Multi-control valve

Abstract

To provide a multi-control valve capable of improving accessibility to plural relief valves.SOLUTION: A multi-control valve comprises: at least 3 or more spools for controlling a flow of working fluid supplied to actuators different from each other, valve block inserted in parallel to each other so that each spool extends in a first rection and arranged in line with a second direction crossing with the first direction, and at least 3 or more relief valves provided on the valve block corresponding to each actuator, and respectively discharging the working fluid supplied to the corresponding actuator from each spool. At least two relief valves are respectively arranged in line with the second direction on one side in a third direction crossing with the first and second directions on a first face on one side of the valve block in the first direction, and at least one relief valve is arranged on the other side in the third direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-control valve into which a plurality of spools are inserted. [Background technology]

[0002] Construction machines such as excavators are equipped with a multi-control valve that controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to each actuator. One example of a multi-control valve is the hydraulic control valve device disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the hydraulic control valve device, a plurality of spools that control the flow of hydraulic fluid to each actuator, i.e., drive system spools, are inserted parallel to each other so as to extend in the height direction of the main body block and are arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-190044 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The multi-control valve has a plurality of actuator ports, each of which is connected to an actuator. The plurality of actuator ports are formed on the front surface of the valve block, and each of the actuator ports is connected to a pipe. The multi-control valve also includes a plurality of relief valves that respectively discharge the hydraulic fluid flowing to each of the actuators. The plurality of relief valves are disposed on the upper and lower surfaces, closer to the front side where the actuator ports are formed.

[0005] In a multi-control valve, the relief valves may need to be removed during maintenance or the like. In that case, depending on the orientation in which the multi-control valve is placed, some of the relief valves may be difficult to access due to piping or the like. In this case, it may be necessary to access the relief valves using, for example, a special tool. The same applies to the pressure sensors that measure the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the actuators.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the first disclosure is to provide a multi-control valve that can improve accessibility to multiple relief valves.

[0007] Also, an object of the second disclosure is to provide a multi-control valve that can improve accessibility to multiple pressure sensors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The multi-control valve of the first disclosure comprises at least three or more spools that control the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to different actuators, a valve block in which the spools are inserted parallel to each other so as to extend in a first direction and are arranged side by side in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and at least three or more relief valves that are provided in the valve block corresponding to each of the actuators and discharge the hydraulic fluid supplied from each of the spools to the corresponding actuator, and each of the relief valves is arranged such that at least two are arranged side by side in the second direction on one side of a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, and at least one is arranged on the other side of the third direction, on a first surface on one side of the valve block in the first direction.

[0009] According to the first disclosure, at least two of the relief valves are arranged side by side in the second direction on one side of the third direction, and at least one is arranged on the other side of the third direction, on the first surface of the valve block. Therefore, each of the relief valves can be accessed from both the one and the other side of the third direction. Furthermore, by arranging at least one relief valve on the other side of the third direction, it is possible to prevent that relief valve and an adjacent relief valve from overlapping when viewed from both the one and the other side of the second direction. Therefore, the adjacent relief valve can be accessed from the second direction. Therefore, it is possible to improve the accessibility to the relief valves.

[0010] The multi-control valve of the second disclosure comprises at least three or more spools that control the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to different actuators, a valve block in which the spools are inserted parallel to each other so as to extend in a first direction and are arranged side by side in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and at least three or more pressure sensors are provided in the valve block corresponding to each of the actuators and measure the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied from each of the spools to the corresponding actuator, and each of the pressure sensors is arranged such that at least two of the pressure sensors are arranged side by side in the second direction on one side of a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, and at least one is arranged on the other side of the third direction, on a first surface on one side of the valve block in the first direction.

[0011] According to the second disclosure, at least one of the pressure sensors is arranged side by side in the second direction on one side of the third direction, and at least one is arranged on the other side of the third direction. Therefore, each of the pressure sensors can be accessed from both the one and the other side of the third direction. Furthermore, by arranging at least one pressure sensor on the other side of the third direction, it is possible to prevent that pressure sensor and an adjacent pressure sensor from overlapping each other when viewed from both the one and the other side of the second direction. Therefore, two adjacent pressure sensors can be accessed from the second direction. Therefore, it is possible to improve the accessibility to the pressure sensors. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the first disclosure, it is possible to improve the accessibility to the multiple relief valves.

[0013] According to the second disclosure, it is possible to improve accessibility to a plurality of pressure sensors. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a multi-control valve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a circuit diagram showing a hydraulic circuit configured in the multi-control valve of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the multi-control valve of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the multi-control valve of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the multi-control valve of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a left side view showing the multi-control valve of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a right side view showing the multi-control valve of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, the multi-control valve 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings described above. The concept of direction used in the following description is used for convenience in the description and does not limit the orientation of the configuration of the present invention to that direction. Furthermore, the multi-control valve 1 described below is merely one embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment, and additions, deletions, and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention.

[0016] <Multi-control valve> A multi-control valve 1 as shown in FIG. 1 is provided in a construction machine such as a shovel, a crane, and a wheel loader. The construction machine is provided with a hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic motor, and the like. In this embodiment, the construction machine is a shovel. As shown in FIG. 2, the shovel is provided with hydraulic cylinders such as a bucket cylinder 2, an arm cylinder 3, and a boom cylinder 4, and hydraulic motors such as a first traveling motor 5, a second traveling motor 6, and a swing motor 7. The construction machine is further provided with an option actuator (for example, an option cylinder) 8. The bucket cylinder 2, the arm cylinder 3, and the boom cylinder 4 respectively operate the bucket, the arm, and the boom (all not shown). The first traveling motor 5 and the second traveling motor 6 respectively operate each of a pair of crawlers. The option cylinder 8 operates, for example, a breaker, a nipper, and the like.

[0017] The multi-control valve 1 is connected to a plurality of actuators 2-8 via pipes 2c-8c and 2d-8d. The multi-control valve 1 supplies hydraulic fluid discharged from a hydraulic pump 16, which will be described later, to each of the actuators 2-8 via pipes 2c-8c and 2d-8d. The multi-control valve 1 also controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from each of the actuators 2-8. In this embodiment, the multi-control valve 1 is a one-pump system multi-control valve 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-15h. The multi-control valve 1 also includes a plurality of pressure sensors 18a-18j. In this embodiment, the multi-control valve 1 further includes a second spool group 13 and solenoid valves 14a-14r.

[0018] The valve block 11 is formed, for example, in a rectangular parallelepiped shape as shown in Fig. 1. The valve block 11 is formed in a rectangular shape elongated in the longitudinal direction, which is an example of the second direction, in a plan view seen from one side in the height direction, which is an example of the first direction. The valve block 11 also has various passages 21a-27a, 21b-27b, 32, 33, 34, 36 and ports 35, 36a shown in Fig. 2. Furthermore, the valve block 11 has a plurality of actuator ports 21c-27c, 21d-27d on a side surface on one side in the short side direction, which is an example of the third direction, as shown in Fig. 3. Each of the actuator ports 21c-27c, 21d-27d corresponds to each of the actuators 2-8, and is connected to the corresponding actuators 2-8 via pipes 2c-8c, 2d-8d, as described in detail later. In this embodiment, the valve block 11 includes at least the bucket ports 23c, 23d, the arm ports 24c, 24d, and the boom ports 25c, 25d. In this embodiment, the valve block 11 further includes the first traveling ports 21c, 21d, the second traveling ports 22c, 22d, the swing ports 26c, 26d, and the option ports 27c, 27d. Therefore, in this embodiment, the valve block 11 includes 14 actuator ports 21c to 27c, 21d to 27d. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, the valve block 11 has a pump port 35 and a tank port 36a on the side surface on the other side in the short side direction. The hydraulic pump 16 and the tank 17 are connected to the ports 35, 36a.

