EP0100589B1 - Flow divider-combiner valve - Google Patents
Flow divider-combiner valve Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0100589B1 EP0100589B1 EP19830303279 EP83303279A EP0100589B1 EP 0100589 B1 EP0100589 B1 EP 0100589B1 EP 19830303279 EP19830303279 EP 19830303279 EP 83303279 A EP83303279 A EP 83303279A EP 0100589 B1 EP0100589 B1 EP 0100589B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- flow
- control element
- cavity
- biasing means
- pressure
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F15B13/00—Details of servomotor systems ; Valves for servomotor systems
- F15B13/02—Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors
- F15B13/022—Flow-dividers; Priority valves
Definitions
- This invention is directed to a flow divider-combiner valve.
- a flow divider-combiner valve is generally designed for use with a system which uses a pressurized hydraulic fluid to drive at least two hydraulic cylinders, motors, or the like, one such being driven independently of the other.
- a valve functions as a flow divider when a single stream of hydraulic fluid, from a hydraulic fluid source, flows through the valve and thereby is divided into at least two hydraulic fluid streams.
- the valve functions as a flow combiner to combine several such hydraulic fluid streams.
- such a flow divider-combiner valve is often used in combination with a wheeled vehicle having at least two independently driven wheels.
- Each wheel of the vehicle is generally driven by a respective hydraulic motor.
- Each hydraulic motor is generally connected to the combiner side of such a valve as well as to the divider side.
- Independent connections between the flow-divider side of the valve and the respective hydraulic motors are made in a manner such that the flow divider-combiner valve supplies each hydraulic motor, independently, with hydraulic fluid.
- independent connections between the flow-combiner side of the valve and the respective motors are made in a manner such that the divider-combiner valve receives at least two independent streams or flows of hydraulic fluid from the separate hydraulic motors.
- the flow divider-combiner valve either independently supplies hydraulic fluid to or independently receives hydraulic fluid for each such hydraulic motor.
- divider-combiner valves generally independently control flow of hydraulic fluid to each hydraulic motor by being responsive to pressures within and thereby accordingly adjusting or regulating the flows within the connections, lines or conduits supplying hydraulic fluid to or receiving hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic motors.
- a problem is encountered when using such commercially available divider-combiner valves, however, when one motor is subjected to a no-load condition (such as when its respective wheel is on ice) or when the vehicle is turning. Most of the commercially available divider-combiner valves react to such situations in two ways.
- conventional divider-combiner valves generally respond to such a condition by reducing flow of hydraulic fluid through the no-load motor and by reducing flow through the other motor as well, resulting in the slowing down or stopping of the vehicle.
- the wheel traversing the greater arc causes its respective motor to act as a pump, in contrast to the motor guiding the vehicle through the turn.
- the motor which acts as a pump causes a low resistance to flow to be sensed at the conventional divider-combiner valve connected thereto.
- the divider-combiner valve responds by reducing the flow of hydraulic fluid to the motor guiding the vehicle through the turn.
- the wheel traversing the greater arc sometimes locks up, and upon being dragged across the ground by the wheel traversing the lesser arc, generally generates skid marks upon the ground, rug or such support surface.
- Valves of the general class, in which the valve of the present invention falls are known in the prior art.
- Exemplary is a valve described in United States Patent No. 3,481,489.
- the structure there described includes a valve body having a valve port, a plurality of cylinder parts, and a pair of pressure-responsive flow control elements in combination with end springs and an intermediate spring.
- the referred to prior art valve also includes L-shaped claws which serve mechanically to link the control elements for movement in unison.
- the spring loading and restraint mechanisms of the present invention are so arranged and structured to prevent the flow control elements from abutting against each other in the normal position of the valve and to maintain a substantially unrestricted flow condition in use. Acting independently of one another at the initiation of operation, the flow control elements function in unison thereafter.
- An object of the invention is to provide a divider-combiner valve which, when used with an apparatus such as a wheeled vehicle, does not react to cause such a vehicle to stop when one wheel of the vehicle is subjected to a no-load condition.
- a related object is to provide such a valve which, when used with such a vehicle, is adapted to substantially avoid a wheel lock-up condition which otherwise might occur when such a vehicle is directed around a corner.
- a flow divider-combiner valve unit includes fluid passageway means comprising a cavity, a first and second outlet ports communicating with first and second spaced portions of said cavity and an inlet port communicating with an intermediate portion of said cavity, first and second pressure-responsive flow control elements movable in said cavity respectively between first open positions and progressively closed positions for controlling fluid flow between said first and said second cavity portions and said first and second outlet ports, said valve unit being characterised in that there are provided means for retaining said elements substantially in said first open position until there is at least a predetermined substantial pressure difference between fluid pressures in said first and said second cavity portions and said intermediate cavity portion and for enabling said elements to move substantially independently of each other toward closed positions, upon initiation of operation of said valve unit, when a pressure differential between said intermediate cavity portion and one of said first and said second cavity portions exceeds said predetermined pressure differential, and means for causing said elements to move substantially in unison when the pressure differential between said intermediate cavity portion and both of said first and second cavity portions exceeds said predetermined pressure differential.
- a well-known schematic representation for a conventional, biased, three-position solenoid valve, referred to generally by the reference numeral 27, presents a first position 29 which permits or causes the hydraulic fluid to bypass much of the hydraulic circuit 26 and to be directed back to the fluid source 21 via a conduit 31.
