Independently Actuatable Outputs With Condition Responsive Means Insuring Sufficiency Of Feed Of Motive Fluid Patents (Class 60/422)
  • Patent number: 9551361
    Abstract: A travel control valve includes a valve body and a spool. The valve body includes a first pump port connected on an upstream side from a drive control valve, a first connection port connected on a downstream side from the drive control valve, a second pump port connected to a second pump, and a second connection port connected to a second circuit system. The travel control valve can switch a communication opening between the first pump port and the first connection port to a large opening throttle position in which the communication opening remains smaller than that between the second pump port and the second connection port, and a small opening throttle position in which the communication opening remains smaller than that in the large opening throttle position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: KYB Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 9453503
    Abstract: A method for operating a work attachment of a work machine with a single input is disclosed. In one step of the method, an indication is received that operation of a work circuit in a hydraulic system is to be activated. Upon this indication, the hydraulic system may be placed in a work circuit primary mode in which a pump is placed in fluid communication with the work circuit. The method also includes receiving a lifting lever position and correlating the lifting lever position to a required lifting speed. The method further includes automatically controlling at least two of an engine speed, a pump displacement, and a lifting control valve to satisfy the required lifting speed. Additionally, the operation of the engine speed, pump displacement and lifting control valve may be sequentially staged in pre-defined zones of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy I. Meehan
  • Patent number: 9429175
    Abstract: A hydraulic control valve assembly (10), method and system, characterized by control valves (26) each having a variable metering orifice; a compensator (28) that controls flow of fluid from the variable metering orifice to a work port (A,B) in response to a differential in pressures acting on opposite first and second sides of the compensator, wherein a first side receives a pressure at the downstream side of the variable metering orifice; a load sense passage (34) providing a load sense pressure; and a differential pressure controller (40) having a first inlet connected to a pump supply port and a second inlet connected to the load sense passage, the controller having a first operational mode in which load sense pressure at the second inlet is supplied to an outlet of the controller and a second operational mode in which flow from the first inlet is metered to the outlet of the controller to provide a differential control output pressure, and wherein an outlet of the differential pressure controller is conne
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory T. Coolidge
  • Patent number: 9404483
    Abstract: A hydraulic control arrangement includes a common variable displacement pump configured to supply pressure medium to two consumer groups. The pressure level of a control block assigned to one of the consumer groups is set to a different pressure level than that of a further control block assigned to the other consumer group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Kauss
  • Patent number: 9394151
    Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising: a support structure including a fixed member; a movable assembly coupled to the support structure; a hydraulic system; and a control system. The support structure further comprises lift apparatus to effect movement of the movable assembly relative to the support structure fixed member. The lift apparatus includes at least one ram/cylinder assembly. The hydraulic system includes a motor, a pump coupled to the motor to supply a pressurized fluid to the at least one ram/cylinder assembly, and at least one electronically controlled valve associated with the at least one ram/cylinder assembly. The control structure may estimate a speed of the movable assembly from a speed of the motor and control the operation of the at least one valve using the estimated movable assembly speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Karl L. Dammeyer, Eric D. Holbrook, Darrin R. Ihle, Marc A. McClain, Lucas B. Waltz
  • Patent number: 9381937
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic power steering apparatus for an environment-friendly vehicle and a method of controlling the same is provided. In particular, a gear box assists in a steering force of a steering wheel, and a reservoir tank stores hydraulic oil therein. An electro-hydraulic power pump pumps the hydraulic oil via an electric motor to supply the hydraulic oil to the gear box. A first valve is mounted to a hydraulic line through which the hydraulic oil flows from the electro-hydraulic power pump to the gear box, and a second valve is mounted to a hydraulic line through which the hydraulic oil returns from the gear box to the reservoir tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Young Seol Choi
  • Patent number: 9353770