[0019] The first spool group 12 includes at least three spools 23-25 ​​as shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the first spool group 12 includes seven drive system spools 21-27. The first spool group 12 includes, for example, a first traveling spool 21, a second traveling spool 22, a bucket spool 23, an arm spool 24, a boom spool 25, a swing spool 26, and an option spool 27. Each of the drive system spools 21-27 is connected to a different actuator 2-8. Each of the drive system spools 21-27 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to the actuator 2-8 connected thereto. The drive system spools 21-27 are slidably inserted into the valve block 11. The drive system spools 21-27 control the flow of hydraulic fluid to each of the actuators 2-8 by changing their positions.

[0020] The second spool group 13 includes a plurality of auxiliary system spools 28, 29 and a valve body 30. The second spool group 13 includes, for example, a loading priority spool with an unloading function (hereinafter simply referred to as a "loading priority spool") 28, an arm regeneration spool 29, and a pressure compensation valve body 30. The auxiliary system spools 28, 29 and the valve body 30 are slidably inserted into the valve block 11. The auxiliary system spools 28, 29 and the valve body 30 achieve various functions (regeneration function, loading priority function, unloading function, and pressure retention function) by changing their positions.

[0021] Each of the solenoid valves 14a to 14r is provided in the valve block 11 as shown in Figs. 1 and 5. More specifically, each of the solenoid valves 14a to 14r is provided in the valve block 11 corresponding to each of the drive system spools 21 to 27 and the auxiliary system spools 28 and 29. Each of the solenoid valves 14a to 14r outputs a pilot pressure to the corresponding spool 21 to 29 according to an input signal. As a result, each of the solenoid valves 14a to 14r changes the position of the corresponding spool 21 to 29, that is, strokes the corresponding spool 21 to 29. The plurality of solenoid valves 14a to 14r constitute two solenoid valve groups 14A and 14B, as will be described later in detail.

[0022] Each of the relief valves 15a to 15h is provided in the valve block 11 as shown in Figs. 1 and 5. Each of the relief valves 15a to 15h is provided in the valve block 11 corresponding to some of the spools 23 to 25, 27 of the drive system spools 21 to 27. In this embodiment, each of the relief valves 15a to 15h is provided in the valve block 11 corresponding to the bucket spool 23, the arm spool 24, the boom spool 25, and the option spool 27. Each of the relief valves 15a to 15h discharges the hydraulic 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 hydraulic fluid to the tank 17 when the hydraulic fluid supplied to the actuators 2 to 4, 8 reaches or exceeds a predetermined relief pressure. The relief valves 15a to 15h respectively constitute a first relief valve group 15A and a second relief valve group 15B, as will be described in detail later.

[0023] Each of the pressure sensors 18a to 18j is provided in the valve block 11 as shown in Figs. 1 and 5. Each of the pressure sensors 18a to 18j is provided in the valve block 11 corresponding to some of the spools 23 to 27 among the spools 21 to 27 of the drive system. In this embodiment, each of the pressure sensors 18a to 18j is provided in the valve block 11 corresponding to the bucket spool 23, the arm spool 24, the boom spool 25, the swing spool 26, and the option spool 27. Each of the pressure sensors 18a to 18j measures the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied from the corresponding spools 23 to 27 to the actuators 2 to 4, 7, and 8. The pressure sensors 18a to 18j constitute a first pressure sensor group 18A and a second pressure sensor group 18B, as described in detail later.

[0024] <Hydraulic circuit in multi-control valve> The hydraulic circuit 9 in the multi-control valve 1 will be described below with reference to Fig. 2. Various passages are formed in the valve block 11, mainly including a cargo-side passage 32, a travel-side passage 33, and a communication passage 34. The cargo-side passage 32 is connected to the hydraulic pump 16 via a pump port 35. The cargo-side passage 32 is connected to the cargo-system spools 23-27 in parallel. The cargo-system spools 23-27 include, for example, a bucket spool 23, an arm spool 24, a boom spool 25, a swing spool 26, and an option spool 27.

[0025] The bucket spool 23 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to the bucket cylinder 2. More specifically, the bucket spool 23 is connected to the loading side passage 32 and the tank passage 36. The tank passage 36 is connected to the tank 17 via a tank port 36a as shown in FIG. 2. The bucket spool 23 is also connected to the head side passage 23a and the rod side passage 23b. The passages 23a and 23b each have the bucket ports 23c and 23d described above. The bucket ports 23c and 23d are connected to the head side port 2a and the rod side port 2b of the bucket cylinder 2 via the pipes 2c and 2d, respectively.

[0026] The bucket spool 23 receives pilot pressures output from the solenoid valves 14e, 14f in opposing directions. The bucket spool 23 is urged by a spring mechanism 43 so as to resist the pilot pressure it receives. Therefore, the bucket spool 23 strokes to a position according to the pilot pressure of each solenoid valve 14e, 14f. By stroking, the bucket spool 23 switches the connection destination of the loading-side passage 32 and the tank passage 36, and adjusts the opening of the bucket spool 23. As a result, the bucket spool 23 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the head-side port 2a and the rod-side port 2b of the bucket cylinder 2.

[0027] The arm spool 24 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to the arm cylinder 3. More specifically, the arm spool 24 has a first spool member 24e and a second spool member 24f. The first spool member 24e and the second spool member 24f are connected to the loading side passage 32 and the tank passage 36, respectively. 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 and 24b each have an arm port 24c and 24d. The arm ports 24c and 24d are connected to the head side port 2a and the rod side port 2b of the arm cylinder 3, respectively, via pipes 3c and 3d.

[0028] Furthermore, the first spool member 24e receives the pilot pressures output from the solenoid valves 14g and 14h in opposing directions. The second spool member 24f receives the pilot pressures output from the solenoid valves 14h and 14i in opposing directions. The first spool member 24e and the second spool member 24f are provided with spring mechanisms 44 and 45 that apply a biasing force against the pilot pressures received. Therefore, the first spool member 24e strokes to a position corresponding to the pilot pressures of the solenoid valves 14g and 14h, and the second spool member 24f strokes to a position corresponding to the pilot pressures of the solenoid valves 14h and 14i. The first spool member 24e and the second spool member 24f stroke to switch the connection destinations of the loading side passage 32 and the tank passage 36, and adjust the opening degree of each of the first spool member 24e and the second spool member 24f. As a result, the arm spool 24 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the head side port 3 a and the rod side port 3 b of the arm cylinder 3.

[0029] The boom spool 25 controls the flow of hydraulic 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 connected to the loading side passage 32 and the tank passage 36, respectively. 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 each have a boom port 25c and 25d. The boom ports 25c and 25d are connected to the head side port 4a and the rod side port 4b of the boom cylinder 4, respectively, via pipes 4c and 4d.

