A METHOD AND AN ARRANGEMENT FOR MANAGING AND CONTROLLING THE LIFETIME OF A TREE HANDLING SYSTEM FOR A FOREST MACHINE

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for managing and controlling the lifetime of a tree handling system of a forest machine. The tree handling system is activable through the impact of hydraulically powered execution means (7:1-7:n), the method comprises the steps of; obtaining sensor data (13:1-13:n) that represent a current loading (PT) on the tree handling system, determining a current partial damage value (SL, SM, SH), which is deemed to occur on the tree handling system at various loadings (PT) on the tree handling system,

A characteristic of the invention are the steps of; determining a key indicator (Ni:1-Ni:n), which describes a measured value (X) that relates to the operation of the tree handling system (1) and is representative of the risk of partial damage relative to specific reporting about a current running operating state (db:1-db:n) of the tree handling system, comparing at least the current partial damage value (SL, SM, SH) with a normative partial damage value (SLX, SMX, SHX) for a normative operating state (db:1X-db:nX) of the tree handling system corresponding to the key indicator (Ni:1-Ni:n) and determining a change that affects the measured value (X) of the key indicator (Ni:1-Ni:n) in such a manner that the current partial damage value (SL, SM, SH) returns to or approaches a level corresponding to the normative partial damage value (SLX, SMX, SHX) for the key indicator.

Claims

1. A method for managing and controlling the lifetime of a tree handling system, comprising a crane equipped with a tree handling unit such as a harvester aggregate or the like, and which tree handling system is activable at varying loading values by means of hydraulically powered execution means (7:1-7:n), wherein the tree handling system and associated execution means form part of a forest machine, and which method comprises the steps of; obtaining first sensor data (13:1-13:n) from pressure sensors that represent a current loading (PT) on at least one of the crane and the tree handling unit included in the tree handling system, determining a current partial damage value (SL, SM, SH), which during a normative activation period (At) is deemed to occur on the tree handling system at various loadings (PT) on the tree handling system, characterized in the following operational steps; determining a key indicator (Ni:1-Ni:n), which describes a measured value (X) that relates to the operation of the tree handling system (1) and is representative of the risk of partial damage relative to specific reporting about a current running operating state (db:1-db:n) of the tree handling system, comparing the current partial damage value (SL, SM, SH) with a normative partial damage value (SLX, SMX, SHX) for a normative operating state (db:1X-db:nX) of the tree handling system corresponding to the key indicator (Ni:1-Ni:n) and determining a change that affects the measured value (X) of the key indicator (Ni:1-Ni:n) in such a manner that the current partial damage value (SL, SM, SH) returns to or approaches a level corresponding to the normative partial damage value (SLX, SMX, SHX) for the key indicator.

2. The method according to claim 1, comprising the step of adding each estimated partial damage (SL, SM, SH) to an accumulated partial damage (Σ Sn), which constitutes an estimate of the total spent lifetime of the tree handling system.

3. The method according to any one of claim 1, comprising the step; that a change of the key indicator's (Ni:1-Ni:n) measured value (X) comprises to limit the loading (PT) of the tree handling system to a highest permissible loading value (PMAX), if the partial damage value (SL, SM, SH) exceeds the normative partial damage value (SLX, SMX, SHX) resulting from the determined key indicator (Ni:1-Ni:n).

4. The method according to any one of claim 1, comprising the step; obtaining second sensor data (13:1-13:n) from position sensors, which are representative of the mutual relationship between at least two adjustable and manoeuvrable units of the tree handling system, wherein the current key indicator (Ni:1-Ni:n) is determined on the basis of a combination of said first and second sensor data.

5. The method according to claim 1, comprising the step; presenting in an driver interface to an operator of the tree handling system information about the key indicator (Ni:1-Ni:n) together with information about the operating state (db:1-db:n) of the tree handling system during a monitored time period and further; presenting to the operator a change of the key indicator's measured value (X) that takes place and how it will affect the key indicator, or suggesting to the operator a change of the key indicator's (Ni;1-Ni:n) measured value (X) and how it will affect the key indicator.

6. The method according to claim 1, comprising the step; changing the tree handling system's operating state (db:1-db:n) to manage the measured value (X) of the key indicator (Ni:1-Ni:n) towards a desired value according to the difference between the key indicator and the change presented in the driver interface.

7. The method according to claim 1, comprising the step; changing the tree handling system's operating state (db:1-db:n) to manage the determined current key indicator (Ni:1-Ni:n) towards a desired measured value (X) by limiting the hydraulic flow to the one or more execution means (7:1-7:n) included in at least one of the following units; the crane, the tree handling unit or a combination of said units to a highest permissible loading value (PMAX).

8. The method according to claim 1, comprising the step; storing in a data base or a memory information about a change that can affect a measured value (X) of the key indicator (Ni:1-Ni:n).

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein information about a change comprises at least one of the following; type of change, measured value (X) before the change respectively measured value (X) after the change, operating state (db:1-db:n) before the change respectively operating state (db:1-db:n) after the change.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the change is determined automatically by the control unit on the basis of said first (13:1-13:n) respectively second sensor data (13:1-13:n) collected from pressure sensors (12:1-12:n) and position sensors (11:1-11:n) in the tree handling system.

