Patent Description:
Off-highway vehicles or working machines are for example those used in construction industries configured to transport loads over a surface (e.g. backhoe loaders, slew excavators, telescopic handlers, forklifts, skid-steer loaders etc.). These working machines typically have a body supported by a ground-engaging propulsion structure such as front and rear wheels, or a pair of endless tracks. To propel the working machine, a drive arrangement, including for example a transmission and a prime mover such as an internal combustion engine or electric motor, provides motive power to the ground-engaging propulsion structure. Working machines typically have a working arm pivotally mounted to the body of the machine, and a working implement, such as a bucket, forks or a grabber, attached to the end of the arm via a coupling device. Attachment of the working implement enables the working machine to perform a variety of tasks on a work site.

For such working machines, when the working arm is moved into a position such that the location of the working machine's centre of gravity changes significantly, the working machine may become less stable. In such instances, the working machine may tip over, potentially causing injury to the operator or damage to the working machine.

<CIT> relates to an apparatus and method in which a distance from a predetermined point to the center of gravity of the load and a first portion of an articulated work machine and the distance from that predetermined point to the center of gravity of the second portion of the work machine are compared, either singly or in a combination, to a predetermined value. The articulation angle of the machine and weight and position of the load are combined with a vehicle weight value into a stability value and the stability value is compared to an alarm value. Should an instability condition be detected, an output signal is sent to an output device to alert the operator and/or affect the movement of the machine to prevent instability of the work machine.

The present teachings seek to overcome, or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.

According to a first aspect there is provided a working machine comprising: a body; a ground-engaging propulsion structure supporting the body; a working arm pivotally connected to the body so as to be inclinable relative to the body, wherein the working arm is configured to mount a working implement at a distal end thereof; a drive arrangement configured to provide motive power to the ground-engaging propulsion structure; and a control system configured to determine a centre of gravity of the working machine, wherein the control system is configured to control or restrict a speed of movement of the working machine in response to the determined centre of gravity.

The centre of gravity and thus the stability of the working machine may change according to the position of the load handling apparatus relative to the body. Moreover, the working machine may become less stable when travelling at high travel speeds and when undergoing large changes in travel speed (i.e. high acceleration and deceleration). As such, by controlling or restricting a speed of movement of the working machine in response to the determined centre of gravity, the control system may help to inhibit movements that would lead to instability of the working machine (e.g. longitudinal or lateral tip over of the machine).

The control system is configured to limit the speed of movement of the working machine to a maximum speed of movement based on the determined centre of gravity.

Advantageously, based on the determined centre of gravity of the machine, the determined maximum speed may be determined such that instability of the working machine is inhibited when the working machine is moving at or below said determined maximum speed. Thus, by preventing the working machine from moving at a speed higher than a determined maximum speed, instability of the working machine can be inhibited.

The control system is configured to determine the centre of gravity of the working machine based on an angle of inclination of the working arm, and the maximum speed of movement is based on an angle of inclination of the working arm relative to the body.

The centre of gravity of the working machine may change as a function of the angle of inclination of the working arm. Thus, basing the maximum speed on the angle of inclination of the working arm may inhibit instability of the working machine.

The control system may be configured such that the maximum speed of movement decreases as the angle of inclination of the working arm increases.

The maximum speed of movement may be inversely proportional to the angle of inclination of the working arm.

Increasing the angle of the working arm may move the centre of gravity of the working machine such that the stability of the working machine is reduced. Thus, decreasing the maximum speed as the determined angle of the working arm increases may inhibit instability of the working machine.

The working arm may be a telescopic working arm that is extendable and retractable. The control system may be configured to determine the centre of gravity of the working machine based on a length of the working arm, and wherein the maximum speed of movement is based on the length of the working arm.

The centre of gravity of the working machine may change as a function of a length of the working arm. Thus, basing the maximum speed on a length of the working arm may inhibit instability of the working machine.

The control system may be configured such that the maximum speed of movement decreases as the length of the working arm increases.

Increasing the length of the working arm may move the centre of gravity of the working machine such that the stability of the working machine is reduced. Thus, decreasing the maximum speed as the length of the working arm increases may inhibit instability of the working machine.

The control system may be configured to limit the rate of change of the speed of movement to a maximum rate of change of speed of movement based on the determined centre of gravity.

