United States Patent [19]
`Rytter et a1.
`
`[11] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`5,042,314
`Aug. 27, 1991
`
`[54] STEERING AND TRANSMISSION SHIFI'ING
`CONTROL MECHANISM
`[75] Inventors: Noel J. Rytter, Peoria; Val G.
`Boucher, Roanoke; Craig B. Kelley,
`Dunlap, all of I11.
`[73] Assignee: Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, Ill.
`[21] Appl.No.: 610,736
`[22] Filed:
`Nov.9, 1990
`
`[63]
`
`Related US. Application Data
`Continuation of Ser. No. 430,410, Nov. 2, 1989, aban
`doned.
`
`[51] Int. Cl.5 ............................................ .. B60K 20/00
`[52] US. Cl. .............................. .. 74/335; 74/471 XY;
`74/523; 180/333; 180/336
`[58] Field of Search ............ .. 74/335, 471 XY, 473 R,
`74/523; 180/333, 334, 336
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`[56]
`
`3,142,227 7/1964 Stringer .............................. .. 89/136
`3,811,336 5/1974 Pulskamp .... ..
`.. 74/471 XY
`
`3,867,600 2/1975 Phillips . . . . . . . . . .
`
`. . . . . .. 200/157
`
`3,937,294 2/1976 Haddock
`3,940,674 2/1976 Gill .......... ..
`4,012,014 3/1977 Marshall
`4.2l6,467 8/1980 Colston
`
`....... .. 74/523
`74/471 XY
`...... .. 74/523
`74/471 XY
`
`4,380,938 4/1983 Olson . . . . .
`
`. . . . . . . . . . .. 74/473
`
`4.533.899 8/1985 lsaksson ................... .. 74/471 XY
`4,541,497 9/1985 Riediger et a1. ..
`180/648
`
`4,574,651 3/1986 Nordstrom . . . . . . . .
`
`. . , .. 74/471
`
`180/324
`4,700,802 10/1987 Fought ................ ..
`74/473
`4,798,099 l/l989 Alexander et a1.
`4,896,558 1/1990 Meier et al. .... ................... .. 74/543
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Exhibit A-Literature from RMH—Control AB,
`Stockholm, Sweden, Circa 1988/89
`
`Exhibit B-Literature from Volvo BM (associated
`with VME Industries, Sweden AB) Circa 1988
`Exhibit C-—Annotated Literature on a Control Offered
`by Liebherr International AG, of Switzerland, or relat
`ed subsidiary (Circa 1988/89)
`Exhibit D-Photograph of a control handle offered by
`Engstrom Nilson Maskin AB of Sweden and/or Eng
`son of Sweden (Circa 1988)
`Exhibit E-Literature on a Liebherr-America, Inc.
`“Litronic” Excavator (Circa 1988/ 89)
`Exhibit F-Literature from Cyber-Tech, Inc. of Port
`land, Oregon, on a Saw-Handle Control (Circa Octo
`ber, 1988)
`
`Primary Examiner—Les1ie A. Braun
`Assistant Examiner—Scott Anchell
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—I Charles E. Lanchantin, Jr.;
`John W. Grant
`
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`A vehicular steering and transmission shifting control
`mechanism includes a transversally rockable control
`handle and a steering actuator element connected at the
`bottom thereof to selectively depress either a left or
`right actuating plunger ofa hydraulic pilot valve assem
`bly for effecting steering. The control handle is con
`toured to be easily grasped. and to position an electrical
`switch actuating element for comfortable movement by
`an operator‘s thumb to change the speed of a multi—
`speed transmission through an associated electronic
`transmission control system. A three-way electrical
`switch actuating element at the front of the control
`handle is adapted to be rocked to select one of forward,
`neutral, and reverse modes of the transmission.
