Multi-control valve

Abstract

Provided is a multi-control valve capable of improving accessibility to a plurality of relief valves. A multi-control valve is provided with: at least three or more valve bodies for controlling the flow of operating fluid supplied to mutually different actuators; valve blocks into which the respective valve elements are inserted in parallel to each other so as to extend in the first direction, and which are arranged side by side in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and at least three relief valves which are provided on the valve block so as to correspond to the actuators, and which discharge the operating fluid supplied from the respective valve elements to the corresponding actuators, respectively. On a first surface of the valve block on one side in the first direction, at least two relief valves are arranged side by side in the second direction on one side in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and at least one is arranged on the other side in the third direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present utility model relates to a multi-control valve for inserting a plurality of valve elements therethrough. Background Art

[0002] In construction machinery such as excavators, there is a multi-control valve that controls the flow of working fluid to each actuator. As an example of the multi-control valve, for example, an oil pressure control valve device of Patent Document 1 is known. In the oil pressure control valve device, a plurality of valve elements for controlling the flow of working fluid to each actuator, that is, drive system valve elements, are inserted through the main body block in a form extending in the height direction in parallel with each other and arranged in a row in the long side direction.

[0003] Prior Art Documents:

[0004] Patent Documents:

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-190044. Summary of the Utility Model

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Utility Model:

[0007] The multi-control valve has a plurality of actuator ports, and the actuator ports are respectively connected to the actuators. The plurality of actuator ports are formed on the front surface in the valve block, and the actuator ports are respectively connected to the pipes. Further, in the multi-control valve, there are provided a plurality of relief valves that respectively discharge the working fluid flowing to each actuator. The plurality of relief valves are arranged on the upper surface and the lower surface near the front side where the actuator ports are formed.

[0008] In the multi-control valve, during maintenance or the like, an operation of disassembling each relief valve may sometimes occur. At this time, depending on the arrangement posture of the multi-control valve, some of the plurality of relief valves may be difficult to access due to pipes or the like. In this case, for example, a special jig or the like is required to access the relief valve. The same applies to the pressure sensors that respectively measure the pressure of the working fluid supplied to the actuators.

[0009] Therefore, the purpose of the first disclosure is to provide a multi-control valve that can improve the accessibility to a plurality of relief valves.

[0010] Further, the purpose of the second disclosure is to provide a multi-control valve that can improve the accessibility to a plurality of pressure sensors.

[0011] Means for Solving the Problems:

[0012] The first disclosed multi-control valve includes: at least three or more valve cores that control the flow of working fluid supplied to different actuators; a valve block that is inserted through by each of the valve cores in a form extending along a first direction and arranged in parallel along a second direction intersecting the first direction; and at least three or more overflow valves that are provided on the valve block corresponding to each of the actuators and respectively discharge the working fluid supplied from each of the valve cores to the corresponding actuator; each of the overflow valves is arranged on a first surface of the valve block on one side in the first direction, with at least two arranged in a row along the second direction on one side in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and at least one arranged on the other side in the third direction.

[0013] According to the first disclosure, each overflow valve is arranged on the first surface of the valve block, with at least two arranged in a row along the second direction on one side in the third direction, and at least one arranged on the other side in the third direction. Therefore, each overflow valve can be accessed from both sides in the third direction. Also, by arranging at least one overflow valve on the other side in the third direction, the overflow valve and the adjacent overflow valve do not overlap when observed from one side and the other side in the second direction respectively. Therefore, the adjacent overflow valves can be accessed from the second direction. Thus, the accessibility to the overflow valves can be improved.

[0014] The second disclosed multi-control valve includes: at least three or more valve cores that control the flow of working fluid supplied to different actuators; a valve block that is inserted through by each of the valve cores in a form extending along a first direction and arranged in parallel along a second direction intersecting the first direction; at least three or more pressure sensors that are provided on the valve block corresponding to each of the actuators and respectively measure the pressure of the working fluid supplied from each of the valve cores to the corresponding actuator; each of the pressure sensors is arranged on a first surface of the valve block on one side in the first direction, with at least two arranged in a row along the second direction on one side in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and at least one arranged on the other side in the third direction.

[0015] According to the second disclosure, each pressure sensor has at least one arranged in a row along the second direction on one side in the third direction and at least one arranged on the other side in the third direction. Therefore, each pressure sensor can be accessed from both sides in the third direction. Also, by arranging at least one pressure sensor on the other side in the third direction, the pressure sensor and the adjacent pressure sensor do not overlap when observed from one side and the other side in the second direction respectively. Therefore, the two adjacent pressure sensors can be accessed from the second direction. Thus, the accessibility to the pressure sensors can be improved.

[0016] Effect of the utility model:

[0017] According to the first disclosure, the accessibility to multiple overflow valves can be improved.

[0018] According to the second disclosure, the accessibility to a plurality of pressure sensors can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 is a top view of a multi-control valve showing an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2 is a circuit diagram showing the hydraulic circuit of the multi-control valve that constitutes Figure 1 ;

[0021] Figure 3 is a front view of the multi-control valve showing Figure 1 ;

[0022] Figure 4 is a rear view of the multi-control valve showing Figure 1 ;

[0023] Figure 5 is a bottom view of the multi-control valve showing Figure 1 ;

[0024] Figure 6 is a left view of the multi-control valve showing Figure 1 ;

[0025] Figure 7 is a right view of the multi-control valve showing Figure 1 ; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, a multi-control valve 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the foregoing drawings. In addition, the directional concepts used in the following description are for convenience of description only, and do not limit the orientation of the structure of the utility model to this direction. Further, the multi-control valve 1 described below is only one embodiment of the present utility model. Therefore, the present utility model is not limited to the embodiment, and additions, deletions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the utility model.

[0027] <Multi-control valve>

[0028] As Figure 1 shown, the multi-control valve 1 is provided in construction machinery such as an excavator, a crane, and a wheel loader. The construction machinery includes a hydraulic cylinder and a hydraulic motor. The construction machinery is an excavator in this embodiment. As Figure 2 shown, the excavator includes, for example, hydraulic cylinders such as a bucket cylinder 2, an arm cylinder 3, and a boom cylinder 4, and hydraulic motors such as a first travel motor 5, a second travel motor 6, and a swing motor 7. The construction machinery also includes an optional actuator (for example, an optional cylinder) 8. The bucket cylinder 2, the arm cylinder 3, and the boom cylinder 4 operate a bucket, an arm, and a boom (all not shown), respectively. The first travel motor 5 and the second travel motor 6 operate a pair of crawlers, respectively. The optional cylinder 8 operates, for example, a breaker and a joint (NIPPLA).

[0029] The multi-control valve 1 is connected to a plurality of actuators 2 to 8 via pipes 2c to 8c and 2d to 8d. The multi-control valve 1 supplies the working fluid discharged from a hydraulic pump 16 described later to each of the actuators 2 to 8 via the pipes 2c to 8c and 2d to 8d. Further, the multi-control valve 1 controls the flow of the working fluid supplied to and discharged from each of the actuators 2 to 8. In the present embodiment, the multi-control valve 1 is a multi-control valve of a single pump system having one pump port 35. The multi-control valve 1 mainly includes a valve block 11, a first spool group 12, and a plurality of relief valves 15a to 15h. Further, the multi-control valve 1 includes a plurality of pressure sensors 18a to 18j. The multi-control valve 1 further includes a second spool group 13 and solenoid valves 14a to 14r in the present embodiment.

[0030] As Figure 1 shown, the valve block 11 is formed, for example, in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. When the valve block 11 is viewed from above on one side in the height direction as an example of the first direction, it is formed in a rectangular shape that is long in the long side direction as an example of the second direction. Further, the valve block 11 has Figure 2 the various passages 21a to 27a, 21b to 27b, 32, 33, 34, 36 and the respective ports 35, 36a as shown. In addition, as Figure 3 shown, the valve block 11 has a plurality of actuator ports 21c to 27c, 21d to 27d on the side surface located on one side in the short side direction as an example of the third direction. Each of the actuator ports 21c to 27c, 21d to 27d corresponds to each of the actuators 2 to 8 and is connected to the corresponding actuator 2 to 8 via the pipes 2c to 8c and 2d to 8d as described in detail later. In the present embodiment, the valve block 11 includes at least a bucket port 23c, 23d, a boom cylinder port 24c, 24d, and an arm cylinder port 25c, 25d. In the present embodiment, the valve block 11 further includes a first travel port 21c, 21d, a second travel port 22c, 22d, a swing port 26c, 26d, and an optional port 27c, 27d. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the valve block 11 includes 14 actuator ports 21c to 27c, 21d to 27d. On the other hand, as Figure 4 shown, the valve block 11 has a pump port 35 and a tank port 36a on the side surface located on the other side in the short side direction. Each of the ports 35, 36a is connected to the hydraulic pump 16 and the tank 17.