Advantageously, based on the determined centre of gravity of the machine, the determined maximum rate of change of speed may be determined such that instability of the working machine is inhibited when the working machine is moving at or below said determined maximum rate of change of speed. Thus, by preventing the working machine from moving at a rate of change of speed higher than a determined maximum rate of change of speed, instability of the working machine can be inhibited.

The control system may be configured to determine the centre of gravity of the working machine based on an angle of inclination of the working arm, and wherein the maximum rate of change of speed of movement is based on an angle of inclination of the working arm relative to the body.

The centre of gravity of the working machine may change as a function of the angle of inclination of the working arm. Thus, basing the maximum rate of change of speed on the angle of inclination of the working arm may inhibit instability of the working machine.

The control system may be configured such that the maximum rate of change of speed of movement decreases as the angle of inclination of the working arm increases.

The maximum rate of change of speed of movement may be inversely proportional to the angle of inclination of the working arm.

Increasing the angle of the working arm may move the centre of gravity of the working machine such that the stability of the working machine is reduced. Thus, decreasing the determined maximum rate of change of speed as the determined angle of the working arm increases may inhibit instability of the working machine.

The working arm may be a telescopic working arm that is extendable and retractable. The control system may be configured to determine the centre of gravity of the working machine based on a length of the working arm, and wherein the maximum rate of change of speed of movement is based on the length of the working arm.

The centre of gravity of the working machine may change as a function of a length of the working arm. Thus, basing the maximum rate of change of speed on a length of the working arm may inhibit instability of the working machine.

The control system may be configured such that the maximum rate of change of speed of movement decreases as the length of the working arm increases.

Increasing the length of the working arm may move the centre of gravity of the working machine such that the stability of the working machine is reduced. Thus, decreasing the maximum rate of change of speed as the length of the working arm increases may inhibit instability of the working machine.

The control system may be configured to control the drive arrangement in order to control or restrict the speed of movement of the working machine.

Advantageously, by controlling the drive arrangement, the control system may be able to rapidly and effectively control or restrict the speed of movement of the working machine.

The drive arrangement may be controlled through one or more of: a rotational speed of the drive arrangement; a torque output of the drive arrangement; and/or torque within a transmission of the drive arrangement.

The working machine may comprise a braking system actuatable to apply a braking force to the ground engaging propulsion structure. The control system may be configured to control the braking system to apply a braking force to the ground engaging propulsion structure to decelerate the speed of movement of the working machine based on the determined centre of gravity.

Advantageously, by controlling the braking system based on the determined centre of gravity, the control system may be able to decelerate the speed of movement of the working machine such that instability of the working machine is inhibited.

The control system may be configured to control the braking system such that the rate of deceleration is limited to a maximum rate of deceleration based on the determined centre of gravity.

The rate of deceleration of the working machine may increase as the applied braking force increases. Moreover, the working machine may become more unstable as the rate of deceleration increases. As such, by limiting the rate of deceleration to a maximum rate of deceleration, instability of the working machine may be inhibited. For example, the control system may control the braking system such that the deceleration rate of the working machine is maintained within the limits of longitudinal stability at all times.

The control system may be configured to determine the centre of gravity of the working machine based on an angle of inclination of the working arm, and wherein the maximum rate of deceleration is based on an angle of inclination of the working arm relative to the body.

The centre of gravity of the working machine may change as a function of the angle of inclination of the working arm. Thus, basing the maximum rate of deceleration on the angle of inclination of the working arm may inhibit instability of the working machine.

The control system may be configured such that the maximum rate of deceleration decreases as the angle of inclination of the working arm increases.

The maximum rate of deceleration may be inversely proportional to the angle of inclination of the working arm.

Increasing the angle of the working arm may move the centre of gravity of the working machine such that the stability of the working machine is reduced. Thus, decreasing the determined maximum rate of deceleration as the determined angle of the working arm increases may inhibit instability of the working machine.

The working arm may be a telescopic working arm that is extendable and retractable. The control system may be configured to determine the centre of gravity of the working machine based on a length of the working arm, and wherein the maximum rate of deceleration is based on the length of the working arm.

The centre of gravity of the working machine may change as a function of the length of the working arm. Thus, basing the maximum rate of deceleration on a length of the working arm may inhibit instability of the working machine.

The control system may be configured such that the maximum rate of deceleration decreases as the length of the working arm increases.

Increasing the length of the working arm may move the centre of gravity of the working machine such that the stability of the working machine is reduced. Thus, decreasing the maximum rate of deceleration as the length of the working arm increases may inhibit instability of the working machine.