[0030] Furthermore, the first spool member 25e receives the pilot pressures output from the solenoid valves 14j and 14k in opposing directions. The second spool member 25f receives the pilot pressures output from the solenoid valves 14k and 14l in opposing directions. The first spool member 25e and the second spool member 25f are provided with spring mechanisms 46 and 47 that apply a biasing force against the pilot pressures received. Therefore, the first spool member 25e strokes to a position corresponding to the pilot pressures of the solenoid valves 14j and 14k, and the second spool member 25f strokes to a position corresponding to the pilot pressures of the solenoid valves 14k and 14l. The first spool member 25e and the second spool member 25f stroke to switch the connection destinations of the loading side passage 32 and the tank passage 36, and adjust the opening degree of each of the first spool member 25e and the second spool member 25f. As a result, the boom spool 25 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the head side port 4a and the rod side port 4b of the boom cylinder 4.

[0031] The swing spool 26 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to the swing motor 7. More specifically, the swing spool 26 is connected to the loading-side passage 32 and the tank passage 36. The swing spool 26 is also connected to a first supply / discharge passage 26a and a second supply / discharge passage 26b. The passages 26a and 26b each have a swing port 26c and 26d. The swing ports 26c and 26d are connected to the first supply / discharge port 7a and the second supply / discharge port 7b of the swing motor 7 via pipes 7c and 7d, respectively.

[0032] The swing spool 26 receives pilot pressures output from the solenoid valves 14m, 14n in opposing directions. The swing spool 26 is biased by the spring mechanism 48 to resist the pilot pressures it receives. Therefore, the swing spool 26 strokes to a position according to the pilot pressures of the solenoid valves 14m, 14n. The swing spool 26 strokes to switch the connection destinations of the loading-side passage 32 and the tank passage 36, and adjusts the opening of the swing spool 26. As a result, the swing spool 26 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the first supply / discharge port 7a and the second supply / discharge port 7b of the swing motor 7.

[0033] The option spool 27 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to the option cylinder 8. More specifically, the option spool 27 is connected to the loading-side passage 32 and the tank passage 36. The option spool 27 is also connected to a head-side passage 27a and a rod-side passage 27b. The passages 27a and 27b each have option ports 27c and 27d. The option ports 27c and 27d are connected to the head-side port 8a and the rod-side port 8b of the option cylinder 8 via pipes 8c and 8d, respectively.

[0034] The optional spool 27 receives pilot pressures output from the solenoid valves 14o, 14p in opposing directions. The optional spool 27 is biased by a spring mechanism 49 so as to resist the pilot pressures it receives. Therefore, the optional spool 27 strokes to a position according to the pilot pressures of the solenoid valves 14o, 14p. The optional spool 27 strokes to switch the connection destinations of the loading-side passage 32 and the tank passage 36, and adjusts the opening of the optional spool 27. As a result, the optional spool 27 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the head-side port 8a and the rod-side port 8b of the optional cylinder 8.

[0035] The travel-side passage 33 is connected to the loading-side passage 32 via the loading-side priority spool 28, which will be described later in detail. That is, the hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic pump 16 is guided to the travel-side passage 33 via the loading-side priority spool 28. In addition, the travel-side passage 33 is connected to the travel-side spools 21, 22 of the drive system spools 21-27 so that they are arranged in parallel.

[0036] The first traveling spool 21 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to the first traveling motor 5. More specifically, the first traveling spool 21 is connected to the traveling-side passage 33 and the tank passage 36. The first traveling spool 21 is also connected to a first supply / exhaust passage 21a and a second supply / exhaust passage 21b. The passages 21a and 21b each have a first traveling port 21c and 21d. The first traveling ports 21c and 21d are connected to the first supply / exhaust port 5a and the second supply / exhaust port 5b of the first traveling motor 5 via pipes 5c and 5d, respectively.

[0037] The first traveling spool 21 receives pilot pressures output from the solenoid valves 14a, 14b in opposing directions. The first traveling spool 21 is biased by the spring mechanism 41 to resist the pilot pressures it receives. Therefore, the first traveling spool 21 strokes to a position according to the pilot pressures of the solenoid valves 14a, 14b. The first traveling spool 21 strokes to switch the connection destinations of the traveling-side passage 33 and the tank passage 36, and adjusts the opening degree of the first traveling spool 21. As a result, the first traveling spool 21 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the first supply / discharge port 5a and the second supply / discharge port 5b of the first traveling motor 5.

[0038] The second traveling spool 22 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to the second traveling motor 6. More specifically, the second traveling spool 22 is connected to the traveling-side passage 33 and the tank passage 36. The second traveling spool 22 is also connected to a first supply / exhaust passage 22a and a second supply / exhaust passage 22b. The passages 22a and 22b each have a second traveling port 22c and 22d. The second traveling ports 22c and 22d are connected to the first supply / exhaust port 6a and the second supply / exhaust port 6b of the second traveling motor 6 via pipes 6c and 6d, respectively.

[0039] The second traveling spool 22 receives pilot pressures output from the solenoid valves 14c, 14d in opposing directions. The second traveling spool 22 is biased by the spring mechanism 42 to resist the pilot pressures it receives. Therefore, the second traveling spool 22 strokes to a position according to the pilot pressures of the solenoid valves 14c, 14d. The second traveling spool 22 strokes to switch the connection destination of the traveling-side passage 33 and the tank passage 36, and adjusts the opening of the second traveling spool 22. As a result, the second traveling spool 22 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the first supply / discharge port 6a and the second supply / discharge port 6b of the second traveling motor 6.

[0040] The communication passage 34 is connected to the first traveling spool 21 and the second traveling spool 22. The communication passage 34 communicates the first traveling motor 5 and the second traveling motor 6 when hydraulic fluid is supplied to both the first traveling motor 5 and the second traveling motor 6. This prevents bias in the flow rate of hydraulic fluid supplied to the two traveling motors 5, 6 when the first traveling motor 5 and the second traveling motor 6 are operated simultaneously during straight traveling. This improves the straight traveling ability of the construction machine.

[0041] The cargo-loading priority spool 28 controls the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid flowing through the travel-side passage 33, thereby preferentially flowing the hydraulic fluid through the cargo-loading side passage 32. More specifically, the cargo-loading priority spool 28 is connected to the cargo-loading side passage 32 and the travel-side passage 33. The cargo-loading priority spool 28 receives the pilot pressure from the solenoid valve 14q and the biasing force of the spring mechanism 50 in opposing directions. The cargo-loading priority spool 28 strokes to a position according to the pilot pressure of each solenoid valve 14q, and the opening degree of the cargo-loading priority spool 28 is adjusted (see the travelling position A2 and the priority position A3). As a result, the cargo-loading priority spool 28 controls the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid flowing through the travelling side passage 33, thereby preferentially flowing the hydraulic fluid through the cargo-loading side passage 32.

[0042] The cargo-loading priority spool 28 also has an unloading function. More specifically, the cargo-loading priority spool 28 is also connected to the tank passage 36, and can be positioned at the unloading position A1. At the unloading position A1, the hydraulic fluid flowing through the cargo-loading side passage 32 is discharged to the tank passage 36. As a result, the cargo-loading side passage 32 is connected to the tank passage 36, and the hydraulic pump 16 is placed in an unloading state.

