SCOPE OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of hydraulic valve devices with open circuit
and multiple working elements or sections designed to control a pump.
[0002] Particularly, with the present valve device it is possible to control:
- In a first embodiment, a pump of variable displacement type with negative control
system.
- In a second embodiment, a load sensing pump.
[0003] It is noted that the invention applies to hydraulic distributors.
PRIOR ART
[0004] In general, in the conventional working machines provided with an open-center hydraulic
circuit it is possible to control the pump thereof.
[0005] In the case of variable displacement pump, the hydraulic pressure taken upstream
of an orifice placed at the end of the bypass line, also called carry-over, is sent
to the pump regulator. In particular, the control is such that, with decreasing pressure
upstream of the orifice, the flow rate sent by the variable displacement pump increases.
Therefore, it is said that it is a negative control circuit.
[0006] An example of prior art circuit is disclosed in
US 2014/318116 referring to a hydraulic control device including pressure compensators that respectively
increase and decrease flow rate of the oil flowing in accordance with specific pressure
conditions.
[0007] Generally speaking, upon start up, the pressure acting on the regulator is null,
whereby the pump tends to go to the maximum flow rate. However, increasing the flow
rate increases the load losses through the orifice of the pressure signal control
system, additionally comprising also a relief valve; it follows that:
- the pressure acting on the pump regulator increases, and
- the flow rate sent by the pump decreases, up to reach a balance point in which the
load losses through the orifice of a given flow rate correspond to that control pressure
on the pump PA regulator that generates that given flow rate.
[0008] In general, these systems also provide that the pump still generates a minimum flow
and the balance between flow rate and control pressure of the pump regulator is as
in the accompanying figure 4.
[0009] By operating only one spool, the passage through the bypass line LC narrows, whereby
the pressure at the entry side at the beginning of the bypass line increases due to
the increase of the load losses. At the same time, the connection between the load
line and the utilities opens.
[0010] If the pressure at the utility is higher than the pressure generated at the entry
side by the load losses through the bypass line, the entire flow rate will still continue
to be bled through the bypass line, the load losses through the orifice remain unchanged
and so does the flow rate sent by the pump.
[0011] By continuing to increase the stroke of the actuated spool, the load losses through
the bypass line continue to increase until the pressure in the entry side exceeds
the pressure of the load at the utility, with the result that part of the flow rate
flows towards the utility itself, reducing the flow rate through the bypass line and
in particular through the orifice: the control pressure of the pump regulator is thus
reduced, with consequent increase of the flow rate. This new flow rate value will
increase both the one to the utility and that to the bypass line until it reaches
a new balance in which, however, the flow rate through the orifice will be lowered
and so the flow rate sent by the pump is increased.
[0012] Consequently, the flow rate to the utility at a certain stroke of the relative spool
depends on the load, if the load increases, the flow rate to the utility decreases
and that through the orifice increases, with a consequent reduction of the flow rate
sent, up to reach a new balance point in which the flow rate to the utility and that
sent will have decreased while the flow rate through the orifice will have increased.
[0013] Since the flow rate, at a certain stroke, depends on the loads, it is not possible,
even in single drives, to set a maximum flow rate at the utility that is not the maximum
pump flow rate. Therefore, normally, the bypass line is closed, the flow rate through
the choke is therefore zeroed like the load losses through the choke and the pump
switches to the maximum displacement.
[0014] By actuating now also a second spool, the bypass line is further narrowed resulting
in a reduction of the flow rate through the bypass line itself and through choke 2,
with consequent decrease of the control signal to the pump and increase of the flow
rate from the delivery to the utilities. The flow rate is divided between the two
utilities on the basis of the reciprocal loads and as these loads vary, the division
among the driven utilities varies and so does the sum of the single flow rates.
[0015] A first object of the present invention is to provide a valve device which allows
eliminating some limits of the control system of a variable displacement, negative
control or LS pump within a simple, rational and cost-effective solution.
[0016] These and other objects are achieved with the features of the invention described
in the independent claim 1. The dependent claims describe preferred and/or particularly
advantageous aspects of the invention.
[0017] In particular, a first aspect of the invention is to provide a valve device comprising
a pressure regulator on the bypass line adapted to keep the pressure drop constant
only along the bypass line through the elements of the device.
[0018] With this solution:
- in the case of drives of the single spools of the single elements, the flow rate to
the utility is independent of the load, i.e. a function only of the spool stroke;
by this possibility, it is possible to set the maximum flow rate to the relative utility,
in the case of multiple drives of the spools of the respective elements, the sum of
the flow rates is independent of the loads, the subdivision among the single utilities
remaining dependent on the loads.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0019] This and other features will be more apparent from the following description given
purely by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings.