The maximum rate of change of speed of movement of the working machine and/or the maximum rate of deceleration of the working machine may be based on a speed of travel of the working machine.

Dynamic forces acting on the centre of gravity of the working machine may change as a function of the determined speed of movement of the working machine. Thus, basing the rate of change of speed of movement of the working machine and/or rate of deceleration of the working machine on the speed of travel of the working machine may prevent instability of the working machine.

The control system may be configured to control or restrict a speed of movement of the working machine based on a direction of travel of the working machine.

The working machine may comprise a steering wheel and the control system is configured to control or restrict a speed of movement of the working machine based on an angular position of the steering wheel.

Dynamic forces acting on the centre of gravity of the working machine may change as a function of the direction of travel of the working machine. Thus, controlling or restricting a speed of movement of the working machine based on the direction of travel of the working machine may prevent instability of the working machine.

The working machine may comprise an inclination sensor configured to determine a lateral inclination of the working machine and/or to determine a longitudinal (fore-aft) inclination. The control system may be configured to control or restrict a speed of movement of the working machine based on the determined inclination of the working machine.

The stability of the working machine may change as a function of the determined inclination of the body of the working machine. Thus, controlling or restricting a speed of movement of the working machine based on the determined inclination of the working machine may prevent instability of the working machine.

The determined centre of gravity may be based on one or more of; a weight of a load carried by the working implement; a longitudinal load moment determined by the control system; or a pressure imparted to the ground engaging propulsion structure.

Embodiments are now disclosed by way of example only with reference to the drawings, in which:.

Referring firstly to <FIG>, an embodiment of the teachings includes a working machine <NUM>. The working machine may be a load handling machine. In this embodiment, the working machine <NUM> is a telescopic handler. In other embodiments the working machine <NUM> may be a rotating telescopic handler, an excavator, a skid-steer loader, a compact track loader, a wheel loader, a telescopic wheel loader, or a tractor, for example. Such working machines may be denoted as off-highway vehicles or as non-road mobile machinery.

The working machine <NUM> includes a machine body <NUM>. The machine body <NUM> may include, for example, an operator's cab <NUM> from which an operator can operate the machine <NUM>. The operator cab <NUM> may be mounted on the body <NUM> so as to be offset from a centre of the body. Although in alternative arrangements, the cab <NUM> may be substantially central. In embodiments not illustrated, the body <NUM> may include an undercarriage and a superstructure. The superstructure may be rotatable (e.g. about a substantially vertical axis) relative to the undercarriage. Put another way, the superstructure may be rotatable relative to the ground engaging propulsion structure. In the illustrated arrangement, the operator cab <NUM> is mounted onto the body <NUM>.

The working machine <NUM> has a ground engaging propulsion arrangement. The ground engaging propulsion arrangement or structure supports the body <NUM>. The ground engaging propulsion structure includes a first, or front, axle A1 and a second, or rear, axle A2, each axle being coupled to a pair of wheels <NUM>, <NUM>. Put another way, the ground engaging propulsion structure includes front and rear wheels. In other embodiments, the ground engaging propulsion structure may include a pair of endless tracks.

The working machine <NUM> includes a drive arrangement <NUM> configured to provide motive power to the ground engaging propulsion structure <NUM>, <NUM>, so as to move/drive the working machine <NUM> over a surface. The drive arrangement <NUM> includes a primer mover <NUM> and a transmission <NUM>. The prime mover <NUM> may be an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, or may be a hybrid comprising both an internal combustion engine, an electric motor. The drive arrangement <NUM> is configured to provide motive power to the ground-engaging propulsion structure <NUM>, <NUM> from the prime mover <NUM> via the transmission <NUM>. One or both of the axles A1, A2 may be coupled to a drive arrangement (not shown) configured to provide motive power to the ground engaging propulsion structure (i.e. the axles A1, A2).

The prime mover is configured to provide motive power to the ground-engaging propulsion structure via the transmission. The transmission may include a gearbox including single gear or a plurality of gears. The working machine <NUM> comprises a steering wheel (not shown) located in the operator cab <NUM>, which is configured to provide steering control of the ground-engaging propulsion structure (e.g. to steer the pair of wheels <NUM> and/or the pair of wheels <NUM>.

