Patent Grant
11530524
The present disclosure generally relates to work vehicles and, more particularly, to systems and methods for controlling hydraulic fluid flow within a work vehicle by adjusting compensator valve pilot pressure and/or load sense pressure.
A work vehicle, such as a wheel loader, skid steer loader, backhoe loader, compact track loader, and the like, typically includes a hydraulic system to actuate various components of the vehicle. For example, the hydraulic system may raise and lower an implement, such as a bucket, at the operator's command. As such, the hydraulic system generally includes one or more hydraulic loads (e.g., hydraulic actuators, motors, and/or the like) and a pump configured to supply hydraulic fluid to the load(s).
Additionally, the hydraulic system may include various valves and other flow control devices to control the flow of the hydraulic fluid from the pump to the load(s). In this respect, the valves and other flow control devices may cause pressure drops at certain locations within the hydraulic system. To compensate for these pressure drops, the pump is controlled such that the pump discharges the hydraulic fluid a pressure that is typically much higher than the pressure needed to operate the hydraulic load(s) based on the operator's commands. However, operating the pump in this manner increases the energy consumption of the work vehicle, thereby reducing its fuel economy.
Accordingly, an improved system and method for controlling hydraulic fluid flow within a work vehicle would be welcomed in the technology. In particular, an improved system and method for controlling hydraulic fluid flow within a work vehicle that reduces the energy consumption of the vehicle would be welcomed in the technology.
Aspects and advantages of the technology will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the technology.
In one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a system for controlling hydraulic fluid flow within a work vehicle. The system includes a hydraulic load, a pump configured to supply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic load via a fluid supply conduit, and a flow control valve fluidly coupled to the fluid supply conduit upstream of the hydraulic load. Furthermore, the system includes a load sense conduit fluidly coupled to the fluid supply conduit downstream of the flow control valve, with the load sense conduit configured to receive a bleed flow of the hydraulic from the fluid supply conduit such that an operation of the pump is controlled based on a pressure of the bleed flow within the load sense conduit. Additionally, the system includes a load sense valve fluidly coupled to the load sense conduit, with the load sense valve configured to adjust the pressure of the bleed flow within the load sense conduit. Moreover, the system includes a pressure sensor configured to capture data indicative of a pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the fluid supply conduit downstream of the flow control valve. In addition, the system includes a computing system communicatively coupled to the pressure sensor. The computing system is, in turn, configured to determine the pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the fluid supply conduit downstream of the flow control valve based on the data captured by the pressure sensor. Furthermore, the computing device is configured to control an operation of the load sense valve to selectively adjust the pressure of the bleed flow within the load sense conduit based on the determined pressure.
In another aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a system for controlling hydraulic fluid flow within a work vehicle. The system includes a first hydraulic load, a second hydraulic load in parallel with the first hydraulic actuator, and a pump configured to supply hydraulic fluid to the first hydraulic load via a first fluid supply conduit and the second hydraulic load via a second fluid supply conduit. Furthermore, the system includes a first flow control valve fluidly coupled to the first fluid supply conduit upstream of the first hydraulic load upstream of the first hydraulic actuator and a second flow control valve fluidly coupled to the second fluid supply conduit upstream of the second hydraulic load. Additionally, the system includes a load sense conduit fluidly coupled to the first and second fluid supply conduits downstream of the first and second flow control valves, respectively, with the load sense conduit configured to receive a bleed flow of the hydraulic from the first or second fluid supply conduit in which the hydraulic fluid is at a greater pressure such that an operation of the pump is controlled based on a pressure of the bleed flow within the load sense conduit. Moreover, the system includes a load sense valve fluidly coupled to the load sense conduit, with the load sense valve configured to adjust the pressure of the bleed flow within the load sense conduit. In addition, the system includes a first pressure sensor configured to capture data indicative of a first pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the first fluid supply conduit downstream of the first flow control valve and a second pressure sensor configured to capture data indicative of a second pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the second fluid supply conduit downstream of the second flow control valve. Furthermore, the system includes a computing system communicatively coupled to the first and second pressure sensors. The computing system is, in turn, configured to determine the first and second pressures based on the data captured by the first and second pressure sensors. Additionally, the computing system is configured control an operation of the load sense valve to selectively adjust the pressure of the bleed flow within the load sense conduit based on the determined first and second pressures.
In a further aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a method for controlling hydraulic fluid flow within a work vehicle. The work vehicle, in turn, includes a pump configured to supply hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic load via a fluid supply conduit. Furthermore, the work includes a load sense conduit fluidly coupled to the fluid supply conduit downstream of a flow control valve, with the load sense conduit configured to receive a bleed flow of the hydraulic from the fluid supply conduit such that an operation of the pump is controlled based on a pressure of the bleed flow within the load sense conduit. The method includes determining, with a computing system, a flow rate of the hydraulic fluid within the fluid supply conduit downstream of the flow control valve based on received flow sensor data. Additionally, the method includes determining, with the computing system, a pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the fluid supply conduit downstream of the flow control valve based on received pressure sensor data. Moreover, the method includes controlling, with the computing system, an operation of a load sense valve fluidly coupled to the load sense conduit in a manner that selectively adjusts the pressure of the bleed flow within the load sense conduit to adjust the operation of the pump based on the determined flow rate and the determined pressure.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present technology will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the technology and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the technology.
