GB2616459A

GB2616459A - Controller, system, and method for controlling engine of machine

Info

Publication number: GB2616459A
Application number: GB2203315.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: A Evans Timothy; Lane Fulcher Richard
Original assignee: Caterpillar Inc
Current assignee: Caterpillar Inc
Priority date: 2022-03-10
Filing date: 2022-03-10
Publication date: 2023-09-13
Also published as: GB202203315D0

Abstract

A controller comprising one or more memories and one or more processors configured to monitor 302 an operating pressure of a hydraulic device of a machine, monitor 304 a current engine speed of an engine of the machine, determine 306 based on the current engine speed being less than a predetermined engine speed value and the operating pressure being at or above a predetermined pressure threshold value, an increase to a fuel intake flow rate to the engine, and cause 308 based on the increased fuel intake flow rate to the engine, operation of the engine at or above an engine speed threshold value. An associated system and method are also disclosed.

Description

CONTROLLER, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ENGINE

OF MACHINE

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a controller, a system, and a method for controlling an engine of a machine

Background

[0002] A machine, such as a wheel loader, includes an implement to perform one or more work operations, such as, material loading, stock piling, dumping, and the like. The implement may be movable by one or more actuators. Further, a hydraulic pump may control the actuators to move the implement. The hydraulic device may receive operating power from an engine of the machine. Further, as the operating power required by the hydraulic device increases, a loading on the engine may increase in order to meet the operational requirements. In some cases, an amount of the operating power may exceed an amount of power that the engine is capable of generating at a particular engine speed. In such cases, the rotational speed of the engine may decrease.

[0003] If the engine is operating at a low engine speed, the rotational speed loss due to higher load on the engine may adversely impact efficiency and performance of machines that include hydraulic devices.

[0004] U. S. Patent Number 5,468,126 describes large work vehicles including hydraulic implement control systems having a hydraulic pump being driven by an internal combustion engine. The subject invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling such a hydraulic system to control engine lug while the hydraulic system is operating. The apparatus includes one or more sensors for producing parameter signals in response to the level of one or more hydraulic system operating parameters. A control receives the parameter signals and responsively produces a supplemental control signal which is used to control engine lug.

Summary of the Disclosure

[0005] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a controller is provided. The controller includes one or more memories. The controller also Includes one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to monitor an operating pressure of a hydraulic device of a machine. The one or more processors are also configured to monitor a current engine speed of an engine of the machine. The one or more processors are further configured to determine, based on the current engine speed being less than a predetermined engine speed value and the operating pressure being at or above a predetermined pressure threshold value, an increase to a fuel intake flow rate to the engine. The one or more processors are configured to cause, based on the increased fuel intake flow rate to the engine, operation of the engine at or above an engine speed threshold value.

[0006] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for controlling an engine of a machine is provided. The system includes a first sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of an operating pressure of a hydraulic device of the machine. The system also includes a second sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a current engine speed of the engine. The system further includes a controller communicably coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor. The controller includes one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to receive the signal indicative of the operating pressure of the hydraulic device from the first sensor. The one or more processors are also configured to receive the signal indicative of the current engine speed of the engine from the second sensor. The one or more processors are further configured to generate an output signal to increase a fuel intake flow rate to the engine, based on the current engine speed being less than a predetermined engine speed value and the operating pressure being at or above a predetermined pressure threshold value, such that the increased fuel intake flow rate to the engine causes operation of the engine at or above an engine speed threshold value.

[0007] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling an engine of a machine is provided. The method includes monitoring, by a controller, an operating pressure of a hydraulic device of the machine. The method also includes monitoring, by the controller, a current engine speed of the engine of the machine. The method further includes determining, by the controller, an increase to a fuel intake flow rate to the engine if the current engine speed is less than a predetermined engine speed value and the operating pressure is at or above a predetermined pressure threshold value. The method includes causing, based on the increased fuel intake flow rate to the engine, operation of the engine at or above an engine speed threshold value.

[0008] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings [0009] FIG. 1 is a side view of a machine, according to an embodiment of the

present disclosure;

10010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system for controlling an engine of the machine of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and [0011] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the engine of the machine of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

10012] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Referring to FIG. 1, a side view of an exemplary machine 100 is illustrated. The machine 100 may embody any type of construction machine or mining machine. The machine 100 is embodied as a wheel loader that may be used for purposes, such as, construction, landscaping, agriculture, and the like. Alternatively, the machine 100 may be embodied as an off highway truck, a dozer, an excavator, a tractor, a motor grader, a scraper, etc. that may be used in various industries to move, remove, or load materials, such as, asphalt, debris, dirt, snow, feed, gravel, logs, raw minerals, recycled material, rock, sand, woodchips, etc. [0013] The machine 100 includes a frame 102 having a front end 120 and a rear end 122 opposite to the front end 120. The frame 102 supports various components of the machine 100, such as an engine 124 (schematically shown in FIG. 2), thereon. The engine 124 may include an internal combustion engine. The engine 124 may provide operating power to various components of the machine 100 for operational and mobility requirements. The machine 100 further includes a fuel delivery system 126 (schematically shown in FIG. 2). The fuel delivery system 126 may deliver fuel to the engine 124. The fuel delivery system 126 may include, for example, a tank, one or more fuel lines, one or more fuel filters, a fuel pump (mechanical or electric), fuel metering components (carburetor or fuel injectors), and the like. The fuel delivery system 126 may control a fuel intake flow rate to the engine 124, based on application requirements.