[0043] The arm regeneration spool 29 regenerates the hydraulic fluid discharged from the rod side port 3b to the head side port 3a. More specifically, the arm regeneration spool 29 is connected to the head side passage 24a and the rod side passage 24b which are connected to the arm cylinder 3. The arm regeneration spool 29 receives the pilot pressure from the solenoid valve 14r and the biasing force of the spring mechanism 51 in opposing directions. Therefore, the arm regeneration spool 29 communicates the head side passage 24a and the rod side passage 24b by outputting the pilot pressure from each solenoid valve 14r, and regenerates the hydraulic fluid discharged from the rod side port 3b to the head side port 3a.

[0044] The pressure compensating valve element 30 maintains the pressure in the loading / unloading passage 32 by discharging the hydraulic fluid. More specifically, the pressure compensating valve element 30 is connected to the loading / unloading passage 32. The pressure compensating valve element 30 connects the loading / unloading passage 32 and the tank passage 36 in accordance with the pressure in the loading / unloading passage 32.

[0045] The relief valves 15a to 15h are provided in the valve block 11 in correspondence with the cylinders 2 to 4, and 8. That is, in this embodiment, eight relief valves 15a to 15h are provided in the valve block 11. The eight relief valves 15a to 15h discharge the hydraulic fluid to the tank 17 when the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the corresponding cylinders 2 to 4, and 8 exceeds a predetermined relief pressure. More specifically, the relief valves 15a to 15h are connected to the head side passages 23a to 25a, and 27a and the rod side passages 23b to 25b, and 27b, respectively. Furthermore, the relief valves 15a to 15h are connected to the tank passage 36. The relief valves 15a to 15h discharge the hydraulic fluid to the tank 17 when the pressure of the passages 23a to 25a, 27a, 23b to 25b, and 27b connected thereto exceeds a predetermined relief pressure.

[0046] The pressure sensors 18a-18j are provided in the valve block 11 in correspondence with the cylinders 2-4, 8. That is, in this embodiment, eight pressure sensors 18a-18j are provided in the valve block 11. The eight pressure sensors 18a-18j measure the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the corresponding cylinders 2-4, 7, 8. More specifically, the pressure sensors 18a-18h are connected to the head side passages 23a-25a, 27a and the rod side passages 23b-25b, 27b, respectively. Moreover, each of the pressure sensors 18i, 18j is connected to the first supply / discharge passage 26a and the second supply / discharge passage 26b. The pressure sensors 18a-18j measure the hydraulic pressure of the passages 23a-27a, 23b-27b to which they are connected, respectively.

[0047] <Flow of hydraulic fluid in a multi-control valve> The multi-control valve 1 operates as follows when the traveling actuators 5, 6 are driven. That is, when pilot pressure is output from any of the solenoid valves 14a to 14d, the corresponding traveling spools 21, 22 are actuated. At this time, the loading priority spool 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 priority spool 28 moves to the traveling position A2 by the pilot pressure from the solenoid valve 14q and the traveling spools 21, 22 are actuated. As a result, the opening of the loading priority spool 28 becomes maximum, and the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump 16 is supplied to each traveling motor 5, 6. Then, each traveling motor 5, 6 rotates in a direction to move the construction machine forward. At this time, the two traveling motors 5, 6 are communicated with each other by the communication passage 34. This reduces bias in the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the two travel motors 5, 6, thereby improving the straight-line running ability of the construction machine.

[0048] In addition, when the loading / unloading actuators 2-4, 7, and 8 are driven, they operate as follows. That is, when pilot pressure is output from any of the solenoid valves 14e-14n, the corresponding spools 23-27 are actuated. At this time, the loading priority spool 28 moves to the travel 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 23 is actuated. At the same time, the loading priority spool 28 moves by the pilot pressure from the solenoid valve 14q, and the opening of the loading priority spool 28 is adjusted to the minimum opening. Then, the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump 16 is preferentially supplied to the head side port 2a of the bucket cylinder 2, and the hydraulic fluid is pushed out from the rod side port 2b and discharged into the tank 17. As a result, the bucket cylinder 2 extends.

[0049] Furthermore, when pilot pressure is output from the solenoid valves 14g and 14i, the arm spool 24 is actuated. At the same time, the loading priority spool 28 is moved to the travel position A2 by the pilot pressure from the solenoid valve 14q, and the opening of the loading priority spool 28 is adjusted to the minimum opening. Then, the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump 16 is supplied to the head side port 3a of the arm cylinder 3, and the hydraulic fluid is pushed out from the rod side port 2b. At this time, the arm regeneration spool 29 is actuated, and the hydraulic fluid pushed out from the rod side port 2b is regenerated to the head side port 3a.

[0050] Furthermore, when the traveling actuators 5, 6 and the loading actuators 2-4, 7, 8 are operated simultaneously, they operate as follows. That is, when pilot pressure is output from any of the solenoid valves 14a-14d and pilot pressure is output from any of the solenoid valves 14e-14n, the corresponding spools 21-27 are operated. At this time, the loading priority spool 28 moves to the priority position A3 by the pilot pressure from the solenoid valve 14q. Then, pilot pressure according to the pilot pressure of each of the solenoid valves 14a-14n is output from the solenoid valve 14q to adjust the opening degree of the loading priority spool 28. More specifically, the opening degree of the loading priority spool 28 is adjusted according to the operation amount of each of the actuators 2-8 (more specifically, the opening degree is narrowed). As a result, the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid flowing through the traveling side passage 33 is restricted, and the hydraulic fluid flows preferentially through the loading side passage 32. That is, when the traveling actuators 5, 6 and the cargo-handling actuators 2-4, 7, 8 are operated simultaneously, the hydraulic fluid can be made to flow preferentially to the cargo-handling actuators 2-4, 7, 8.

[0051] <Specific configuration of the multi-control valve> A specific configuration of the multi-control valve 1 will be described below. As described above, the valve block 11 of the multi-control valve 1 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The spools 21-28 are inserted into the valve block 11, and the relief valves 15a-15h are provided therein. The pressure sensors 18a-18j are also provided in the valve block 11. Furthermore, the spools 28, 29 and the valve body 30 are inserted into the valve block 11, and the solenoid valves 14a-14r are provided therein. In 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 (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0052] The block body 11a is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as shown in Fig. 1. The block body 11a is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view seen from one side in the height direction. The spools 21-29 of the first spool group 12 and the second spool group 13 and the pressure compensation valve element 30 are inserted into the block body 11a as follows.

[0053] That is, the spools 21-27 of the first spool group 12 are inserted into the block body 11a in parallel to each other so as to extend in the height direction. The spools 21-27 are inserted into the block body 11a while being aligned in a line in the longitudinal direction in a plan view. In FIG. 1, the spring mechanisms 41-44, 46, 48, and 49 provided at one end of the axial direction (i.e., height direction) of each of the spools 21-27 are aligned in a line in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the spools 21-27 are aligned in the order of, for example, the arm spool 24, the first traveling spool 21, the option spool 27, the turning spool 26, the boom spool 25, the second traveling spool 22, and the bucket spool 23 from one side in the longitudinal direction. The order in which the spools 21-27 are aligned in the longitudinal direction is merely an example, and may be different from the above order.