[0031] As Figure 1As shown, the first spool valve group 12 includes at least three spool valves 23 to 25. In the present embodiment, the first spool valve group 12 includes seven spool valves 21 to 27 of the drive system. For example, the first spool valve group 12 includes a first traveling spool valve 21, a second traveling spool valve 22, a bucket spool valve 23, an arm spool valve 24, a boom spool valve 25, a swing spool valve 26, and an optional spool valve 27. The drive system spool valves 21 to 27 are respectively connected to different actuators 2 to 8. Moreover, the drive system spool valves 21 to 27 respectively control the flow of the working fluid supplied to the connected actuators 2 to 8. The drive system spool valves 21 to 27 are slidably inserted through the valve block 11. Moreover, the drive system spool valves 21 to 27 control the flow of the working fluid to the respective actuators 2 to 8 by changing their positions.

[0032] The second spool valve group 13 includes spool valves 28, 29 of a plurality of auxiliary systems and a valve body 30. For example, the second spool valve group 13 includes a loading / unloading priority spool valve with an unloading function (hereinafter, simply referred to as "loading / unloading priority spool valve") 28, an arm regeneration spool valve 29, and a pressure compensation valve body 30. The auxiliary system spool valves 28, 29 and the valve body 30 are slidably inserted through the valve block 11. Moreover, the spool valves 28, 29 of the auxiliary system and the valve body 30 achieve various functions (regeneration function, loading / unloading priority function, unloading function, and pressure holding function) by changing their positions.

[0033] As Figure 1 and 5 shown, the electromagnetic valves 14a to 14r are respectively provided on the valve block 11. More specifically, the electromagnetic valves 14a to 14r are respectively provided on the valve block 11 corresponding to the respective drive system spool valves 21 to 27 and the auxiliary system spool valves 28, 29. The electromagnetic valves 14a to 14r respectively output a pilot pressure corresponding to the input signal to the corresponding spool valves 21 to 29. Thereby, the electromagnetic valves 14a to 14r respectively change the positions of the corresponding spool valves 21 to 29, that is, stroke the corresponding spool valves 21 to 29. Also, as will be described in detail later, the plurality of electromagnetic valves 14a to 14r respectively constitute two electromagnetic valve groups 14A, 14B.

[0034] As Figure 1 and Figure 5As shown, a plurality of relief valves 15a to 15h are respectively provided on the valve block 11. The plurality of relief valves 15a to 15h are respectively provided on the valve block 11 corresponding to a part of the spools 23 to 25, 27 among the spools 21 to 27 of the drive system. In the present embodiment, the plurality of relief valves 15a to 15h are respectively provided on the valve block 11 corresponding to the bucket spool 23, the arm spool 24, the boom spool 25, and the selectable spool 27. Moreover, each of the relief valves 15a to 15h discharges the working fluid supplied from the corresponding spools 23 to 25, 27 to the actuators 2 to 4, 8. More specifically, each of the relief valves 15a to 15h discharges the working fluid to the tank 17 when the working fluid supplied to the actuators 2 to 4, 8 is above a specified relief pressure. The plurality of relief valves 15a to 15h respectively constitute a first relief valve group 15A and a second relief valve group 15B as described in detail later.

[0035] As Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, a plurality of pressure sensors 18a to 18j are respectively provided on the valve block 11. The plurality of pressure sensors 18a to 18j are respectively provided on the valve block 11 corresponding to a part of the spools 23 to 27 among the spools 21 to 27 of the drive system. In the present embodiment, the plurality of pressure sensors 18a to 18j are respectively provided on the valve block 11 corresponding to the bucket spool 23, the arm spool 24, the boom spool 25, the swing spool 26, and the selectable spool 27. Moreover, each of the pressure sensors 18a to 18j respectively measures the pressure of the working fluid supplied from the corresponding spools 23 to 27 to the actuators 2 to 4, 7, 8. The plurality of pressure sensors 18a to 18j respectively constitute a first pressure sensor group 18A and a second pressure sensor group 18B as described in detail later.

[0036] <Hydraulic Circuit in the Multi-Control Valve>

[0037] Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 2 the hydraulic circuit 9 in the multi-control valve 1 will be described. Various passages such as a loading / unloading side passage 32, a traveling side passage 33, and a communication passage 34 are mainly formed on the valve block 11. The loading / unloading side passage 32 is connected to the hydraulic pump 16 via a pump port 35. The loading / unloading side passage 32 is connected in parallel with the loading / unloading system spools 23 to 27. The loading / unloading system spools 23 to 27 include, for example, a bucket spool 23, an arm spool 24, a boom spool 25, a swing spool 26, and a selectable spool 27.

[0038] The bucket spool 23 controls the flow of the working fluid supplied to the bucket cylinder 2. More specifically, the bucket spool 23 is connected to the loading / unloading side passage 32 and the tank passage 36. The tank passage 36 as Figure 2The shown can port 36a is connected to the can 17. Also, the spool valve 23 for the bucket is connected to the head-side passage 23a and the rod-side passage 23b. Each of the passages 23a, 23b has the aforementioned bucket ports 23c, 23d. Each of the bucket ports 23c, 23d is connected to the head-side port 2a and the rod-side port 2b of the bucket cylinder 2 via pipes 2c, 2d, respectively.

[0039] Also, the spool valve 23 for the bucket is pressed in a direction opposite to the pilot pressure output from each of the solenoid valves 14e, 14f. Also, the spool valve 23 for the bucket is urged by a spring mechanism 43 in a form that opposes the applied pilot pressure. Therefore, the spool valve 23 for the bucket strokes to a position corresponding to the pilot pressure of each of the solenoid valves 14e, 14f. The spool valve 23 for the bucket switches the connection destination of the loading / unloading side passage 32 and the can passage 36 by stroking, and also adjusts the opening degree of the spool valve 23 for the bucket. Thereby, the spool valve 23 for the bucket controls the flow of the working fluid with respect to the head-side port 2a and the rod-side port 2b of the bucket cylinder 2.

[0040] The spool valve 24 for the arm controls the flow of the working fluid supplied to the arm cylinder 3. More specifically, the spool valve 24 for the arm has a first spool member 24e and a second spool member 24f. The first spool member 24e and the second spool member 24f are respectively connected to the loading / unloading side passage 32 and the can passage 36. Also, the first spool member 24e is connected to the head-side passage 24a and the rod-side passage 24b. The second spool member 24f is connected to the head-side passage 24a. The passages 24a, 24b have the arm ports 24c, 24d, respectively. Each of the arm ports 24c, 24d is connected to the head-side port 3a and the rod-side port 3b of the arm cylinder 3 via pipes 3c, 3d, respectively.

[0041] In addition, the first spool member 24e is pressed in a direction opposite to the pilot pressure output from each of the solenoid valves 14g, 14h. Also, the second spool member 24f is pressed in a form that opposes the pilot pressure output from each of the solenoid valves 14h, 14i. In addition, spring mechanisms 44, 45 that apply a force opposing the applied pilot pressure are respectively provided on the first spool member 24e and the second spool member 24f. Therefore, the first spool member 24e strokes to a position corresponding to the pilot pressure of each of the solenoid valves 14g, 14h, and the second spool member 24f strokes to a position corresponding to the pilot pressure of each of the solenoid valves 14h, 14i. The first spool member 24e and the second spool member 24f switch the connection destination of the loading / unloading side passage 32 and the can passage 36 by stroking, and also adjust the opening degrees of the first spool member 24e and the second spool member 24f, respectively. Thereby, the spool valve 24 for the arm controls the flow of the working fluid with respect to the head-side port 3a and the rod-side port 3b of the arm cylinder 3.

[0042] The boom spool 25 controls the flow of the working fluid supplied to the boom cylinder 4. More specifically, the boom spool 25 has a first spool member 25e and a second spool member 25f. The first spool member 25e and the second spool member 25f are respectively connected to the respective loading and unloading side passages 32 and the tank passage 36. Also, the first spool member 25e is connected to the rod side passage 25b. The second spool member 25f is connected to the head side passage 25a. The passages 25a and 25b respectively have boom ports 25c and 25d. The respective boom ports 25c and 25d are respectively connected to the head side port 4a and the rod side port 4b of the boom cylinder 4 via pipes 4c and 4d.