- a second position 33 of the solenoid valve 27 permits or causes hydraulic fluid to be directed forward in the hydraulic circuit 26 via a conduit 35 and into the flow divider-combiner valve, referred to generally by the reference numeral 37.
- the flow divider-combiner valve 37 functions as a flow divider, hydraulic fluid being directed through individual conduits 39, 41 to individual, respective hydraulic motors 43, 45.
- Each hydraulic motor 43, 45 is directly coupled to and is used to drive a respective wheel (wheels not shown).
- Hydraulic fluid individually exits each hydraulic motor 43, 45 via a respective conduit 47, 49.
- the hydraulic fluid exiting the motors 43, 45 is combined in a manifold 51 and conveyed forward within the manifold 51, through the conduit 31 and ultimately, is conveyed through the conduit 31 back into the source 21 to complete the flow of hydraulic fluid through the circuit 26.
- the preferred embodiment of the flow divider-combiner valve 37 of the present invention is generally cylindrical in shape and adapted to be disposed within a cavity (referred to generally by the reference numeral 55) of a valve body 57.
- the cavity 55 comprises a series of individual steps 58A, 58B, 58C, and 58D, all of which are concentric with each other.
- the diameters of the steps 58A, 58B, 58C and 58D progressively decrease moving inwardly into the cavity 55.
- the divider-combiner valve 37 structure presented in Figs. 2-6 includes external circumferential threads 59 near the opening or mouth of the cavity 55 so that the divider-combiner valve 37 can be screwed into mated threads which have been cut or otherwise formed in the valve body 57.
- a first 0-ring 61 located near the outer or exterior surface of the valve body 57 and circumferentially mounted at the opening or mouth of the cavity 55, is urged against the threads 59 (at the junction of the divider-combiner valve 37 and the valve body 57) by a portion of a valve cap or retainer 63 in a manner such that the first O-ring 61 seats and thereby seals the divider-combiner valve 37 into the cavity 55.
- a second O-ring 65 circumferentially carried by the divider-combiner valve 37, seats against a circumferential portion of the inner periphery of the cavity 55, is urged outwardly against such circumferential portion by the divider-combiner valve 37 and thereby seals the first step 58A of the cavity 55 from the second step 58B.
- a third 0-ring 67 similarly carried by the divider-combiner valve 37 and similarly circumferentially urged against different portions of the inner periphery of the cavity 55 similarly seals off or isolates the second step 58B from the third step 58C.
- a fourth O-ring 69 similarly isolates the third step 58C from the fourth step 58D.
- the valve body 57 presented in Figs. 2-6 includes a first or upper passageway 71 which permits communication of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic fluid source 21 and the first step 58A of the cavity 55.
- the valve body 57 also includes a second or intermediate passageway 73 which permits similar hydraulic fluid communication between the hydraulic fluid source 21 and the second step 58B of the cavity 55.
- the valve body 57 further includes a third or lower passageway 75 (presented in Figs. 2, 5 and 6) which permits communication between the hydraulic fluid source 21 and the third and fourth steps 58C and 58D.
- valve body 57 can include a plurality of individual passageways at any of the above-discussed first (or upper), second (or intermediate) or third (or lower) passageways 71, 73 or 75, which respectively permit fluid communication between the hydraulic fluid source 21 and the first, second and third (and fourth) steps 58A, 58B and 58C (and 58D) of the cavity 55.
- the second passageway 73 functions as a fluid input or inlet port for the valve 37
- the first and third passageways 71, 75 function as fluid output or outlet ports.
- the illustrated embodiment of the valve 37 is disposed within the cavity 55 along an axis 77; and a valve housing 79 (static in relation to the valve body 57) separates the inner working parts of the valve 37 from the cavity 55.
- the valve housing 79 includes threads 80 externally circumferentially cut or otherwise formed along a portion of the outer periphery of the valve housing 79 proximate to the opening or mouth of the cavity 55.
- a circumferential inner portion of the retainer 63 includes mated threads 80, the retainer 63 being screwed onto the valve housing 79 at the threads 80. The valve housing 79 thereby being held or otherwise urged into the cavity 55 by the retainer 63.
- the valve housing 79 provides a generally cylindrical shell, on line with and oriented about the axis 77, enclosing a cylindrical channel 81 through which hydraulic fluid flows and within which two pressure-responsive flow control elements 83, 85 snugly fit. Movement of the first and second flow control elements 83, 85 is permitted generally along the axis 77.
- Each flow control element 83, 85 has an inner core portion 87, a plurality of orifices 89, and a plurality of respective ports 91A, 91b.
- Each respective inner core portion 87 provides each respective flow control element 83, 85 with a cylindrically-shaped inner void oriented substantially about the axis 77.
- Each orifice 89 forms a cylindrically-shaped void through a portion of the respective flow control elements 83, 85, each orifice 89 being oriented substantially transverse to the axis 77 and permitting fluid communication between a portion of the channel 81 and the inner core 87.
- Each orifice 89 has a relatively small diameter, as contrasted against the relatively large diameter of the core portion 87.
- Each flow control element 83,85 has a respective plurality of ports 91A, 91B which provide fluid communication between portions of the channel 81 and respective inner portions 87 of the flow control elements 83, 85.