`
`13 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
`
`Sensata Ex. 1009 Page 0001
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 27, 1991
`Aug. 27, 1991
`
`Sheet 1 of 3
`Sheet 1 of 3
`
`5,042,314
`5,042,314
`
`
`
`Ex. 1009 Page 0002
`
`Ex. 1009 Page 0002
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 27, 1991
`Aug. 27, 1991
`
`Sheet 2 of 3
`Sheet 2 of 3
`
`5,042,314
`5,042,314
`
`74
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`
`
`
`|50
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`Ex. 1009 Page 0003
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`Ex. 1009 Page 0003
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`

`

`US. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 27, 1991
`Aug. 27, 1991
`
`sheet 3 of 3
`Sheet 3 of 3
`
`5,042,314
`5,042,314
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`79" “L:
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`Ex. 1009 Page 0004
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`Ex. 1009 Page 0004
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`

`

`1
`
`.
`
`STEERING AND TRANSMISSION SHIFI'ING.
`CONTROL MECHANISM
`
`This is a continuation of Ser. No. 430,410, ?led Nov.
`2, 1989, now abandoned.
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`Thelpresent invention relates to a vehicle steering and
`transmission control mechanism, and more particularly
`to an easily grasped, upright steering control handle
`having a conveniently positioned actuator element
`thereon for selecting a transmission operating mode.
`
`l0
`
`5,042,314
`2
`actuated joystick control is independent of the vehicle's
`steering control mechanism.
`Historically, single lever control mechanisms have
`incorporated complex mechanical linkages with too
`many operating joints, or a plurality of cables to achieve
`the desired multiple operating functions.
`Accordingly, what is desired is a simple, yet rugged
`and economical steering and transmission shifting con
`trol mechanism for operating a vehicle that will use an
`upright and rockable control handle for the steering
`function, and will incorporate a more convenient actu
`ating element in close association with the control han
`dle for effecting a speed change function of the associ
`ated multi-speed transmission. Preferably, another actu
`ating element should also be closely associated with-the
`control handle for effecting a directional change of that
`transmission. Furthermore, the control mechanism
`should be easy to assemble or service, and the various
`actuating elements should be so constructed and ar
`ranged relative to the control handle that the principles
`of economy of motion of an operator’s hand are fully
`employed. In this way operator fatigue can be mini
`mized because the displacement of the control handle
`and associated actuating elements is natural relative to
`the operating function achieved.
`The present invention is directed to overcoming one
`or more of the problems as set forth above.
`
`15
`
`35
`
`BACKGROUND ART
`While the majority of earthmoving vehicles use a
`conventional steering wheel system, a few have incor
`porated a control mechanism using a substantially verti
`cal control handle of the cylindrical joy-stick type for
`steering purposes. 'In such construction the control
`handle can be pivoted by an operator’s left hand to
`effect a left turn when it is rocked to the left, and a right
`turn when it is rocked to the right in a substantially
`vertical and transversely oriented plane.
`In one control mechanism offered by VME Indus
`tries Sweden AB, of Eskilstuna, Sweden, an actuator
`element located adjacent to the steering control handle
`can be switched between an active mode wherein the
`control handle can effect steering, and an inactive mode
`wherein a conventional steering wheel can effect steer
`ing and the control handle is disabled. In that mecha
`nism a three-way rocker switch is located next to the
`steering control handle that can be manipulated to ob
`tain forward and reverse movement of the vehicle, and
`another actuator element near the rocker switch can be
`depressed to force the transmission to shift down to ?rst
`gear. Such a widely dispersed arrangement of the actu
`ating elements makes it inconvenient for the operator.
`Not only is it fatiguing, but also the operator’s reaction
`time is slower since his hand must travel from one actu
`ating element to another.
`One other control mechanism offered by Engstrom &
`Nilson Maskin AB of Jupitervagen 10, Sweden, incor
`porates a generally cylindrical, upright control handle
`that is rockable in a transverse plane to effect steering,
`45
`and a three-way rocker switch located at the top thereof
`to effect forward and reverse operation of the vehicle.
`However, that placement of the rocker switch is rela
`tively inconvenient, and there is no provision at the
`control handle for shifting the gear ratios of the associ
`ated transmission. That system uses a conventional
`steering wheel for high speed travel and simultaneous
`disabling of the control handle’s steering capability.