[0043] In addition, the first spool member 25e is pressed in a direction opposite to the pilot pressure output from the respective solenoid valves 14j and 14k. Also, the second spool member 25f is pressed in a direction opposite to the pilot pressure output from the respective solenoid valves 14k and 14l. In addition, spring mechanisms 46 and 47 are provided on the first spool member 25e and the second spool member 25f to apply a force that opposes the applied pilot pressure. Therefore, the first spool member 25e strokes to a position corresponding to the pilot pressure of the respective solenoid valves 14j and 14k, and the second spool member 25f strokes to a position corresponding to the pilot pressure of the respective solenoid valves 14k and 14l. The first spool member 25e and the second spool member 25f switch the connection destinations of the loading and unloading side passages 32 and the tank passage 36 by stroking, and also adjust the respective opening degrees of the first spool member 25e and the second spool member 25f. Thereby, the boom spool 25 controls the flow of the working fluid relative to the head side port 4a and the rod side port 4b of the boom cylinder 4.

[0044] The swing spool 26 controls the flow of the working fluid supplied to the swing motor 7. More specifically, the swing spool 26 is connected to the loading and unloading side passage 32 and the tank passage 36. Also, the swing spool 26 is connected to the first supply and discharge passage 26a and the second supply and discharge passage 26b. The passages 26a and 26b respectively have swing ports 26c and 26d. The respective swing ports 26c and 26d are respectively connected to the first supply and discharge port 7a and the second supply and discharge port 7b of the swing motor 7 via pipes 7c and 7d.

[0045] Also, the swing spool 26 is pressed in a direction opposite to the pilot pressure output from the respective solenoid valves 14m and 14n. Also, the swing spool 26 is biased by a spring mechanism 48 in a form that opposes the applied pilot pressure. Therefore, the swing spool 26 strokes to a position corresponding to the pilot pressure of the respective solenoid valves 14m and 14n. The swing spool 26 switches the connection destinations of the loading and unloading side passage 32 and the tank passage 36 by stroking, and also adjusts the opening degree of the swing spool 26. Thereby, the swing spool 26 controls the flow of the working fluid relative to the first supply and discharge port 7a and the second supply and discharge port 7b of the swing motor 7.

[0046] The selectable spool valve 27 can control the flow of the working fluid supplied to the selectable cylinder 8. More specifically, the selectable spool valve 27 is connected to the loading / unloading side passage 32 and the tank passage 36. Also, the selectable spool valve 27 is connected to the head side passage 27a and the rod side passage 27b. The passages 27a and 27b each have selectable ports 27c and 27d. The respective selectable ports 27c and 27d are connected to the head side port 8a and the rod side port 8b of the selectable cylinder 8 via pipes 8c and 8d, respectively.

[0047] Also, the selectable spool valve 27 is pressed in a direction opposite to the pilot pressure output from each of the electromagnetic valves 14o and 14p. Also, the selectable spool valve 27 is urged by the spring mechanism 49 in a form that opposes the applied pilot pressure. Therefore, the selectable spool valve 27 strokes to a position corresponding to the pilot pressure of each of the electromagnetic valves 14o and 14p. The selectable spool valve 27 switches the connection destinations of the loading / unloading side passage 32 and the tank passage 36 by stroking, and also adjusts the opening degree of the selectable spool valve 27. Thereby, the selectable spool valve 27 controls the flow of the working fluid with respect to the head side port 8a and the rod side port 8b of the selectable cylinder 8.

[0048] The traveling side passage 33 is connected to the loading / unloading side passage 32 via a loading / unloading priority spool valve 28 described later in detail. That is, the working fluid of the hydraulic pump 16 is introduced into the traveling side passage 33 via the loading / unloading priority spool valve 28. Also, the traveling side passage 33 is connected in a form in which the traveling system spool valves 21 and 22 among the spool valves 21 to 27 of the drive system are arranged in parallel.

[0049] The first traveling spool valve 21 controls the flow of the working fluid supplied to the first traveling motor 5. More specifically, the first traveling spool valve 21 is connected to the traveling side passage 33 and the tank passage 36. Also, the first traveling spool valve 21 is connected to the first supply / discharge passage 21a and the second supply / discharge passage 21b. The passages 21a and 21b each have first traveling ports 21c and 21d. The respective first traveling ports 21c and 21d are connected to the first supply / discharge port 5a and the second supply / discharge port 5b of the first traveling motor 5 via pipes 5c and 5d, respectively.

[0050] Also, the first traveling spool valve 21 is pressed in a direction opposite to the pilot pressure output from each of the electromagnetic valves 14a and 14b. Also, the first traveling spool valve 21 is urged by the spring mechanism 41 in a form that opposes the applied pilot pressure. Therefore, the first traveling spool valve 21 strokes to a position corresponding to the pilot pressure of each of the electromagnetic valves 14a and 14b. The first traveling spool valve 21 switches the connection destinations of the traveling side passage 33 and the tank passage 36 by stroking, and also adjusts the opening degree of the first traveling spool valve 21. Thereby, the first traveling spool valve 21 controls the flow of the working fluid with respect to the first supply / discharge port 5a and the second supply / discharge port 5b of the first traveling motor 5.

[0051] The second traveling spool valve 22 controls the flow of the working fluid supplied to the second traveling motor 6. More specifically, the second traveling spool valve 22 is connected to the traveling side passage 33 and the tank passage 36. Also, the second traveling spool valve 22 is connected to the first supply / discharge passage 22a and the second supply / discharge passage 22b. The passages 22a and 22b respectively have second traveling ports 22c and 22d. Each of the second traveling ports 22c and 22d is connected to the first supply / discharge port 6a and the second supply / discharge port 6b of the second traveling motor 6 via pipes 6c and 6d, respectively.

[0052] Also, the second traveling spool valve 22 is pressured in a direction opposing the pilot pressures output from the solenoid valves 14c and 14d. Further, the second traveling spool valve 22 is biased by the spring mechanism 42 in a form opposing the pressured pilot pressure. Therefore, the second traveling spool valve 22 strokes to a position corresponding to the pilot pressures of the solenoid valves 14c and 14d. The second traveling spool valve 22 switches the connection destinations of the traveling side passage 33 and the tank passage 36 by stroking, and also adjusts the opening degree of the second traveling spool valve 22 to the opening degree. Thereby, the second traveling spool valve 22 controls the flow of the working fluid with respect to the first supply / discharge port 6a and the second supply / discharge port 6b of the second traveling motor 6.

[0053] The communication passage 34 is connected to the first traveling spool valve 21 and the second traveling spool valve 22. Moreover, when supplying the working fluid to both the first traveling motor 5 and the second traveling motor 6, the communication passage 34 connects the first traveling motor 5 and the second traveling motor 6. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a deviation in the flow rate of the working fluid supplied to the two traveling motors 5 and 6 when the first traveling motor 5 and the second traveling motor 6 are operated simultaneously during straight traveling. Therefore, the straight traveling performance of the construction machinery can be improved.

[0054] The loading / unloading priority spool valve 28 causes the working fluid to preferentially flow to the loading / unloading side passage 32 by controlling the flow rate of the working fluid flowing in the traveling side passage 33. More specifically, the loading / unloading priority spool valve 28 is connected to the loading / unloading side passage 32 and the traveling side passage 33. The loading / unloading priority spool valve 28 is forced in a direction opposing the pilot pressure from the solenoid valve 14q and the biasing force of the spring mechanism 50. The loading / unloading priority spool valve 28 strokes to a position corresponding to the pilot pressure of the solenoid valve 14q, and adjusts the opening degree of the loading / unloading priority spool valve 28 (see the traveling position A2 and the priority position A3). Thereby, the loading / unloading priority spool valve 28 controls the flow rate of the working fluid flowing in the traveling side passage 33 and causes the working fluid to preferentially flow to the loading / unloading side passage 32.

[0055] Furthermore, the loading / unloading priority spool valve 28 has a unloading function. More specifically, the loading / unloading priority spool valve 28 is also connected to the tank passage 36 and can be located at the unloading position A1. At the unloading position A1, the working fluid flowing through the loading / unloading side passage 32 is discharged to the tank passage 36. Thereby, the loading / unloading side passage 32 is connected to the tank passage 36, and the hydraulic pump 16 is in the unloading state.

[0056] The boom regeneration spool valve 29 regenerates the working fluid discharged from the rod side port 3b at the head side port 3a. More specifically, the boom regeneration spool valve 29 is connected to the head side passage 24a and the rod side passage 24b which are connected to the boom cylinder 3. The boom regeneration spool valve 29 is subjected to a force in a direction opposing the pilot pressure from the solenoid valve 14r and the applied force of the spring mechanism 51. Therefore, the boom regeneration spool valve 29 makes the head side passage 24a and the rod side passage 24b communicate with each other by outputting the pilot pressure from each solenoid valve 14r, thereby regenerating the working fluid discharged from the rod side port 3b at the head side port 3a.