A full and enabling disclosure of the present technology, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:
Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present technology.
Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
In general, the present subject matter is directed to systems and methods for controlling hydraulic fluid flow within a work vehicle. As will be described below, the system may include a hydraulic load (e.g., a hydraulic actuator, motor, and/or the like) and a pump configured to supply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic load via a fluid supply conduit. Furthermore, the system may include a flow control valve fluidly coupled to the fluid supply conduit upstream of the hydraulic load. In this respect, the flow control valve may be configured to control the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the hydraulic load.
In several embodiments, the system may include a compensator valve fluidly coupled to the fluid supply conduit upstream of the hydraulic load. In general, the compensator valve may be configured to control the pressure drop of the hydraulic fluid across the flow control valve. Specifically, in some embodiments, the system may include a pilot conduit fluidly coupled to the fluid supply conduit downstream of the flow control valve and the compensator valve. In this respect, the pilot conduit may be configured to receive a pilot flow of the hydraulic fluid from the fluid supply conduit and supply this pilot flow to the compensator valve such that the operation of the compensator valve is controlled based on the pressure of the received pilot flow. Furthermore, in such embodiments, the system may include a pilot conduit valve fluidly coupled to the pilot conduit. As such, the pilot conduit valve may be configured to adjust the pressure of the pilot flow within the pilot conduit, thereby adjusting the operation of the compensator valve.
Moreover, in several embodiments, the system may include a load sense conduit fluidly coupled to the fluid supply conduit downstream of the flow control valve. In this respect, the load sense conduit may be configured to receive a bleed flow of the hydraulic from the fluid supply conduit and supply this bleed flow to a pump compensator. Thus, the operation of the pump may be controlled based on a pressure of the bleed flow within the load sense conduit. Specifically, in some embodiments, the system may include a load sense valve fluidly coupled to the load sense conduit. In such embodiments, the load sense valve may be configured to adjust the pressure of the bleed flow within the load sense conduit. As such, the load sense conduit valve may be configured to adjust the pressure of the bleed flow within the load sense conduit.
In accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, a computing system may be configured to control the operation of the pilot conduit valve and/or the load sense valve to the energy consumption of the work vehicle. Specifically, in several embodiments, the computing system may be configured to receive sensor data indicative of various operating parameters of the system. For example, such operating parameters may include the flow rate and/or pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the fluid supply conduit downstream of the flow control valve and/or the flow rate and/or pressure of the hydraulic fluid being discharged by the pump. Upon receipt of such sensor data, the computing device may be configured to determine the operating parameter(s) of the system. Thereafter, the computing system may be configured to control the operation of the pilot conduit valve control and/or the load sense valve to selectively adjust the pressure of the pilot flow within the pilot conduit and/or the bleed flow within the load sense conduit based on the determined operating parameters.
The disclosed system may provide one or more technical advantages. More specifically, the compensator valve may include a biasing element (e.g., a spring) that sets a compensator margin or pressure drop across the flow control valve. In certain instances, such as when a small load is placed on the hydraulic system of the work vehicle, the pressure of the pilot flow within the pilot conduit may be adjusted by the pilot conduit valve to reduce the pressure drop across the flow control valve below the pressure drop set by the biasing element. This, in turn, may reduce the energy consumption and increase the fuel economy of the work vehicle. Furthermore, the pump compensator may similarly include a biasing element (e.g., a spring) that sets a pump margin or pressure differential between the hydraulic fluid discharged by the pump and the hydraulic fluid downstream of the flow control valve. In certain instances, such as when a small load is placed on the hydraulic system of the work vehicle, the pressure of the bleed flow within the load sense conduit may be adjusted by the load sense valve to reduce the pump margin below the margin set by the biasing element. This, in turn, may reduce the energy consumption and increase the fuel economy of the work vehicle. In addition, the pilot conduit valve and the load sense valve may be controlled together to further reduce the energy consumption of the work vehicle.
Referring now to the drawings,
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It should be appreciated that the configuration of the work vehicle 10 described above and shown in
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In several embodiments, the pump 102 may be a variable displacement pump configured to discharge hydraulic fluid across a given pressure range. Specifically, the pump 102 may supply pressurized hydraulic fluid within a range bounded by a minimum pressure and a maximum pressure capability of the variable displacement pump. In this respect, a swash plash plate 112 may be configured to be controlled mechanically via a load sense conduit 148 to adjust the position of the swash plate 112 of the pump 102, as necessary, based on the load applied to the hydraulic system of the vehicle 10. However, in other embodiments, the pump 102 may correspond to any other suitable pressurized fluid source. Moreover, the operation of the pump 102 may be controlled in any other suitable manner.
