• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    prestatie-indicatorprofiel (306) te verkrijgen voor de oogstmachine, waarbij het prestatie-indicatorprofiel (306) representatief is voor de kwaliteit van de prestaties van de oogstmachine voor een reeks motorkoppel- en motortoerentalcombinaties; en een display (12) op te dragen om het volgende weer te geven: (i) de koppelkromme (302) samen met het prestatie-indicatorprofiel (306); en (ii) een gemetenwaarde-indicator (322a, 322b, 322c) die representatief is voor de gemeten waarde van het motorkoppel en de gemeten waarde van het motortoerental, gesuperponeerd op de koppelkromme (302) en het prestatie-indicatorprofiel (306). Controller (6) for a harvesting machine with a motor. The controller (6) is configured to: obtain a measured value of the motor torque (11) that is representative of the motor torque; obtain a measured value of the engine speed (10) representative of the engine speed; obtain a torque curve (302) for the engine, the torque curve (302) defining a relationship between the engine speed and the maximum engine torque that the engine can exert; a performance indicator profile (306) obtainable for the harvesting machine, wherein the performance indicator profile (306) is representative of the quality of the harvesting machine performance for a series of engine torque and engine speed combinations; and instructing a display (12) to display: (i) the torque curve (302) together with the performance indicator profile (306); and (ii) a measured value indicator (322a, 322b, 322c) representative of the measured value of the engine torque and the measured value of the engine speed superimposed on the torque curve (302) and the performance indicator profile (306).
    公开号:BE1022955B1
    申请号:E2015/5666
    申请日:2015-10-16
    公开日:2016-10-21
    发明作者:Dries Delie；Ward M.R. Byttebier；Jeroen Leyman
    申请人:Cnh Industrial Belgium Nv；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    CONTROLLER FOR A WORK MACHINE
    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
    This invention relates to work machines, primarily to farm vehicles such as combine harvesters or forage harvesters, and more particularly to the display of torque and speed information for the engine of the work machine, to provide improved operation and operation of such machines. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
    According to a first aspect of the invention, a controller is provided for a harvesting machine with an engine, the controller being configured to: obtain a measured value of the engine torque that is representative of the engine torque; obtain a measured value of the engine speed that is representative of the engine speed; obtain a torque curve for the engine, the torque curve defining a relationship between the engine speed and the maximum engine torque that the engine can exert; obtain a performance indicator profile for the harvesting machine, the performance indicator profile being representative of the quality of the harvesting machine's performance for a series of engine torque and engine speed combinations; and instructing a display to display the following: the torque curve together with the performance indicator profile; and a measured value indicator representative of the measured value of the engine torque and the measured value of the engine speed superimposed on the torque curve and the performance indicator profile.
    The performance indicator profile can be composed of a series of areas that represent different performance levels of the harvesting machine. The areas that represent different levels of performance can be represented in different ways. The areas that represent different levels of performance can be displayed in different colors.
    The range of areas may include a transition area between areas that represent different levels of performance. The transition area can be shown subdivided into different classes to distinguish between the areas that represent different performance levels.
    The series of areas may be composed of a first area representing the operation suitable for working with the harvesting machine when it is on the road.
    The set of areas may include a second area that represents the operation suitable for working with the harvesting machine when this crop is harvesting. The second region can be located at a distance from a peak in the coupling curve and can also be in the vicinity of the coupling curve.
    The range of areas may include a third area that represents the operation "which is unacceptable to operate., With the harvesting machine when it is harvesting crops. ,
    The set of areas may include a fourth area that represents the operation unsuitable for working with the harvesting machine when harvesting crops. The fourth area can be in the vicinity of a peak in the torque curve.
    The range of areas represent different performance levels of the harvesting machine in terms of one or more of the following performance parameters: the fuel efficiency; the fuel consumption; the ratio between fuel consumption and yield; the ratio between fuel consumption and engine load; the fuel consumption in function of the engine power; the crop type; the quality of the harvested crop; the ability of the engine to adjust to changes in operating conditions, such as a tax increase; and distortion of or stresses in mechanical parts.