A working arm <NUM> is pivotally connected to the body <NUM>. The working arm <NUM> is inclinable relative to the body <NUM>. In the arrangement shown, the working arm <NUM> is pivotally mounted to the superstructure <NUM>. The working arm <NUM> is connected to the body <NUM> by a mount <NUM> proximate a first end, or proximal end, of the working arm <NUM>. The working arm <NUM> can be moved with respect to the body <NUM> and the movement is preferably, at least in part, rotational movement about the mount <NUM>. The rotational movement is about a substantially transverse axis of the machine <NUM>. Rotational movement of the working arm <NUM> with respect to the body <NUM> is, in an embodiment, achieved by use of at least one lifting actuator (not shown) coupled between the arm <NUM> and the body <NUM>.

The working arm <NUM> may be a telescopic arm, having a first section <NUM> connected to the mount <NUM> and a second section <NUM> which is telescopically fitted to the first section <NUM>. In this embodiment, the second section <NUM> of the working arm <NUM> is telescopically moveable with respect to the first section <NUM> such that the working arm <NUM> can be extended and retracted. Movement of the second section <NUM> with respect to the first section <NUM> of the working arm <NUM> may be achieved by use of an extension actuator (not shown), for example a double acting hydraulic linear actuator, an electric linear actuator, a telescopic extension ram, multiple extension rams, and/or a chain and pulley system. As will be appreciated, the working arm <NUM> may include a plurality of sections, for example two, three, four or more sections. Each arm section may be telescopically fitted to at least one other section, and an actuator may be provided therebetween. In alternative arrangements, the working arm <NUM> may not be telescopic and may include a first arm pivotally mounted to the mount <NUM>. In such arrangements, the working arm <NUM> may also include a second arm pivotally mounted to the first arm.

A working implement <NUM> is mounted to a second, or distal, end <NUM> of the working arm <NUM>. The working machine <NUM> is configured to transport loads carried by the working implement <NUM>, In the illustrated arrangement, the working implement includes a carriage or carriage assembly <NUM> including a pair of spaced apart forks <NUM> mounted thereto. In alternative arrangements, it will be appreciated that any suitable working implement may be mounted to the working arm <NUM> to suit the application. In such alternative arrangements, the working implement may be a bucket, a shovel, or a basket, or may be any other suitable working implement.

Although not illustrated in <FIG>, the working machine <NUM> includes a braking system <NUM> actuatable to apply a first braking force to the ground engaging propulsion structure <NUM>, <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the braking is configured to apply a braking force in order to decelerate the working machine <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the working machine <NUM> includes a control system <NUM>, a sensor assembly <NUM>, and a braking system <NUM>.

The control system <NUM> is configured to determine a centre of gravity of the working machine <NUM>, and control or restrict a speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> in response to the determined centre of gravity.

The control system <NUM> may be configured to control or restrict a speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> by one or more of: limiting the speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> to a maximum speed of movement based on the determined centre of gravity; limiting the rate of change of the speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> to a maximum rate of change of speed of movement; and controlling the braking system to apply a braking force to the ground engaging propulsion structure to decelerate the speed of movement of the working machine based on the determined centre of gravity. It will be appreciated that in alternative arrangements, any suitable arrangement for controlling or restricting the speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> may be used.

The working machine includes a sensor assembly <NUM> to monitor one or more parameters associated with the working machine <NUM>. The control system <NUM> is configured to receive one or more inputs from the sensor assembly <NUM> and to control or restrict a speed of movement of the working machine in response to the received inputs. The control system <NUM> is configured to determine the centre of gravity of the working machine <NUM> based on one or more inputs received from one or more of said sensor arrangements of the sensor assembly <NUM>.

The control system <NUM> may be configured to determine the centre of gravity of the working machine <NUM> based on an angle of inclination of the working arm <NUM>. The sensor assembly <NUM> includes a first sensor <NUM> configured to determine an angle of inclination of the working arm <NUM> relative to the body <NUM>. The first <NUM> is configured to determine an angle of inclination of the working arm <NUM> relative to the machine body <NUM> and to provide an output of the determined angle of inclination of the working arm <NUM> to the control system <NUM>. The angle of inclination of the working arm <NUM> may correspond to an angle formed between the working arm <NUM> and a horizontal or vertical plane of the machine body <NUM>. The first sensor <NUM> may determine the angle of inclination of the working arm <NUM> via any suitable means. For example, the first sensor <NUM> may determine the angle of inclination of the working arm <NUM> via sensing the position(s) of the at least one lifting actuator (not shown), or via sensing the angle of inclination of the working arm <NUM> directly, e.g. the first sensor <NUM> may be a potentiometer arranged at the mount <NUM>. The control system <NUM> is configured to determine the centre of gravity of the working machine <NUM> based on the angle of inclination of the working arm <NUM> determined by the first sensor <NUM>.