Furthermore, the system 100 may include one or more flow control valves. In general, the flow control valve(s) may be fluidly coupled to a fluid supply conduit(s) upstream of the corresponding hydraulic load such that the flow control valve(s) is configured to control the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid to the load (s). Specifically, in several embodiments, the system 100 may include a first flow control valve 114 fluidly coupled to the first fluid supply conduit 104 upstream of the lift cylinders 36. The first flow control valve 114 may, in turn, define an adjustable orifice (not shown). In this respect, by adjusting the cross-sectional area of the orifice, the first flow control valve 114 can control the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid to the lift cylinders 36. Moreover, in such embodiments, the system 100 may include a second flow control valve 116 fluidly coupled to the second fluid supply conduit 106 upstream of the tilt cylinders 38. The second flow control valve 116 may, in turn, define an adjustable orifice. As such, by adjusting the cross-sectional area of the orifice, the second flow control valve 116 can control the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid to the tilt cylinders 38.
The first and second flow control valves 114, 116 may be configured as any suitable valves defining adjustable orifices. For example, in one embodiment, first and second flow control valves 114, 116 may be proportional directional valves. Such valves 114, 116 may include actuators (e.g., solenoid actuators) configured to adjust the cross-sectional areas of the orifices in response to receiving control signals, such as from a computing system 182.
Additionally, the system 100 may include one or more compensator valves. Specifically, in several embodiments, the system 100 may include a first compensator valve 118 fluidly coupled to the first fluid supply conduit 104 upstream of the lift cylinders 36 and the first flow control valve 114. Moreover, in such embodiments, the system 100 may include a second compensator valve 120 fluidly coupled to the second fluid supply conduit 106 upstream of the tilt cylinders 38 and the second flow control valve 116. Thus, in such embodiments, the system 100 is a pre-compensated system.
In several embodiments, the first and second compensator valves 118, 120 may be pilot-operated valves. More specifically, a pilot conduit 122 may be fluidly coupled to the first compensator valve 118 and the first fluid supply conduit 104 upstream of the first compensator valve 118. As such, the pilot conduit 122 may provide a pilot flow of hydraulic fluid from upstream of the first compensator valve 118 to the valve 118. Furthermore, a pilot conduit 124 may be fluidly coupled to the first compensator valve 118 and the first fluid supply conduit 104 downstream of the first flow control valve 114. As such, the pilot conduit 124 may provide a pilot flow of hydraulic fluid from downstream of the first flow control valve 114 to the first compensator valve 118. Similarly, a pilot conduit 126 may be fluidly coupled to the second compensator valve 120 and the second fluid supply conduit 106 upstream of the second compensator valve 120. As such, the pilot conduit 126 may provide a pilot flow of hydraulic fluid from upstream of the second compensator valve 120 to the valve 120. Furthermore, a pilot conduit 128 may be fluidly coupled to the second compensator valve 120 and the second fluid supply conduit 106 downstream of the second flow control valve 116. As such, the pilot conduit 128 may provide a pilot flow of hydraulic fluid from downstream of the second flow control valve 116 to the second compensator valve 120. Additionally, the first and second compensator valves 118, 120 may have biasing elements 130, such as springs, that set a compensator valve margin.
In operation, the first and second compensator valves 118, 120 may be configured to regulate the pressure drop of the hydraulic fluid across the first and second control valves 114, 116, respectively. More specifically, the first compensator valve 118 may adjust the pressure within the first fluid supply conduit 104 such that the pressure of the hydraulic fluid upstream of the valve 118 is equal to the sum of the compensator margin and the pressure of the pilot flow supplied to the valve 118 by the pilot conduit 124. Similarly, the second compensator valve 120 may adjust the pressure within the second fluid supply conduit 106 such that the pressure of the hydraulic fluid upstream of the valve 120 is equal to the sum of the compensator margin and the pressure of the pilot flow supplied to the valve 120 by the pilot conduit 128. As will be described below, because the compensator margin set by the biasing elements 130 is fixed, the pressure drop across the first and second flow control valves 114, 116 can be controlled by adjusting the pressure of the pilot flows within the pilot conduits 124, 128, respectively. Such adjustment of the pressures within the pilot conduits 124, 128 may, in turn, reduce the energy consumption of the work vehicle 10.
Moreover, the system 100 may include one or more pilot conduit valves. Specifically, in several embodiments, the system 100 may include a first pilot conduit valve 132 fluidly coupled to the pilot conduit 124 (which provides the pilot flow from downstream of the first flow control valve 114 to the first compensator valve 118). Moreover, in such embodiments, a second pilot conduit valve 134 fluidly coupled to the pilot conduit 128 (which provides the pilot flow from downstream of the second flow control valve 116 to the second compensator valve 120). As will be described below, the first and second pilot conduit valves 132, 134 may be used to adjust the pressures of the pilot flows within the pilot conduits 124, 128.