11. An arrangement for managing and controlling the lifetime of a tree handling system for a forest machine, which arrangement comprises; a crane carrying a tree handling unit, such as a harvester aggregate or the like, execution means (7:1-7:n) each of which can create a force impact on the tree handling system and are activable with varying loading values (PT) through an operator's impact of a control stick, which via a hydraulic system adjusts a hydraulic flow to and from said execution means, wherein the arrangement further comprises; a control unit adjusted to receive information about the loading (PT) on at least one of the crane (1A) and the tree handling unit included in the tree handling system, wherein this information comprises, first sensor data (13:1-13:n) from pressure sensors and second sensor data (13:1-13:n) from position sensors, an actuator, which is coupled to the control unit and by which, through hydraulic flow reduction to at least one of the execution means (7:1-7:n), the loading (PT) on the tree handling system can be limited to a pre-determined maximum loading value (PTmax), wherein the control unit is arranged to determine one or a plurality of current partial damage values (SL, SM, SH), which during a normative activation period (At) is deemed to occur on the tree handling system at various loadings (PT) on the tree handling system, characterized in that the control unit is arranged to determine a current key indicator (Ni:1-Ni:n), which describes a measured value (X) that relates to the operation of the tree handling system and is representative of the risk of partial damage in relation to specific reporting about a current running operating state (db:1-db:n) of the tree handling system, at least one of the determined current partial damage values (SL, SM, SH) is compared with a normative partial damage value (SLX, SMX, SHX), for a normative operating state (db:1X-db:nX) of the tree handling system corresponding to the current key indicator (Ni:1-Ni:n), and a change that affects the measured value (X) of the key indicator (Ni:1-Ni:n) is determined in such a manner that the current partial damage value (SL, SM, SH) returns to or approaches a level corresponding to the normative partial damage value (SLX, SMX, SHX) for the current key indicator, and which arrangement further comprises, wherein said change of the measured value (X) is executed by the actuator (23) coupled to the control unit.

12. The arrangement according to claim 11, wherein both the normative partial damage value (SL, SM, SH) and the normative operating state (db:1X-db:nX) corresponding to the key indicator (Ni:1-Ni:n) are stored as reference data (27) of the control system.

13. The arrangement according to claim 11, wherein first sensor data (13:1-13:n) comprise data from pressure sensors (12:1-12:n) that are arranged in the tree handling system and can represent a current loading (PT) on at least one of the crane or the tree handling unit included in the tree handling system,

14. The arrangement according to claim 11, wherein second sensor data (13:1-13:n) comprise data from pressure sensors (11:1-11:n) that are arranged in the tree handling system and can represent reporting about the mutual angle position or position relationship between at least two units adjustable or manoeuvrable relative to each other that are included in one of the crane or the tree handling unit included in the tree handling system.

15. The arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the hydraulic system is electronically active and comprises valve control curves with which the hydraulic flow to said execution means (7:1-7:n) can be adjusted by impact of the control stick, and the actuator comprises correction factor curves with which said valve control curves and can be managed downwards (adjusted) for limitation of the force impact that is supplied to said execution means (7:1-7:n).

16. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is arranged to receive information from a pressure sensor (12:1-12:n) that senses an internal hydraulic pressure in at least one circuit that supplies an execution means (7:1-7:n) with hydraulic flow to determine the loading (PT) on the tree handling system.

17. The arrangement according to claim 14, wherein said second sensor data (13:1-13:n) comprise data from position sensors (11:1-11:n) with reporting about an angle of torsion (φ1-φ3) of a rotation axis of at least one of the axes of motion that are included in the tree handling system's crane.

18. The arrangement according to claim 11, comprising a microprocessor-based control unit, which is configured to at least: identify a change that affects partial damage of a tree handling system of a forest machine, store information about the changes in a memory and to use the information about changes to present a key indicator (Ni:1-Ni:n) with a measured value (X), describing a combination of the current operating state (db:1-db:n) and partial damage occurring in the tree handling system, an operator interface with which this information can serve as support or supplement for an operator for changing the driving behaviour in order to reduce the risk of partial damage.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES IN DRAWING

[0024] In the following, the invention is described in more detail based on an exemplary embodiment, shown in the accompanying drawing; wherein;

[0025] FIG. 1 schematically shows an arrangement for management and control of the lifetime of a tree handling system included in forest machines according to the present invention,

[0026] FIG. 2 schematically shows a block diagram of a system included in an arrangement for the management and control of the lifetime of a tree handling system according to the present invention,

[0027] FIG. 3 schematically shows a flow chart of a system with an actuator that makes it possible to vary the loading on the execution members included in a tree handling system,

[0028] FIG. 4 schematically shows a graph in a diagram of how a measured value X of a key indicator can vary depending on the operating state of the tree handling system selected by an operator, wherein the Y-axis of the diagram shows the first sensor data that are loading-based from pressure sensors, and the X-axis shows second sensor data that are representative of the mutual relationship between at least two adjustable or manoeuvrable units of the tree handling system and thus in practice immediately related to the operator's selection of operating state, for example selection of crane angle,

[0029] FIG. 5A shows in a diagram how accumulated partial damage to a tree handling system can vary due to the relative activation period At during which a partial damage Sn is determined, wherein the partial damage is divided into three classes denoted PL, PM, PH,

[0030] FIG. 5B shows in a diagram a number of graphs in as curves how an accumulated partial damage to a tree handling system can vary with the operating time in hours T, in the diagram, A denotes a pre-determined normal curve and A′ a loading-limiting curve, B denotes the current operating point.

