Valve arrangement including release valve

Abstract

A valve arrangement including a release valve. The valve arrangement controls a cylinder assembly including a first port and a second port, and a cylinder slideably housing a piston for movement between an extended position and a retracted position. The valve arrangement includes a valve assembly in fluid communication with the source of fluid pressure and with the first port and the second port to control fluid flow between the source and the first port and second port, and a release valve fluidly connected to the first port and to the second port, the release valve being operable to control flow of fluid from the first port and from the second port. The release valve is movable between a closed position and an open position. Fluid flows from both the first port and the second port simultaneously when the release valve member is in the open position.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to fluid-operated devices and, more particularly, to a valve arrangement including a release valve for controlling a fluid-operated device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A cylinder assembly is a typical fluid-operated device. Generally, the cylinder assembly includes a cylinder having first and second ports and slideably housing a piston for movement between extended and retracted positions to move a load. To control movement of the piston and the load, a valve assembly is provided in fluid communication with a source of fluid pressure and with one or both of the ports of the cylinder assembly. The valve assembly may include a locking valve which operates to control movement of the piston upon interruption of the source of fluid pressure.

[0004] In one construction, a single locking valve is in fluid communication with one port and controls movement of the piston upon interruption of a source of fluid pressure to only that port. In another construction, a locking valve is fluidly connected to each port, and each locking valve operates independently to control movement of the piston upon interruption of the source of fluid pressure supplied to the corresponding port. In either construction, the locking valve operates to maintain the piston and the load supported by the cylinder assembly in a relatively stationary position after the interruption of the source of fluid pressure.

[0005] To release the fluid pressure from the system after operation of a locking valve, a release valve may be incorporated into the valve assembly. An example of such a release valve is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,306.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] One independent problem with the above-described valve arrangement having a single locking valve and a single release valve connected to one port of the cylinder assembly is that, when the release valve is operated to release the fluid pressure from the system, the piston moves relative to the cylinder, and, therefore, the load also moves.

[0007] One independent problem with the above-described valve arrangement having a locking valve and a release valve connected to each port is that each release valve operates independently, allowing the position of the piston and the load to drift as fluid pressure is released from the system.

[0008] Another independent problem with the above-described valve arrangement having a locking valve and a release valve connected to each port is that, because each release valve is operated independently, an operator has difficulty simultaneously operating each release valve and maintaining the load in a relatively stationary position.

[0009] An independent problem with designing a release valve which controls the release of fluid pressure from both ports, simultaneously, is that, during operation of the valve assembly and during operation of the release valve, the release valve must prevent each locking valve connected to the corresponding port from being in fluid communication with the other locking valve.

[0010] The present invention provides a valve arrangement including a release valve that alleviates one or more of the above-identified and other problems with the above-described valve arrangements. The release valve is easy to operate and controls the release of fluid pressure from the first and second ports to maintain the position of the piston and to thereby prevent drifting of the load.

[0011] Specifically, the present invention provides a valve arrangement for controlling movement of a piston of a cylinder assembly upon interruption of a source of fluid pressure supplied to the cylinder assembly, the cylinder assembly including a first port and a second port and slideably housing the piston for movement between an extended position and a retracted position. The valve arrangement comprises a valve assembly in fluid communication with the source of fluid pressure and with the first port and the second port to control fluid flow between the source of fluid pressure and the first port and between the source of fluid pressure and the second port, and a release valve fluidly connected to the first port and to the second port, the release valve being operable to control flow of fluid from the first port and from the second port.

[0012] The valve assembly may have a valve body including a valve bore in fluid communication with the source of fluid pressure and with the first port and the second port. Preferably, the release valve includes a release valve body, defining a release valve bore in fluid communication with the valve bore and a release valve seat. The release valve also preferably includes a release valve member movable between a closed position, in which the release valve member engages the release valve seat to prevent fluid flow through the release valve bore, and an open position, in which fluid flows from the first port and the second port, through the valve bore and through the release valve bore. The release valve preferably further includes a biasing member biasing the release valve member to the closed position.

[0013] Preferably, when the release valve member is in the open position, fluid flows from the both the first port and the second port simultaneously. In addition, when the release valve member is in the open position, a substantially equal amount of fluid preferably flows from the first port and from the second port.

[0014] The release valve preferably further includes a release plunger operable to move the release valve member to the open position. Preferably, a manually engageable portion is connected to the release plunger and is engageable by an operator to cause the release plunger to move the release valve member to the open position. The release valve may include a piston portion connected to the release plunger, and a pilot fluid pressure applied to the piston portion may cause the release plunger to move the release valve member to the open position.

[0015] The release valve may also include means for biasing the release plunger out of engagement with the release valve member. In one construction, the biasing means may include a biasing member biasing the release plunger out of engagement with the release valve member. In another construction, the biasing means includes a piston portion connected to the release plunger, and a pilot fluid pressure applied to the piston portion biases the release plunger out of engagement with the release valve member. In either construction, the manually engageable portion is engageable by the operator to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member or the pilot fluid pressure to cause the release plunger to move the release valve member to the open position.

[0016] The valve assembly may include a first valve having a first valve body including a first valve bore in fluid communication with the source of pressure and the first port, and a second valve having a second valve body including a second valve bore in fluid communication with the source of fluid pressure and the second port. Preferably, the release valve bore is in fluid communication with the first valve bore and with the second valve bore, and, when the release valve member is in the open position, fluid flows from the first port, through the first valve bore, and through the release valve bore and fluid flows from the second port, through the second valve bore, and through the release valve bore.