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a work vehicle is disclosed. A preferential flow-dividing valve supplies a fixed amount of oil discharged from a variable displacement pump preferentially to a preferential hydraulic oil section and a surplus oil flow from the pump to a non-preferential hydraulic oil section. A plurality of electromagnetic proportional control valves are provided in the non-preferential hydraulic oil section for controlling oil flows relative to a plurality of hydraulically operated devices provided in the non-preferential hydraulic oil section. A necessary flow rate calculating module calculates a necessary oil flow rate in each of the preferential hydraulic oil section and the non-preferential hydraulic oil section based on a preferential oil flow rate of the preferential flow-dividing valve supplied to the preferential hydraulic oil section and an amount of current distributed to each of the plurality of electromagnetic proportional control valves in the non-preferential hydraulic oil section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiya Fukumoto
  • Patent number: 9346186
    Abstract: A mixer drum driving apparatus includes a liquid-pressure motor that drives the mixer drum to rotate, a liquid-pressure pump that is driven by a motive force of an engine and supplies working liquid to the liquid-pressure motor, an auxiliary liquid-pressure pump that is driven by an electric motor and supplies working liquid to the liquid-pressure motor, a pressure detector that detects a liquid pressure of working liquid discharged from the auxiliary liquid-pressure pump, and a switching valve that switches whether or not working liquid from the auxiliary liquid-pressure pump is supplied to the liquid-pressure motor. In a state in which the switching valve is closed and the mixer drum is being driven to rotate by the liquid-pressure motor that is driven by the liquid-pressure pump, the controller opens the switching valve if a liquid pressure detected by the pressure detector reaches or exceeds a preset liquid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: KYB Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshimitsu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9303387
    Abstract: A hydraulic system has a pump that furnishes pressurized fluid to a supply node connected to a plurality of functions. Each function includes hydraulic actuator and a control valve assembly through which fluid flows both from the supply node to the hydraulic actuator and from the hydraulic actuator to a return line. A control method involves receiving a plurality of commands, each designating desired operation of a function. Each command is separately used to derive a flow value designating an amount of flow for the respective function, a load value indicating a load magnitude related to the respective function, and a pressure value denoting a supply pressure for the respective function. Then, the control valve assembly for each given hydraulic function is operated in response to the flow and load values for that function and in response to the pressure value that is greatest among the plurality of functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: HUSCO International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Pfaff, Corey K. Quinnell
  • Patent number: 9297148
    Abstract: An intelligent knuckle boom control system is disclosed where hoist and stick cylinders raise and lower main and stick booms, respectively, a base end control valve controls flow to the hoist and stick cylinder base ends, a hoist rod control valve controls flow to the hoist cylinder rod end, and a stick rod control valve controls flow to the stick cylinder rod end. A microprocessor computes control signals to direct flow through the control valves based on operator commands and boom position readings. The system can include an energy storage system for storing excess energy and releasing the stored energy, where the microprocessor directs storage of excess energy and release of stored energy. The energy storage system can include a hydraulic accumulator, an accumulator control valve and hydraulic pressure sensors; where the microprocessor receives pressure sensor readings and computes accumulator control valve control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Deere and Company
    Inventors: Henry J. Stulen, Calin Raszga
  • Patent number: 9296598
    Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising: a support structure including a fixed member; a movable assembly coupled to the support structure; a hydraulic system; and a control system. The support structure further comprises lift apparatus to effect movement of the movable assembly relative to the support structure fixed member. The lift apparatus includes at least one ram/cylinder assembly. The hydraulic system includes a motor, a pump coupled to the motor to supply a pressurized fluid to the at least one ram/cylinder assembly, and at least one electronically controlled valve associated with the at least one ram/cylinder assembly. The control structure may measure an electric current flow into and/or out of the hydraulic system motor and reduce an operating speed of the hydraulic system motor if the electric current flow into and/or out of the hydraulic system motor is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Karl L. Dammeyer, Eric D. Holbrook, Darrin R. Ihle, Marc A. McClain, Lucas B. Waltz
  • Patent number: 9228599
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for construction equipment is provided, which supplements hydraulic fluid of a hydraulic pump for a cooling fan and hydraulic fluid of a main hydraulic pump and uses the supplemented hydraulic fluid as a hydraulic source of a RCV in order to supply signal pressure to a control valve that controls the driving of a hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
