US3589242A

US3589242A - Single lever control for hoeing scraper components

Info

Publication number: US3589242A
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert A Peterson; Roy J Barnes; Elmer R Crabb; Donald H Stroot
Original assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co
Current assignee: Caterpillar Inc
Priority date: 1969-08-18
Filing date: 1969-08-18
Publication date: 1971-06-29
Anticipated expiration: 1988-06-29

Abstract

The earth handling components of a scraper of the kind having a hoeing apron mounted on powered articulated linkage are actuated by means of a single operator''s control lever which may be pivoted forwardly, backwardly or to either side and which may be lifted or depressed or rotated in either of two directions, wherein each motion operates a different one of a plurality of electrical switches which control solenoid valves operating fluid jacks coupled to the several scraper components. Ten different scraper component movements may be initiated by appropriate positioning of the single lever, either individually or in certain selected combinations.

Description

United States Patent SINGLE LEVER CONTROL FOR BOEING SCRAPER COMPONENTS 9 Claims, 7 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl 91/413, 137/636, 74/471 R, 60/DlG. 2 Int. Cl ..Fl5b 13/06, F15b 21/08 Field of Search 91/413; 137/636, 636.4; 74/4.7l

[56] References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS 2,643,515 6/1953 Harsch 60/E 2,849,548 8/1958 Young 74/471 3,056,867 10/1962 Eitel 60/15 3,131 ,574 5/1964 Clingerman 137/636 X Primary Examiner-Edward W. Geoghegan Attorney-Fryer, Tjensvold, Feix, Phillips and Lempio ABSTRACT: The earth handling components of a scraper of the kind having a hoeing apron mounted on powered articulated linkage are actuated by means of a single operators control lever which may be pivoted forwardly, backwardly or to either side and which may be lifted or depressed or rotated in either of two directions, wherein each motion operates a dif ferent one of a plurality of electrical switches which control solenoid valves operating fluid jacks coupled to the several scraper components. Ten different scraper component movements may be initiated by appropriate positioning of the single lever, either individually or in certain selected combinations.

PATENTEU JUH29 1971 SHEET 1 BF 5 INVENTURS ROBERT A. PETERSON ROY J. BARNES ELMER R. CRABB BY DONALD H. STROOT I l A "FORNHYJI PATENIED M29 i97l.

SHEET 2 BF 5 CI CZ \al il\\ INVFN'H )RS ROBERT A. PETERSON ROY CRABB J. BARNES ELMER R. y DONALD H. STROOT 79 w 1 M 7% W ATTORNEYS INVENTORS ROBERT A. PETERSON ROY J. BARNES ELMER R. CRABB DONALD H STROOT A'FI'ORNI'LYS ATENTHJ M29 19?:

SHEU Q 0F 5 BY i v giwvu PATENTEUJUNZSIQZ] 3,589 242 sum 5 UF 5 BY MW INVENTORS ROBERT A. PETERSON ROY J. BARNES ELMER R. CRABB DONALD H. STROOT SINGLE LEVER CONTROL FOR HOEING SCRAPER COMPONENTS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to earthmoving apparatus and more particularly to control systems for actuating the load manipulating components of scrapers and the like. Scrapers and related earthmoving equipment generally have several load manipulating elements which the operator must control while simultaneously driving the vehicle. These include, for example, the bowl, the apron and the ejector. Con ventionally, these components are each actuated by separate control levers. As a consequence, there are times in the operating cycle when the operator must very rapidly shift his hand back and forth between several control levers while continuing to drive the vehicle. This can be very taxing and is a situation in which errors can easily be made. Moreover, the training period required to learn to operate the scraper efficiently is undesirably long.

As more advanced earthmoving equipment is developed, the complexity and difficulty of the operators control manipulations increases. Copending application Ser. No. 589,978 filed Oct. 27, I966 and entitled Earthmoving Scraper with Multiply Articulated Apron Structure, (now U.S. Pat. No. 3,471,952) for example, describes a recently developed scraper with an apron which is coupled to the bowl through linkage having three distinct pivot joints and independent powered control of flexing about each joint whereby the apron is made to perform a kind of hoeing motion to load material into the bowl. While this provides an extremely efficient and versatile self-loading action, it may be seen that the task of individual controls are used to provide for the additional apron motions.