[0017] In such constructions, when the release valve member is in the open position, fluid preferably flows from both the first valve bore and the second valve bore simultaneously. Also, when the release valve member is in the open position, a substantially equal amount of fluid preferably flows from the first valve bore and from the second valve bore.

[0018] The release valve body may further define a first release valve seat between the first valve bore and the release valve bore. The release valve preferably further includes a first release valve member movable between a closed position, in which the first release valve member engages the first release valve seat to prevent fluid flow between the first valve bore and the release valve bore, and an open position, in which fluid flows between the first valve bore and the release valve bore. A biasing member preferably biases the first release valve member to the closed position.

[0019] Similarly, the release valve body may further define a second release valve seat between the second valve bore and the release valve bore. The release valve preferably further includes a second release valve member movable between a closed position, in which the second release valve member engages the second release valve seat to prevent fluid flow between the second valve bore and the release valve bore, and an open position, in which fluid flows between the second valve bore and the release valve bore. A biasing member also preferably biases the second release valve member to the closed position.

[0020] The valve arrangement may include a flow control valve in fluid communication with the valve assembly to control fluid flow to the source of fluid pressure from at least one of the first port and the second port.

[0021] In some constructions, as discussed above, the valve assembly includes a first valve in fluid communication with the source of fluid pressure and the first port and a second valve in fluid communication with the source of fluid pressure and the second port. Preferably, the first and second valves cooperate such that, when fluid is supplied to the first port, fluid flows from the second port to allow the piston to move between the extended position and the retracted position and such that, when fluid is supplied to the second port, fluid flows from the first port to allow the piston to move between the extended position and the retracted position.

[0022] Preferably the valve arrangement further includes a cooperating plunger member positioned between the first valve and the second valve. The cooperating plunger member is operable to move the first valve member to the open position when fluid is supplied from the source of fluid pressure to the second port and to move the second valve member to the open position when fluid is supplied from the source of fluid pressure to the first port. Preferably, a biasing assembly biases the cooperating plunger member to a neutral position, in which the cooperating plunger member does not move the first valve member to the open position and does not move the second valve member to the open position.

[0023] One advantage of the present invention is that, when the release valve is operated to release fluid pressure, the piston is not allowed to move so that the load is maintained in a substantially stationary position.

[0024] Another advantage of the present invention is that, because the release valve simultaneously controls fluid flow from the first and second ports, the load does not drift when the release valve is operated.

[0025] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that, because a single release valve releases fluid pressure simultaneously from the first and second ports, the release valve is easier to operate to maintain the piston and the load in the substantially stationary position.

[0026] A further advantage of the present invention is that the release valve prevents the first and second valves from being in fluid communication during operation of the valve arrangement and during operation of the release valve.

[0027] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are partial cross-sectional views of a portion of a valve arrangement for use with a cylinder assembly and illustrating the operational conditions of the valve assembly.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement taken generally along line 2-2 in FIG. 1A.

[0030] FIGS. 3A and 3B are partial cross-sectional views taken generally along line 3-3 in FIG. 2 and illustrating the operational conditions of the release valve.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a first alternative construction of the release valve illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a second alternative construction of the release valve illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view an alternative construction of a valve arrangement including a third alternative construction of the release valve illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the release valve of FIG. 6 taken along line 7-7.

[0035] FIGS. 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views of a fourth alternative construction of a release valve illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B and illustrating the operational conditions of the release valve.

[0036] Before one embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0037] A valve arrangement 10 including a release valve 14 embodying the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 2. The valve arrangement 10 is used to control a fluid-operated device, such as a cylinder assembly 18. The cylinder assembly 18 includes a cylinder 22 which slideably houses a piston 26 for movement between an extended position (to the left in FIG. 1A) and a retracted position (to the right in FIG. 1A) to move a load (not shown), if provided. The cylinder assembly 18 also includes a first port 30 and a second port 34. The valve arrangement 10 fluidly connects a source 38 of fluid pressure, preferably air pressure, to the cylinder assembly 18 and is operable to control movement of the piston 26 and to, therefore, control movement of the load, upon interruption of fluid pressure supplied to the cylinder assembly 18. It should be understood that, in other constructions (not shown), the valve arrangement 10 may be used to control other fluid-operated devices.

[0038] A directional control valve 40 is provided between the source 38 of fluid pressure and the valve arrangement 10 and controls the direction in which fluid pressure is supplied to the valve arrangement 10 and to the cylinder assembly 18 to control the direction of movement of the piston 26 and the load. A first supply line 42 and a second supply line 46 are connected between the directional control valve 40 and the valve arrangement 10.

[0039] The valve arrangement 10 includes a valve assembly 50 in fluid communication with the source 38 of fluid pressure and with the first port 30 and the second port 34 to control fluid flow between the source 38 of fluid pressure and the first port 30 and between the source 38 of fluid pressure and the second port 34. In the illustrated construction, the valve assembly 50 includes a first valve 54, in fluid communication with the source 38 of fluid pressure and the first port 30, and a second valve 54′, in fluid communication with the source 38 of fluid pressure and the second port 34. The first and second valves 54 and 54′ are identical, and, accordingly, only the first valve 54 will be described in detail. Corresponding elements of the second valve 54′ have the same reference number ”′”.