[0031] FIG. 5C shows a detail enlargement, from which an operating point B for a loading PB based on a current operating state db:1-db:n selected by an operator during an activation period At appears, and in which enlargement AX denotes a normative curve and A′X a partial damage-limiting curve, corresponding to a normative running operating state dbX:1-dbX:n of the tree handling system for the current running operating state db:1-db:n of the tree handling system, selected by the operator,

[0032] FIG. 6 shows, by a block diagram of a system, how first and second sensor data 13:1-13:n are used for monitoring an operating condition and determining a key indicator Ni:1-Ni:n based on a data file describing the operating condition,

[0033] FIG. 7 shows, by a block diagram, how first and second sensor data 13:1-13:n are used for monitoring an operating condition and determining a key indicator Ni:1-Ni:n and thereby a measured value X based on an operating state of the tree handling system selected by the operator,

[0034] FIG. 8 shows a flow chart describing management and control of the lifetime of a tree handling system of a forest machine during an activation period At and how determined current actual partial damage values SL, SM, SH are compared with normative partial damage values SLX, SMX, SHX, which are selected on the basis of a determined key indicator (Ni:1-Ni:n) with a measured value X and how this measured value can be changed by means of an actuator included in the invention,

[0035] FIG. 9 shows a user interface with a graphic representation on a display of a determined key indicator Ni:1-Ni:n with a measured value X that is presented on a first axis, i.e. the y-axis, and a cumulative variable, such as an accumulated partial damage Σ Sn on a second axis, the x-axis,

[0036] FIG. 10 shows a flow chart describing the manner in which an arrangement for managing and controlling the lifetime of a tree handling system works, and wherein a current partial damage value SL, SM, SH is compared with a normative partial damage value SLX, SMX, SHX, which is selected on the basis of a determined key indicator Ni:1-Ni:n with a measured value X and how a determined change of a measured value X, by means of an actuator, results in the current partial damage value SL, SM, SH reverting to or at least approaching a level corresponding to the normative partial damage value SLX, SMX, SHX.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0037] FIG. 1 schematically shows a hydraulically powered tree handling system generally denoted 1, comprising a 1A crane, which at its free end carries a tree handling unit 1B, which hereby is constituted by a harvester aggregate, but which alternatively could be constituted by a timber grip or the like. The tree handling system 1 is carried on a vehicle 1C, a so-called forest machine. A driver's cabin is denoted 2.

[0038] The crane 1A substantially comprises a first boom 4, which is designated stanchion or vertical boom, a second boom 5, which is designated lifting arm, and a third boom 6, which is designated rocker arm. The stanchion is 4 attached in a housing, which again is carried by the vehicle's chassis or a frame. The stanchion 4 and thereby the crane 1A can oscillate at an angle φ1 about a vertical axis 10A in a horizontal plane, which is illustrated by a double arrow in FIG. 1. Oscillation by the crane 1 about the vertical axis 10A in the horizontal plane takes place in the conventional manner by means of a first execution means 7:1 and is controlled by a first angle sensor 11:1.

[0039] The stanchion 4 and the lifting arm 5 are coupled together in a joint 9 for oscillation about a first horizontal axis 10B, which is controlled by a second execution means 7:2. An angle φ2 about the first horizontal axis 10B, between the stanchion 4 and the lifting arm 5, is controlled by a second angle sensor 11:2. In turn, the lifting arm 5 is coupled together with the rocker arm 6 in a second joint 11. The angle about a second horizontal axis 10C between the lifting arm 5 and the rocker arm 7 is manoeuvred by a third execution means organ 7:3. The angle φ3 between said lifting arm 5 and the rocker arm 7 is controlled by a third angle sensor 11:3. The rocker arm 6 has a moveable, projecting boom 13, and as is illustrated by a double arrow, the rocker arm can be extended or shortened by a length L1 in its longitudinal direction by way of a fourth execution means 7:4, which is accommodated inside the rocker arm 6. The crane 1A included in the tree handling system 1 thus comprises a number of arm parts 4, 5, 6 and 7, which are twistable relative to each other and between which arm parts, said position sensors 11:1-11:n are arranged. Said position sensors 11:1-11:n can thus emit a signal, which is a measure of the current axis' angle of torsion and thereby also the relative angle position of the arm parts and thereby the manoeuvring position overall of the crane as selected by the operator 3.

[0040] The position of a moveable unit is generally determined by an output signal from a resistive sensor, generally of the potentiometer type, which is mechanically coupled to the unit to be monitored. Position sensors of the resolver or pulse generation type can also be used for the purpose. Recently, gyro has also been introduced for measuring the relative state of moveable parts. It should be understood that the term position sensor according to the invention should be interpreted in its widest sense and in which term gyro should also be considered to be included.

[0041] The movements of the tree handling system 1 are managed and controlled by said operator 3 via an operator interface 28 that includes a manoeuvring unit with a control stick 16 or similar impact means in a driver's cabin 2. In the driver's cabin 2, there is also a graphic user interface for the operator 3 in the form of a monitor or display 17, which thus forms an indication means the purpose of which will be described in more detail in the following. For each execution means 7:1-7:n a respective pressure sensor 12:1-12:n is arranged, and a linear measure sensor can also be arranged, measuring the boom's 13 projecting length or distance L1 in the longitudinal direction of the rocker arm 6.

