EP2189666B1 - A hydraulic device for controlling an actuator. - Google Patents
A hydraulic device for controlling an actuator. Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2189666B1 EP2189666B1 EP20080425741 EP08425741A EP2189666B1 EP 2189666 B1 EP2189666 B1 EP 2189666B1 EP 20080425741 EP20080425741 EP 20080425741 EP 08425741 A EP08425741 A EP 08425741A EP 2189666 B1 EP2189666 B1 EP 2189666B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- conduit
- chamber
- valve
- actuator
- operating fluid
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
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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
- F15B11/00—Servomotor systems without provision for follow-up action; Circuits therefor
- F15B11/02—Systems essentially incorporating special features for controlling the speed or actuating force of an output member
- F15B11/024—Systems essentially incorporating special features for controlling the speed or actuating force of an output member by means of differential connection of the servomotor lines, e.g. regenerative circuits
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F9/00—Component parts of dredgers or soil-shifting machines, not restricted to one of the kinds covered by groups E02F3/00 - E02F7/00
- E02F9/20—Drives; Control devices
- E02F9/22—Hydraulic or pneumatic drives
- E02F9/2203—Arrangements for controlling the attitude of actuators, e.g. speed, floating function
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F9/00—Component parts of dredgers or soil-shifting machines, not restricted to one of the kinds covered by groups E02F3/00 - E02F7/00
- E02F9/20—Drives; Control devices
- E02F9/22—Hydraulic or pneumatic drives
- E02F9/226—Safety arrangements, e.g. hydraulic driven fans, preventing cavitation, leakage, overheating
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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
- F15B11/00—Servomotor systems without provision for follow-up action; Circuits therefor
- F15B11/003—Systems with load-holding valves
-
- 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
- F15B11/00—Servomotor systems without provision for follow-up action; Circuits therefor
- F15B11/02—Systems essentially incorporating special features for controlling the speed or actuating force of an output member
- F15B11/04—Systems essentially incorporating special features for controlling the speed or actuating force of an output member for controlling the speed
- F15B11/044—Systems essentially incorporating special features for controlling the speed or actuating force of an output member for controlling the speed by means in the return line, i.e. "meter out"
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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
- F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
- F15B2211/30—Directional control
- F15B2211/305—Directional control characterised by the type of valves
- F15B2211/30505—Non-return valves, i.e. check valves
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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
- F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
- F15B2211/30—Directional control
- F15B2211/305—Directional control characterised by the type of valves
- F15B2211/3056—Assemblies of multiple valves
- F15B2211/30565—Assemblies of multiple valves having multiple valves for a single output member, e.g. for creating higher valve function by use of multiple valves like two 2/2-valves replacing a 5/3-valve
- F15B2211/3058—Assemblies of multiple valves having multiple valves for a single output member, e.g. for creating higher valve function by use of multiple valves like two 2/2-valves replacing a 5/3-valve having additional valves for interconnecting the fluid chambers of a double-acting actuator, e.g. for regeneration mode or for floating mode
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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
- F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
- F15B2211/40—Flow control
- F15B2211/405—Flow control characterised by the type of flow control means or valve
- F15B2211/40515—Flow control characterised by the type of flow control means or valve with variable throttles or orifices
-
- 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
- F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
- F15B2211/40—Flow control
- F15B2211/42—Flow control characterised by the type of actuation
- F15B2211/428—Flow control characterised by the type of actuation actuated by fluid pressure
-
- 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
- F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
- F15B2211/40—Flow control
- F15B2211/46—Control of flow in the return line, i.e. meter-out control
-
- 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
- F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
- F15B2211/40—Flow control
- F15B2211/47—Flow control in one direction only
- F15B2211/473—Flow control in one direction only without restriction in the reverse direction
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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
- F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
- F15B2211/60—Circuit components or control therefor
- F15B2211/635—Circuits providing pilot pressure to pilot pressure-controlled fluid circuit elements
- F15B2211/6355—Circuits providing pilot pressure to pilot pressure-controlled fluid circuit elements having valve means
-
- 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
- F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
- F15B2211/70—Output members, e.g. hydraulic motors or cylinders or control therefor
- F15B2211/765—Control of position or angle of the output member
Definitions
- the invention relates to a hydraulic device for controlling an actuator, in particular an actuator which moves an arm of a mobile work vehicle.
- Work vehicles such as for example excavators or lift trucks, usually comprise one or more arms supporting a work tool, for example a bucket, a fork or the like.
- Each arm is provided with an actuator cylinder which moves the arm between a raised position and a lowered position.
- an operating fluid is sent into a first chamber of the actuator cylinder, while a second chamber of the actuator cylinder is connected to a tank such as to discharge the operating fluid initially present in the second chamber. The opposite happens when the arm is to be lowered.
- Known work vehicles often comprise a control valve, mounted near the actuator cylinder, which blocks the cylinder when the arm has reached a desired raised position.
- the control valve prevents the arm from moving downwards, for example due to leakage of operating fluid in the hydraulic components associated to the actuator cylinder, or from falling to the ground should a hydraulic component break, or an operator involuntarily activate a control organ, or other undesired accidental events occur.
- the control valve can be gradually opened by the operator when the operator wishes the arm to move downwards in a controlled fashion.
- the operator acts on a manipulating organ, for example a joystick, arranged in the cabin of the work vehicle and connected via a control conduit to an obturator of the control valve.
- the operator pressurises the oil contained in the control conduit and displaces the obturator of the control valve into an open position. In this way, the arm is lowered.
- US 5220862 discloses a fluid regeneration circuit for an expanding side of a hydraulic motor with fluid being exhausted from the other side.
- the regeneration circuit includes a load check valve which forces the fluid exhausted from the head end chamber of a hydraulic motor to pass through a poppet valve controllably opened by a control signal.
- a low pressure relief valve causes an increase in the fluid pressure of the exhausted fluid passing through the poppet valve such that when the pressure level exceeds the pressure lever of the fluid in an expanding side rod end chamber of the hydraulic motor, the exhausted fluid passes through a regeneration check valve and fills the expanding rod end chamber.
- An aim of the invention is to improve hydraulic devices for controlling an arm of a work vehicle.
- a further aim is to provide a hydraulic device which enables an operator to control with precision the position of the arm of the tool.
- a further aim is to provide a hydraulic device which enables rapid control of the position of the arm in the work vehicle, i.e. with rapid response times.
- a further aim is to reduce the duration of the work cycle of work vehicles which have at least an arm moved by an actuator.
- a hydraulic device having the features of claim 1.