[0057] The pressure compensation valve body 30 maintains the pressure of the loading / unloading side passage 32 by discharging the working fluid. More specifically, the pressure compensation valve body 30 is connected to the loading / unloading side passage 32. The pressure compensation valve body 30 connects the loading / unloading side passage 32 and the tank passage 36 according to the pressure of the loading / unloading side passage 32.

[0058] A plurality of relief valves 15a to 15h are provided in the valve block 11 corresponding to the respective cylinders 2 to 4, 8. That is, in the present embodiment, eight relief valves 15a to 15h are provided in the valve block 11. When the pressure of the working fluid supplied to the corresponding cylinders 2 to 4, 8 exceeds a specified relief pressure, the eight relief valves 15a to 15h discharge the working fluid to the tank 17. More specifically, the plurality of relief valves 15a to 15h are respectively connected to the respective head side passages 23a to 25a, 27a and the respective rod side passages 23b to 25b, 27b. In addition, the plurality of relief valves 15a to 15h are connected to the tank passage 36. When the pressure in the connected passages 23a to 25a, 27a, 23b to 25b, 27b exceeds the specified relief pressure, the plurality of relief valves 15a to 15h discharge the working fluid to the tank 17.

[0059] A plurality of pressure sensors 18a to 18j are provided on the valve block 11 corresponding to each of the cylinders 2 to 4, 8. That is, in the present embodiment, eight pressure sensors 18a to 18j are provided on the valve block 11. Moreover, the eight pressure sensors 18a to 18j measure the pressure of the working fluid supplied to the corresponding cylinders 2 to 4, 7, 8. More specifically, the plurality of pressure sensors 18a to 18h are respectively connected to the head-side passages 23a to 25a, 27a and the rod-side passages 23b to 25b, 27b. Also, the pressure sensors 18i, 18j are respectively connected to the first supply / discharge passage 26a and the second supply / discharge passage 26b. The plurality of pressure sensors 18a to 18j respectively measure the hydraulic pressure of the connected passages 23a to 27a, 23b to 27b.

[0060] <Flow of Working Fluid in Multi-Control Valve>

[0061] When the traveling system actuators 5, 6 are driven, the multi-control valve 1 operates as follows. That is, when pilot pressure is output from any one of the solenoid valves 14a to 14d, the corresponding traveling spool valves 21, 22 operate. At this time, the loading / unloading priority spool valve 28 moves to the traveling position A2 by the pilot pressure from the solenoid valve 14q. For example, when pilot pressure is output from the solenoid valves 14a, 14c, the loading / unloading priority spool valve 28 moves to the traveling position A2 by the pilot pressure from the solenoid valve 14q and the traveling spool valves 21, 22 operate. As a result, the opening degree of the loading / unloading priority spool valve 28 is the maximum opening degree, and the working fluid from the hydraulic pump 16 is supplied to each of the traveling motors 5, 6. Moreover, each of the traveling motors 5, 6 rotates in the direction to make the construction machine move forward. At this time, the two traveling motors 5, 6 are communicated with each other through the communication passage 34. As a result, the flow rate deviation of the working fluid supplied to the two traveling motors 5, 6 is suppressed, so that the straight-ahead performance of the construction machine can be improved.

[0062] Also, when the loading / unloading system actuators 2 to 4, 7, 8 are driven, it operates as follows. That is, when pilot pressure is output from any one of the solenoid valves 14e to 14n, the corresponding spool valves 23 to 27 operate. At this time, the loading / unloading priority spool valve 28 moves to the traveling position A2 by the pilot pressure from the solenoid valve 14q. For example, when pilot pressure is output from the solenoid valve 14e, the bucket spool valve 23 operates. At the same time, the loading / unloading priority spool valve 28 moves by the pilot pressure from the solenoid valve 14q, and the opening degree of the loading / unloading priority spool valve 28 is adjusted to the minimum opening degree. Then, the working fluid from the hydraulic pump 16 is preferentially supplied to the head-side port 2a of the bucket cylinder 2, and the working fluid is pressed out from the rod-side port 2b and discharged to the tank 17. As a result, the bucket cylinder 2 extends.

[0063] Also, when pilot pressure is output from the solenoid valves 14g and 14i, the boom spool 24 operates. At the same time, the loading / unloading priority spool 28 moves to the traveling position A2 by the pilot pressure from the solenoid valve 14q, and the opening degree of the loading / unloading priority spool 28 is adjusted to the minimum opening degree. Then, the working fluid from the hydraulic pump 16 is supplied to the head side port 3a of the boom cylinder 3, and the working fluid is discharged from the rod side port 2b. At this time, by operating the boom regeneration spool 29, the working fluid discharged from the rod side port 2b can be regenerated at the head side port 3a.

[0064] In addition, when the traveling system actuators 5 and 6 and the loading / unloading system actuators 2 to 4, 7, and 8 are simultaneously operated, the following operation is performed. That is, when pilot pressure is output from any one of the solenoid valves 14a to 14d and when pilot pressure is output from any one of the solenoid valves 14e to 14n, the corresponding spools 21 to 27 operate. At this time, the loading / unloading priority spool 28 moves to the priority position A3 by the pilot pressure from the solenoid valve 14q. Moreover, pilot pressure corresponding to the pilot pressure of each of the solenoid valves 14a to 14n is output from the solenoid valve 14q, and the opening degree of the loading / unloading priority spool 28 is adjusted. More specifically, the opening degree of the loading / unloading priority spool 28 is adjusted according to the operation amount of each of the actuators 2 to 8 (more specifically, the opening degree is reduced). Thereby, the flow rate of the working fluid flowing to the traveling side passage 33 is restricted, and the working fluid preferentially flows to the loading / unloading side passage 32. That is, when the traveling system actuators 5 and 6 and the loading / unloading system actuators 2 to 4, 7, and 8 are simultaneously operated, the working fluid can preferentially flow to the loading / unloading system actuators 2 to 4, 7, and 8.

[0065] <Specific Structure of the Multi-Control Valve>

[0066] Hereinafter, the specific structure of the multi-control valve 1 will be described. As described above, the valve block 11 of the multi-control valve 1 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, for example. The spools 21 to 28 are respectively inserted through the valve block 11, and the relief valves 15a to 15h are respectively provided. Also, the pressure sensors 18a to 18j are respectively provided on the valve block 11. In addition, the spools 28 and 29 and the valve body 30 are inserted through the valve block 11, and the solenoid valves 14a to 14r are provided. Such a valve block 11 includes a block main body 11a, a first solenoid valve block 11b, and a second solenoid valve block 11c in the present embodiment (see Figure 6 and Figure 7 ).

[0067] As Figure 1 shown, the block main body 11a is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, for example. The block main body 11a is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above in the height direction. The spools 21 to 29 of the first spool group 12 and the second spool group 13 and the pressure compensation valve body 30 are inserted through the block main body 11a as follows.

[0068] That is, the valve elements 21 to 27 of the first valve element group 12 are inserted through the block main body 11a in a form extending in the height direction and parallel to each other. Also, the valve elements 21 to 27 are inserted through the block main body 11a in a row along the long side direction in a plan view. Further, Figure 1 in this case, the spring mechanisms 41 to 44, 46, 48, and 49 provided at one end portion in the axial direction (i.e., the height direction) of each of the valve elements 21 to 27 are arranged in a row along the long side direction. In the present embodiment, for example, the valve elements 21 to 27 are arranged in the order of the boom valve element 24, the first travel valve element 21, the selectable valve element 27, the swing valve element 26, the arm valve element 25, the second travel valve element 22, and the bucket valve element 23 from one side in the long side direction. Further, the order in which the valve elements 21 to 27 are arranged along the long side direction is an example, and an order different from the above may be used.

[0069] The valve elements 28 to 29 of the second valve element group 13 and the pressure compensation valve body 30 are inserted through the block main body 11a in a form extending in the height direction and parallel to each other. Also, the valve elements 28 to 29 and the valve body 30 are inserted through the block main body 11a in parallel with the valve elements 21 to 27. In addition, the valve elements 28 to 29 and the valve body 30 are arranged in a row along the long side direction in a plan view and are disposed on the other side in the short side direction of the first valve element group 12. Further, for example, the valve elements 28 to 29 and the valve body 30 are arranged in the order of the boom regeneration valve element 29, the pressure compensation valve body 30, and the handling priority valve element 28 from one side in the long side direction.

