This hydraulic drive system includes: first and second circuit systems; first and second hydraulic pumps; a merge valve that opens and closes a merge passage connecting the hydraulic pumps; an operation device that outputs an operation command corresponding to an amount of operation specifying an amount of actuation of first and second hydraulic actuators; and a control device that controls the merge valve according to the operation command from the operation device. The first circuit system includes: a first meter-in control valve that controls a meter-in flow rate of the working fluid that flows to the first hydraulic actuator; and a first meter-out control valve that controls a meter-out flow rate of the working fluid that is drained from the first hydraulic actuator into a tank. The control device controls an opening degree of the first meter-in control valve and an opening degree of the first meter-out control valve.

Problem to be solved: To provide a hydraulic circuit for the construction machine which enables to use the relief valve of low capacity in the work tool circuit. Solution: The hydraulic circuit 2 for a construction machine has: a hydraulic pump 4 of variable capacity, a work tool 6 operated by hydraulic oil delivered by the hydraulic pump 4, a work tool operating device 10 to output a signal for operating the work tool 6, a control valve 14 allowing the hydraulic pump 4 to supply the hydraulic oil to the work tool 6 based on the signal output from the work tool operating device 10, a tool's relief valve 44 to release the hydraulic oil flowing between the control valve 14 and the work tool 6, a pressure sensor 46 to detect a pressure of hydraulic oil flowing into the work tool 6, and a controller 48 to reduce a delivery rate from the hydraulic pump 4 when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 46 exceeds a predetermined value.

In a fluid circuit for an air cylinder connected to a switching valve provided with exhaust ports, a head-side pressure chamber is connected to the switching valve by a first pipe, and a rod-side pressure chamber is connected to the switching valve by a second pipe. A first restrictor is disposed at a connection point between the first pipe and the switching valve or in the vicinity of a first output port of the switching valve, and a second restrictor is disposed at a connection point between the second pipe and the switching valve or in the vicinity of a second output port of the switching valve.

In a fluid circuit for an air cylinder connected to a switching valve provided with exhaust ports, a head-side pressure chamber is connected to the switching valve by a first pipe, and a rod-side pressure chamber is connected to the switching valve by a second pipe. A first restrictor is disposed at a connection point between the first pipe and the switching valve or in the vicinity of a first output port of the switching valve, and a second restrictor is disposed at a connection point between the second pipe and the switching valve or in the vicinity of a second output port of the switching valve.

A hydraulic system, mining machine and method of controlling a hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic system (HS) is provided with a control valve (23) for controlling movement direction and speed of a hydraulic actuator (HA) connected to the system. Generated force of the hydraulic actuator is controlled independently relative to the control valve by means of counterbalance valves (Cb1, Cb2) and servo valves (Sv1, Sv2) controlling their opening pressure. The counterbalance valves and the servo valves operate as a meter-out control assembly which controls flow of hydraulic fluid discharged from working pressure spaces (16a, 16b) of the hydraulic actuator. The disclosed system may be implemented to control a mining boom (3) of a mining machine (1).

A work vehicle includes: an operation tool that is operated by an operator; and a controller that determines a target flow rate for hydraulic oil fed to a hydraulic device on a basis of the amount of operation of the operation tool. The controller calculates a bleed-off target flow rate on a basis of the flow rate of hydraulic oil fed from a hydraulic oil pump and the target flow rate for hydraulic oil fed to the hydraulic device, calculates a bleed-off throttle differential pressure on a basis of a pressure of hydraulic oil fed from the hydraulic oil pump and a pressure of hydraulic oil in a hydraulic oil tank, calculates a bleed-off target opening area on a basis of the bleed-off target flow rate and the bleed-off throttle differential pressure, and controls a hydraulic oil control valve such that the bleed-off target opening area is achieved.

A work vehicle includes: an operation tool that is operated by an operator; and a controller that determines a target flow rate for hydraulic oil fed to a hydraulic device on a basis of the amount of operation of the operation tool. The controller calculates a bleed-off target flow rate on a basis of the flow rate of hydraulic oil fed from a hydraulic oil pump and the target flow rate for hydraulic oil fed to the hydraulic device, calculates a bleed-off throttle differential pressure on a basis of a pressure of hydraulic oil fed from the hydraulic oil pump and a pressure of hydraulic oil in a hydraulic oil tank, calculates a bleed-off target opening area on a basis of the bleed-off target flow rate and the bleed-off throttle differential pressure, and controls a hydraulic oil control valve such that the bleed-off target opening area is achieved.

A hydraulic system, mining machine and method of controlling a hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic system (HS) is provided with a control valve (23) for controlling movement direction and speed of a hydraulic actuator (HA) connected to the system. Generated force of the hydraulic actuator is controlled independently relative to the control valve by means of counterbalance valves (Cb1, Cb2) and servo valves (Sv1, Sv2) controlling their opening pressure. The counterbalance valves and the servo valves operate as a meter-out control assembly which controls flow of hydraulic fluid discharged from working pressure spaces (16a, 16b) of the hydraulic actuator. The disclosed system may be implemented to control a mining boom (3) of a mining machine (1).

The present disclosure relates to systems that use a single proportional valve to control raising and lowering of a load. The present disclosure also relates to proportional valves that provide proportional flow control in first and second opposite flow directions through the proportional valve.

An excavator includes a hydraulic actuator driven by hydraulic oil discharged from a main pump to move a work element; a first control valve disposed in a center bypass pipeline; a second control valve disposed in a parallel pipeline; and a control device for controlling the movement of the second control valve. The first control valve and the second control valve are formed in a valve block of control valves, and the second control valve is disposed upstream of the first control valve.