One means of simplifying the operators task is to combine the control of several components into one control lever whereby movement of the lever in different ways actuates different ones of the jacks which move scraper components. Such systems have heretofore been devised for diverse kinds of apparatus including earthmoving equipment. Prior single lever controls have required very bulky, costly and cumbersome support linkages for connecting the lever and associated control valves in a way which provides for actuation of one valve without necessarily actuating any of the others. The number of separate functions which can be controlled with these complex prior single lever systems is still undesirably small.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The, present invention is a single lever system providing for independent control of a large number of components of a scraper or the like, without requiring bulky and complex mechanism associated with the lever. In a preferred form, the lever may be tilted forwardly, backwardly, and to either side, and may be raised, depressed, or rotated in two directions, with each movement acting to operate one of a plurality of electrical switches, each of which is connected with a solenoid valve that controls a specific operation of one of the powered components of the associated apparatus. In one form of the invention, one or more additional switches may be carried on the lever to control still other functions without requiring removal of the operators hands from the lever.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to facilitate the control of complex earthmoving apparatus.

It is another object of the invention to provide single lever control of a plurality of powered earth manipulating components ofa scraper of the like with a minimum of mechanical complication and bulk in the control lever structure.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a single lever control for initiating a large number of different component movements in a scraper wherein movement of the control lever to initiate one operation may be selectively combined with movement of the control lever to initiate certain other operations simultaneously.

The invention together with further objects and advantages thereof will best be understood by reference to the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a hoeing scraper with the control system for earth manipulating components being shown in schematic form;

FIG. 2 is a section view of a single lever control and associated mechanism for actuating all of the components of the scraper of FIG. 1, which directly manipulate earth;

FIG. 3 is a section view of a portion of the mechanism of FIG. 2 taken along line IIIII| thereof;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the single lever mechanism of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a section view of the single lever control mechanism taken along line \/V of FIGv 3;

FIG. 6 is a section view of the control lever mechanism taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the operators station area of the scraper of FIG. 1 showing certain ol the controls thereat.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The control system of the present invention is applicable to a variety of earthmoving vehicles wherein earth or other material is manipulated by components powered by fluid motors such as hydraulic jacks. Referring now to FIG. 1 of the drawing, there is shown a scraper ll of the general type described in the above identified copending application Ser. No. 589,978 wherein a manipulatable apron 12 is provided for the purpose of loading material into the bowl 13 by a kind of hoeing action. Salient elements of such a scraper 11 are a tractor 14 supporting the forward end of the bowl 13 through a gooseneck l6 and draft arms 17 and a rear frame 18 supporting the back end of the bowl and riding on rear wheels 19. This particular scraper 11 is of the type having a supplementary engine 21 carried on the rear frame 18 to drive the rear wheels 19 and to operate the several hydraulicjacks to be hereinafter described.

Components of the scraper 11 directly concerned with manipulating earth include a cutting edge 22 carried along the underside of the open forward end of bowl 13. To raise and lower the bowl and cutting edge, one or more bowl jacks 23 are connected between the upper forward end of the bowl and an arm 24 which extends from gooseneck 16. To discharge earth from bowl 13, the rear wall thereo'fis defined by a movable ejector 26 and one or more ejector jacks 27 are coupled thereto and to rear frame 18 to move the ejector forwardly and rearwardly.

To support the manipulatable apron 12, a bail arm 28 is pivoted at the lower end to each side of the bowl 13 and ajack 29 is connected between each such arm and the bowl to selec tively pivot the arm about the coupling to the bowl.

A grid rid arm 31 is pivotably coupled to the upper end of each arm 28 and a jack 32 is connected therebetween to control the inclination of arm 31 relative to arm 28. Apron 12 is pivoted to the opposite end of arms 31 and still another jack 33 is connected therebetween to selectively pivot the apron relative to the intermediate arms. As there are three articulations between the apron 12 and bowl 13 with independent powered control of pivoting about each joint, the apron 12 may be made to undergo any desired kind of hoeing motion to assist in the loading of earth into the bowl 13, to reach out and pull heavy boulders into the bowl or for a variety of other purposes as described in the hereinbefore identified copending application.

Accordingly, in addition to manipulating the controls required for driving the scraper 11, the operator must selectively actuate five sets of

jacks

23, 27, 29, 32 and 33 in the course of a normal operating cycle and three of the sets of

jacks

29, 32 and 33 must be operated repetitively and with careful coordination to accomplish the desired hoeing action.

It may be seen that the required control manipulations are difficult and taxing if conventional separate levers are provided for each set ofjacks. The operators task is greatly facilitated by the present invention in that control of all of the abovementioned jacks is effected by manipulations at a single control lever 34. I

As hereinafter will be discussed in more detail, movement of the control lever 34 in different directions operates selected ones of a series of electrical switches 36 which in turn control a series of solenoid valves 37 successive pairs of which actuate one of five pneumatic cylinders 38 each being operative to pilot a separate one of five spool valves 39 that act to extend or retract one of the above described sets of hydraulic jacks.