[0042] For each of the crane's 1 axes of motion 10A, 10B, 100, 10D, there is thus one or a plurality of position sensors that comprise said angle sensors 11:1-11:n as well as said linear measure sensors 11:4. The angles of torsion in the three axes 10A, 10B, 10C are denoted φ1-φ3 in the figure and extend along the rocker arm's 6 length denoted L1

[0043] FIG. 2 shows a diagnostic unit 20, included in the present invention, comprising a measurement means 22, which is coupled to an exemplified pressure sensor 12:1, and which senses the pressure of the crane's 1A execution means 7:1 for oscillation of the crane in a horizontal plane about the vertical axis 10A. The pressure sensor 12:1 can measure the internal pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the crane's execution means 7:1 for oscillation and thereby emit sensor data that comprise a steady state (Swedish: fortvarighets-och transienttillstând) of said execution means.

[0044] The exemplified sensor 12:1 could clearly be constituted by any of the pressure sensors 12:1-12:n, angle sensors 11:1-11:n mentioned above of the various parts or means that are included in the tree handling system 1 or a combination of said sensors.

[0045] In an exemplifying object in the following, a first exemplary embodiment will be described closer to an arrangement according to the invention relating to the crane 1A included in the tree handling system 1 based on said first execution means 7:1 for oscillation of the crane and the pressure sensor 12:1 associated with this drive means.

[0046] In this context, it should be understood that an arrangement corresponding to the one described here can be disposed for calculation of partial damage to a single or an optional number of components that are included in a tree handling system 1. The selection of the component or the components that are monitored by sensors obviously depends on the loading values that are interesting to the calculation of partial damage to the tree handling system.

[0047] Also, with reference to FIG. 2, a microprocessor-based processing unit (CPU) 24 is coupled to the measurement means 22 and an A/D converter 25 arranged between said measurement means 22 and the control unit. It should be understood that the component selection indicated in this exemplified object between sensor 21 and control unit 24 is not limiting for the invention, but can vary depending on the type of sensor and the steady state of the crane 1 components to be measured. The diagnostic unit 20 further comprises a calculation means 29A coupled to the control unit for calculation of a damage arisen on the tree handling system 1, based on measured operational parameters via the sensor 12:1. In the following, the measurement data, which via the A/D converter 25 are addressed to the control unit 24, are generally designated first and second sensor data 13:1-13:n, wherein the first sensor data relate to data from pressure sensors that represent a current loading PT on at least one of the crane and the tree handling unit included in the present tree handling system, and the second sensor data relate to position sensor data representative of the mutual relationship between at least two in the tree handling system of for example the operator adjustable or manoeuvrable units.

[0048] The calculation means 29A is constituted by a so-called predictor with the purpose of predicting damage or breakdown of one or a combination of crane parts, which in this case in the exemplifying object is only constituted by the crane's 1A first execution means 7:1. The calculation means 29A is provided to perform a partial damage calculation. The diagnostic unit 20 also comprises a memory 26 for storage of results from each current partial damage calculation and accumulated partial damage. In the memory 26, a data file with specific reference data 27 can also be registered, which can take place in connection with renewal of the tree handling system 1 or the vehicle 1C on which the tree handling system is intended to be mounted. The diagnostic unit 20 also includes a means 29B for determination of a key indicator Ni:1-Ni:n, the function of which is described in more detail in the following.

[0049] The diagnostic unit 20 further comprises an actuator 23, which is operably coupled to the control unit 24 and thus also to the first execution means 7:1 for oscillation of the crane about the vertical axis 10A shown in the exemplified object. The actuator 23 is provided to adjust the first execution 7:1 operation based on said measurement means 22 to measure the value from the pressure sensor 12:1 in the execution means 7:1.

[0050] FIG. 3 further shows a hydraulic system 30, which is arranged to the crane's 1A various execution means 7:1-7:n for manoeuvring the crane. The hydraulic system 30 comprises a hydraulic pump 31 by which the first execution means 7:1 and other execution means 7:2-7:n are driven by hydraulic fluid that is supplied by the pump. However, in the exemplifying object the figure only shows the first execution means 7:1. Between the first execution means 7:1 (e.g. each execution means 7:1-7:n) and the pump 31, there is an electrohydraulic hydraulic valve 32 (e.g. a valve block) that controls the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump 31 to the first execution means 7:1, so that the crane 1A can be manoeuvred in the desired way by the operator 3 by impact of the manoeuvring unit's control stick 16.

[0051] Purely functionally, the actuator 23 is constituted by said electric hydraulic valve 31 because it controls and adjusts the hydraulic flow and, as described initially, thereby also the power that is supplied to the first execution means 7:1 for oscillation of the crane 1A. The hydraulic valve 32 can be of the type that allows both the pressure and the flow to be controlled digitally.