    The controller may also be configured to instruct the display to display an indicator for the speed set point representative of a maximum control speed set by an operator of the harvesting vehicle.
    According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a harvesting machine comprising: a motor; a torque sensor configured to measure an engine torque value representative of the engine torque; a speed sensor configured to measure an engine speed value representative of the engine speed; a computer memory configured to store data representative of an engine torque curve, the torque curve defining a relationship between the engine speed and the maximum engine torque that the engine can exert. a computer memory configured to store data representative of a performance indicator profile for the harvesting machine, the performance indicator profile being representative of the quality of the harvesting machine's performance for a series of engine torque and engine speed combinations; and a display; and a controller configured to command the display to display: the link curve together with the performance indicator profile; and a measured value indicator representative of the measured value of the engine torque and the measured value of the engine speed superimposed on the torque curve and the performance indicator profile.
    According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for operating a harvesting machine comprising a motor, the method comprising: obtaining a measured value of the motor torque representative of the motor torque obtaining a measured value of the engine speed which is representative of the engine speed; obtaining a torque curve for the engine, the torque curve defining a relationship between the engine speed and the maximum engine torque that the engine can exert. obtaining a measured performance indicator profile for the harvesting machine, wherein the performance indicator profile is representative of the quality of the performance of the harvesting machine for a series of engine torque and engine speed values; and giving an instruction to a display to display the following: the link curve together with the performance indicator profile; and a measured value indicator representative of the measured value of the engine torque and the measured value of the engine speed. superimposed on the torque curve and the performance indicator profile.
    A computer program may be provided which, when running on a computer, causes the computer to configure any device, including a controller, machine, harvesting machine, or device disclosed herein, or to perform a method disclosed herein. The computer program can be a software application and the computer can be considered to be any suitable hardware that contains a digital signal processing unit, a microcontroller and an application with a read-out memory (ROM), an erasable and programmable read-out memory (EPROM) or an electronically erasable and programmable read-out memory (EEPROM), as non-limiting examples. The software can be an assembly program.
    The computer program may be mounted on a computer-readable carrier, which may also be a physical, computer-readable data carrier, such as a disk or a memory medium, or may be in the form of a transition signal. Such a transition signal can be downloaded from a network, including the internet.
    An integrated circuit may be used that includes any controller or device disclosed herein or that is configured to perform any of the methods disclosed herein.
    Brief description of the drawings
    Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
    Figure 1 shows schematically a number of modules / parts of a harvesting machine;
    Figure 2 shows an example of a screen copy (screenshot) of information on the display that can be generated for the harvesting machine of Figure 1;
    Figures 3a to 3c show an enlarged view of part of the display information of Figure 2, for different operating conditions; and
    Figure 4 schematically shows an example of a method for working with a harvesting machine.
    Detailed description of the drawings
    One or more examples disclosed herein relate to a controller for a harvesting machine that causes measured engine torque and speed values to be displayed for an operator of the machine, along with a torque curve and a performance indicator profile. The performance indicator profile can indicate the quality of the harvesting machine's performance, for example in terms of fuel efficiency and / or the yield / efficiency of harvesting. In this way the usability of the harvesting machine can be improved by the user because complicated information regarding the harvesting machine can be made more understandable for the operator. The operator can, for example, control the speed of the engine so that an improved harvesting efficiency (for example in terms of quantity of fuel per tonne of harvested crop) and / or the crop processing quality can be achieved. Alternatively, the operator can better understand why an algorithm controls the automatic speed control of the harvesting vehicle in the current way, thus reducing the likelihood of the operator ignoring the speed control, with a detrimental effect on the yield / quality of harvesting. It also helps him to determine the effects of a higher or lower vehicle speed and of the resulting variations in crop uptake speed. Where engine speed affects the quality of crop processing within the machine, the performance indicator profile may reflect such quality information. The visual representation of such information can advantageously result in improved crop processing and / or in reduced crop failure during the operation of the harvesting machine and / or in improved fuel efficiency.
    Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a number of parts of a harvesting machine, such as a combine harvester or a forage harvester. An internal combustion engine 1 drives the wheels 2 of the machine by means of. a hydrostatic drive 3, which comprises a combination of a hydrostatic pump 3a and a motor 3b. The crop processing parts 5, such as the cutting drum, the feed rollers, the blower, etc., are driven by a mechanical drive 4 consisting of, for example, gear wheels and / or belt drives.
    Figure 1 also shows a controller 6. The controller 6 can be designed as a programmed or programmable electronic module that is connected to an Engine Control Unit (ECU) 7. The controller 6 can be separate from the ECU 7.
    The ECU 7 is a control module that is usually present on modern engines and sends a number of signals during engine operation that give an indication of parameters such as fuel consumption, engine speed (n,) 10 and engine load. The engine load can be expressed as the instantaneous torque (Ti) 11 exerted by the drive shaft of the engine, and can be measured by appropriately fitted sensors or calculated based on a measurement of the engine power supplied and the engine speed.
    In this way, the controller 6 can obtain a measured value of the engine torque (T1) 11 which is representative of the engine torque and a measured value of the engine speed (ni) 10 which is representative of the engine speed. That is, one or more sensors can be used to determine the value of the motor torque (T1) 11 by direct measurement by means of. a torque sensor, or by calculation using measurements from other types of sensors. Similarly, one or more sensors can be used to determine the value of the engine speed (n,) by direct measurement by means of. a speed sensor or by calculation using measurements from other types of sensors.
    As will be discussed in more detail below with reference to Figures 2 and 3a to 3c, the controller can also obtain a torque curve for the motor, and can also receive a performance indicator profile.
    In some examples, the controller 6 receives signals regarding the engine load (T,) 11 and the speed (n,) 10, and can send a control signal to the ECU 7 to control the engine speed according to a program programmed in the controller 6 control algorithm. Such a control algorithm can be used to provide automatic control of one or more operating parameters of the harvesting machine. For example, the control algorithm can apply an automatic speed control algorithm that applies a user-generated speed setpoint as a maximum speed during operation. In some examples, the control algorithm may apply a setpoint for the engine speed, and / or a setpoint for a vehicle speed. For example, when driving on the road with the harvesting machine, a set point for the vehicle speed can be applied. When harvesting, the control algorithm can apply a setpoint for the speed of the vehicle, but the control algorithm can limit the vehicle speed below the setpoint for the vehicle speed when the setpoint of the engine speed is reached.
    The automatic speed control algorithm can control the speed of the harvesting machine so that it is smaller than the set point if this is considered advantageous, for example, to improve fuel efficiency. For example, the algorithm can also change the speed of the harvesting machine so that the crop uptake speed and the resulting engine torque necessary for processing the crop are kept at optimum values, e.g. with low fuel consumption. In one example of operation, a good level of performance can be achieved by setting the vehicle speed to a value that is higher than the machine can handle. In this way, the control algorithm can constantly change the vehicle speed to keep the crop intake and therefore the load and speed of the engine constant.
    In the example of Figure 1, an engine speed control module 9 of the controller 6 calculates the engine speed target value nt and sends the target value nt together with the necessary control data to the ECU 7 to command the engine 1 to use the engine speed target value nt to twist. The controller 6 may also include a travel speed control module 8 that can control the travel speed of the harvesting machine by controlling the elements of the hydrostatic drive 3. A screen 12 is provided in the vicinity of the operator and connected to the controller 6 to provide information. to the operator during driving and harvesting activities.
    Figure 2 shows an example of a screen copy (screenshot) of display information that can be generated for the harvesting machine of Figure 1, and which is displayed on the screen arranged next to the operator.
    Figures 3a to 3c show an enlarged view of part of the display information of Figure 2, for different operating conditions.
    Each Figure 3a to 3c shows a torque curve 302 that defines a relationship between (i) the engine speed on the horizontal axis, and (ii) the maximum motor torque that the engine can exert on the vertical axis. The specific values of such a torque curve may be known for certain engines.