- Figure 1: shows the standard circuit diagram of a valve device for controlling a pump,
and precisely a negative control pump; the diagram description is substantially already
indicated in the prior art.
- Figure 2: shows the circuit diagram of the pump control device, object of the invention,
when the pump is of the variable displacement and negative control type.
- Figure 3: shows the circuit diagram of the pump control device, object of the invention,
when the pump is of the variable displacement load sensing type.
- Figure 4: shows the adjustment curve of the displacement as a function of the control
pressure of a variable displacement pump with negative control system.
- Figure 5: illustrates a further embodiment of the circuit diagram of the pump control
device, subject of the invention, when the pump is of the type of variable displacement
load sensing type.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0020] With reference to figure 1, it shows an example of prior art, in particular a negative
control variable displacement pump the displacement of which is determined by the
control pressure N.
[0021] The control pressure N is given by the flow rate load losses through the fixed choke
2.
[0022] As said, a feature of the control negative pump is that the displacement (and thus
the flow rate supplied) increases with decreasing control pressure PN and vice versa.
[0023] In detail, and with reference to the figure, the following definitions are used:
- QP, the flow rate delivered by the pump,
- QC, the flow rate which crosses the by-pass LC through all the spools in series and
crosses the fixed choke 2,
- QU, the flow rate that goes to the utilities passing through the load line 4,
- PP, the pressure on the pump supply,
- PU, the pressure to the utility and in 4, where 4 indicates the load line, the line
connecting the pump to the utilities passing through the spools in parallel. It is
closed in central position and has the maximum opening at the end of the stroke.
- PN, the control pressure of the pump taken on line LC after all the elements and upstream
of choke 2
- LC, the bypass line through the spools of the elements in series and the fixed choke
2, the passage has the maximum opening when the spool is in central position and closes
at the end of the stroke.
[0024] As said, a feature of the control negative pump is that the displacement (and thus
the flow rate supplied) increases with decreasing control pressure PN and vice versa.
[0025] In the figure it is seen that in central position of the spools LC is open while
the connection between the load line 4 and the utilities is closed. Then, QP=QC. This
flow rate goes into the tank through the by-pass line LC and choke 2.
[0026] Upon start up, the flow rate QP=QC is null, whereby PN, which is the load loss of
the QC through choke 2, is low, but then the displacement tends to increase and therefore,
QP=QC tend to increase. But as QP=QC increase, the load losses through 2 increase
as well and thereby the PN increases, which opposes the increase of the displacement
up to reach a balance between PN and QP=QC
[0027] Operating the spool opens the connection between the load line 4 and the utilities.
At the same time, the passage through the by-pass LC through the operated spool is
reduced. Therefore, the pressure PP which is equal to the PC increases, since the
load losses of the flow rate through the LC increase. However, if now the pressure
in PP is lower than the pressure PU required to move the cylinder, QU remains null,
but then the whole flow rate QP=QC still goes to bleed through choke 2, but then the
load losses through 2 remain unchanged, and then PN remains unchanged, whereby also
the flow rate QP=QC remains unchanged.
[0028] Since QU is still virtually null, QP=QC still cause the same control PN through 2.
The only difference is that PP=PC has increased but without causing changes.
[0029] By further operating the spool, the passage of by-pass LC is even more reduced. Therefore,
pressure PP=PC increases further, since the load losses through LC increase. If now
the pressure in PP is higher than the pressure PU required to move the cylinder, QU
is no longer null, but then QC=QP-QU is reduced, whereby the load losses through choke
2 decrease, but then PN decreases and then the QP flow rate increases. Part of this
increase is added to QU and part to QC until a new balance point is reached.
[0030] In practice, a balance point is reached in which the QP generated by the PN is such
that the load losses of the QC through the LC and choke 2 is equal to the PU generated
by the load (the load losses with respect to the load PU are ignored for simplicity).
Where QP has increased while QC has decreased and the difference is QU.
[0031] Now, keeping the same position of the spool, let's assume that PU increases. PC,
which are the load losses of QC through LC and choke 2, is on the other hand initially
unchanged. There is no more balance and part of the QU is combined with QC, which
increases. But then, the load losses through choke 2 increase, whereby PN increases
but then PP drops, until a new balance point is reached.
