Patent classifications
F15B1/033
Fluid pressure boost system and method
A hydraulic fluid pressure amplifier system includes a boost cylinder assembly, an energy storage device in fluid communication with the boost cylinder assembly, and a working cylinder assembly. The boost cylinder assembly is configured to selectively receive a plunger member into a boost cylinder, wherein movement of the plunger member received in the boost cylinder compresses a charge fluid within a blind side volume of the boost cylinder from a first fluid pressure to an amplified fluid pressure greater than the first pressure. The working cylinder assembly is selectively operable responsive to receiving a source hydraulic fluid having a nominal fluid pressure less than the amplified fluid pressure for effecting the movement of the plunger member into the boost cylinder. The energy storage device is operable to selectively receive and store a portion of the charge fluid compressed to the amplified fluid pressure.
Fluid pressure boost system and method
A hydraulic fluid pressure amplifier system includes a boost cylinder assembly, an energy storage device in fluid communication with the boost cylinder assembly, and a working cylinder assembly. The boost cylinder assembly is configured to selectively receive a plunger member into a boost cylinder, wherein movement of the plunger member received in the boost cylinder compresses a charge fluid within a blind side volume of the boost cylinder from a first fluid pressure to an amplified fluid pressure greater than the first pressure. The working cylinder assembly is selectively operable responsive to receiving a source hydraulic fluid having a nominal fluid pressure less than the amplified fluid pressure for effecting the movement of the plunger member into the boost cylinder. The energy storage device is operable to selectively receive and store a portion of the charge fluid compressed to the amplified fluid pressure.
Hydraulic machine
A hydraulic machine is provided. A boom actuator includes a large chamber and a small chamber. A recovery unit receives fluid discharged from the large chamber and then recovers energy. A recovery line connects the large chamber and the recovery unit. An accumulator is connected to the recovery line. A jack-up assist line connects the accumulator and the small chamber. A jack-up assist valve is disposed on the jack-up assist line to block flow of fluid from the accumulator to the small chamber in a first position and allow the flow of fluid from the accumulator to the small chamber in a second position. A controller controls movement of the jack-up assist valve. The controller may determine whether or not the hydraulic machine is in a jack-up condition, and when the hydraulic machine is determined to be in the jack-up condition, moves the jack-up assist valve to the second position.
Hydraulic control valve with duplicate workports and integrated actuator oscillation control features
An example valve assembly includes a first workport fluidly coupled to a first actuator; a second workport fluidly coupled to the first actuator; a third workport fluidly coupled to a second actuator, wherein the third workport is fluidly coupled to the first workport via a first fluid passage; a fourth workport fluidly coupled to the second actuator, wherein the fourth workport is fluidly coupled to the second workport via a second fluid passage; and a spool axially movable in a bore within the valve assembly, wherein when the spool is shifted axially in a first axial direction, pressurized fluid is provided to the first workport and to the third workport via the first fluid passage, and when the spool is shifted axially in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction, pressurized fluid is provided to the second workport and to the fourth workport via the second fluid passage.
Energy recuperation system and method for construction equipment
An energy recuperation system for construction equipment includes an actuator driving upward and downward operations of a work unit; an accumulator connected to the actuator; and a controller determining a predicted downward mode associated with the downward operation of the work unit, regulating a dischargeable lowest limit pressure of the accumulator to a target pressure corresponding to the predicted downward mode, and charging the accumulator having the dischargeable lowest limit pressure regulated to the target pressure with pressurized oil discharged from the actuator during the downward operation of the work unit to recuperate energy, and an energy recuperation method.
Hydraulic systems and methods for nested pressure regulating valves
A hydraulic system is provided. The hydraulic system may include a fluid pressure source in fluid communication with a supply line, a return line in fluid communication with a tank, a hydraulic function having a workport, a first control valve having a first proportional solenoid, a second control valve having a second proportional solenoid, and a controller. The controller being configured to selectively energize the first proportional solenoid, the second proportional solenoid, or the first proportional solenoid and the second proportional solenoid to control a system pressure differential, defined between the return line and the workport, within a range that is defined by a sum of a first predefined range defined by the first control valve and a second predefined range defined by the second control valve.
Hydraulic systems and methods for nested pressure regulating valves
A hydraulic system is provided. The hydraulic system may include a fluid pressure source in fluid communication with a supply line, a return line in fluid communication with a tank, a hydraulic function having a workport, a first control valve having a first proportional solenoid, a second control valve having a second proportional solenoid, and a controller. The controller being configured to selectively energize the first proportional solenoid, the second proportional solenoid, or the first proportional solenoid and the second proportional solenoid to control a system pressure differential, defined between the return line and the workport, within a range that is defined by a sum of a first predefined range defined by the first control valve and a second predefined range defined by the second control valve.
VEHICLE AND METHOD WITH ENERGY RECOVERY LIFT GATE
A liftgate assembly, such as a for a delivery vehicle, includes a liftgate that is movable by hydraulic power between a raised position and a lowered position. The hydraulic power unit includes an energy-recovery mechanism that stores energy while the liftgate is being lowered under load. Energy stored by the energy-recovery mechanism, such as in an accumulator, may be used to raise the liftgate. The hydraulic power unit includes a pump that pumps hydraulic fluid for providing hydraulic pressure. The liftgate assembly thereby uses energy more efficiently, enabling repurposing part of the energy from lowering the liftgate (and any cargo thereupon) in raising the liftgate.
TRANSMISSION SYSTEM WITH TRACTION MOTOR-DRIVEN HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME
A transmission system includes a transmission assembly having clutches to transmit power from an input shaft to an output shaft at a plurality of gear ratios. A traction motor drives the input shaft and propels the work vehicle, while a controller controls operation of the transmission assembly and the traction motor. A hydraulic circuit controls actuation of the clutches responsive to commands from the controller. The hydraulic circuit includes a hydraulic pump driven by the traction motor, an accumulator connected to the hydraulic pump and that holds hydraulic fluid therein under pressure, and an unloading valve positioned in a secondary fluid path running from an outlet of the hydraulic pump to a sump. The unloading valve operates in a closed state to direct hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump to the accumulator and operates in an open state to direct hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump to the sump.
TRANSMISSION SYSTEM WITH TRACTION MOTOR-DRIVEN HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME
A transmission system includes a transmission assembly having clutches to transmit power from an input shaft to an output shaft at a plurality of gear ratios. A traction motor drives the input shaft and propels the work vehicle, while a controller controls operation of the transmission assembly and the traction motor. A hydraulic circuit controls actuation of the clutches responsive to commands from the controller. The hydraulic circuit includes a hydraulic pump driven by the traction motor, an accumulator connected to the hydraulic pump and that holds hydraulic fluid therein under pressure, and an unloading valve positioned in a secondary fluid path running from an outlet of the hydraulic pump to a sump. The unloading valve operates in a closed state to direct hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump to the accumulator and operates in an open state to direct hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump to the sump.