- each port 91A, 91B forms a cylindrically-shaped void through a portion of the respective flow control element 83, 85, each respective port 91A, 91B being oriented substantially transverse to the axis 77.
- An individual port 91A, 91B has a greater diameter than an individual orifice 89.
- the cumulative cross-sectional area of all of the ports 91A or 91B is substantially greater than the cumulative cross-sectional area of all of the orifices 89.
- hydraulic fluid enters the cavity 55 via the second or intermediate passageway 73 and flows from the second step 58B (of the cavity 55), through the valve housing 79 via a first opening 93, and into an intermediate portion 95 of the channel 81.
- fluid flows through the orifices 89 and into the core portion 87 of each respective flow control element 83, 85.
- Hydraulic fluid eventually fills each inner core portion 87 and the remainder portions 97, 98 (of the channel 81) and thereafter is caused to flow out of the channel 81 via the ports 91A, 91B, and into the first (or upper) and third (or lower) passageways 71, 75.
- the first and third passageways 71, 75 are appropriately connected individually to hydraulic motors 43, 45 (Fig. 1), as discussed above.
- First and second end caps 99, 101 seal respective ends of the channel 81 thereby isolating the channel 81 from the cavity 55.
- the upwardly oriented or outwardly extending end cap 99 is not integral with the end portion of the valve housing 79, but, rather, is urged against such end portion of the valve housing 79 by a spacer 103, which itself is biasly engaged and inwardly urged into the cavity 55 by the above-discussed cap or retainer 63.
- a first or upper spring 105 preloaded to a pressure corresponding to about 50 psi (3.45 x 10 5 Pa) and partially restrained by a first or upper spring guide 107 which is secured by a bolt 109 to the upper end cap 99, is oriented along the axis 77 between the end cap 99 and the first flow control element 83 such that the upper spring 105 urges the upper flow control element 83 away from the end cap 99. Biasing action of the upper spring 105 upon the upper flow control element 83 is restrained, however, when the upper spring guide 107 is restrained by the head of the upper bolt 109 (Figs. 2, 4 and 6).
- Such a restraint by the upper spring guide 107 is of a one-way nature and the spring guide 107 is generally free to move axially along the axis 77 compressing the upper spring 105 (Figs. 3, 5). However, it is the action of the first or upper flow control element 83, acting upon the upper spring guide 107, which compresses the upper spring 105 (Figs. 3 and 5).
- a second or lower spring 111 is partially restrained by a second or lower spring guide 113 which is secured to the lower end cap 101 by a second bolt 115.
- the lower spring 111 generally urges the lower flow control element 85 and the lower end cap 101 apart but is restrained by the lower spring guide 113 engaging the head of the lower bolt 115.
- Restraint of the lower spring 111 is similar to the one-way kind of restraint discussed above in that as the lower flow control element 85 moves upwardly away from the lower spring guide 113, the lower flow control element 85 eventually becomes free from influence of the lower spring 111 (Fig. 6). However, the compressive action of the lower flow control element 85 upon the lower spring guide 113 compresses the lower spring 111.
- the ports 91A and 91B of the first (or upper) and second (or lower) flow control elements 83 and 85 substantially line up respectively with a second and third opening 117 and 119 through the valve housing 79 thereby permitting flow of hydraulic fluid therethrough and fluid communication between respective first and third passageways 71 and 75 and a core portion 87 of respective first and second flow control elements 83, 85.
- the first and second springs 105 and 111 had been moderately weak springs. It was not uncommon, in a commercially available divider-combiner flow valve, to preload end springs to a pressure corresponding to about 5 psi (3.45 x 10 4 Pa). Hydraulic fluid pressures generally encountered in passageways 71 and 75 can easily cause the flow control elements 83 or 85 to compress such a spring and to restrict, sometimes adversely, flow through such passageways 71 or 75.
- the present invention incorporates spring guides 107 and 113 to restrain the end springs 105 and 111 and, more importantly, to maintain a substantially unrestricted flow condition permitting hydraulic fluid to generally freely flow through the passageways 71 and 75.
- spring guides 107 and 113 to restrain the end springs 105 and 111 and, more importantly, to maintain a substantially unrestricted flow condition permitting hydraulic fluid to generally freely flow through the passageways 71 and 75.
- a third or intermediate spring 121 preloaded to a pressure corresponding to about 25 psi (1.7 x 10 5 Pa), is oriented along the axis 77 such that the first flow control element 82 is biased against the second flow control element 85.
- valve 37 When the valve 37 functions as a flow divider, it can be appreciated that the orifices 89 effect a pressure drop for the hydraulic fluid flowing from the intermediate portion 95 (of the channel 81) into the hollow inner cores 87 of the respective flow control elements 83, 85.
- the orifices 89 As the valve 37 functions as a flow divider, it can be appreciated that the orifices 89 effect a pressure drop for the hydraulic fluid flowing from the intermediate portion 95 (of the channel 81) into the hollow inner cores 87 of the respective flow control elements 83, 85.
- the first or upper pressure-responsive flow control element 83 Fig. 2
- a first pressure differential exists between a first pressure-responsive surface 123 and a second pressure-responsive surface 125 of the first flow control element 83.