[0054] The spools 28-29 and the pressure compensation valve element 30 of the second spool group 13 are inserted into the block body 11a parallel to each other so as to extend in the height direction. The spools 28-29 and the valve element 30 are also inserted into the block body 11a parallel to each other with the spools 21-27. The spools 28-29 and the valve element 30 are aligned in a line in the longitudinal direction in a plan view, and are disposed on the other side of the first spool group 12 in the lateral direction. The spools 28-29 and the valve element 30 are aligned in the longitudinal direction in the order of the arm regeneration spool 29, the pressure compensation valve element 30, and the loading priority spool 28, for example, from one side in the longitudinal direction.

[0055] Also, the block main body 11a (i.e., the valve block 11) has passages 21a-27a, 21b-27b as shown in Figs. 1 and 3. Each of the passages 21a-27a, 21b-27b extends from each of the spools 21-27 toward one side surface in the short direction (the front surface in this embodiment). In this embodiment, the passages 21a-27a, 21b-27b extend straight from each of the spools 21-27 toward the front surface. Also, the passages 21a-27a, 21b-27b open at the front surface via the actuator ports 21c-27c, 21d-27d. The actuator ports 21c-27c, 21d-27d are connected to the same spools 21-28 (in other words, the actuators 2-8 corresponding to the same actuators) and are arranged side by side at intervals from each other in the height direction. The actuator ports 21c to 27c and 21d to 27d are arranged in the following order in correspondence with the spools 21 to 27. That is, the actuator ports 21c to 27c and 21d to 27d are arranged in the following order from one side in the longitudinal direction: arm ports 24c and 24d, first traveling ports 21c and 21d, option ports 27c and 27d, rotation ports 26c and 26d, boom ports 25c and 25d, second traveling ports 22c and 22d, and bucket ports 23c and 23d. The block body 11a has a pump port 35 and a tank port 36a on a surface on the other side in the lateral direction (the rear surface in this embodiment).

[0056] The first solenoid valve block 11b shown in FIG. 1 is a block for mounting the first solenoid valve group 14A. The first solenoid valve group 14A includes a plurality of solenoid valves 14a, 14c, 14e, 14g, 14h, 14j, 14k, 14m, 14o, 14q, and 14r. The other solenoid valves 14b, 14d, 14f, 14i, 14l, 14n, and 14p form the second solenoid valve group 14B. The first solenoid valve block 11b is formed, for example, in a rectangular column shape extending in the longitudinal direction. The first solenoid valve block 11b is provided on the rear surface of the block main body 11a in the plan view shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the first solenoid valve block 11b is attached to the rear surface of the block main body 11a at one side in the height direction (the upper side in this embodiment) as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0057] The first solenoid valve group 14A is arranged on a main surface 11e (in this embodiment, the upper surface of the first solenoid valve block 11b) on one side in the height direction of the first solenoid valve block 11b. More specifically, the multiple solenoid valves 14a, 14c, 14e, 14g, 14h, 14j, 14k, 14m, 14o, 14q, and 14r are arranged in multiple rows (in this embodiment, two rows) in a plan view. Each row extends in the longitudinal direction.

[0058] The second solenoid valve block 11c shown in FIG. 5 is a block for mounting the second solenoid valve group 14B. The second solenoid valve block 11c, which is an example of a solenoid valve block, is, for example, a long member extending in the longitudinal direction. The second solenoid valve block 11c is provided on the first surface 11d of the block main body 11a in a bottom view. More specifically, the second solenoid valve block 11c is disposed so as to correspond to the first spool group 12 (more specifically, so as to overlap the first spool group 12 in a bottom view). In this embodiment, the second solenoid valve block 11c is attached to the first surface 11d of the block main body 11a, which is a middle portion in the short side direction. The spring mechanisms 45, 47 of the arm spool 24 and the boom spool 25 protrude from the second solenoid valve block 11c to the other side in the height direction. As a result, in the second solenoid valve block 11c, the spring mechanisms 45, 47 of the arm spool 24 and the boom spool 25 are arranged in a row in the intermediate portion in the short side direction.

[0059] The second solenoid valve group 14B is arranged in the second solenoid valve block 11c. In this embodiment, the solenoid valves 14b, 14d, 14f, 14i, 14l, 14n, and 14p of the second solenoid valve group 14B are arranged in a row in the intermediate portion in the short side direction together with the spring mechanisms 45 and 47 of the arm spool 24 and the boom spool 25.

[0060] Further, the valve block 11 is provided with a first relief valve group 15A on a first surface (lower surface in this embodiment) 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. Note that, in this embodiment, each of the first relief valves 15a, 15c, 15f, 15g is the first bucket relief valve 15a, the first arm relief valve 15c, the first boom relief valve 15f, and the first option relief valve 15g. At least two of each of the first relief valves 15a, 15c, 15f, 15g are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction on one side in the lateral direction, and at least one is arranged on the other side in the lateral direction. To explain in more detail, each of the first relief valves 15a, 15c is arranged side by side in the second direction on one side in the lateral direction on the first surface 11d. In this embodiment, each of the first relief valves 15a, 15c is disposed on one side in the lateral direction of the second solenoid valve block 11c. Also, each of the first relief valves 15a, 15c is disposed apart from each other on both sides in the longitudinal direction (more specifically, on both ends in the longitudinal direction of the block body 11a). On the other hand, each of the first relief valves 15f, 15g is disposed side by side on the other side in the lateral direction on the first surface 11d. In this embodiment, each of the first relief valves 15f, 15g is disposed on the other side in the lateral direction. Also, each of the first relief valves 15f, 15g is disposed between the first relief valves 15a, 15c when viewed from the other side in the lateral direction.

[0061] More specifically, the first relief valves 15a, 15c are inserted into the block body 11a so as to overlap at least a portion of the head-side passages 23a, 24a, which are examples of actuator passages, in a plan view. On the other hand, the first relief valves 15f, 15g are inserted into the block body 11a so as to overlap at least a portion of the relief passages 25g, 27g. The relief passages 25g, 27g are passages extending from the rod-side passage 25b and the head-side passage 27a to the other side in the short direction. The first relief valves 15f, 15g are connected to the rod-side passage 25b and the head-side passage 27a via the relief passages 25g, 27g.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the valve block 11 is provided with a second relief valve group 15B on a second surface (upper surface in this embodiment) 11f 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. In this embodiment, the second relief valves 15b, 15d, 15e, and 15h are the second bucket relief valve 15b, the second arm relief valve 15d, the second boom relief valve 15e, and the second option relief valve 15h. The second relief valves 15b, 15d, 15e, and 15h are arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the second relief valves 15b, 15d, 15e, and 15h are arranged on one short-side side of the second surface 11f (more specifically, on one short-side side of the first spool group 12). The second relief valves 15b, 15e are inserted into the block body 11a so as to at least partially overlap the rod side passages 23b, 24b, 27b and the head side passage 25a, which are examples of actuator passages, in a plan view.

