PUMP DEVICE AND HYDRAULIC ACTUATOR

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-062717 filed on Mar. 25, 2014, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a pump device and a hydraulic actuator.

2. Description of the Related Art

A hydraulic actuator includes a hydraulic cylinder (cylinder device) that is extended and compressed by the fluid pressure of hydraulic fluid, a pump device that supplies hydraulic fluid, a hydraulic circuit connected to the cylinder device to control the fluid pressure of hydraulic fluid, and a tank that stores hydraulic fluid. Various valves are provided to the hydraulic circuit, and many of the valves are provided with a control block.

A relief valve of the valves in the hydraulic circuit may be integrated with a pump (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. H11-082411).

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. H11-082411

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a production process of a hydraulic actuator, the performance of a pump device alone is measured, and then, when the pump device is assembled to a control block built in with multiple valves such that a hydraulic circuit is connected, the performance of the entire hydraulic circuit including the pump device is measured.

In this manner, a performance measurement for a pump device alone and a performance measurement for a hydraulic circuit need to be performed in separate steps in a hydraulic actuator, and there is a problem of a large number of steps. When the performance measured for the hydraulic circuit does not satisfy the desired performance, there is an additional work in which an assembled body is disassembled for replacement of a valve or the like and reassembled.

The present invention has been made in view of a situation described above, and an object is to provide a pump device and a hydraulic actuator that can reduce the number of steps for a performance measurement.

A pump device of the present invention comprises: a switching valve for switching a flow of hydraulic fluid to one of a first chamber and a second chamber of a cylinder device, an inside of which is segmented into the first chamber and the second chamber by a piston; a first chamber-side relief valve that is capable of relieving pressure of a first chamber-side flow path connected to the first chamber; and a second chamber-side relief valve that is capable of relieving pressure of a second chamber-side flow path connected to the second chamber.

In the pump device of the invention, the first chamber-side relief valve and the second chamber-side relief valve may include a pressure adjustment mechanism that adjusts a working pressure.

In the pump device of the invention, the first chamber-side relief valve may be provided in a flow path between the switching valve and the first chamber.

The pump device of the invention may be such that the first chamber-side relief valve and the second chamber-side relief valve are provided in a flow path between the switching valve and a pump for feeding the hydraulic fluid, and a third relief valve including a pressure adjustment mechanism that adjusts a working pressure is provided in a flow path between the first chamber and the switching valve.

A hydraulic actuator of the present invention includes a cylinder device, an inside of which is segmented into a first chamber and a second chamber by a piston, and a pump device including: a switching valve for switching a flow of hydraulic fluid to one of the first chamber and the second chamber; a first chamber-side relief valve that is capable of relieving pressure of a first chamber-side flow path connected to the first chamber; and a second chamber-side relief valve that is capable of relieving pressure of a second chamber-side flow path connected to the second chamber.

With the pump device of the present invention, the number of steps for a performance measurement can be reduced.

With the hydraulic actuator of the present invention, the number of steps for a performance measurement can be reduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a trim tilt device including a pump device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a main section of the trim tilt device;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a housing and a cylinder of the trim tilt device;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the arrangement of a hull and a ship propelling machine for which the trim tilt device is used, when seen from the side;

FIG. 5 is a view showing a hydraulic circuit of the trim tilt device;

FIG. 6 is a view showing the external appearance of a pump device;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the pump device broken down into components;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view at a plane including an up blow valve and a down blow valve along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view at a plane including a first open valve and a second open valve of a switching valve and a third relief valve along line IX-IX in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a view showing a hydraulic circuit of a trim tilt device in Embodiment 2; and

FIG. 11 is a view showing a hydraulic circuit of a trim tilt device in Embodiment 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiment 1

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a trim tilt device 100 (as one example of a hydraulic actuator) including a pump device 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a main section of the trim tilt device 100. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a housing 81 and a cylinder 11 of the trim tilt device 100.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the trim tilt device 100 includes a cylinder device 10 extended and compressed by supply and discharge of oil that is one example of hydraulic fluid, the pump device 20 that feeds oil, a motor 40 that drives the pump device 20, and a tank 80 that stores oil.

(Cylinder Device 10)

As shown in FIG. 2, the cylinder device 10 includes the cylinder 11 extending in an axis C direction, a piston 12 that is arranged inside the cylinder 11 and slides along the axis C direction of the cylinder 11, and a piston rod 13 that is fixed at one end with the piston 12 to be displaced integrally with the piston 12 and that moves forward and backward in the axis C direction with respect to the cylinder 11.

The inside of the cylinder device 10 is segmented by the piston 12 into a first chamber Y1 and a second chamber Y2. The cylinder device 10 extends when oil is supplied to the first chamber Y1, and the cylinder device 10 compresses when oil is supplied to the second chamber Y2. Oil is discharged from the second chamber Y2 when the cylinder device 10 extends, and oil is discharged from the first chamber Y1 when the cylinder device 10 compresses.

At a lower end of the cylinder 11 in the drawing, a pin hole 11a to which a pin (not shown) for connection with a stern bracket 340 a ship propelling machine 300 described below (see FIG. 4 described below) is inserted is formed. At an upper end of the piston rod 13 in the drawing, a pin hole 13a to which a pin (not shown) for connection with a swivel case 330 of the ship propelling machine 300 (see FIG. 4) is inserted is formed.

(Tank 80)

The tank 80 is configured of the housing 81 and a tank chamber 82 that is a space surrounded by the housing 81. The housing 81 is formed integrally with the cylinder 11. In the housing 81 and the cylinder 11, as shown in FIG. 3, only two oil flow paths connecting the pump device 20 and the first chamber Y1 as well as the second chamber Y2 of the cylinder device 10 are formed in a part of a cylinder-side and first chamber-side flow path 71A and in a part of a cylinder-side and second chamber-side flow path 72A.

A part of the cylinder-side and first chamber-side flow path 71A is formed by connecting a first housing hole 81a, a second housing hole 81b, a third housing hole 81c, a first cylinder hole 81d, and a second cylinder hole 81e.