Considering now the electrical and fluid circuit in greater 7 detail, jacks 23 are extended to lower bowl 13 or are contracted to raise the bowl by shifting a three position spool valve 39A. Valve 39A has a normal center or Hold position at which the fluid ports at opposite ends of the jacks 23 are closed, a second position at which a source of hydraulic fluid such as pump 41 is communicated with a rod end ofjacks 23 while the head end thereof is communicated with a drain 42 to extend the jack and raise the bowl 13 and has a third position at which pump 41 is communicated with the head end of the jack and the rod end is connected to drain 42 to lower the bowl. A relief valve 40 is connected directly between pump 41 and drain 42 to pass the output of the pump to the drain at those times when all valves 39 are closed. The pivot cylinder 38A associated with s pool valve 39A has a piston which is spring biased to normally position the spool valve in the center or Hold setting. A piston in pilot cylinder 38A is extended, to shift spool valve 39A to the second position thereof, by energizing a two position solenoid valve 37A-1 which then supplies air under pressure to the rod end of cylinder 38A. The piston in cylinder 38A is contracted, to shift spool valve 39A to the third position, by deenergizing a normally open solenoid valve 37A-2 which then supplies air to the rod end of the cylinder. As will hereinafter be discussed in more detail, movement of control lever 34 in a first direction closes a normally open electrical switch 36A-l to apply power from a bat tery 43 to solenoid valve 37A-1 while movement of the lever in an opposite direction closes a switch 36A-2 to energize solenoid valve 37A-2.

The circuitry for operating the other spool valves 39 by an appropriate movement of control lever 34 is essentially similar. Thus, spool valve 398 is normally in the center or Hold position due to the action of spring biasing in the associated pneumatic pilot cylinder 38B and a piston in cylinder 3813 may be extended or contracted by energizing normally closed solenoid valves 37B-1 or 37B-2 respectively. Each such solenoid valve 378-! and 378-2 may be energized by closing normally open switches 3613-1 or 36B-2 respectively by an appropriate movement of the control lever 34. Similarly, spool valve 39C is spring biased to the center or Hold position by the associated pneumatic pilot cylinder 38C a piston of which may be extended or contracted, to shift spool valve 39C to the second or third positions thereof, by energization of solenoid valves 37C-1 or 37C-2 respectively. Closing of normally open switches 36C-1 and 36C-2 respectively energize solenoid valves 37C-1 and 37C-2. Similarly, closing of electrical switches 36D-l or 36D-2 by appropriate movements of the control lever 34 energize solenoid valves 37D-l and 37D-2 respectively to extend or contract a piston in the pneumatic pilot cylinder 38D which operates spool valve 39D and which is similarly spring biased by cylinder 38D to the center or Hold setting.

The final spool valve 39E controlling the ejector jack 27 is actuated by a single three position switch 36E. Switch 3613 has a center setting at which both of the associated solenoid valves 37E-l and 37E-2 are deenergized and therefore the associated pneumatic pilot cylinder 38E, through the spring bias action on a piston therein, holds spool valve 395 at the center of Hold setting. Actuation of switch 365 in one direction energives solenoid valve 37E-1 to apply air pressure to the head end of cylinder 38E thereby shifting spool valve 3915 in a first direction while at the other setting of switch 36E, solenoid valve 37E-2 is energized pressurizing the rod end of cylinder 38E to shift spool valve 39E to the third position thereof.

Under certain conditions it may be desirable to obtain a float condition in thcjacks 29, which pivot arms 28, and in the jacks 33, which pivot the apron 12, the float condition being a direct communication between the rod and head ends of the jacks whereby the jacks may extend or contract under the in fluence of external forces acting thereon. Rather than complicate the associated

spool valves

39D, 39B and related circuitry for this purpose, normally closed foot pedal operated valves 44 and 46 are provided for communicating opposite ends ofjacks 29 and 33 respectively.