[0063] 5, the valve block 11 is provided with a first pressure sensor group 18A on the first surface 11d. The first pressure sensor group 18A is composed of, for example, first pressure sensors 18a, 18c, 18f, and 18g. In this embodiment, the first pressure sensors 18a, 18c, 18f, and 18g are the first bucket pressure sensor 18a, the first arm pressure sensor 18c, the first boom pressure sensor 18f, and the first option pressure sensor 18g. At least two of the first pressure sensors 18a, 18c, 18f, and 18g are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction on one side in the lateral direction, and at least one is arranged on the other side in the lateral direction. More specifically, each of the first pressure sensors 18a, 18c, 18f, 18g is disposed adjacent to the relief valves 15a, 15c, 15f, 15g to which the corresponding actuators 2-4, 8 (more specifically, the passages 23a, 24a, 25b, 27a connected thereto) are the same. That is, each of the first pressure sensors 18a, 18c is disposed side by side in the second direction on one side in the short direction on the first surface 11d (on one side in the short direction from the second solenoid valve block 11c in this embodiment). Also, each of the first pressure sensors 18a, 18c is disposed so as to be spaced apart from each other on both ends in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, each of the first pressure sensors 18f, 18g is disposed on the other side in the short direction on the first surface 11d (on the other side in the short direction from the second solenoid valve block 11c in this embodiment). Moreover, each of the first pressure sensors 18f and 18g is disposed between the first pressure sensors 18a and 18c when viewed from the other side in the short side direction.

[0064] Furthermore, the valve block 11 has a second pressure sensor group 18B arranged 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. In this embodiment, the second pressure sensors 18b, 18d, 18e, 18h to 18j are the second bucket pressure sensor 18b, the second arm pressure sensor 18d, the second boom pressure sensor 18e, the second option pressure sensor 18h, the first swing pressure sensor 18i, and the second swing pressure sensor 18j. The second pressure sensors 18b, 18d, 18e, 18h, and 18i are arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction, and the second swing pressure sensor 18j is arranged apart from the second pressure sensors 18b, 18d, 18e, 18h, and 18i in the lateral direction. In this embodiment, the second pressure sensors 18b, 18d, 18e, and 18h ​​are disposed adjacent to the relief valves 15b, 15d, 15e, and 15h that have the same corresponding actuators 2-4, 8 (more specifically, the passages 23b, 24b, 25a, 26a, and 27b connected thereto). Therefore, the second pressure sensors 18b, 18d, 18e, and 18h ​​are disposed in a row on one side in the short direction on the second surface 11f (one side in the short direction of the first spool group 12 in this embodiment).

[0065] The multi-control valve 1 thus configured is installed on a construction machine or the like (for example, the base of a revolving body) with the first surface 11d facing downward. The pipes 2c-8c, 2d-8d are attached to the actuator ports 21c-27c, 21d-27d. Therefore, the pipes 2c-8c, 2d-8d overlap the first relief valves 15a, 15c, 15f, 15g when viewed from one side in the short side direction. 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 of the first relief valves 15f, 15g arranged in the middle part in the longitudinal direction in the valve block 11 is even lower. Therefore, in the valve block 11, the first relief valves 15f, 15g are arranged away from the first relief valves 15a, 15c on the other side in the short side direction as described above. Therefore, the first relief valves 15f, 15g are easily accessible from the other side in the short direction, and the accessibility of the first relief valves 15f, 15g can be improved. On the other hand, the first relief valves 15a, 15c on both sides in the longitudinal direction can be accessed from one side and the other side in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the accessibility of the first relief valves 15a, 15c can be ensured. Therefore, the accessibility of the first relief valves 15a, 15c, 15f, 15g can be improved.

[0066] The second relief valves 15b, 15d, 15e, and 15h are disposed on the second surface 11f and exposed upward. Therefore, the second relief valves 15b, 15d, 15e, and 15h can be accessed from above. Therefore, the second relief valves 15b, 15d, 15e, and 15h can be disposed on one side in the short side direction, so that they can be disposed overlapping the passages 23b, 24b, 25a, and 27b. This prevents the passages formed in the valve block 11 from becoming complicated.

[0067] In the multi-control valve 1 of this embodiment, the first relief valves 15a, 15c, 15f, 15g are arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction on the first surface 11d of the valve block 11, with the first relief valves 15a, 15c arranged on one side in the lateral direction and the first relief valves 15f, 15g arranged on the other side in the lateral direction. In addition, by arranging the first relief valves 15f, 15g on the other side in the lateral direction, the first relief valves 15a, 15c and the adjacent first relief valves 15f, 15g can be prevented from overlapping each other when viewed from the other and one side in the longitudinal direction, respectively (see Figs. 6 and 7). Therefore, the first relief valves 15a, 15c, 15f, 15g can be accessed from one or the other side in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the accessibility to the relief valves 15a, 15c, 15f, 15g can be improved.

[0068] In the multi-control valve 1 of this embodiment, the first relief valves 15a, 15c, 15f, and 15g are arranged on one side of the second solenoid valve block 11c in the short side direction on the first surface 11d of the block body 11a, and the first relief valves 15f, 15g are arranged on the other side of the second solenoid valve block 11c in the short side direction. Therefore, the first relief valves 15f, 15g can be easily accessed from the other side in the short side direction. Therefore, even if the second solenoid valve block 11c is provided on the first surface 11d, the accessibility to the first relief valves 15f, 15g can be improved.

[0069] Furthermore, in the multi-control valve 1 of this embodiment, the first relief valves 15a, 15c, 15f, and 15g are arranged on both sides in the longitudinal direction when viewed in the lateral direction, with the first relief valves 15a and 15c arranged on one side in the lateral direction and the first relief valves 15f and 15g arranged on the other side in the lateral direction. Therefore, the first relief valves 15a and 15c can be accessed from one and the other side in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, the first relief valves 15f and 15g can be accessed from the other side in the lateral direction. Therefore, it is easy to access each of the first relief valves 15a, 15c, 15f, and 15g.

[0070] Furthermore, in the multi-control valve 1 of this embodiment, the first relief valves 15f, 15g are connected to relief passages 25g, 27g extending in the other short direction from the rod side passage 25b and the head side passage 27a. The first relief valves 15a, 15c are connected to head side passages 23a, 24a to which the spools 23, 24 are connected. Therefore, the multi-control valve 1 having the above-mentioned functions can be easily manufactured.

[0071] Furthermore, in the multi-control valve 1 of this embodiment, the second relief valves 15b, 15d, 15e, and 15h are arranged on the second surface 11f so as to be aligned in the longitudinal direction on one side in the short side direction. Therefore, the second relief valves 15b, 15d, 15h, and 15e can be arranged in each of the rod side passages 23b, 24b, and 27b and the head side passage 25a, and the passages of the valve block 11 can be simplified.

[0072] Furthermore, in the multi-control valve 1 of the present embodiment, the first relief valves 15a, 15c, 15f include the first bucket relief valve 15a, the first arm relief valve 15c, and the first boom relief valve 15f. Therefore, it is possible to improve the accessibility to each of the first relief valves 15a, 15c, 15f in the multi-control valve 1 of a construction machine such as a shovel.

[0073] Furthermore, in the multi-control valve 1 of this embodiment, the first boom relief valve 15f and the first option relief valve 15g are disposed between the first arm relief valve 15c and the first bucket relief valve 15a as viewed in the lateral direction. The first boom relief valve 15f and the first option relief valve 15g are disposed on the first surface 11d of the valve block 11 away from the first bucket relief valve 15a and the first arm relief valve 15c in the lateral direction. Therefore, the first bucket relief valve 15a and the first arm relief valve 15c can be accessed from one and the other longitudinal sides. On the other hand, the first boom relief valve 15f and the first option relief valve 15g can be accessed from the other lateral direction. Therefore, it is easy to access each of the first boom relief valve 15f and the first option relief valve 15g.