The first housing hole 81a is formed to extend downward from the bottom surface of the housing 81 so as not to penetrate a bottom section of the housing 81. The second housing hole 81b is formed to extend horizontally from the side surface of the bottom section of the housing 81 toward the cylinder 11 so as to intersect with the first housing hole 81a. The third housing hole 81c is formed to extend horizontally from the side surface of a boundary portion between the housing 81 and the cylinder 11 so as to be orthogonal to the second housing hole 81b. The first cylinder hole 81d is formed to extend diagonally upward from the side surface of the cylinder 11 so as to intersect with the third housing hole 81c. The second cylinder hole 81e is formed to extend horizontally from the side surface of the cylinder 11 so as to intersect with the first cylinder hole 81d and be open to the first chamber Y1.

The second housing hole 81b, the third housing hole 81c, the first cylinder hole 81d, and the second cylinder hole 81e are each closed by a plug or the like (not shown) at a portion facing the outside of the housing 81 and a portion facing the outside of the cylinder 11.

A part of the cylinder-side and second chamber-side flow path 72A is formed by connecting a fourth housing hole 81f, a fifth housing hole 81g, a sixth housing hole 81h, a third cylinder hole 81i, and a fourth cylinder hole 81j.

The fourth housing hole 81f is formed to extend downward from the bottom surface of the housing 81 so as not to penetrate the bottom section of the housing 81. The fifth housing hole 81g is formed to extend horizontally from the side surface of the bottom section of the housing 81 so as to intersect with the fourth housing hole 81f. The sixth housing hole 81h is formed to extend horizontally from the side surface of the bottom section of the housing 81 toward the cylinder 11 so as to be orthogonal to the fifth housing hole 81g. The third cylinder hole 81i is formed to extend downward from the upper surface of the cylinder 11 so as to be orthogonal to the sixth housing hole 81h. The fourth cylinder hole 81j is formed to extend diagonally downward from the second chamber Y2 so as to intersect with the third cylinder hole 81i.

The fifth housing hole 81g, the sixth housing hole 81h, and the third cylinder hole 81i are each closed by a plug or the like (not shown) at a portion facing the outside of the housing 81 and a portion facing the outside of the cylinder 11.

At a bottom section of the tank chamber 82, the pump device 20 is arranged. Since oil is stored in the tank chamber 82, the pump device 20 is immersed in oil.

(Motor 40)

The motor 40 is placed on the housing 81 close an upper opening of the tank chamber 82 in a liquid-tight manner and is fixed to the housing 81. In this state, a drive shaft 41 (see FIG. 2) of the motor 40 is coupled to a gear pump 21 (a main pump body: see FIG. 7 described below) of the pump device 20 arranged in the tank chamber 82, so that the gear pump 21 can be driven by the motor 40.

The pump device 20 will be described below.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the arrangement of a hull 200 and the ship propelling machine 300 for which the trim tilt device 100 is used, when seen from the side.

As shown in FIG. 4, the ship propelling machine 300 includes a ship propelling machine body 310 that generates propulsion. The ship propelling machine body 310 includes a swivel shaft (not shown) provided in a perpendicular direction (vertical direction), a horizontal shaft 320 provided in a horizontal direction with respect to a water surface, the swivel case 330 that accommodates the swivel shaft to be rotatable, and the stern bracket 340 that connects the swivel case 330 to the hull 200.

The stern bracket 340 and the pin hole 11a of the cylinder 11 of the trim tilt device 100 are coupled by a pin, and the swivel case 330 and the pin hole 13a of the piston rod 13 are coupled by a pin. By the cylinder device 10 extending and compressing, the distance between the stern bracket 340 and the swivel case 330 changes to change an inclination angle 0 of the ship propelling machine 300 with respect to the hull 200.

FIG. 5 shows a hydraulic circuit of the trim tilt device 100. First, the hydraulic circuit of the trim tilt device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

The inside of the cylinder device 10 is segmented by the piston 12 into the first chamber Y1 and the second chamber Y2 . The cylinder device 10 extends when oil is supplied to the first chamber Y1, and the cylinder device 10 compresses when oil is supplied to the second chamber Y2. Oil is discharged from the second chamber Y2 when the cylinder device 10 extends, and oil is discharged from the first chamber Y1 when the cylinder device 10 compresses.

The hydraulic circuit is a circuit that controls supply and discharge of oil to the first chamber Y1 and the second chamber Y2.

Between the gear pump 21 formed of a pair of gears provided to the pump device 20 and the cylinder device 10, a first chamber-side flow path 71 communicating with the first chamber Y1 and a second chamber-side flow path 72 communicating with the second chamber Y2 are formed. In the first chamber-side flow path 71 and the second chamber-side flow path 72, a switching valve 51 is arranged across the first chamber-side flow path 71 and the second chamber-side flow path 72.

(Switching Valve 51)

The switching valve 51 switches the direction of oil flow to the first chamber Y1 or the second chamber Y2. The switching valve 51 includes a first open valve 51a provided on the first chamber-side flow path 71 and a second open valve 52a provided on the second chamber-side flow path 72.

The first open valve 51a includes a first actuation valve 51b and a first non-return valve 51e. The first actuation valve 51b includes a spool 51c that slides within a first valve chamber 51f and an actuation valve ball 51d built in the spool 51c. The first valve chamber 51f is partitioned by the spool 51c into a main oil chamber 51g on a side communicating with the first non-return valve 51e and a sub oil chamber 51h on the opposite side . A pump-side and first chamber-side flow path 71B communicating with the first open valve 51a from the gear pump 21 in the first chamber-side flow path 71 is connected to the main oil chamber 51g of the first open valve 51a.

The spool 51c includes a protrusion 51i that protrudes toward the first non-return valve 51e and pushes the first non-return valve 51e upon displacement to the first non-return valve 51e side. As shown in FIG. 9 described below, the spool Sic is formed with a first hole 51j for communication of the main oil chamber 51g and the sub oil chamber 51h and a second hole 51k for communication of the sub oil chamber 51h and a communication path 51R described below.