- the orifices 89B (of the second flow control element 85) are similarly responsible for a second pressure differential acting upon the second flow control element 85.
- valve 37 When the valve 37 functions as a flow divider, it will be appreciated that as fluid pressure in the intermediate portion 95 of the channel 81 causes the sum of the first and the second pressure differentials to exceed 25 psi (1.7 x 10 5 Pa), the upper and lower springs 105, 111 become compressed by the respective flow control elements 83, 85. As the first flow control element 83 compresses the first spring 105, the ports 91A of the first flow control element 83 move in relation to the (corresponding) second opening 117 (Fig. 3) and flow therethrough becomes restricted (to a slight degree). Likewise, compression of the second or lower spring 111 by the second or lower flow control element 85 similarly moves the ports 91 B (of the second flow control element 85) in relation to the (corresponding) third opening 119 similarly resulting in slight restriction of hydraulic fluid therethrough.
- the first and the second flow control elements 83, 85 each include an L-shaped tail 127, 129 structurally integral therewith and extending out- wardlytherefrom in the direction of the other flow control element 83, 85.
- the L-shaped end or tail 127 of the upper flow control element 83 and the L-shaped tail 129 of the lower flow control element 85 are axially inserted into opposite ends of the intermediate spring 121, are adapted to interfit therein, and are further adapted to engage at end portions 131 of the L-shaped tails 127, 129 so that the first and second flow control elements 83, 85 move in unison (Fig.
- the no-load hydraulic motor 43 or 45 offers very little resistance to flow of hydraulic fluid and hydraulic fluid pressure resultingly drops in the first passageway 71. Hydraulic fluid pressure in the inner core 87 of the first or upper flow control element 83 accordingly drops, which results in an increase in the (first) pressure differential (between the first and the second pressure-responsive surfaces 123 and 125) of the first or upper flow control element 83.
- the first flow control element 83 moves upwardly in the cavity 81, usually compressing the upper spring 105 (Fig. 3).
- the upper spring 105 is relatively insensitive to most pressures normally experienced within the upper passageway 71, the upper spring 105 is not substantially compressed and flow through the first or upper passageway 71 is not entirely cut off (Fig. 3); and if the flow control elements 83,85 are acting in unison (Fig. 5), fluid flow through the lower fluid passageway 75 is not greatly affected.
- the present invention presents substantially the same advantages as to flow of hydraulic fluid through the passageways 71 and 75.
- the flow control elements 83,85 of the valve 37 are generally responsive to fluid pressure in the first (or upper) and third (or lower) fluid passageways 71, 75, and are adapted to generally adjust flow of hydraulic fluid accordingly.
- the various elements of the novel divider-combiner valve 37 of the invention act or operate cooperatively to prevent total cut-off or restriction of hydraulic fluid through the passageways 71, 75 when the valve 37 is responding to operating upsets.
- the present invention is relatively insensitive to system upsets such as would normally be experienced when the wheel vehicle (discussed above) is on ice or is rounding a corner.
- Incorporation of the valve 37 of the present invention within such a wheeled vehicle has substantially eliminated the wheel lock-up problem discussed above and has significantly reduced the wheel-dragging problem (addressed above) experienced when the wheeled vehicle negotiates a curve.
- the flow control elements 83, 85 of the divider-combiner valve 37 of the present invention normally act independently at the start of operation, eventually act in unison (Figs. 5, 6), normally initially act independently when a system upset arises and eventually again act in unison sometime thereafter.
Description
- This invention is directed to a flow divider-combiner valve.
- A flow divider-combiner valve is generally designed for use with a system which uses a pressurized hydraulic fluid to drive at least two hydraulic cylinders, motors, or the like, one such being driven independently of the other. Such a valve functions as a flow divider when a single stream of hydraulic fluid, from a hydraulic fluid source, flows through the valve and thereby is divided into at least two hydraulic fluid streams. When flow of hydraulic fluid through such a valve is reversed, the valve functions as a flow combiner to combine several such hydraulic fluid streams.
- For example, such a flow divider-combiner valve is often used in combination with a wheeled vehicle having at least two independently driven wheels. Each wheel of the vehicle is generally driven by a respective hydraulic motor. Each hydraulic motor is generally connected to the combiner side of such a valve as well as to the divider side. Independent connections between the flow-divider side of the valve and the respective hydraulic motors are made in a manner such that the flow divider-combiner valve supplies each hydraulic motor, independently, with hydraulic fluid. In addition, independent connections between the flow-combiner side of the valve and the respective motors are made in a manner such that the divider-combiner valve receives at least two independent streams or flows of hydraulic fluid from the separate hydraulic motors. Thus, the flow divider-combiner valve either independently supplies hydraulic fluid to or independently receives hydraulic fluid for each such hydraulic motor.
- For such a wheeled vehicle, flow of hydraulic fluid through the valve causes each of the driven wheels to rotate at about the same speed and in the same direction. When flow of fluid is reversed through the valve, rotation of the wheels is similarly reversed. Thus, when equipped with a flow-combiner valve, the wheeled vehicle does not require a conventional transmission. It is desirable that the divider-combiner valve cause the wheels to rotate at about the same speed so that the wheeled vehicle moves in a linear and predictable fashion.