[0040] The first valve 54 includes a valve body 58 defining a valve bore 62 in fluid communication with the source 38 of fluid pressure and the first port 30. The first valve body 58 also defines a valve seat 66 in the valve bore 62. The first valve 54 also includes a valve member 70 movably supported in the valve bore 62. The valve member 70 is movable between a closed position, in which the valve member 70 engages the valve seat 66 to prevent fluid flow between the first port 30 and the source 38 of fluid pressure, and an open position, in which fluid flows between the first port 30 and the source 38 of fluid pressure. The first valve 54 also includes a biasing member 74 for biasing the valve member 70 to the closed position.

[0041] The first and second valves 54 and 54′ are arranged to cooperate such that, when fluid is supplied to the first port 30, fluid flows from the second port 34 to allow the piston 26 to move in one direction, for example, toward the retracted position (to the left in FIG. 1A) and such that, when fluid is supplied to the second port 34, fluid flows from the first port 30 to allow the piston 26 to move in the opposite direction, for example, toward the extended position (to the right in FIG. 1A). To enable the first and second valves 54 and 54′ to cooperate, the valve arrangement 10 further includes a cooperating plunger member 78 positioned between the first and second valves 54 and 54′. The cooperating plunger member 78 includes a first plunger 82 and a second plunger 86 connected to opposite sides of a central piston portion 88. A seal assembly 90 is supported on the piston portion 88 to prevent fluid from flowing between the opposite sides of the plunger member 78.

[0042] A biasing arrangement is provided to bias the plunger member 78 to a neutral position (shown in FIG. 1A). The biasing arrangement includes a first spring 94 engaging the first side of the plunger member 78 and a second spring 98 engaging the second side of the plunger member 78. When fluid is supplied through the first supply line 42 to the first valve 54 (as shown in FIG. 1B), fluid pressure on the first face of the piston portion 88 causes the plunger member 78 to move to the right. As the plunger member 78 moves to the right, the second plunger 86 engages the second valve member 70′ to move the second valve member 70′ to the open position.

[0043] Alternatively, when fluid is supplied from the second supply line 46 to the second valve 54′ (as shown in FIG. 1C), fluid pressure on the second face of the piston portion 88 causes the plunger member 78 to move to the left. As the plunger member 78 moves to the left, the first plunger 82 engages the first valve member 70 to move the first valve member 70 to the open position. When fluid is not supplied to the valve arrangement 10 (as shown in FIG. 1A), the biasing arrangement biases the plunger member 78 to the neutral position so that the first plunger 82 does not engage the first valve member 70 and so that the second plunger 86 does not engage the second valve member 70′.

[0044] In the illustrated construction, the valve arrangement 10 includes a flow control valve assembly 102 to control fluid flow to the source 38 of fluid pressure from at least one of the first and second ports 30 and 34. It should be understood that, in other constructions (not shown), the valve arrangement 10 may not include such a flow control valve assembly.

[0045] In the illustrated construction, the flow control valve assembly 102 includes a first flow control valve 106 in fluid communication with the first valve 54 to control fluid flow from the first port 30 to the source 38 of fluid pressure and a second flow control valve 106′ in fluid communication with the second valve 54′ to control fluid flow from the second port 34 to the source 38 of fluid pressure. The first and second flow control valves 106 and 106′ are identical, and, accordingly, only the first flow control valve 106 will be described in detail. Common elements of the second flow control valve 106′ are identified by the same reference number “′”.

[0046] The first flow control valve 106 includes a flow control valve body 110 defining a flow control valve bore 114 and a flow control valve seat 118. A flow control valve member 122 is movably supported in the flow control valve bore 114. The flow control valve member 122 is selectively positionable relative to the flow control valve seat 118 to selectively limit fluid flow from the first port 30 to the source 38 of fluid pressure through the flow control valve bore 114.

[0047] The first flow control valve 106 also includes a bypass valve bore 126 in fluid communication with the first valve bore 62 and with the first port 30 and a bypass valve seat 130. The first flow control valve 106 further includes a bypass valve member 134 movable between a closed position, in which the bypass valve member 134 engages the bypass valve seat 130 to prevent fluid flow through the bypass valve bore 126, and an open position, in which fluid flows from the first valve bore 62, through the bypass valve bore 126, and to the first port 30. A biasing member 138 biases the bypass valve member 134 to the closed position.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B, the release valve 14 includes a release valve body 146 defining a release valve bore 150 having an exhaust port 152. The release valve body 146 also defines a release valve seat 154. A release valve member 158 is movably supported in the release valve bore 150. The release valve member 158 is movable between a closed position (shown in FIG. 3A), in which the release valve member 158 engages the release valve seat 154 to prevent fluid flow through the release valve bore 150, and an open position (shown in FIG. 3B), in which fluid flows from at least one of the first and second ports 30 and 34 and through the release valve bore 150 to the exhaust port 152. A release valve biasing member 162 biases the release valve member 158 to the closed position.

[0049] The release valve 14 also includes (see FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B) a release plunger 166 operable to move the release valve member 158 to the open position. In the illustrated construction, the release plunger 166 is movable into engagement with the release valve member 158 to thereby move the release valve member 158 to the open position. A manually engageable portion 170 is connected to the release plunger 166, and an operator can engage the portion 170 to cause the release plunger 166 to move the release valve member 158 to the open position.

[0050] In a first alternative construction (shown in FIG. 4), the release valve 14 includes a piston portion 174 connected to the release plunger 166. A pilot fluid pressure may be applied through a pilot fluid line 178 to the piston portion 174 to cause the release plunger 166 to move the release valve member 158 to the open position.