In several embodiments, the first and second pilot conduit valves 132, 134 may be pilot-operated valves. More specifically, a pilot conduit 136 may be fluidly coupled to the first pilot conduit valve 132 and the pilot conduit 124 upstream of the valve 132. As such, the pilot conduit 136 may provide a pilot flow of hydraulic fluid from upstream of the first pilot conduit valve 132 to the valve 132. Furthermore, a pilot conduit 138 may be fluidly coupled to the first pilot conduit valve 132 and the pilot conduit 124 downstream of the valve 132. As such, the pilot conduit 138 may provide a pilot flow of hydraulic fluid from downstream of the first pilot conduit valve 132 to the valve 132. Similarly, a pilot conduit 140 may be fluidly coupled to the second pilot conduit valve 134 and the pilot conduit 128 upstream of the valve 134. As such, the pilot conduit 140 may provide a pilot flow of hydraulic fluid from upstream of the second pilot conduit valve 134 to the valve 134. Furthermore, a pilot conduit 142 may be fluidly coupled to the second pilot conduit valve 134 and the pilot conduit 128 downstream of the valve 134. As such, the pilot conduit 142 may provide a pilot flow of hydraulic fluid from downstream of the second pilot conduit valve 134 to the valve 134. Additionally, the first and second pilot conduit valves 132, 134 may have biasing elements 144, such as springs, that set a valve margin.
Furthermore, in some embodiments, in addition to being pilot-operated, the first and second pilot conduit valves 132, 134 may also include electric actuators 146, such as solenoids. In general, the electric actuators 146 may be electronically controlled by a computing system 182 to selectively override the pilot operation of the valves 132, 134. In this respect, when the electric actuators 146 are not activated, the first and second pilot conduit valves 132, 134 may be controlled mechanically based on the corresponding pilot flows. Specifically, in such instances, the first and second pilot conduit valves 132, 134 may adjust the pressure within the pilot conduits 124, 128 such that the pressure of the hydraulic fluid upstream of the valves 132, 134 is equal to the sum of the valve margins and the pressure of the pilot flow supplied to the valves 132, 134 by the pilot conduits 138, 142, respectively. Conversely, when the when the electric actuators 146 are activated, the electric actuators 146 may control the first and second pilot conduit valves 132, 134 to override the pilot control. In such instances, the first and second pilot conduit valves 132, 134 may adjust the pressure hydraulic fluid upstream of the valves 132, 134 (i.e., the pressure supplied to the first and second compensator valves 118, 120) based on various operating parameters of the system 100 and independently of the pressure within the pilot conduits 136, 138, 140, 142. As such, the pilot flows may be retained within the pilot conduits 124, 128 (i.e., not directed to the reservoir 108) when the pressure of these flows is adjusted by the first and second pilot conduit valves 132, 134. However, in alternative embodiments, the first and second pilot conduit valves 132, 134 may be controlled in any other suitable manner and/or by any other suitable electronically controlled actuators. For example, in one embodiment, the valves 132, 134 may not be pilot-operated and, instead, may be operated solely by the electric actuators 146 (e.g., proportional pressure-reducing valves).
Additionally, the system 100 may include a load sense conduit 148. In general, the load sense conduit 148 may receive hydraulic fluid bled from the first or second fluid supply conduit 104, 106 having the greater pressure therein. More specifically, the system 100 may include a first bleed conduit 150 fluidly coupled to the first fluid supply conduit 104 downstream of the first flow control valve 114 and the first compensator valve 118. Furthermore, the system 100 may include a second bleed conduit 152 fluidly coupled to the second fluid supply conduit 106 downstream of the second flow control valve 116 and the second compensator valve 120. Thus, the first bleed conduit 150 may receive hydraulic fluid bled from the first fluid supply conduit 104 and the second bleed conduit 152 may receive hydraulic fluid bled from the second fluid supply conduit 106. Additionally, the system 100 may include a shuttle valve 154 fluidly coupled to the first and second bleed conduits 150, 152 and the load sense conduit 148. The shuttle valve 154 may, in turn, be configured to supply hydraulic fluid from the first or second bleed conduit 150, 152 having the greater pressure therein to the load sense conduit 148. In this respect, the hydraulic fluid supplied to the load sense conduit 148 may have the same pressure as the fluid supply conduit 104, 106 having the greater pressures therein.
The hydraulic fluid within the load sense conduit 148 may be indicative of the load on the hydraulic system of the vehicle 10 and, thus, may be used to control the operation of the pump 102. More specifically, the load sense conduit 148 may supply the hydraulic fluid therein to a pump compensator 156. The pump compensator 156 may also receive hydraulic fluid bled from the first and/or second fluid supply conduits 104, 106 upstream of the flow control valves 114, 116 via a bleed conduit 158. Additionally, the pump compensator 156 may have an associated a pump margin. In this respect, the pump compensator 156 may control the operation of the pump 102 such that the pump 102 discharges hydraulic fluid at a pressure that is equal to the sum of the pump margin and the pressure of the hydraulic fluid received from the load sense conduit 148.