- Commercially available divider-combiner valves generally independently control flow of hydraulic fluid to each hydraulic motor by being responsive to pressures within and thereby accordingly adjusting or regulating the flows within the connections, lines or conduits supplying hydraulic fluid to or receiving hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic motors. A problem is encountered when using such commercially available divider-combiner valves, however, when one motor is subjected to a no-load condition (such as when its respective wheel is on ice) or when the vehicle is turning. Most of the commercially available divider-combiner valves react to such situations in two ways. First, as to the no-load condition, conventional divider-combiner valves generally respond to such a condition by reducing flow of hydraulic fluid through the no-load motor and by reducing flow through the other motor as well, resulting in the slowing down or stopping of the vehicle. Second, when the vehicle is directed around a corner, the wheel traversing the greater arc causes its respective motor to act as a pump, in contrast to the motor guiding the vehicle through the turn. The motor which acts as a pump causes a low resistance to flow to be sensed at the conventional divider-combiner valve connected thereto. The divider-combiner valve responds by reducing the flow of hydraulic fluid to the motor guiding the vehicle through the turn. In addition, when the wheeled vehicle is directed around a corner, the wheel traversing the greater arc sometimes locks up, and upon being dragged across the ground by the wheel traversing the lesser arc, generally generates skid marks upon the ground, rug or such support surface.
- Valves of the general class, in which the valve of the present invention falls are known in the prior art. Exemplary is a valve described in United States Patent No. 3,481,489. The structure there described includes a valve body having a valve port, a plurality of cylinder parts, and a pair of pressure-responsive flow control elements in combination with end springs and an intermediate spring. The referred to prior art valve also includes L-shaped claws which serve mechanically to link the control elements for movement in unison.
- There are, however, important and patentably significant differences between such prior art devices and the valve of the present invention. The spring loading and restraint mechanisms of the present invention are so arranged and structured to prevent the flow control elements from abutting against each other in the normal position of the valve and to maintain a substantially unrestricted flow condition in use. Acting independently of one another at the initiation of operation, the flow control elements function in unison thereafter.
- An object of the invention is to provide a divider-combiner valve which, when used with an apparatus such as a wheeled vehicle, does not react to cause such a vehicle to stop when one wheel of the vehicle is subjected to a no-load condition.
- A related object is to provide such a valve which, when used with such a vehicle, is adapted to substantially avoid a wheel lock-up condition which otherwise might occur when such a vehicle is directed around a corner.
- According to the invention, a flow divider-combiner valve unit includes fluid passageway means comprising a cavity, a first and second outlet ports communicating with first and second spaced portions of said cavity and an inlet port communicating with an intermediate portion of said cavity, first and second pressure-responsive flow control elements movable in said cavity respectively between first open positions and progressively closed positions for controlling fluid flow between said first and said second cavity portions and said first and second outlet ports, said valve unit being characterised in that there are provided means for retaining said elements substantially in said first open position until there is at least a predetermined substantial pressure difference between fluid pressures in said first and said second cavity portions and said intermediate cavity portion and for enabling said elements to move substantially independently of each other toward closed positions, upon initiation of operation of said valve unit, when a pressure differential between said intermediate cavity portion and one of said first and said second cavity portions exceeds said predetermined pressure differential, and means for causing said elements to move substantially in unison when the pressure differential between said intermediate cavity portion and both of said first and second cavity portions exceeds said predetermined pressure differential.
- The foregoing, as well as other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily understood upon reading the following detailed description of the illustrated embodiment, together with reference to the drawings, wherein:
- FIG. 1 is a schematic of a hydraulic circuit incorporating the divider-combiner valve of the invention;
- FIG. 2 is a side view, partially in section, of a preferred embodiment of the flow divider-combiner valve in accordance with the invention, respectively presenting open positions between first and second spaced portions of the cavity and first and second passageways through the valve body;
- FIG. 3 is a partial view, in section, presenting upwardly directed axial movement of the upper pressure-responsive flow control element within the cavity and subsequent partial closure of one of the passageways;
- FIG. 4 is also a partial view, in section, but presenting downwardly directed axial movement of the flow control element presented in Fig. 3 (within the cavity) and subsequent partial closure of the passageway;
- FIG. 5 is a side view, partially in section, presenting one fluid-flow situation where the two pressure-responsive flow control elements axially move in unison with the cavity; and,
- FIG. 6 is a side view, partially in section, presenting another such fluid-flow situation where the two pressure-responsive flow control elements axially move in unison within the cavity.
