FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to apparatuses and methods for controlling the movement of paving machines, and particularly to apparatuses and methods for automatic pivot steering of paving machines.

BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

It is known to use apparatuses and methods to control the steering of paving machines. Conventional apparatuses and methods, however, suffer from one or more disadvantages. For example, conventional control systems and methods do not automatically pivot steer the paving machine. Conventional control systems and methods are also undesirably labor-intensive and unsafe as they require the operator to remove his hands from the paving machine's motion controls, e.g. the steering wheel or directional joystick. Further, conventional control systems and methods allow for pivot steering at any time the paving machine is moving and regardless of the machine's wheel position. Still further, conventional control systems and methods produce undesirable stress on a stationary wheel and its linkage when a pivoting wheel turns. In addition, this damages the base pavement more than if the wheels are turned hard over during a pivot steer. Still further, an operator can accidentally engage pivot steer at an unsafe speed and possibly be thrown off the paving machine.

It would be desirable, therefore, if an apparatus and method for a steering control system could be provided that would automatically pivot steer the paving machine. It would also be desirable if such an apparatus and method for a steering control system could be provided that would not be undesirably labor-intensive and unsafe. It would be further desirable if such an apparatus and method for a steering control system could be provided that would not allow for pivot steering at any time the paving machine is moving and regardless of the machine's wheel position. It would be still further desirable if such an apparatus and method for a steering control system could be provided that would not produce undesirable stress on a stationary wheel and its linkage when a pivoting wheel turns or damage the base pavement. In addition, it would be desirable if such an apparatus and method for a steering control system could be provided that would not be capable of being accidentally engaged at an unsafe speed and possibly throw the operator off the paving machine.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein to provide an apparatus and method for a steering control system that automatically pivot steers the paving machine. It is also an advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein to provide an apparatus and method for a steering control system that is not undesirably labor-intensive and unsafe. It is another advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein to provide an apparatus and method for a steering control system that does not allow for pivot steering at any time the paving machine is moving and regardless of the machine's wheel position. It is still another advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein to provide an apparatus and method for a steering control system that does not produce undesirable stress on a stationary wheel and its linkage when a pivoting wheel turns or damage the base pavement. It is yet another advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein to provide an apparatus and method for a steering control system that is not be capable of being accidentally engaged at an unsafe speed and possibly throw the operator off the paving machine.

Additional advantages of the preferred embodiments of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the drawings and the ensuing description.

EXPLANATION OF THE TECHNICAL TERMS

The use of the terms “a,” “an,” “the,” and similar terms in the context of describing the invention are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The terms “substantially,” “generally,” and other words of degree are relative modifiers intended to indicate permissible variation from the characteristic so modified. The use of such terms in describing a physical or functional characteristic of the invention is not intended to limit such characteristic to the absolute value which the term modifies, but rather to provide an approximation of the value of such physical or functional characteristic. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise specified herein or clearly indicated by context.

Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “attached,” “connected,” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both moveable and rigid attachments or relationships, unless specified herein or clearly indicated by context. The term “operatively connected” is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship.

The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., “such as,” “preferred,” and “preferably”) herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and the preferred embodiments thereof, and not to place a limitation on the scope of the invention. Nothing in the specification should be construed as indicating any element as essential to the practice of the invention unless so stated with specificity. Several terms are specifically defined herein. These terms are to be given their broadest reasonable construction consistent with such definitions, as follows:

As used herein, the term “controller” means any device, mechanism, assembly, or combination thereof that directs the transmission of information over the data links of a network. The term “controller” includes, without limitation, any device, mechanism, assembly, or combination thereof that is controlled by a program either within the device, mechanism, assembly, or combination thereof or in a processor to which the controller is connected.

As used herein, the term “sensor” means any device, mechanism, assembly, or combination thereof that converts an input signal into a measurable quantity and changes the measurable quantity into a useful signal for an information-gathering system.

As used herein, the term “valve” means any device, mechanism, assembly, or combination thereof that allows, halts, or regulates the passage of fluid through a tube or pipe, either manually or automatically.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The apparatus of the invention comprises a steering control system adapted for use on a paving machine having one or more wheels and an automatic pivot steer mode. The preferred steering control system comprises a speed sensor that is adapted to determine a paving machine speed, a steering cylinder that is adapted to move between a straight forward position and a fully turned position, a steering cylinder sensor that is adapted to determine a steering cylinder position, a flow sharing valve that is in fluid communication with one or more of the one or more wheels and is adapted to be moved between an open position and a closed position, and a controller that is adapted to communicate with the speed sensor, the steering cylinder sensor, and the flow sharing valve. The preferred steering control system is adapted to automatically open and close the flow sharing valve.

The method of the invention comprises a method for controlling the steering of a paving machine having one or more wheels and an automatic pivot steer mode. The preferred method comprises providing a steering control system. The preferred steering control system comprises a speed sensor that is adapted to determine a paving machine speed, a steering cylinder that is adapted to move between a straight forward position and a fully turned position, a steering cylinder sensor that is adapted to determine a steering cylinder position, a flow sharing valve that is in fluid communication with one or more of the one or more wheels and is adapted to be moved between an open position and a closed position, and a controller that is adapted to communicate with the speed sensor, the steering cylinder sensor, and the flow sharing valve. The preferred steering control system is adapted to automatically open and close the flow sharing valve. The preferred method further comprises automatically moving the flow sharing valve between the open position and the closed position.