In this illustrated embodiment, the pump compensator 156 corresponds to a mechanical device. For instance, the pump compensator 156 may correspond to a passive hydraulic cylinder coupled to the swash plate 112 of the pump 102. In such an embodiment, hydraulic fluid from the load sense conduit 148 is supplied to one chamber of the cylinder and hydraulic fluid from a bleed conduit 158 is supplied to the other chamber of the cylinder. Moreover, the pump compensator 156 may include a biasing element, such as a spring, in association within the cylinder to set the pump margin. In this respect, when the sum of the pressure received from the load sense conduit 148 and the pump margin exceeds the pressure within the bleed conduit 158, the pump compensator 156 may move the swash plate 112 to increase the pressure of the hydraulic fluid discharged by the pump 102. Conversely, when the sum of the pressure received from the load sense conduit 148 and the pump margin falls below the pressure within the bleed conduit 158, the pump compensator 156 may move the swashplate 112 to decrease the pressure of the hydraulic fluid discharged by the pump 102. However, as will be described below, in other embodiments, the pump compensator 156 may be configured as any other suitable device for controlling the operation of the pump 102.
Additionally, the system 100 may include a load sense valve 160 fluidly coupled to the load sense conduit 148. In general, the load sense valve 160 may be configured to selectively reduce the pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the load sense conduit 148. Specifically, in several embodiments, the load sense valve 160 may be fluidly coupled to the load sense conduit 148 between the shuttle valve 154 and the pump compensator 156. In this respect, the load sense valve 160 may be configured to selectively reduce the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the pump compensator 156 by the load sense conduit 148 to a pressure that is less than the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the load sense conduit 148 by the shuttle valve 154. As will be described below, by reducing the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the pump compensator 154, the energy consumption of the vehicle 10 may be decreased.
In several embodiments, the load sense valve 160 may be a pilot-operated valve. More specifically, a pilot conduit 162 may be fluidly coupled to the load sense valve 160 and the load sense conduit 148 upstream of the valve 160. As such, the pilot conduit 162 may provide a pilot flow of hydraulic fluid from upstream of the load sense valve 160 to the valve 160. Furthermore, a pilot conduit 164 may be fluidly coupled to the load sense valve 160 and the load sense conduit 148 downstream of the valve 160. As such, the pilot conduit 164 may provide a pilot flow of hydraulic fluid from downstream of the load sense valve 160 to the valve 160. Additionally, the load sense valve 160 may have a biasing element 166, such as a spring, that sets a valve margin.
Furthermore, in some embodiments, in addition to being pilot-operated, the load sense valve 160 may also include an electric actuator 168, such as a solenoid. In general, the electric actuator 168 may be electronically controlled by a computing system 182 to selectively override the pilot operation of the load sense valve 160. In this respect, when the electric actuator 168 is not activated, the load sense valve 160 may be controlled hydraulically based on the received pilot flows. Specifically, in such instances, the load sense valve 160 may adjust the pressure within the load sense conduit 148 such that the pressure of the hydraulic fluid downstream of the valve 160 is equal to the valve margin subtracted from the pressure of the pilot flow supplied to the valve 160 by the pilot conduit 164. Conversely, when the when the electric actuator 168 is activated, the electric actuator 168 may control the load sense valve 160 to override the pilot control. In such instances, the load sense valve 160 may adjust bleed flow supplied to the pump compensator 156 by the load sense conduit 148 based on various operating parameters of the system 100 and independently of the pressure within the pilot conduits 162, 164. As such, the bleed flow may be retained within the load sense conduit 148 (i.e., not directed to the reservoir 108) when the pressure of this flow is adjusted by the load sense valve 160. However, in alternative embodiments, the load sense valve 160 may be controlled in any other suitable manner and/or by any other suitable electronically controlled actuators. For example, in one embodiment, the load sense valve 160 may not be pilot-operated and, instead, may be operated solely by the electric actuators 146 (e.g., a proportional pressure-reducing valve).
In several embodiments, the system 100 may include one or more flow sensors. In generally, the flow sensor(s) may be configured to capture data indicative of the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid at differing locations within the hydraulic system of the vehicle 10. Specifically, in one embodiment, a first flow sensor 170 may be fluidly coupled to the first fluid supply conduit 104 downstream of the first flow control valve 114 and the first compensator valve 118. As such, the first flow sensor 170 may be configured to capture data indicative of the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid at such location within the first fluid supply conduit 104. Furthermore, a second flow sensor 172 may be fluidly coupled to the second fluid supply conduit 106 downstream of the second flow control valve 116 and the second compensator valve 120. As such, the second flow sensor 172 may be configured to capture data indicative of the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid at such location within the second fluid supply conduit 106. Additionally, a third flow sensor 174 may be fluidly coupled to the first and/or second fluid supply conduits 104, 106 upstream of the flow control valves 114, 116. As such, the third flow sensor 174 may be configured to capture data indicative of the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid being discharged by the pump 102.
