PROPORTIONAL VALVE ASSEMBLY
BACKGROUND
[0001] Valve assemblies are used in various applications including off-highway
agriculture and construction equipment (e.g., wheel loaders, skid steers, combines, etc.). In
some applications, valve assemblies are used to control the amount of fluid provided to
implements such as buckets or booms. It is desired to have a valve assembly that is capable
of some degree of load holding such that the implements can hold a load (e.g., extended
boom, load in a bucket, etc.) for an extended period of time. In addition, it is desired to have
a valve assembly that includes an anti -cavitation feature.
SUMMARY
[0002] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a valve assembly. The valve
assembly includes a valve housing. The valve housing defines a first service passage, a first
valve bore, a first fluid passage, a second valve bore and a second fluid passage. The first
valve bore is in fluid communication with the first service passage. The first valve bore has
an inlet portion in fluid communication with an inlet passage of the valve housing, a first
service portion in fluid communication with the first service passage, and a first load holding
portion. The first valve bore has a first valve seat that is disposed between the inlet portion
and the service portion. The first fluid passage is in selective fluid communication with the
first load holding portion of the first valve bore and the first service passage. The second
valve bore is in fluid communication with the first service passage. The second valve bore
has a return portion in fluid communication with a return passage of the valve housing, a
second service portion in fluid communication with the first service passage, and a second
load holding portion. The second valve bore has a second valve seat that is disposed between
the return passage and the first service passage. The second fluid passage is in selective
communication with the second load holding portion of the second valve bore and the return
passage. An inlet valve is disposed in the first valve bore. The inlet valve is moveable
between a seated position and an unseated position. A return valve assembly is disposed in
the second valve bore. The return valve is moveable between a seated position and an
unseated position. A one-way valve is disposed in the second fluid passage. The one-way
valve allows fluid to flow only in a direction from the second load holding portion to the
return passage.
[0003] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a valve assembly. The
valve assembly includes a valve housing. The valve housing defines a first service passage, a
first valve bore, a first fluid passage, a second valve bore and a second fluid passage. The
first valve bore is in fluid communication with the first service passage. The first valve bore
has an inlet portion in fluid communication with an inlet passage of the valve housing, a first
service portion in fluid communication with the first service passage, and a first load holding
portion. The first valve bore has a first valve seat that is disposed between the inlet portion
and the service portion. The first fluid passage is in selective fluid communication with the
first load holding portion of the first valve bore and the first service passage. The second
valve bore is in fluid communication with the first service passage. The second valve bore
has a return portion in fluid communication with a return passage of the valve housing, a
second service portion in fluid communication with the first service passage, and a second
load holding portion. The second valve bore has a second valve seat that is disposed between
the return passage and the first service passage. The second fluid passage is in selective
communication with the second load holding portion of the second valve bore and the return
passage. An inlet valve is disposed in the first valve bore. The inlet valve includes a body
defining a first metering passage through the body. The first metering passage is in fluid
communication with the inlet passage and the first load holding portion of the first valve
bore. The inlet valve further includes a check valve disposed in the first metering passage.
The check valve provides fluid flow only in a direction from the inlet passage to the first load
holding cavity. A return valve assembly is disposed in the second valve bore. The return
valve defines a second metering passage that provides fluid communication between the
second load holding portion and the second service portion of the second valve bore. A one¬
way valve is disposed in the second fluid passage. The one-way valve allows fluid to flow
only in a direction from the second load holding portion to the return passage.
[0004] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a valve assembly. The
valve assembly includes a pilot stage valve assembly, a middle stage valve assembly that is in
fluid communication with the pilot stage valve assembly and a main stage valve assembly.
The main stage valve assembly is in fluid communication with the middle stage valve
assembly. The main stage valve assembly includes a valve housing. The valve housing
defines a first service passage, a first valve bore, a first fluid passage, a second valve bore and
a second fluid passage. The first valve bore is in fluid communication with the first service
passage. The first valve bore has an inlet portion in fluid communication with an inlet
passage of the valve housing, a first service portion in fluid communication with the first
service passage, and a first load holding portion. The first valve bore has a first valve seat
that is disposed between the inlet portion and the service portion. The first fluid passage is in
selective fluid communication with the first load holding portion of the first valve bore and
the first service passage. The second valve bore is in fluid communication with the first
service passage. The second valve bore has a return portion in fluid communication with a
return passage of the valve housing, a second service portion in fluid communication with the
first service passage, and a second load holding portion. The second valve bore has a second
valve seat that is disposed between the return passage and the first service passage. The
second fluid passage is in selective communication with the second load holding portion of
the second valve bore and the return passage. An inlet valve is disposed in the first valve
bore. The inlet valve includes a body defining a first metering passage through the body.