100141 The machine 100 further includes an operator cabin 106 supported by the frame 102. The operator cabin 106 includes one or more controls (not shown), such as, joysticks, pedals, levers, buttons, switches, knobs, audio visual devices, operator consoles, a steering wheel, and the like. The controls may enable an operator to control the machine 100 during operation. The machine 100 includes a hood 104 proximate to the rear end 122 of the frame 102. The hood 104 encloses the engine 124 therein.

100151 The machine 100 also includes a linkage assembly 108 movably coupled to the frame 102. The linkage assembly 108 is disposed proximate to the front end 120 of the machine 100. The linkage assembly 108 includes an arm 110 movably coupled to the frame 102 and an implement 112 movably coupled to the arm 110. The implement 112 may be used to perform one or more work operations, such as, material loading, stock piling, dumping, and the like. The linkage assembly 108 also includes one or more actuators 114 (only one of which is illustrated herein) to effectuate a movement of the implement 112. Further, the actuators 114 may be controlled by a hydraulic device 118 (schematically shown in FIG. 2) of the machine 100. In an example, the hydraulic device 118 is an implement pump 118 driven by the engine 124. The hydraulic device 118 may be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the implement pump 118, without any limitations. The machine 100 further includes a number of wheels 116. The wheels 116 provide support and mobility to the machine 100 on grounds.

100161 During an operation of the machine 100, various machine components of the machine 100, such as the hydraulic device 118, the wheels 116, and the like, may receive operating power from the engine 124. In some examples, when a current engine speed of the engine 124 is low, a higher load on the engine 124 due to increased operating power requirements from one or more machine components may lead to engine lugging. The term "current engine speed" as used herein is indicative of a rotational speed of the engine 124. Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram of a system 200 for controlling the engine 124 of the machine 100 (see FIG. 1) is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 200 may be used to limit engine lugging when the current engine speed is low.

100171 The system 200 includes a first sensor 202 that generates a signal 204 indicative of an operating pressure of the hydraulic device 118 of the machine 100. The first sensor 202 may be a pressure sensor. In an example, the operating pressure includes a discharge pressure of the implement pump 118. In such an example, the first sensor 202 may include a pump discharge sensor for indicating the operating pressure of hydraulic fluid leaving the hydraulic device 118. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited by a type of the first sensor 202.

100181 The system 200 also includes a second sensor 206 that generates a signal 208 indicative of the current engine speed of the engine 124. The second sensor 206 may be communicably coupled with the engine 124. The second sensor 206 is an engine speed sensor. In an example, the second sensor 206 may include a magnetic pick-up device sensitive to a movement of a gear tooth in the engine 124 which may be proportional to a crankshaft speed. The second sensor 206 may include a wheel speed sensor. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited by a type of the second sensor 206.

[0019] The system 200 further includes a controller 210 communicably coupled to the first sensor 202 and the second sensor 206. The controller 210 is also communicably coupled to the fuel delivery system 126. In an example, the controller 210 may be embodied as an engine speed governor. In such an example, the engine speed governor may execute the functions of the controller 210. In other examples, the controller 210 may embody an electronic control module that may be present onboard the machine 100.

[0020] The controller 210 includes one or more memories 212. The memories 212 may include, for example, a flash memory, a random-access memory (RAM), and an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPRONI). The memories 212 may store data, such as, algorithms, instructions, and arithmetic operations. The controller 210 may execute various types of digitally stored instructions, such as, a software or an algorithm, retrieved from the memories 212, or a firmware program which may enable the controller 210 to perform a wide variety of operations.

[0021] The controller 210 further includes one or more processors 214. The one or more processors 214 may be communicably coupled to the one or more memories 212. Further, the one or more processors 214 may be communicably coupled to the first sensor 202, the second sensor 206, and the fuel delivery system 126. The one or more processors 214 may be any device that performs logic operations. It should be noted that the one or more processors 214 may embody a single microprocessor or multiple microprocessors for receiving various input signals. Numerous commercially available microprocessors may be configured to perform the functions of the one or more processors 214. The one or more processors 214 may further include a general processor, a central processing unit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital circuit, an analog circuit, a controller, a microcontroller, any other type of processor, or any combination thereof The one or more processors 214 may include one or more components that may be operable to execute computer executable instructions or computer code that may be stored and retrieved from the one or more memories 212.