The flow sensors may correspond to any suitable devices for capturing data indicative of or can be used in conjunction with pressure data (described) below to estimate/determine the flow rates of the hydraulic fluid at the corresponding locations. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the flow sensors 170, 172, 174 may correspond to flow meters that detect the flow rates of the hydraulic fluid at the corresponding locations. In another embodiments, the system 100 may include a single flow sensor, with the flow sensor configured to detect the rotation speed of the impeller of the pump 102. For example, in such an embodiment, the flow sensor may be a Hall Effect sensor provided in operative association with the pump shaft. The pump speed data may in combination with the pressure of the hydraulic fluid at various locations within the system 100 may allow the computing system 182 to determine or estimate the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid at such locations. In a further embodiment, the system 100 may include a single flow sensor, with the flow sensor configured to the position of the swash plate 112. For example, in such an embodiment, the flow sensor may be a potentiometer provided in operative association with the swash plate 112. The swash plate position data may in combination with the pressure of the hydraulic fluid at various locations within the system 100 may allow the computing system 182 to determine or estimate the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid at such locations.
Moreover, in several embodiments, the system 100 may include one or more pressure sensors. In generally, the pressure sensor(s) may be configured to capture data indicative of the pressure of the hydraulic fluid at differing locations within the hydraulic system of the vehicle 10. Specifically, in one embodiment, a first pressure sensor 176 may be fluidly coupled to the first fluid supply conduit 104 downstream of the first flow control valve 114 and the first compensator valve 118. As such, the first pressure sensor 176 may be configured to capture data indicative of the pressure of the hydraulic fluid at such location within the first fluid supply conduit 104. Furthermore, a second pressure sensor 178 may be fluidly coupled to the second fluid supply conduit 106 downstream of the second flow control valve 116 and the second compensator valve 120. As such, the second pressure sensor 178 may be configured to capture data indicative of the pressure of the hydraulic fluid at such location within the second fluid supply conduit 106. Additionally, a third pressure sensor 180 may be fluidly coupled to the first and/or second fluid supply conduits 104, 106 upstream of the flow control valves 114, 116. As such, the third pressure sensor 180 may be configured to capture data indicative of the pressure of the hydraulic fluid being discharged by the pump 102.
In accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, the system 100 may include a computing system 182 communicatively coupled to one or more components of the work vehicle 10 and/or the system 100 to allow the operation of such components to be electronically or automatically controlled by the computing system 182. For instance, the computing system 182 may be communicatively coupled to the first and second pilot conduit valves 132, 134 via a communicative link 184. As such, the computing system 182 may be configured to control the operation of the first and second pilot conduit valves 132, 134 to regulate the pressure drops across the first and second flow control valves 114, 116, respectively, such that the energy consumption of the vehicle 10 is reduced. Furthermore, the computing system 182 may be communicatively coupled to the load sense valve 160 via the communicative link 184. In this respect, the computing system 182 may be configured to control the operation of the load sense valve 160 to adjust the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the pump compensator 156 by the load sense conduit 148. As will be described below, such adjustment to the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the pump compensator 156 may reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle 10. Moreover, the computing system 182 may be communicatively coupled to the flow sensors 170, 172, 174 and the pressure sensors 176, 178, 180 via the communicative link 184. Thus, the computing system 182 may be configured to receive data from these sensors 170, 172, 174176, 178, 180 that is indicative of the flow rates and pressures of the hydraulic fluid at the corresponding locations within the system 100.
In general, the computing system 182 may comprise one or more processor-based devices, such as a given controller or computing device or any suitable combination of controllers or computing devices. Thus, in several embodiments, the computing system 182 may include one or more processor(s) 186 and associated memory device(s) 188 configured to perform a variety of computer-implemented functions. As used herein, the term “processor” refers not only to integrated circuits referred to in the art as being included in a computer, but also refers to a controller, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic circuit (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits. Additionally, the memory device(s) 188 of the computing system 182 may generally comprise memory element(s) including, but not limited to, a computer readable medium (e.g., random access memory RAM)), a computer readable non-volatile medium (e.g., a flash memory), a floppy disk, a compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MOD), a digital versatile disk (DVD) and/or other suitable memory elements. Such memory device(s) 188 may generally be configured to store suitable computer-readable instructions that, when implemented by the processor(s) 186, configure the computing system 182 to perform various computer-implemented functions, such as one or more aspects of the methods and algorithms that will be described herein. In addition, the computing system 182 may also include various other suitable components, such as a communications circuit or module, one or more input/output channels, a data/control bus and/or the like.