The first metering passage is in fluid communication with the inlet passage and the first load
holding portion of the first valve bore. The inlet valve further includes a check valve
disposed in the first metering passage. The check valve provides fluid flow only in a
direction from the inlet passage to the first load holding cavity. A return valve assembly is
disposed in the second valve bore. The return valve defines a second metering passage that
provides fluid communication between the second load holding portion and the second
service portion of the second valve bore. A one-way valve is disposed in the second fluid
passage. The one-way valve allows fluid to flow only in a direction from the second load
holding portion to the return passage.
[0005] A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the description that follows.
These aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be
understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description
are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad concepts upon which
the embodiments disclosed herein are based.
DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a fluid system having exemplary
features of aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a valve assembly suitable for use with
the fluid system of FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an inlet valve assembly suitable for use
in the valve assembly of FIG. 2.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a return valve assembly suitable for use
in the valve assembly of FIG. 2.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the valve assembly with a middle stage
valve assembly in a first position and the inlet valve assembly in an unseated position.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the valve assembly with the middle
stage valve assembly in a second position and the return valve assembly in an unseated
position.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of the valve assembly with the middle
stage valve assembly in the second position and return valve assembly in the unseated
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary aspects of the present
disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same
reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like structure.
[0014] Referring now to FIG. 1, a fluid system, generally designated 10, is shown.
The fluid system 10 includes a fluid reservoir 12, a fluid pump 14, and a fluid actuator 16.
While the fluid actuator 16 is shown in FIG. 1 as being a linear actuator (e.g., a cylinder,
etc.), it will be understood that the actuator 16 could alternatively be a rotary actuator (e.g., a
fluid motor, etc.).
[0015] The fluid actuator 16 includes a housing 18 defining a bore 20. A piston
assembly 22 is disposed in the bore 20. The piston assembly 22 includes a piston 24 and a
rod 26. The piston 24 of the piston assembly 22 separates the bore 20 into a first chamber 28
and a second chamber 30. In the depicted embodiment, the fluid actuator 16 is a double
acting cylinder. The rod 26 of the piston assembly 22 extends from the housing 18 of the
fluid actuator 16 when fluid from the fluid pump 14 is directed to the first chamber 28 and
fluid in the second chamber 30 is vented to the fluid reservoir 12. The rod 26 retracts when
fluid from the fluid pump 14 is directed to the second chamber 30 and fluid in the first
chamber 28 is vented to the fluid reservoir 12.
[0016] The fluid actuator 16 further includes a first port 32 and a second port 34. The
first port 32 is in fluid communication with the first chamber 28 while the second port 34 is
in fluid communication with the second chamber 30.
[0017] The fluid system 10 further includes a valve assembly 40, is shown. In the
depicted embodiment, the valve assembly 40 includes a first valve assembly 40a and a
second valve assembly 40b. The first valve assembly 40a selectively provides fluid
communication between the fluid pump 14 and/or fluid reservoir 12 and the first chamber 28
of the fluid actuator 16 while the second valve assembly 40b selectively provides fluid
communication between the fluid pump 14 and/or the fluid reservoir 12 and the second
chamber 30 of the fluid actuator 16. As the first and second valve assemblies 40a, 40b are
substantially similar in structure, only the first valve assembly 40a will be described for ease
of description purposes.
[0018] In the depicted embodiment, each of the first and second valve assemblies
40a, 40b includes three stages: a pilot stage valve assembly 42, a middle stage valve assembly
44 and a main stage valve assembly 46.
[0019] The pilot stage valve assembly 42 is a proportional valve that includes a pilot
stage spool valve 48 and a housing 50. The pilot stage spool valve 48 is disposed in a bore of
the housing 50 such that the pilot stage spool valve 48 is axially slidable in the bore of the
housing 50.
[0020] The pilot stage valve assembly 42 further includes a plurality of centering
springs 52. The plurality of centering springs 52 is adapted to center the pilot stage spool
valve 48 in the bore of the housing 50.
[0021] In the depicted embodiment, the pilot stage valve assembly 42 is a four-way
valve. The pilot stage valve assembly 42 includes a fluid inlet port 54, a fluid return port 56,
a first control port 58 and a second control port 60. In the depicted embodiment, the pilot
stage valve assembly 42 is a three-position valve. The pilot stage valve assembly 42 includes
a neutral position PPN, a first position Ppi and a second position Pp .
[0022] In the neutral position P P , the first and second control ports 58, 60 are in fluid
communication with the fluid return port 56. In the first position Ppi, the first control port 58
is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet port 54 while the second control port 60 is in
fluid communication with the fluid return port 56. In the second position Pp2, the first control
port 58 is in fluid communication with the fluid return port 56 while the second control port
60 is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet port 54.