[0070] Also, as Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the block body 11a (i.e., the valve block 11) has passages 21a to 27a, 21b to 27b. Each of the passages 21a to 27a, 21b to 27b extends from each spool valve 21 to 27 toward the side surface (front surface in this embodiment) on the short side direction side. In this embodiment, the passages 21a to 27a, 21b to 27b extend straight from each spool valve 21 to 27 toward the front surface. Further, the passages 21a to 27a, 21b to 27b open on the front surface via the actuator ports 21c to 27c, 21d to 27d. Each of the actuator ports 21c to 27c, 21d to 27d is arranged at intervals in the height direction between the same structures of the connected spool valves 21 to 28 (in other words, between the same structures of the corresponding actuators 2 to 8). Further, the actuator ports 21c to 27c, 21d to 27d are arranged corresponding to the spool valves 21 to 27 as follows. That is, the actuator ports 21c to 27c, 21d to 27d are arranged in the order of the boom ports 24c, 24d, the first travel ports 21c, 21d, the selectable ports 27c, 27d, the rotation ports 26c, 26d, the arm ports 25c, 25d, the second travel ports 22c, 22d, and the bucket ports 23c, 23d from the long side direction side. Further, the block body 11a has a pump port 35 and a tank port 36a on the surface on the other side in the short side direction (rear surface in this embodiment).

[0071] Figure 1 The first solenoid valve block 11b shown is a block for mounting the first solenoid valve group 14A. In addition, the first solenoid valve group 14A includes a plurality of solenoid valves 14a, 14c, 14e, 14g, 14h, 14j, 14k, 14m, 14o, 14q, 14r. The other solenoid valves 14b, 14d, 14f, 14i, 14l, 14n, 14p constitute the second solenoid valve group 14B. The first solenoid valve block 11b is formed, for example, in a prism shape extending in the long side direction. The first solenoid valve block 11b is provided on the rear surface of the block body 11a in the top view shown Figure 1 In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, the first solenoid valve block 11b is mounted on a part on the rear surface of the block body 11a and on one side in the height direction (upper side in this embodiment).

[0072] The first solenoid valve group 14A is arranged and configured on the main surface on one side in the height direction (upper surface of the first solenoid valve block 11b in this embodiment) 11e of the first solenoid valve block 11b. More specifically, a plurality of solenoid valves 14a, 14c, 14e, 14g, 14h, 14j, 14k, 14m, 14o, 14q, 14r are arranged in multiple columns (two columns in this embodiment) in the top view. Moreover, each column extends in the long side direction.

[0073] Figure 5 The second solenoid valve block 11c shown is a block for mounting the second solenoid valve group 14B. The second solenoid valve block 11c, as an example of a solenoid valve block, is a long-sized member extending in the long side direction. The second solenoid valve block 11c is provided on the first surface 11d of the block body 11a when viewed from below. More specifically, the second solenoid valve block 11c is arranged corresponding to the first spool group 12 (more specifically, overlapping the first spool group 12 when viewed from below). In the present embodiment, the second solenoid valve block 11c is mounted on the first surface 11d of the block body 11a and at the middle portion in the short side direction. Moreover, the spring mechanisms 45, 47 of the boom spool 24 and the arm spool 25 project from the second solenoid valve block 11c toward the other side in the height direction. Thus, on the second solenoid valve block 11c, the spring mechanisms 45, 47 of the boom spool 24 and the arm spool 25 are arranged in a line at the middle portion in the short side direction.

[0074] The second solenoid valve group 14B is arranged in the second solenoid valve block 11c. In the present embodiment, the solenoid valves 14b, 14d, 14f, 14i, 14l, 14n, 14p of the second solenoid valve group 14B and the spring mechanisms 45, 47 of the boom spool 24 and the arm spool 25 are arranged in a line at the middle portion in the short side direction.

[0075] Also, in the valve block 11, a first relief valve group 15A is provided on the first surface (in the present embodiment, the lower surface) 11d on one side in the height direction. The first relief valve group 15A is composed of, for example, first relief valves 15a, 15c, 15f, 15g. In addition, the first relief valves 15a, 15c, 15f, 15g are respectively the first bucket relief valve 15a, the first boom relief valve 15c, the first arm relief valve 15f, and the first selectable relief valve 15g in the present embodiment. Moreover, at least two of the first relief valves 15a, 15c, 15f, 15g are arranged side by side in the long side direction on one side in the short side direction, and at least one is arranged on the other side in the short side direction. More specifically, the first relief valves 15a, 15c are arranged side by side in the second direction on one side in the short side direction on the first surface 11d. In the present embodiment, the first relief valves 15a, 15c are respectively arranged on one side in the short side direction of the second solenoid valve block 11c. Also, the first relief valves 15a, 15c are separated from each other on both sides in the long side direction (more specifically, at both ends in the long side direction of the block body 11a). On the other hand, the first relief valves 15f, 15g are arranged side by side on the other side in the short side direction on the first surface 11d. In the present embodiment, the first relief valves 15f, 15g are respectively arranged on the other side in the short side direction. Also, the first relief valves 15f, 15g are arranged between the first relief valves 15a, 15c when viewed from the other side in the short side direction.

[0076] More specifically, in a plan view, each of the first relief valves 15a and 15c is inserted through the block body 11a in a form that at least partially overlaps with the head-side passages 23a and 24a, which are examples of actuator passages. On the other hand, the first relief valves 15f and 15g are inserted into the block body 11a so as to at least partially overlap with the overflow passages 25g and 27g. The overflow passages 25g and 27g are passages that extend from the rod-side passage 25b and the head-side passage 27a, respectively, toward the other side in the short-side direction. Each of the first relief valves 15f and 15g is connected to the rod-side passage 25b and the head-side passage 27a via the overflow passages 25g and 27g, respectively.

[0077] In addition, as Figure 1 shown, in the valve block 11, a second relief valve group 15B is provided on the second surface (the upper surface in the present embodiment) 11f located on the other side in the height direction. The second relief valve group 15B is composed of, for example, second relief valves 15b, 15d, 15e, and 15h. Further, the second relief valves 15b, 15d, 15e, and 15h are the second boom relief valve 15b, the second arm relief valve 15d, the second lift arm relief valve 15e, and the second selectable relief valve 15h, respectively, in the present embodiment. The second relief valves 15b, 15d, 15e, and 15h are arranged in a line along the long-side direction. In the present embodiment, the second relief valves 15b, 15d, 15e, and 15h are arranged on the second surface 11f on the one side in the short-side direction (more specifically, on the one side in the short-side direction of the first spool group 12). In addition, in a plan view, each of the second relief valves 15b and 15e is inserted through the block body 11a in a form that at least partially overlaps with the rod-side passages 23b, 24b, 27b and the head-side passage 25a, which are examples of actuator passages.

[0078] In addition, as Figure 5As shown, in the valve block 11, a first pressure sensor group 18A is provided on the first surface 11d. The first pressure sensor group 18A is composed of, for example, first pressure sensors 18a, 18c, 18f, and 18g. Additionally, the first pressure sensors 18a, 18c, 18f, and 18g are, in this embodiment, the first boom pressure sensor 18a, the first arm pressure sensor 18c, the first bucket pressure sensor 18f, and the first selectable pressure sensor 18g. Moreover, at least two of the respective first pressure sensors 18a, 18c, 18f, and 18g are arranged in the longitudinal direction on one side in the short side direction, and at least one is arranged on the other side in the short side direction. More specifically, the first pressure sensors 18a, 18c, 18f, and 18g are arranged adjacent to the relief valves 15a, 15c, 15f, and 15g in the same manner as the corresponding actuators 2 to 4, 8 (more specifically, the connected passages 23a, 24a, 25b, and 27a). That is, the first pressure sensors 18a and 18c are arranged in the longitudinal direction on one side in the short side direction (in this embodiment, closer to the short side direction than the second solenoid valve block 11c) on the first surface 11d. Also, the first pressure sensors 18a and 18c are separated from each other at both ends in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, the first pressure sensors 18f and 18g are respectively arranged on the other side in the short side direction (in this embodiment, closer to the other side in the short side direction than the second solenoid valve block 11c) on the first surface 11d. Also, the first pressure sensors 18f and 18g are arranged between the first pressure sensors 18a and 18c when viewed from the other side in the short side direction.

[0079] In addition, in the valve block 11, a second pressure sensor group 18B is disposed on the second surface 11f. The second pressure sensor group 18B is composed of, for example, second pressure sensors 18b, 18d, 18e, 18h to 18j. Further, the second pressure sensors 18b, 18d, 18e, 18h to 18j are, in the present embodiment, a second bucket pressure sensor 18b, a second arm pressure sensor 18d, a second boom pressure sensor 18e, a second selectable pressure sensor 18h, a first swing pressure sensor 18i, and a second swing pressure sensor 18j. The second pressure sensors 18b, 18d, 18e, 18h, 18i are arranged in a row along the long side direction, and the second swing pressure sensor 18j is arranged separately from the second pressure sensors 18b, 18d, 18e, 18h, 18i in the short side direction. In the present embodiment, the second pressure sensors 18b, 18d, 18e, 18h are arranged adjacent to the relief valves 15b, 15d, 15e, 15h in the same manner as the corresponding actuators 2 to 4, 8 (more specifically, the connected passages 23b, 24b, 25a, 26a, 27b). Therefore, the second pressure sensors 18b, 18d, 18e, 18h are arranged in a row on the second surface 11 on one side in the short side direction (in the present embodiment, on one side in the short side direction of the first spool group 12).