`In a further multi-purpose control offered by Lieb
`herr International AG, of Bulle, Switzerland, or one of
`its subsidiaries, an upstanding control handle could be
`pivotally rocked in a transverse plane to the left or to
`the right in order to obtain the rack-back of a bucket or
`the dumping of the bucket, and could be pivotally
`rocked in a longitudinal plane to raise the lift arms or to
`lower the lift arms supporting the bucket. In addition,
`twisting of that control handle about its own vertical
`axis would cause a speed selection between the ?rst,
`second, and third gear ratios of the transmission of the
`vehicle. Moreover, a three-way rocker switch on the
`65
`front portion of the control handle and facing away
`from the operator could be manipulated to obtain for
`ward and reverse travel of the vehicle. That servo
`
`DISCLOSURE _OF THE INVENTION
`In one aspect of the present invention a steering and
`transmission shifting mechanism is provided that in—
`cludes an upstanding control handle, a support for
`mounting the control handle for pivotal movement. and
`first actuator means for steering the vehicle with such
`pivotal movement. The control handle has a lower grip
`portion, an upper portion defining an upper surface
`generally facing an operator, and second actuator
`means is provided for changing the speed of the vehicle
`that includes an actuating element mounted on the con
`trol handle above the upper surface in a position that it
`can be conveniently moved by an operator’s thumb to a
`plurality of speed positions.
`In another aspect of the invention a steering and
`transmission shifting mechanism includes a control han
`dle having a lower grip portion defining an upstanding
`axis, and an upper portion defining an inclined surface
`that faces upwardly and generally toward the operator.
`Also incorporated therewith are ?rst means for mount
`ing the control handle for pivotal movement in a trans
`verse plane, second means for steering the vehicle with
`such pivotal movement of the control handle, and third
`means for changing the speed of the vehicle including
`an actuating element mounted on the control handle
`and extending above the inclined surface, and being
`movable by an operator’s thumb for changing the
`speed.
`,
`More particularly, the instant shifting mechanism is
`rugged and dependable by not using any complex link
`ages or cables to obtain the control functions. And the
`control handle is contoured so that it can be grasped by
`either hand of an operator, and the actuating elements
`so arranged on the control handle that the operator‘s
`thumb can effect the speed changing function while one
`of the operator’s ?ngers can effect the directional
`changing function.
`
`55
`
`60
`
`Ex. 1009 Page 0005
`
`

`

`3
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is an oblique inside perspective view of an
`operator’s left hand in grasping relation to the control
`handle of the steering and transmission shifting control
`mechanism of the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a right side elevational view of the control
`mechanism shown in FIG. 1, showing major portions
`thereof in cross section to illustrate additional details of
`construction;
`FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the control handle
`shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and also showing a hydraulic
`pilot steering valve assembly associated therewith; and
`FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1, only showing an
`exploded view of the major portions of the control
`handle and the separable electric wiring harness leading
`to an electronic control system, and the relationship of
`the latter system to a plurality of clutch actuating sole
`noids of a multi-speed transmission.
`
`l0
`
`5
`
`25
`
`30
`
`5,042,314
`4
`urged upwardly and into continual contact with these
`surfaces. A source of hydraulic fluid at a preselected
`pressure is available at an inlet line 58, and with depres
`sion of either plunger that source is communicated at a
`proportionately reduced value to a left outlet line 60 or
`a right outlet line 62 connected to the pilot valve assem
`bly. The pilot valve assembly 48 can be of any well
`known construction, such as that commercially offered
`by the Rexroth Corporation of Bethlehem, Pa.
`18017-2131.
`Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4, the handle body 20
`has an upwardly and rearwardly facing cavity 64, an
`upper peripheral edge surface 66 around the cavity, and
`a rectangular slot 68 through a front wall 69 of the
`upper portion 30 that communicates with the cavity. A
`plurality of mounting pedestals 70 are formed within the
`cavity 64, and a substantially vertically oriented, rear
`U-shaped slot 72 is formed within the center portion 26
`in an intersecting relationship with the lower portion of
`the cavity’s edge.
`The actuator assembly 22 has a mounting deck 74
`de?ning an inclined upper surface 76 that faces up
`wardly and generally toward the vehicle’s operator,
`and which deck is sealingly engaged with the edge
`surface 66 surrounding the cavity 64. The mounting
`deck also has a locking tang 78 that depends generally
`vertically and into interlocking engagement with the
`U-shaped slot 72 of the center portion 2 of the body 20.