[0023] As a proportional valve, the axial position of the pilot stage spool valve 48 in
the bore of the housing 50 controls the amount of fluid that passes through the pilot stage
valve assembly 42. The pilot stage valve assembly 42 includes an electronic actuator 62 that
is adapted to axially move the pilot stage spool valve 48 in the bore of the housing 50
between the neutral position PP and the first and second positions Pp , PP . In one aspect of
the present disclosure, the electronic actuator 62 is a voice coil.
[0024] The electronic actuator 62 is actuated in response to an electronic signal 64
(shown as a dashed lined in FIG. 1) received from a microprocessor 66. In one aspect of the
present disclosure, the microprocessor 66 provides the electronic signal 64 in response to
various input signals.
[0025] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first and second control ports 58, 60 of
the pilot stage valve assembly 42 are in fluid communication with the middle stage valve
assembly 44. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the middle stage valve assembly 44 is a
three-position, four-way proportional valve. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the
middle stage valve assembly 44 is a two-position, two-way proportional valve.
[0026] The middle stage valve assembly 44 includes a middle stage spool valve 70
disposed in a housing 72. The middle stage spool valve 70 is disposed in a bore 73 of the
housing 72 such that the middle stage spool valve 70 is axially slidable in the bore 73 of the
housing 72.
[0027] The middle stage spool valve 70 includes a first axial end 74 and an oppositely
disposed second axial end 76. A first spring 78a acts on the first axial end 74 of the middle
stage spool valve 70 while a second spring 78b acts on the second axial end 76. The first and
second springs 78a, 78b are adapted to center the middle stage spool valve 70 in the bore 73
of the housing 72.
[0028] The axial position of the middle stage spool valve 70 in the bore 73 of the
housing is controlled by fluid pressure acting on one of the first and second axial ends 74, 76.
In one aspect of the present disclosure, the first control port 58 of the pilot stage valve
assembly 42 is in fluid communication with the first axial end 74 of the middle stage spool
valve 70 while the second control port 60 of the pilot stage valve assembly 42 is in fluid
communication with the second axial end 76.
[0029] The middle stage valve assembly 44 further includes a position sensor 80. In
one aspect of the present disclosure, the position sensor 80 is a linear variable displacement
transducer (LVDT). The position sensor 80 senses the position of the middle stage spool
valve 70 in the bore 73 of the housing 72. The position sensor 80 sends a signal 82 to the
microprocessor 66, which uses the positional data from the position sensor 80 to actuate the
electronic actuator 62 of the pilot stage valve assembly 42. The positions of the middle stage
valve assembly 44 will be described in greater detail subsequently.
[0030] The middle stage valve assembly 44 is in fluid communication with the main
stage valve assembly 46. Each of the main stage valve assemblies 46 of the first and second
valve assemblies 40a, 40b includes an inlet valve 84 and a return valve 86. In the depicted
embodiment, the inlet valve 84 is in fluid communication with the fluid pump 14 while the
return valve 86 is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 12.
[0031] Each of the main stage valve assemblies 46 of the first and second valve
assemblies 40a, 40b is disposed in the valve housing 88. In the depicted embodiment, the
valve housing 88 is the same structure as the housing 72 of the middle stage valve assembly
44. In another embodiment, the valve housing 88 is a different structure from the housing 72
of the middle stage valve assembly 44.
[0032] The valve housing 88 defines a plurality of fluid passages. In the depicted
embodiment, the valve housing 88 defines an inlet passage 90, a return passage 92, a first
service passage 94 and a second service passage 96. The inlet passage 90 is in fluid
communication with the fluid pump 14 while the return passage 92 is in fluid communication
with the fluid reservoir 12. The first and second service passages 94, 96 are in fluid
communication with the fluid actuator 16. In the depicted embodiment, the first service
passage 94 is in fluid communication with the first port 32 of the fluid actuator 16 while the
second service passage 96 is in fluid communication with the second port 34 of the fluid
actuator 6. In the depicted embodiment, the main stage valve assembly 46 of the first valve
assembly 40a provides selective fluid communication between the fluid pump 14 and/or the
fluid reservoir 12 and the first service passage 94 while the main stage valve assembly 46 of
the second valve assembly 40b provides selective fluid communication between the fluid
pump 14 and/or the fluid reservoir 2 and the second service passage 96.
[0033] As previously provided, the first and second valve assemblies 40a, 40b are
substantially similar in the depicted embodiment. As the first and second valve assemblies
40a, 40b are substantially similar, only the features of the valve housing 88 that are
associated with the first valve assembly 40a will be described for ease of description
purposes. It will be understood that the valve housing 88 includes similar features associate
with the second valve assembly 40b.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 2, the valve housing 88 defines a first valve bore 98 and
a second valve bore 100. The first valve bore 98 includes a first longitudinal axis 102 and is
adapted to receive the inlet valve 84 of the first valve assembly 40a while the second valve
bore 100 includes a second longitudinal axis 104 and is adapted to receive the return valve 86
of the first valve assembly 40a.