Thus, control of all of the

jacks

23, 27, 29, 32, and 33 may be effected by operating appropriate ones of the electrical switches 36. FIGS. 2 to 6 illustrate a construction for the control lever 34 and associated mechanism whereby all of the above described switches 36 are operatable singly or in certain compatible combinations by different manipulations thcreat. Referring initially to FIG. 2 in particular, the control lever 34 is supported in a rectangular housing 47 having a removable cover plate 48 with an opening 49 at the center through which the lower portion of the lever extends into the housing. Control lever 34 has an upper handgrip portion 51 bent into a U- shape whereby it may be comfortably grasped by the operators hand and which is secured to the upper end of a center shaft portion 52 of the lever that extends down through opening 49 into housing 47. The handgrip portion 51 attached center shaft 52 of the control lever may be tilted forwardly and backwardly as illustrated by arcs B1 and B2 in FIG. 3 and may also be tilted to the left as illustrated by are C1 in FIG. 2 or to the right as illustrated by are C2 therein. Handgrip portion 51 may also be raised as illustrated by arrow Al and depressed as illustrated by arrow A2 in FIG. 2 and may be rotated as illustrated by are D1 in FIG. 4 or rotated in the opposite sense as illustrated by are D2 therein.

To provide for these motions, with reference again to FIG. 2, center shaft portion 52 of the control lever extends axially through a cylindrical outer shaft 54 which is journaled in the opening 49 of housing cover plate 48 by a universal type of joint 53. In particular, universal joint 53 may be a body of rubber or other flexible resilient material of generally annular configuration which is secured to the rim of opening 49 by an annular ring 57. Joint 53 has an axial passage 55 through which the upper end of outer shaft 54 extends, the upper end of shaft 54 being of reduced diameter to form a shelf 58 thereon against which a metal sleeve 56, secured to the material of joint 53 within the axial passage therethrough, is abutted. Shaft 54 is threaded to receive a nut 59 which secures the shaft to joint 53. Owing to the resiliency ofjoint 53, outer shaft 54 may be tilted in any of the above described directions but is held against any significant axial movement. Center shaft 52 however is slidable in either direction within the outer shaft 54 to provide for the desired raising or depression of control lever 34.

To provide spring biasing tending to hold the center shaft 52 at a predetermined normal axial position relative to outer shaft 54, the lower end thereof immediately below outer sleever 54 is reduced diameter to form a shelf 61 against which an annular washer 62 abuts. A second such washer 63 is disposed on center shaft 52 in downwardly spaced relationship to washer 62 and a compression spring 64 is disposed between the two washers in coaxial relationship to the center shaft. The lower washer 63 and thus spring 64 and washer 62 are retained on center shaft 52 by a sleeve 66 disposed immediately below washer 63. A laterally extending switchplate 67 is mounted on center shaft 52 below sleeve 66 and a nut 68 is threadably engaged on the extreme lower end of inner shaft 52 to lock sleeve 66 against a second shelf 70 thereon.

Thus if hand grip 51 is raised, center shaft 52 may slide upwardly within outer shaft 54 causing washer 63 to compress spring 64 against washer 62. Similarly if hand grip 51 is depressed, center shaft 52 may move downwardly within outer shaft 54 causing washer 62 to compress spring 64 against the lower washer 63. Thus, the hand grip portion 51 of control lever 34 is always urged toward a preferred axial position relative to outer sleeve 54.

To protect the joint 53 and associated mechanism without impeding the several above described motions thereof, a flexible bellows seal 69 is disposed coaxially around the upper end of center shaft 52 and is secured thereto. The lower outer end of seal 69 is secured to housing top plate 48 by a clamping ring 71 secured by bolts 72.

Outer shaft 54 has an intermediate switch plate 60 extending laterally therefrom immediately above washer 62 and a top switch plate 73 spaced upward from plate 60 and downwardly from the top plate 48 of housing 47. Thus, there are three

switch plates

67, 60 and 73 each of which is tilted when the hand grip 51 is pivoted in any direction. In addition, axial movement between the lower switch plate 67 and inter mediate switch plate 60 is produced by raising or lowering of the hand grip. The previously described electrical switches 36, other than switch 36E, are each carried on one of the

switch plates

67, 60 or 73 in a position whereby each switch will be operated by the appropriate motion of the hand grip 51.

Referring now to FIG. 5 in conjunction with FIG. 2, switch 36C-l for example, is mounted on the underside of top switch plate 73 and has an actuator 74 projecting upward therethrough in position to be operated by contact with a ring 76 at the underside of housing top plate 48 when hand grip 51 is tilted along are Cl. To avoid damage to actuator 74 by overtravel of hand grip 51 along arc Cl, a pin 77 projects upward from top switch plate 73, adjacent actuator 74, whereby tilting of the top switch plate is stopped prior to the point at which such damage would occur but after the actuator has been depressed sufficiently to operate switch 36C-l.

Similarly, switch 36C-2 is mounted at the opposite side of plate 73 and has an actuator 74 extending upward therefrom to be operated by contact with ring 76 when hand grip 51 is tilted along are C2, actuator 74 also being protected by an upwardly projecting pin 77.