[0052] The electric manoeuvring of the hydraulic valve 31 is handled via the control unit 24 and the operator's 3 control stick 16. The control unit 24 comprises software with adjustment structure, which in a synchronized manner can control the flow to and from the crane's 10 first execution means 7:1 for oscillation due to the control stick 16 state. The control stick 16 communicates with the control unit 24 respectively other components via an integrated CAN interface. Program routines control via PWM outputs proportional magnets in electrohydraulic pilot valves that are included in the hydraulic valve 32. In the memory 26 of the control computer 24, there are valve control curves 26a in the form of software, which are adapted to control of the hydraulic flow to the first execution means 7:1 for oscillation of the crane. Furthermore, there are correction factor curves 27a, 28a with which the valve control curves 26a can be parameter-adjusted in such a manner that the hydraulic flow from the pump 31, for example at full stick outer position of the control stick 16, can be limited in a pre-determined way. In the following, the actuator 23 is also designated action unit and its function according to the invention is described in more detail in the following.

[0053] The control unit 24 shown in FIG. 2 is thus adapted to control the operation of the crane 1 as regards information about the power (hydraulic power) PB requested by the operator 3 from said first execution means 7:1. The operator 3 thus requests the desired hydraulic power PB from the first execution means 7:1 and correspondingly clearly also to the other hydraulically effective drive assemblies 7:2-7:n that are included in the tree handling system 1 by impact of the control stick 16.

[0054] As mentioned above, the opening degree of the hydraulic valve 32 and hence the flow to the drive assembly 7a for oscillation of the crane is controlled by means of software that includes valve control curves 26a and said correction factor curves 27a, 28a. The pressure sensor 12:1 that is included in the first execution means 7:1 for oscillation of the crane is adapted to substantially continuously transmit the first sensor data 13:1 to the control unit 24 with information about the internal pressure of the execution means 7:1. With information about said internal pressure, the control unit 24 can estimate the loading PT on the crane 1 for the part that relates to said execution means (hydraulic cylinder). Other execution means 7:2-7:n and other parts equipped with pressure sensors 12:1-12:n, angle sensors 11:1-11:n or linear measure sensors can, according to the invention, obviously be sensed correspondingly and supply second sensor data 13:1-13:n to the control unit 24.

[0055] A tree handling system 1 of the present type is an expensive component. It is therefore desirable that the tree handling system 1 can obtain the same lifetime as the vehicle 10 overall. Thereby, extensive costs for repair or replacement of the tree handling system can be avoided. The lifetime of a tree handling system 1 is strongly bound up with the loading PT to which it is exposed during operation by an operator 3.

[0056] FIG. 1 illustrates the loading PT on the crane 1A generally with an arrow. Due to experience and statistical calculations, it is possible with good accuracy to determine how single loadings PT reduce the lifetime. In the following, a reduction of the theoretical lifetime is designated partial damage S. Partial damage can be expressed in parts, for example time, an estimated theoretical lifetime in operating hours. Partial damage can, for example, be expressed in millionths of the tree handling system's calculated lifetime in operating hours. When an accumulated partial damage Σ Sn, which is due to single loadings n on the crane, reaches the value 1.0, the theoretical lifetime of the tree handling system is obtained.

[0057] FIG. 5A shows an example of a connection between partial damage Sn and single loadings PTn on a tree handling system 1. This connection is stored in the control unit's 24 connected calculation means 29. In this case, the single loadings PTn on the tree handling system 1 have been divided into three classes, namely PL, PM, PH. PL here corresponds to an area with low loading, PM corresponds to an area with medium loading, and PH corresponds to an area with high loading. In an area with lower loading than the one in the area PL, the loading on the tree handling system's 1 (the crane's 1A) first execution means 7:1 for oscillation is so low that no partial damage Sn is deemed likely to occur. When the crane's 1A first execution means 7:1 for oscillation is loaded in the area with a low loading, PL appears with a partial damage with a low value SL. When the crane's 1A first execution means 7:1 for oscillation is loaded in the area with a medium loading, PM appears with a partial damage with a medium value SM. When the crane's 1A first execution means 7:1 for oscillation is loaded in the area with a high loading, PH appears with a partial damage with a high value SH. It appears from the diagram that the value of the partial damage increases significantly with the loading on the first execution means 7:1 and hence the crane 1A. The single loading value, the PTn, which is applied to determine the partial damage Sn can be constituted by the highest loading value PTn within a normative activation period At of the crane's 1A first execution means 7:1 for oscillation. In the following, the normative activation period At relates to a pre-determined period of time, which is used for classifying a loading area PL, PM, PH that a loading value PTn generates.

[0058] FIG. 5B further shows a curve A in the form of a straight line illustrating an accumulated partial damage Σ Sn that constitutes an estimate of the spent lifetime of the tree handling system 1 in hours T(h). The tree handling system 1 thus achieves a theoretical lifetime, as the accumulated partial damage Σ Sn=1.0 i.e. in this case at an operating time H of for example 20,000 h. The curve A′, also in the form of a straight line, denotes a partial damage-limiting curve. For the tree handling system 1 to be highly likely to obtain its theoretical lifetime T, it should not be loaded more than what will be regarded as normal. To prevent the tree handling system from being loaded so much that the accumulated partial damage Σ Sn increases too quickly relative to the curve A, the limiting curve A′ mentioned above is used. The limiting curve A′ shows the maximum acceptable value of accumulated partial damage Σ Sn as a function of the operating time T in hours. This curve A′ is intended to constitute an upper limit that the single operating points B of the tree handling system 1 may not be exceeded. The difference between the curve A and the curve A′ constitutes a value that determines how much the normative curve can be overloaded, before the control unit 24 via the actuator 23 initiates a limitation of the loading on the tree handling system 1. The limiting curve A′ successively approaches the normal curve A with increasing operating time T, so that the curves A, A′ coincide, when the theoretical lifetime of the tree handling system 1 is reached.