    In this example, the torque curve 302 is deformed to take advantage of increasing the area of the torque curve 302 that is expected to be used during harvesting, this can be called a "working zone". That is, the engine speed scale on the horizontal axis cannot be linear, so that the scale of the engine speed in the working zone is stretched with respect to the scale of the engine speed outside the working zone, without such a non-linear representation of the horizontal axis - namely when the engine speed scale would be uniformly distributed - a peak 316 of the torque curve 316 would be located more to the right.
    For example, the minimum engine speed can be 800 rpm, the peak 306 can be around 1500 rpm, and the maximum engine speed can be 2100 rpm. to be. In the examples of Figures 3a to 3c, the horizontal axis is compressed between 800 rpm and 1500 rpm, and the working zone is stretched between 1500 and 2100 rpm. Such a representation of the coupling curve 302 can be beneficial for the operator to check the operation of the harvesting machine and to operate the harvesting machine in the working zone with a higher degree of accuracy.
    A performance indicator profile 306 is shown below the torque curve 302 in each of Figures 3a to 3c. The performance indicator profile 306 is representative of the quality of the harvester's performance for a series of engine torque and engine speed combinations / values, and is represented in this example by color coding of the area under the torque curve 302. The quality of the The performance of the harvesting machine can be expressed in terms of one or more of the following elements: fuel efficiency, fuel consumption, the ratio between fuel consumption and yield (for example, fuel consumption (in liters) per ton of crop), the ratio between fuel consumption and fuel consumption. engine load, fuel consumption according to engine power, crop quality and deformation of or stresses in mechanical parts. In various examples, a series of the above parameters can be combined using weighted averages, data from look-up tables, average values, etc.
    An engine has an optimum fuel efficiency (for example, the ratio between fuel consumption. And the. Yield) at a certain speed and a certain load on the engine. It is not always clear to the operator how he or she (OPM. Furthermore, the male s / he is used for both sexes) can achieve this best performance. The display of Figures 3a to 3c can combine the engine load, engine speed and fuel consumption information with a performance indicator, so that no three independent indicators have to be interpreted by the operator.
    The color code of the performance indicator profile 306 in this example can be used with a representation in discrete classes ranging from red, orange to yellow and green. However, it is easy to see that other color coding functions can be used, and any other visual coding function that does not necessarily work with color codes - for example, various shades of gray or different patterns can be used. The performance level of the harvesting machine, which may include fuel efficiency, depends on engine torque and engine speed. The torque curve 302 of the engine already combines torque and speed. By filling the curve with different colors, the performance level relative to the fuel efficiency for each point / area on the graph can be visually represented. As will be discussed in more detail below, a measured value indicator 322a, 322b, 322c can be periodically or continuously updated so that it can be used as a point representing the current engine speed and torque and can be used to identify a performance zone that the machine. In addition, some possible target values (such as a setting of the engine operating speed) can be marked on the indicator. The indicator may, for example, display the speed / torque curve used for the speed controller (cruise control mode) or for another specific engine speed control algorithm.
    In the examples of Figures 3a to 3c, a series of distinct areas are numbered. A first area 308 is colored green because it represents a suitable area for the operation of the engine. The first area 308 is for low loads and low speeds, and can be considered suitable for driving a harvesting machine on the public road; that is, when she does not harvest a crop. The first region 308 can also be referred to as a region suitable for transport because this is a motor torque and engine speed combination that is good for transporting the harvesting machine.
    A second area 310 is also colored green because it represents a preferred area for the operation of the engine. The second area 310 is considered suitable for working with a harvesting machine when harvesting crops. In this . For example, the second region 310 is at a certain distance from a peak, 316 in the coupling curve 302. This separation can be considered advantageous in that it gives the harvesting machine a certain margin of maneuver to adapt to a load increase, for example as the amount harvested. crop increases without the engine stopping. It is also advantageous if the second region 310 is in the vicinity of the coupling curve 302 where optimum levels of fuel efficiency (expressed in liters of fuel per unit of power) can be achieved. Yet another advantage is that the second area 310 is not at speed levels that would be so high that the crop processing parts of the harvesting machine would wear prematurely. The second area 310 can also be called a good harvesting area in that it represents an engine torque and engine speed combination that is good for using the harvesting machine to harvest crops.