The control system <NUM> may be configured to limit the speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> to a maximum speed of movement based on the angle of inclination of the working arm <NUM> relative to the body <NUM>. The control system <NUM> may be configured such that the maximum speed of movement decreases as the angle of inclination of the working arm <NUM> increases. For example, the maximum speed of movement may be inversely proportional to the angle of inclination of the working arm <NUM>. Increasing the angle of inclination of the working arm <NUM> may move the centre of gravity of the working machine <NUM> closer to the stability envelope for the working machine <NUM>, i.e. such that the stability of the working machine <NUM> is reduced. Thus, decreasing the maximum speed of movement as the determined angle of inclination of the working arm <NUM> increases may reduce instability of the working machine <NUM>.

The control system <NUM> may be configured to limit the rate of change of the speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> to a maximum rate of change of speed of movement based on the angle of inclination of the working arm <NUM> relative to the body <NUM>. The control system <NUM> may be configured such that the maximum rate of change of speed of movement decreases as the angle of inclination of the working arm <NUM> increases. For example, the maximum rate of change of speed of movement may be inversely proportional to the angle of inclination of the working arm <NUM>. Increasing the angle of inclination of the working arm <NUM> may move the centre of gravity of the working machine <NUM> closer to the stability envelope for the working machine <NUM>. Thus, decreasing the maximum rate of change of speed of movement as the determined angle of inclination of the working arm <NUM> increases may reduce instability of the working machine <NUM>.

The control system <NUM> may be configured to control/actuate the braking system to apply a braking force to the ground engaging propulsion <NUM>, <NUM> structure to decelerate the speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> based on the angle of inclination of the working arm <NUM> relative to the body <NUM>. The control system <NUM> may be configured such that the maximum rate of deceleration decreases as the angle of inclination of the working arm <NUM> increases. For example, the maximum rate of deceleration may be inversely proportional to the angle of inclination of the working arm <NUM>. Increasing the angle of inclination of the working arm <NUM> may move the centre of gravity of the working machine <NUM> closer to the stability envelope for the working machine <NUM>. Thus, decreasing or basing the maximum rate of deceleration on the angle of inclination of the working arm <NUM> may reduce instability of the working machine <NUM>.

The sensor assembly <NUM> includes a second sensor <NUM> configured to determine a length of the telescopic arm <NUM>. Put another way, the second sensor <NUM> is configured to determine the amount of extension or retraction of the telescopic working arm <NUM>. It will be appreciated that in arrangements when the working arm <NUM> is not telescopic, the second sensor <NUM> may be omitted.

The second sensor <NUM> is configured to determine a length of the working arm <NUM> and to provide an output of the determined length of the working arm <NUM> to the control system <NUM>. By 'length of the working arm <NUM>', it is intended to mean the distance between the first, or proximal, end of the arm <NUM> proximate the mount <NUM> and the second, or distal, end of the arm <NUM>. The length sensor arrangement <NUM> may determine the length of the working arm <NUM> via any suitable means. For example, the length sensor arrangement <NUM> may determine the length of the working arm <NUM> via sensing the position(s) of the extension actuator (not shown).

The control system <NUM> is configured to determine the centre of gravity of the working machine <NUM> based on the length of the working arm <NUM> determined by the length sensor arrangement <NUM>.

The control system <NUM> may be configured to limit the speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> to a maximum speed of movement based on the determined length of the working arm <NUM>. The control system <NUM> may be configured such that the maximum speed of movement decreases as the length of the working arm <NUM> increases. For example, the maximum speed of movement may be inversely proportional to the length of the working arm <NUM>.

The control system <NUM> may be configured to limit the rate of change of the speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> to a maximum rate of change of speed of movement based on the determined length of the working arm <NUM>. The control system <NUM> may be configured such that the maximum rate of change of speed of movement decreases as the as the length of the working arm <NUM> increases. For example, the maximum rate of change of speed of movement may be inversely proportional to the length of the working arm <NUM>.