[0080] The multi-control valve 1 configured in this way is provided, for example, on a construction machine or the like (e.g., the base of a rotating body) with the first surface 11d facing downward. Moreover, pipes 2c to 8c, 2d to 8d are installed on the actuator ports 21c to 27c, 21d to 27d. Therefore, when viewed from one side in the short side direction, the first relief valves 15a, 15c, 15f, 15g overlap with the pipes 2c to 8c, 2d to 8d. Therefore, the accessibility to the first relief valves 15a, 15c, 15f, 15g from one side in the short side direction is low. In particular, the accessibility to the first relief valves 15f, 15g arranged in the middle part in the long side direction on the valve block 11 is even lower. Therefore, on the valve block 11, as described above, the first relief valves 15f, 15g are arranged separately from the first relief valves 15a, 15c in the other side in the short side direction. Therefore, it is easy to access the first relief valves 15f, 15g from the other side in the short side direction, and the accessibility to the first relief valves 15f, 15g can be improved. On the other hand, with respect to the first relief valves 15a, 15c located on both sides in the long side direction, access can be made from one side and the other side in the long side direction. Therefore, the accessibility to the first relief valves 15a, 15c can be ensured. Therefore, the accessibility to the first relief valves 15a, 15c, 15f, 15g can be made good.

[0081] Further, the second overflow valves 15b, 15d, 15e, 15h are arranged on the second surface 11f and exposed upward. Therefore, the second overflow valves 15b, 15d, 15e, 15h can be accessed from above. Accordingly, the second overflow valves 15b, 15d, 15e, 15h can be arranged to overlap with the passages 23b, 24b, 25a, 27b by being arranged on one side in the short side direction. Thereby, the passages formed in the valve block 11 can be prevented from becoming complicated.

[0082] In the multi-control valve 1 of the present embodiment, each of the first overflow valves 15a, 15c, 15f, 15g is arranged on the first surface 11d of the valve block 11. The first overflow valves 15a, 15c are arranged on one side in the short side direction, and the first overflow valves 15f, 15g are arranged side by side in the long side direction on the other side in the short side direction. Further, by arranging the first overflow valves 15f, 15g on the other side in the short side direction, the first overflow valves 15a, 15c and the adjacent first overflow valves 15f, 15g can be made not to overlap with each other when viewed from the other side and one side in the long side direction (see Figure 6 and Figure 7 ). Therefore, the first overflow valves 15a, 15c, 15f, 15g can be accessed from one side or the other side in the long side direction. Accordingly, the accessibility to the overflow valves 15a, 15c, 15f, 15g can be improved.

[0083] Further, in the multi-control valve 1 of the present embodiment, the first overflow valves 15a, 15c, 15f, 15g are arranged on the first surface 11d of the block main body 11a. The first overflow valves 15a, 15c are arranged closer to one side in the short side direction than the second solenoid valve block 11c, and the first overflow valves 15f, 15g are arranged on the other side in the short side direction of the second solenoid valve block 11c. Therefore, the first overflow valves 15f, 15g can be easily accessed from the other side in the short side direction. Accordingly, the accessibility to the first overflow valves 15f, 15g can be improved even when the second solenoid valve block 11c is provided on the first surface 11d.

[0084] In addition, in the multi-control valve 1 of the present embodiment, the first overflow valves 15a, 15c, 15f, 15g are arranged such that the first overflow valves 15a, 15c arranged on both sides in the long side direction when viewed from the short side direction are arranged on one side in the short side direction, and the first overflow valves 15f, 15g are arranged on the other side in the short side direction. Therefore, the first overflow valves 15a, 15c can be accessed from one side and the other side in the long side direction. On the other hand, the first overflow valves 15f, 15g can be accessed from the other side in the short side direction. Accordingly, each of the first overflow valves 15a, 15c, 15f, 15g can be easily accessed.

[0085] In addition, in the multi-control valve 1 of the present embodiment, the first relief valves 15f and 15g are connected to the overflow passages 25g and 27g that extend in the other direction of the short side direction from the rod-side passage 25b and the head-side passage 27a. The first relief valves 15a and 15c are connected to the head-side passages 23a and 24a to which the spool valves 23 and 24 are connected. Therefore, it is possible to easily manufacture the multi-control valve 1 having the functions as described above.

[0086] In addition, in the multi-control valve 1 of the present embodiment, the second relief valves 15b, 15d, 15e, and 15h are arranged on the second surface 11f in a form arranged along the long side direction on one side of the short side direction. Therefore, the second relief valves 15b, 15d, 15h, and 15e can be arranged on the rod-side passages 23b, 24b, 27b, and the head-side passage 25a, respectively, so that the passages of the valve block 11 can be simplified.

[0087] In addition, in the multi-control valve 1 of the present embodiment, the first relief valves 15a, 15c, and 15f include a first boom relief valve 15f, a first arm relief valve 15c, and a first bucket relief valve 15a. Therefore, the accessibility to the first relief valves 15a, 15c, and 15f can be improved for the multi-control valve 1 of construction machinery such as an excavator.

[0088] In addition, in the multi-control valve 1 of the present embodiment, the first boom relief valve 15f and the first selectable relief valve 15g are arranged between the first arm relief valve 15c and the first bucket relief valve 15a when viewed from the short side direction. Moreover, the first boom relief valve 15f and the first selectable relief valve 15g are arranged on the first surface 11d of the valve block 11 so as to be separated from the first bucket relief valve 15a and the first arm relief valve 15c in the short side direction. Therefore, it is possible to approach the first bucket relief valve 15a and the first arm relief valve 15c from one side and the other side of the long side direction. On the other hand, it is possible to approach the first boom relief valve 15f and the first selectable relief valve 15g from the other side of the short side direction. Therefore, it is possible to easily approach the first boom relief valve 15f and the first selectable relief valve 15g, respectively.

[0089] In addition, in the multi-control valve 1 of the present embodiment, on the first surface 11d of the valve block 11, the first pressure sensors 18a and 18c are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction on one side in the short side direction. Also, the first pressure sensors 18f and 18g are arranged on the other side in the short side direction. Therefore, the first pressure sensors 18a, 18c, 18f, and 18g can be accessed from one side and the other side in the short side direction, respectively. Further, by arranging the first pressure sensors 18f and 18g on the other side in the short side direction, the first pressure sensors 18f and 18g and the adjacent first pressure sensors 18a and 18c do not overlap when viewed from the other side and one side in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the first pressure sensors 18a, 18c, 18f, and 18g can be accessed from one side or the other side in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the accessibility to the first pressure sensors 18a, 18c, 18f, and 18g can be improved.

[0090] In addition, in the multi-control valve 1 of the present embodiment, the first pressure sensors 18a, 18c, 18f, and 18g are provided on the first surface 11d of the block main body 11a. The first pressure sensors 18a and 18c are arranged closer to one side in the short side direction than the second solenoid valve block 11c, and the first pressure sensors 18f and 18g are arranged on the other side in the short side direction of the second solenoid valve block 11c. Therefore, the first pressure sensors 18a and 18c can be easily accessed from the other side in the short side direction. Therefore, the accessibility to the first pressure sensors 18a, 18c, 18f, and 18g can be improved even when the second electromagnetic block is provided on the first surface 11d.

[0091] In addition, in the multi-control valve 1 of the present embodiment, the first pressure sensors 18a, 18c, 18f, and 18g are provided on the first surface 11d of the valve block 11 in a form adjacent to the first relief valves 15a, 15c, 15f, and 15g that discharge the working fluid supplied to the corresponding actuators 2 to 4 and 7. Therefore, the correspondence between the first relief valves 15a, 15c, 15f, and 15g and the first pressure sensors 18a, 18c, 18f, and 18g can be easily grasped.

[0092] <Regarding Other Embodiments>

[0093] As an example, each of the spools 21 - 29 included in the first spool group 12 and the second spool group 13 of the multi-control valve 1 of this embodiment may also include spools and valve bodies for other purposes. Also, in this embodiment, in the valve block 11, the number of spools 21 - 27 that control the flow of the working fluid supplied to the actuators 2 - 8 is seven, but at least three or more are sufficient. For example, the selectable spool 27 may not be provided in the valve block 11. The arrangement order of the spools 21 - 29 and the pressure compensation valve bodies 30 in each of the first spool group 12 and the second spool group 13 is not limited to the foregoing order and may be any order. Also, in the multi-control valve 1 of this embodiment, the arrangement direction of each of the first spool group 12 and the second spool group 13 is the short side direction, but it may also be the height direction. The solenoid valves 14a - 14r do not have to be arranged as described above and may be respectively arranged on both sides of the short side direction of the first spool group 12 and the second spool group 13.