`A ?rst plurality of internally threaded support members
`80 extend inclinably downwardly from the supporting
`deck and are individually seated on one ofthe mounting
`pedestals 70, and a corresponding plurality of fasteners
`or bolts 82 extend upwardly through the pedestals to be
`screwthreadably received in the support members as
`shown in FIG. 4.
`Advantageously, the removable actuator assembly 22
`includes second actuator means 84 for changing the
`speed of a conventional, reversible, multi-speed trans
`mission 86 powering the vehicle 11 as is diagrammati
`cally illustrated in phantom box outline form in FIG. 4.
`The second actuator means 84 shown in FIG. 2 includes
`a pivotable actuating switch element 88 that is mounted
`above the mounting deck 74 on a rotatable shaft 90
`having an upwardly and rearwardly inclined central
`axis 92. A generally cylindrical, rotary type electrical
`switch 94 is releasably secured to the sloping underside
`surface of the‘ mounting deck, and in the embodiment
`illustrated conjoint rotation of the actuating element 88
`and the shaft 90 between the 3 o‘clock and 6 o‘clock
`positions when viewing FIG. 3 is effective to select one
`of the transmission gear speed ratios identi?ed by the
`indicia numbers 1,2,3 and 4 on the surface 76. The ro
`tary electrical switch 94 has internal detents, not shown,
`to maintain such positions precisely as is known in the
`
`BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE
`INVENTION
`Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a control handle 8 of a
`steering and transmission shifting control mechanism 10
`for a vehicle 11 is shown immediately forwardly of an
`operator’s seat 12 having a left arm rest 14. The left arm
`rest has an upper, generally horizontal surface 16 that
`terminates in a front face 18, and it is to be noted that the
`operator’s palm edge is preferably conveniently sup
`ported by that upper surface adjacent his wrist. The
`contoured control handle 8 is located immediately for
`wardly of the front face 18, and in general longitudinal
`alignment therewith, so that the operator’s ?ngers can
`easily grasp it.
`As is shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the control handle 8
`has two major parts-namely an integrally formed hol
`low body 20 and a removable actuator assembly 22. The
`body de?nes a mounting base portion 24, a tubular grip
`portion 26 generally encircling an upright axis 28, and
`an upper portion 30.
`The base portion 24 has a plurality of bores 32 there
`through, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 the control
`mechanism 10 includes support means 33 for mounting
`the base portion of the control handle 8 for pivoting
`movement in an upright and generally transversely
`oriented plane 34 through the axis 28. Furthermore, the
`support means 33 includes a rockable steering actuator
`element 35, and the base portion is releasably secured
`thereto by fasteners or bolts 36 that are individually
`inserted through each of the bores 32 and screwthreada
`bly received in the actuator element. In use, the actua- '
`tor element 35 has a threaded bore 38 arranged on the
`axis 28, and an externally threaded depending yoke 40 is
`screwthreadably received in the bore 38 and supported
`for rocking movement in the transversely oriented
`plane 34 by a generally horizontal pivot pin 42 lying in
`an upright and longitudinal plane 44 through the axis
`28. The pivot pin 42 is secured to an upstanding bracket
`46 connected to the upper part of ?rst actuator means
`47 for steering the vehicle including a hydraulic pilot
`valve assembly 48.
`The steering actuator element 35 further defines two
`generally planar, downwardly facing actuating surfaces
`' 50 and 52 at the opposite sides of the pivot pin 42, and
`these surfaces respectively engage a left steer actuating
`plunger or pressure reducing valve spool 54 and a right
`steer actuating plunger or pressure reducing valve spool
`56. Although not illustrated, the plungers are resiliently
`
`45
`
`art. ‘
`
`As is shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a second plurality of
`internally threaded support members 96 extend inclina
`bly downwardly from the mounting deck 74, and third
`actuator means 98 are releasably secured thereto for
`changing the direction of longitudinal travel of the
`vehicle. Speci?cally, the third actuator means 98 in
`cludes a switch actuating element 100 mounted for
`three-way rocking movement on a pivot pin 102 se
`cured to a mounting plate 104. An electric switch mech
`anism 106, also having internal detents to maintain the
`switch actuating element in one ofthe three positions, is
`secured to the opposite side of that mounting plate and
`has four electric lines 108, 110, 112 and 114 secured
`
`65
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`Ex. 1009 Page 0006
`
`

`

`25
`
`5,042,314
`6
`.