[0051] The release valve 14 also includes means 182 for biasing the release plunger 166 out of engagement with the release valve member 158. In the construction illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B, the biasing means 182 includes a biasing member 186 biasing the release plunger 166 out of engagement with the release valve member 158. In the second alternative construction (shown in FIG. 5), the biasing means 182 includes a piston portion 190 connected to the release plunger 166. A pilot pressure provided through a pilot line 192 and applied to the piston portion 190 biases the release plunger 166 out of engagement with the release valve member 158. In either construction, the manually engageable portion 170 is engageable by the operator to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member 178 (shown in FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B) or of the pilot fluid pressure applied to the piston portion 190 (shown in FIG. 4) to cause the release plunger 166 to move the release valve member 158 to the open position.

[0052] The release valve 14 also includes (see FIGS. 3A and 3B) means for preventing the first and second valves 54 and 54′ from being in fluid communication through the release valve 14. The preventing means includes a first preventing means between the first valve 54 and the release valve 14 and a second preventing means between the second valve 54′ and the release valve 14. The first and second preventing means are identical, and, accordingly, on the first preventing means will be described in detail. Common elements of the second preventing means are identified by the same reference number “′”.

[0053] The first preventing means includes a secondary valve seat 194 defined between the first valve bore 62 and the release valve bore 150 and a secondary valve member 198 movable between a closed position (shown in FIG. 3A), in which the secondary valve member 198 engages the secondary valve seat 194 to prevent fluid flow between the first valve bore 62 and the release valve bore 150, and an open position (shown in FIG. 3B), in which fluid flows between the first valve bore 62 and the release valve bore 150. A biasing member 202 biases the secondary valve member 198 to the closed position.

[0054] In operation, when fluid is not supplied from the source 38 of fluid pressure to the cylinder assembly 18, the valve arrangement 10 assumes the condition illustrated in FIG. 1A, preventing movement of the piston 18 and the load, if provided. This is the locking condition of the valve arrangement 10 which is assumed upon interruption of the source 38 of fluid pressure either under the operator's control or in a condition, for example, in which a line from the source 38 of fluid pressure is damaged to cause the interruption of fluid pressure.

[0055] When fluid is supplied to the first port 30, the valve arrangement 10 assumes the condition illustrated in FIG. 1B, and the piston is moved to the retracted position (to the left in FIG. 1A). As shown in FIG. 1B, fluid pressure, supplied through the first supply line 42, moves the first valve member 70 to the open position. This fluid pressure moves the cooperating plunger member 78 to the right (in FIG. 1B) so that the second plunger 86 also moves the second valve member 70′ to the open position. Fluid flows through the first valve bore 62, through the first bypass valve bore 126, if a first flow control valve 106 is provided, and to the first port 30.

[0056] At the same time, fluid flows from the second port 34, through the second flow control valve bore 114′, if a second flow control valve 106′ is provided, through the second valve bore 62′, and to the second supply line 46. The position of the second flow control valve member 122′ relative to the second flow control valve seat 118′ limits the fluid flow through the second flow control valve 106′ and through the second valve 54′ to the source 38 of fluid pressure.

[0057] When fluid is supplied to the second port 34, the valve arrangement 10 assumes the condition illustrated in FIG. 1C, and the piston 26 is moved to the extended position (to the right in FIG. 1A). As shown in FIG. 1C, fluid pressure, supplied through the second supply line 42, moves the second valve member 70′ to the open position. This fluid pressure moves the cooperating plunger member 78 to the left (in FIG. 1C) so that the first plunger 82 also moves the first valve member 70 to the open position. Fluid flows through the second valve bore 62′, through the second bypass valve bore 126′, if a second flow control valve 106′ is provided, and to the second port 34.

[0058] At the same time, fluid flows from the first port 30, through the first flow control valve bore 114, if a first flow control valve 106 is provided, through the first valve bore 62, and to the first supply line 42. The position of the first flow control valve member 122 relative to the first flow control valve seat 118 limits the fluid flow through the first flow control valve 106 and through the first valve 54 to the source 38 of fluid pressure.

[0059] If fluid pressure is interrupted for any reason, operation of the valve arrangement 10 causes the piston 26 to be maintained in a relatively stationary position relative to the cylinder 22. Operation of the release valve 14 allows fluid pressure to be removed or bled from the system while maintaining the piston 26 in the relatively stationary position, assumed upon interruption of fluid pressure.

[0060] To release the fluid pressure from the system, the release valve member 158 is moved by the release plunger 166 to the open position (shown in FIG. 3B). The release plunger 166 may be moved into engagement with the release valve member 158 by an operator engaging the manually engageable portion 170. In the first alternative construction (shown in FIG. 4), the release plunger 166 may also move the release valve member 158 to the open position when the pilot pressure is applied to the piston portion 174.

[0061] When the release valve member 158 is moved to the open position, the fluid pressure acting on the first and second secondary valve members 198 and 198′ is removed. Fluid pressure from the first and second ports 30 and 34 acts on the secondary valve members 198 and 198′, respectively, to move the secondary valve members 198 and 198′ to the open position. Fluid thus flows from the first and second ports 30 and 34 and through the release valve bore 150 to the exhaust port 152. In the illustrated construction, fluid flows from the first and second ports 30 and 34 simultaneously, and a substantially equal amount of fluid flows from the first port 30 and from the second port 34.