[0094] The relief valves 15a - 15h and the pressure sensors 18a - 18j of the multi-control valve 1 of this embodiment are also an example, and may also include relief valves and pressure sensors for other purposes. Also, the arrangement order of the relief valves 15a - 15h and the pressure sensors 18a - 18j is not limited to the foregoing order and may be any order. In addition, in the valve block 11, there are eight relief valves 15a - 15h and ten pressure sensors 18a - 18j, but their numbers are not limited to the foregoing numbers. Also, in the valve block 11, it is not necessary to provide both the relief valves 15a - 15h and the pressure sensors 18a - 18j. In addition, the first relief valves 15a, 15c are arranged on one side of the short side direction and the first relief valves 15f, 15g are arranged on the other side of the short side direction, but they may be arranged in reverse. Also, the sensors 18a - 18h do not have to be arranged adjacent to the corresponding relief valves 15a - 15h in the valve block 11.

[0095] In the multi-control valve 1 of this embodiment, the valve block 11 includes a block main body 11a, a first solenoid valve block 11b, and a second solenoid valve block 11c, but they may also be integrally formed. Also, the first solenoid valve block 11b and the second solenoid valve block 11c do not have to be provided in the valve block 11.

[0096] <Exemplary Embodiment>

[0097] The multi-control valve in the first aspect includes: at least three or more valve cores that control the flow of the working fluid supplied to different actuators; a valve block that is inserted through by each of the valve cores in a parallel manner along a first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and at least three or more overflow valves that are provided on the valve block corresponding to each of the actuators and discharge the working fluid supplied from each of the valve cores to the corresponding actuator; each of the overflow valves is arranged on a first surface of the valve block on one side in the first direction, with at least two arranged side by side in the second direction on one side in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and at least one arranged on the other side in the third direction.

[0098] According to the above aspect, each of the overflow valves is arranged on the first surface of the valve block, with at least two arranged side by side in the second direction on one side in the third direction, and at least one arranged on the other side in the third direction. Therefore, each of the overflow valves can be accessed from both sides in the third direction. Also, by arranging at least one overflow valve on the other side in the third direction, the overflow valve and the adjacent overflow valve can be made not to overlap when observed from one side and the other side in the second direction respectively. Therefore, the adjacent overflow valves can be accessed from the second direction. Thus, the accessibility to the overflow valves can be improved.

[0099] The multi-control valve in the second aspect further includes a plurality of solenoid valves provided on the valve block corresponding to each of the valve cores, the valve block includes a block main body through which each of the valve cores is inserted and a solenoid valve block provided with the plurality of solenoid valves, the solenoid valve block is arranged on the first surface of the block main body as the first surface, and the plurality of overflow valves are arranged on the first surface, with the at least two overflow valves arranged closer to one side in the third direction than the solenoid valve block and the at least one overflow valve arranged closer to the other side in the third direction than the solenoid valve block.

[0100] According to the above aspect, the plurality of overflow valves are arranged on the first surface of the block main body, with at least two arranged closer to one side in the third direction than the solenoid valve block and at least one arranged on the other side in the third direction of the solenoid valve block. Therefore, at least one overflow valve can be easily accessed from the other side in the third direction. Thus, the accessibility to the overflow valves can be improved even when an electromagnetic block is provided on the first surface.

[0101] The multi-control valve in the third aspect, in the multi-control valve of the first or second aspect, the plurality of overflow valves arrange two of the overflow valves separated and arranged on both sides in the second direction when observed in the third direction on one side in the third direction, and arrange at least one or more of the overflow valves arranged between the two overflow valves on the other side in the third direction.

[0102] According to the above aspect, multiple overflow valves are arranged such that, when observed in the third direction, two overflow valves arranged on both sides of the second direction are on one side in the third direction, and at least one or more overflow valves arranged between the two overflow valves are on the other side in the third direction. Therefore, it is possible to approach the two overflow valves arranged on both sides of the second direction from one side and the other side in the second direction. On the other hand, it is possible to approach at least one or more overflow valves arranged between the two overflow valves from the other side in the third direction. Therefore, it is possible to easily access each overflow valve.

[0103] In the multi-control valve according to the fourth aspect, among the multi-control valves according to any one of the first to third aspects, the valve block has actuator passages extending from each of the valve cores to the side surface on one side in the third direction. Each of the actuator passages has an actuator port that opens on the side surface on one side in the third direction and is connected to the corresponding actuator. The at least one overflow valve is connected to an overflow passage that extends to the other side in the third direction compared to the actuator passage to which the corresponding valve core is connected, and the remaining overflow valves are connected to the actuator passages to which the corresponding valve cores are connected.

[0104] According to the above aspect, at least one overflow valve is connected to an overflow passage that extends to the other side in the third direction compared to the actuator passage to which the corresponding valve core is connected. The remaining overflow valves are connected to the actuator passages to which the corresponding valve cores are connected. Therefore, it is possible to easily manufacture a multi-control valve having the aforementioned functions.

[0105] In the multi-control valve according to the fifth aspect, among the multi-control valves according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the valve block has actuator passages extending from each of the valve cores to the side surface on one side in the third direction and respectively connected to the actuators. The multiple overflow valves include: the overflow valves respectively arranged on the first surface, that is, multiple first overflow valves; and multiple second overflow valves arranged on the second surface located on the other side of the first direction of the valve block. The multiple second overflow valves are arranged on the second surface in a form arranged along the second direction on one side in the third direction.

[0106] According to the above aspect, the multiple second overflow valves are arranged on the second surface in a form arranged along the second direction on one side in the third direction. Therefore, it is possible to arrange the second overflow valves on each actuator passage, so that the passages of the valve block can be simplified.

[0107] Among the multi-control valves in the sixth aspect, in the multi-control valves in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the plurality of valve spools include: a boom valve spool that controls the flow of the working fluid supplied to the boom cylinder as one of the actuators; an arm valve spool that controls the flow of the working fluid supplied to the arm cylinder as one of the actuators; and a bucket valve spool that controls the flow of the working fluid supplied to the bucket cylinder as one of the actuators. The plurality of relief valves include: a bucket relief valve that discharges the working fluid supplied from the bucket valve spool to the bucket cylinder; an arm relief valve that discharges the working fluid supplied from the arm valve spool to the arm cylinder; and a boom relief valve that discharges the working fluid supplied from the boom valve spool to the boom cylinder.

[0108] According to the above aspect, the plurality of relief valves include a bucket relief valve, an arm relief valve, and a boom relief valve. Therefore, the accessibility to each relief valve of the multi-control valve of construction machinery such as an excavator can be improved.

[0109] Among the multi-control valves in the seventh aspect, in the multi-control valves in the sixth aspect, the plurality of valve spools further include a selectable valve spool that controls the flow of the working fluid supplied to a selectable actuator as one of the actuators. The plurality of relief valves further include a selectable relief valve that discharges the working fluid supplied from the selectable valve spool to the selectable actuator. The boom relief valve and the selectable relief valve are arranged between the arm relief valve and the bucket relief valve when viewed in the third direction, and are separately arranged on the first surface in the third direction with respect to the arm relief valve and the bucket relief valve.

[0110] According to the above aspect, the boom relief valve and the selectable relief valve are arranged between the arm relief valve and the bucket relief valve when viewed in the third direction. Moreover, the boom relief valve and the selectable relief valve are separately arranged on the first surface of the valve block in the third direction with respect to the arm relief valve and the bucket relief valve. Therefore, it is possible to approach the arm relief valve and the bucket relief valve from one side and the other side in the second direction. On the other hand, it is possible to approach the boom relief valve and the selectable relief valve from the other side in the third direction. Therefore, it is possible to easily access each relief valve.

[0111] Among the multi-control valves in the eighth aspect, in the multi-control valves in any one of the first to seventh aspects, a plurality of pressure sensors are further provided on the valve block corresponding to each of the actuators to measure the pressure of the working fluid supplied from each of the valve spools to the corresponding actuator, and at least one of the plurality of pressure sensors is separately provided on the first surface in the third direction.

[0112] According to the above aspect, at least one pressure sensor of each pressure sensor is separately arranged on the first surface of the valve block in the third direction. Therefore, each pressure sensor can be accessed from one side and the other side in the third direction respectively. Also, by separating at least one pressure sensor in the third direction, the pressure sensor and the adjacent pressure sensor can be made not to overlap each other when observed from one side and the other side in the second direction. Therefore, two adjacent pressure sensors can be accessed from the second direction. Therefore, the accessibility to the pressure sensors can be improved.