[0059] During operation of the tree handling system 1, the control unit 24, by way of the calculation means 29A, is adapted to estimate current operating points B for the tree handling system by way of accumulated partial damage Σ Sn and information about the operating time H of the tree handling system.

[0060] FIG. 5B further shows how the operating points B for the tree handling system can vary in step with the operating time T. If a current operating point B is tangent to or exceeds the limiting curve A′, the control unit 24 is thus adapted to limit the loading on the tree handling system 1. The control unit 24 can thereby be adapted to prevent the execution means 7:1 for oscillating the crane 1A and thereby the crane overall from being loaded within the high-loading area PH, even if the operator 3 with the control stick 16 requests a hydraulic flow to the first execution means 7:1 and thereby a power that requires loading PT of the crane within the high-loading area PH. Under such circumstances, the control unit 24 initiates a loading PT of the crane 1 within the medium-loading area PM and a lower hydraulic flow is obtained that the requested PB. Thereby the high partial damage values SH that loadings PT of the crane 1 within the high-loading area PH give rise to are avoided. As such a limitation of the crane's 1 loading is introduced, the subsequent operating points B, at least after a while, end below the limiting curve A′. In cases where the loading of the tree handling system's 1 crane 1A is limited, this is indicated in a suitable way by way of the indication means 17, so that the operator 3 becomes aware that the loading is limited. The indication means 17 can also comprise the function of warning an operator 3 that the current operating points B are beginning to approach the limiting curve A′. The indication means 17 can also continuously show the current loading point B and its state relative to the curves A, A′. When the operating points fall below the limiting curve A′ at a certain value or reach the normative curve, the limitation of the crane's 1 loading ceases. Thereby, the crane 1 can again be utilized within the high-loading area PH. In this case, the operating points B form a curve B′ that coincides with the curves A, A′, as the theoretical lifetime of the crane 1 is reached.

[0061] It should be understood that the description above, which is based on analysis of the partial damage and accumulated partial damage, substantially constitutes prior art technique for managing and monitoring the lifetime of forest machines. That a partial damage is accumulated thus means that in practice it has already occurred and thereby the dynamic feedback is lacking that is required for, in practice, to serve as support for an operator in order to sensorially manage and control a tree handling system, so that an operator can avoid partial damage and at the same the tree handling system can be used to its maximum.

[0062] With reference to FIG. 5C, in detail enlargement a portion of an area between said curves A, A′ is shown. An operating point for a loading PB that due to a current operating state db:1-db:n of the tree handling system selected by the operator during an activation period At is denoted B. A normative curve is denoted AX, and a partial damage-limiting curve is denoted A′X, wherein each of said curves can correspond to a normative, running operating state dbX:1-dbX:n of the tree handling system for the current and thereby actual running operating state db:1-db:n of the tree handling system selected by an operator 3.

[0063] Also referring to FIG. 6, according to the invention, a current key indicator Ni:1-Ni:n during an activation period At is determined based on at least said first sensor data 13:1-13:n. The activation period At hereby relates to the pre-determined time period during which a partial damage Sn is normally determined. The key indicator Ni:1-Ni:n hereby describes a measured value X that relates to the operation of the tree handling system 1, which measured value is representative for the risk of partial damage in relation to specific reporting about a current running operating state (db:1-db:n) of the tree handling system. Reporting about the current running operating state db:1-db:n of the tree handling system 1 is obtained by the control unit 24 comparing obtained sensor data 13:1-13:n with reference data 27 in the memory. In a subsequent step at least one of the determined current actual partial damage values SL, SM, SH is compared with a normative partial damage value SLX, SMX, SHX, retrieved from referent data 27, for a normative operating state db:1X-db:nX of the tree handling system 1 corresponding to the current key indicator Ni:1-Ni:n. Said normative operating state db:1X-db:nX is thus stored in the memory as reference data 27 and represents a pre-determined optimum operating state of the tree handling system 1 that corresponds to or at least substantially corresponds to the current actual running operating state db:1-db:n of the tree handling system 1 established via sensor data 13:1-13:n.

[0064] As shown in the partial enlargement in FIG. 5C, according to the invention, the normative curve A and the partial damage-limiting curve A′ can be adjusted relative to said normative operating state db:1X-db:nX relative to the key indicator Ni:1-Ni:n. The normative curve A adjusted to the running operating state respectively the partial damage-limiting curve A′ is thereby denoted AX respectively A′X in the partial enlargement.

[0065] The present arrangement can be self-learning insofar as a change that affects a measured value X that is identified and stored in the memory 26 can be constituted by a change that radically reduces the risk of partial damage of the tree handling system at a specific work operation. A change that is identified and stored can preferably be a change that has a positive effect on the key indicators that are monitored. As the information can be stored in the memory 26, it is thus possible for external users to obtain information, to process or share information via the internet. The change in question can be a change that is related to the substitution of individual components or units included in the tree handling system, for example replacement of an older harvester aggregate at the end of the crane to a more modern and more powerful harvester aggregate. Change of the crane's and/or the harvester aggregate's mutual working modes in the performance of certain types of work operations (felling—processing of trees) that can affect the measured value X in a positive direction relative to the risk of partial damage. The change can also relate to replacement of machine setting or operational parameters, service or substitution of a worn machine part, a changed working method, a changed operational mode of a machine operator or some other similar change.