`5
`ciated'with high ground speed travelling modes rather
`thereto that depend to a conventional quick-release
`than the slower working modes.
`connector 116 as is diagrammatically shown in FIG. 4.
`The rotary electric switch 94 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4
`In each of the four positions of the switch actuating
`also has four electric lines 118, l 20, 122 and 124 secured
`element 88 the selected one of the four lead lines 118,
`thereto as is diagrammatically indicated in FIG. 4 and
`120, 122 and 124 is merely grounded to complete a
`which depend to a similar quick-release connector 126.
`relatively low amperage electrical circuit with respect
`The pair of connectors 116 and 126 mate with connec
`to the electronic control system or microprocessor 136.
`tors 128 and 130 respectively, and the latter are respec
`Suitable circuitry in the control system, not shown, is
`tively connected to wiring harnesses 132 and 134 lead
`then effective to supply actuating power at a larger
`ing to an electronic transmission control system or mi
`amperage to the selected one of the transmission sole
`croprocessor 136. A plurality of solenoid actuating lead
`noids 144, 146, 148 and 150 for the desired speed or gear
`lines, identified generally by the reference number 138
`ratio.
`lead from the microprocessor to two directional clutch
`At the same time, the operator’s index or trigger
`actuating solenoids 140 and 142, and four speed clutch
`finger can be urged rearwardly against the upper part of
`actuating solenoids 144, 146, 148 and 150 of the trans
`the three-way switch actuating element 100 to causethe
`mission 86.
`forward lead line 108 of the electrical switch mecha
`Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, and to the contoured
`nism 106 to be grounded and to thereby cause a signal to
`shape of the control handle 8, it can be noted that the
`be directed to the electronic system 136 as substantially
`slot 68 is located in a recess 152 in the arcuately shaped
`mentioned above and to actuate the forward solenoid
`front wall 69. The mounting plate 104 of the third actua
`140. Likewise, rearward movement of the trigger finger
`tor means 98 is releasably secured to the support mem
`on the lower part of that three-way switch actuating
`bers 96 by fasteners or bolts 156 extending through the
`element will cause the reverse lead line 112 to be
`mounting plate and screwthreadably received in the
`grounded. This will cause an electric signal to be trans
`support members. In such location the switch actuating
`mitted from the control system 136 to the reverse sole
`element 100 extends through the slot 68 and forwardly
`noid 142. When the index ?nger positions the switch
`of the front wall 69 of the recess while generally con
`actuating element 100 to an intermediate or centered
`forming to the arcuate shape thereof.
`position the lead line 110 is grounded to effect a neutral
`signal to the control system 136. This is effective to cut
`off any electrical signal to the directional solenoids 140
`and 142 and, if desired, to disconnect one or more of the
`speed solenoids 144, 146, 148 and 150. The remaining
`lead line 114 attached to the electrical switch mecha
`nism 106 is the common ground with the control sys
`tem.
`As is shown in FIG. 2, the inclined upper surface 76
`of the actuator assembly 22 is preferably planar for a
`major portion thereof, is inclined approximately 30
`degrees relative to the transverse plane 34, and is leaned
`away from the operator with upward extension thereof
`so that the thumb can rest in a natural position with
`respect thereto. Although not illustrated. it is contem
`plated that anotherswitch actuating element requiring a
`straight line path of movement of the operator's thumb
`could be alternatively used for shifting the transmission
`speed, without departing from the spirit of the present
`invention. In such alternative instance, the rotary elec
`trical switch 94 could be replaced by another commer
`cially available switch of the positively detented, multi
`position type.
`It is further contemplated that the longitudinal plane
`44 through the vertical axis 28 shown in FIG. 3 could be
`alternatively inclined to the right at the top, for example
`the axis of the control handle 8 could be rotated approx~
`imately 5 to 10 degrees, to provide additional operating
`comfort to the operator because the left hand has a
`natural relaxed orientation at such angle.