Referring now to FIG. 5 in conjunction with FIG. 3, switches 36B-l and 36B2 are also mounted on plate 73 and are displaced 90 from switches 36C-] and 36C-2 with respect to the axis of shaft 54. Thus, the upwardly extending actuator 74 of switch 368-1 will be operated by contact with ring 76 when the hand grip S1 is tilted along arc Bl while the actuator 74 of switch 36B-2 is operated when the hand grip is tilted along arc B2. As in the previous instances, each actuator 74 is protected by a pin 77 extending upward from plate 73 in proximity to the associated actuator.

Switches responsive to axial movement of center shaft 52 are relative to outer shaft 54 include switch 36A-l mounted on intermediate switch plate 60 and having an actuator 74 extending downwardly therefrom to a level slightly above that of the normal position of lower switch plate 67 as shown in FIG. 3. Thus, switch 36A-1 is operated by contact of plate 67 with the actuator 74 thereof when hand grip 51 is raised as indicated by arrow Al in FIG. 2. Referring again to FIG. 3, normally closed switch 36A2 is mounted on lower switch plate 67 with an actuator 74 extending upwardly therefrom to intermediate switch plate 60 which holds such actuator in the operated position when hand grip 51 is in its normal position. Thus, when hand grip 51 is depressed, lowering plate 67 relative to plate 60, the actuator 74 of switch 36A-2 is no longer contacted by plate 60 and the switch closes.

Referring now to FIG. 6 in conjunction with FIG. 2, switches controlled by the rotational movement of the hand grip 51 are 36D-1 and 36D-2, both of which are mounted on the lowermost switch plate 67, both such switches have aligned facing actuators 74 which are spaced apart a small distance. A tab 78 extends downwardly from intermediate switch plate 60 between the two actuators and in spaced relation from both thereof when the hand grip 51 is unrotated from its normal position. To urge the hand grip 51 toward the normal rotational position, a leaf spring 79 extends from a post 81 on lower switch plate 67 to a spring housing 82 secured to the intermediate switch plate 60. Spring 79 thus resists rotary motion of the hand grip 51 and tends to maintain tab 78 midway between the actuators 74 of switches 36D--] and 36D-2. However, rotation of hand grip 51 along arc D1 of FIG. 4 causes tab 78 to operate switch 36D-1 while rotation in the opposite sense along arc D2 moves the tab against the actuator of switch 36D-2.

Referring now again to FIG. 2 in particular, the final switch 36E is mounted in the end of hand grip 51 and has a small actuator lever 84 projecting therefrom for convenient operation by the operator's thumb when his hand is clasping the hand grip. Pivoting of trip lever 84 upward along arc E1 advances the ejector and pivoting of lever 84 downward along arc E2 retracts the ejector as hereinbefore described.

Accordingly, each of the switches 36 which control the jacks associated with the elements of the scraper directly concerned with manipulating earth may be operated by an appropriate movement at the single lever 34 thereby greatly simplifying the operator's task. Moreover, it should be noted that compatible combinations of switches may be actuated at the same time by combining selected ones of the above dcscribed control lever movements. For example, hand grip 51 may be raised to actuate switch 36A-I while it is simultaneously rotated to actuate switch 36Dl and tilted to actuate switch 368-1. It will be apparent that other combinations of such movements may be made as desired. Further, to a considerable extent the particular arrangement of switches discussed above causes the m movements of the operator's hand to resemble the resulting movement of the apron and associated linkage. For example, the raising of the hand grip results in a raising of the scraper apron 12 while a forward movement of the hand grip tends to advance the apron, certain of the other movements of the control lever being similarly correlated to a limited extent with the resulting movements of the apron.

As shown in FIG. 7, the above described housing 47 is preferably situated adjacent the operators seat 86 with the hand grip 51 projecting therefrom in a position where it may readily be grasped by the operator. This is most conveniently done if the housing 47 is positioned at one side of seat 86, slightly forward from the seat and rearwardly from steering wheel 87 and is tilted slightly by being mounted to the scraper by an acute angle bracket 88.

While the single lever control system as been herein described with reference to a specific form of hoeing scraper, it will be apparent that the invention is also applicable to related forms of scraper which may not have the precise arrangement of earth manipulating elements herein described. Where the arrangement of such elements is less complex than that of the scraper herein described, certain of the control functions herein described as associated with the lever 34 may be eliminated.