The various functions of the computing system 182 may be performed by a single processor-based device or may be distributed across any number of processor-based devices, in which instance such devices may be considered to form part of the computing system 182. For instance, the functions of the computing system 182 may be distributed across multiple application-specific controllers or computing devices, such as an implement controller, a navigation controller, an engine controller, and/or the like.
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Moreover, at (202), the computing system 182 may be configured to determine the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid within the second fluid supply conduit 106 downstream of the second flow control valve 116. More specifically, during operation of the work vehicle 10, the computing system 182 may receive data associated with the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid within the second fluid supply conduit 106 downstream of the second flow control valve 116 from the second flow sensor 172 (e.g., via the communicative link 184). In this respect, the computing system 182 may be configured to process or analyze the data received from the second flow sensor 172 to determine or estimate the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid within the second fluid supply conduit 106 downstream of the second flow control valve 116. For instance, the computing system 182 may include a look-up table(s), suitable mathematical formula, and/or an algorithm(s) stored within its memory device(s) 188 that correlates the received sensor data to the flow rate.
Furthermore, at (202), the computing system 182 may be configured to determine the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid being discharged by the pump 102. More specifically, during operation of the work vehicle 10, the computing system 182 may receive data associated with the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid being discharged by the pump 102 from the third flow sensor 174 (e.g., via the communicative link 184). In this respect, the computing system 182 may be configured to process or analyze the data received from the third flow sensor 174 to determine or estimate the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid being discharged by the pump 102. For instance, the computing system 182 may include a look-up table(s), suitable mathematical formula, and/or an algorithm(s) stored within its memory device(s) 188 that correlates the received sensor data to the flow rate. Alternatively, as described above, the computing system 182 may determine or estimate the flow rate of hydraulic fluid within at the various locations within the system 100 based on the received flow rate data (which may, in some embodiments, be pump speed, swash plate angle, or other indirect measures of flow rate) and the pressure of the hydraulic fluid at such location.
Additionally, at (204), the method 200 may include determining, with a computing system, the pressure of hydraulic fluid within a fluid supply conduit downstream of the flow control valve based on received flow sensor data. More specifically, during operation of the work vehicle 10, the computing system 182 may receive data associated with the pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the first fluid supply conduit 104 downstream of the first flow control valve 114 from the first pressure sensor 176 (e.g., via the communicative link 184). In this respect, the computing system 182 may be configured to process or analyze the data received from the first pressure sensor 176 to determine or estimate the pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the first fluid supply conduit 104 downstream of the first flow control valve 114. For instance, the computing system 182 may include a look-up table(s), suitable mathematical formula, and/or an algorithm(s) stored within its memory device(s) 188 that correlates the received sensor data to the pressure.
Moreover, at (204), the computing system 182 may be configured to determine the pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the second fluid supply conduit 106 downstream of the second flow control valve 116. More specifically, during operation of the work vehicle 10, the computing system 182 may receive data associated with the pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the second fluid supply conduit 106 downstream of the second flow control valve 116 from the second pressure sensor 178 (e.g., via the communicative link 184). In this respect, the computing system 182 may be configured to process or analyze the data received from the second pressure sensor 178 to determine or estimate the pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the second fluid supply conduit 106 downstream of the second flow control valve 116. For instance, the computing system 182 may include a look-up table(s), suitable mathematical formula, and/or an algorithm(s) stored within its memory device(s) 188 that correlates the received sensor data to the pressure.
Furthermore, at (204), the computing system 182 may be configured to determine the pressure of the hydraulic fluid being discharged by the pump 102. More specifically, during operation of the work vehicle 10, the computing system 182 may receive data associated with the pressure of the hydraulic fluid being discharged by the pump 102 from the third pressure sensor 180 (e.g., via the communicative link 184). In this respect, the computing system 182 may be configured to process or analyze the data received from the third pressure sensor 180 to determine or estimate the pressure of the hydraulic fluid being discharged by the pump 102. For instance, the computing system 182 may include a look-up table(s), suitable mathematical formula, and/or an algorithm(s) stored within its memory device(s) 188 that correlates the received sensor data to the pressure.
In addition, as shown in
In several embodiments, at (206), the computing system 182 may be configured to control the operation of the pilot conduit valves 132, 134 to selectively reduce the pressure of the pilot flows received by the first and compensator valves 118, 120 from the pilot conduits 124, 128. More specifically, reducing the pressures of the pilot flows within the pilot conduits 124, 128 received by the first and compensator valves 118, 120 may reduce the pressure drop of the hydraulic fluid across the corresponding flow control valves 114, 116 below the pressure drop that would be set by the biasing elements 144 of the valves 118, 120 and the unadjusted pilot flows. For example, in certain instances, such as when the load on the vehicle's hydraulic system is low, the pilot conduit valves 132, 134 may be controlled such that the pressure drop across the corresponding flow control valves 114, 116 is reduced, thereby decreasing the energy consumption of the vehicle 10 (e.g., by reducing the load on the pump 102) and improving its fuel economy. Conversely, in other instances, such as when the load on the vehicle's hydraulic system is high, the actuators 146 may be deactivated and the pilot conduit valves 132, 134 may be controlled hydraulically (e.g., based on the pilot flows within pilot conduits 136, 138, 140, 142) to permit the system 100 to provide hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic loads (e.g., the lift and/or tilt cylinders 36, 28) at the desired pressure and flow rate.