The actuation valve ball 51d opens the first hole 51j when the pressure of the main oil chamber Sig is higher than the pressure of the sub oil chamber 51h, and closes the first hole 51j when the pressure of the main oil chamber 51g is lower than the pressure of the sub oil chamber 51h.

The second open valve 52a is similar in configuration to the first open valve 51a. That is, the second open valve 52a includes a second actuation valve 52b and a second non-return valve 52e. The second actuation valve 52b slides within a second valve chamber 52f and includes a spool 52c including a protrusion 52i that pushes a second non-return valve 52e and formed with a first hole 52j and a second hole 52k and an actuation valve ball 52d built in the spool 52c to open and close the first hole 52j in accordance with a high-low relationship of pressures of a main oil chamber 52g and a sub oil chamber 52h. The second valve chamber 52f is partitioned by the spool 52c into the main oil chamber 52g on a side communicating with the second non-return valve 52e and the sub oil chamber 52h on the opposite side. A pump-side and second chamber-side flow path 72B communicating with the second open valve 52a from the gear pump 21 in the second chamber-side flow path 72 is connected to the main oil chamber 52g of the second open valve 52a.

The sub oil chamber 51h of the first open valve 51a and the sub oil chamber 52h of the second open valve 52a are communicated by the communication path 51R.

For example, oil fed to the pump-side and first chamber-side flow path 71B from the gear pump 21 by a positive rotation of the gear pump 21 flows into the main oil chamber 51g of the first open valve 51a. The first non-return valve 51e is opened by an increase in pressure of the main oil chamber 51g. Oil flows from the first open valve 51a to the cylinder-side and first chamber-side flow path 71A communicating with the first chamber Y1 of the cylinder device 10 in the first chamber-side flow path 71, flows into the first chamber Y1 of the cylinder device 10, and pushes the piston 12 toward the second chamber Y2.

Oil that has flowed into the main oil chamber 51g of the first open valve 51a opens the actuation valve ball 51d within the spool 51c of the first actuation valve 51b and flows into the sub oil chamber 51h. Oil that has flowed into the sub oil chamber 51h reaches the sub oil chamber 52h of the second open valve 52a through the communication path 51R. Since the actuation valve ball 52d of the second actuation valve 52b is closed, oil in the sub oil chamber 52h presses the spool 52c to the main oil chamber 52g side.

The second non-return valve 52e is pushed and opened by the second actuation valve 52b moving to the main oil chamber 52g side, such that the pump-side and second chamber-side flow path 72B and the cylinder-side and second chamber-side flow path 72A communicating with the second chamber Y2 of the cylinder device 10 from the second open valve 52a are communicated in the second chamber-side flow path 72. Accordingly, oil in the second chamber Y2 on a side pushed by the piston 12 is discharged to the second chamber-side flow path 72 and returns to the gear pump 21 through the second chamber-side flow path 72.

The flow of oil fed to the pump-side and second chamber-side flow path 72B from the gear pump 21 by a negative rotation of the gear pump 21 is similar to the case of the positive rotation of the gear pump 21. That is, oil flows into the main oil chamber 52g of the second open valve 52a, opens the second non-return valve 52e, flows to the cylinder-side and second chamber-side flow path 72A, flows into the second chamber Y2 of the cylinder device 10, and pushes the piston 12 toward the first chamber Y1.

Oil that has flowed into the main oil chamber 52g of the second open valve 52a opens the actuation valve ball 52d within the spool 52c of the second actuation valve 52b, flows into the sub oil chamber 52h, reaches the sub oil chamber 51h of the first open valve 51a through the communication path 51R, and presses the spool 51c of the first actuation valve 51b to the main oil chamber 51g side. The pressed spool 51c pushes and opens the first non-return valve 51e, the cylinder-side and first chamber-side flow path 71A and the pump-side and first chamber-side flow path 71B are communicated, and oil in the first chamber Y1 on a side pushed by the piston 12 is discharged to the first chamber-side flow path 71 and returns to the gear pump 21 through the first chamber-side flow path 71.

In this manner, the first actuation valve 51b and the second actuation valve 52b have a function of being displaced under pressure of oil from the gear pump 21 to cause the second non-return valve 52e or the first non-return valve 51e to open in the displacement direction by the displacement.

The first non-return valve 51e and the second non-return valve 52e have a function of being opened by the displacement of the second actuation valve 52b or the first actuation valve 51b to return oil from the cylinder device 10 and a function of being opened by pressure that acts on the first valve chamber 51f or the second valve chamber 52f to supply oil to the cylinder device 10.

(Up Blow Valve 53)

The pump-side and first chamber-side flow path 71B is connected with an up blow valve 53 (first chamber-side relief valve). The up blow valve 53 is normally closed and opens when the pressure of the pump-side and first chamber-side flow path 71B has become greater than or equal to a pressure set in advance to relieve oil in the pump-side and first chamber-side flow path 71B to a first open flow path 73 communicating with the tank 80.

The following case is an example of a case where the pressure of the pump-side and first chamber-side flow path 71B becomes greater than or equal to a pressure set in advance. That is, such a case is when the rotation of the gear pump 21 does not stop even after the cylinder device 10 has extended to a maximum extension-compression range due to supply of oil to the first chamber Y1 of the cylinder device 10, such that oil continues to be supplied to the first chamber-side flow path 71. In this case, the up blow valve 53 opens to return oil supplied to the pump-side and first chamber-side flow path 71B to the tank 80 through the first open flow path 73.

(Down Blow Valve 54)

The pump-side and second chamber-side flow path 72B is connected with a down blow valve 54 (second chamber-side relief valve). The down blow valve 54 is normally closed and opens when the pressure of the pump-side and second chamber-side flow path 72B has become greater than or equal to a pressure set in advance to relieve oil in the pump-side and second chamber-side flow path 72B to a second open flow path 74 communicating with the tank 80.