[0074] Furthermore, in the multi-control valve 1 of this embodiment, the first pressure sensors 18a, 18c are arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction on one side of the short side on the first surface 11d of the valve block 11. Also, the first pressure sensors 18f, 18g are arranged on the other side of the short side. Therefore, each of the first pressure sensors 18a, 18c, 18f, 18g can be accessed from one side and the other side of the short side. Also, by arranging the first pressure sensors 18f, 18g on the other side of the short side, the first pressure sensors 18f, 18g and the adjacent first pressure sensors 18a, 18c do not overlap each other when viewed from the other side and one side of the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the first pressure sensors 18a, 18c, 18f, 18g can be accessed from one side or the other side of the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the accessibility to the first pressure sensors 18a, 18c, 18f, 18g can be improved.

[0075] Furthermore, in the multi-control valve 1 of this embodiment, the first pressure sensors 18a, 18c, 18f, 18g are arranged on one side of the second solenoid valve block 11c in the short side direction on the first surface 11d of the block body 11a, and the first pressure sensors 18f, 18g are arranged on the other side of the second solenoid valve block 11c in the short side direction. Therefore, the first pressure sensors 18a, 18c can be easily accessed from the other side in the short side direction. Therefore, even if the second solenoid block is provided on the first surface 11d, the accessibility to the first pressure sensors 18a, 18c, 18f, 18g can be improved.

[0076] Furthermore, in the multi-control valve 1 of the present embodiment, the first pressure sensors 18a, 18c, 18f, 18g are provided on the first surface 11d of the valve block 11 so as to be adjacent to the first relief valves 15a, 15c, 15f, 15g that discharge the working fluid to be supplied to the corresponding actuators 2 to 4, 7. Therefore, the correspondence between the first relief valves 15a, 15c, 15f, 15g and the first pressure sensors 18a, 18c, 18f, 18g can be easily understood.

[0077] <Other embodiments> The spools 21-29 included in each of the first spool group 12 and the second spool group 13 of the multi-control valve 1 of this embodiment are merely examples, and spools and valve bodies for other purposes may be included. In addition, in the valve block 11 of this embodiment, the number of spools 21-27 that control the flow of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the actuators 2-8 is seven, but it is sufficient that there are at least three or more. For example, the valve block 11 does not need to be provided with the option spool 27. The order in which the spools 21-29 and the pressure compensation valve body 30 are arranged in each of the first spool group 12 and the second spool group 13 is not limited to the above-mentioned order, and may be any order. In addition, in the multi-control valve 1 of this embodiment, the row direction in which the first spool group 12 and the second spool group 13 are arranged is the short side direction, but it may be the height direction. The solenoid valves 14a to 14r also do not necessarily have to be arranged as described above, and may be arranged on both sides of the first spool group 12 and the second spool group 13 in the short side direction, respectively.

[0078] The relief valves 15a to 15h and the pressure sensors 18a to 18j of the multi-control valve 1 of the present embodiment are also examples, and may include relief valves and pressure sensors for other purposes. The order in which the relief valves 15a to 15h and the pressure sensors 18a to 18j are arranged is also not limited to the order described above, and may be any order. Furthermore, in the valve block 11, there are eight relief valves 15a to 15h and ten pressure sensors 18a to 18j, but the numbers are not limited to the numbers described above. Furthermore, in the valve block 11, it is not necessary to provide both the relief valves 15a to 15h and the pressure sensors 18a to 18j. Furthermore, the first relief valves 15a, 15c are arranged on one side in the short side direction, and the first relief valves 15f, 15g are arranged on the other side in the short side direction, but they may be arranged in the opposite order. Furthermore, each of the sensors 18a to 18h does not necessarily have to be provided in the valve block 11 adjacent to each of the corresponding relief valves 15a to 15h.

[0079] In the multi-control valve 1 of this embodiment, the valve block 11 includes the block body 11a, the first solenoid valve block 11b, and the second solenoid valve block 11c, but these may be configured as an integrated unit. Also, the first solenoid valve block 11b and the second solenoid valve block 11c do not necessarily have to be provided in the valve block 11.

[0080] Exemplary embodiments A multi-control valve in a first aspect includes at least three or more spools that control the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to different actuators, a valve block in which the spools are inserted parallel to each other so as to extend in a first direction and are arranged side by side in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and at least three or more relief valves that are provided in the valve block corresponding to each of the actuators and discharge the hydraulic fluid supplied from each of the spools to the corresponding actuator, and each of the relief valves is arranged on a first surface on one side of the valve block in the first direction, with at least two of them arranged side by side in the second direction on one side of a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, and at least one arranged on the other side of the third direction.

[0081] According to the above aspect, at least two of the relief valves are arranged side by side in the second direction on one side in the third direction, and at least one is arranged on the other side in the third direction, on the first surface of the valve block. Therefore, each of the relief valves can be accessed from both the one side and the other side of the third direction. Furthermore, by arranging at least one relief valve on the other side in the third direction, it is possible to prevent that relief valve and an adjacent relief valve from overlapping each other when viewed from both the one side and the other side of the second direction. Therefore, the adjacent relief valve can be accessed from the second direction. Therefore, it is possible to improve accessibility to the relief valves.

[0082] A multi-control valve in a second aspect is the multi-control valve of the first aspect, further comprising a plurality of solenoid valves provided in the valve block corresponding to each of the spools, the valve block including a block main body into which each of the spools is inserted and a solenoid valve block in which the plurality of solenoid valves are provided, the solenoid valve block being disposed on a first surface of the block main body which is the first surface, and the plurality of relief valves being disposed on the first surface, with the at least two relief valves being disposed on one side of the solenoid valve block in a third direction, and the at least one relief valve being disposed on the other side of the solenoid valve block in the third direction.

[0083] According to the above aspect, at least two of the relief valves are disposed on one side in the third direction from the solenoid valve block on the first surface of the block body, and at least one is disposed on the other side in the third direction from the solenoid valve block. Therefore, at least one of the relief valves can be easily accessed from the other side in the third direction. Therefore, even when the solenoid block is provided on the first surface, it is possible to improve access to the relief valves.

[0084] A multi-control valve in a third aspect is the multi-control valve of the first or second aspect, wherein the plurality of relief valves are arranged such that two of the relief valves arranged separately on both sides in the second direction as viewed in the third direction are arranged on one side in the third direction, and at least one of the relief valves arranged between the two relief valves is arranged on the other side in the third direction.

[0085] According to the above aspect, the multiple relief valves are arranged such that two relief valves arranged on both sides in the second direction as 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. Therefore, the two relief valves arranged on both sides in the second direction can be accessed from both sides in the second direction. On the other hand, the at least one relief valve arranged between the two relief valves can be accessed from the other side in the third direction. Therefore, it is easy to access each of the relief valves.

[0086] A multi-control valve in a fourth aspect is the multi-control valve of any of the first to third aspects, wherein the valve block has actuator passages extending from each of the spools toward a side surface on one side in the third direction, and each of the actuator passages has an actuator port that opens at the side surface on one side in the third direction and is connected to each of the corresponding actuators, and the at least one relief valve is connected to a relief passage extending toward the other side in the third direction from the actuator passage to which the corresponding spool is connected, and the remaining relief valves are connected to the actuator passage to which the corresponding spool is connected.