- A well-known schematic representation for a conventional, biased, three-position solenoid valve, referred to generally by the
reference numeral 27, presents afirst position 29 which permits or causes the hydraulic fluid to bypass much of thehydraulic circuit 26 and to be directed back to thefluid source 21 via aconduit 31. - A
second position 33 of thesolenoid valve 27 permits or causes hydraulic fluid to be directed forward in thehydraulic circuit 26 via aconduit 35 and into the flow divider-combiner valve, referred to generally by thereference numeral 37. With thesolenoid valve 27 in thesecond position 33, the flow divider-combinervalve 37 functions as a flow divider, hydraulic fluid being directed through individual conduits 39, 41 to individual, respectivehydraulic motors 43, 45. Eachhydraulic motor 43, 45 is directly coupled to and is used to drive a respective wheel (wheels not shown). - Hydraulic fluid individually exits each
hydraulic motor 43, 45 via arespective conduit 47, 49. The hydraulic fluid exiting themotors 43, 45 is combined in amanifold 51 and conveyed forward within themanifold 51, through theconduit 31 and ultimately, is conveyed through theconduit 31 back into thesource 21 to complete the flow of hydraulic fluid through thecircuit 26. - When the
solenoid valve 27 is set at athird position 53, flow of hydraulic fluid through much of the divider-combinervalve 37 andhydraulic motor 43, 45 portions of thehydraulic circuit 26 is reversed and the flow divider-combinervalve 37 functions as a flow combiner: whereby hydraulic fluid, which is flowing out of the divider-combiner 37, is directed via theconduit 35, through theconduit 31, and back into thefluid source 21. - Referring to Fig. 2, it will be seen that the preferred embodiment of the flow divider-combiner
valve 37 of the present invention is generally cylindrical in shape and adapted to be disposed within a cavity (referred to generally by the reference numeral 55) of avalve body 57. Thecavity 55 comprises a series ofindividual steps steps cavity 55. - The divider-
combiner valve 37 structure presented in Figs. 2-6 includes externalcircumferential threads 59 near the opening or mouth of thecavity 55 so that the divider-combiner valve 37 can be screwed into mated threads which have been cut or otherwise formed in thevalve body 57. - A first 0-
ring 61, located near the outer or exterior surface of thevalve body 57 and circumferentially mounted at the opening or mouth of thecavity 55, is urged against the threads 59 (at the junction of the divider-combiner valve 37 and the valve body 57) by a portion of a valve cap orretainer 63 in a manner such that the first O-ring 61 seats and thereby seals the divider-combinervalve 37 into thecavity 55. - A second O-
ring 65, circumferentially carried by the divider-combiner valve 37, seats against a circumferential portion of the inner periphery of thecavity 55, is urged outwardly against such circumferential portion by the divider-combiner valve 37 and thereby seals thefirst step 58A of thecavity 55 from thesecond step 58B. A third 0-ring 67 similarly carried by the divider-combiner valve 37 and similarly circumferentially urged against different portions of the inner periphery of thecavity 55 similarly seals off or isolates thesecond step 58B from thethird step 58C. A fourth O-ring 69 similarly isolates thethird step 58C from thefourth step 58D. - The
valve body 57 presented in Figs. 2-6 includes a first orupper passageway 71 which permits communication of hydraulic fluid between thehydraulic fluid source 21 and thefirst step 58A of thecavity 55. Thevalve body 57 also includes a second orintermediate passageway 73 which permits similar hydraulic fluid communication between thehydraulic fluid source 21 and thesecond step 58B of thecavity 55. Thevalve body 57 further includes a third or lower passageway 75 (presented in Figs. 2, 5 and 6) which permits communication between thehydraulic fluid source 21 and the third andfourth steps - It can be appreciated that the
valve body 57 can include a plurality of individual passageways at any of the above-discussed first (or upper), second (or intermediate) or third (or lower)passageways hydraulic fluid source 21 and the first, second and third (and fourth)steps cavity 55. - When the divider-combiner
valve 37 functions as a flow divider, thesecond passageway 73 functions as a fluid input or inlet port for thevalve 37, and the first andthird passageways valve 37 functions as a flow combiner, inlet and outlet functions of thepassageways - The illustrated embodiment of the
valve 37 is disposed within thecavity 55 along anaxis 77; and a valve housing 79 (static in relation to the valve body 57) separates the inner working parts of thevalve 37 from thecavity 55. Thevalve housing 79 includesthreads 80 externally circumferentially cut or otherwise formed along a portion of the outer periphery of thevalve housing 79 proximate to the opening or mouth of thecavity 55. A circumferential inner portion of theretainer 63 includes matedthreads 80, theretainer 63 being screwed onto thevalve housing 79 at thethreads 80. Thevalve housing 79 thereby being held or otherwise urged into thecavity 55 by theretainer 63. - The
valve housing 79 provides a generally cylindrical shell, on line with and oriented about theaxis 77, enclosing acylindrical channel 81 through which hydraulic fluid flows and within which two pressure-responsiveflow control elements flow control elements axis 77. - Each
flow control element inner core portion 87, a plurality oforifices 89, and a plurality ofrespective ports 91A, 91b. Each respectiveinner core portion 87 provides each respectiveflow control element axis 77. Eachorifice 89 forms a cylindrically-shaped void through a portion of the respectiveflow control elements orifice 89 being oriented substantially transverse to theaxis 77 and permitting fluid communication between a portion of thechannel 81 and theinner core 87. Eachorifice 89 has a relatively small diameter, as contrasted against the relatively large diameter of thecore portion 87. Eachflow control element ports channel 81 and respectiveinner portions 87 of theflow control elements orifices 89, eachport flow control element respective port axis 77. Anindividual port individual orifice 89. In addition, as to the upper or the lowerflow control elements ports orifices 89. - As an initially