The following case is an example of a case where the pressure of the pump-side and second chamber-side flow path 72B becomes greater than or equal to a pressure set in advance. That is, such a case is when the rotation of the gear pump 21 does not stop even after the cylinder device 10 has compressed to a minimum extension-compression range due to an increase in pressure of the second chamber-side flow path 72 corresponding to an increase in volume of the piston rod 13 entering the second chamber Y2 upon compression of the cylinder device 10 or supply of oil to the second chamber Y2 of the cylinder device 10, such that oil continues to be supplied to the second chamber-side flow path 72. In this case, the down blow valve 54 opens to return oil supplied to the pump-side and second chamber-side flow path 72B to the tank 80 through the second open flow path 74.

Upon compression and extension of the cylinder device 10, a large portion of oil in the first chamber Y1 and oil in the second chamber Y2 is merely circulating via the switching valve 51 and the gear pump 21. However, as described above, the total amount of oil in the first chamber Y1 and oil in the second chamber Y2 changes in accordance with the amount of entrance of the piston rod 13 to the second chamber Y2. Therefore, in the case where the amount of oil fed to the first chamber Y1 or the second chamber Y2 is insufficient, an amount of oil corresponding to the insufficiency is supplied to the gear pump 21 from the tank 80 through a first supply flow path 77 or a second supply flow path 78 respectively provided with check valves 57 and 58. Whether the flow path for supply of oil to the gear pump 21 from the tank 80 is the first supply flow path 77 or the second supply flow path 78 is determined in accordance with the rotating direction of the gear pump 21.

(Third Relief Valve 55)

The cylinder-side and first chamber-side flow path 71A is connected with a third relief valve 55 (third relief valve). The third relief valve 55 is normally closed and opens when the pressure of the cylinder-side and first chamber-side flow path 71A has become greater than or equal to a pressure set in advance (pressure higher than the pressure at which the up blow valve 53 is opened) to relieve oil in the cylinder-side and first chamber-side flow path 71A to a third open flow path 75 communicating with the tank 80.

The following case is an example of a case where the pressure of the cylinder-side and first chamber-side flow path 71A becomes greater than or equal to a pressure set in advance. That is, such a case is when load such as an impact is applied in a direction to compress the cylinder device 10 in a state where the cylinder device 10 is extended or when the pressure of the cylinder-side and first chamber-side flow path 71A has risen due to a rise in temperature of oil. In this case, the third relief valve 55 opens to return oil supplied to the cylinder-side and first chamber-side flow path 71A to the tank 80 via the third open flow path 75.

In the flow path communicating with the tank 80, a filter 83 is provided to prevent foreign matter or the like mixed in oil within the tank 80 from flowing into the respective flow paths described above.

FIG. 6 is a view showing the external appearance of the pump device 20. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the pump device 20 broken down into components. FIG. 8 is a sectional view at a plane including the up blow valve 53 and the down blow valve 54. FIG. 9 is a sectional view at a plane including the first open valve 51a and the second open valve 52a of the switching valve 51 and the third relief valve 55.

As shown in FIG. 7, the pump device 20 includes a pump case 25, the gear pump 21, the switching valve 51, the up blow valve 53, the down blow valve 54, the third relief valve 55, and the two check valves 57 and 58. The pump case 25 has a so-called three-body structure in which a first case 22, a second case 23, and a cover plate 24 (covering member) are stacked in this order from the bottom in the drawing and integrated by five fastening members 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d, and 28e. A part of five fastening members 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d, and 28e also serves a function of fixing the pump device 20 to the housing 81 (see FIG. 1).

The pump device 20 is configured integrally, as shown in FIG. 6, to accommodate the gear pump 21, the switching valve 51, the up blow valve 53, the down blow valve 54, the third relief valve 55, and the two check valves 57 and 58 inside the pump case 25.

The first case 22 is formed with a groove 22b at the bottom surface. The first case 22 is formed with a pump chamber 22a that accommodates the gear pump 21, check valve chambers 22g and 22h that accommodate the check valves 57 and 58, and a first non-return valve chamber 22m (see FIG. 9) and a second non-return valve chamber 22n that accommodate the first non-return valve 51e and the second non-return valve 52e.

The first non-return valve chamber 22m and the second non-return valve chamber 22n are each formed to penetrate in the direction of stacking the first case 22 and the second case 23.

The second case 23 is formed with the first valve chamber 51f and the second valve chamber 52f. The first valve chamber 51f and the second valve chamber 52f are each formed to also penetrate in the thickness direction of the second case 23. The second case 23 is formed with an up blow valve chamber 23a that accommodates the up blow valve 53, a down blow valve chamber 23b that accommodates the down blow valve 54, and a third relief valve chamber 23c that accommodates the third relief valve 55.

The cover plate 24 is, for example, an iron plate and closes an opening 23x (see FIG. 10 described below) of the first valve chamber 51f and the second valve chamber 52f formed in the second case 23.

As shown in FIG. 8, the gear pump 21 is arranged in the pump chamber 22a.

The up blow valve 53 and the down blow valve 54 are arranged respectively in the up blow valve chamber 23a and the down blow valve chamber 23b. The up blow valve 53 includes a valve ball 53d for opening and closing between the pump-side and first chamber-side flow path 71B continuous with the check valve chamber 22g and the first open flow path 73 continuous with the tank chamber 82, a push pin 53c that contacts the valve ball 53d from above, an adjustment screw 53a that is coaxial with the push pin 53c and screwed and joined to the up blow valve chamber 23a such that an upper section formed with a groove 53e for a tool protrudes upward from the second case 23, and a coil spring 53b arranged between the push pin 53c and the adjustment screw 53a to cause an elastic force in the axis direction in accordance with the distance between the push pin 53c and the adjustment screw 53a to act with respect to the push pin 53c.

