JP2006322480A - Assisted hydraulic system for transferring structural member - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To recover energy stored in a cylinder by storing the energy in a tank via compressible gas when a boom descends and then when allowing the boom to ascend, convert the energy into kinetic energy by applying gas pressure to an assisted cylinder to thus assist ascending of the boom. <P>SOLUTION: There is provided a system for ascending and descending the boom hydraulically. The system is equipped with the boom 20 coupled to a boom support rotatably around a rotary central axis, a hydraulic circuit 12 joined to the boom and boom support to allow the boom to controllably ascend and descend relatively to the boom support, and at least one assistant cylinder 18 equipped with a second end fitted to the boom support rotatably around the rotary central axis and a substantially hollow inside with a compressible medium therein. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to energy saving of a hydraulic system, and more particularly to energy saving by energy recovery of a hydraulic system in an excavating machine or the like.

  Generally, when a boom is raised through a cylinder by a hydraulic system in an excavating machine or the like, the energy stored in the cylinder is actively recovered when the boom is lowered, and this is utilized when the boom is raised next Has not been used in the past.

  The present invention recovers the energy stored in the cylinder by storing it in a tank through a compressible gas when the boom is lowered, and then applies the gas pressure to the support cylinder when the boom is raised. In particular, the present invention relates to a mechanism that converts the energy into kinetic energy and assists in raising the boom.

  While the disclosure herein is detailed and precise in order to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the various versions disclosed herein are merely illustrative of the invention, The present invention may be embodied in other specific structures. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims appended hereto.

  A system 10 is provided in the version of the present invention, in which a hydraulic circuit 12 having a hydraulic cylinder 14 coupled between two structural members 16 comprises a hydraulic circuit 12. Used to move one of the structural members relative to the other, and the one structural member is moved from a relatively large potential energy position to a lower or zero potential energy position. When used, an assist cylinder 18 is additionally used to capture potential energy. The captured potential energy is then converted to kinetic energy, which passes through a support cylinder that assists the hydraulic circuit in returning toward the larger potential energy position of the one structural member. Used to generate an enforced force.

  One background example of the use of the system is pivotally coupled to a support 22 pivotally, but for raising and lowering around the pivot point 24. As shown in FIG. When in the raised position, the boom 20 has greater potential energy than when in the lowered position. When moved from the raised position to the lowered position by the hydraulic circuit 12, the normally lost potential energy difference is captured by the support cylinder 18 of the system 10, and the hydraulic circuit raises the boom again. When controlled to be converted to kinetic energy. The support cylinder is configured to direct a force assisting the kinetic energy, the force lifts the boom toward a raised position, thus speeding up the boom 20; It does both to allow smaller and less expensive parts to be used.

  The scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims is that any use of a hydraulic circuit to move one member relative to the other from a position of higher potential energy to the position of lower potential energy In combination with the use of a support cylinder that captures energy and converts it into kinetic energy that assists in the additional movement of the member, resulting in less additional energy used in the hydraulic circuit. The system having the boom 20 pivotally connected to the boom support 22 pivotally is merely for illustration purposes. Examples of such systems include excavators, backhoes, and cranes. The side of the excavating machine that uses the system is generally illustrated in the figure.

  As shown in the figure, a system 10 for hydraulically raising and lowering a boom 20 pivotally connected at one end to a boom support 22 at a pivot axis is hydraulically coupled to the boom and boom support. A pressure circuit 12 and a support cylinder 18 coupled between the boom 20 and the boom support 22. The hydraulic circuit 12 is configured to controllably raise and lower the boom 20 relative to the boom support 22. The support cylinder 18 has first and second ends 26, 28 that are pivotally attached to the boom 20 and the boom support 22, respectively, about a pivot axis. In one version, the support cylinder 18 includes a hollow interior 30 that includes a compressible medium 32. In other versions, the compressible medium 32 includes any suitable compressible gas, such as nitrogen, and air and oxygen containing gases are preferred due to their explosive possibilities. Less preferred.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in one version, the support cylinder 18 has a piston 34 that is movable within the interior 30 and can be sealed near the periphery 36 of the piston therein. is set up. In other versions, the support cylinder 18 further includes a rod 38 attached to one side 40 of the piston 34 that extends from the interior 30 generally at its exit end 42. . The distal end 44 of the rod 38 has a first end 26 of the support cylinder 18. Still other versions of the interior 30 have a closed end 46 generally opposite the exit end 42. In still other versions, the second end 28 of the support cylinder 18 is external to the closed end 46. In still other versions, the support cylinder 18 has a typical rod-and-piston cylinder structure.

  In one version, the interior 30 and piston 34 define a dynamic chamber 48 between the closed end 46 and the piston 34. The dynamic chamber 48 sealably includes a compressible medium 32 that is compressed in the dynamic chamber when the rod 38 is retracted into the interior 30. This moves the piston 34 toward the closed end 46. In other versions, the rod 38 has a chamber 50 therein, which chamber passes through one or more vents 52 in the piston medial portion 54. And fluid communication. In such an embodiment, the space 56 thus defined by the dynamic chamber 48 and the chamber 50 contains the compressible medium 32 in a sealable manner, the medium being retracted by the rod 38 and the piston 34 being When moved closer to the closed end 46, it is similarly compressed within its defined space.

  When the hydraulic circuit 12 is used to lower the boom 20 from the raised position, the rod 38 is caused to retract, which causes the rod to retract into the boom 20 to the first end. This is because at 26 the rotation is coupled to the pivot axis. The retraction reduces the volume of the dynamic chamber 48 and correspondingly increases the pressure therein (or alternatively within the defined space 56 of the embodiment having the chamber 50 within the rod 38). Let The increased pressure thereby generates a corresponding potential energy in the support cylinder 18, which energy holds the boom in a position where the hydraulic circuit 12 is lowering the boom 20 and / or lowered. Is held through for a while.

  When the hydraulic cylinder 14 is used to controllably raise the boom 20, whether it is a slight rise or a full rise, the pressure formed in the interior 30 extends the rod 38 from the interior 30. The force to be allowed to be relieved by expanding against the piston 34, the extension of which corresponds to a generally upward force on the boom 20 at the first end 26 of the support cylinder 18. Apply. See FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in one version, the hydraulic circuit 12 has at least one hydraulic cylinder 14, each cylinder being pivotally attached to the boom 20 in a pivotal axis. 58 and the boom support 22 have a lower end 60 which is mounted for rotation about a pivot axis. The hydraulic cylinder 14 moves the piston 70 in one direction or the other, thereby causing the rod 72 attached to it to extend or retract, with the rod 72 attached correspondingly. One or more hydraulic fluid pumps 64 and hydraulic lines 66 are provided to charge and relieve one or more cylinder chambers 68 to move a member 16 such as a boom 20 that is in motion. By moving one member 16 relative to another using the hydraulic principle, as in a single-action and double-action hydraulic cylinder connected to a hydraulic fluid reservoir 62 via It is generally known in the art for use.

  For purposes of illustration, in one version, the hydraulic cylinder 14 has a chamber 68, a piston 70 movably mounted within the chamber 68, and a rod 72 attached to one side 74 of the piston 70. . The rod 72 extends from the outlet end 76 of the chamber 68 in a sealable manner and has a distal end 78 coupled to a member such as the boom 20. The cylinder 14 also has a closed end 80 of the chamber 68 generally opposite the outlet end 76. The lower end 60 is external to the closed end 80. In one version, the chamber 68 further includes first and second dynamic interior portions 82, 84 having a volume that is variable depending on the position of the piston 70 within the chamber 68. . The first dynamic internal portion 82 is disposed between the piston 70 and the closed end 80, and the second dynamic internal portion 84 is disposed between the piston 70 and the outlet end 76. The dynamic inner portions 82 and 84 each have a volume of hydraulic fluid 86 and are in fluid communication with the hydraulic circuit 12.

  In the dual acting hydraulic cylinder 14, each of the first and second dynamic inner portions 82, 84 is connected to a hydraulic fluid reservoir 62 by a hydraulic line 66. In one embodiment, the reservoir 62 is in fluid communication with at least one hydraulic pump 64 that passes from the reservoir 62 through a hydraulic line 66 that connects the pump 64 to the dynamic internal portion. The hydraulic fluid 86 is configured to be selectively supplied to the first 82 or second 84 dynamic internal portions. Fluid 86 is selectively supplied to the first dynamic interior portion 82 to move the piston 70 toward the outlet end 76 and extend the rod 72 from the chamber 68. The opposite occurs to retract the rod 72 and fluid 86 is supplied to the second dynamic interior portion 84. In one version, an additional hydraulic line is connected to connect the dynamic internal portions 82, 84 directly to the hydraulic fluid reservoir 62 to direct fluid from the dynamic internal portions not supplied with the fluid from the pump 64. 66 is provided. This is more than compression of the fluid, where the dynamic internal portion that decreases in volume will require more force and energy to supply fluid to another dynamic internal portion that is increasing in volume. Rather, it facilitates the movement of piston 70 to discharge fluid 86.

  A version of the support cylinder 18 includes an auxiliary expansion tank that includes a compressible medium 32 to control the pressure in the interior 30 when the boom 20 is in any given position. 88 is further included. For example, when the excavator is at rest, the boom 20 may be in a neutral position such that pressure remains in the dynamic chamber 48 and / or the defined space 56. . This pressure will cause an undesired force to be applied to the boom 20 while the excavator is at rest. Thus, means are provided for releasing the pressure and then recharging the interior 30 in connection with the version of the expansion tank 88 described herein.

  In one version, a charge line 90 and a pressure relief line 92 fluidly connect the expansion tank 88 to the interior 30. The charging line 90 is configured to load the compressible medium 32 into the interior 30 through a first port 94 disposed near the closed end 66. The interior 30 may now be charged to the minimum pressure desired for the position of the piston 34. To do so, in one version, a pump 96 is provided on the charging line 90 between the tank 88 and the first port 94. The pump 96 is configured to control the compressible medium 32 from the tank 88 to the interior 30 in a controllable manner until the desired pressure is achieved. In other versions, a check valve 98 is provided on the charging line 90 between the pump 96 and the first port 94 to allow compressible media fluid to flow through the charging line only in the direction of the first port. Is done.

  The pressure relief line 92 allows compressible media 32 from the interior 30 to the tank 88 when the interior pressure exceeds a certain threshold pressure or when an operator (not shown) desires. Configured to be removed back. In one version, the pressure relief line 92 fluidly connects the tank 88 to the interior 30 through a second port 100 disposed near the closed end 46. In other versions, a relief valve 102 is provided on the pressure relief line 92 between the tank 88 and the second port 100. The safety valve 102 opens and compressible media either when the interior 30 reaches the threshold pressure or is controlled and / or manually triggered by an operator 32 may be configured to exit from the second port 100. See FIG.

  In one version of the support cylinder 18, the interior 30 has an inner diameter of between about 5 inches and about 11.5 inches. In other versions, the inner diameter is about 10 inches. In still other versions, the inner diameter is about 6.5 inches.

  In one version of the rod 38 of the support cylinder 18 having a chamber 50 therein, the chamber has an inner diameter of between about 2 inches and about 6 inches. In other versions, the inner diameter of the chamber is about 4.5 inches.

  The stroke of the support cylinder 18 should be configured to be compatible with the stroke of the hydraulic cylinder 14 of the hydraulic circuit 12. In one version, the stroke of the support cylinder 18 from full retraction to full extension is never realized because the stroke of the hydraulic cylinder 18 during operation This is because it is fully extended or retracted before full retraction and full extension of the cylinder. In other versions, the stroke of the support cylinder is between about 35 inches and about 70 inches. In yet another embodiment, the stroke of the support cylinder is about 49 inches.

  In one version, the first and second ends 26, 28 of the support cylinder 18 and / or the upper and lower ends 58, 60 of the hydraulic cylinder 14 of the hydraulic circuit 12 are connected to the ends of the boom. 20 and boom support 22 have eyes 104 that are pivotally mounted on a pivot axis. In other versions, each eye 104 has a bearing 106. In yet other versions, each bearing 106 receives a pin 108 from the boom 20 or boom support 22 having a diameter between about 2 inches and about 6 inches. It is configured as follows.

  The amount of pressure formed in the interior 30 as a result of the retracting of the support rod 38 caused by the lowering of the boom 20 by the hydraulic circuit 12 is the rise of the boom and the hydraulic pressure resulting from the raising. It should be sufficient to support the requiring less expense of additional energy. In one embodiment, the maximum amount of potential energy generated in the support cylinder 18 is about 88,960 N (about 20,000 pounds) force and about 311,360 N (about 70,000 pounds). Can be converted into kinetic energy used to apply a force to the boom 20 through the support cylinder.

  In yet another version 110 of the present invention, the boom support mechanism 114 includes a hydraulic cylinder 140 disposed between the excavator boom and the frame and an accumulator 142 for the support cylinder 140. A cylinder 140 is coupled between the boom 112 and the main body of the boom support structure and is arranged to operate in cooperation with a primary boom lift cylinder 14 that raises and lowers the boom.

  A moving wall 144, such as the piston shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, is disposed within the accumulator 142 and separates the interior of the accumulator into first and second chambers 146 and 148, respectively. The chamber changes in length, and thus in volume, as the position of the moving wall 144 changes.

  A hydraulic line 150 is disposed between the cylinder 140 and the chamber 146 of the accumulator 142 to place the chamber 146 and the cylinder 140 in fluid communication. A hydraulic line 152 is connected between line 150 and a hydraulic fluid storage tank 154, which is often the other hydraulically operated device used with the boom 20. It can be the current hydraulic fluid reservoir that supplies hydraulic fluid to the tank. Thus, the boom support mechanism is an add-on device and works with current hydraulic circuits. Line 152 should be connected to storage tank 154 below the minimum operating fluid level of the reservoir so that an uninterrupted fluid supply is available for support cylinder 140 and accumulator 142. . Line 152 has a check valve 156 that allows fluid flow from the tank to line 150 if the differential pressure between its upstream and downstream pressures is large enough to open the check valve. A return line 158 having a relief valve 160 is disposed therein and extends between positions on opposite sides of the check valve 156, if the line 150 is overcharged. This is because the check valve 156 for the return flow to the tank 154 is passed. A suitable hydraulic gauge 162 may be connected to line 150 by hydraulic line 164 so that the hydraulic pressure of line 150 and cylinder 140 can be monitored. Hydraulic fluid flows through line 150 between cylinder 140 and chamber 146. Chamber 148 has a medium that is compressed as hydraulic fluid in chamber 146 moves piston 144 to the right as shown in FIGS. A suitable medium for use in chamber 148 is dry nitrogen or another non-explosive gas as described above. A pressure gauge 166 may be connected to the chamber 148 of the accumulator 142 by a pressure line 168 to monitor the gas pressure in the accumulator. A hydraulic line 170 connects line 150 to the current hydraulic line between pump 123 and hoist valve and has a shutoff valve 172.

  For use and operation of the boom support mechanism of the present invention, the support cylinders 18, 140 are attached to the machine between the machine's boom and frame. The exact position, diameter, and stroke of the support cylinders 18, 140 cooperate with the pressure and capacity of the accumulator 142 to maintain proper and consistent support in the lifting of the boom. Must be chosen as such. Accordingly, the size, position and stroke of both the cylinder 140 and accumulator 142 will vary with the application of the present invention. In addition, the placement of the support cylinder 140 must be selected to work cooperatively with the primary boom lift cylinder 14. It is advantageous in some applications to provide a plurality of boom assist cylinders 18, 140 and accumulators 142 for more efficient operation of the assist mechanism of the present invention. The hydraulic line 152 is connected to the tank 154 under the minimum fluid operating level of the tank, and hydraulic fluid is applied from the tank 154 to the hydraulic line 150 in the cylinder 140, chamber 146, primarily from the pump 123 through line 170. . The chamber 148 is pre-charged with the appropriate amount of gas so that when the boom is moved for any position of the boom 20 below its maximum rise, the gas in the chamber 148 will enter the boom. Apply a supplemental lifting force. For safety purposes, it is desirable to release the pressure from the mechanism when the mechanism is not in use, and a shutoff valve is provided. When the shutoff valve 72 is opened, the pressure in the cylinder 140, line 150 and chamber 146 is released through the line 170 to the tank 154. As piston 144 moves to the left as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 under pressure from the gas, the pressure in chamber 148 decreases to the pre-charge pressure.

  When the boom is to be used, shutoff valve 172 is opened and the pressure in line 150 is quickly restored by the machine's hydraulic system when the boom begins to operate. When the boom is raised for the first time, the boom 20 is raised primarily by the hydraulic system of the machine. When the boom 20 is raised, the shaft of the cylinder 140 extends outwardly from the cylinder 140, however, the pressure at which the chamber 148 is charged holds the piston 144 in position, so that the chamber 146 is relatively small. The chamber 148 is relatively large. Valve 172 is placed open and pump 23 operates until the hydraulic pressure in line 150 is substantially the same as the precharged pressure in chamber 148. Valve 172 is then closed. When the boom is lowered as shown in FIG. 8, the shaft of the assist cylinder 140 is moved into the cylinder and hydraulic fluid flows from the cylinder to the chamber 146 of the accumulator 142. The piston 144 is moved toward the gas storage chamber 148, thereby reducing the size of the chamber 148 and further compressing the gas therein.

  The pressure of the support system is not sufficient to raise the boom alone, however, the lift acting on the boom 20 through the cylinder 140 by the pressurized gas causes the main lift cylinder to raise the boom 20. The operating force required from 140 is reduced. As the main boom cylinder 140 operates to raise the boom 20, the compressed gas assists the main cylinder 140 by raising the boom 20. The compressed gas in chamber 148 forces piston 144 to the left as shown in FIG. 8, which has the effect of forcing boom 20 upward through the operation of assist cylinder 140. Thus, most of the energy required to raise the boom 20 is supplied by the pressurized gas, and the pressurization of the gas causes the compressed gas to flow before the spent kinetic energy when the boom 20 is lowered. By further compressing with waste, no additional energy expenditure is required. The lowering of the boom 20 moves the piston 144, thereby compressing the gas, which then exits the main cylinder 14 when the boom is raised again.

  The potential energy in the raised mass is converted to kinetic energy when the boom 20 is lowered, but is specifically recaptured by this mechanism as potential energy stored in the compressed gas of the support cylinder 140. The total energy required to raise the boom 20 remains the same with or without the mechanism. However, when the boom assist mechanism is used, a portion of the total energy required to raise the boom is supplied by the compressed gas in the assist cylinder 140. Thus, the energy brought into the system during the previous lift cycle is used to further compress the gas when the boom 20 is lowered. Thus, a portion of the total energy required to raise the boom in the next cycle portion is supplied by the previous lift cycle that is taken into the support cylinder 140 by the compressed gas. As a result, the mechanism reduces the counteracting pressure acting on the main hydraulic cylinder 140 by the loaded boom 20, which is the kinetic energy that the gas spends when the boom 20 is lowered. It is because it is compressed by.

  If the boom 20 is raised while the valve 172 is closed after hydraulic pressure has been relieved, the check valve 156 opens and make-up fluid flows from the tank 154. Will. If line 150, cylinder 140 and chamber 146 are over pressurized, safety valve 156 will open to release some fluid into the tank. Accordingly, lines 152 and 158 and valves 156 and 160 are provided for safety purposes.

  As a result of the assistance provided to the various components of the mechanism of the present invention, such as the engine that operates the pump, the main hydraulic cylinder 14 is operated less than maximum power, resulting in substantial cost savings and fuel consumption savings. It may be provided in a smaller capacity that results in The assistance provided by the present boom assist mechanism raises the boom 20 faster, thus reducing the time required for each cycle of boom operation and increasing the productivity of the boom.

  While several embodiments have been disclosed herein, the embodiments and modifications shown and described are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. It should be understood that this does not depart from the scope and spirit of the invention and the claims appended hereto.

2 is a partial side view of a version of a system having a hydraulic circuit assisted by a support cylinder coupled between two structural members. FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial side view of a version of the support cylinder of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another version of the support cylinder of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a version of a hydraulic circuit that may be used by the system. FIG. 2 is a diagram of a version of a support cylinder having an auxiliary expansion tank and a circuit coupling the support cylinder to the tank. 1 is a side view of a version of a system used by a drilling machine. FIG. 6 is a partial side view of yet another version of the hydraulic circuit of the present invention showing the boom in the raised position. FIG. 8 is a partial side view of the version of FIG. 7 showing the boom in the lowered position.

Explanation of symbols

10 system
12 Hydraulic circuit
14 Hydraulic cylinder
16 Structural members
18 Support cylinder
20 boom
22 Support
24 Swivel heart
26 First end
28 Second end
30 inside
32 Medium
34 piston
36 Around the piston
38 rods
40 One side of the piston
42 Exit end
44 Distal end of rod
46 Closed end
48 Dynamic room
50 rooms
52 Vent
54 Middle part of piston
56 Specified space
58 Upper edge
60 Lower edge
62 Hydraulic fluid reservoir
64 Hydraulic fluid pump
66 Hydraulic line
68 cylinder chamber
70 piston
72 rods
74 One side of the piston
76 Exit end
78 Distal end
80 Closed end
82 First dynamic internal part
84 Second dynamic internal part
86 Hydraulic fluid
88 Auxiliary expansion tank
90 charging line
92 Pressure release line
94 1st port
96 pump
98 Check valve
100 Second port
102 Safety valve
104 Eye
106 Bearing
108 pins
110 one version
112 boom
123 pump
140 Hydraulic cylinder or support cylinder
142 Accumulator for support cylinder
144 Moving wall
146 Room 1
148 Room 2
150, 152 Hydraulic line
154 Hydraulic fluid storage tank
156 Check valve
158 Return line
160 Safety valve
162 Hydraulic gauge
164 Hydraulic line
166 Pressure gauge
168 pressure line
170 Hydraulic line
172 Shutoff valve

Claims (29)

  A system for hydraulically raising and lowering a boom, the system being coupled to a boom support rotationally on a pivot axis, coupled to the boom and the boom support, and A hydraulic circuit configured to controllably raise and lower relative to the boom support; and a first end pivotally attached to the boom at a pivot axis; the boom support at the pivot axis The system comprising: a second end rotatably mounted, and at least one assisting cylinder with a substantially hollow interior having a compressible medium therein.   The hydraulic circuit comprises at least one hydraulic cylinder, each cylinder being rotatably attached to the boom at a pivot axis and a boom support to the boom support. The system of claim 1 having a lower end.   Each hydraulic cylinder has a chamber, a piston movably installed in the chamber, and a rod attached to one side of the piston, the rod from the outlet end of the chamber Extending in a sealable manner and having a distal end having said upper end, said chamber having a closed end generally opposite said outlet end, said lower end being said closed end The first dynamic internal portion of the chamber is disposed between the closed end and the piston, and the second dynamic internal portion is between the one side and the outlet end. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein each of the first and second dynamic interior portions includes hydraulic fluid and is in fluid communication with the hydraulic circuit.   The system of claim 1, wherein the compressible medium is a gas.   The system of claim 4, wherein the gas is selected from the group of gases consisting of nitrogen, other non-explosive gases, and combinations thereof.   The system of claim 4, wherein the gas is nitrogen.   The support cylinder further comprises a movable piston sealably installed near its periphery within the interior and a rod attached to one side of the piston and extending from the interior at its outlet end; The system of claim 1, wherein the rod has a distal end including the first end, and the interior further has a closed end generally opposite the exit end. .   8. The system of claim 7, wherein the interior and the piston define a dynamic chamber disposed between the closed end and the piston.   9. The system of claim 8, wherein the rod has a chamber therein, the chamber being in fluid communication with the dynamic chamber through at least one intermediate vent in the piston. .   The compressible medium is compressed in a space defined by the chamber and the dynamic chamber in fluid communication with each other when the hydraulic circuit is used to lower the boom; The compressible medium is at a pressure that generates potential energy in the support cylinder, and the potential energy is applied on the piston to apply a generally upward force on the boom at the first end. When the pressure applied in the space is converted into kinetic energy that causes the rod to extend from the interior, it is then compressed to the pressure sufficient to assist the hydraulic circuit to raise the boom. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein:   The compressible medium is compressed in the dynamic chamber when the hydraulic circuit is used to lower the boom, and the compressible medium is at a pressure that generates potential energy in the support cylinder. And the potential energy extends from the interior to the rod by the pressure applied in the dynamic chamber on the piston to apply a generally upward force on the boom at the first end. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein when converted to kinetic energy, the system is compressed to the pressure sufficient to assist the hydraulic circuit to then raise the boom.   The system of claim 7, wherein the interior has an inner diameter of between about 5 inches and about 11.5 inches.   13. The system of claim 12, wherein the inner diameter is about 10 inches.   13. The system of claim 12, wherein the inner diameter is about 6.5 inches.   The system of claim 9, wherein the chamber has an inner diameter between about 2 inches and about 6 inches.   The system of claim 15, wherein the inner diameter is about 4.5 inches.   The system of claim 1, wherein the support cylinder has a stroke distance of between about 35 inches and about 70 inches.   The system of claim 17, wherein the stroke distance is about 49 inches.   The potential energy generated is converted to apply a force having a magnitude between about 88,960 N (about 20,000 pounds) and about 311,360 N (about 70,000 pounds). 12. The system of claim 10 or claim 11.   8. The system of claim 7, further comprising an expansion tank fluidly connected to the interior, wherein the expansion tank contains an additional amount of the compressible medium.   The charging line further includes a charging line and a pressure releasing line, the charging line fluidly connecting the tank to the interior at a first port near the closed end, and the charging line. Is configured to charge the interior of the compressible medium from the tank to achieve a desired minimum pressure relative to the position of the piston therein, the pressure relief line being at the closed end The tank is fluidly connected to the interior at a second port near the interior and the pressure relief line is connected to the tank from the interior through the second port when the internal actual pressure exceeds a threshold pressure. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the system is configured to remove the compressible medium.   A pump is further provided on the charging line between the tank and the first port, the pump being configured to carry the compressible medium from the tank to the interior. Item 21. The system according to Item 21.   23. The system of claim 22, further comprising a check valve on the charging line configured to allow fluid flow through the charging line only in the direction of the first port.   In addition, a safety valve is provided on the pressure relief line, the safety valve being opened to allow the compressible medium to exit the second port when the interior reaches the threshold pressure. The system of claim 21, wherein the system is configured as follows.   Each hydraulic cylinder has a dual working hydraulic cylinder, the hydraulic circuit includes a hydraulic fluid reservoir in fluid communication with at least one hydraulic pump, the hydraulic pump comprising: Hydraulic fluid is selectively supplied to either the first dynamic internal portion or the second dynamic internal portion through a hydraulic line connecting the pump to the first and second dynamic internal portions. The first and second dynamic internal portions are configured to direct the hydraulic fluid from one of the first and second dynamic internal portions that are not supplied with hydraulic fluid by the hydraulic pump. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein an additional hydraulic line is provided for connection to the reservoir.   The hydraulic circuit comprises at least one hydraulic cylinder, each hydraulic cylinder being pivotally attached to the boom at a pivot axis and pivotally pivoted to the boom support. The hydraulic cylinder further has a chamber, a piston movably installed in the chamber, and a rod attached to one side of the piston. The rod extends from the outlet end of the chamber and has a distal end including the upper end; the chamber has a closed end generally opposite the outlet end; and the lower end Is external to the closed end, and at least a first dynamic internal portion of the chamber is disposed between the closed end and the piston, the first dynamic internal portion being a hydraulic fluid And in fluid communication with the hydraulic circuit The support cylinder further comprises a movable support piston sealably installed within the interior, and a support rod attached to one side of the support piston and extending from the interior at the support cylinder outlet end. The support rod has a distal end including the first end, and the interior further includes a closed end of the support cylinder generally opposite the support cylinder exit end. The interior and the support piston define a dynamic chamber disposed between a closed end of the support cylinder and the support piston, and the compressible medium has the hydraulic circuit connected to the boom When used to retract the rod into the chamber to lower the chamber, it is compressed into the dynamic chamber, and the support rod is simultaneously retracted into the interior to compress the compressible medium. Compression increases the actual pressure in the dynamic chamber and generates potential energy therein, and the support cylinder uses the potential energy when the hydraulic circuit is used to extend the rod from the chamber. Configured to convert kinetic energy to assist in the next lift of the boom, wherein the hydraulic circuit extends the support rod to apply a generally upward force to the boom at the first end. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein less energy is expended as a result of the kinetic energy used in the support cylinder.   The system of claim 2, wherein the first and second ends and the upper and lower ends comprise eyes.   28. The system of claim 27, wherein each eye has a bearing.   29. The system of claim 28, wherein each of the bearings is configured to receive a pin having a diameter between about 2 inches and about 6 inches.

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