[0035] Each of the first and second valve bores 98, 100 includes a first axial end
106a, 106b and an oppositely disposed second axial end 108a, 108b. The first axial end 106a
of the first valve bore 98 includes a first valve seat 10 while the first axial end 106b of the
second valve bore 100 includes a second valve seat 112. The first and second valve seats
110, 112 are adapted for selective sealing engagement with the inlet and return valves 84, 86,
respectively. Each of the first and second valve seats 110, 112 of the first and second valve
bores 98, 100 is tapered so that each of the first and second valve seats 110, 1 2 includes an
inner diameter that decreases as the distance along the first and second longitudinal axes 102,
104 from the first and second valve seats 110, 112 to the second axial ends 108a, 108b
increases. In the depicted embodiment, the first and second valve seats 110, 112 are
generally frusto-conical in shape.
[0036] The first valve bore 98 includes an inlet portion 114, a first service portion
116 and a first load holding portion 118. The inlet portion 114 is disposed at the first axial
end 106a of the first valve bore 98 and is in fluid communication with the inlet passage 90.
The first service portion 116 is disposed between the first and second axial ends 106a, 108a
of the first valve bore 98 and is in fluid communication with the first service passage 94. The
first load holding portion 118 is disposed at the second axial end 108a of the first valve bore
98.
[0037] The valve housing 88 defines a first fluid passage 120 that is in fluid
communication with the first load holding portion 118 of the first valve bore 98 and the first
service portion 1 6 of the first valve bore 98. The first fluid passage 120 includes a first
portion 122a that is in fluid communication with the first service portion 116 of the first
valve bore 98 and the bore 73 of the middle stage valve assembly 44 and a second portion
122b that is in fluid communication with the first load holding portion 118 of the first valve
bore 98 and the bore 73 of the middle stage valve assembly 44. Actuation of the middle stage
spool valve 70 opens or blocks fluid communication between the first and second portions
122a, 122b of the first fluid passage 120.
[0038] The second valve bore 100 includes a return portion 124, a second service
portion 126 and a second load holding portion 128. The return portion 124 is disposed at the
first axial end 106b of the second valve bore 100 and is in fluid communication with the
return passage 92. The second service portion 126 is disposed between the first and second
axial ends 106b, 108b of the second valve bore 100 and is in fluid communication with the
first service passage 94. The second load holding portion 128 is disposed at the second axial
end 108b of the second valve bore 100.
[0039] The valve housing 88 defines a second fluid passage 130 that is in fluid
communication with the return portion 124 of the second valve bore 100 and the second load
holding portion 128 of the second valve bore 100. The second fluid passage 130 includes a
first portion 131a that is in fluid communication with the return portion 124 of the second
valve bore 100 and the bore 73 of the middle stage valve assembly 44 and a second portion
131b that is in fluid communication with the second load holding portion 128 of the second
valve bore 100 and the bore 73 of the middle stage valve assembly 44. Actuation of the
middle stage spool valve 70 opens or blocks fluid communication between the first and
second portions 131a, 131b of the second fluid passage 130.
[0040] The second fluid passage 130 includes a one-way valve 132 disposed in the
second fluid passage 130. In the depicted embodiment, the one-way valve 132 is a check
ball. The one-way valve 132 allows fluid to flow in a direction from the second load holding
portion 1 8 of the second valve bore 100 to the return passage 92 but prevents fluid from
flowing in a direction from the return passage 92 to the second loading holding portion 128
of the second valve bore 100. As will be described in greater detail subsequently, the one¬
way valve 132 disposed in the second fluid passage 130 enables the return valve 86 to
function as an anti-cavitation valve. Cavitation in the fluid system 10 occurs when the fluid
actuator 16 requires more fluid than is being provided by the fluid pump 14. As will be
described in greater detail subsequently, the one-way valve 132 enables the return valve 86 to
provide fluid communication between the return passage 92 and the first service passage 94
so that fluid from the fluid reservoir 12 is communicated to the fluid actuator 16.
[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the inlet valve 84 will be described. A
poppet valve assembly that is suitable for use as the inlet valve 84 of the main stage valve
assembly 46 has been described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/536,190, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The inlet valve 84
includes a first poppet valve 134 and a check valve 136 disposed in the first poppet valve
134.
[0042] The first poppet valve 134 includes a body 138 having a first axial end portion
142 and an oppositely disposed second axial end portion 144. The first axial end portion 142
includes a first end surface 146 and a first circumferential surface 148. The first
circumferential surface 148 is generally cylindrical in shape. In one aspect of the present
disclosure, the first circumferential surface 148 includes a first tapered surface. The first
tapered surface is adapted for selective sealing engagement with the first valve seat 110 of the
first valve bore 98. The first tapered surface is disposed adjacent to the first end surface 146.
The first tapered surface is generally frusto-conical in shape.
[0043] The second axial end portion 144 includes a second end surface 152 and a
second circumferential surface 154. The second end surface 152 is oppositely disposed from
the first end surface 146. The second end surface 152 is adapted to abut a first spring 156
disposed in the first load holding portion 118 of the first valve bore 98. The first spring 156
is adapted to bias the inlet valve 84 so that first tapered surface abuts the first valve seat 110.
[0044] The second circumferential surface 154 is generally cylindrical in shape. The
second circumferential surface 154 defines a first metering slot 158 that extends into the body
138 in a radial direction.
[0045] The body 138 defines a first metering passage 160 that extends in an axial
direction from the first end surface 146 to the first metering slot 158. The first metering
passage 160 is adapted to provide fluid communication between the inlet passage 90 and the
first load holding portion 118 of the first valve bore 98. The flow through the first metering
passage 160 and the flow through the first fluid passage 120 of the valve housing 88
cooperatively determine the axial position of the inlet valve 84 in the first valve bore 98 and
the amount of fluid that can pass from the inlet passage 90 to the first service passage 94 at a
given pressure.
[0046] The check valve 136 is disposed in the first metering passage 160. The check
valve 136 provides one-way fluid communication through the first metering passage 160 in a
direction from inlet passage 90 to the first load holding portion 118 of the first valve bore 98.
The check valve 136 prevents fluid from being communicated in a direction from the first
load holding portion 118 of the first valve bore 98 to the inlet passage 90. The check valve
136 is adapted to prevent leakage through the first metering passage 160. Leakage flowing in
the direction from the first load holding portion 118 of the first valve bore 98 to the inlet
passage 90 can result in the inlet valve 84 being inadvertently unseated from the first valve
seat 110.
[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4, the return valve 86 will be described. The
return valve 86 includes a second poppet valve 162. The second poppet valve 162 includes a
first end portion 164 and an oppositely disposed second end portion 166.
[0048] The first end portion 164 includes a first end face 168 and a first
circumferential surface 170. The first circumferential surface 170 is generally cylindrical in
shape. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the first circumferential surface 170 includes a
second tapered surface 172. The second tapered surface 172 is adapted for selective sealing
engagement with the second valve seat 112 of the second valve bore 100. The second
tapered surface 172 is disposed adjacent to the first end face 168. In the depicted
embodiment, the second tapered surface 172 is generally frusto-conical in shape.
[0049] The first circumferential surface 170 defines a first orifice 174. The first
orifice 174 is in fluid communication with a second metering passage 176 defined by the
second poppet valve 162.
[0050] The second end portion 166 includes a second end face 178 and a second
circumferential surface 180. The second end face 178 is oppositely disposed from the first
end face 168. The second end face 178 is adapted to abut a second spring 182 disposed in the
second load holding portion 128 of the second valve bore 100. The second spring 182 is
adapted to bias the return valve 86 so that second tapered surface 172 abuts the second valve
seat 112.
[0051] The second circumferential surface 180 is generally cylindrical in shape. The
second circumferential surface 180 defines a second metering slot 184 that extends into the
second poppet valve 162 in a radial direction. The second metering slot 184 is in fluid
communication with the second metering passage 176.
[0052] The second metering passage 176 provides fluid communication between the
second service portion 126 of the second valve bore 100 and the second load holding portion
128 of the second valve bore 100. The flow through the second metering passage 176 and
the flow through the second fluid passage 130 of the valve housing 88 cooperatively
determine the axial position of the return valve 86 in the second valve bore 100 and the
amount of fluid that can pass from the first service passage 94 to the return passage 92 at a
given pressure.
[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, the actuation positions of the middle stage
valve assembly 44 will be described. The middle stage valve assembly 44 includes a neutral
position P (shown in FIG. 2), a first position PMI (shown in FIG. 5), and a second position
PM2 (shown in FIG. 6).
[0054] The middle stage spool valve 70 includes a first land 190 and a second land
192. In the depicted embodiment, the first land 190 is oppositely disposed from the second
land 192.
[0055] In the neutral position P N, the first land 190 of the middle stage spool valve
70 blocks fluid communication between the first load holding portion 118 of the first valve
bore 98 and the first portion 122a of the first fluid passage 120 while the second land 192
blocks fluid communication between the second load holding portion 128 of the second valve
bore 100 and the first portion 131a of the second fluid passage 130. With fluid
communication between the first load holding portion 18 of the first valve bore 98 and the
first portion 122a of the first fluid passage 120 blocked, the inlet valve 84 is hydraulically
locked in a seated position in which the first tapered surface is seated against the first valve
seat 110. With the first tapered surface seated against the first valve seat 110, the fluid
communication between the inlet passage 90 and the first service passage 94 is blocked.