With the up blow valve 53 configured in this manner, the screw depth of the adjustment screw 53a with respect to the second case 23 can be changed by inserting an easily available tool such as, for example, a slotted driver to the groove 53e of the adjustment screw 53a that protrudes outside the second case 23 and rotating the tool about the axis.

As the screw depth of the adjustment screw 53a increases, the distance between the push pin 53c and the adjustment screw 53a decreases, the initial compression amount of the coil spring 53b increases, the elastic force of the coil spring 53b to press the push pin 53c downward increases, and the load by which the valve ball 53d in contact with the push pin 53c closes the pump-side and first chamber-side flow path 71B increases. This means that the pressure of the pump-side and first chamber-side flow path 71B for transition to an operation of opening the closed up blow valve 53 has been set to be higher.

As the screw depth of the adjustment screw 53a decreases, the distance between the pushpin 53c and the adjustment screw 53a increases, the initial compression amount of the coil spring 53b decreases, the elastic force of the coil spring 53b to press the push pin 53c downward decreases, and the load by which the valve ball 53d in contact with the push pin 53c closes the pump-side and first chamber-side flow path 71B decreases. This means that the pressure of the pump-side and first chamber-side flow path 71B for transition to an operation of opening the closed up blow valve 53 has been set to be lower.

In this manner, the adjustment screw 53a of the up blow valve 53 is a pressure adjustment mechanism that adjusts the pressure (working pressure) for actuation (transition from a closed state to an open state) of the up blow valve 53.

In a similar manner to the up blow valve 53, the down blow valve 54 includes a valve ball 54d for opening and closing between the pump-side and second chamber-side flow path 72B continuous with the check valve chamber 22h and the second open flow path 74 continuous with the tank chamber 82, a push pin 54c that contacts the valve ball 54d from above, an adjustment screw 54a that is coaxial with the push pin 54c and screwed and joined to the down blow valve chamber 23b such that an upper section formed with a groove 54e for a tool protrudes upward from the second case 23, and a coil spring 54b arranged between the push pin 54c and the adjustment screw 54a to cause an elastic force in the axis direction in accordance with the distance between the push pin 54c and the adjustment screw 54a to act with respect to the push pin 54c. The adjustment screw 54a of the down blow valve 54 is also a pressure adjustment mechanism similar to the adjustment screw 53a of the up blow valve 53.

The adjusting action for the working pressure of the down blow valve 54 is the same as the adjusting action by the up blow valve 53, and therefore description is omitted.

The check valves 57 and 58 are respectively arranged in the check valve chambers 22g and 22h formed in the first case 22. The check valves 57 and 58 are arranged in the respective check valve chambers 22g and 22h in a step before the first case 22 and the second case 23 are stacked.

The check valve chambers 22g and 22h communicate with holes 22c and 22d that extend downward. The holes 22c and 22d are formed in such a size to be closed by the check valves 57 and 58 and are continuous with the groove 22b formed in the lower surface of the pump case 25. Since the pump device 20 is immersed in oil in the tank chamber 82, the groove 22b is filled with oil. The holes 22c and 22d correspond to the first supply flow path 77 and the second supply flow path 78 in the hydraulic circuit.

As shown in FIG. 9, the first actuation valve 51b and the second actuation valve 52b in the first open valve 51a and the second open valve 52a of the switching valve 51 are arranged in the first valve chamber 51f and the second valve chamber 52f formed in the second case 23. The first actuation valve 51b and the second actuation valve 52b are arranged respectively in the first valve chamber 51f and the second valve chamber 52f in a step before the second case 23 and the cover plate 24 are stacked.

By the cover plate 24 being stacked on and fixed to the second case 23 in a state where the first actuation valve 51b is arranged in the first valve chamber 51f and the second actuation valve 52b is arranged in the second valve chamber 52f, the upper surfaces of the first valve chamber 51f and the second valve chamber 52f are closed. At this time, O-rings 24a and 24b are attached respectively between the first valve chamber 51f and the cover plate 24 and between the second valve chamber 52f and the cover plate 24 to ensure liquid-tightness of the first valve chamber 51f and the second valve chamber 52f.

Since the first valve chamber 51f and the second valve chamber 52f are each formed to penetrate in the thickness direction of the second case 23, the accommodated first actuation valve 51b and second actuation valve 52b both slide along the direction of stacking the first case 22 and the second case 23.

The second case 23 is formed with the communication path 51R described with the hydraulic circuit to connect the sub oil chamber 51h of the first valve chamber 51f and the sub oil chamber 52h of the second valve chamber 52f.

The first non-return valve chamber 22m formed in the first case 22 is formed in a portion opposing the first valve chamber 51f in a state where the first case 22 and the second case 23 are stacked. The second non-return valve chamber 22n formed in the first case 22 is formed in a portion opposing the second valve chamber 52f in a state where the first case 22 and the second case 23 are stacked.

The first non-return valve 51e is configured to include an O-ring 51m, a valve case 51n, a valve ball 51p, a push pin 51q, a coil spring 51r, a spring holder 51o, and an O-ring 51t.

The valve case 51n is fitted to the first non-return valve chamber 22m with the O-ring 51m therebetween. At an upper section of the valve case 51n, a small hole 51u is formed for the protrusion 51i of the opposing first actuation valve 51b to be passed through. The valve ball 51p, the push pin 51q, and the coil spring 51r are arranged in a case inner chamber 51s formed on the inner side of the valve case 51n.

The valve ball 51p is formed in such a size to close the small hole 51u formed in the valve case 51n. The push pin 51q is arranged beneath the valve ball 51p such that the valve ball 51p contacts the upper surface. The spring holder 510 is fitted to a lower section of the first non-return valve chamber 22m to support the valve case 51n from below. The O-ring 51t is arranged around the spring holder 51o. The coil spring Sir is arranged between the push pin 51q and the spring holder 51o to cause an elastic force in the axis direction to act with respect to the push pin 51q.