[0062] When the release plunger 166 is moved out of engagement with the release valve member 158, for example, by releasing the manually engageable portion 170, fluid pressure from the first and second ports 30 and 34 and the biasing force of the biasing member 162 moves the release valve member 158 to the closed position. Fluid pressure in the area of the release valve bore 150 between the first and second ports 30 and 34 causes the secondary valve members 198 and 198′ to move to the closed position and engage the secondary valve seats 194 and 194′, respectively.

[0063] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrates an alternate construction of a valve arrangement 10A including an alternative construction of a release valve 14A. Common elements are identified by the same reference number “A”.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 6, the valve arrangement 10A includes a valve assembly 50A in fluid communication with the source (not shown but similar to the source 38) of fluid pressure and with the first port 30A and the second port 34A to control fluid flow between the source of fluid pressure and the first port 30A and between the source of fluid pressure and the second port 34A. In the illustrated construction, the valve assembly 50A includes a first valve 54A, in fluid communication with the source of fluid pressure and the first port 30A, and a second valve 54A′, in fluid communication with the source of fluid pressure and the second port 34A.

[0065] In the illustrated construction, the valve arrangement does not include a flow control valve assembly to control fluid flow to the source of fluid pressure from at least one of the first and second ports 30A and 34A. It should be understood that, in other constructions, the valve arrangement 10A may include a flow control valve assembly (similar to flow control valve assembly 102 shown in FIG. 1).

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 6-7, the release valve 14A includes a release valve body 204 defining a release valve bore 208 having an exhaust port 212. The release valve 14A includes a release check valve assembly 214 to control fluid flow from at least one of the first and second ports 30A and 34A and to prevent the first and second valves 54A and 54A′ from being in fluid communication through the release valve 14A.

[0067] The release check valve assembly 214 includes a first release check valve 216 and a second release check valve 216′. The valves 216 and 216′ are identical, and, accordingly, only the first release check valve 216 will be described in detail. Common elements of the second release check valve 216′ are identified by the same reference number “′”.

[0068] The valve 216 includes a release check valve seat 220 defined between the first valve bore 62 and the exhaust port 212. A release check valve member 224 is movable between a closed position (shown in FIGS. 6 and 7), in which the valve member 224 engages the valve seat 220 to prevent fluid flow between the first valve bore 62A and the exhaust port 212, and an open position, in which fluid flows between the first valve bore 62A and the exhaust port 212. A biasing member 228 biases the valve member 224 to the closed position. The valve 216 includes a release check plunger 232 operable to move the valve member 224 to the open position. In the illustrated construction, the check plunger 232 is movable into engagement with the valve member 224 to thereby move the valve member 224 to the open position.

[0069] The release valve 14A also includes a release plunger 236 operable to engage and move both check plungers 232 and 232′. The release plunger 236 is movable between a closed position (shown in FIG. 7), in which the valve members 224 and 224′ are in their respective closed positions, and an open position, in which the release plunger 236 engages and moves the check plungers 232 and 232′ to move the valve members 224 and 224′ to their respective open positions. The release check valve members 224 and 224′ cooperate to provide a release valve member (similar to the release valve member 158 shown in FIGS. 2-5) and to provide means for preventing the valves 54A and 54A′ from being in fluid communication through the release valve 14A.

[0070] In the illustrated construction, the release plunger 236 includes an engaging portion 240 which engages and moves the check plungers 232 and 232′ to move the valve members 224 and 224′ to their respective open positions. The release plunger 236 engages both check plungers 232 and 232′ simultaneously. The release plunger 236 also includes a narrower portion 242 which allows the check plungers 232 and 232′ and the valve members 224 and 224′ to move to their respective closed positions. A biasing member 244 biases the release plunger 236 to the closed position (shown in FIG. 7), in which the narrow portion 242 is between the check plungers 232 and 232′.

[0071] In an alternative construction (shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B), a piston portion 246 is connected to the release plunger 236, and a pilot pressure through a pilot fluid line 250 is applied to the piston portion 246 to bias the release plunger 236 to the closed position (shown in FIG. 8B). As shown in FIG. 8A, a biasing member 254 biases the release plunger 236 to the open position. When the pilot pressure is removed from the piston portion 246, the release plunger 236 moves from the closed position (shown in FIG. 8B) under the force of the biasing member 254 to the open position (shown in FIG. 8A), in which the release plunger 236 engages and moves the check plungers 232 and 232′ to move the valve members 224 and 224′ to their respective open positions.

[0072] In the illustrated constructions, the release plunger 236 is at least partially positioned and movable in the release valve bore 208. As shown in FIG. 6, the diameter of the release plunger 236 is smaller than the diameter of the release valve bore 208, and fluid flows through the release valve bore 208 around the release plunger 236 to the exhaust port 212. In other constructions (not shown), a separate passage (not shown) may be provided in fluid communication between the release valve bore and the exhaust port 212 to allow fluid to exit the release valve 14.

[0073] In either construction (shown in FIG. 7 or in FIGS. 8A and 8B), a manually engageable portion (not shown but similar to the manually engageable portion 170 shown in FIGS. 2-3) may be provided to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member 244 (shown in FIG. 7) or of the pilot fluid pressure applied to the piston portion 246 (shown in FIG. 8B) to cause the release plunger 236 to move to the open position and to move the valve members 224 and 224′ to their respective open positions.