empty valve 37, functioning as a flow divider, is filled with hydraulic fluid, hydraulic fluid enters thecavity 55 via the second orintermediate passageway 73 and flows from thesecond step 58B (of the cavity 55), through thevalve housing 79 via afirst opening 93, and into anintermediate portion 95 of thechannel 81. Once in theintermediate portion 95, fluid flows through theorifices 89 and into thecore portion 87 of each respectiveflow control element inner core portion 87 and theremainder portions 97, 98 (of the channel 81) and thereafter is caused to flow out of thechannel 81 via theports passageways third passageways - First and second end caps 99, 101 seal respective ends of the
channel 81 thereby isolating thechannel 81 from thecavity 55. The upwardly oriented or outwardly extendingend cap 99 is not integral with the end portion of thevalve housing 79, but, rather, is urged against such end portion of thevalve housing 79 by aspacer 103, which itself is biasly engaged and inwardly urged into thecavity 55 by the above-discussed cap orretainer 63. - Nor is the downwardly oriented or inwardly extending
end cap 101, located at the other end portion of thevalve housing 79, integral with thevalve housing 79, Rather, thelower end cap 101 is urged against the opposite end portion of thevalve housing 79 by thebase 102 of thecavity 55. - A first or
upper spring 105, preloaded to a pressure corresponding to about 50 psi (3.45 x 105 Pa) and partially restrained by a first orupper spring guide 107 which is secured by abolt 109 to theupper end cap 99, is oriented along theaxis 77 between theend cap 99 and the firstflow control element 83 such that theupper spring 105 urges the upperflow control element 83 away from theend cap 99. Biasing action of theupper spring 105 upon the upperflow control element 83 is restrained, however, when theupper spring guide 107 is restrained by the head of the upper bolt 109 (Figs. 2, 4 and 6). Such a restraint by theupper spring guide 107 is of a one-way nature and thespring guide 107 is generally free to move axially along theaxis 77 compressing the upper spring 105 (Figs. 3, 5). However, it is the action of the first or upperflow control element 83, acting upon theupper spring guide 107, which compresses the upper spring 105 (Figs. 3 and 5). - In a similar fashion, a second or lower spring 111, also preloaded to a pressure corresponding to about 50 psi (3.5 x 105 Pa), is partially restrained by a second or
lower spring guide 113 which is secured to thelower end cap 101 by asecond bolt 115. In a manner somewhat similar to the above discussion, the lower spring 111 generally urges the lowerflow control element 85 and thelower end cap 101 apart but is restrained by thelower spring guide 113 engaging the head of thelower bolt 115. Restraint of the lower spring 111 is similar to the one-way kind of restraint discussed above in that as the lowerflow control element 85 moves upwardly away from thelower spring guide 113, the lowerflow control element 85 eventually becomes free from influence of the lower spring 111 (Fig. 6). However, the compressive action of the lowerflow control element 85 upon thelower spring guide 113 compresses the lower spring 111. - Whenever the
first spring 105 or the second spring 111 is in such a restrained state (Fig. 2) and while the upper and lowerflow control elements ports flow control elements third opening valve housing 79 thereby permitting flow of hydraulic fluid therethrough and fluid communication between respective first andthird passageways core portion 87 of respective first and secondflow control elements - Prior to the present invention, the first and
second springs 105 and 111 had been moderately weak springs. It was not uncommon, in a commercially available divider-combiner flow valve, to preload end springs to a pressure corresponding to about 5 psi (3.45 x 104 Pa). Hydraulic fluid pressures generally encountered inpassageways flow control elements such passageways - In addition, the present invention incorporates spring guides 107 and 113 to restrain the end springs 105 and 111 and, more importantly, to maintain a substantially unrestricted flow condition permitting hydraulic fluid to generally freely flow through the
passageways springs 105, 111 and respective spring guides 107, 113 which permits fluid flow throughpassageways passageways - A third or
intermediate spring 121, preloaded to a pressure corresponding to about 25 psi (1.7 x 105 Pa), is oriented along theaxis 77 such that the first flow control element 82 is biased against the secondflow control element 85. - When the
valve 37 functions as a flow divider, it can be appreciated that theorifices 89 effect a pressure drop for the hydraulic fluid flowing from the intermediate portion 95 (of the channel 81) into the hollowinner cores 87 of the respectiveflow control elements orifices 89 offer much more resistance to flow than do theports 91A. Because theorifices 89 offer such a resistance to flow, a first pressure differential exists between a first pressure-responsive surface 123 and a second pressure-responsive surface 125 of the firstflow control element 83. - The orifices 89B (of the second flow control element 85) are similarly responsible for a second pressure differential acting upon the second
flow control element 85. - When the
valve 37 functions as a flow divider, it will be appreciated that as fluid pressure in theintermediate portion 95 of thechannel 81 causes the sum of the first and the second pressure differentials to exceed 25 psi (1.7 x 105 Pa), the upper andlower springs 105, 111 become compressed by the respectiveflow control elements flow control element 83 compresses thefirst spring 105, theports 91A of the firstflow control element 83 move in relation to the (corresponding) second opening 117 (Fig. 3) and flow therethrough becomes restricted (to a slight degree). Likewise, compression of the second or lower spring 111 by the second or lowerflow control element 85 similarly moves theports 91 B (of the second flow control element 85) in relation to the (corresponding)third opening 119 similarly resulting in slight restriction of hydraulic fluid therethrough. - The first and the second