10022] The one or more processors 214 monitor the operating pressure of the hydraulic device 118 of the machine 100. Specifically, the one or more processors 214 receive the signal 204 indicative of the operating pressure of the hydraulic device 118 from the first sensor 202. The one or more processors 214 further monitor the current engine speed of the engine 124 of the machine 100. Specifically, the one or more processors 214 receive the signal 208 indicative of the current engine speed of the engine 124 from the second sensor 206.

10023] Further, the one or more processors 214 determine, based on the current engine speed being less than a predetermined engine speed value "Si" and the operating pressure being at or above a predetermined pressure threshold value "P 1", an increase to the fuel intake flow rate to the engine 124. The term "predetermined engine speed value" as used herein may be defined as a rotational speed of the engine U4 that is too high to implement the increase to the fuel intake flow rate to the engine 124, regardless of the operating pressure of the hydraulic device 118 satisfying the predetermined pressure threshold. In other words, increasing the fuel intake flow rate to the engine 124, when the current engine speed is at or above the predetermined engine speed value would result in unstable operation of the engine U4. The term "predetermined pressure threshold value" as used herein may be indicative of an operating pressure of the hydraulic device 118 that may be high enough to cause the speed of the engine 124 to reduce by a substantial amount. The predetermined engine speed value "S 1" and the predetermined pressure threshold value "P1" may be prestored in the memories 212 of the controller 210 and may be retrievable therefrom as per application requirements.

[0024] Further, the processors 214 may compare the signal 204 received from the first sensor 202 with the predetermined pressure threshold value "P 1" in order to determine the increase to the fuel intake flow rate to the engine 124. Moreover, the processors 214 may compare the signal 208 received from the second sensor 206 with the predetermined engine speed value "Sl" to determine the increase in order to the fuel intake flow rate to the engine 124.

[0025] The one or more processors 214 also cause, based on the increased fuel intake flow rate to the engine 124, operation of the engine 124 at or above an engine speed threshold value "Ti". Specifically, the one or more processors 214 generate an output signal 216 to increase the fuel intake flow rate to the engine 124, based on the current engine speed being less than the predetermined engine speed value "Si" and the operating pressure being at or above the predetermined pressure threshold value "P 1", such that the increased fuel intake flow rate to the engine 124 causes the engine 124 to operate at or above the engine speed threshold value "Ti", The engine speed threshold value "TI" may be stored and retrieved from the one or more memories 212. In an example, the term "engine speed threshold value" may be indicative of a minimum engine speed value below which the engine 124 may experience unfavorable operating conditions (e.g., unstable operation such as engine stall). It should be noted that the processors 214 may generate the output signal 216 when each of the operating pressure of the hydraulic device is less than the predetermined pressure threshold value "Pl" and the current engine speed of the engine 124 is less than the predetermined engine speed value "Si".

100261 In some examples, the output signal 216 may be a fuel signal The one or more processors 214 transmit the output signal 216 to the fuel delivery system 126 that delivers the fuel to the engine 124. In some examples, the increased fuel intake flow rate to the engine 124 may cause the current engine speed to increase in order to operate at or above the engine speed threshold value "Ti".

100271 Further, a value of the increased fuel intake flow rate may be at least partially based on the operating pressure of the hydraulic device 118. However, it should be noted that the engine load may also depend on operating power requirements of other machine components. Accordingly, the value of the increased fuel intake flow rate may be obtained based on the operating pressure of the hydraulic device 118 as well as the operating power required by other machine components, such as other hydraulic devices and/or pneumatic devices of the machine 100, without any limitations. In some examples, the memories 212 may store one or more look-up tables to determine the increased fuel intake flow rate, without any limitations.

[0028] It is to be understood that individual features shown or described for one embodiment may be combined with individual features shown or described for another embodiment. The above described implementation does not in any way limit the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is to be understood although some features are shown or described to illustrate the use of the present disclosure in the context of functional segments, such features may be omitted from the scope of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Industrial Applicability

[0029] The system 200 of the present disclosure describes a means to control the engine 124 when the current engine speed is low in order to prevent excessive loss of engine speed and mitigate engine lugging. The system 200 ensures that the current engine speed does not decrease to an extremely low engine speed that may cause engine lugging, especially when the operating pressure of the hydraulic device 118 increases. The system 100 includes the controller 210 that may generate the output signal 216 to increase the fuel intake flow rate to the engine 124, based on the current engine speed as well as the operating pressure of the hydraulic device 118 in order to limit engine lugging.

