruct the view of the operator, etc.). In some embodiments, the controller310is configured to provide an adjustment indication (e.g., a notification, an alert, a warning, etc.) via the user interface330(i) requesting that the operator approve the automatic adjustment or (ii) indicating that the operator should consider manually repositioning the telescoping lift arm assembly100to avoid upcoming or proximate external objects based on the environment data and/or the position data. In some embodiments, the controller310is configured to prevent the operator from manually adjusting the position the telescoping lift arm assembly100beyond a certain position to prevent the telescoping lift arm assembly100from inadvertently engaging with an external object (e.g., in a low clearance environment, etc.).

By way of example, the controller310may be configured to (i) acquire the environment data from the first environment sensor (e.g., a camera, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor/detector, etc.) and/or the position data from the position sensors (the position data may not be necessary depending on whether the first environment sensor acquires data regarding proximity of the telescoping lift arm assembly100to external objects) and (ii) control the actuators of the telescoping lift arm assembly100based on the environment data and/or the position data to automatically reposition the telescoping lift arm assembly100without requiring manual operator interaction or intervention such that the telescoping lift arm assembly100does not engage with surrounding external objects (e.g., so that the current height of the telescoping lift arm assembly100is under height for an upcoming overpass, bridge, entryway, garage, etc.). By way of another example, the controller310may be configured to (i) acquire the environment data from the second environment sensor (e.g., a GPS sensor, a telematics sensor, etc.) and the position data from the position sensors and (ii) control the actuators of the telescoping lift arm assembly100based on the environment data and the position data to automatically reposition the telescoping lift arm assembly100without requiring manual operator interaction or intervention such that the telescoping lift arm assembly100does not engage with surrounding external objects.

In some embodiments, the controller310is configured to control the speed of the engine18and/or the refuse vehicle10based on the speed data and/or the position data. By way of example, the controller310may be configured to limit the speed or prevent the refuse vehicle10from exceeding a speed threshold in response to the position data indicating that the telescoping lift arm assembly100is not in the transit position. By way of another example, the controller310may be configured to monitor the speed data and the position data, and provide a speed indication (e.g., a notification, an alert, a warning, etc.) to the operator via the user interface330when the speed of the refuse vehicle10reaches or as the speed of the refuse vehicle approaches the speed threshold. The speed indication may (i) request approval to automatically reposition the telescoping lift arm assembly100to the transit position or (ii) indicate that the operator should consider manually repositioning the telescoping lift arm assembly100to the transit position if the operator wishes to accelerate to an increased speed.

While the lift arm assembly disclosed herein is described as being an extendable or telescoping lift arm assembly, the functions of the control system300and the controller310described herein may similarly apply to a non-extendable or non-telescoping lift arm assembly.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the refuse vehicle10and the systems and components thereof as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein.