Patents by Inventor Bo Vigholm

Bo Vigholm has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11846086
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a working machine, the system comprising: an electric machine connected to a first hydraulic machine and to a second hydraulic machine via a common axle, an output side of the second hydraulic machine being connected to an input side of the first hydraulic machine, wherein the first hydraulic machine is a variable displacement hydraulic machine with unidirectional flow; at least one hydraulic consumer hydraulically coupled to an output side of the first hydraulic machine via a supply line and configured to be powered by the first hydraulic machine; a first return line hydraulically coupling the hydraulic consumer to the input side of the first hydraulic machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
    Inventors: Bo Vigholm, Johan Hallman
  • Patent number: 11635095
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a working machine includes a first electric machine connected to a first hydraulic machine; a second electric machine connected to a second hydraulic machine, an output side of the second hydraulic machine being connected to an input side of the first hydraulic machine; at least one hydraulic consumer hydraulically coupled to an output side of the first hydraulic machine via a supply line and configured to be powered by the first hydraulic machine; and a valve arrangement arranged between the hydraulic consumer and the first and second hydraulic machines, wherein the valve arrangement is configured to control a return flow of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic consumer to either the input side of the first hydraulic machine or an input side of the second hydraulic machine based on a requested output pressure from the first hydraulic machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Bo Vigholm, Johan Hallman, Patrik Stener
  • Publication number: 20230011283
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a working machine, the system comprising: an electric machine connected to a first hydraulic machine and to a second hydraulic machine via a common axle, an output side of the second hydraulic machine being connected to an input side of the first hydraulic machine, wherein the first hydraulic machine is a variable displacement hydraulic machine with unidirectional flow; at least one hydraulic consumer hydraulically coupled to an output side of the first hydraulic machine via a supply line and configured to be powered by the first hydraulic machine; a first return line hydraulically coupling the hydraulic consumer to the input side of the first hydraulic machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: Bo VIGHOLM, Johan HALLMAN
  • Patent number: 11459732
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a first electric machine connected to a first hydraulic machine and a second electric machine connected to a second hydraulic machine. An output side of the second hydraulic machine is connected to an input side of the first hydraulic machine. A hydraulic consumer is hydraulically coupled to an output side of the first hydraulic machine via a supply line and is powered by the first hydraulic machine. A return line hydraulically couples the hydraulic consumer to an input side of the first hydraulic machine. The second hydraulic machine provides a flow of hydraulic fluid to the input side of the first hydraulic machine if a requested flow from the first hydraulic machine exceeds a flow of the return line and recuperates energy if the requested flow from the first hydraulic machine is lower than the flow of the return line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Bo Vigholm, Johan Hallman
  • Patent number: 11396735
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling brake forces of a working machine, the working machine including a frame and two front wheels and two rear wheels mounted to the frame, the working machine further including a front wheel brake arranged to brake at least one of the front wheels, and a rear wheel brake arranged to brake at least one of the rear wheels, the front wheel brake being controllable independently of the rear wheel brake, and vice versa, the working machine further including an implement connected to the frame so as to be movable in relation to the frame. The method includes determining a position of the implement in relation to the frame, and distributing the brake forces between the front and rear wheel brakes at least partly based on the determined implement position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Bo Vigholm, Andreas Ekvall, Erik Carldén, Kausihan Selvam, Benny Truong
  • Publication number: 20220196039
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a working machine includes a first electric machine connected to a first hydraulic machine; a second electric machine connected to a second hydraulic machine, an output side of the second hydraulic machine being connected to an input side of the first hydraulic machine; at least one hydraulic consumer hydraulically coupled to an output side of the first hydraulic machine via a supply line and configured to be powered by the first hydraulic machine; and a valve arrangement arranged between the hydraulic consumer and the first and second hydraulic machines, wherein the valve arrangement is configured to control a return flow of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic consumer to either the input side of the first hydraulic machine or an input side of the second hydraulic machine based on a requested output pressure from the first hydraulic machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventors: Bo Vigholm, Johan Hallman, Patrik Stener
  • Publication number: 20220106766