[0074] In an alternative construction (not shown), a piston portion (not shown) may be connected to the release plunger 236, and a pilot pressure applied through a pilot fluid line (not shown) may cause the release plunger 236 to move to the open position. In such a construction, the release plunger 236 is biased to the closed position. In such a construction, a manually engageable portion (not shown) may also be provided to move the release plunger 236 to the open position.

[0075] The release valve 14A permits the single action of the release plunger 236 to move both valve members 224 and 224′ to their respective open positions. A single pilot fluid line may control the release plunger 236 and both valves 216 and 216′. In addition, the valve members 224 and 224′ are actuated in unison. When the valve members 224 and 224′ are in the open position, fluid pressure is released from the system through the exhaust port 212. Releasing pressure from both valves 216 and 216′ simultaneously allows fluid pressure to removed from the system while maintaining the piston (not shown but similar to the piston 26 shown in FIG. 1A) in a stationary position relative to the cylinder (not shown but similar to the cylinder 22 shown in FIG. 1A).

[0076] One or more of the above-identified and other independent features and independent advantages are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A valve arrangement comprising: a valve assembly in fluid communication with a source of fluid pressure and with a first port and a second port to control fluid flow between the source of fluid pressure and the first port and between the source of fluid pressure and the second port, fluid flow being prevented between the first port and the second port; and a release valve fluidly connected to the first port and to the second port, the release valve being operable to control flow of fluid from the first port and from the second port.

2. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising a flow control valve in fluid communication with the valve assembly to control fluid flow to the source of fluid pressure from at least one of the first port and the second port.

3. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 1 wherein the valve assembly includes a first valve in fluid communication with the source of fluid pressure and the first port and a second valve in fluid communication with the source of fluid pressure and the second port, and wherein the first valve and the second valve cooperate such that, when fluid is supplied to the first port, fluid flows from the second port and such that, when fluid is supplied to the second port, fluid flows from the first port.

4. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 3 wherein the first valve includes a first valve seat and a first valve member, the first valve member being movable between a closed position, in which the first valve member engages the first valve seat to prevent fluid flow between the first port and the source of fluid pressure, and an open position, in which fluid flows between the first port and the source of fluid pressure, and wherein the valve assembly further include a cooperating plunger member positioned between the first valve and the second valve, the cooperating plunger member being operable to move the first valve member to the open position when fluid is supplied from the source of fluid pressure to the second port.

5. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 4 wherein the second valve includes a second valve seat and a second valve member, the second valve member being movable between a closed position, in which the second valve member engages the second valve seat to prevent fluid flow between the second port and the source of fluid pressure, and an open position, in which fluid flows between the second port and the source of fluid pressure, and wherein the cooperating plunger member is operable to move the second valve member to the open position when fluid is supplied from the source of fluid pressure to the first port.

6. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 5 wherein the valve assembly further includes a biasing member biasing the cooperating plunger member to a neutral position, in which the cooperating plunger member does not move the first valve member to the open position and does not move the second valve member to the open position.

7. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 1 wherein the release valve includes a manually engageable portion operable to allow fluid flow from at least one of the first port and the second port.

8. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 1 wherein the valve assembly has a valve body including a valve bore in fluid communication with the source of fluid pressure and with the first port and the second port, and wherein the release valve includes a release valve body including a release valve bore in fluid communication with the valve bore, the release valve body further including a release valve seat, and a release valve member movable between a closed position, in which the release valve member engages the release valve seat to prevent fluid flow through the release valve bore, and an open position, in which fluid flows from at least one of the first port and the second port, through the valve bore and through the release valve bore.

9. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 8 wherein, when the release valve member is in the open position, fluid flows from both the first port and the second port simultaneously.

10. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 9 wherein, when the release valve member is in the open position, a substantially equal amount of fluid flows from the first port and from the second port.

11. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 8 wherein fluid pressure from one of the first port and the second port moves the release valve member to the closed position.

12. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 8 wherein the valve assembly includes a first valve having a first valve body including a first valve bore in fluid communication with the source of fluid pressure and the first port, and a second valve having a second valve body including a second valve bore in fluid communication with the source of fluid pressure and the second port, wherein the release valve bore is in fluid communication with the first valve bore and with the second valve bore, and wherein, when the release valve member is in the open position, fluid flows from at least one of the first port, through the first valve bore, and the second port, through the second valve bore, and through the release valve bore.

13. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 12 wherein the release valve prevents flow between the first valve bore and the second valve bore.

14. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 8 wherein the release valve further includes a release valve member biasing member biasing the release valve member to the closed position.

15. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 8 wherein the release valve further includes a release plunger operable to move the release valve member to the open position.

16. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 15 wherein the release valve further includes means for biasing the release plunger out of engagement with the release valve member.

17. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 16 wherein the biasing means includes a release plunger biasing member biasing the release plunger out of engagement with the release valve member.

18. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 16 wherein the biasing means includes a piston portion connected to the release plunger, and wherein a pilot fluid pressure is applied to the piston portion to bias the release plunger out of engagement with the release valve member.

19. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 18 wherein the release valve further includes a manually engageable portion connected to the release plunger and engageable by an operator to overcome the pilot fluid pressure to cause the release plunger to engage with and move the release valve member to the open position.

20. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 15 wherein the release valve further includes a manually engageable portion connected to the release plunger and engageable by an operator to cause the release plunger to move the release valve member to the open position.

21. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 15 wherein the release valve further includes a piston portion connected to the release plunger, and wherein a pilot fluid pressure applied to the piston portion causes the release plunger to move the release valve member to the open position.

22. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 15 wherein the release valve further includes a piston portion connected to the release plunger, and wherein a pilot fluid pressure applied to the piston portion prevents the release plunger from moving the release valve member to the open position.

23. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 22 wherein the release valve further includes a manually engageable portion connected to the release plunger and engageable by an operator to overcome the pilot fluid pressure to cause the release plunger to move the release valve member to the open position.

24. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 8 wherein the release valve body further includes a secondary release valve seat between the first port and the second port, and wherein the release valve further includes a secondary release valve member movable between a closed position, in which the secondary release valve member engages the secondary release valve seat to prevent fluid flow between the first port and the second port, and an open position.

25. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 24 wherein the release valve further includes a secondary release valve member biasing member biasing the secondary release valve member to the closed position.

26. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 24 wherein, when the release valve member is in the open position and when the secondary release valve member is in the open position, fluid flows from at least one of the first port and the second port and through the release valve bore.

27. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 24 wherein, in the closed position, the secondary release valve member prevents fluid flow from the first port to the second port, wherein the release valve body further defines a second secondary release valve seat between the first port and the second port, and wherein the release valve further includes a second secondary release valve member movable between a closed position, in which the second secondary release valve member engages the second secondary release valve seat to prevent fluid flow from the second port to the first port, and an open position.

28. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 27 wherein the release valve further includes a second secondary release valve member biasing member biasing the second secondary release valve member to the closed position.

29. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 27 wherein, when the release valve member is in the open position, when the first-mentioned secondary release valve member is in the open position and when the second secondary release valve member is in the open position, fluid flows from the first port and from the second port and through the release valve bore.

30. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 8 wherein the release valve body further includes a secondary release valve seat between the first port and the release valve bore, and wherein the release valve further includes a secondary release valve member movable between a closed position, in which the secondary release valve member engages the secondary release valve seat to prevent fluid flow between the first port and the release valve bore, and an open position, in which, when the release valve member is in the open position, fluid flows from the first port and through the release valve bore.

31. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 30 wherein the release valve further includes a secondary release valve member biasing member biasing the secondary release valve member to the closed position.

32. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 30 wherein, in the closed position, the secondary release valve member prevents fluid flow from the second port to the first port.

33. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 30 wherein the release valve body further defines a second secondary release valve seat between the second port and the release valve bore, wherein the release valve further includes a second secondary release valve member movable between a closed position, in which the second secondary release valve member engages the second secondary release valve seat to prevent fluid flow between the second port and the release valve bore, and an open position, in which, when the release valve member is in the open position, fluid flows from the second port and through the release valve bore.

34. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 33 wherein the release valve further includes a second secondary release valve member biasing member biasing the second secondary release valve member to the closed position.

35. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 33 wherein, in the closed position, the second secondary valve member prevents fluid flow from the first port to the second port.

36. A valve arrangement comprising: a valve assembly in fluid communication with a source of fluid pressure and with a first port and a second port to control fluid flow between the source of fluid pressure and the first port and between the source of fluid pressure and the second port; and a release valve fluidly connected to the first port and to the second port, the release valve being operable to control flow of fluid from the first port and from the second port, the release valve preventing fluid flow between the first port and the second port.

37. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 36 wherein the valve assembly includes a first valve having a first valve body including a first valve bore in fluid communication with the source of fluid pressure and the first port, and a second valve having a second valve body including a second valve bore in fluid communication with the source of fluid pressure and the second port, wherein the release valve prevents flow between the first valve bore and the second valve bore.

38. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 37 wherein the release valve includes a release valve body including a release valve bore in fluid communication with the first valve bore and the second valve bore, the release valve body further including a release valve seat, and a release valve member movable between a closed position, in which the release valve member engages the release valve seat to prevent fluid flow through the release valve bore, and an open position, in which fluid flows from at least one of the first port, through the first valve bore, and the second port, through the second valve bore, and through the release valve bore.

39. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 38 wherein the release valve body further includes a secondary release valve seat between the first valve bore and the second valve bore, and wherein the release valve further includes a secondary release valve member movable between a closed position, in which the secondary release valve member engages the secondary release valve seat to prevent fluid flow between the first valve bore and the second valve bore, and an open position.

40. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 39 wherein, in the closed position, the secondary release valve member prevents fluid flow from the first valve bore to the second valve bore, wherein the release valve body further defines a second secondary release valve seat between the first valve bore and the second valve bore, and wherein the release valve further includes a second secondary release valve member movable between a closed position, in which the second secondary release valve member engages the second secondary release valve seat to prevent fluid flow from the second valve bore to the first valve bore, and an open position.

41. A valve arrangement comprising: a valve assembly having a valve body including a valve bore in fluid communication with a source of fluid pressure and a the first port and a second port, the valve assembly controlling fluid flow between the source of fluid pressure and the first port and between the source of fluid pressure and the second port; and a release valve fluidly connected to the first port and to the second port, the release valve being operable to control flow of fluid from the first port and from the second port, the release valve including a release valve body including a release valve bore in fluid communication with the valve bore, the release valve body further including a release valve seat and a secondary release valve seat between the first port and the second port, a release valve member movable between a closed position, in which the release valve member engages the release valve seat to prevent fluid flow through the release valve bore, and an open position, in which fluid flows from at least one of the first port and the second port, through the valve bore and through the release valve bore, and a secondary release valve member movable between a closed position, in which the secondary release valve member engages the secondary release valve seat to prevent fluid flow between the first port and the second port, and an open position.

42. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 41 wherein the release valve further includes a secondary release valve member biasing member biasing the secondary release valve member to the closed position.

43. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 41 wherein, when the release valve member is in the open position and when the secondary release valve member is in the open position, fluid flows from at least one of the first port and the second port and through the release valve bore.

44. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 41 wherein, in the closed position, the secondary release valve member prevents fluid flow from the first port to the second port, wherein the release valve body further defines a second secondary release valve seat between the first port and the second port, and wherein the release valve further includes a second secondary release valve member movable between a closed position, in which the second secondary release valve member engages the second secondary release valve seat to prevent fluid flow from the second port to the first port, and an open position.

45. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 44 wherein the release valve further includes a second secondary release valve member biasing member biasing the second secondary release valve member to the closed position.

46. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 44 wherein, when the release valve member is in the open position, when the first-mentioned secondary release valve member is in the open position and when the second secondary release valve member is in the open position, fluid flows from the first port and from the second port and through the release valve bore.

47. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 41 wherein the release valve further includes a release plunger operable to move the release valve member to the open position.

48. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 47 wherein the release valve further includes means for biasing the release plunger out of engagement with the release valve member.

49. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 48 wherein the biasing means includes a release plunger biasing member biasing the release plunger out of engagement with the release valve member.

50. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 48 wherein the biasing means includes a piston portion connected to the release plunger, and wherein a pilot fluid pressure is applied to the piston portion to bias the release plunger out of engagement with the release valve member.

51. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 50 wherein the release valve further includes a manually engageable portion connected to the release plunger and engageable by an operator to overcome the pilot fluid pressure to cause the release plunger to engage and move the release valve member to the open position.

52. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 47 wherein the release valve further includes a manually engageable portion connected to the release plunger and engageable by an operator to cause the release plunger to move the release valve member to the open position.

53. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 47 wherein the release valve further includes a piston portion connected to the release plunger, and wherein a pilot fluid pressure applied to the piston portion causes the release plunger to move the release valve member to the open position.

54. A valve arrangement comprising: a valve assembly in fluid communication with a source of fluid pressure and with a first port and a second port to control fluid flow between the source of fluid pressure and the first port and between the source of fluid pressure and the second port; and a release valve fluidly connected to the first port and to the second port, the release valve being operable to control flow of fluid from the first port and from the second port, the release valve including a release valve body including a release valve bore in fluid communication with the first port and with the second port, the release valve body further including a release valve seat and a secondary release valve seat between the first port and the release valve bore, a release valve member movable between a closed position, in which the release valve member engages the release valve seat to prevent fluid flow through the release valve bore, and an open position, and a secondary release valve member movable between a closed position, in which the secondary release valve member engages the secondary release valve seat to prevent fluid flow between the first port and the release valve bore, and an open position, in which, when the release valve member is in the open position, fluid flows from the first port and through the release valve bore.

55. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 54 wherein the release valve further includes a secondary release valve member biasing member biasing the secondary release valve member to the closed position.

56. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 54 wherein, in the closed position, the secondary release valve member prevents fluid flow from the second port to the first port.

57. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 54 wherein the release valve body further defines a second secondary release valve seat between the second port and the release valve bore, wherein the release valve further includes a second secondary release valve member movable between a closed position, in which the second secondary release valve member engages the second secondary release valve seat to prevent fluid flow between the second port and the release valve bore, and an open position, in which, when the release valve member is in the open position, fluid flows from the second port and through the release valve bore.

58. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 57 wherein the release valve further includes a second secondary release valve member biasing member biasing the second secondary release valve member to the closed position.

59. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 57 wherein, in the closed position, the second secondary valve member prevents fluid flow from the first port to the second port.

60. A valve arrangement comprising: a valve assembly in fluid communication with a source of fluid pressure and with a first port and a second port to control fluid flow between the source of fluid pressure and the first port and between the source of fluid pressure and the second port, the valve assembly including a first valve having a first valve body including a first valve bore in fluid communication with the source of fluid pressure and the first port, and a second valve having a second valve body including a second valve bore in fluid communication with the source of fluid pressure and the second port; and a release valve fluidly connected to the first port and to the second port, the release valve being operable to control flow of fluid from the first port and from the second port, the release valve preventing flow between the first valve bore and the second valve bore, the release valve including a release valve body including a release valve bore in fluid communication with the first valve bore and with the second valve bore, the release valve body further including a release valve seat and a secondary release valve seat between the first valve bore and the second valve bore, a release valve member movable between a closed position, in which the release valve member engages the release valve seat to prevent fluid flow through the release valve bore, and an open position, and a secondary release valve member movable between a closed position, in which the secondary release valve member engages the secondary release valve seat to prevent fluid flow between the first valve bore and the second valve bore, and an open position, in which, when the release valve member is in the open position, fluid flows from at least one of the first port, through the first valve bore, and the second port, through the second valve bore, and through the release valve bore.

61. The valve arrangement as set forth in claim 60 wherein, in the closed position, the secondary release valve member prevents fluid flow from the first valve bore to the second valve bore, wherein the release valve body further defines a second secondary release valve seat between the first valve bore and the second valve bore, and wherein the release valve further includes a second secondary release valve member movable between a closed position, in which the second secondary release valve member engages the second secondary release valve seat to prevent fluid flow from the second valve bore to the first valve bore, and an open position.