What we claim is:

I. In apparatus having earth manipulating components operated by a plurality of fluid jacks and having a source of fluid under pressure and a plurality of control valves each con nected between said source of fluid and a separate one of said jacks, a control system for actuating selected individual ones of said jacks comprising:

a plurality of pilot means for operating a valve in response to electrical signals, each of said control valves having at least one of said pilot means coupled thereto,

an electrical power source,

an operator's control lever, wherein said control lever has a hand grip portion which may be moved axially relative to a second portion of said lever,

support means for said control lever providing for motion thereof in any ofa plurality of distinct directions wherein said lever support means provides for tilting of said control lever in four different directions relative to a normal position thereof,

plurality of electrical switches each having an actuator positioned for operation by a different one of said distinct motions of said lever, wherein a different one of said plurality of electrical switches is positioned for actuation by tilting of said control lever in each of said four different directions and wherein one of said plurality of electrical switches is positioned for actuation by axial movement of said hand grip in a first direction, and another one of said electrical switches is positioned for actuation by movement of said hand grip in the opposite direction, each of said switches being connected between said electrical power source and separate ones of said pilot means whereby each of said jacks may be controlled by a separate one of said motions of said control lever.

ln apparatus having earth manipulating components operated by a plurality of fluid jacks and having a source of fluid under pressure and a plurality of control valves each connected between said source of fluid and a separate one of said jacks, a control system for actuating selected individual ones of said jacks comprising:

an electrical power source, an operators control lever, wherein said control lever has a hand grip portion which is rotatable and a base portion which is fixed against rotation,

support means for said control lever providing for motion thereof in any of a plurality of distinct directions wherein said lever support means provides for tilting of said control lever in four different directions relative to a normal position thereof, and plurality of electrical switches each having an actuator positioned for operation by a different one of said distinct motions of said lever, each of said switches being connected between said electrical power source and separate ones of said pilot means whereby each of said jacks may be controlled by a separate one ofsaid motions of said control lever, wherein a different one of said plurality of electrical switches'is positioned for actuation by tilting of said control lever in each of said four different directions and wherein at least one of said electrical switches is secured to one of said portions of said lever, and a tab for actuating said switch is secured to the other of said portions of said lever whereby said switch is operated by said tab upon rotation of said hand grip portion.

In apparatus having earth manipulating components operated by a plurality of fluid jacks and having a source of fluid under pressure and a plurality of control valves each connected between said source of fluid and a separate one of said jacks, a control system for actuating selected individual ones of said jacks comprising:

an electrical power source, an operators control lever, wherein said control lever has a plate secured thereto and extending laterally therefrom whereby said plate is tilted by pivoting motion of said lever,

support means for said control lever providing for motion thereof in any of a plurality of distinct directions, said lever support means being a universal joint providing for tilting of said control lever in four different directions relative to a normal position thereof,

plurality of electrical switches each having an actuator positioned for operation by a different one of said distinct motions of said lever, each of said switches being connected between said electrical power source and separate ones of said pilot means whereby each of said jacks may be controlled by a separate one of said motions of said control lever, wherein a different one of said plurality of electrical switches is positioned for actuation by tilting of stationary means disposed adjacent said plate and positioned to depress the actuators of said switches when tilting movement of said plate carries said actuators toward said stationary means.

In a scraper having earth manipulating components powered by fluid operated jacks and having a source of fluid under pressure, means for manually controlling said components comprising:

plurality of valves connected between said source of fluid and separate ones of said jacks and having at least three positions including a first position at which opposite ends of the associated jack are closed and a second position at which said fluid is supplied to one end of the associated jack and a third position at which fluid is supplied to the opposite end of the associated jack,

plurality of fluid pressure operated pilot means each coupled to an associated one of said valves for shifting said valves between said positions thereof and having biasing means normally urging said associated one of said valves toward said first position thereof, said pilot means being responsive to fluid pressure pilot signals to shift said associated valve to said second and third positions thereof, plurality of means for producing said fluid pressure pilot signals in response to electrical signals, each being coupled to an associated one of said pilot means,

control lever having a hand grip section and a base section with said hand grip section being movable in an axial direction and in angular direction relative to said base section,

spring means connected between said hand grip section and said base section of said control lever to urge said hand grip section toward a predetermined normal axial and angular position relative to said base section,

support means for said control lever having a universal joint coupling said base section of said lever to stationary means whereby said lever including said base section of said hand grip section may be pivoted about said joint in any ofa plurality of directions,

an electrical power source, and

plurality of electrical switches having movable actuators, each switch being connected between said electrical power source and an associated one of said pilot signal producing means and each having said actuator thereof positioned for operation by said lever by movement of said lever in a separate one of said axial and angular and pivoting motions thereof.