    Inventors: Young-Jin Son, Jae-Whan Ok
  • Patent number: 9200646
    Abstract: A control arrangement for supplying pressure medium to a plurality of consumers. A supply metering orifice and an individual pressure compensator are associated with each consumer of the plurality of consumers. The individual pressure compensator is adjusted via a central control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Weickert, Uwe Neumann, Jan Amrhein
  • Patent number: 9068575
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic control system may have a work tool movable to perform an excavation cycle having a plurality of segments, a motor configured to swing the work tool during the excavation cycle, and a pump configured to pressurize fluid directed to drive the motor. The hydraulic control system may also have at least one accumulator configured to selectively receive fluid discharged from the motor and to discharge fluid to the motor during the plurality of segments, and a controller configured to implement a plurality of modes of operation. Each of the plurality of modes of operation includes a different combination of segments during which the at least one accumulator receives and discharges fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jiao Zhang, Tonglin Shang, Peter Spring, Pengfei Ma, Randal N. Peterson, Rustu Cesur
  • Patent number: 9003786
    Abstract: This disclosure provides for pressure limiting a hydraulic system to a desired pressure value by a particular circuit by controlling and closing the compensator when the desired pressure setting is achieved. Closing the compensator will reduced the pressure head and flow in the circuit resulting in improved efficiency. One illustrated embodiment of the disclosure provides a relief valve in the pilot signal for a compensator. The method relates to limiting the pressure on an open side of the compensator, such that the pressure on the other side closes the compensator thereby limiting the pressure and also flow in the hydraulic circuit. In other words, the pressure on the open side is limited by the relief valve. Thus, the pressure on the other side increases thereby regulating the flow and pressure through the compensator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin A. Bacon, Jason L. Brinkman, Timothy L. Hand, Randall A. Harlow
  • Publication number: 20150082782
    Abstract: An independent flow rate controlling hydraulic system for pressure control of an excavator, in which a hydraulic system of the excavator can be variably controlled via independent flow rate control. The hydraulic system includes a plurality of actuators which actuate a working apparatus, a pressure control-type hydraulic pump which feeds working fluid to the actuator, first and second electronic proportional control valves which are disposed at a piston-side inlet flow path and a load-side inlet flow path connected from the hydraulic pump to the actuators, third and fourth electronic proportional control valves which are disposed at a piston-side outlet flow path and a load-side outlet flow path connected from the actuators to a hydraulic tank, and a control unit which variably controls areas of the flow paths by controlling the first, second, third and fourth electronic proportional control valves depending on an amount by which a control stick is manipulated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: HYUNDAI HEAVY INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lim-Gook CHOI, Dong-Bin SHIN, Tae-Sung PARK, Jong-Chan LEE
  • Patent number: 8978374
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a variable-displacement first pump and a variable-displacement second pump. The hydraulic system also includes a first actuator selectively connected either to the first pump in a closed loop manner and not the second pump, to the second pump in a closed loop manner and not the first pump, or to the first and second pumps in a closed loop manner. The hydraulic system further includes a second actuator and a variable-displacement rotary actuator that are each selectively connected either to the first pump in a closed loop manner and not the second pump, to the second pump in a closed loop manner and not the first pump, or to the first and second pumps in a closed loop manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Opdenbosch, Lawrence J. Tognetti, Bryan J. Hillman
  • Patent number: 8978373
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a variable-displacement first pump, a variable-displacement second pump, and a first actuator selectively connected either to the first pump in a closed loop manner and not the second pump, or to the first and second pumps in a closed loop manner. The hydraulic system also includes a second actuator selectively connected either to the second pump in a closed loop manner and not the first pump, or to the first and second pumps in a closed loop manner. The hydraulic system further includes a variable-displacement rotary actuator selectively connected either to the first pump in a closed loop manner and not the second pump, or to the first and second pumps in a closed loop manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Opdenbosch, Lawrence J. Tognetti, Bryan J. Hillman
  • Patent number: 8955316