flow control elements tail flow control element tail 127 of the upperflow control element 83 and the L-shapedtail 129 of the lowerflow control element 85 are axially inserted into opposite ends of theintermediate spring 121, are adapted to interfit therein, and are further adapted to engage atend portions 131 of the L-shapedtails flow control elements end portions 131 of opposing tails 127,129 to touch. And when fluid pressure within theupper passageway 71 of thelower passageway 75 or bothsuch passageways 71, 75 (Fig. 6) is sufficiently greater than the pressure exerted by theintermediate spring 121, theintermediate spring 121 becomes compressed and the L-shapedtail flow control element control elements channel 81. - When the divider-
combiner valve 37 is functioning as a flow divider and the first orupper passageway 71 is supplying ahydraulic motor 43 or 45 which is under little or no load (as would be the case when such ahydraulic motor 43 or 45 drives a wheel on ice), the no-loadhydraulic motor 43 or 45 offers very little resistance to flow of hydraulic fluid and hydraulic fluid pressure resultingly drops in thefirst passageway 71. Hydraulic fluid pressure in theinner core 87 of the first or upperflow control element 83 accordingly drops, which results in an increase in the (first) pressure differential (between the first and the second pressure-responsive surfaces 123 and 125) of the first or upperflow control element 83. Whereupon, the firstflow control element 83 moves upwardly in thecavity 81, usually compressing the upper spring 105 (Fig. 3). However, because theupper spring 105 is relatively insensitive to most pressures normally experienced within theupper passageway 71, theupper spring 105 is not substantially compressed and flow through the first orupper passageway 71 is not entirely cut off (Fig. 3); and if theflow control elements lower fluid passageway 75 is not greatly affected. When flow of hydraulic fluid is reversed through the divider-combiner valve 37, the present invention presents substantially the same advantages as to flow of hydraulic fluid through thepassageways - The
flow control elements valve 37 are generally responsive to fluid pressure in the first (or upper) and third (or lower)fluid passageways combiner valve 37 of the invention act or operate cooperatively to prevent total cut-off or restriction of hydraulic fluid through thepassageways valve 37 is responding to operating upsets. - Accordingly, the present invention is relatively insensitive to system upsets such as would normally be experienced when the wheel vehicle (discussed above) is on ice or is rounding a corner. Incorporation of the
valve 37 of the present invention within such a wheeled vehicle has substantially eliminated the wheel lock-up problem discussed above and has significantly reduced the wheel-dragging problem (addressed above) experienced when the wheeled vehicle negotiates a curve. - The
flow control elements combiner valve 37 of the present invention normally act independently at the start of operation, eventually act in unison (Figs. 5, 6), normally initially act independently when a system upset arises and eventually again act in unison sometime thereafter.
Claims (7)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US40413182A | 1982-08-02 | 1982-08-02 | |
US404131 | 1982-08-02 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0100589A1 EP0100589A1 (en) | 1984-02-15 |
EP0100589B1 true EP0100589B1 (en) | 1987-04-08 |
Family
ID=23598293
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19830303279 Expired EP0100589B1 (en) | 1982-08-02 | 1983-06-07 | Flow divider-combiner valve |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0100589B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JPS5929877A (en) |
CA (1) | CA1192811A (en) |
DE (1) | DE3370847D1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN104235101A (en) * | 2014-09-03 | 2014-12-24 | 西安交通大学 | Bidirectional end cam continuous rotating type high-speed striking two-position four-way hydraulic valve |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CH676347A5 (en) * | 1988-11-18 | 1991-01-15 | Bucher Maschf Gmbh | |
FR2640329A1 (en) * | 1988-12-13 | 1990-06-15 | Bennes Marrel | Hydraulic distribution device with flowrate regulation, and spreader vehicle including it |
NL1024151C2 (en) | 2003-08-22 | 2005-02-23 | Actuant Corp | Vehicle, in particular camping vehicle, with hydraulically operated roof component. |
CN102518837A (en) * | 2012-01-06 | 2012-06-27 | 徐州重型机械有限公司 | High-precision flow distributing and collecting valve and crane |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3481489A (en) * | 1967-12-05 | 1969-12-02 | Robert E Stauffer | Means for extending and retracting boom sections of a crane |
DE2326857C2 (en) * | 1973-05-25 | 1974-10-03 | Hydromatik Gmbh, 7900 Ulm | Hydrostatic transmission with two or more hydraulic motors driven in parallel by a common setting pump |
US3955473A (en) * | 1973-10-05 | 1976-05-11 | Trw Inc. | Power steering gear with proportional flow divider |
US4121601A (en) * | 1976-08-18 | 1978-10-24 | Cross Manufacturing, Inc. | Flow compensated divider valve |
-
1983
- 1983-06-03 CA CA000429712A patent/CA1192811A/en not_active Expired
- 1983-06-07 DE DE8383303279T patent/DE3370847D1/en not_active Expired
- 1983-06-07 EP EP19830303279 patent/EP0100589B1/en not_active Expired
- 1983-07-13 JP JP12629383A patent/JPS5929877A/en active Pending
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN104235101A (en) * | 2014-09-03 | 2014-12-24 | 西安交通大学 | Bidirectional end cam continuous rotating type high-speed striking two-position four-way hydraulic valve |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0100589A1 (en) | 1984-02-15 |
JPS5929877A (en) | 1984-02-17 |
CA1192811A (en) | 1985-09-03 |
DE3370847D1 (en) | 1987-05-14 |
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