- the pilot valve enables precisely regulating the position of the obturator element of the control valve, such that a desired flow rate of the operating fluid contained in the first actuator chamber is discharged through the control valve. If the actuator is used to move the arm of a work vehicle, by controlling flow rate of the operating fluid passing through the control valve it is possible to precisely control the position of the arm.
- the pilot valve is included in the hydraulic device, the distance between the pilot valve and the control valve is relatively short. This enables a rapid modification of the position of the control valve obturator and thus a reduction in device response times.
- the hydraulic device of the invention is protected against the risk of emptying of the second chamber of the actuator. If the operating fluid contained in the first chamber is discharged too quickly, the connecting conduit sends the operating fluid directly from the first chamber to the second chamber, such as to keep the second chamber filled, even if a pump arranged externally of the hydraulic device cannot send operating fluid into the second chamber sufficiently quickly.
- the component having a hydraulic resistance obstructs the discharging of the operating fluid, which is thus sent more easily into the connecting conduit. This enables cycle times to be reduced.
- control valve and the pilot valve are arranged in the same body of the hydraulic device.
- Figure 1 illustrates a hydraulic device 1 for controlling an actuator 2, in particular in a mobile work vehicle.
- the work vehicle can be, for example, a lift truck or an earth moving machine such as a digger.
- the actuator 2 can be used to move an arm of the work vehicle, for example a telescopic arm in the case of a lift truck or an oscillating arm in the case of an earth moving machine.
- the arm can be formed by several mutually-mobile parts, for example rotatable or slidable to one another, or it can be made of a single structure.
- the arm moved by the actuator 2 can support a work tool, for example a bucket, a backhoe or a fork.
- the actuator 2 comprises a first chamber 3 and a second chamber 4, obtained for example internally of a cylinder 5.
- the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 are destined to receive an operating fluid, for example oil.
- the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 are separated by a piston 6, mobile inside the cylinder 5.
- a stem 7 associated to the arm (not illustrated) of the work vehicle is fixed to the piston 6.
- the work tool is raised when the operating fluid is sent into the first chamber 3 and discharged from the second chamber 4, such that the stem 7 exits from the cylinder 5. Conversely, the work tool lowers when the operating fluid is sent into the second chamber 4 and discharged from the first chamber 3, such that the stem 7 penetrates internally of the cylinder 5.
- the hydraulic device 1 comprises a body 8, inside which a first conduit 9 and a second conduit 10 are obtained.
- the first conduit 9 opens onto the body 8 at a first opening 24 and a second opening 25.
- the second conduit 10 opens onto the body 8 at a further first opening 26 and a further second opening 27.
- the first conduit 9 is destined to communicate with the first chamber 3 through the first opening 24, while the second conduit 10 is destined to communicate with the second chamber 4 through the further first opening 26.
- the first conduit 9 is connectable, through the second opening 25, to a distributor provided with a slide valve 11, shown only schematically in figure 1 .
- the second conduit 10 is also connectable to the distributor via the further second opening 27.
- the first conduit 9 and the second conduit 10 can be selectively connected to a main pump, not illustrated, or to a tank 13.
- the distributor can be a three-way distributor, i.e. the slide valve 11 can be mobile among three working positions.
- the slide valve 11 In a first position, the slide valve 11 connects the first conduit 9 to the main pump and the second conduit 10 to the tank 13. In the first position, the tool is thus moved upwards.
- the first conduit 9 In a second position, by means of the slide valve 11 the first conduit 9 is connected to the tank 13 and the second conduit 10 is connected to the main pump in order to move the tool downwards. Finally, in a central position, interposed between the first position and the second position, both the first conduit 9 and the second conduit 10 are disconnected from the main pump.
- the work vehicle comprises a command organ, for example a lever 12, arranged to move the slide valve 11 between the three above-described work positions.
- the lever 12 can be positioned in a cabin of the work vehicle such that the operator can reach the lever 12 when she or he is manoeuvring the vehicle.
- the lever 12 is inserted in a piloting circuit, represented by a broken line in figure 1 , in which the piloting fluid circulates, for example oil.
- the piloting fluid can be taken from the tank 13 by means of an auxiliary pump 14. Alternatively, if the auxiliary pump 14 is not present, the piloting fluid can be removed from the line supplied by the main pump.
- the hydraulic device 1 is mounted near the actuator 2.
- the body 8 of the hydraulic device 1 can be connected to the actuator 2 by means of short pipes which join the first conduit 9 to the first chamber 3 and the second conduit 10 to the second chamber 4.
- the hydraulic device 1 can be directly mounted on the actuator 2, for example by fastening the body 8 to a flange of the actuator 2 by means of threaded connecting elements. In both cases, the hydraulic device 1 is arranged externally of vehicle cabin.
- the hydraulic device 1 comprises a control valve 15 arranged along the first conduit 9 for controlling the flow of the operating fluid in the first conduit 9.
- the control valve 15 is interposed between the first chamber 3 of the actuator 2 and the distributor including the slide valve 11.
- the control valve 15 comprises an obturator element 16, for example a slide valve.
- the obturator element 16 is mobile internally of a seating 17, which can be cylindrical, in order to open and close the first conduit 9 gradually.
- the control valve 15 has a passage section which can be regulated such as to vary the flow rate of the operating fluid flowing from the first chamber 3.
- a spring 18 contrasts the opening of the obturator element 16.
- the obturator element 16 is kept closed by the operating fluid pressure in the first conduit 9, even in the absence of forces applied by the spring 18.
- a driving element 19 for example a piloting piston, acts on the obturator element 16 in the opposite direction to the spring 18.
- the driving element 19 is moved by the pilot fluid pressure, said pressure being provided and regulated by the pilot valve 20.
- the control valve 15 acts like a block and flow rate control valve in order to block and/or control the flow rate of operating fluid through the first conduit 9.
- the control valve 15 enables the arm to be kept in a predetermined position, preventing it from moving, for example, in a downwards direction due to leakage through the hydraulic components of the work vehicle.
- the control valve 15 further prevents the arm from accidentally falling to the ground, for example if a pipe breaks or if a command organ is unintentionally operated.
- control valve 15 By controlling the flow rate of operating fluid flowing through the first conduit 9, the control valve 15 further enables the controlled movement of the work vehicle arm and in particular the controlled descent of the arm towards the ground.
- the hydraulic device 1 comprises a pilot valve 20 for controllingly sending the piloting fluid to the control valve 15, such as to move the obturator element 16.
- the pilot valve 20 can comprise a proportional valve, in particular a pressure control proportional valve, i.e. a valve which generates in outlet a piloting fluid pressure which is proportional to a command signal in input.
- the command signal in input can be an electric signal.