The control system <NUM> may be configured to control/actuate the braking system to apply a braking force to the ground engaging propulsion <NUM>, <NUM> structure to decelerate the speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> based on the determined length of the working arm <NUM>. The control system <NUM> may be configured such that the maximum rate of deceleration decreases as the length of the working arm <NUM> increases.

The control system <NUM> may be configured to determine the centre of gravity of the working machine <NUM> based on a weight of a load carried by the working implement <NUM> determined by the load sensor arrangement <NUM>. Put another way, the control system <NUM> may be configured to control or restrict a speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> based on a weight of a load carried by the working implement <NUM>. In such arrangements, the sensor assembly <NUM> may include a third sensor <NUM> configured to determine a weight of a load carried by the working implement <NUM> and to provide an output of the determined weight of the load caried by the working implement <NUM> to the control system <NUM>. The third sensor <NUM> may determine a weight of a load carried by the working implement <NUM> via any suitable means. For example, when the at least one lifting actuator (not shown) is a hydraulic linear actuator, the third sensor <NUM> may determine a weight of a load carried by the working implement <NUM> via sensing a hydraulic pressure of the at least one lifting actuator. Additionally or alternatively, the third sensor <NUM> may determine a weight of a load carried by the working implement <NUM> via sensing the stresses or strains acting on the working arm <NUM>, e.g. the third sensor <NUM> may include a strain gauge.

It will be appreciated that in such arrangements, the control system <NUM> may be configured to: limit the speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> to a maximum speed of movement based on a weight of a load carried by the working implement <NUM>; limit the rate of change of the speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> to a maximum rate of change of speed of movement based on a weight carried by the working implement <NUM>; and/or control the braking system to apply a braking force to the ground engaging propulsion structure to decelerate the speed of movement of the working machine based on a weight of a load carried by the working implement <NUM>.

The control system <NUM> may be configured to determine the centre of gravity of the working machine <NUM> based on a longitudinal load moment indication. Put another way, the control system <NUM> may be configured to control or restrict a speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> based on a longitudinal load moment indication. In such arrangements, the sensor assembly <NUM> includes a fourth sensor <NUM> configured to determine a longitudinal load moment of the working machine <NUM> and to provide an output of the determined longitudinal load moment to the control system <NUM>. By 'longitudinal load moment', it is intended to mean the resultant moment acting on the working machine <NUM> about an axis parallel to the first and second axles A1, A2 (i.e. a transverse axis of the working machine <NUM>) that intersects the centre of gravity of the working machine <NUM>. The longitudinal load moment is defined as positive in the clockwise direction in <FIG>. The fourth sensor <NUM> may determine the longitudinal load moment of the working machine <NUM> via any suitable means. For example, the fourth sensor <NUM> may determine the longitudinal load moment of the working machine <NUM> via sensing the load imparted by the working machine <NUM> on the rear axle A2. The fourth sensor <NUM> may be, include, or form part of, a longitudinal load moment indicator (LLMI).

It will be appreciated that in such arrangements, the control system <NUM> may be configured to: limit the speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> to a maximum speed of movement based on a longitudinal load moment indication; limit the rate of change of the speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> to a maximum rate of change of speed of movement based on a longitudinal load moment indication; and/or control the braking system to apply a braking force to the ground engaging propulsion structure to decelerate the speed of movement of the working machine based on a longitudinal load moment indication.

The control system <NUM> may be configured to determine the centre of gravity of the working machine <NUM> based on a pressure imparted onto the ground engaging propulsion structure <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g. on opposing sides of the working machine <NUM> and/or at the front and rear of the working machine <NUM>). Put another way, the control system <NUM> may be configured to control or restrict a speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> based on a pressure imparted onto the ground engaging propulsion structure <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g. on opposing sides of the working machine <NUM>). The pressure imparted onto the ground engaging structure may be a wheel or tyre pressure. In such arrangements, the sensor assembly <NUM> may include a fifth sensor <NUM> configured to determine a pressure imparted onto the ground engaging propulsion structure. It will be appreciated that the fifth sensor <NUM> may be formed from a plurality of sensors to determine the pressure imparted on different parts (e.g. on opposing sides of the working machine <NUM>) of the ground engaging propulsion structure <NUM>, <NUM>.

The control system <NUM> may be configured to control the drive arrangement <NUM> in order to control or restrict the speed of movement of the working machine <NUM>. For example, the control system <NUM> may be configured to control the drive arrangement <NUM> in order to limit the speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> to a maximum speed of movement, and/or to limit the rate of change of speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> to a maximum rate of change of speed of movement.