    Figures 3a to 3c also show a third area 312, which is colored red. The third area 312 is considered unacceptable for the operation of a harvesting machine while harvesting crops. These operating conditions may be unsuitable because the engine works with a low fuel efficiency. In the lower zone of area 312, the operator operates the harvesting machine with a crop processing capacity that is far below the available capacity, thereby wasting valuable harvesting time. In some examples, it may be beneficial to maintain a suitable functional speed, e.g. for a blower to maintain an acceptable blowing quality with very low crop uptake or to achieve an acceptable cut quality with an attachment such as a " direct cut header. The third area 312 may also be referred to as an area that is unacceptable for harvesting because it represents an engine torque and engine speed combination that is unacceptable to use the harvesting machine to harvest crops. The third region 312 may be unacceptable for environmental reasons because too much fuel is consumed without using the capacities of the engine.
    A fourth area 314 is shown in Figures 3a to 3c, which is colored orange. The fourth area 314 may be termed an area unsuitable for harvesting because it represents an engine torque and engine speed combination that is unsuitable for using the harvesting machine to harvest crops. In this example, the fourth region 314 can be considered unsuitable in that it is close to the peak 316 in the torque curve 302, and thus represents the operation where there is a risk of the engine stopping if the load increases (e.g. due to a load increase in the amount of crop to be harvested). More specifically in an application, meters .field chopper, the quality of chopping can also be affected at low engine speeds, for example less than 1600 rpm. Therefore, the engine speed in the fourth area 314 may be too low, as a result of which crop processing components will rotate too slowly to chop with good quality. The fourth area 314 may also represent a zone where crop processing becomes critical, e.g., where crop flow and speed are likely to cause swirls, which will interfere with the overall crop flow.
    Figures 3a to 3c also show a fifth area 320, colored in yellow, representing an area acceptable for harvesting.
    It is easy to see that areas of one type can be displayed in many different ways to distinguish them from other types of areas. It is also easy to see that the transitions between areas can be gradual or gradual. In the example of Figures 3a to 3c, a transition area 318 is shown which represents a transition from the first area 304 (which is good for harvesting) to the fifth (which is acceptable for harvesting).
    From the above discussion, it is easy to see that an area of the performance indicator profile 306 can be classified based on one or more of the following performance parameters:
    The fuel efficiency; "
    The fuel consumption;
    The ratio between fuel consumption and yield;
    The ratio between fuel consumption and engine load;
    The fuel consumption in function of the engine power;
    The crop type. The optimum effect can vary when harvesting grass or harvesting corn; □ The quality of the harvested crop. In a forage harvester, a good quality of harvested crop can yield a consistent length of finely chopped particles, with a length defined by the operator. In a combine harvester, a good quality crop can be grain with a small amount of chaff and without damaged grains. The quality can be determined visually or by specific sensors such as a "Grain Cam" (grain camera); □ The ability of the engine to adapt to changes in operating conditions, such as a tax increase; □ Timing limitations timing. Planning priorities may shift due to the (threat of) bad weather conditions such as rain showers; and □ Deformation of stress in · mechanical parts, which can cause accelerated wear.
    In various examples, several of the above performance parameters can be combined by using weighted averages, data from look-up tables, average values, etc.
    The controller 6 shown in Figure 1 can obtain the performance indicator profile 306 and information representative of the coupling curve 302 from a computer memory.
    Each of Figures 3a to 3c also shows a measured value indicator 322a, 322b, 322c representing a measured value of the engine torque and a measured value of the engine speed, for example as received from the ECU 7 shown in Figure 1. The measured value indicator 322a, 322b, 322c superimposes the coupling curve 302 and the performance indicator profile 306.
