Hydraulic System

Abstract

A method of controlling a hydraulic system includes providing fluid to a first actuator with a first pump via a first closed-loop circuit of a machine, and providing fluid to a second actuator with a second pump via a second closed-loop circuit of the machine. The method also includes providing fluid to a third actuator with a third pump via a third closed-loop circuit of the machine, and providing fluid to a fourth actuator with a fourth pump via a fourth closed-loop circuit of the machine. The method further includes forming a combined flow of fluid including fluid from the first circuit and fluid from at least one of the second, third, and fourth circuits, and directing the combined flow to the first actuator while providing fluid to the actuator of the at least one of the second, third, and fourth circuits.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to a hydraulic system, and more particularly, to a hydraulic system with flow collecting capability. Background technique [0002] Conventional hydraulic systems include pumps that draw low-pressure fluid from a tank, pressurize the fluid, and make the pressurized fluid available to a number of different actuators for use in moving the actuators. In this arrangement, the speed of each actuator can be independently controlled by selectively throttling (ie, restricting) the flow of pressurized fluid from the pump into each actuator. For example, in order to move a particular actuator at a high speed, the flow of fluid from the pump into the actuator is restricted only a small amount. Conversely, to move the same or another actuator at low speeds, the restriction placed on fluid flow increases. While adequate for many applications, utilizing fluid restriction to control actuator speed can result in pressure losses...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Controlling actuators in this manner may be difficult and / or undesirable in some applications

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