    Abstract: A control unit for a hydraulic system includes a hydraulic actuator including an actuator chamber the hydraulic actuator including a first actuator portion and a second actuator portion wherein the first actuator portion can move relative to the second actuator portion, the actuator chamber being in fluid communication with a flow rale control arrangement adapted to control a rate of flow from the actuator chamber. The control unit is adapted to receive a load signal indicative of the magnitude of the load applied to the hydraulic actuator, receive a requested speed signal indicative of a desired relative movement speed between the first actuator portion and the second actuator portion in a direction that reduces the chamber volume, and based on the load signal and the requested speed signal, issue a control signal to the flow rate control arrangement indicative of a desired flow rate from the actuator chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Inventors: Johan Lillemets, Bo Vigholm
  • Publication number: 20210381200
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a first electric machine connected to a first hydraulic machine and a second electric machine connected to a second hydraulic machine. An output side of the second hydraulic machine is connected to an input side of the first hydraulic machine. A hydraulic consumer is hydraulically coupled to an output side of the first hydraulic machine via a supply line and is powered by the first hydraulic machine. A return line hydraulically couples the hydraulic consumer to an input side of the first hydraulic machine. The second hydraulic machine provides a flow of hydraulic fluid to the input side of the first hydraulic machine if a requested flow from the first hydraulic machine exceeds a flow of the return line and recuperates energy if the requested flow from the first hydraulic machine is lower than the flow of the return line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Inventors: Bo Vigholm, Johan Hallman
  • Publication number: 20210372087
    Abstract: Method for controlling a hydraulic system for a working machine, the system including a first electric machine connected to a first hydraulic machine the first hydraulic machine including an input side and an output side a second electric machine connected to a second hydraulic machine the second hydraulic machine including a high-pressure side and a low-pressure side the high-pressure side connected to the input side; a hydraulic consumer coupled to the output side via a supply line and configured to be powered by the first hydraulic machine; a first return line hydraulically coupling the hydraulic consumer to the input side and to the high-pressure side; wherein the method includes detecting a return flow from the hydraulic consumer through the first return line; and controlling the second hydraulic machine to maintain a pressure in the first return line at a pressure level higher than a predetermined minimum pressure level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Bo Vigholm, Johan Hallman
  • Patent number: 11060262
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive system for a working machine, the drive system including: a gearbox; an internal combustion engine having an engine output shaft; a power takeoff coupled to the engine output shaft; a torque converter having an input shaft operatively coupled to the engine and an output shaft operatively coupled to the gearbox; a hydraulic cooling fan; a hydraulic fan pump coupled to the power takeoff and connected to the hydraulic fan via a first hydraulic valve. The drive system further includes: a hydraulic motor coupled to the gearbox and configured to provide power to the gearbox for vehicle propulsion, wherein the hydraulic motor is coupled to the hydraulic fan pump via a second hydraulic valve and arranged to receive power from the hydraulic fan pump. The invention further relates a method for controlling the described drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Bo Vigholm, Karl Uebel
  • Publication number: 20200354927
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive system for a working machine, the drive system including: a gearbox; an internal combustion engine having an engine output shaft; a power takeoff coupled to the engine output shaft; a torque converter having an input shaft operatively coupled to the engine and an output shaft operatively coupled to the gearbox; a hydraulic cooling fan; a hydraulic fan pump coupled to the power takeoff and connected to the hydraulic fan via a first hydraulic valve. The drive system further includes: a hydraulic motor coupled to the gearbox and configured to provide power to the gearbox for vehicle propulsion, wherein the hydraulic motor is coupled to the hydraulic fan pump via a second hydraulic valve and arranged to receive power from the hydraulic fan pump. The invention further relates a method for controlling the described drive system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2017
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Bo Vigholm, Karl Uebel
  • Patent number: 10578136
    Abstract: A hydraulic fluid tank arrangement for a working machine is provided, the arrangement including a hydraulic fluid tank; an inlet portion for receiving hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic fluid tank; and an oil filter arranged in fluid communication with the inlet portion; wherein the hydraulic fluid tank arrangement further includes a gas removal device arranged in fluid communication with the oil filter downstream the inlet portion and upstream the oil filter for removing gas from the hydraulic fluid before the hydraulic fluid reaches the oil filter. A method for removing gas from hydraulic fluid contained in a hydraulic fluid tank arrangement is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
    Inventor: Bo Vigholm
  • Patent number: 10550868
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a working machine is a load sensing system and includes a hydraulic actuator for movement of an implement and a control valve having an inlet valve and an outlet valve for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid from a pump to the hydraulic actuator and for draining hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic actuator, respectively. The hydraulic system also includes an arrangement for determining the load on the hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic system further includes a valve for disconnecting the flow of hydraulic fluid from the pump to the hydraulic actuator, while allowing another flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator, provided that the determined load on the hydraulic actuator exceeds a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