    In Figure 3a, the measured value indicator 322a is located in the first region 308, which represents a region suitable for transport. Thus, an operator can view the display of Figure 3a while driving the harvesting machine, and can easily see that the current engine speed is suitable for the low rriotor load that occurs when driving on the road or between fields. The operator may also be able to determine that the engine speed may be increased by a small value and still remain in the first area 308, but if he increases the engine speed too much, the indicator 322a would enter the fifth area 320 , which represents a less preferred but still acceptable area.
    Optionally, the display of Figures 3a to 3c can also display an indicator for the speed 304 setpoint, in the form of a vertical line on the torque curve 302. The speed 304 setpoint indicator can be used to control a motor speed indicate that was set by the operator when the machine is in "speed control" mode. The display then shows how the measured value indicator 322 moves to a position on indicator line 304, how it moves away from indicator line 304 with changing loads and how the speed controller brings the indicator 322 back to indicator line 304.
    In Figure 3b, the measured value indicator 322b is in the fifth area 320, which represents an area acceptable for harvesting. An operator can view the display of Figure 3b while driving the harvesting machine, and easily see that harvesting performance could be improved if he lowered the engine speed, and that harvesting performance would deteriorate if he increased the engine speed. In this example, the operator has ignored the automatic control algorithm that would otherwise control the motor speed so that it matches the indicator of the speed setpoint 304. The motor speed can be reduced by increasing the motor load, e.g. increase the vehicle speed and consequently the crop uptake speed. As a result, the indicator 322b would move to the left and up into the second area 310. Thus, the display of the information shown in Figure 3b may result in the operator driving the harvest vehicle better by improving the technical operation of the machine, for example in terms of fuel efficiency and harvest efficiency. For example, the display of Figure 3b may cause the operator to stop ignoring the automatic engine speed control by the cruise control so that the control algorithm lowers the engine speed until it reaches the speed setpoint indicator 304.
    In Figure 3c, the measured value indicator 322c is located, the second area 310, which represents a good harvesting area. The display of Figure 3c, where an indicator of the speed setpoint for 304 is displayed, can be shown to an operator using an automatic algorithm to do a speed control. In such a case, the operator can immediately understand what engine speed the controller will attempt to achieve when the system is activated and how efficient that speed is for the current profile. In this way, the operator could be encouraged, due to an improved understanding of the yield / performance of the harvesting machine achieved by showing the information of Figure 3c, to change the speed setpoint to an efficient zone should this occur. not yet in it. There is also less chance that the operator will ignore the automatic control algorithm, which would affect the performance of the harvesting machine.
    Figure 4 schematically shows an example of a method for operating a harvesting machine, to display information for an operator of the harvesting machine so that the harvesting machine can be controlled in a better manner.
    In step 402, the method consists in obtaining a measured value of the motor torque that is representative of the motor torque. The measured value of the engine torque can be obtained from a torque sensor or derived from information obtained from other engine sensors.
    In step 404, the method consists in obtaining a measured value of the engine speed that is representative of the engine speed. The measured value of the engine speed can be obtained from a speed sensor or derived from information obtained from other engine sensors. The speed sensor can be based on the rotor itself, or on a part driven by the engine.
    In step 406, the method consists in obtaining a torque curve for the motor. The torque curve can define a relationship between the engine speed and the maximum engine torque that the engine can exert. The coupling curve can be retrieved from a memory. In some examples, a series of curves may be stored in a memory. During the operation of the harvesting machine, the controller 6 of Figure 1 can then select one of the series of coupling curves for use. A coupling curve can be selected based on one or more different parameters, such as the motor type. The controller 6 can also fine-tune a torque curve during operation itself. Such fine-tuning can be based on one or more different parameters, such as the air temperature and / or the engine temperature. In this way, the temperature of the motor when the harvesting machine is in use can be controlled more precisely.