Referring now to
As shown in
Additionally, at (304), the method 300 may include determining, with a computing system, the pressure of hydraulic fluid within a fluid supply conduit downstream of a flow control valve based on received flow sensor data. For example, as described above, during operation of the work vehicle 10, the computing system 182 may be configured determine the pressure(s) of hydraulic fluid within the first and/or second fluid supply conduits 104, 106 downstream of the first and/or second flow control valves 114, 116 based on data received from the first and/or second pressure sensors 176, 178, respectively. Moreover, at (304), the computing system 182 may be configured determine the pressure of hydraulic fluid being discharged by the pump 102 based on data received from the third pressure sensor 180.
In addition, as shown in
In several embodiments, at (306), the computing system 182 may be configured to control the operation of the load sense valve 160 to selectively reduce the pressure of the bleed flow received by the pump compensator 156. More specifically, reducing the bleed flow within the load sense conduit 148 received by the pump compensator 156 may reduce the pressure of the hydraulic fluid discharged by the pump 102 below the pressure that would be set by the biasing element of the pump compensator 156 and the unadjusted bleed flow. For example, in certain instances, such as when the load on the vehicle's hydraulic system is low, the load sense valve 160 may be controlled such that the pressure of the hydraulic fluid discharged by the pump 102 is reduced, thereby decreasing the energy consumption of the vehicle 10 (e.g., by reducing the load on the pump 102) and improving its fuel economy. Conversely, in other instances, such as when the load on the vehicle's hydraulic system is high, the actuator 168 may be deactivated and the load sense valve 160 may controlled hydraulically (e.g., based on the pilot flows within pilot conduits 162, 164) to permit the system 100 to provide hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic loads (e.g., the lift and/or tilt cylinders 36, 28) at the desired pressure and flow rate.
Referring now to
As shown in
Additionally, at (404), the method 400 may include determining, with a computing system, the pressure of hydraulic fluid within a fluid supply conduit downstream of a flow control valve based on received flow sensor data. For example, as described above, during operation of the work vehicle 10, the computing system 182 may be configured determine the pressure(s) of hydraulic fluid within the first and/or second fluid supply conduits 104, 106 downstream of the first and/or second flow control valves 114, 116 based on data received from the first and/or second pressure sensors 176, 178, respectively. Moreover, at (402), the computing system 182 may be configured determine the pressure of hydraulic fluid being discharged by the pump 102 based on data received from the third pressure sensor 180.
In addition, as shown in
Furthermore, as shown in
Controlling the pressure drops across first and second flow control valves 114, 116 via the first and second pilot conduit valves 132, 134 in conjunction within the controlling the pump discharge pressure via the load sense valve 130 may further improve the efficiency of the vehicle 10. For example, controlling the first and second pilot conduit valves 132, 134 and the load sense valve 130 together may allow for a smaller pressure differential between the pump 102 and the lift and tilt cylinders 36, 38.
It is to be understood that the steps of the methods 200, 300, 400 are performed by the computing system 182 upon loading and executing software code or instructions which are tangibly stored on a tangible computer readable medium, such as on a magnetic medium, e.g., a computer hard drive, an optical medium, e.g., an optical disc, solid-state memory, e.g., flash memory, or other storage media known in the art. Thus, any of the functionality performed by the computing system 182 described herein, such as the methods 200, 300, 400, is implemented in software code or instructions which are tangibly stored on a tangible computer readable medium. The computing system 182 loads the software code or instructions via a direct interface with the computer readable medium or via a wired and/or wireless network. Upon loading and executing such software code or instructions by the computing system 182, the computing system 182 may perform any of the functionality of the computing system 182 described herein, including any steps of the methods 200, 300, 400 described herein.
The term “software code” or “code” used herein refers to any instructions or set of instructions that influence the operation of a computer or controller. They may exist in a computer-executable form, such as machine code, which is the set of instructions and data directly executed by a computer's central processing unit or by a controller, a human-understandable form, such as source code, which may be compiled in order to be executed by a computer's central processing unit or by a controller, or an intermediate form, such as object code, which is produced by a compiler. As used herein, the term “software code” or “code” also includes any human-understandable computer instructions or set of instructions, e.g., a script, that may be executed on the fly with the aid of an interpreter executed by a computer's central processing unit or by a controller.
This written description uses examples to disclose the technology, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the technology, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the technology is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
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