- the pilot valve 20 is interposed between the control valve 15 and a pressurised circuit which sends the pilot valve 20 the piloting fluid at a relatively high pressure.
- the pressurised circuit can comprise the auxiliary pump 14.
- the piloting fluid which exits the pilot valve 20 has a variable pressure according to a predetermined law.
- the piloting fluid pressure in outlet from the pilot valve 20 can be selected by the operator via a selection device, for example a manipulator.
- the operator can precisely regulate the piloting fluid pressure in outlet from the pilot valve 20. Consequently, it is possible to regulate the position of the obturator element 16 of the control valve 15 exactly, and therefore the flow rate of the operating fluid passing through the control valve 15. This enables precise control of the movement of the stem 7 and therefore the arm of the work machine.
- the pilot valve 20 and the control valve 15 are both inserted into the body 8 of the hydraulic device 1. Consequently the pilot valve 20 and the control valve 15 are connected to one another by means of a line 21 which is very short. Thanks to its shortness, the line 21 enables the pilot valve 20 to command the control valve 15 with no delay.
- the hydraulic device 1 thus has short response times.
- a delivery conduit 22 is obtained internally of the body 8, which delivery conduit 22 starts from a first portion of the first conduit 9 and connects up to a second portion of the first conduit 9, such as to bypass the control valve 15.
- the delivery conduit 22 has thus a first end and a second end, both connected to the first conduit 9.
- a one-way valve 23 is arranged along the delivery conduit 22, which enables the operating fluid to flow only from the distributor towards the first chamber 3 and prevents the flow of operating fluid in the opposite direction.
- the hydraulic device 1 further comprises a pressure limiter valve 28, interposed between the delivery conduit 22 and the line 21.
- a pressure limiter valve 28 When the pressure limiter valve 28 opens, it causes total opening of the obturator element 16 in order to prevent excessive build-up of pressure in the first chamber 3.
- a choke device 29 is arranged along the line 21, in a position interposed between the pilot valve 20 and the pressure limiter valve 28.
- a further one-way valve 30 is included along the line 21, the further one-way valve 30 being mounted in parallel to the choke device 29 and being suitable for enabling a fluid flow only from the pilot valve 20 towards the control valve 15.
- a branch 31 connecting the line 21 to the driving element 19 of the control valve 15 runs from a portion of the line 21 interposed between the choke device 29 and the pressure limiter valve 28.
- the pressure limiter valve 28 is a normally-closed valve that opens when the operating fluid pressure in the first chamber 3 of the actuator 2 exceeds a predetermined limit value. This can happen, for example, because the tool has accidentally impacted against an obstacle such as a rock. If the pressure limiter valve 28 opens, the operating fluid present in the first chamber 3 passes into the line 21.
- the choke device 29 is so dimensioned that if the pressure limiter valve 28 opens, in the tract of line 21 interposed between the choke device 29 and the pressure limiter valve 28 a sufficient pressure is created to move the obturator element 16 via the branch 31, the obturator element 16 being brought into a completely open position.
- the operating fluid present in the first chamber 3 passes through the control valve 15 and exits the hydraulic device 1 through the second opening 25.
- the fluid is then discharged through the distributor, near which a further pressure limiter valve is arranged, not illustrated, which in turn opens.
- a further pressure limiter valve is arranged, not illustrated, which in turn opens.
- a connecting conduit 32 is obtained in the body 8, which connecting conduit 32 connects the first conduit 9 and the second conduit 10.
- the connecting conduit 32 starts from a point P on the first conduit 9, the point P being interposed between the control valve 15 and the second opening 25.
- a one-way valve 33 is arranged along the connecting conduit 32, which one-way valve 33 opens at low pressure to enable the operating fluid coming from the first chamber 3 and thus from the first conduit 9 to flow towards the second conduit 10.
- the one-way valve 33 can be uncalibrated, i.e. can be kept closed or open only by the difference between the pressures acting on an obturator organ the valve 33 is provided with.
- the hydraulic device 1 further comprises a component 34 having a hydraulic resistance, the component 34 being arranged along the first conduit 9 in a position interposed between the point P and the second opening 25.
- the component 34 opposes the operating fluid flow from the first chamber 3 towards the second opening 25, i.e. towards the distributor, though without completely preventing said flow.
- the component 34 can comprise a non-return valve which opens at a relatively high pressure, for example 15 bar.
- the non-return valve is provided with a spring element 35, which has to be compressed by the operating fluid in order to open the non-return valve, such that the non-return valve opens only when the difference between the pressures acting on two opposite sides of the valve exceeds a predetermined level. If the pressure difference is less than the predetermined level, the component 34 is opposed to the operating fluid flow towards the second opening 25. The operating fluid is thus preferentially sent towards the second conduit 10 via the connecting conduit 32.
- the one-way valve 33 and the component 34 act as an anti-cavitation device preventing the second chamber 34 from emptying when the operating fluid is made to flow rapidly out of the first chamber 3. This can happen when the arm of the work machine is moved downwards, exploiting the force of gravity due to the weight of the arm, the tool and any load supported by the tool. In this case, the operating fluid exits the first chamber 3 of the actuator 2 very rapidly, passes through the control valve 15, which is completely open, and is discharged by means of the distributor. However, the hydraulic resistance of the component 34 contrasts the flow of the operating fluid towards the distributor. The operating fluid is thus deviated along the connecting conduit 32, which has a lower hydraulic resistance, defined by the one-way valve 33 which opens at low pressure.
- the operating fluid passes from the connecting conduit 32 into the second conduit 10 and thus into the second chamber 4. In this way it is ensured that the second chamber 4 is filled with the operating fluid also when the operating fluid flow-rate delivered from the main pump towards the second chamber is lower than necessary for guaranteeing the filling of the second chamber 4.
- the body 8 has an inlet 36 through which the piloting fluid supplied at high pressure, for example by the auxiliary pump 14, can be sent towards the pilot valve 20 and an outlet 37 through which any excess piloting fluid is sent to the tank 13.
- figure 1 illustrates two distinct tanks 13, although in reality the work machine comprises one only.
- the operator wishing to raise the arm activates the lever 12 such that the slide valve 11 of the distributor is brought into the first position, in which the first conduit 9 is connected to the main pump and the second conduit 10 is connected to the tank 13.
- the operating fluid enters the body 8 through the second opening 25 and passes through the delivery conduit 22, exits the first opening 24 and passes into the first chamber 3.
- the operating fluid in the second chamber 4 is discharged into the tank 13 through the second conduit 10 and the distributor. Consequently, the stem 7 exits the cylinder 5 and the arm is raised.
- the operator moves the lever 12 into the second position, in which the slide valve 11 connects the first conduit 9 to the tank 13 and the second conduit 10 to the main pump.
- the operating fluid processed by the main pump enters the body 8 through the further second opening 27 and, after having run through the second conduit 10, enters the second chamber 4 of the actuator 2.
- the operating fluid is evacuated from the first chamber 3 via the first conduit 9 such that the stem 7 moves towards the inside of the cylinder 5.
- the pilot valve 20 is used to command the displacement of the obturator element 16 of the control valve 15 into a desired position, such that the control valve 15 allows a precisely-determined flow rate of the operating fluid to pass. This brings the arm downwards in a controlled way.
- the pilot valve 20 positions the obturator element 16 in a completely open configuration and the operating fluid is discharged through the control valve 15 at maximum flow.
- the operating fluid is discharged through the distributor when the operating fluid pressure in the first conduit 9 is sufficient to overcome the force of the spring element 35.
- a part of the operating fluid coming from the first chamber 3 goes into the connecting conduit 32, opens the one-way valve 33 and fills the second chamber 4. This prevents the second chamber 4 from emptying if the operating fluid exits the first chamber 3 very quickly. This ensures that when the work tool, falling by effect of the force of gravity, touches the ground, the second chamber 4 is already filled with operating fluid.
- the body 8 housing the control valve 15 also houses the pilot valve 20 and the anti-cavitation device. This makes the hydraulic device very compact and enables the hydraulic device 1 to be mounted near the actuator 2.
- the hydraulic device 1 defines a sort of valve unit which enables the operating fluid flow from and towards the actuator 2 to be regulated.
- Figure 2 shows a hydraulic device 101 in a further embodiment.
- the components of the hydraulic device 101 common to the hydraulic device 1 of figure 1 are denoted using the same reference numbers as used for figure 1 , and are not further described in detail.
- a first conduit 109, a second conduit 110 and a delivery conduit 122 are obtained in the body 8 of the hydraulic device 101.
- the first conduit 109 opens on the body 8 at a first opening 124 and a second opening 125.
- the first opening 124 is destined to be connected to the first chamber 3 of the actuator 2, while the second opening 125 is intended to be connected directly to the tank 13, without passing through the distributor.
- the second conduit 110 opens on the body 8 at a further first opening 126 and a further second opening 127, destined to be connected respectively to the second chamber 4 of the actuator 2 and to the distributor including the slide valve 11.
- the delivery conduit 122 has an end that opens on the body 8 at an inlet opening 40 destined to be connected to the distributor. A further end of the delivery conduit 122 joins the first conduit 109 at a point of the first conduit 109 that is interposed between the control valve 15 and the first opening 124.
- the main pump sends the operating fluid into the delivery conduit 122 through the distributor and the inlet opening 40.
- the operating fluid passes from the delivery conduit 122 into the first conduit 109 and reaches the first chamber 3.
- the operating fluid in the second chamber 4 is discharged through the second conduit 110.
- the slide valve 11 is positioned such as to connect the main pump to the second conduit 110. Consequently the operating fluid is sent into the second chamber 4.
- the control valve 15 is opened by the desired amount to enable the operating fluid to flow from the first chamber 3 towards the tank 13. If necessary, a part of the operating fluid coming from the first chamber can reach the second chamber 4 through the connecting conduit 32.
- the operating fluid coming from the first chamber 3 is thus discharged into the tank 13 without passing through the distributor.
- the hydraulic resistance the operating fluid has to overcome in order to be discharged is reduced, as the hydraulic resistance defined by an eventual connecting line connecting the first conduit to the distributor is eliminated. This enables the duration of the work cycle to be reduced and the temperature of the operating fluid to be limited.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid-Pressure Circuits (AREA)
Description
- The invention relates to a hydraulic device for controlling an actuator, in particular an actuator which moves an arm of a mobile work vehicle. Work vehicles, such as for example excavators or lift trucks, usually comprise one or more arms supporting a work tool, for example a bucket, a fork or the like. Each arm is provided with an actuator cylinder which moves the arm between a raised position and a lowered position. In particular, when the arm is to be raised, an operating fluid is sent into a first chamber of the actuator cylinder, while a second chamber of the actuator cylinder is connected to a tank such as to discharge the operating fluid initially present in the second chamber. The opposite happens when the arm is to be lowered.
- Known work vehicles often comprise a control valve, mounted near the actuator cylinder, which blocks the cylinder when the arm has reached a desired raised position. In particular, the control valve prevents the arm from moving downwards, for example due to leakage of operating fluid in the hydraulic components associated to the actuator cylinder, or from falling to the ground should a hydraulic component break, or an operator involuntarily activate a control organ, or other undesired accidental events occur.
- The control valve can be gradually opened by the operator when the operator wishes the arm to move downwards in a controlled fashion. To this end, the operator acts on a manipulating organ, for example a joystick, arranged in the cabin of the work vehicle and connected via a control conduit to an obturator of the control valve.
- By moving the manipulating organ, the operator pressurises the oil contained in the control conduit and displaces the obturator of the control valve into an open position. In this way, the arm is lowered.
- Known work vehicles have a drawback in that by using the manipulating organ arranged in the cabin the operator can regulate the position of the control valve obturator only in a fairly imprecise way. It is not therefore possible to move the arm with close precision, as would be required in some types of application.
- Further, in order to move the obturator, a relevant quantity of oil has to be pressurised, i.e. all the oil contained in the control conduit which connects the manipulator device to the control valve. This leads to rather long operative times, especially in a case in which the tool has just begun working and the oil is still relatively cold.
- In known work vehicles the force of gravity is often used due to the weight of the arm, plus any load supported by the arm, in order rapidly to move the arm downwards. In other words, the arm is left to fall due to the action of gravity, while the operating fluid contained in the first chamber is rapidly discharged into the tank. However, if the operating fluid exits from the first chamber very rapidly, it might happen that the operating fluid cannot equally rapidly fill the second chamber. In this case, when the tool arrives in contact with the ground, it is necessary to wait for a certain period of time before continuing work. This period of time is necessary for the operating fluid to completely fill the second chamber, after which the actuator cylinder can continue to push the arm downwards. The above-described phenomenon is known as actuator cylinder cavitation and undesirably lengthens the duration of the work cycle.
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US 5220862 discloses a fluid regeneration circuit for an expanding side of a hydraulic motor with fluid being exhausted from the other side. The regeneration circuit includes a load check valve which forces the fluid exhausted from the head end chamber of a hydraulic motor to pass through a poppet valve controllably opened by a control signal. A low pressure relief valve causes an increase in the fluid pressure of the exhausted fluid passing through the poppet valve such that when the pressure level exceeds the pressure lever of the fluid in an expanding side rod end chamber of the hydraulic motor, the exhausted fluid passes through a regeneration check valve and fills the expanding rod end chamber. - An aim of the invention is to improve hydraulic devices for controlling an arm of a work vehicle.