    In step 408, the method consists in obtaining a performance indicator profile for the harvesting machine. The performance indicator profile can be representative of the quality / performance level of the harvesting machine for a series of engine torque and speed values. The performance indicator profile can be retrieved from a memory. In some examples, a series of performance indicator profiles may be stored in a memory. During the operation of the harvesting machine, the controller 6 of Figure 1 can then select one of the series of performance indicator profiles for use. A performance indicator profile can be chosen based on one or more different parameters, such as the crop type and the attachment type. For example, a good harvesting area may be in a different position on the coupling curve 302 for a cutterbar for chopping wood than for a "direct cut" header.
    The controller 6 can also immediately adjust a performance indicator profile during operation itself. Such fine-tuning can be based on one or more different parameters.
    In some examples, the controller 6 of Figure 1 can apply a weighting / modulation to a series of performance factors to generate the performance indicator profile. For example, to show an interest in fuel consumption, in processed crop quality, in time restrictions, etc.
    It is easy to see that steps 402, 404, 406, and 408 could be performed in any order, or that they could be performed completely or partially simultaneously.
    In step 410, the method includes instructing a display to (i) display the link curve, along with the performance indicator profile; and (ii) a measured value indicator representative of the measured value of the engine torque, measured value of the engine speed superimposed on the torque curve and the performance indicator profile. As discussed in detail herein, such a display of information can result in improved harvesting machine performance.
    In modern harvesting machines, a large number of data and information can be visually displayed to the operator. It can be difficult for the operator to interpret them and to determine how to adjust the operation of the harvesting machine based on this information. Thus, a representation of information such as that shown in Figures 3a to 3c can improve the usability of the harvesting machine, both in a manual mode and in an automatic mode (with speed control). This is possible because the complicated information regarding the harvesting machine can be made more understandable for the operator. For examples in which an operator sets one or more set values of the harvesting machine manually, the operator can change a machine setting faster and more accurately to achieve improved performance. This can have a beneficial effect on improved crop quality and result in less distortion or stress in mechanical parts of the harvesting machine, which in turn can lead to a reduction in the number of machine defects. A reduction in crop loss can also be achieved, in any case for combine harvesters. Improvements in the field of fuel saving can also be achieved, which can lead to less pollution.
    In addition, the technical information about the harvesting machine displayed for the operator provides an automatically generated visual indication of the prevailing conditions in the harvesting machine. As discussed above, this visual indication of the performance of the harvesting machine may, at least in some examples, provide information to ask about human interaction with the harvesting machine, for example to improve crop quality and / or to be able to identify events that could cause the harvester to malfunction.
    Examples disclosed herein relate to showing an operator of a harvesting machine a simplified but clear representation of the current process inside the harvesting machine so that he can better understand what is happening. This is easier to interpret than when only individual measurement parameters are shown to the operator. It has been found that the numerical values of engine speed and engine torque for an operator are difficult to interpret by him and that it is difficult for him to use them to improve the harvester's performance. If that way too much data to the operator. for example, a suboptimal performance can easily be overlooked and serious losses or low fuel efficiency can go unnoticed.
    It is easy to see that examples disclosed herein can provide feedback to an operator in a way that information regarding the operating conditions of the harvesting machine can be more accurately interpreted by the operator. In this way the operator can get more accurate information about the performance of the harvesting machine so that any lack of agreement between what the operator sees and what is happening can be reduced.
    Examples disclosed herein may relate to a way of visually presenting the engine performance and fuel efficiency to the operator of an agricultural machine.
    权利要求:
    Claims (15)
    [1]
    CONCLUSIONS
    A controller (6) for a harvesting machine with a motor, characterized in that the controller (6) is configured to: obtain a measured value of the motor torque (11) that is representative of the motor torque; obtain a measured value of the engine speed (10) that is representative of the engine speed; obtain a torque range curve (.302) for the engine, the torque curve, (302) defining a relationship between the engine speed and the maximum engine torque that the engine can exert; obtain a performance indicator profile (306) for the harvesting machine, wherein the performance indicator profile (306) is representative of the quality of the harvesting machine's performance for a series of engine torque and engine speed combinations; and giving an instruction to a display (12) to display: the coupling curve (302) together with the performance indicator profile (306); and a measured value indicator (322a, 322b, 322c) representative of the measured value of the engine torque (11) and the measured value of the engine speed (10) superimposed on the torque curve (302) and the performance indicator profile (306).