[0056] With fluid communication between the second load holding portion 128 of the
second valve bore 100 and the first portion 131a of the second fluid passage 130 blocked, the
return valve 86 is disposed in a seated position in which the second tapered surface 172 is
seated against the second valve seat 112. With the second tapered surface 172 seated against
the second valve seat 112, the fluid communication between the first service passage 94 and
the return passage 92 is blocked.
[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 5, the middle stage valve assembly 44 is shown
in the first position PM (shown in FIG. 5). In the first position PM , the first land 190 of the
middle stage spool valve 70 at least partially uncovers a first opening 194 to the first portion
122a of the first fluid passage 120 at the bore 73. With the first opening 194 to the first
portion 122a of the first fluid passage 120 at least partially uncovered, the first position PM
of the middle stage valve assembly 44 is adapted to provide fluid communication between the
first load holding portion 118 of the first valve bore 98 and the first portion 122a of the first
fluid passage 120 in the first position PM i . In this position, the inlet valve 84 can move
axially in the first valve bore 98. If the flow through the first metering passage 160 is less
than the flow through the first fluid passage 120, the first tapered surface of the first poppet
valve 134 moves in a first axial direction away from the first valve seat 110 causing a
clearance between the first tapered surface and the first valve seat 110. As this clearance
increases, the amount of fluid communicated between the inlet passage 90 and the first
service passage 94 increases. If the flow through the first metering passage 160 is equal to
the flow through the first fluid passage 120, the axial position of the inlet valve 84 is held at a
constant axial position. If the flow through the first metering passage 160 is greater than the
flow through the first fluid passage 120, the inlet valve 84 moves in a second axial direction
toward the first valve seat 110 causing the clearance between the first tapered surface and the
first valve seat 110 to decrease. As this clearance decreases, the amount of fluid
communicated between the inlet passage 90 and the first service passage 94 decreases.
[0058] The amount of flow through the first metering passage 160 is governed
primarily by the size of an opening created between the first metering slot 158 and a first
recess 196 in the second axial end 108a of the first valve bore 98. As the opening between
the first metering slot 158 and the first recess 196 increases, the amount of flow through the
first metering passage 160 increases.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 1, 4 and 6, the middle stage valve assembly 44 is shown
in the second position PM2 (shown in FIG. 6). In the second position 2, the second land
192 of the middle stage spool valve 70 at least partially uncovers a second opening 198 to the
first portion 13 l a of the second fluid passage 130 at the bore 73. With the second opening
198 to the first portion 131a of the second fluid passage 130 at least partially uncovered, the
second position PM2 is adapted to provide fluid communication between the second load
holding portion 128 of the second valve bore 100 and the second fluid passage 130.
[0060] With the middle stage spool valve 70 in the second position P 2, the first land
190 blocks the first opening 194 to the first portion 122a of the first fluid passage 120. With
the pathway from the first load holding portion 118 of the first valve bore 98 to the first
service portion 116 of the first valve bore 98 blocked, the input valve 84 is hydraulically
locked in the seated position.
[0061] Pressurized fluid from the first port 32 of the fluid actuator 16 flows through
the first service passage 94 of the valve housing 88. The pressurized fluid acts on the first
end portion 164 of the second poppet valve 162 of the return valve 86. In the depicted
embodiment, pressurized fluid acts on a portion of the second tapered surface 172 of the first
end portion 164 of the second poppet valve 162. The fluid acting on the portion of the
second tapered surface 172 of the second poppet valve 162 forces the second poppet valve
162 away from the second valve seat 112 to an unseated position when the middle stage
spool valve 70 is in the second position PM2. As the second poppet valve 162 moves in the
second valve bore 100 in an axial direction away from the second valve seat 11 , fluid in the
second load holding portion 128 of the second valve bore 100 is communicated to the first
portion 131a of the second fluid passage 130 through the bore 73 of the middle stage valve
assembly 44. The fluid in the second fluid passage 130 flows through the one-way valve 132
and to return passage 92.
[0062] With the second poppet valve 162 in the unseated position, a clearance 200 is
defined between the second tapered surface 172 of the second poppet valve 162 and the
second valve seat 112. Fluid from the fluid actuator 6 flows from the first service passage
94 through the clearance 200 and to the return passage 92. As this clearance 200 increases,
the amount of fluid communicated between the first service passage 94 and the return
passage 92 increases. If the flow through the second metering passage 176 is equal to the
flow through the second fluid passage 130, the axial position of the return valve 86 is held at
a constant axial position. If the flow through the second metering passage 176 is greater than
the flow through the second fluid passage 130, the return valve 86 moves in an axial direction
toward the second valve seat 112 causing the clearance 200 between the second tapered
surface 172 of the second poppet valve 162 and the second valve seat 112 to decrease. As
this clearance 200 decreases, the amount of fluid communicated between the first service
passage 94 and the return passage 92 decreases.