- A further aim is to provide a hydraulic device which enables an operator to control with precision the position of the arm of the tool.
- A further aim is to provide a hydraulic device which enables rapid control of the position of the arm in the work vehicle, i.e. with rapid response times.
- A further aim is to reduce the duration of the work cycle of work vehicles which have at least an arm moved by an actuator. According to the invention, there is provided a hydraulic device having the features of claim 1.
- The pilot valve enables precisely regulating the position of the obturator element of the control valve, such that a desired flow rate of the operating fluid contained in the first actuator chamber is discharged through the control valve. If the actuator is used to move the arm of a work vehicle, by controlling flow rate of the operating fluid passing through the control valve it is possible to precisely control the position of the arm.
- Further, since the pilot valve is included in the hydraulic device, the distance between the pilot valve and the control valve is relatively short. This enables a rapid modification of the position of the control valve obturator and thus a reduction in device response times.
- Further, the hydraulic device of the invention is protected against the risk of emptying of the second chamber of the actuator. If the operating fluid contained in the first chamber is discharged too quickly, the connecting conduit sends the operating fluid directly from the first chamber to the second chamber, such as to keep the second chamber filled, even if a pump arranged externally of the hydraulic device cannot send operating fluid into the second chamber sufficiently quickly. The component having a hydraulic resistance obstructs the discharging of the operating fluid, which is thus sent more easily into the connecting conduit. This enables cycle times to be reduced.
- In a version of the invention, the control valve and the pilot valve are arranged in the same body of the hydraulic device.
- This enables a very compact hydraulic device to be obtained, which can be mounted near the actuator, thus further reducing the response times.
- Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will more clearly emerge from the detail description made herein below with reference to the accompanying figures of the drawings, provided purely by way of nonlimiting example, in which:
-
figure 1 is a diagram of a hydraulic device for controlling an actuator; -
figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a hydraulic device like that offigure 1 , in an alternative version. -
Figure 1 illustrates a hydraulic device 1 for controlling anactuator 2, in particular in a mobile work vehicle. - The work vehicle can be, for example, a lift truck or an earth moving machine such as a digger. The
actuator 2 can be used to move an arm of the work vehicle, for example a telescopic arm in the case of a lift truck or an oscillating arm in the case of an earth moving machine. The arm can be formed by several mutually-mobile parts, for example rotatable or slidable to one another, or it can be made of a single structure. - In general, the arm moved by the
actuator 2 can support a work tool, for example a bucket, a backhoe or a fork. - The
actuator 2 comprises afirst chamber 3 and asecond chamber 4, obtained for example internally of acylinder 5. Thefirst chamber 3 and thesecond chamber 4 are destined to receive an operating fluid, for example oil. Thefirst chamber 3 and thesecond chamber 4 are separated by apiston 6, mobile inside thecylinder 5. Astem 7 associated to the arm (not illustrated) of the work vehicle is fixed to thepiston 6. - In the illustrated example, the work tool is raised when the operating fluid is sent into the
first chamber 3 and discharged from thesecond chamber 4, such that thestem 7 exits from thecylinder 5. Conversely, the work tool lowers when the operating fluid is sent into thesecond chamber 4 and discharged from thefirst chamber 3, such that thestem 7 penetrates internally of thecylinder 5. - It is however possible to use a different arrangement, not illustrated, in which the work tool is raised when the stem retracts into the respective cylinder, and vice versa.
- The hydraulic device 1 comprises a
body 8, inside which afirst conduit 9 and asecond conduit 10 are obtained. Thefirst conduit 9 opens onto thebody 8 at a first opening 24 and asecond opening 25. Thesecond conduit 10 opens onto thebody 8 at a further first opening 26 and a furthersecond opening 27. - The
first conduit 9 is destined to communicate with thefirst chamber 3 through thefirst opening 24, while thesecond conduit 10 is destined to communicate with thesecond chamber 4 through the furtherfirst opening 26. Thefirst conduit 9 is connectable, through thesecond opening 25, to a distributor provided with aslide valve 11, shown only schematically infigure 1 . Thesecond conduit 10 is also connectable to the distributor via the furthersecond opening 27. - Thanks to the distributor, the
first conduit 9 and thesecond conduit 10 can be selectively connected to a main pump, not illustrated, or to atank 13. - The distributor can be a three-way distributor, i.e. the
slide valve 11 can be mobile among three working positions. In a first position, theslide valve 11 connects thefirst conduit 9 to the main pump and thesecond conduit 10 to thetank 13. In the first position, the tool is thus moved upwards. In a second position, by means of theslide valve 11 thefirst conduit 9 is connected to thetank 13 and thesecond conduit 10 is connected to the main pump in order to move the tool downwards. Finally, in a central position, interposed between the first position and the second position, both thefirst conduit 9 and thesecond conduit 10 are disconnected from the main pump. - The work vehicle comprises a command organ, for example a
lever 12, arranged to move theslide valve 11 between the three above-described work positions. Thelever 12 can be positioned in a cabin of the work vehicle such that the operator can reach thelever 12 when she or he is manoeuvring the vehicle. Thelever 12 is inserted in a piloting circuit, represented by a broken line infigure 1 , in which the piloting fluid circulates, for example oil. The piloting fluid can be taken from thetank 13 by means of anauxiliary pump 14. Alternatively, if theauxiliary pump 14 is not present, the piloting fluid can be removed from the line supplied by the main pump. - The hydraulic device 1 is mounted near the
actuator 2. Thebody 8 of the hydraulic device 1 can be connected to theactuator 2 by means of short pipes which join thefirst conduit 9 to thefirst chamber 3 and thesecond conduit 10 to thesecond chamber 4. Alternatively, the hydraulic device 1 can be directly mounted on theactuator 2, for example by fastening thebody 8 to a flange of theactuator 2 by means of threaded connecting elements. In both cases, the hydraulic device 1 is arranged externally of vehicle cabin. - The hydraulic device 1 comprises a
control valve 15 arranged along thefirst conduit 9 for controlling the flow of the operating fluid in thefirst conduit 9. During use, thecontrol valve 15 is interposed between thefirst chamber 3 of theactuator 2 and the distributor including theslide valve 11. Thecontrol valve 15 comprises anobturator element 16, for example a slide valve. Theobturator element 16 is mobile internally of aseating 17, which can be cylindrical, in order to open and close thefirst conduit 9 gradually. In other words, thecontrol valve 15 has a passage section which can be regulated such as to vary the flow rate of the operating fluid flowing from thefirst chamber 3. - A