    [2]
    Controller (6) according to claim 1, characterized in that the performance indicator profile (306) contains a series of areas representing different levels of performance of the harvesting machine.
    [3]
    Controller (6) according to claim 2, characterized in that the areas representing different levels of performance are displayed in mutually different ways.
    [4]
    Controller (6) according to claim 2, characterized in that the set of areas comprises a transition area between areas representing different levels of performance.
    [5]
    Controller (6) according to claim 4, characterized in that the transition area is shown subdivided into different classes to distinguish between the areas that represent different performance levels.
    [6]
    Controller (6) according to claim 2, characterized in that the series of areas comprises a first area (308) representing the operation suitable for working with the harvesting machine when it is on the road.
    [7]
    Controller (6) as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the series of areas comprises a second area (310) representing the operation suitable for working with the harvesting machine when this crop is harvesting.
    [8]
    Controller (6) according to claim 7, characterized in that the second region (310) is located at a distance from a peak (316) in the coupling curve (302), and also in the vicinity of the coupling curve (302).
    [9]
    The controller (6) according to claim 2, characterized in that the set of areas includes a third area (312) representing the operation that is unacceptable to work with the harvesting machine when harvesting crops.
    [10]
    The controller (6) according to claim 2, characterized in that the series of areas includes a fourth area (314) that represents the operation unsuitable for working with the harvesting machine when harvesting.
    [11]
    The controller (6) according to claim 10, characterized in that the fourth area is in the vicinity of a peak (316) in the coupling curve (302).
    [12]
    Controller (6) according to claim 2, characterized in that the series of areas represent different performance levels of the harvesting machine in terms of one or more of the following performance parameters: the fuel efficiency; the fuel consumption; the ratio between fuel consumption and yield; the ratio between fuel consumption and engine load; the fuel consumption in function of the engine power; the crop type; the quality of the harvested crop; the ability of the engine to adjust to changes in operating conditions, such as a tax increase; and distortion of or stresses in mechanical parts.
    [13]
    Controller (6) according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller (6) is configured to instruct the display (12) to display an indicator (304) for the speed setpoint representative of a maximum control speed set by an operator of the harvesting vehicle.
    [14]
    14. Harvesting machine consisting of: an engine; a sensor that is configured to measure a motor torque value (11) representative of the motor torque; a sensor configured to measure an engine speed value (10) representative of the engine speed; a computer memory configured to store data representative of an engine torque curve (302), the torque curve (302) defining a relationship between the engine speed and the maximum engine torque that the engine can exert; a computer memory configured to store data representative of a performance indicator profile (306) for the harvesting machine, characterized in that the performance indicator profile (306) is representative of the quality of the performance of the harvesting machine for a series of engine coupling means and engine speed combinations; and a display (12); and a controller configured to command the display (12) to display: the link curve (302) together with the performance indicator profile (306); and a measured value indication (322a, 322b, 322c) representative of the measured value of the engine torque (11) and the measured value of the engine speed superimposed on the torque curve (302) and the performance indicator profile (306).
    [15]
    A method of operating a harvesting machine comprising a motor, characterized in that the method comprises: obtaining a measured value of the motor torque (11) representative of the motor torque; obtaining a measured engine speed value (10) representative of the engine speed; obtaining a torque curve (302) for the engine, the torque curve (302) defining a relationship between the engine speed and the maximum engine torque that the engine can exert; obtaining a performance indicator profile (306) for the harvesting machine, wherein the performance indicator profile (306) is representative of the quality of the performance of the harvesting machine for a series of engine torque and engine speed values; and giving an instruction to a display (12) to display: the coupling curve (302) together with the performance indicator profile (306); and a measured value indicator (322a, 322b, 322c) representative of the measured value of the engine torque and the measured value of the engine speed. superimposed on the torque curve (302) and the performance indicator profile (306).
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