    Abstract: In a drive train device, in particular a motor vehicle drive train device, with a working fluid pressure system for providing an operating fluid pressure including at least a first and a second operating fluid pressure source connected in at least one operating state directly to the working fluid pressure system, and a lubricating and cooling fluid pressure system with an operating fluid pressure deviating from the operating fluid pressure in the working fluid pressure system, a hydraulic switching unit is provided which in at least one operating state connects the second operating fluid pressure source directly to the lubricating and cooling fluid pressure system for increasing the pressure thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Michael Baraga, Gerd Jäggle, Steffen Henzler
  • Patent number: 8943819
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a variable displacement first pump, a first linear actuator fluidly connected to the first pump via a first closed-loop circuit, a variable displacement second pump, and second and third linear actuators fluidly connected to the second pump in parallel via a second closed-loop circuit. The system also includes a variable displacement third pump, a fourth linear actuator fluidly connected to the third pump via a third closed-loop circuit, a variable displacement fourth pump, and a first rotary actuator fluidly connected to the fourth pump via a fourth closed-loop circuit. The system further includes a second rotary actuator fluidly connected to the second pump in parallel with the second and third linear actuators. The system also includes a third rotary actuator fluidly connected to the third pump in parallel with the fourth linear actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Knussman
  • Publication number: 20150013319
    Abstract: A hydraulic load-sensing control arrangement for a first and second hydraulic consumer has a variable displacement pump having load-sensing regulation, to which the highest respective load-sensing pressure of consumers is reported. The first consumer has the highest load pressure in normal operation and therefore the highest load-sensing pressure dependent on the load pressure. A pressure reducing valve is arranged in the pressure medium flow path between the variable displacement pump and the first consumer. A spring force from a regulating spring and a regulating pressure dependent on the load pressure of the first consumer are applied in the opening direction of a valve gate in this pressure reducing valve and pressure is applied directly downstream from the pressure reducing valve in the closing direction thereof. A pressure equivalent of the spring force of the regulating spring and the regulating pressure are greater than a pressure of the variable displacement pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Peter Buettner, Robert Rueppel, Timo Ikonen
  • Patent number: 8919114
    Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed having first, second, and third pumps. The hydraulic system may also have a first actuator connected to the first pump in closed-loop manner, a second actuator connected to the second pump in closed-loop manner, and a third actuator. The hydraulic system may further have a selector valve associated with the third pump, and a first switching valve associated with the third pump and the third actuator. The first switching valve may be movable between a first position at which the third pump is connected to the third actuator in a closed-loop manner to move the third actuator in a first direction, a second position at which the third pump is connected to the third actuator in a closed-loop manner to move the third actuator in a second direction, and a third position at which the third pump is connected to the selector valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brad A. Edler, Jeffrey L. Kuehn, Jeremy T. Peterson, Michael T. Verkuilen
  • Patent number: 8919115
    Abstract: The operability when performing a combined arm-crowd and bucket operation can be improved. A hydraulic drive device for a hydraulic excavator includes: a bucket directional control valve and a second arm directional control valve, which are connected in parallel tandem with a first hydraulic pump; a first arm directional control valve that is connected to a second hydraulic pump; and a flow rate restriction device that restricts the flow rate of pressure oil supplied to the second arm directional control valve, during crowd operation of a bucket. This flow rate restriction device includes a variable throttle whose opening is controlled so as to become smaller as a bucket operating device is operated to the crowd side, the variable throttle being provided in a bypass path connecting to the supply port of the second arm directional control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Hagiwara, Yasuo Okano, Tsuyoshi Nakamura, Kouji Ishikawa, Kazunori Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8915076
    Abstract: A system for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid includes an engine driven main pump and an electrical motor driven auxiliary pump. The auxiliary pump provides hydraulic fluid at line pressure to shift control subsystems during a vehicle launch while the main pump provides hydraulic fluid to cooler or lubrication subsystems during the vehicle launch. A pressure regulation valve regulates the pressure of the hydraulic fluid from the main pump. Once the main pump reaches a critical speed, the main pump provides hydraulic fluid at line pressure to the hydraulic control system and the auxiliary pump is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Zhe Xie, Hong Yang, Anthony L. Smith, James M. Hart, Steven P. Moorman