In a state where the pump device 20 is fixed to the housing 81 as shown in FIG. 2, the case inner chamber 51s and the first housing hole 81a formed in the housing 81 are communicated by an opening 22e formed in a middle section of the spring holder 51o. At this time, liquid-tightness between the case inner chamber 51s as well as the first housing hole 81a and the tank chamber 82 is ensured by the O-ring 51t.

In the first non-return valve 51e configured in this manner, the pushpin 51q held upward by the elastic force of the coil spring 51r pushes the valve ball 51p upward such that the valve ball Sip closes the small hole 51u of the valve case 51n. Accordingly, it is closed between the main oil chamber 51g of the first actuation valve 51b and the case inner chamber 51s of the first non-return valve 51e.

When oil is supplied to the main oil chamber 51g of the first actuation valve 51b and the pressure of the main oil chamber 51g rises, the pressure of the main oil chamber 51g acts on the valve ball 51p through the small hole 51u, the valve ball 51p is pushed downward against the elastic force of the coil spring 51r, the main oil chamber 51g and the case inner chamber 51s are communicated, and oil in the main oil chamber 51g is supplied to the first housing hole 81a through the case inner chamber 51s.

When oil is supplied to the main oil chamber 52g of the second actuation valve 52b and the pressure of the main oil chamber 52g rises, oil in the main oil chamber 52g flows through the second hole 52k of the spool 52c to the sub oil chamber 52h, the first hole 52j, and the communication path 51R in that order and further flows into the sub oil chamber 51h of the first actuation valve 51b through the first hole 51j of the first actuation valve 51b.

In the sub oil chamber 51h of the first actuation valve 51b, a rise in pressure causes the actuation valve ball 51d to block communication of the sub oil chamber 51h and the main oil chamber 51g. Accordingly, the spool 51c of the first actuation valve 51b moves to the main oil chamber 51g side. Due to the movement of the spool 51c, the protrusion 51i provided to the spool 51c acts on the valve ball 51p for a push downward against the elastic force of the coil spring 51r, the main oil chamber 51g and the case inner chamber 51s are communicated, and oil returned to the case inner chamber 51s from the first housing hole 81a is returned to the main oil chamber 51g.

The second non-return valve 52e accommodated in the second non-return valve chamber 22n is similar in configuration to the first non-return valve 51e and includes an O-ring 52m, a valve case 52n, a valve ball 52p, a pushpin 52q, a coil spring 52r, a spring holder 52o, and an O-ring 52t. The second non-return valve 52e acts in the same manner as the first non-return valve 51e, and therefore description is omitted.

In a state where the pump device 20 is fixed to the housing 81 (see FIG. 2), a case inner chamber 52s and the fourth housing hole 81f formed in the housing 81 are communicated by an opening 22f formed in a middle section of the spring holder 52o. At this time, liquid-tightness between the case inner chamber 52s as well as the fourth housing hole 81f and the tank chamber 82 is ensured by the O-ring 52t.

The third relief valve 55 is arranged across the first case 22 and the second case 23. In a similar manner to the up blow valve 53 and the down blow valve 54, the third relief valve 55 includes a valve ball 55d for opening and closing between the cylinder-side and first chamber-side flow path 71A communicating with the case inner chamber 51s of the first non-return valve 51e and the third open flow path 75, a push pin 55c that contacts the valve ball 55d from above, an adjustment screw 55a that is coaxial with the push pin 55c and screwed and joined to the second case 23 such that an upper section formed with a thread groove 55e protrudes upward from the second case 23, and a coil spring 55b arranged between the push pin 55c and the adjustment screw 55a to cause an elastic force in the axis direction in accordance with the distance between the push pin 55c and the adjustment screw 55a to act with respect to the push pin 55c. The adjustment screw 55a of the third relief valve 55 is also a pressure adjustment mechanism similar to the adjustment screw 53a of the up blow valve 53.

The adjusting action for the working pressure of the third relief valve 55 is the same as the adjusting action by the up blow valve 53 or the down blow valve 54, and therefore description is omitted.

With the pump device 20 of this embodiment configured in a manner described above, the switching valve 51, the up blow valve 53, the dawn blow valve 54, the third relief valve 55, and the check valves 57 and 58 included in the hydraulic circuit connected to the cylinder device 10 are provided integrally with the pump device 20. Therefore, the performance of the entire hydraulic circuit built in with the switching valve 51, the up blow valve 53, the down blow valve 54, the third relief valve 55, and the check valves 57 and 58 can be measured in a step of measuring the performance such as the oil pressure-feed capability of the gear pump 21 in a state where the pump device 20 is alone before being assembled with the cylinder device 10.

Accordingly, in a step when the pump device 20 is alone before being assembled to the housing 81, a performance measurement for the gear pump 21 and a performance measurement for the entire hydraulic circuit can be performed together in the pump device 20 of this embodiment.

Thus, work of performance measurement conventionally performed in two separate steps of measuring the performance of only the gear pump of the pump device alone and then assembling the pump device to the housing built in with multiple valves forming the hydraulic circuit to measure the performance of the entire hydraulic circuit after the assembly can be integrated into work of one step with the trim tilt device 100.

Accordingly, with the trim tilt device 100 including the pump device 20 of this embodiment, the number of steps for a performance measurement of the pump device 20 and the hydraulic circuit can be reduced.

Moreover, since the pump case 25 of the pump device 20 employs a three-body structure that can be divided into three members (the first case 22, the second case 23, and the cover plate 24), the valves (the switching valve 51, the up blow valve 53, the down blow valve 54, the third relief valve 55, and the check valves 57 and 58) described above can be arranged inside the pump case 25 in a state of being disassembled into the three members. Thus, the layout for arranging the valves (the switching valve 51, the up blow valve 53, the down blow valve 54, the third relief valve 55, and the check valves 57 and 58) in the pump case 25 can be simplified.