spring 18 contrasts the opening of theobturator element 16. Theobturator element 16 is kept closed by the operating fluid pressure in thefirst conduit 9, even in the absence of forces applied by thespring 18. - A driving
element 19, for example a piloting piston, acts on theobturator element 16 in the opposite direction to thespring 18. The drivingelement 19 is moved by the pilot fluid pressure, said pressure being provided and regulated by thepilot valve 20. - The
control valve 15 acts like a block and flow rate control valve in order to block and/or control the flow rate of operating fluid through thefirst conduit 9. In other words, thecontrol valve 15 enables the arm to be kept in a predetermined position, preventing it from moving, for example, in a downwards direction due to leakage through the hydraulic components of the work vehicle. Thecontrol valve 15 further prevents the arm from accidentally falling to the ground, for example if a pipe breaks or if a command organ is unintentionally operated. - By controlling the flow rate of operating fluid flowing through the
first conduit 9, thecontrol valve 15 further enables the controlled movement of the work vehicle arm and in particular the controlled descent of the arm towards the ground. - To this end, the hydraulic device 1 comprises a
pilot valve 20 for controllingly sending the piloting fluid to thecontrol valve 15, such as to move theobturator element 16. Thepilot valve 20 can comprise a proportional valve, in particular a pressure control proportional valve, i.e. a valve which generates in outlet a piloting fluid pressure which is proportional to a command signal in input. The command signal in input can be an electric signal. - The
pilot valve 20 is interposed between thecontrol valve 15 and a pressurised circuit which sends thepilot valve 20 the piloting fluid at a relatively high pressure. The pressurised circuit can comprise theauxiliary pump 14. The piloting fluid which exits thepilot valve 20 has a variable pressure according to a predetermined law. The piloting fluid pressure in outlet from thepilot valve 20 can be selected by the operator via a selection device, for example a manipulator. - In this way, the operator can precisely regulate the piloting fluid pressure in outlet from the
pilot valve 20. Consequently, it is possible to regulate the position of theobturator element 16 of thecontrol valve 15 exactly, and therefore the flow rate of the operating fluid passing through thecontrol valve 15. This enables precise control of the movement of thestem 7 and therefore the arm of the work machine. - The
pilot valve 20 and thecontrol valve 15 are both inserted into thebody 8 of the hydraulic device 1. Consequently thepilot valve 20 and thecontrol valve 15 are connected to one another by means of aline 21 which is very short. Thanks to its shortness, theline 21 enables thepilot valve 20 to command thecontrol valve 15 with no delay. The hydraulic device 1 thus has short response times. - A
delivery conduit 22 is obtained internally of thebody 8, whichdelivery conduit 22 starts from a first portion of thefirst conduit 9 and connects up to a second portion of thefirst conduit 9, such as to bypass thecontrol valve 15. Thedelivery conduit 22 has thus a first end and a second end, both connected to thefirst conduit 9. A one-way valve 23 is arranged along thedelivery conduit 22, which enables the operating fluid to flow only from the distributor towards thefirst chamber 3 and prevents the flow of operating fluid in the opposite direction. - The hydraulic device 1 further comprises a
pressure limiter valve 28, interposed between thedelivery conduit 22 and theline 21. As will be better explained herein below, when thepressure limiter valve 28 opens, it causes total opening of theobturator element 16 in order to prevent excessive build-up of pressure in thefirst chamber 3. - A
choke device 29 is arranged along theline 21, in a position interposed between thepilot valve 20 and thepressure limiter valve 28. A further one-way valve 30 is included along theline 21, the further one-way valve 30 being mounted in parallel to thechoke device 29 and being suitable for enabling a fluid flow only from thepilot valve 20 towards thecontrol valve 15. - A
branch 31 connecting theline 21 to the drivingelement 19 of thecontrol valve 15 runs from a portion of theline 21 interposed between thechoke device 29 and thepressure limiter valve 28. - The
pressure limiter valve 28 is a normally-closed valve that opens when the operating fluid pressure in thefirst chamber 3 of theactuator 2 exceeds a predetermined limit value. This can happen, for example, because the tool has accidentally impacted against an obstacle such as a rock. If thepressure limiter valve 28 opens, the operating fluid present in thefirst chamber 3 passes into theline 21. Thechoke device 29 is so dimensioned that if thepressure limiter valve 28 opens, in the tract ofline 21 interposed between thechoke device 29 and the pressure limiter valve 28 a sufficient pressure is created to move theobturator element 16 via thebranch 31, theobturator element 16 being brought into a completely open position. In this way, the operating fluid present in thefirst chamber 3 passes through thecontrol valve 15 and exits the hydraulic device 1 through thesecond opening 25. The fluid is then discharged through the distributor, near which a further pressure limiter valve is arranged, not illustrated, which in turn opens. Thus excessive pressures are not generated in thefirst chamber 3 of theactuator 2. - A connecting
conduit 32 is obtained in thebody 8, which connectingconduit 32 connects thefirst conduit 9 and thesecond conduit 10. The connectingconduit 32 starts from a point P on thefirst conduit 9, the point P being interposed between thecontrol valve 15 and thesecond opening 25. A one-way valve 33 is arranged along the connectingconduit 32, which one-way valve 33 opens at low pressure to enable the operating fluid coming from thefirst chamber 3 and thus from thefirst conduit 9 to flow towards thesecond conduit 10. The one-way valve 33 can be uncalibrated, i.e. can be kept closed or open only by the difference between the pressures acting on an obturator organ thevalve 33 is provided with. - The hydraulic device 1 further comprises a
component 34 having a hydraulic resistance, thecomponent 34 being arranged along thefirst conduit 9 in a position interposed between the point P and thesecond opening 25. Thecomponent 34 opposes the operating fluid flow from thefirst chamber 3 towards thesecond opening 25, i.e. towards the distributor, though without completely preventing said flow. Thecomponent 34 can comprise a non-return valve which opens at a relatively high pressure, for example 15 bar. To this end, the non-return valve is provided with aspring element 35, which has to be compressed by the operating fluid in order to open the non-return valve, such that the non-return valve opens only when the difference between the pressures acting on two opposite sides of the valve exceeds a predetermined level. If the pressure difference is less than the predetermined level, thecomponent 34 is opposed to the operating fluid flow towards thesecond opening 25. The operating fluid is thus preferentially sent towards thesecond conduit 10 via the connectingconduit 32. - The one-