[0032] The new balance point must still have PU=PC. Since PU has increased, PC will also
have to increase but to have a higher PC without having moved the spool, QC must be
higher but then PN is higher and then QP is lower. But QP=QU+QC, if as said QP has
decreased and QC has increased in the new balance point QU has decreased.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
CONTROL OF A NEGATIVE CONTROL PUMP
[0033] With reference to figure 2, it shows a circuit of the type comprising a variable
displacement pump according to the present invention.
[0034] In this case, the type of variable displacement pump, indicated with PA, is "negative
control"; the delivery is connected in P1 to the entry side FE.
[0035] One or more elements E1...En (in the case 2 elements E1 and E2) of the crossing type
that allows connecting the PA pump and the tank to the various utilities through the
uses (A1, B1, A2, B2).
[0036] A bleeding side FS keeps the flow rates from the bypass line LC separate from those
coming from the return of the utilities and from the bleeds of the valves and connects
them both to tank T through two separate lines.
[0037] In the circuit of the valve device in figure 2 there is at least one delivery line
P1 connected to the variable displacement pump for negative control systems PA, which
feeds the side FE and the crossing elements E1 and E2, downstream at high pressure;
it is noted that the number of elements varies depending on the number of utilities
to connect.
[0038] A bypass or crossing line is also provided, indicated with LC, connecting the delivery
P1 to the tank: however, contrary to what happens in standard crossing valve distributors,
where they all are connected so as to come out of a single fitting, in the present
invention the bypass line, and thus the flow rate flowing into line LC is kept separate
with respect to the lines of the return flow rates of utilities and valves, which
equally go to tank T but with two separate fittings, that is:
- independent fitting C, connecting the bypass line LC to tank T,
- low pressure bleed channel 6, into which the bleeds of valves and utilities flow.
[0039] In any case, both the bypass line LC and the return of the utilities and the valve
bleeds are connected to tank T.
[0040] The following are also present:
- Spools C1, C2...Cn of elements E1, E2,...En which intercept, among the others, said
bypass line LC; the passage in LC is open when spools C1, C2.. Cn are in central position,
it is reduced with increasing stroke up to close or reach the maximum choke at the
end of the stroke,
- A load line 4 connecting the delivery line P1 to the utilities with the closed passage
in central position and open at the end of the stroke, also with possibility of intermediate
choked positions,
- A choke 2 placed on the bypass line LC and after all sections E1, E2..En,
- A by-pass valve 3 of the choke 2 itself.
- A connection line N or control signal, for direct or indirect connection to the control
signal line of pump PA.
[0041] Bearing in mind the configuration just described and with reference to the figures,
it is noted that in the entry side FE, the delivery of pump PA (in this example, it
is noted that it is negative control) is divided into two channels:
- The bypass line LC which, with spools C1 and C2 in central position, crosses all the
elements E1, E2 and then connects to the tank through connection C,
- The load line 4 which, with spools C1... Cn in central position, is a closed line.
[0042] The presence of a pressure regulator valve 5 arranged only on the bypass line LC.
Valve 5 in this example is calibrated at 30 bar.
[0043] Upon start up, the pressure acting on the regulator is null, whereby pump PA tends
to go to the maximum flow rate.
[0044] Increasing the flow rate increases the load losses through orifice 2, and thus the
pressure acting on the pump PA regulator, decreasing the flow rate sent by the pump
PA, up to reach a balance point in which the load losses through orifice 2 correspond
to that control pressure on the pump PA regulator that generates that given flow rate.
[0045] This flow rate creates a certain load loss along the bypass line LC through the elements
(E1, E2), thus generating a defined pressure just downstream of the regulator 5.
[0046] The regulator 5 is calibrated just above such a pressure value.
[0047] This system also provides that the pump still generates a minimum flow and the balance
between flow rate and control pressure of the pump regulator is as in figure 4.
[0048] In other words, for the variable displacement pump, the displacement is determined
by the control pressure N. The control pressure N is given by the flow rate load losses
through the fixed choke 2. The inclusion of the regulator 5 imposes a constant pressure
PC.
[0049] In the central position of the spools, LC is open while connection 4 with U is closed.
Then, QP=QC. This flow rate goes into the tank passing through LC and choke 2.