  • Patent number: 8915075
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic control arrangement for a mobile machine tool, particularly for a forklift, comprising at least two hydraulic loads (10, 12), one of them having a lifting function. According to the invention, the two loads are each controlled via a LUDV valve with inflow measuring diaphragm (36, 44) and LUDV pressure regulator (46) connected downstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Keyl, Vincenzo Domenico Bollero
  • Patent number: 8910474
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a first pump, a first actuator fluidly connected to the first pump via a first closed-loop circuit, a second pump, and a second actuator fluidly connected to the second pump via a second closed-loop circuit. The system also includes a third pump, a third actuator fluidly connected to the third pump via a third closed-loop circuit, a fourth pump, and a fourth actuator fluidly connected to the fourth pump via a fourth closed-loop circuit. The system further includes a first combining valve configured to combine fluid from the first and second circuits, a second combining valve configured to combine fluid from the second and third circuits, and a third combining valve configured to combine fluid from the third and fourth circuits. The system also includes a fourth combining valve configured to combine fluid from the first and fourth circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Knussman, Brad A. Edler, Patrick Opdenbosch
  • Patent number: 8893490
    Abstract: A method of controlling a hydraulic system includes providing fluid to a first actuator with a first pump via a first closed-loop circuit of a machine, and providing fluid to a second actuator with a second pump via a second closed-loop circuit of the machine. The method also includes providing fluid to a third actuator with a third pump via a third closed-loop circuit of the machine, and providing fluid to a fourth actuator with a fourth pump via a fourth closed-loop circuit of the machine. The method further includes forming a combined flow of fluid including fluid from the first circuit and fluid from at least one of the second, third, and fourth circuits, and directing the combined flow to the first actuator while providing fluid to the actuator of the at least one of the second, third, and fourth circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Knussman, Brad A. Edler, Patrick Opdenbosch
  • Patent number: 8881518
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a variable-displacement first pump, a variable-displacement second pump, and a first actuator selectively connected either to the first pump in a closed loop manner and not the second pump, or to the first and second pumps in a closed loop manner. The hydraulic system also includes a second actuator selectively connected either to the second pump in a closed loop manner and not the first pump, or to the first and second pumps in a closed loop manner. The hydraulic system further includes a variable-displacement rotary actuator selectively connected either to the first pump in a closed loop manner and not the second pump, or to the first and second pumps in a closed loop manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Opdenbosch, Lawrence J. Tognetti, Bryan J. Hillman
  • Publication number: 20140318116
    Abstract: A hydraulic control device includes: a hydraulic pump connected in parallel to steering and boom cylinders; a steering control valve that controls the direction of operating oil flowing through the steering cylinders; a boom control valve that connects the hydraulic pump to a tank when the valve is at a neutral position and controls the direction of the oil flowing through the boom cylinders when the valve is at an offset position; a meter-in pressure compensator that increases flow rate of the oil flowing through a variable restrictor of the steering control valve in accordance with pressure in front of and behind the restrictor; and a bleed-off pressure compensator that decreases flow rate of the oil flowing through the boom control valve in accordance with the increase in pressure of the oil flowing through the steering cylinders to maintain the predetermined pressure of the oil in the steering control circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: KAWASAK JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Makoto Ito, Ryo Yamamoto, Kazuto Fujiyama, Hiroyasu Kodera, Shinichiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8869520
    Abstract: A load sensing system includes a first assembly of actuators for controlling a first hydraulic function, a pump adapted to supply the actuators with pressurized hydraulic fluid, an electrically controlled valve adapted to control the output pressure of the pump via a hydraulic signal, a first pressure sensor for detecting a load pressure of the first actuator assembly, and a control unit adapted to receive a signal with information about the load pressure detected by the first pressure sensor and to generate a control signal, corresponding to the detected load pressure, to the electrically controlled valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Bo Vigholm, Andreas Ekvall
  • Patent number: 8857169