Particularly, since the actuating direction of the switching valve 51, the up blow valve 53, the down blow valve 54, the third relief valve 55, and the check valves 57 and 58 is along the stacking direction of the first case 22, the second case 23, and the cover plate 24, the flow path (for example, the first open flow path 73, the second open flow path 74, and the third open flow path 75) in the hydraulic circuit that connects the valves can be formed to extend in a direction (for example, direction orthogonal to the stacking direction as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9) that intersects with the stacking direction.

Thus, the flow paths can also be formed in a simple linear shape instead of a complicated intersecting shape.

Due to the switching valve 51, the up blow valve 53, the down blow valve 54, the third relief valve 55, and the check valves 57 and 58 in the hydraulic circuit connected to the cylinder device 10 being provided integrally with the pump device 20, a valve of the hydraulic circuit is not arranged in the housing 81. That is, in the housing 81, as shown in FIG. 3, only the flow path (a part of the cylinder-side and first chamber-side flow path 71A and a part of the cylinder-side and second chamber-side flow path 72A) connecting the pump device 20 and the first chamber Y1 as well as the second chamber Y2 of the cylinder device 10 is formed.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, only the first housing hole 81a, the second housing hole 81b, and the third housing hole 81c forming a part of the cylinder-side and first chamber-side flow path 71A are formed.

Thus, in the housing 81 of this embodiment, the flow path (the cylinder-side and first chamber-side flow path 71A and the cylinder-side and second chamber-side flow path 72A) to be formed can be simplified, compared to a housing of a conventional hydraulic actuator in which a valve is arranged. As a result, portions connected by intersection of holes that are flow paths can be reduced in the flow path (the cylinder-side and first chamber-side flow path 71A and the cylinder-side and second chamber-side flow path 72A) formed in the housing 81.

In the portion where the holes intersect, there is a tendency that a burr generated upon boring and working the hole easily remains. By reducing portions where the holes intersect, a burr can be made less likely to remain in the flow path.

Since the up blow valve 53, the down blow valve 54, the third relief valve 55 of the pump device 20 of this embodiment respectively include the adjustment screws 53a, 54a, and 55a that protrude outside the pump case 25, the adjustment screws 53a, 54a, and 55a can be rotated to adjust the respective working pressures of the up blow valve 53, the down blow valve 54, and the third relief valve 55 upon measuring the performance of the entire hydraulic circuit in a state where the pump device 20 is assembled.

There are individual differences caused during the manufacture of each of the gear pump 21 forming the pump device 20 and the respective flow paths as well as the up blow valve 53, the down blow valve 54, and the third relief valve 55 in the hydraulic circuit. The individual differences of the components, even if small on a component-by-component basis, may become a large individual difference when a plurality of the components are combined.

In the trim tilt device 100 of this embodiment as well, the respective working pressures of the up blow valve 53, the down blow valve 54, and the third relief valve 55 within the entire hydraulic circuit may become biased toward the upper limit side or biased to the lower limit side of an acceptable range due to accumulation of the individual difference for each component described above.

The trim tilt device 100 of this embodiment is in such a state where approximately all of the gear pump 21, the valves, and the flow paths forming the hydraulic circuit are built integrally in the pump device 20 and the individual differences are accumulated in the entire hydraulic circuit. By adjusting the respective working pressures of the up blow valve 53, the down blow valve 54, and the third relief valve 55 respectively with the adjustment screws 53a, 54a, and 55a in the pump device 20 in a state where the individual differences have accumulated, the respective working pressures of the up blow valve 53, the down blow valve 54, the third relief valve 55 in the entire hydraulic circuit can be adjusted with high precision, and variation can be reduced.

Since the respective working pressures of the up blow valve 53, the down blow valve 54, and the third relief valve 55 in the entire hydraulic circuit are adjusted in a state where the pump device 20 is alone in this manner for the pump device 20 and the trim tilt device 100 of this embodiment, replacement or the like of the up blow valve 53, the down blow valve 54, and the third relief valve 55 is not necessary, and the first pass yield in a manufacturing step can be improved.

Conventionally, a pump device in which a relief valve out of valves of a hydraulic control circuit is integrated with a pump is connected to a pressure-controlled oil path for performance measurement that is different from an actual valve and flow path in a hydraulic actuator to temporarily construct an entire hydraulic circuit and perform measurement of the performance of the entire hydraulic circuit in this temporary state. Since the pressure-controlled oil path for performance measurement is different from the actual valve and flow path in the hydraulic actuator in this case, there is a difference in the flow path resistance or the like, and a performance measurement with high precision cannot be performed.

In contrast, with the pump device 20 and the trim tilt device 100 of this embodiment, a performance measurement can be performed with the actual hydraulic circuit in the trim tilt device 100, and therefore a performance measurement with high precision can be performed.

The pump device 20 and the trim tilt device 100 of this embodiment are not limited those in which the respective relief valves (the up blow valve 53, the down blow valve 54, and the third relief valve 55) include the pressure adjustment mechanism (the adjustment screw 53a in the up blow valve 53, the adjustment screw 54a in the down blow valve 54, and the adjustment screw 55a in the third relief valve 55). Even with a configuration in which the respective relief valves do not include the pressure adjustment mechanism, the effect of the present invention with a configuration in which the switching valve 51, the up blow valve 53, the down blow valve 54, the third relief valve 55, and the check valves 57 and 58 are provided integrally with the pump device 20 can be exhibited.

Embodiment 2

In the pump device 20 and the trim tilt device 100 of the embodiment described above, two relief valves that are the up blow valve 53 and the third relief valve 55 are provided in the first chamber-side flow path 71 communicating with the first chamber Y1 of the cylinder device 10, as shown in FIG. 5. However, the pump device and the hydraulic actuator according to the present invention are not limited to this form.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a hydraulic circuit of the pump device 20 in a second embodiment (Embodiment 2) of the present invention.

In the hydraulic circuit of the pump device 20 shown in FIG. 10, the up blow valve 53 and the first open flow path 73 are not provided to the pump-side and first chamber-side flow path 71B, unlike in the hydraulic circuit in Embodiment 1 (see FIG. 5). The cylinder-side and first chamber-side flow path 71A is provided with a first chamber-side flow path relief valve 56 (first chamber-side relief valve) including a function of the up blow valve 53 and the third open flow path 75 that relieves the pressure of the cylinder-side and first chamber-side flow path 71A when the first chamber-side flow path relief valve 56 has been opened.