`The hollow body 20 and the mounting deck 74 are
`preferably injection molded from a strong and wear
`resistant plastic material such as polycarbonate. In
`order to avoid any parting line joint, for example be
`tween the left and right halves of the hollow body, it is
`purposefully made as a single piece. This makes the
`control handle 8 very rugged. and makes the external
`surface of the body smooth for a more comfortable grip.
`Such comfort is enhanced by the generally elliptical
`cross section of the grip portion 26, wherein the long
`axis of the ellipse is longitudinal oriented.
`
`INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
`In use, the ?ngers of the left hand of an operator can
`comfortably grasp the control handle 8 by generally
`surrounding the front wall 69 and the recess 152 of the
`body 20 as is clearly illustrated in FIG. 1. In that hand
`position the vehicle can be steered to the left when
`traveling forwardly by rocking the control handle 8
`about the axis of the pivot pin 42 in the direction of the
`arrow A as is indicated in FIGS. 1 and 3. Such pivotal
`movement of the control handle and the steering actua
`tor element 35 causes the surface 50 to depress the left
`steer actuating plunger 54, whereupon pressurized pilot
`?uid is supplied to the left outlet line 60 at a reduced
`value from that in the inlet line 58 in substantial propor
`tion to the displacement of the plunger. On the other
`hand, movement of the operator’s palm to the right in
`the direction of the arrow B will cause the downward
`45
`displacement of the right steer actuating plunger 56 and
`a proportionate pressure signal in the right outlet line 62
`to achieve a right turn of the vehicle.
`Simultaneously, the operator can manually change
`the operating speed of the transmission 86 by generally
`moving his left thumb laterally. Normally the left
`thumb will rest comfortably on the inclined surface 76
`or will be disposed in a somewhat lower elevational
`position of engagement with the right side of the body
`20. In the illustrated position of the switch actuating
`element 88, rightward movement of the thumb will
`cause the actuating element to pivot about the axis 92
`from the ?rst gear ratio position to the second gear ratio
`position as is indicated by the reference indicia numbers
`1 and 2 on the inclined surface. On a working vehicle
`such as a large earthmoving wheel loader it is contem
`plated that the actuating element 88 will be in these two
`lower operating positions approximately 80% of the
`time. Further rightward and counterclockwise travel of
`the actuating element by the operator’s thumb will re
`65
`sult in either the third gear ratio position or the fourth
`gear ratio position being established as is indicated by
`the indicia numbers 3 and 4, which conditions are asso
`
`55
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`Ex. 1009 Page 0007
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`

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`20
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`5,042,314
`8
`7
`rockably mounted on the mounting deck, and a slot
`In view of the foregoing description, it can be appre
`extending from the cavity through which the another
`ciated that the control mechanism 10 of the present
`actuating element extends.
`invention is rugged in construction, yet simple and eco
`6. The control mechanism of claim 5 including means
`nomical to manufacture. Moreover, an operator can
`for reversing the transmission in response to rocking _
`easily grasp the control handle 8 and steer the vehicle
`movement of the another actuating element.
`11 through lateral rocking movement of the control
`7. The control mechanism of claim 4 wherein the
`handle and the positive displacement of one of the
`control handle includes means for interlockingly engag
`plungers 54 and 56 of the hydraulic pilot valve assembly
`ing the mounting deck with the upper portion, and
`48, while simultaneously moving his thumb laterally to
`means for releasably fastening the mounting deck to the
`displace the switch actuating element 88 and to select
`upper portion.
`the desired speed rate of the transmission 86. Further
`8. A steering and transmission shifting control mecha
`more, the operator can quickly change the travel direc
`nism for operating an earthmoving vehicle having a
`tion by the appropriate displacement of the switch actu
`reversible multi-speed transmission, comprising:
`ating element 100 by rearward movement of the index
`a control handle having a lower grip portion de?ning
`?nger, without taking his hand off the control handle,
`an upstanding axis, and an upper portion de?ning
`and while simultaneously operating other components
`an inclined surface that faces upwardly and gener
`on the vehicle such as an earthmoving loader bucket or
`ally toward an operator;
`the like.