. The combination defined in claim 4 wherein a first switch The combination defined in claim 5 wherein said hand grip section of said lever has a shaft portion extending parallel to said base section and being of greater length and whereas a second switch plate is secured to said base section of said lever and extends laterally therefrom and a third switch plate is secured to said hand grip section of said lever in spaced relationship from said first switch plate whereby axial movement of said hand grip portion of said lever varies the spacing between said second and third switch plates and wherein at least one of said switches is secured to one of said second and third switch plates with the actuator thereof extending therebetween whereby said one of said switches is operated by axial movement of said hand grip portion of said lever.

7. The combination defined in claim 6 wherein first and second ones of said switches are carried on said second and third switch plates respectively, each having an actuator ex tending toward the other of said second and third switch plates, the actuator of said first switch being spaced from said third switch plate when said hand grip portion of said lever is in said normal position thereof whereby axial movement of the control lever which reduces the space between said second and third switch plates causes said actuator to contact the opposite switch plate and be operated thereby, and wherein said second switch has an actuator which extends from said third switch plate to contact said second switch plate when said hand grip portion of said lever is in said normal position thereof whereby said actuator of said second switch is operated when the said control lever is at said normal position thereof and is released when said hand grip section is manipu lated to increase the spacing between said second and third switch plates whereby one of said first switch is operated by axial movement of said control lever in a first direction and said second switch is operated by axial movement of the control lever in the opposite direction.

8. The combination defined in claim 6 wherein a pair of said switches are mounted on one of said second and third switch plates and further comprising at least one tab extending from the other of said second and third switch plates whereby one of said pair of switches is actuated upon rotation of said hand grip portion of said lever in a first angular direction and the other of said pair of switches is actuated upon rotation of said hand grip portion of said lever in the opposite angular direction.

9. The combination defined in claim 4 wherein at least one of said switches is mounted on said hand grip portion of said lever and has a trip lever extending therefrom for manipulation by an operator's hand.

Claims

1. In apparatus having earth manipulating components operated by a plurality of fluid jacks and having a source of fluid under pressure and a plurality of control valves each connected between said source of fluid and a separate one of said jacks, a control system for actuating selected individual ones of said jacks comprising: a plurality of pilot means for operating a valve in response to electrical signals, each of said control valves having at least one of said pilot means coupled thereto, an electrical power source, an operator''s control lever, wherein said control lever has a hand grip portion which may be moved axially relative to a second portion of said lever, support means for said control lever providing for motion thereof in any of a plurality of distinct directions wherein said lever support means provides for tilting of said control lever in four different directions relative to a normal position thereof, a plurality of electrical switches each having an actuator positioned for operation by a different one of said distinct motions of said lever, wherein a different one of said plurality of electrical switches is positioned for actuation by tilting of said control lever in each of said four different directions and wherein one of said plurality of electrical switches is positioned for actuation by axial movement of said hand grip in a first direction, and another one of said electrical switches is positioned for actuation by movement of said hand grip in the opposite direction, each of said switches being connected between said electrical power source and separate ones of said pilot means whereby each of said jacks may be controlled by a separate one of said motions of said control lever.

2. In apparatus having earth manipulating components operated by a plurality of fluid jacks and having a source of fluid under pressure and a plurality of control valves each connected between said source of fluid and a separate one of said jacks, a control system for actuating selected individual ones of said jacks comprising: a plurality of pilot means for operating a valve in response to electrical signals, each of said control valves having at least one of said pilot means coupled thereto, an electrical power source, an operators control lever, wherein said control lever has a hand grip portion which is rotatable and a baSe portion which is fixed against rotation, support means for said control lever providing for motion thereof in any of a plurality of distinct directions wherein said lever support means provides for tilting of said control lever in four different directions relative to a normal position thereof, and a plurality of electrical switches each having an actuator positioned for operation by a different one of said distinct motions of said lever, each of said switches being connected between said electrical power source and separate ones of said pilot means whereby each of said jacks may be controlled by a separate one of said motions of said control lever, wherein a different one of said plurality of electrical switches is positioned for actuation by tilting of said control lever in each of said four different directions and wherein at least one of said electrical switches is secured to one of said portions of said lever, and a tab for actuating said switch is secured to the other of said portions of said lever whereby said switch is operated by said tab upon rotation of said hand grip portion.