[0113] In the multi-control valve according to the ninth aspect, in the multi-control valve according to the eighth aspect, it further includes a plurality of solenoid valves provided corresponding to each of the valve cores on the valve block. The valve block includes a block main body through which each of the valve cores is inserted and a solenoid valve block provided with the plurality of solenoid valves. The solenoid valve block is arranged on the first surface of the block main body as the first surface. The plurality of pressure sensors are on the first surface, with the pressure sensors other than the at least one pressure sensor arranged closer to one side in the third direction than the solenoid valve block, and the at least one pressure sensor arranged closer to the other side in the third direction than the solenoid valve block.

[0114] According to the above aspect, the plurality of pressure sensors are on the first surface of the block main body, with the remaining pressure sensors other than the at least one pressure sensor arranged closer to one side in the third direction than the solenoid valve block, and the at least one pressure sensor arranged on the other side in the third direction of the solenoid valve block. Therefore, the remaining pressure sensors can be easily accessed from the other side in the third direction. Therefore, the accessibility to the pressure sensors can be improved even when an electromagnetic block is provided on the first surface.

[0115] The multi-control valve according to the tenth aspect includes: at least three or more valve cores that control the flow of the working fluid supplied to different actuators; a valve block through which each of the valve cores is inserted in parallel along the first direction and arranged in a row along the second direction intersecting the first direction; at least three or more pressure sensors provided corresponding to each of the actuators on the valve block, respectively measuring the pressure of the working fluid supplied from each of the valve cores to the corresponding actuator; each of the pressure sensors is on the first surface of the valve block on one side in the first direction, with at least two arranged in a row along the second direction on one side in the third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and at least one arranged on the other side in the third direction.

[0116] According to the above aspects, each pressure sensor has at least one arranged and configured along the second direction on one side in the third direction, and at least one is arranged on the other side in the third direction. Therefore, each pressure sensor can approach from one side and the other side in the third direction respectively. Also, by arranging at least one pressure sensor on the other side in the third direction, the pressure sensor and the adjacent pressure sensor do not overlap with each other when observed from one side and the other side in the second direction respectively. Therefore, it is possible to approach two adjacent pressure sensors from the second direction. Therefore, the accessibility to the pressure sensors can be improved.

[0117] In the multi-control valve according to the eleventh aspect, in the multi-control valve according to the tenth aspect, it further has a plurality of solenoid valves provided in the valve block corresponding to each of the valve cores. The valve block includes a block main body through which each of the valve cores is inserted and a solenoid valve block provided with the plurality of solenoid valves. The solenoid valve block is arranged on the first surface of the block main body as the first surface. The plurality of pressure sensors are on the first surface of the block main body, with the pressure sensors other than the at least one pressure sensor arranged closer to one side in the third direction than the solenoid valve block, and at least one pressure sensor arranged on the other side in the third direction of the solenoid valve block.

[0118] According to the above aspects, the plurality of pressure sensors are on the first surface of the block main body, with the remaining pressure sensors other than the at least one pressure sensor arranged closer to one side in the third direction than the solenoid valve block, and at least one pressure sensor arranged on the other side in the third direction of the solenoid valve block. Therefore, it is possible to easily approach the remaining pressure sensors from the other side in the third direction. Therefore, the accessibility to each pressure sensor can be improved even when an electromagnetic block is provided on the first surface.

Claims

1. A multi-control valve, characterized in that: have: at least three valve cores for controlling the flow of working fluid supplied to mutually different actuators; a valve block in which the valve cores are inserted in parallel with each other in a form extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and at least three relief valves, which are provided on the valve block corresponding to the respective actuators and discharge the working fluid supplied from the respective valve cores to the corresponding actuators; The relief valves are arranged on the first surface of the valve block on one side of the first direction, with at least two arranged along the second direction on one side of a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and at least one arranged on the other side of the third direction.

2. The multi-control valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also has a plurality of solenoid valves arranged on the valve block corresponding to the valve cores; The valve block includes a block body through which each of the valve cores is inserted and an electromagnetic valve block provided with the plurality of electromagnetic valves; The solenoid valve block is arranged on a first surface of the block body serving as the first surface; The plurality of relief valves are disposed on the first surface such that at least two of the relief valves are disposed on one side of the solenoid valve block in the third direction, and at least one of the relief valves is disposed on the other side of the solenoid valve block in the third direction.

3. The multi-control valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of relief valves are configured such that two relief valves that are separated and arranged on both sides in the second direction when viewed in the third direction are arranged on one side in the third direction, and at least one relief valve arranged between the two relief valves is arranged on the other side in the third direction.

4. The multi-control valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve block has an actuator passage extending from each of the valve cores to a side surface on one side of the third direction; Each of the actuator passages has an actuator port which opens at a side surface on one side of the third direction and is connected to the corresponding actuator; At least one of the relief valves is connected to a relief passage, and the relief passage extends to a third direction and another direction than the actuator passage to which the corresponding valve core is connected; The remaining relief valves are connected to the actuator passages to which the corresponding valve elements are connected.

5. The multi-control valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve block has actuator passages extending from the side surfaces of each valve core to one side of the third direction and connected to the actuators respectively; The plurality of relief valves include: the relief valves respectively arranged on the first surface, that is, a plurality of first relief valves; and a plurality of second relief valves arranged on a second surface located on the other side of the valve block in the first direction; The plurality of second relief valves are arranged on the second surface in a manner aligned along the second direction on one side of the third direction.

6. The multi-control valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of valve cores include: a bucket valve core that controls the flow of the working fluid supplied to the bucket cylinder that is one of the actuators; an arm valve core that controls the flow of the working fluid supplied to the arm cylinder that is one of the actuators; and an arm valve core that controls the flow of the working fluid supplied to the arm cylinder that is one of the actuators; The plurality of relief valves include: a bucket relief valve that discharges the working fluid supplied from the bucket valve core to the bucket cylinder; an arm relief valve that discharges the working fluid supplied from the arm valve core to the arm cylinder; and a boom relief valve that discharges the working fluid supplied from the boom valve core to the boom cylinder.

7. The multi-control valve according to claim 6, characterized in that: The plurality of valve cores further include an optional valve core for controlling the flow of working fluid supplied to an optional actuator that is one of the actuators; The plurality of relief valves further include an optional relief valve for discharging the working fluid supplied from the optional valve core to the optional actuator; The boom relief valve and the selectable relief valve are disposed between the arm relief valve and the bucket relief valve when viewed in the third direction, and are disposed on the first surface to be separated from the arm relief valve and the bucket relief valve in the third direction.

8. The multi-control valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of pressure sensors are further provided on the valve block corresponding to the respective actuators, and measure the pressure of the working fluid supplied from the respective valve elements to the corresponding actuators; The plurality of pressure sensors are arranged on the first surface such that at least one of the pressure sensors is separated in the third direction.

9. The multi-control valve according to claim 8, characterized in that: It also has a plurality of solenoid valves arranged on the valve block corresponding to the valve cores; The valve block includes a block body through which each of the valve cores is inserted and an electromagnetic valve block provided with the plurality of electromagnetic valves; The solenoid valve block is arranged on a first surface of the block body serving as the first surface; The plurality of pressure sensors are arranged on the first surface so that the pressure sensors other than at least one of the pressure sensors are disposed on one side of the solenoid valve block in the third direction, and at least one of the pressure sensors is disposed on the other side of the solenoid valve block in the third direction.

10. A multi-control valve, characterized in that: have: at least three valve cores for controlling the flow of working fluid supplied to mutually different actuators; a valve block, in which the valve cores are inserted through each other in parallel in a form extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; at least three pressure sensors, which are provided on the valve block corresponding to each of the actuators and respectively measure the pressure of the working fluid supplied from each of the valve cores to the corresponding actuator; The pressure sensors are arranged on the first surface of the valve block on one side of the first direction, with at least two arranged along the second direction on one side of a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and at least one arranged on the other side of the third direction.

11. The multi-control valve according to claim 10, characterized in that: It also has a plurality of solenoid valves arranged on the valve block corresponding to the valve cores; The valve block includes a block body through which each of the valve cores is inserted and an electromagnetic valve block provided with the plurality of electromagnetic valves; The solenoid valve block is arranged on the first surface of the block body serving as the first surface, and the plurality of pressure sensors are arranged on the first surface of the block body, so that the pressure sensors other than at least one of the pressure sensors are arranged on a side closer to a third direction than the solenoid valve block, and at least one of the pressure sensors is arranged on the other side of the third direction of the solenoid valve block.

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