In such arrangements, the control system <NUM> may control or restrict the speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> and/or the rate of change of s speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> by controlling a rotational speed of the drive arrangement <NUM>. The control system <NUM> may be configured to limit the speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> to a maximum speed of movement by limiting a rotational speed of the drive arrangement <NUM>, by limiting a torque output of the drive arrangement and/or by limiting a torque with the transmission <NUM>.

The control system <NUM> may control a rotational speed of the drive arrangement <NUM> in order to control or restrict the speed of movement of the working machine <NUM>. In embodiments in which the prime mover <NUM> is an internal combustion engine, the rotational speed of the drive arrangement <NUM> may correspond to a rotational speed of the engine's crankshaft. In embodiments in which the prime mover <NUM> is an electric motor, the rotational speed of the drive arrangement <NUM> may correspond to a rotational speed of the rotor and/or output shaft of the motor. The control system <NUM> may send a signal (e.g. a TSC1 signal) to a controller of the prime mover <NUM> to control the rotational speed of the prime mover <NUM>. Alternatively, the rotational speed of the drive arrangement <NUM> may correspond to a rotational speed of the transmission <NUM>. For example, the rotational speed of an output shaft from a gearbox of the transmission <NUM>. The control system <NUM> may send a signal to a controller of the transmission <NUM> to control the rotational speed of the transmission (e.g. to change a gear ratio in the gear box).

The control system <NUM> may control a torque output of the drive arrangement <NUM> in order to control or restrict the speed of movement of the working machine <NUM>. In embodiments in which the prime mover <NUM> is an internal combustion engine, the torque output of the drive arrangement <NUM> may correspond to a torque of the engine's crankshaft. In embodiments in which the prime mover <NUM> is an electric motor, the torque output of the drive arrangement <NUM> may correspond to a torque of the rotor and/or output shaft of the motor. The control system <NUM> may send a signal to a controller of the prime mover <NUM> to control the torque output of the prime mover <NUM>. Alternatively, the torque output of the drive arrangement <NUM> may correspond to a torque output of the transmission <NUM>. For example, the torque of an output shaft from a gearbox of the transmission <NUM>. The control system <NUM> may send a signal to a controller of the transmission <NUM> to control the torque output of the transmission (e.g. to change a gear ratio in the gear box).

The control system <NUM> may control a torque within the transmission <NUM> of the drive arrangement <NUM> to control or restrict the speed of movement of the working machine <NUM>. The torque within the transmission <NUM> may correspond to the torque of a gear shaft in a gearbox of the transmission. The control system <NUM> may send a signal to a controller of the transmission <NUM> to control the torque within the transmission (e.g. to change a gear ratio in the gear box).

The control system <NUM> may be configured to control or restrict the speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> based on the lateral inclination angle and/or longitudinal inclination angle (hereinafter 'inclination') of the working machine <NUM>. In such arrangements, the sensor assembly <NUM> my include a sixth sensor <NUM> configured to determine a lateral inclination angle of the working machine <NUM> and/or to determine a longitudinal (i.e. fore-aft) inclination angle of the working machine <NUM> and to provide an output of the determined lateral and/or longitudinal inclination angle(s) of the working machine <NUM> to the control system <NUM>. By 'lateral inclination angle', it is intended to mean the angle formed between a transverse axis of the machine body <NUM> and the horizontal. By 'longitudinal inclination angle', it is intended to mean the angle formed between a fore-aft axis of the machine body <NUM> and the horizontal. The inclination sensor <NUM> may determine the lateral and/or longitudinal inclination angle(s) of the working machine <NUM> via any suitable means.

The control system <NUM> may be configured such that the maximum speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> previously discussed is based on the determined inclination of the working machine <NUM>. The maximum speed of movement may decrease as the inclination of the working machine <NUM> increases. Additionally or alternatively, the control system <NUM> may be configured such that the maximum rate of change of speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> previously discussed is based on the determined inclination of the working machine <NUM>. The maximum rate of change of speed of movement may decrease as the inclination of the working machine <NUM> increases. Additionally or alternatively, the control system <NUM> may be configured such that the maximum rate of deceleration of the working machine <NUM> previously discussed is based on the determined inclination of the working machine <NUM>. The maximum rate of deceleration may decrease as the inclination of the working machine <NUM> increases.