The first chamber-side flow path relief valve 56 is connected to the cylinder-side and first chamber-side flow path 71A in the same manner as the third relief valve 55 in Embodiment 1. Thus, the first chamber-side flow path relief valve 56 doubles as the up blow valve 53 and the third relief valve 55 in Embodiment 1.

That is, for a function of the up blow valve 53, the first chamber-side flow path relief valve 56 is normally closed and opens when the pressure of the pump-side and first chamber-side flow path 713, i.e. , the first chamber-side flow path 71, has become greater than or equal to a pressure set in advance to relieve oil in the first chamber-side flow path 71 to the third open flow path 75 communicating with the tank 80. That is, in the case where the rotation of the gear pump 21 does not stop even after the cylinder device 10 has extended to a maximum extension-compression range due to supply of oil to the first chamber Y1 of the cylinder device 10, the first chamber Y1 is protected in a case where the oil is supplied continuously to the first chamber-side flow path 71.

In a similar manner to the third relief valve 55, the first chamber-side flow path relief valve 56 is normally closed and opens when the pressure of the cylinder-side and first chamber-side flow path 71A has become greater than or equal to a pressure set in advance to relieve oil in the cylinder-side and first chamber-side flow path 71A to the third open flow path 75 communicating with the tank 80. That is, in the case where load such as an impact is applied in a direction to compress the cylinder device 10 in a state where the cylinder device 10 is extended or when the temperature of oil has risen, the first chamber Y1 is protected.

In a similar manner to the up blow valve 53 and the third relief valve 55 in Embodiment 1, the first chamber-side flow path relief valve 56 includes a pressure adjustment mechanism (corresponding to the adjustment screw 53a in the up blow valve 53 and the adjustment screw 55a in the third relief valve 55). With the pressure adjustment mechanism, the setting pressure for the up blow valve 53 is set upon performance measurement or the like in a state where the hydraulic circuit is connected.

The up blow valve 53 and the third relief valve 55 in Embodiment 1 differ in the situation for actuation. That is, the up blow valve 53 deals with a rise in pressure from the gear pump 21 side, and the third relief valve 55 mainly deals with a rise in pressure from the cylinder device 10 side. Thus, the up blow valve 53 and the third relief valve 55 are set with pressures for actuation in a pressure range suitable for respective situations, and therefore are provided separately and independently.

As described in Embodiment 1, the third relief valve 55 is set to be actuated in the pressure range higher than the pressure range in which the up blow valve 53 is actuated. This is because the third relief valve 55 is arranged on the downstream of the switching valve 51 in the first chamber-side flow path 71. If the switching valve 51 does not intervene, the pressure range for actuation may be the same as the pressure range in which the up blow valve 53 is actuated.

In the pump device 20 and the trim tilt device 100 of Embodiment 2, the number of components and the number of working steps are reduced and the manufacturing cost is reduced, compared to the pump device 20 and the trim tilt device 100 of Embodiment 1, by integrating the two relief valves (the up blow valve 53 and the third relief valve 55) in the cylinder-side and first chamber-side flow path 71A.

The pump device 20 and the trim tilt device 100 of Embodiment 2 obviously exhibits the effect exhibited by the pump device 20 and the trim tilt device 100 of Embodiment 1.

The pump device 20 and the trim tilt device 100 of Embodiment 2 are also not limited to those in which the two relief valves (the first chamber-side flow path relief valve 56 and the down blow valve 54) include the pressure adjustment mechanism.

Note that at least the first chamber-side flow path relief valve 56 that doubles as the up blow valve 53 and the third relief valve 55 in function preferably includes the pressure adjustment mechanism in order to increase the precision of pressure for actuation.

Embodiment 3

In the pump device 20 and the trim tilt device 100 of Embodiment 1 described above, the third relief valve 55 is provided in the first chamber-side flow path 71 communicating with the first chamber Y1 of the cylinder device 10, as shown in FIG. 5. However, the pump device and the hydraulic actuator according to the present invention are not limited to this form.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a hydraulic circuit of the pump device 20 in a third embodiment (Embodiment 3) of the present invention.

The configuration of the hydraulic circuit of the pump device 20 shown in FIG. 11 is the same as in Embodiment 1, except that the third relief valve 55 and the third open flow path 75 connected to the cylinder-side and first chamber-side flow path 71A are not provided, unlike in the hydraulic circuit of Embodiment 1 (see FIG. 5).

Thus, with the pump device 20 and the trim tilt device 100 of Embodiment 3, the same effect as with the pump device 20 and the trim tilt device 100 of Embodiment 1 can be obtained, except for the action and effect exhibited by the third relief valve 55.

The pump device 20 and the trim tilt device 100 of Embodiment 3 are also not limited to those in which the respective relief valves (the up blow valve 53 and the down blow valve 54) include the pressure adjustment mechanism. Even with a configuration in which the respective relief valves do not include the pressure adjustment mechanism, the effect of the present invention with a configuration in which the switching valve 51, the up blow valve 53, the down blow valve 54, and the check valves 57 and 58 are provided integrally with the pump device 20 can be exhibited.

In the respective embodiments described above, the trim tilt device is applied as one example of the hydraulic actuator. However, the hydraulic actuator of the present invention is not limited to such trim tilt devices.

10: Cylinder device, 12: Piston, 20: Pump device, 51: Switching valve, 53: Up blow valve (first chamber-side relief valve), 54: Down blow valve (second chamber-side relief valve), 71: First chamber-side flow path, 72: Second chamber-side flow path, 100: Trim tilt device (hydraulic actuator), Y1: First chamber, Y2: Second chamber

PUMP DEVICE AND HYDRAULIC ACTUATOR

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CPC

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Priority Claims (1)