way valve 33 and thecomponent 34 act as an anti-cavitation device preventing thesecond chamber 34 from emptying when the operating fluid is made to flow rapidly out of thefirst chamber 3. This can happen when the arm of the work machine is moved downwards, exploiting the force of gravity due to the weight of the arm, the tool and any load supported by the tool. In this case, the operating fluid exits thefirst chamber 3 of theactuator 2 very rapidly, passes through thecontrol valve 15, which is completely open, and is discharged by means of the distributor. However, the hydraulic resistance of thecomponent 34 contrasts the flow of the operating fluid towards the distributor. The operating fluid is thus deviated along the connectingconduit 32, which has a lower hydraulic resistance, defined by the one-way valve 33 which opens at low pressure. The operating fluid passes from the connectingconduit 32 into thesecond conduit 10 and thus into thesecond chamber 4. In this way it is ensured that thesecond chamber 4 is filled with the operating fluid also when the operating fluid flow-rate delivered from the main pump towards the second chamber is lower than necessary for guaranteeing the filling of thesecond chamber 4. - Finally, the
body 8 has aninlet 36 through which the piloting fluid supplied at high pressure, for example by theauxiliary pump 14, can be sent towards thepilot valve 20 and anoutlet 37 through which any excess piloting fluid is sent to thetank 13. - To improve the clarity of the figures of the drawings, and to prevent lines from superposing on one another,
figure 1 illustrates twodistinct tanks 13, although in reality the work machine comprises one only. - During functioning, the operator wishing to raise the arm activates the
lever 12 such that theslide valve 11 of the distributor is brought into the first position, in which thefirst conduit 9 is connected to the main pump and thesecond conduit 10 is connected to thetank 13. The operating fluid enters thebody 8 through thesecond opening 25 and passes through thedelivery conduit 22, exits thefirst opening 24 and passes into thefirst chamber 3. At the same time the operating fluid in thesecond chamber 4 is discharged into thetank 13 through thesecond conduit 10 and the distributor. Consequently, thestem 7 exits thecylinder 5 and the arm is raised. - If on the other hand the arm is to be moved downwards, the operator moves the
lever 12 into the second position, in which theslide valve 11 connects thefirst conduit 9 to thetank 13 and thesecond conduit 10 to the main pump. The operating fluid processed by the main pump enters thebody 8 through the furthersecond opening 27 and, after having run through thesecond conduit 10, enters thesecond chamber 4 of theactuator 2. At the same time the operating fluid is evacuated from thefirst chamber 3 via thefirst conduit 9 such that thestem 7 moves towards the inside of thecylinder 5. - The
pilot valve 20 is used to command the displacement of theobturator element 16 of thecontrol valve 15 into a desired position, such that thecontrol valve 15 allows a precisely-determined flow rate of the operating fluid to pass. This brings the arm downwards in a controlled way. - If it is desired to move the arm downwards as quickly as possible, the
pilot valve 20 positions theobturator element 16 in a completely open configuration and the operating fluid is discharged through thecontrol valve 15 at maximum flow. The operating fluid is discharged through the distributor when the operating fluid pressure in thefirst conduit 9 is sufficient to overcome the force of thespring element 35. In the opposite case, a part of the operating fluid coming from thefirst chamber 3 goes into the connectingconduit 32, opens the one-way valve 33 and fills thesecond chamber 4. This prevents thesecond chamber 4 from emptying if the operating fluid exits thefirst chamber 3 very quickly. This ensures that when the work tool, falling by effect of the force of gravity, touches the ground, thesecond chamber 4 is already filled with operating fluid. Thus it is possible immediately to provide power to the work tool, by sending further operating fluid into thesecond chamber 4 by means of the main pump. The work machine cycle times can thus be significantly shortened. Note that thebody 8 housing thecontrol valve 15 also houses thepilot valve 20 and the anti-cavitation device. This makes the hydraulic device very compact and enables the hydraulic device 1 to be mounted near theactuator 2. - In other words, the hydraulic device 1 defines a sort of valve unit which enables the operating fluid flow from and towards the
actuator 2 to be regulated. -
Figure 2 shows ahydraulic device 101 in a further embodiment. The components of thehydraulic device 101 common to the hydraulic device 1 offigure 1 are denoted using the same reference numbers as used forfigure 1 , and are not further described in detail. - A
first conduit 109, asecond conduit 110 and adelivery conduit 122 are obtained in thebody 8 of thehydraulic device 101. Thefirst conduit 109 opens on thebody 8 at afirst opening 124 and asecond opening 125. Thefirst opening 124 is destined to be connected to thefirst chamber 3 of theactuator 2, while thesecond opening 125 is intended to be connected directly to thetank 13, without passing through the distributor. - The
second conduit 110 opens on thebody 8 at a furtherfirst opening 126 and a furthersecond opening 127, destined to be connected respectively to thesecond chamber 4 of theactuator 2 and to the distributor including theslide valve 11. - Finally, the
delivery conduit 122 has an end that opens on thebody 8 at aninlet opening 40 destined to be connected to the distributor. A further end of thedelivery conduit 122 joins thefirst conduit 109 at a point of thefirst conduit 109 that is interposed between thecontrol valve 15 and thefirst opening 124. - When the work tool is to be lifted, the main pump sends the operating fluid into the
delivery conduit 122 through the distributor and theinlet opening 40. The operating fluid passes from thedelivery conduit 122 into thefirst conduit 109 and reaches thefirst chamber 3. At the same time, the operating fluid in thesecond chamber 4 is discharged through thesecond conduit 110. - If the work tool is to be lowered, the
slide valve 11 is positioned such as to connect the main pump to thesecond conduit 110. Consequently the operating fluid is sent into thesecond chamber 4. At the same time, thecontrol valve 15 is opened by the desired amount to enable the operating fluid to flow from thefirst chamber 3 towards thetank 13. If necessary, a part of the operating fluid coming from the first chamber can reach thesecond chamber 4 through the connectingconduit 32. - In the
hydraulic device 101, the operating fluid coming from thefirst chamber 3 is thus discharged into thetank 13 without passing through the distributor. In this way the hydraulic resistance the operating fluid has to overcome in order to be discharged is reduced, as the hydraulic resistance defined by an eventual connecting line connecting the first conduit to the distributor is eliminated. This enables the duration of the work cycle to be reduced and the temperature of the operating fluid to be limited.