    Abstract: A main relief valve 13 includes a biasing force altering unit 60, which constitutes, in combination with a gate lock valve 23 and a gate lock lever 24, relief pressure altering means for manually switching the relief pressure of the main relief valve 13 between a first pressure (a standard pressure of 25 MPa, for example) and a second lower pressure for engine start-up (e.g., 3.0 MPa). This allows the main relief valve 13 to return the hydraulic fluid discharged from a hydraulic pump 2 to a tank T in conjunction with an unloading valve 9 when multiple actuators 5a, 5b, . . . are not in operation under the ambient temperature below freezing point. As a result, it is possible to reduce the load on the hydraulic pump during cold engine start-up without compromising the anti-hunting characteristics of the unloading valve, thereby improving the engine start-up performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiwamu Takahashi, Yasutaka Tsuruga, Yoshifumi Takebayashi, Kazushige Mori
  • Patent number: 8857165
    Abstract: A vacuum prioritization system for a vehicle is disclosed. In one example, use and availability of vacuum provided via vacuum sources is allocated to higher priority vacuum operated actuators when a pressure in the vacuum system exceeds a threshold pressure. The lower priority vacuum operated actuators have access to vacuum supplied via the vacuum sources when pressure in the vacuum system is less than a threshold pressure. The approach may allow higher priority actuators to operate for an extended amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 8813486
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic control system may have a hydraulic circuit, and a pump configured to supply pressurized fluid to the hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic control system may also have a first fluid actuator fluidly connected to receive pressurized fluid from the hydraulic circuit, a first valve arrangement movable to control a flow of fluid to the first fluid actuator, a second fluid actuator fluidly connected to receive pressurized fluid from the hydraulic circuit, and a second valve arrangement movable to control a flow of fluid to the second fluid actuator. The hydraulic control system may additionally have a controller in communication with the first and second valve arrangements. the controller may be configured to make a determination of a stall condition of the first fluid actuator, and to selectively change a flow command directed to the second valve arrangement based on the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Grant S. Peterson, Randall T. Anderson, Rustu Cesur, Jason L. Brinkman
  • Patent number: 8806862
    Abstract: A smart flow sharing system, useful in hydraulic systems having more than one hydraulically demanding equipment function wherein more than one of the hydraulically demanding functions are sometimes activated at the same time, has modified hydraulic passages and at least two fixed displacement pumps. The system automatically prioritizes hydraulic fluid flow so that when only one of two hydraulically demanding functions is activated by an operator, it receives the hydraulic fluid flow from both fixed displacement pumps, but when both hydraulically demanding functions are activated, one of the functions receives hydraulic fluid flow from the first fixed displacement pump, and the other function separately receives hydraulic fluid flow from the second fixed displacement pump. The smart flow sharing system accomplishes the foregoing without resorting to complex hydraulics or expensive additional components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Jarmo Antero Harsia
  • Publication number: 20140137549
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic system for controlling the degree of openness of an arm regeneration valve by driving an electronic proportional control valve during a combined operation of simultaneously operating an arm and a swing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
    Inventors: Sang-Ki Bae, Joon-Seog Go
  • Patent number: 8726647
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic control system may have a hydraulic circuit, a pump configured to supply pressurized fluid, and a first sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a pressure of the hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic circuit may also have a first fluid actuator fluidly connected to receive pressurized fluid from the hydraulic circuit, a second sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of a velocity of the first fluid actuator, and a controller in communication with the first and second sensors. The controller may be configured to receive an input indicative of a desired flow rate for the first fluid actuator, to determine an actual flow rate of the first fluid actuator based on the second signal, and to determine a stall condition of the first fluid actuator based on the desired flow rate, the actual flow rate, and the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Grant S. Peterson, Randall T. Anderson, Rustu Cesur, Jason L. Brinkman
  • Patent number: 8726646
    Abstract: A hydraulic system, and associated method of control, includes an operator input device, a source of hydraulic fluid flow, and a plurality of actuators. At least one valve associated with each actuator for controlling a flow of fluid to and from the actuator. A controller is responsive to a signal from the operator input device to calculate a hydraulic pressure to be supplied to each of the actuators. The controller controls the source of hydraulic fluid flow and the valves for powering the actuators with the calculated hydraulic pressure. The controller also monitors a sensed parameter to determine whether the actuators can be powered with the calculated hydraulic pressure, and in response to a determination that the actuators cannot be powered with the calculated hydraulic pressure, calculates a discrepancy ratio and modifies actuation of the actuators with the discrepancy ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Ray Riedel, Amir Shenouda