    Inventor: Bo Vigholm
  • Patent number: 10377223
    Abstract: A working machine that includes an internal combustion engine, a generator, an energy storage and an electric motor for driving one or more wheels of the working machine is provided. The internal combustion engine is arranged to drive the generator and the generator is arranged to supply power to the electric motor via the energy storage. The working machine further includes an accelerator for controlling the electric motor, and a hydraulic pump for driving a hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic pump has a drive source different from the electric motor and the accelerator is arranged for controlling the speed of the hydraulic pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Bo Vigholm, Andreas Ekvall
  • Patent number: 10378184
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a working machine is a load sensing (LS) system and includes a first hydraulic actuator and a first control valve for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid from a pump to the first hydraulic actuator and for draining hydraulic fluid from the first hydraulic actuator, respectively, and a second hydraulic actuator and a second control valve for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid from the pump to the second hydraulic actuator and for draining hydraulic fluid from the second hydraulic actuator, respectively. The hydraulic system further includes a first hydraulic circuit for providing an LS pressure for the first actuator and a second hydraulic circuit for providing an LS pressure for the second actuator. At least one of the first and second hydraulic circuits includes an offset valve for changing the LS pressure before providing the LS pressure to the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventor: Bo Vigholm
  • Publication number: 20190211529
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling brake forces of a working machine, the working machine including a frame and two front wheels and two rear wheels mounted to the frame, the working machine further including a front wheel brake arranged to brake at least one of the front wheels, and a rear wheel brake arranged to brake at least one of the rear wheels, the front wheel brake being controllable independently of the rear wheel brake, and vice versa, the working machine further including an implement connected to the frame so as to be movable in relation to the frame. The method includes determining a position of the implement in relation to the frame, and distributing the brake forces between the front and rear wheel brakes at least partly based on the determined implement position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Bo VIGHOLM, Andreas EKVALL, Erik CARLDÉN, Kausihan SELVAM, Benny TRUONG
  • Patent number: 10280948
    Abstract: A hydraulic system is provided for a working machine that includes a hydraulic cylinder for raising and lowering an implement. The hydraulic system includes a sensor for measuring a pressure in the hydraulic cylinder; and a control unit for controlling the movement of the hydraulic cylinder; wherein the control unit is configured to compare a pressure value measured by the sensor with a preset target pressure level range and to control the pressure in the hydraulic cylinder to be within the preset target pressure level range by adding or draining hydraulic fluid to/from a pressure side of the hydraulic cylinder for maintaining a substantially constant ground contact force between the implement and the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Bo Vigholm, Andreas Ekvall, Linda Åberg
  • Patent number: 10125798
    Abstract: A method for controlling lowering of an implement of a working machine is provided. The working machine has a hydraulic system including a hydraulic cylinder for moving the implement and a first control valve for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid from the piston side of the hydraulic cylinder, and a recovery unit connected to the control valve for recovering energy by receiving a return flow from the piston side of the hydraulic cylinder. The piston side of the hydraulic cylinder and the control valve are connected to each other, and the piston rod side of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the control valve and to the recovery unit in a point between the control valve and the recovery unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Bo Vigholm, Andreas Ekvall, Kim Heybroek
  • Patent number: 10082159
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a work machine including a first and a second hydraulic actuator, and a first and a second hydraulic machine for providing hydraulic fluid to at least one of the first and the second actuator via a first and a second priority valve, respectively. The first and second priority valves are controlled by a pressure drop ?P over the inlet valve of the first actuator such that when ?P is lower than a first threshold value T1, a flow of hydraulic fluid is allowed only to the first actuator. The second priority valve allows a flow of hydraulic fluid to both the first and second actuator for a pressure drop higher than T1. The first priority valve is further configured to allow a flow of hydraulic fluid to both of the first and second actuator for a pressure drop higher than a second threshold value T2 which is higher than T1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Bo Vigholm, Andreas Ekvall
  • Patent number: 10018207
    Abstract: An arrangement for charging an accumulator with hydraulic fluid is provided. The accumulator is used in a hydraulic boom suspension system for a lift arm of a vehicle and the arrangement includes a first hydraulic pump arranged to supply hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic cylinder system of the lift arm, and a second hydraulic pump arranged to supply hydraulic fluid to a second hydraulic system. The second hydraulic pump is further arranged to supply hydraulic fluid for charging the accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Bo Vigholm, Andreas Ekvall, Kim Heybroek