The control system <NUM> may be configured to control or restrict a speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> based on the speed of travel of the working machine <NUM>. In such arrangements, the sensor assembly <NUM> may include a seventh sensor <NUM> configured to determine a speed of travel of the working machine <NUM> and to provide an output of the determined speed of travel of the working machine <NUM> to the control system <NUM>. The speed sensor arrangement <NUM> may determine the speed of travel of the working machine <NUM> via any suitable means such as determining the rotational speed of the ground engaging propulsion structure <NUM>, <NUM> or the axles A1, A2, via sensing a rotational speed of the transmission <NUM>, or via GPS.

The control system <NUM> may be configured to control the maximum rate of change of speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> be based on the determined speed of travel of the working machine <NUM>. For example, as the determined speed of travel increases, the maximum rate of change of speed of movement may be reduced. Additionally or alternatively, the control system <NUM> may be configured to control the maximum rate of deceleration based on the determined speed of travel of the working machine <NUM>. For example, as the determined speed of travel increases, the maximum rate of deceleration may be reduced. Advantageously, this may help to inhibit longitudinal instability of the working machine <NUM> (e.g. longitudinal tip over).

The control system <NUM> may be configured to control or restrict a speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> based on the direction of travel of the working machine <NUM>. In such arrangements, the sensor assembly <NUM> may include an eight sensor <NUM> configured to determine a direction of travel of the working machine <NUM> and to provide an output of the determined direction of travel of the working machine <NUM> to the control system <NUM>. By 'direction of travel', it is intended to mean the direction the working machine <NUM> is moving relative to the ground beneath the working machine <NUM>. The direction of travel may correspond to whether the working machine <NUM> is travelling forwards, i.e. to the right in <FIG>, or in reverse, i.e. to the left in <FIG>. Additionally or alternatively, the direction of travel may correspond to whether the working machine is turning left or right. The direction sensor arrangement <NUM> may determine the direction of travel of the working machine <NUM> via any suitable means. For example, the direction sensor arrangement <NUM> may determine the direction of travel of the working machine <NUM> via sensing whether a forward or reverse gear has been selected in a gearbox of the transmission <NUM>, via sensing an angular position of the steering wheel (not shown), and/or via GPS. Based on the centre of gravity of the working machine <NUM>, the working machine <NUM> may be more stable travelling in a first direction, e.g. forwards, relative to a second direction, e.g. reverse. Thus, controlling or restricting the speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> based on the determined direction of travel of the working machine <NUM> may reduce instability of the working machine <NUM>.

The control system <NUM> may be configured such that the maximum speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> is based on the determined direction of travel of the working machine <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the control system <NUM> may be configured such that the maximum rate of change of speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> is based on the determined direction of travel of the working machine <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the control system <NUM> may be configured such that the maximum rate of deceleration of the working machine <NUM> is based on the determined direction of travel of the working machine <NUM>.

In embodiments in which the eighth sensor <NUM> senses an angular position of the steering wheel (not shown), the maximum speed of movement may decrease as the angular position of the steering wheel increases. Additionally or alternatively, the maximum rate of change of speed of movement of the working machine <NUM> may decrease as the angular position of the steering wheel increases. Additionally or alternatively, the maximum rate of deceleration of the working machine <NUM> may decrease as the angular position of the steering wheel increases.

Claim 1:
A working machine (<NUM>) comprising:
a body (<NUM>);
a ground-engaging propulsion structure supporting the body (<NUM>);
a working arm (<NUM>) pivotally connected to the body (<NUM>) so as to be inclinable relative to the body (<NUM>), wherein the working arm (<NUM>) is configured to mount a working implement (<NUM>) at a distal end thereof;
a drive arrangement (<NUM>) configured to provide motive power to the ground-engaging propulsion structure; and
a control system (<NUM>) configured to determine a centre of gravity of the working machine (<NUM>),
wherein the control system (<NUM>) is configured to control or restrict a speed of movement of the working machine (<NUM>) in response to the determined centre of gravity,
characterised in that
the control system (<NUM>) is configured to limit the speed of movement of the working machine (<NUM>) to a maximum speed of movement based on the determined centre of gravity,
and in that
the control system (<NUM>) is configured to determine the centre of gravity of the working machine (<NUM>) based on an angle of inclination of the working arm (<NUM>), and
in that the maximum speed of movement is based on an angle of inclination of the working arm (<NUM>) relative to the body (<NUM>).