  • Patent number: 8720196
    Abstract: Disclosed is a controller of a hybrid, construction machine wherein electric power is generated by utilizing the standby flow rate of first and second main pumps, and the standby flow rate is converted into energy. Pilot channels are connected to the upstream side of on/off valves which are closed when first and second main pumps ensure a standby flow rate, and a controller unit judges that the first and second main pumps are discharging at the standby low rate based on pressure signals from first and second pressure sensors, and brings first and second solenoid valves to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruhiko Kawasaki, Masahiro Egawa
  • Publication number: 20140123847
    Abstract: In a hydraulic excavator, a hydraulic cylinder drives a boom via a hydraulic fluid discharged from a first hydraulic pump. A first hydraulic circuit connects the first hydraulic pump and the hydraulic cylinder and forms a closed circuit therebetween. A hydraulic motor rotates a revolving upper unit with hydraulic fluid discharged from a second hydraulic pump. A second hydraulic circuit independent from the first hydraulic circuit connects the second hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor. A motor hydraulic pressure reduction unit reduces the driving hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic motor when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition is a condition in which an operation of the boom operating member to raise the boom and an operation of the rotation operating member to rotate the revolving upper unit are conducted together and an operation amount of the boom operating member is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Teruo Akiyama, Noboru Iida, Kenji Oshima, Kenji Sasano
  • Patent number: 8701397
    Abstract: A hydraulic oil supply device includes: a work equipment pump that supplies a hydraulic oil to a hydraulic actuator that drives a work equipment; a fan pump that supplies the hydraulic oil to a hydraulic motor that drives a cooling fan; and a circuit switching valve provided on a hydraulic circuit being branched from a hydraulic circuit connecting the hydraulic actuator with the work equipment pump to be connected to the fan pump, the circuit switching valve selectively connecting a discharge portion of the fan pump to the hydraulic actuator and the hydraulic motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Tanaka, Norihide Mizoguchi
  • Publication number: 20140090368
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a construction machine is disclosed, which can prevent off-course travel of the machine when a combined operation of a traveling device and a working device such as a boom is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
    Inventors: Sang-Ki Bae, Jae-Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 8671673
    Abstract: There are provided: a first circuit for traveling HC1, formed through a closed circuit connection of a variable displacement hydraulic pump 2 and a variable displacement hydraulic motor 3, that includes a motor control unit 10, 11 that controls a displacement of the hydraulic motor 3; a second circuit for working HC2 that drives a work hydraulic actuator 114, 115 by pressure oil from a work hydraulic pump 4; and a maximum value control unit that controls a maximum displacement of the hydraulic motor 3 in accordance with load pressure Pf in the second circuit HC2. The maximum value control unit decreases the maximum displacement to a minimum limit q1 corresponding to a maximum load pressure Pr in the second circuit when load pressure Pf in the second circuit exceeds a predetermined value Ps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Hyodo, Kazuo Chonan, Yasuo Yamazaki, Nobuhiro Suzuki, Koji Takano, Genichiro Ishimaru, Nobuyuki Hidaka, Masaki Yoshikawa
  • Publication number: 20140069091
    Abstract: Electro-hydraulic systems (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 and 710) control multiple hydraulic motors without objectionable erratic or jerky motion. The system (10) includes a variable displacement pump (20), an electronic controller (30), a direction control valve (40), first and second pump outlet valves (60) and (70), and a fluid reservoir (80). The pump (20) does not require or use a load feedback signal to control pump output. The controller (30) provides electric control signals to a pump control (21) and to individual hydraulic motors (51). A load sense circuit (46) resolves a highest load sense pressure Ps, which is communicated to the first and second pump outlet valves (60) and (70). The first pump outlet valve (60) limits the maximum load sense pressure. The second pump outlet valve (70) limits the maximum pressure differential between the pump outlet and the load sense pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Parker Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Germano Franzoni, Jarmo Harsia, Roger Lowman
  • Publication number: 20140060032