[0063] Referring now to FIG. 1, 4 and 7, the anti-cavitation feature of the return valve
86 will be described. As previously provided, cavitation in the fluid system 10 occurs when
the fluid actuator 6 requires more fluid than is being provided by the fluid pump 14. In this
situation, the pressure of the fluid in the return passage 92 is greater than the pressure of the
fluid in the first service passage 94.
[0064] With the middle stage spool valve 70 in the second position P 2, fluid from
the return passage 92 acts against the first end face 168 of the second poppet valve 162. The
fluid acting on the first end face 168 forces the second poppet valve 162 away from the
second valve seat 112 to the unseated position. As the pressure of the fluid in the return
passage 92 is greater than the pressure of the fluid in the first service passage 94, the fluid in
the second load holding portion 128 of the second valve bore 100 is displaced through the
second metering passage 176 of the second poppet valve 62 to the first service passage 94 as
the second poppet valve 162 is moved in the axial direction away from the second valve seat
112. This displacement of fluid from the second load holding portion 128 of the second
valve bore 100 to the first service passage 94 allows the second poppet valve 162 to move to
the unseated position. With the second poppet valve 162 in the unseated position, fluid from
the return passage 92 is communicated to the first service passage 94 through the clearance
200 formed between the second tapered surface 172 of the second poppet valve 162 and the
second valve seat 112.
[0065] The one-way valve 132 prevents fluid from the return passage 92 from
flowing through the second fluid passage 130 to the second load holding portion 128 of the
second valve bore 100 when the pressure of the fluid in the return passage 92 is greater than
the pressure of the fluid in the first service passage 94. By blocking fluid communication
through the second fluid passage 130, the one-way valve 132 prevent fluid from the return
passage 92 from being communicated to the second load holding portion 128 of the second
valve bore 100 and hydraulically locking the return valve 86 in the seated position.
[0066] Referring now to FIG. 1, while the operation of the first valve assembly 40a
for providing fluid from the inlet passage 90 to the first service passage 94, from the first
service passage 94 to the return passage 92, and from the return passage 92 to the first service
passage 94 has been described, it will be understood that the second valve assembly 40b
operates in a similar manner for providing fluid from the inlet passage 90 to the second
service passage 96, from the second service passage 96 to the return passage 92 and from the
return passage 92 to the second service passage 96 as the structural components of the second
valve assembly 40b is substantially similar to the first valve assembly 40a.
[0067] Various modifications and alterations of this disclosure will become apparent
to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure, and it
should be understood that the scope of this disclosure is not to be unduly limited to the
illustrative embodiments set forth herein.
What is claimed is:
1. A valve assembly comprising:
a valve housing defining:
a first service passage;
a first valve bore in fluid communication with the first service passage, the
first valve bore having an inlet portion in fluid communication with an
inlet passage of the valve housing, a first service portion in fluid
communication with the first service passage, and a first load holding
portion, the first valve bore having a first valve seat that is disposed
between the inlet portion and the service portion;
a first fluid passage in selective fluid communication with the first load
holding portion of the first valve bore and the first service passage;
a second valve bore in fluid communication with the first service passage, the
second valve bore having a return portion in fluid communication with
a return passage of the valve housing, a second service portion in fluid
communication with the first service passage, and a second load
holding portion, the second valve bore having a second valve seat that
is disposed between the return passage and the first service passage;
a second fluid passage in selective communication with the second load
holding portion of the second valve bore and the return passage;
an inlet valve disposed in the first valve bore, the inlet valve being moveable between
a seated position and an unseated position;
a return valve assembly disposed in the second valve bore, the return valve being
moveable between a seated position and an unseated position; and
a one-way valve disposed in the second fluid passage, wherein the one-way valve
allows fluid to flow only in a direction from the second load holding portion to the return
passage.
2. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the inlet valve includes a body defining a first
metering passage through the body, the first metering passage being in fluid communication
with the inlet passage and the first load holding portion of the first valve bore.
3. The valve assembly of claim 2, wherein a check valve is disposed in the first metering
passage, the check valve providing fluid flow only in a direction from the inlet passage to the
first load holding cavity.
4. The valve assembly of claim 2, wherein return valve defines a second metering
passage providing fluid communication between the second load holding portion and the
second service portion of the second valve bore.
5. The valve assembly of claim 4, wherein the inlet valve includes a circumferential
surface defining a first metering slot, the first metering slot being in fluid communication
with the first metering passage.
