Recent developments in joystick controller technology is offering designers of off-highway and specialist vehicles more flexibility in the functionality of their control systems than they have ever had before.
JOYSTICK & OPERATOR EFFICIENCY
Electronic joystick controllers offer huge improvements over manual hydraulically controlled versions. They are easier and more comfortable to operate and, because high-pressure hydraulics are no longer in the cab, are quieter and cleaner. This helps to provide a more comfortable environment for the operator and helps to reduce the likelihood of mistakes. As a result, joystick control can help to improve the productivity of cranes and specialist vehicles and their operators too.
The latest control systems do more than just carry out an operator’s instructions - they actually improve on them by using the command signals from joysticks and feedback from the vehicle sensing systems to optimise any actions.
For example, however intelligent the electronics, it is only natural for an operator, keen to get the job done and possibly more used to a heavier control action, to move a joystick controller quickly and with force. Instinct tells operators to push joysticks to their limit with every movement, in order to complete the action more quickly and so work more ‘efficiently’. In reality, this ‘slamming’ of the joystick is not the most efficient method – it just increases stress and wear and does not make the machinery move any quicker.
The comfort of the operator is also an extremely important factor in the design of control systems. The compact design and flexibility of electronic joysticks means that chair armrests can be adjusted to suit individual users, unlike mechanically operated hydraulic systems that need to be rigid-mounted to prevent hose flex and to carry the weight of the installation. The use of electronic systems is also enabling system designers to use smaller joysticks, which can be designed to mimic the functionality of the older hydraulic systems but with higher operating comfort levels.
Other functionality that can be integrated with electronic joysticks include smart vehicle systems that have the capability to ‘learn’ a set of actions that can then be repeated automatically; return-to-dig or return-to-load functions that automatically return a vehicles boom arm back to a known point at the touch of a button; and joystick ‘friction hold’ lever functions that can be used to maintain a constant speed, such as required on compactors and spreaders in the road construction industry.
All these functions allow operators to focus on the task at hand without being distracted by the additional machine controls, again saving time and effort and improving safety.
CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS
Penny + Giles joystick controllers are used for numerous specialised transport applications. From lift trucks, tower cranes and powered access platforms, to backhoe excavators and airport fire & rescue vehicles, the company has extensive experience in providing solutions for monitoring and control under extreme operating conditions.
The company’s range of finger- and hand-operated joystick controllers are designed and developed for smooth, precise control of critical functions where a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) is required. Available in single-, dual- or multiple-axis configurations and with ergonomic handle styles to enable superb proportional control, each model has a range of selectable options for the most comprehensive joystick-to-application matching.
An option that is proving popular with many OEM’s, and one that Penny & Giles believes is the future of joystick controller technology, is the use of contactless, Hall effect sensors. These sensors not only provide reliable and accurate output signals and benefit from a second output to enable error checking of system integrity but also, for example, triple the operational life of the company’s JC6000 from an already impressive five million operations, to more than 15 million!
A relative newcomer to the JC6000 range is a heavy-duty, single-axis version. The new higher-strength, return-to-centre joystick is ideal for use in arduous conditions or applications including ‘heavy’ machinery where high ‘Across-Axis’ loads can be an issue.
The increased strength of the heavy-duty JC6000 is achieved by redesigning the body casting, which the company claims has increased across-axis fatigue life by a factor of five. The heavy-duty version also uses a new gaiter to accommodate the increased strength of the body casting.
The heavy-duty JC6000 is available with long-life potentiometer track sensors with auxiliary contacting directional switch tracks; single/dual non-contact Hall effect sensors (or a combination of both); Can (J1939) and Can-Extended input interfaces; and is designed to share all standard JC6000 handles and grips.
Another recent introduction is the single-axis JC1500, which has evolved from the JC6000 and is designed for heavy duty applications such as specialist off-highway vehicles and aerial work lifts and platforms, especially where reliability and strength are required.
The rugged, low-profile design of the JC1500 (53mm under-panel depth) complements the existing JC150 range of potentiometer-based joysticks. In addition, for easy and modification-free replacement or upgrade, the JC1500 uses the same panel mountings and is designed to share the same range of handles and grips, as JC150 and JC6000 models.
Penny + Giles is also introducing the JC8000, a new heavy-duty joystick controller with all-round, high-strength features that will make it ideal for applications where operators typically use hydraulic joysticks.
More compact than equivalent strength joysticks, the JC8000 will feature under panel electronics sealed to lP69K and a choice of analogue or digital outputs including dual redundant Hall effect, CANbus J1939 and digital PWM.
CONCLUSION
Developments in control system technology are bringing a new level of sophistication to vehicle control, which is resulting in more efficient operation. High reliability signals from the latest sensor and joystick designs, combined with intuitive control system software means that vehicles and their equipment can be tuned to optimise performance to individual applications. At the touch of a few buttons, routine operations can be performed at high speed with minimal fatigue, for considerably better productivity from vehicle and operator.
Penny + Giles specialises in both joysticks and motion control sensors, so is therefore uniquely placed to provide advanced control options for the off-highway and specialised vehicle market.
For further information call Penny + Giles on +44 (0)1202 409499, email sales@pennyandgiles.com or visit www.pennyandgiles.com.