[0030] Further, the system 200 may prevent engine stalling and/or unstable engine operation in situations where the operating pressure of the hydraulic device 118 is high and the current engine speed is low. Moreover, as the system 200 limits engine lugging, an efficiency and/or a performance of the engine 124 and/or the hydraulic device 118 may remain unaffected when the current engine speed is low and the load on the engine 124 is high.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 3, a flowchart of a method 300 for controlling the engine 124 of the machine 100 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] At step 302, the controller 210 monitors the operating pressure of the hydraulic device 118 of the machine 100. Specifically, the controller 210 receives the signal 204 indicative of the operating pressure of the hydraulic device 118 from the first sensor 202. In some embodiments, the hydraulic device 118 is the implement pump 118 driven by the engine 124. Further, the operating pressure includes the discharge pressure of the implement pump 118.

[0033] At step 304, the controller 210 monitors the current engine speed of the engine 124 of the machine 100. Specifically, the controller 210 receives the signal 208 indicative of the current engine speed of the engine 124 from the second sensor 206. In an example, the second sensor 206 is an engine speed sensor.

[0034] At step 306, the controller 210 determines the increase to the fuel intake flow rate to the engine 124 if the current engine speed is less than the predetermined engine speed value "Si" and the operating pressure is at or above the predetermined pressure threshold value "Pl".

[0035] At step 308, based on the increased fuel intake flow rate to the engine 124, the engine 124 is caused to operate at or above the engine speed threshold value "TI". The controller 210 generates the output signal 216 for delivering the increased fuel intake flow rate to the engine 124. Further, the controller 210 transmits the output signal 216 to the fuel delivery system 126 that delivers the fuel to the engine 124 100361 While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof

Claims

Claims What is claimed is: 1 A controller, comprising: one or more memories; and one or more processors configured to: monitor an operating pressure of a hydraulic device of a machine; monitor a current engine speed of an engine of the machine; determine, based on the current engine speed being less than a predetermined engine speed value and the operating pressure being at or above a predetermined pressure threshold value, an increase to a fuel intake flow rate to the engine; and cause, based on the increased fuel intake flow rate to the engine, operation of the engine at or above an engine speed threshold value.
2. The controller of claim 1, wherein the hydraulic device is an implement pump driven by the engine.
3. The controller of claim 2, wherein the operating pressure includes a discharge pressure of the implement pump.
4 The controller of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to generate an output signal for delivering the increased fuel intake flow rate to the engine.
The controller of claim 4, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to transmit the output signal to a fuel delivery system that delivers fuel to the engine.
6 The controller of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a value of the increased fuel intake flow rate is at least partially based on the operating pressure of the hydraulic device.
7, The controller of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to receive a signal indicative of the operating pressure of the hydraulic device from a first sensor.
8 The controller of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to receive a signal indicative of the current engine speed of the engine from a second sensor, and wherein the second sensor is an engine speed sensor.
9 A system for controlling an engine of a machine, the system comprising: a first sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of an operating pressure of a hydraulic device of the machine; a second sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a current engine speed of the engine; and a controller communicably coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor, the controller including one or more processors configured to: receive the signal indicative of the operating pressure of the hydraulic device from the first sensor; receive the signal indicative of the current engine speed of the engine from the second sensor; and generate an output signal to increase a fuel intake flow rate to the engine, based on the current engine speed being less than a predetermined engine speed value and the operating pressure being at or above a predetermined pressure threshold value, such that the increased fuel intake flow rate to the engine causes operation of the engine at or above an engine speed threshold value.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the hydraulic device is an implement pump driven by the engine.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the operating pressure includes a discharge pressure of the implement pump
12. The system of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to transmit the output signal to a fuel delivery system that delivers fuel to the engine.
13. The system of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein a value of the increased fuel intake flow rate is at least partially based on the operating pressure of the hydraulic device.
14 The system of any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the second sensor is an engine speed sensor.
A method for controlling an engine of a machine, the method comprising: monitoring, by a controller, an operating pressure of a hydraulic device of the machine; monitoring, by the controller, a current engine speed of the engine of the machine; determining, by the controller, an increase to a fuel intake flow rate to the engine if the current engine speed is less than a predetermined engine speed value and the operating pressure is at or above a predetermined pressure threshold value; and causing, based on the increased fuel intake flow rate to the engine, operation of the engine at or above an engine speed threshold value.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising generating, by the controller, an output signal for delivering the increased fuel intake flow rate to the engine.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising transmitting, by the controller, the output signal to a fuel delivery system that delivers fuel to the engine.
18. The method of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the hydraulic device is an implement pump driven by the engine, and wherein the operating pressure includes a discharge pressure of the implement pump.
19. The method of any one of claims 15 to 18 further comprising receiving, by the controller, a signal indicative of the operating pressure of the hydraulic device from a first sensor.The method of any one of claims 15 to 19 further comprising receiving, by the controller, a signal indicative of the current engine speed of the engine from a second sensor, wherein the second sensor is an engine speed sensor.