[0050] Upon start up, the flow rate QP=QC is null, whereby PN, which is the load loss of
the QC through choke 2, is low, but then the displacement tends to increase and therefore,
QP=QC tend to increase. But as QP=QC increase, the load losses through 2 increase
as well and thereby the PN increases, which opposes the increase of the displacement
up to reach a balance between PN and QP=QC
[0051] By operating the spool, this must perform a stroke section before the connection
between P and U opens through the load line 4. In that stroke section, the passage
through the LC already begins to narrow. Now, in the system object of the invention,
the passage through the LC is configured so that upon opening of the connection between
P and U, pressure PC is equal to the calibration of the regulator 5. Where PC is generated
by the load losses of QP=QC through the LC and choke 2.
ACTUATION OF A SPOOL
[0052] Operating a spool, such as that indicated with C1, opens the connection between the
load line 4 and the relative utility.
[0053] The passage through the bypass line LC narrows, whereby the pressure in said bypass
line LC after the regulator 5 increases due to the increase of the load losses.
[0054] In fact, since PC is generated by the load loss of QC through the LC, PC increases;
hence, it follows that it exceeds the calibration of the regulator 5, which consequently
begins to narrow the passage between P and LC. In doing so, PP pressure rises but
it is still lower than PU, then QP=QC continues to go in T passing through the LC
and choke 2; the regulator continues to choke until PP exceeds PU and so, part of
QP becomes QU and the QC drops, but then PC drops until PC becomes again equal to
the calibration of the regulator 5.
[0055] The regulator 5 is in fact configured so as to keep the pressure constant at its
calibration value, then it intervenes by reducing the flow rate (only in the bypass
line LC) at that value, whereby the load losses are equal to the calibration of the
regulator 5.
[0056] Doing so decreases the flow rate through choke 2, and thus the pressure of the pump
control signal, which will then send more flow rate.
[0057] However, the regulator 5 prevents this additional flow rate from flowing in the bypass
line LC.
[0058] Said additional flow rate only flows towards the actuated utility, i.e. through the
load line 4 and to the utility.
[0059] Consequently, the flow rate to the utility is independent of the load but only a
function of the spool stroke, unlike the prior art of the circuits with negative control
systems.
[0060] It is noted that the flow rate QU is generated independently of the load but only
as a function of the stroke. Meanwhile, since QC has decreased, the load loss through
choke 2 has decreased and thus, having PN decreased and QP increased, this increase,
as already described, goes all in QU.
[0061] If the spool is further operated, the LC chokes more and the PC increases, but then
the regulator 5 intervenes and brings QC down up to return PC equal to the calibration,
but if QC decreases, PN decreases and then QP increases, to the benefit of the QU.
[0062] In more detail, by continuing to further operate spool C1, the load losses through
the bypass line LC and thus the pressure immediately downstream of the regulator 5
tends to increase, making regulator 5 itself intervene; the latter re-establishes
its calibration by further reducing the flow rate in the bypass line LC, which in
turn reduces the load losses through choke 2, and thus the pressure of the control
signal of the pump PA regulator, with consequent increase of the flow rate sent by
the pump.
[0063] A flow rate that goes entirely to the utility.
[0064] It follows from the above that the flow rate to the utilities is independent of the
load but only a function of the stroke. It follows that, in the single drives, it
is also possible to set a maximum flow rate to the utility that is not the maximum
flow rate of the pump, unlike what the prior art negative control does.
[0065] Now, the same position of the spool is kept and let's assume that PU increases: PP
increases as a consequence, which tends to increase QC. But its increase increases
the load losses through the by-pass line LC, and thus the PC which therefore exceeds
the calibration of the regulator 5. Consequently, this intervenes by choking the passage
between P and LC, thereby generating a reduction of the QC to bring it in exactly
to the same initial value which corresponds to that PC value that is equal to the
calibration of regulator 5. It is noted that since the QC has not changed, the load
losses through 2 have not changed and so PN and QP have not changed. Since the QP
and the QC have not changed, the QU has remained constant since QP=QC+QU.
[0066] The above demonstrates that the flow rate at the utility depends only on the stroke
of the spool and is independent of the load, in contrast to what happens in the known
negative control system.
[0067] Since in the single movement the flow rate at the utility is independent of the load,
with an appropriate shape of the spool it is possible to set a maximum flow rate at
the end of the stroke different from that of the pump. This is not possible in the
known negative control.
[0068] Again as said, the actuation of multiple elements simultaneously leads to the generation
of a total flow rate along the load line 4 which is always independent of the load.
However, the division of this total flow rate, which as said is independent of the
load, among the various utilities depends on the relative pressures between the utilities.
The fact that at least the total flow rate is independent of the load makes the control
of the concurrent movements by the operator easier, unlike the known negative control
that does not have this advantage.
ACTUATION OF MULTIPLE SPOOLS
[0069] Let's assume that also a second spool, C2, is actuated.