[0066] To prevent the tree handling system 1 from being loaded too strongly, a change is determined that affects the measured value X of the key indicator Ni:1-Ni:n in such a manner that the current partial damage value SL, SM, SH returns to or at least approaches a level corresponding to the normative partial damage value SLX, SMX, SHX for the current key indicator. As appears from the graph in FIG. 4, this can take place by the loading on the tree handling system being reduced automatically via the actuator 23 or by the operator 3, via the operator interface 28, receiving commands according to which, through impact of the control stick 16, the operator should seek to limit the loading, for example, by manoeuvring the tree handling system's 1 crane 1A, the harvester aggregate 1B or a similar unit into a, from a loading point of view, more suitable or advantageous position or working mode to change the key indicator's Ni:1-Ni:n measured value X and thereby to the highest possible extent also avoid partial damage. The latter, namely that the measured value X and thereby the risk of partial damage can be reduced, is simply done by the operator in a work operation, based on said state-related second sensor data 13:1-13:n, through information from the operator interface 28, choosing to change the relative angle of torsion φ1-φ3 between two adjustable arm parts in the crane 1A that is included in the tree handling system 1.

[0067] FIG. 5C illustrates said change of the measured value X with an arrow that transfers the operating point B to a normal work area between both curves A, A′, alternatively AX, A′X.

[0068] FIG. 7 shows a flow chart, describing how the invention can manage and control the lifetime of a tree handling system 1 by comparing a current actually occurring partial damage with the partial damage that for example felling and processing of trees should normally involve. An abnormally large partial damage can for example occur in case a less experienced operator runs the system in an unsuitable manner that generates abnormally high partial damage. In any circumstances, the control unit 24 of the arrangement according to the invention reacts to sensor data 13:1-13:n and takes damage-limiting actions, so that the occurring partial damage returns to a normal level.

[0069] At step S20, the process starts. At step S21, based on sensor data 13:1-13:n, a current actual partial damage value SL, SM, SH of the tree handling system 1 is determined.

[0070] At step S22, based on sensor data 13:1-13:n, a key indicator Ni:1-Ni:n is determined, describing a measured value X for the operation of the tree handling system 1. At step S23, a normative partial damage value SLX, SMX, SHX that corresponds to the key indicator Ni:1-Ni:n and the operating state of the tree handling system is determined. At step S24, it is assessed whether the current partial damage value SL, SM, SH is larger than or equal to the normative partial damage value SLX, SMX, SHX for the current key indicator Ni:1-Ni:n. If that is not the case, the control system 24 does not initiate any limitation of the loading PT on the tree handling system. However, if the current partial damage value SL, SM, SH is larger than or equal to the normative partial damage value SLX, SMX, SHX for the current key indicator Ni:1-Ni:n, a change of the measured value X is determined, transferring the operating point B for the tree handling system 1 towards the normative partial damage value SLX, SMX, SHX for the current key indicator Ni:1-Ni:n.

[0071] FIG. 9 schematically shows an example of an operator or user interface 28 with a graphic representation on a display of a determined key indicator Ni:1-Ni:n with a measured value X that is presented on a first axis, i.e. the y-axis, and a cumulative variable, such as an accumulated partial damage Σ Sn on a second axis, i.e. the x-axis. By means of the driver interface 28, information can be presented to the operator 3 about the operating state db:1-db:n of the tree handling system 1 during a monitored time period as well as via an indicator line 45, information about a change of the key indicator's measured value X that is carried out, for example that the power on the crane's 1A first execution means 7:1 for oscillation of the crane via the actuator 23 from 100% power level 48 is reduced by 10% to avoid partial damage. If the measured value X of the key indicator and hence partial damage at check during a subsequent activation period At is still too high, the control unit 24 can take further power-reducing actions via the actuator 23. If new partial damage is not reported, the power limitations on the execution means 7:1-7:n can revert to normal levels, i.e. 100% power. Information about a changed measured value X of the key indicator Ni:1-Ni:n can be provided by said indicator line 45. A flag pattern 46 can be arranged on the indicator line 45, where a respective flag pattern 46 can provide information about change in combination with informative text. By means of colour perception, the colours green, yellow and red can inform an operator 3 about the degree of a changed measured value X in a flag pattern 46, in which the colours form a generally known scale, wherein red means very high risk of partial damage and also that very high power reduction on the execution means 7:1-7:n is carried out via the actuator 23. A normal level at 100% power out on the execution means 7:1-7:n is denoted 48.

[0072] FIG. 10 shows a flow chart describing a method according to the invention relative to the crane 1A and the first execution means 7:1, which is used for oscillation of the crane in the horizontal plane, wherein each of said units are included in a tree handling system 1 according to the invention.

[0073] At step S1, the process starts. At step S2, the control unit 24 receives a request from the operator 3, by means of the control stick 16 for the desired hydraulic flow PB and thereby the power of the crane's 1A first execution means 7:1 for oscillation of the crane. With knowledge of current accumulated partial damage Σ Sn and operating time H, the control unit 24, at step S3, determines the current operating point B for the first execution means 7:1. At step S4, the control unit 24 compares if operating point B is tangent with or lies above the limiting curve A′, A′X. If that is not the case, the control unit 24 does not initiate any limitation of the loading PT on the first execution means 7:1, which at step S5 gives the requested hydraulic flow and thereby the power PB.