6. The valve assembly of claim 5, wherein the return valve includes a circumferential
surface defining a second metering slot, the second metering slot being in fluid
communication with the second metering passage.
7. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the first valve seat is frusto-conical in shape.
8. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the one-way valve is a check ball.
9. A valve assembly comprising:
a valve housing defining:
a first service passage;
a first valve bore in fluid communication with the first service passage, the
first valve bore having an inlet portion in fluid communication with an
inlet passage of the valve housing, a first service portion in fluid
communication with the first service passage, and a first load holding
portion, the first valve bore having a first valve seat that is disposed
between the inlet portion and the service portion;
a first fluid passage in selective fluid communication with the first load
holding portion of the first valve bore and the first service passage;
a second valve bore in fluid communication with the first service passage, the
second valve bore having a return portion in fluid communication with
a return passage of the valve housing, a second service portion in fluid
communication with the first service passage, and a second load
holding portion, the second valve bore having a second valve seat that
is disposed between the return passage and the first service passage;
a second fluid passage in selective communication with the second load
holding portion of the second valve bore and the return passage;
an inlet valve disposed in the first valve bore, the inlet valve including a body
defining a first metering passage through the body, the first metering passage being in fluid
communication with the inlet passage and the first load holding portion of the first valve
bore, the inlet valve further including a check valve disposed in the first metering passage,
the check valve providing fluid flow only in a direction from the inlet passage to the first load
holding cavity;
a return valve assembly disposed in the second valve bore, the return valve defining a
second metering passage that provides fluid communication between the second load holding
portion and the second service portion of the second valve bore; and
a one-way valve disposed in the second fluid passage, wherein the one-way valve
allows fluid to flow only in a direction from the second load holding portion to the return
passage.
10. The valve assembly of claim 9, wherein the inlet valve includes a circumferential
surface defining a first metering slot, the first metering slot being in fluid communication
with the first metering passage.
11. The valve assembly of claim 10, wherein the return valve includes a circumferential
surface defining a second metering slot, the second metering slot being in fluid
communication with the second metering passage.
1 . The valve assembly of claim 9, wherein the first valve seat is frusto-conical in shape.
13. The valve assembly of claim 9, wherein the one-way valve is a check ball.
14. The valve assembly of claim 9, further comprising a middle stage valve assembly in
fluid communication with the inlet valve and the return valve, the middle stage valve
assembly being adapted to provide fluid communication between the first load holding
portion of the first valve bore and the first fluid passage and between the second load holding
portion of the second valve bore and the second fluid passage.
15. The valve assembly of claim 14, wherein the middle stage valve assembly is a fourway,
three-position proportional valve.
16. A valve assembly comprising:
a pilot stage valve assembly;
a middle stage valve assembly in fluid communication with the pilot stage valve
assembly;
a main stage valve assembly in fluid communication with the middle stage valve
assembly, the main stage valve assembly including:
a valve housing defining:
a first service passage;
a first valve bore in fluid communication with the first service
passage, the first valve bore having an inlet portion in
fluid communication with an inlet passage of the valve
housing, a first service portion in fluid communication
with the first service passage, and a first load holding
portion, the first valve bore having a first valve seat that
is disposed between the inlet portion and the service
portion;
a first fluid passage in selective fluid communication with the
first load holding portion of the first valve bore and the
first service passage;
a second valve bore in fluid communication with the first
service passage, the second valve bore having a return
portion in fluid communication with a return passage of
the valve housing, a second service portion in fluid
communication with the first service passage, and a
second load holding portion, the second valve bore
having a second valve seat that is disposed between the
return passage and the first service passage;
a second fluid passage in selective communication with the
second load holding portion of the second valve bore
and the return passage;
an inlet valve disposed in the first valve bore, the inlet valve including a body
defining a first metering passage through the body, the first metering
passage being in fluid communication with the inlet passage and the
first load holding portion of the first valve bore, the inlet valve further
including a check valve disposed in the first metering passage, the
check valve providing fluid flow only in a direction from the inlet
passage to the first load holding cavity;
a return valve assembly disposed in the second valve bore, the return valve
defining a second metering passage that provides fluid communication
between the second load holding portion and the second service
portion of the second valve bore; and
a one-way valve disposed in the second fluid passage, wherein the one-way
valve allows fluid to flow only in a direction from the second load
holding portion to the return passage.
17. The valve assembly of claim 16, wherein the pilot stage valve assembly includes an
electronic actuator.
8. The valve assembly of claim 17, wherein the electronic actuator is a voice coil.
19. The valve assembly of claim 16, wherein pilot stage valve assembly provides fluid to
at least one end of a middle stage spool valve of the middle stage valve assembly to actuate
the middle stage valve assembly.
20. The valve assembly of claim 16, wherein the middle stage valve assembly is a fourway,
three-position proportional valve.