[0070] The bypass line LC narrows further resulting, in the order:
- increase of the load losses,
- increase of pressure just downstream of regulator 5,
- triggering of regulator 5 so as to return the pressure to the calibration value of
the regulator,
- reduction of the flow rate in the bypass line LC,
- reduction of the load losses through choke 2,
- reduction of the control pressure of pump PA,
- increase of the flow rate sent to pump PA.
[0071] The division of the flow rate between the two utilities depends on the reciprocal
loads but, unlike the prior art, the total flow supplied by the pump PA is independent
of the utilities.
[0072] Having set, with the regulator valve 5, a fixed pressure of the bypass line LC before
the first element and being the pressure in the tank fixed and considered null, a
fixed pressure drop is set by said regulator 5 between the beginning of the LC before
the first section and the tank.
[0073] Supposing to be in a central position, through the various spools C1, C2...Cn there
will be suitable passage areas A plus choke 2, since

[0074] The presence of regulator 5 only on the bypass line LC sets the pressure stage ΔP;
in addition, the passage area through the bypass line LC is known and defined: the
value of a given flow rate Q is thus obtained from the formula, which crosses all
the line LC and orifice 2 (the latter placed on the same line, downstream).
[0075] Since the control signal N is taken after all the elements E1..En but before the
fixed choke 2, it follows that the pressure at that point is given by the load losses
of the determined flow rate Q through choke 2 (considering the pressure in tank T
as null).
[0076] When all the spools C1..Cn are in a central position, said predetermined flow rate
Q must be equal to the minimum one of pump PA.
[0077] This condition occurs with the control pressure equal to or slightly greater than
a predetermined pressure P, a function of the setting of pump PA. Choke 2 must therefore
be such that at the minimum pump flow rate, it generates a load loss equal to or slightly
greater than that of the calibration at which the pump sends the minimum flow rate,
with reference to the pump adjustment curve.
CONTROL OF A LOAD SENSING PUMP
[0078] The circuit of the valve device shown is, as said, adapted to also control a load
sensing pump.
[0079] In the example described above, the control feeds the control signal of the negative
control pump and generates a flow rate inversely proportional to the control pressure
(in turn inversely proportional to the stroke of the spools).
[0080] In the embodiment variant that contemplates the control of a load sensing pump PA
and with particular reference to figure 3, which shows the circuit operation, said
control signal N now closes a suitable choke, i.e. a proportional opening tray 7,
a tray that is placed along the load line 4.
[0081] In figure 5 it is illustrated another possible embodiment of the invention which
comprises a load sensing pump PA; instead of the choke 7 is observed the presence
of another choke 17 of a proportional opening drawer, in this case said choke 17 is
located along the delivery line, upstream of the junction that separates LC and the
load line 4; the connection line N now acts on the relative drawer so that:
- In its central position is partly open and configured to allow the flow strictly required
to have a reduced pressure on the bypass line (LC)
- In work's configuration, namely piloting configuration, allows the passage of the
entire flow capacity.
[0082] In this situation, the passage through the choke imposed by tray 7, 17 opens in a
manner inversely proportional to the pressure of control P, and thus proportional
to the stroke of spools C1, C2... Cn.
[0083] An LS signal downstream of said choke of tray 7, 17 arrives at the LS PA pump, so
the latter sends a flow rate proportional to the opening of the choke, in turn inversely
proportional to the control pressure which is in turn inversely proportional to the
stroke of spools C1, C2, ...Cn.
[0084] In summary, with the described valve device, through a connection line N it is possible
to directly control a variable displacement pump PA with negative control system,
or with the valve device described, through a control N and a proportional tray on
the load line 4 it is possible to indirectly control a variable displacement load
sensing pump PA. In the latter case, the control signal is configured for opening
in a manner inversely proportional the choke of the tray 7, 17 while a signal (LS)
from the load line 4, downstream said choke, arrives to the pump.
[0085] For both solutions, the valve device has a regulator valve 5 only on the bypass line
LC and upstream of the first element E1. In the single drive, it makes the flow rate
to the utility independent of the load and allows setting a maximum flow rate at the
end of the stroke; in multiple drives, it ensures that the sum of the required flow
rates is independent of the loads.
[0086] The regulator 5 is configured so as to impose a constant pressure drop along the
single bypass line LC and through the elements E1, En.
[0087] The bypass line LC is configured to be connected to tank T through a fitting C, independent
of the fitting into which the return flow rates of utilities and valves flow.