Claims (14)
- A hydraulic device for controlling an actuator (2), comprising a body (8) having a first conduit (9; 109) destined to be connected to a first chamber (3) of the actuator (2), the body (8) having a second conduit (10; 110) destined to be connected to a second chamber (4) of the actuator (2), a control valve (15) being arranged along the first conduit (9; 109) in order to enable an operating fluid to be selectively discharged from the first chamber (3), the control valve (15) comprising an obturator element (16), the hydraulic device further comprising a pilot valve (20) for sending a piloting fluid to the control valve (15) such as to move the obturator element (16) in a controlled way, a component (34) having a hydraulic resistance being arranged along the first conduit (9; 109), the body (8) having a connecting conduit (32) connecting the first conduit (9; 109) and the second conduit (10; 110) in order to send the operating fluid coming from the first chamber (3) towards the second chamber (4), characterised in that a pressure limiter valve (28) is housed in said body (8) in order to discharge a part of the operating fluid from the first chamber (3) and pilot the control valve (15) when a pressure greater than a predetermined level is generated in the first chamber (3).
- The hydraulic device of claim 1, wherein the control valve (15) and the pilot valve (20) are housed in said body (8).
- The hydraulic device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the pilot valve (20) is a proportional valve.
- The device of one of the preceding claims, wherein the pilot valve (20) is a proportional valve for pressure control in order to generate in outlet a pilot fluid pressure which is proportional to a command signal in input.
- The device of one of the preceding claims, wherein the first conduit (9; 109) defines a first opening (24; 124) and a second opening (25; 125) on an external surface of the body (8), the first opening (24; 124) being intended to be connected to the first chamber (3), and wherein the connecting conduit (32) starts from a point (P) of the first conduit (9; 109), said point (P) being interposed between the first opening (25; 125) and the component (34) having a hydraulic resistance.
- The device of claim 5, wherein said point (P) is interposed between the control valve (15) and the component (34) having a hydraulic resistance.
- The device of claim 5 or 6, wherein the component (34) having a hydraulic resistance is a non-return valve which enables the operating fluid either completely or partially to flow from the first opening (24; 124) to the second opening (25; 125), a spring element (35) being associated to the non-return valve in order to open the non-return valve when the pressure difference of the operating fluid at two opposite ends of the non-return valve is greater than a predetermined amount.
- The device of claim 7, and further comprising a one-way valve (33) arranged along the connecting conduit (32) to enable the operating fluid to flow from the first conduit (9; 109) to the second conduit (10; 110), the one-way valve (33) being designed to open when at ends thereof a pressure difference is applied which is lower than the pressure difference required to open the non-return valve.
- The device of one of the preceding claims, wherein a delivery conduit (22) is obtained in the body (8) for sending the operating fluid towards the first chamber (3), the delivery conduit (22) having a first end and a second end, both of which are connected to the first conduit (9) in order to by-pass the control valve (15).
- The device of one of claims from 1 to 8, wherein a delivery conduit (122) is obtained in the body (8) for sending the operating fluid towards the first chamber (3) without passing through the control valve (15), the delivery conduit (122) having an end that opens on an external surface of the body (8) and a further end connected to the first conduit (109).
- The device of claim 1, wherein the pressure limiter valve (28) is connected to the pilot valve (20) by a line (21), a choke device (29) being interposed along the line (21) for generating in output at the pressure limiter valve (28) a pressure which is sufficient to open the obturator element (16) of the control valve (15).
- A mobile work vehicle, comprising an arm supporting a work tool, an actuator (2) for moving the arm and a hydraulic device (1) of one of the preceding claims for controlling the actuator (2).
- A mobile work vehicle, comprising an arm supporting a work tool, an actuator (2) for moving the arm and a hydraulic device (1) according to claim 9 for controlling the actuator (2), wherein the first conduit (9) has a terminal portion which is connected to the first chamber (3) of the actuator (2) and a further terminal portion connected to a distributor device, the second conduit (10) having a terminal part connected to the second chamber (4) of the actuator (2) and a further terminal part connected to the distributor device.
- A mobile work vehicle, comprising an arm supporting a work tool, an actuator (2) for moving the arm and a hydraulic device (1) according to claim 10 for controlling the actuator (2), wherein the first conduit (109) has a terminal portion connected to the first chamber (3) of the actuator (2) and a further terminal portion connected to a discharge tank, the second conduit (10) having a terminal part connected to the second chamber (4) of the actuator (2) and a further terminal part connected to a distributor device, the end of the delivery conduit (122) which opens on the external surface of the body (8) being connected to the distributor device.
Priority Applications (1)
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EP20080425741 EP2189666B1 (en) | 2008-11-20 | 2008-11-20 | A hydraulic device for controlling an actuator. |
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EP20080425741 EP2189666B1 (en) | 2008-11-20 | 2008-11-20 | A hydraulic device for controlling an actuator. |
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EP2189666B1 true EP2189666B1 (en) | 2011-07-27 |
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US11225981B2 (en) | 2017-05-03 | 2022-01-18 | Cnh Industrial America Llc | Vehicle with a boom comprising a hydraulic control circuit with a load control valve |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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GB0910242D0 (en) | 2009-06-15 | 2009-07-29 | Bamford Excavators Ltd | Hybrid transmission |
GB0912540D0 (en) | 2009-07-20 | 2009-08-26 | Bamford Excavators Ltd | Hydraulic system |
JP5617774B2 (en) * | 2011-06-23 | 2014-11-05 | コベルコ建機株式会社 | Work machine |
JP5919820B2 (en) * | 2011-12-28 | 2016-05-18 | コベルコ建機株式会社 | Hydraulic cylinder circuit for construction machinery |
WO2016009369A2 (en) * | 2014-07-15 | 2016-01-21 | Hydrocontrol S.P.A. | Control device for zero-leak directional control valves |
CN112879359B (en) * | 2021-01-25 | 2023-04-07 | 武汉工程大学 | Displacement tracking control system and method for coal bed gas horizontal well drilling hydraulic propulsion system |
Family Cites Families (4)
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US5220862A (en) | 1992-05-15 | 1993-06-22 | Caterpillar Inc. | Fluid regeneration circuit |
US5415076A (en) * | 1994-04-18 | 1995-05-16 | Caterpillar Inc. | Hydraulic system having a combined meter-out and regeneration valve assembly |
JP3527386B2 (en) * | 1997-05-12 | 2004-05-17 | 新キャタピラー三菱株式会社 | Reproduction circuit control device |
JP2009505013A (en) * | 2005-08-19 | 2009-02-05 | ブーハー・ヒドラウリクス・アクチェンゲゼルシャフト | Hydraulic circuit of double acting hydraulic cylinder |
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2008
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Cited By (1)
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US11225981B2 (en) | 2017-05-03 | 2022-01-18 | Cnh Industrial America Llc | Vehicle with a boom comprising a hydraulic control circuit with a load control valve |
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