3. In apparatus having earth manipulating components operated by a plurality of fluid jacks and having a source of fluid under pressure and a plurality of control valves each connected between said source of fluid and a separate one of said jacks, a control system for actuating selected individual ones of said jacks comprising: a plurality of pilot means for operating a valve in response to electrical signals, each of said control valves having at least one of said pilot means coupled thereto, an electrical power source, an operators control lever, wherein said control lever has a plate secured thereto and extending laterally therefrom whereby said plate is tilted by pivoting motion of said lever, support means for said control lever providing for motion thereof in any of a plurality of distinct directions, said lever support means being a universal joint providing for tilting of said control lever in four different directions relative to a normal position thereof, a plurality of electrical switches each having an actuator positioned for operation by a different one of said distinct motions of said lever, each of said switches being connected between said electrical power source and separate ones of said pilot means whereby each of said jacks may be controlled by a separate one of said motions of said control lever, wherein a different one of said plurality of electrical switches is positioned for actuation by tilting of said control lever in each of said four different directions and whereby said control lever may be pivoted for operation of at least two of said switches simultaneously and wherein a plurality of said switches are mounted on said plate at angularly spaced locations thereon relative to the axis of said lever, and stationary means disposed adjacent said plate and positioned to depress the actuators of said switches when tilting movement of said plate carries said actuators toward said stationary means.

4. In a scraper having earth manipulating components powered by fluid operated jacks and having a source of fluid under pressure, means for manually controlling said components comprising: a plurality of valves connected between said source of fluid and separate ones of said jacks and having at least three positions including a first position at which opposite ends of the associated jack are closed and a second position at which said fluid is supplied to one end of the associated jack and a third position at which fluid is supplied to the opposite end of the associated jack, a plurality of fluid pressure operated pilot means each coupled to an associated one of said valves for shifting said valves between said positions thereof and having biasing means normally urging said associated one of said valves toward said first position thereof, said pilot means being responsive to fluid pressure pilot signals to shift said assoCiated valve to said second and third positions thereof, a plurality of means for producing said fluid pressure pilot signals in response to electrical signals, each being coupled to an associated one of said pilot means, a control lever having a hand grip section and a base section with said hand grip section being movable in an axial direction and in angular direction relative to said base section, spring means connected between said hand grip section and said base section of said control lever to urge said hand grip section toward a predetermined normal axial and angular position relative to said base section, support means for said control lever having a universal joint coupling said base section of said lever to stationary means whereby said lever including said base section of said hand grip section may be pivoted about said joint in any of a plurality of directions, an electrical power source, and a plurality of electrical switches having movable actuators, each switch being connected between said electrical power source and an associated one of said pilot signal producing means and each having said actuator thereof positioned for operation by said lever by movement of said lever in a separate one of said axial and angular and pivoting motions thereof.

5. The combination defined in claim 4 wherein a first switch plate is secured to said base section of said control lever in spaced relation from said universal joint and extends laterally from said lever and wherein at least a portion of said switches are secured to said first switch plate with said actuators of said switches extending from said first switch plate and further comprising stationary means situated adjacent said lever in spaced relation from said first switch plate to contact said actuators of said switches upon pivoting movement of said lever.

6. The combination defined in claim 5 wherein said hand grip section of said lever has a shaft portion extending parallel to said base section and being of greater length and whereas a second switch plate is secured to said base section of said lever and extends laterally therefrom and a third switch plate is secured to said hand grip section of said lever in spaced relationship from said first switch plate whereby axial movement of said hand grip portion of said lever varies the spacing between said second and third switch plates and wherein at least one of said switches is secured to one of said second and third switch plates with the actuator thereof extending therebetween whereby said one of said switches is operated by axial movement of said hand grip portion of said lever.

7. The combination defined in claim 6 wherein first and second ones of said switches are carried on said second and third switch plates respectively, each having an actuator extending toward the other of said second and third switch plates, the actuator of said first switch being spaced from said third switch plate when said hand grip portion of said lever is in said normal position thereof whereby axial movement of the control lever which reduces the space between said second and third switch plates causes said actuator to contact the opposite switch plate and be operated thereby, and wherein said second switch has an actuator which extends from said third switch plate to contact said second switch plate when said hand grip portion of said lever is in said normal position thereof whereby said actuator of said second switch is operated when the said control lever is at said normal position thereof and is released when said hand grip section is manipulated to increase the spacing between said second and third switch plates whereby one of said first switch is operated by axial movement of said control lever in a first direction and said second switch is operated by axial movement of the control lever in the opposite direction.

9. The combination defined in claim 4 wherein at least one of said switches is mounted on said hand grip portion of said lever and has a trip lever extending therefrom for manipulation by an operator''s hand.