`?rst means for mounting the control handle on the
`Still another advantage of the present invention is
`vehicle for pivotal movement by sideways move
`that the actuator assembly 22 can be easily removed
`ment of an operator’s hand;
`from the body after releasing only two fasteners 82, and
`second means responsive to pivotal movement of the
`this provides immediate access to the electrical mem
`control handle for steering the vehicle; and
`bers 94 and 106 for servicing purposes as they are imme
`third means for shifting the reversible multi-speed
`diately under the mounting deck 74 as can be visualized
`transmission of the vehicle through a plurality of
`by reference to FIG. 4.
`gear ratio steps and including an actuating element
`Other aspects, objects and advantages of this inven
`mounted on the control handle and extending
`tion can be obtained from a study of the drawings, the
`above the inclined surface and being movable by
`disclosure and the appended claims.
`movement of an operator’s thumb to a plurality of
`What is claimed is:
`positions to effect the desired shifting of the trans
`1. A steering and transmission shifting control mecha
`mission.
`nism for operating a vehicle such as an earthmoving
`9. The control mechanism of claim 8 wherein the
`vehicle having a reversible multi-speed transmission for
`third means includes an electric rotary switch, and the
`propelling the vehicle in forward and reverse directions
`actuating element is pivotable about a common axis
`at different speed ratios, comprising:
`with the rotary switch by movement of the operator’s
`an upstanding control handle having a lower grip
`thumb to actuate the rotary switch.
`portion and an upper portion de?ning an upper
`10. The control mechanism of claim 9 including a
`surface generally facing an operator;
`three-way electrical switch mounted on the control
`support means for mounting the control handle on
`handle and being movable by an operator’s ?nger for
`the vehicle for pivotal movement by movement of
`reversing the transmission.
`an operator’s hand;
`11. A steering and transmission shifting control mech
`?rst actuator means responsive to pivotal movement
`anism for operating a vehicle such as an earthmoving
`of the control handle for steering the vehicle; and
`vehicle including a reversible transmission having a
`second actuator means for changing the speed ratio of
`plurality of discrete gear ratio steps, comprising:
`the transmission of the vehicle including an actuat
`a control handle having a lower grip portion de?ning
`ing element mounted on the upper portion of the
`a generally upstanding axis and an upper portion;
`control handle and extending above the upper sur
`?rst means for mounting the control handle on the
`face andxbeing conveniently movable by an opera
`vehicle for pivotal movement in an upright plane
`tor’s thumb to a plurality of positions to effect the
`passing through the axis of the lower grip portion;
`desired speed ratio change.
`second means responsive to lateral pivotal movement
`2. The control mechanism of claim 1 wherein the
`of the control handle for steering the vehicle; and
`second actuator means includes an electric rotary
`third means for changing the speed ratio of the trans
`switch, and the actuating element is pivotable abut a
`mission of the vehicle including an actuating as
`common axis with the rotary switch by movement of
`sembly releasably mounted on the upper portion of
`the operator’s thumb to actuate the rotary switch.
`the control handle and including an actuating ele
`3. The control mechanism of claim 2 including third
`ment pivotably movable in response to movement
`actuator means for reversing the output of the transmis
`of an operator’s thumb to a plurality of discrete
`sion, the third actuator means including a three-way
`positions to effect the desired speed ratio change.
`electrical switch mounted on the control handle and
`being movable by an operator's ?nger.
`12. The control mechanism of claim 11 wherein the
`actuating assembly includes an electric switch mecha
`4. The control mechanism of claim 1 wherein the
`nism having another actuating element pivotably rock
`lower grip portion and upper portion of the control
`able by an operator’s ?nger to a plurality of discrete
`handle are hollow with the upper portion de?ning an
`upwardly facing cavity, an actuator assembly including
`positions to effect one of forward, neutral and reverse
`modes of operation of the reversible transmission of the
`said second actuator means releasably secured to the
`upper portion in a covering relationship to the cavity,
`vehicle.
`13. The control mechanism of claim 11 wherein the
`and wherein the actuator assembly includes a mounting
`actuating assembly includes another actuating element
`'deck and an electric switch connected to the mounting
`pivotably rockable by an operator’s ?nger to effect a
`deck and having a rotary shaft rotated by the actuating
`directional change of the reversible transmission of the
`element.
`5. The control mechanism of claim 4 wherein the
`actuator assembly includes another actuating element
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`Ex. 1009 Page 0008
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