[0074] Subsequently, the control unit 24 thus, at step S6, establishes whether the loading PT on the first execution means 7:1 is a single loading value PTn, which is to be used for estimating a partial damage:

[0075] If the loading PT is not deemed to be such a single loading value PTn, the process begins anew from the start without any partial damage S being registered.

[0076] A single loading value PTn for determination of partial damage can for example be constituted by a highest loading value PT within an activation period At of the first execution means 7:1 and thereby of the crane 1A.

[0077] At step S7, it is assessed whether the single loading value PTn that is to be used for estimating a partial damage S is a single loading value PTn with a partial damage Sn within the area: PL, PM, PH or a loading value PTnX with key indicator Ni:1-Ni:n.

[0078] However, if the loading value PT constitutes a single partial damage-determining loading value PTn, it is estimated at step S8 within which loading area PL, PM, PH the loading value PTn lies (see FIG. 5A). Subsequently, at step S8, the partial damage SL, SM, SH corresponding to the loading value PTn is determined. This value SL, SM, SH thereby constitutes a partial damage Sn for the loading value PTn. At step S9, the partial damage Sn is added to previously accumulated partial damage Σ Sn, so that a new value of the accumulated partial damage Σ Sn is obtained.

[0079] Thereafter the process begins anew from the start.

[0080] If the control unit 24, at step S4, instead ascertains that the operating point B is tangent to or lies above the limiting curve A′, A′X (see FIGS. 5B and 5C), the control unit 24 is adapted to limit the loading PT on the first execution means 7:1 for oscillation of the crane 1A. The control unit 24 thereby determines, at step S10, a maximum value PTmax that is highest permissible loading of the first execution means 7:1. The control unit 24 can for example limit the loading on the first execution means 7:1 PTmax to the value PM, which prevents loading on the first execution means 7:1 within the high-pressure area PH. The control unit 24 can also at step S10 determine the flow power Pmax that is obtained with the maximum permissible loading on the first execution means 7:1. At step S11, the control unit 24 determines whether the flow power PB requested by the operator is equal to or lower than the maximum permissible flow power Pmax. If that is the case, it means that the requested power PB can be allowed, and the first execution means 7:1 is loaded, at step S5, with the loading PT, which thus is lower than the maximum permissible loading on the first execution means 7:1 PTmax. Thereafter the process continues with step S6 and optionally steps S8 and S9 in a corresponding manner as described above. If the control unit 24, at step S11, instead ascertains that the operator requests a power PB that is larger than the maximum permissible power PB, the control unit 24 is adapted to limit the power to the maximum permissible power Pmax. Thereby the control unit 24 limits the loading PT on the first execution means 7:1, at step S12, to the maximum permissible loading value PTmax. Thereafter the process continues with step S6 and optionally steps S8 and S9 in a corresponding manner as described above.

[0081] According to the invention, the control unit 24, at step S7, thus establishes whether the loading PT on the first execution means 7:1 is a single loading value PTn with a partial damage Sn within the area: PL, PM, PH or a loading value PTnX with key indicator Ni:1-Ni:n relating to the operation of the first execution means 7:1 and which is representative of the risk of partial damage in relation to specific reporting about a current running operating state (db:1-db:n) of the first execution means 7:1.

[0082] If the control unit 24, at step S7, instead of as is described above, ascertains that the partial damage-determining loading value PTn is a loading value PTnX with key indicator Ni:1-Ni:n, it is estimated at step S13, within which loading area SLX, SMX, SHX the loading value PTnX with key indicator (Ni:1-Ni:n) is found (see FIGS. 5A-5C). Subsequently, at step S13, the partial damage SLX, SMX, SHX corresponding to the loading value PTnX is determined. This value SLX, SMX, SHX thereby constitutes a partial damage SnX, which is related to a particular Ni:1-Ni:n relative to specific reporting about a current operating state db:1-db:n of the first execution means 7:1.

[0083] At step S9, the partial damage SnX with key indicator Ni:1-Ni:n is added to previously accumulated partial damage Σ Sn, so that a new value of the accumulated partial damage Σ Sn is obtained.

[0084] If, according to the invention, at step S13, it is ascertained that the partial damage SL, SM, SH is a partial damage SnX with key indicator Ni:1-Ni:n, the control system 24 ensures that the operator 3, at step S14, is warned of prevalent harmful operating conditions (for example reckless driving, unsuitable crane angle, etc.) via the indication means 17 (the interface 28) in the driver's cabin 2, and moreover, the control means 24, at step S15, can determine a new PTmax′ that is the maximum permissible loading on the crane's 1 execution means 7:1 for oscillation. At step 44, the control unit 24 determines the new flow power Pmax′, which due to the prevalent harmful operating conditions indicates a new maximum permissible loading on the crane's 1A execution means 7:1 for oscillation.

[0085] As described above, the loading PT on the first hydraulic cylinder 10 and thereby the crane 1 is limited by said new PTmax′ of the actuator 23 operably coupled to the control unit 24.

[0086] Thereafter the process begins anew from the start.