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a first pump and a plurality of valves that control fluid flow from the first pump to several actuators. Variable source orifices in the control valves are connected in parallel between the first pump and a node, and variable bypass orifices in the control valves are connected in series between the node and a tank. Pressure at the node controls displacement of the first pump. Each control valve also has a metering orifice for varying fluid flow between the node and one of the actuators. A hydrostatic pump-motor, coupled between two ports of a given actuator, is driven in a motoring mode by fluid exiting one of those ports. In a pumping mode, the hydrostatic pump-motor forces lower pressure fluid exhausting from one port into the other port of the given actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: HUSCO INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Pfaff, Eric P. Hamkins
  • Patent number: 8661809
    Abstract: A method for operating a hydraulic system has at least one supply device, in particular a hydraulic pump (3) supplying different hydraulic consumers. A synchronizing device (33, 35) ensures that, if at least one hydraulic consumer is not supplied sufficiently, the deficit in volumetric flow for that consumer is compensated such that all the consumers compensate for the deficit equally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hydac Filtertechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Winfried Rüb
  • Publication number: 20140033699
    Abstract: A travel control device for a work vehicle includes: a hydraulic pump; a plurality of hydraulic motors connected to the hydraulic pump in parallel through a closed-circuit connection, that drive different wheels with pressure oil delivered from the hydraulic pump; a slip detection device that detects a slip occurring at each of the wheels; and a flow control device that reduces, upon detection of a slip occurring at any of the wheels by the slip detection device, a quantity of pressure oil supplied to a hydraulic motor for driving the wheel at which the slip has been detected, among the plurality of hydraulic motors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Udagawa, Eiji Egawa, Tsukasa Toyooka, Makoto Sugaya, Hideo Sorata, Tsuyoshi Nakamura, Akira Nakayama, Kazuo Takiguchi, Kensuke Satou
  • Publication number: 20140033698
    Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a pump configured to draw low-pressure fluid from one of a first and a second passage, and discharge fluid at an elevated pressure into the other of the passages. The hydraulic system may also have an actuator coupled to the pump via the first and second passages, a charge circuit, and a makeup valve movable by a pressure differential between the first and second passages to connect the charge circuit with a lower pressure one of the first and second passages. The hydraulic system may further have a first force modulation control valve configured to selectively direct fluid from the pump through the makeup valve to the second passage to bypass the actuator, and a second force modulation control valve configured to selectively direct fluid from the pump through the makeup valve to the first passage to bypass the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Patrick OPDENBOSCH
  • Publication number: 20140033697
    Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed having a pump configured to draw low-pressure fluid from one of a first and second passage, and discharge fluid into the other of the passages. The hydraulic system may also have an actuator coupled to the pump via the passages, a charge circuit, a makeup valve movable to pass fluid from a higher pressure one of the first and second passages, and a force modulation control valve disposed between the makeup valve and the charge circuit. The force modulation control valve may be movable between a first position at which fluid passed from the higher-pressure one of the first and second passages is directed into the charge circuit, and at least a second position at which fluid from the higher-pressure one of the first and second passages is directed into a lower-pressure one of the first and second passages and blocked from the charge circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Patrick OPDENBOSCH
  • Patent number: 8631650
    Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed having at least two hydraulic circuits. The disclosed system apportions flow between the two hydraulic circuits based on an assumed flow rate that is held constant in both power-limited and non-power-limited conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Verkuilen, John J. Krone, Douglas W. Koehler, James A. Aardema
  • Patent number: 8632314
    Abstract: The invention reduces waste of flow volume of pressurized oil discharged from a hydraulic pump when the rotational speed of a cooling fan is increased to the target rotational speed. The target rotational speed of the cooling fan is set at a target rotational speed setting portion. An acceleration pattern for increasing the cooling fan to the target rotational speed is set at an acceleration pattern setting portion based on the rotational speed of the cooling fan, the target rotational speed set at the target rotational speed setting portion, and magnitude of force due to inertia of the cooling fan and the hydraulic motor. The rotational speed command value calculation portion controls the pressurized oil to be supplied to the hydraulic motor at a flow rate required. Thus, it is possible to reduce wasted relief flow volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Imaizumi, Minoru Wada