[0087] According to the above aspect, at least one relief valve is connected to a relief passage extending in the other third direction from an actuator passage to which a corresponding spool is connected. The remaining relief valves are connected to actuator passages to which corresponding spools are connected. Therefore, a multi-control valve having the above-mentioned functions can be easily manufactured.

[0088] A multi-control valve in a fifth aspect is the multi-control valve of any of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the valve block has actuator passages extending from each of the spools toward a side surface on one side in the third direction and each connected to the actuator, and the plurality of relief valves include a plurality of first relief valves which are the relief valves respectively arranged on the first surface and a plurality of second relief valves which are arranged on a second surface on the other side in the first direction of the valve block, and the plurality of second relief valves are arranged on the second surface so as to be lined up in the second direction on the one side in the third direction.

[0089] According to the above aspect, the plurality of second relief valves are arranged on the second surface so as to be aligned in the second direction on one side in the third direction. Therefore, since the second relief valves can be arranged in each of the actuator passages, the passages of the valve block can be simplified.

[0090] A multi-control valve in a sixth aspect is the multi-control valve of any of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the plurality of spools include a bucket spool that controls a flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to a bucket cylinder that is one of the actuators, an arm spool that controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to an arm cylinder that is one of the actuators, and a boom spool that controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to a boom cylinder that is one of the actuators, and the plurality of relief valves include a bucket relief valve that discharges hydraulic fluid supplied to the bucket cylinder from the bucket spool, an arm relief valve that discharges hydraulic fluid supplied to the arm cylinder from the arm spool, and a boom relief valve that discharges hydraulic fluid supplied to the boom cylinder from the boom spool.

[0091] 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, it is possible to improve accessibility to each relief valve in a multi-control valve of a construction machine such as a shovel.

[0092] A multi-control valve in a seventh aspect is the multi-control valve of the sixth aspect, wherein the plurality of spools further include an option spool that controls a flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to an option actuator that is one of the actuators, and the plurality of relief valves further include an option relief valve that discharges hydraulic fluid supplied from the option spool to the option actuator, and the boom relief valve and the option relief valve are disposed between the arm relief valve and the bucket relief valve as viewed in a third direction, and are disposed on the first surface spaced apart in the third direction from the arm relief valve and the bucket relief valve.

[0093] According to the above aspect, the boom relief valve and the option relief valve are disposed between the arm relief valve and the bucket relief valve when viewed in the third direction. The boom relief valve and the option relief valve are disposed on the first surface of the valve block away from the arm relief valve and the bucket relief valve in the third direction. Therefore, the arm relief valve and the bucket relief valve can be accessed from one and the other of the second directions. On the other hand, the boom relief valve and the option relief valve can be accessed from the other of the third direction. Therefore, it is easy to access each of the relief valves.

[0094] In an eighth aspect, the multi-control valve is the multi-control valve of any one of the first to seventh aspects, further comprising a plurality of pressure sensors provided in the valve block corresponding to each of the actuators and measuring a pressure of hydraulic fluid supplied from each of the spools to the corresponding actuator, and at least one of the plurality of pressure sensors is provided on the first surface so as to be spaced apart in a third direction.

[0095] According to the above aspect, each of the pressure sensors is disposed on the first surface of the valve block with at least one pressure sensor spaced apart in the third direction. Therefore, each of the pressure sensors can be accessed from one side and the other side of the third direction. Also, by spaced apart at least one pressure sensor in the third direction, the pressure sensor and an adjacent pressure sensor do not overlap each other when viewed from one side and the other side of the second direction. Therefore, two adjacent pressure sensors can be accessed from the second direction. Therefore, accessibility to the pressure sensors can be improved.

[0096] A multi-control valve in a ninth aspect is the multi-control valve of the eighth aspect, further comprising a plurality of solenoid valves provided in the valve block corresponding to each of the spools, the valve block including a block main body into which each of the spools is inserted and a solenoid valve block in which the plurality of solenoid valves are provided, the solenoid valve block being disposed on a first surface of the block main body which is the first surface, and the plurality of pressure sensors are disposed on the first surface such that the pressure sensors other than the at least one pressure sensor are disposed on one side of the solenoid valve block in a third direction, and the at least one pressure sensor is disposed on the other side of the solenoid valve block in the third direction.

[0097] According to the above aspect, the remaining pressure sensors other than at least one pressure sensor are disposed on one side in the third direction from the solenoid valve block on the first surface of the block body, and at least one pressure sensor is disposed on the other side in the third direction from the solenoid valve block. Therefore, the remaining pressure sensors can be easily accessed from the other side in the third direction. Therefore, even if the solenoid block is provided on the first surface, the accessibility to the pressure sensors can be improved.

[0098] In a tenth aspect, a multi-control valve includes at least three or more spools that control the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to different actuators, a valve block through which the spools are inserted parallel to each other so as to extend in a first direction and are arranged side by side in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and at least three or more pressure sensors that are provided in the valve block corresponding to each of the actuators and measure the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied from each of the spools to the corresponding actuator, and at least two of the pressure sensors are arranged side by side in the second direction on one side of a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, and at least one is arranged on the other side of the third direction, on a first surface on one side of the valve block in the first direction.

[0099] According to the above aspect, at least one of the pressure sensors is arranged side by side in the second direction on one side of the third direction, and at least one is arranged on the other side of the third direction. Therefore, each of the pressure sensors can be accessed from both the one and the other side of the third direction. Furthermore, by arranging at least one pressure sensor on the other side of the third direction, it is possible to prevent that pressure sensor and an adjacent pressure sensor from overlapping each other when viewed from both the one and the other side of the second direction. Therefore, two adjacent pressure sensors can be accessed from the second direction. Therefore, it is possible to improve accessibility to the pressure sensors.

[0100] In an eleventh aspect, the multi-control valve is the multi-control valve of the tenth aspect, further comprising a plurality of solenoid valves provided in the valve block corresponding to each of the spools, the valve block including a block body into which each of the spools is inserted and a solenoid valve block in which the plurality of solenoid valves are provided, the solenoid valve block being disposed on a first surface of the block body which is the first surface, and the plurality of pressure sensors are disposed on the first surface of the block body such that the pressure sensors other than the at least one pressure sensor are disposed on one side of the solenoid valve block in the third direction, and at least one pressure sensor is disposed on the other side of the solenoid valve block in the third direction.

[0101] According to the above aspect, the pressure sensors are arranged on the first surface of the block body such that the remaining pressure sensors other than at least one pressure sensor are disposed on one side in the third direction from the solenoid valve block, and the at least one pressure sensor is disposed on the other side in the third direction from the solenoid valve block. Therefore, the remaining pressure sensors can be easily accessed from the other side in the third direction. Therefore, even if the solenoid block is provided on the first surface, it is possible to improve accessibility to each of the pressure sensors. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1. Multi-control valve 2 Bucket cylinder (actuator) 3 Arm Cylinder 4 Boom cylinder (actuator) 7 Optional cylinder (actuator) 11 Valve block 11a Block body 11c Second solenoid valve block (solenoid valve block) 14f, 14i Solenoid valve 14l, 14p solenoid valve 15a~15h Relief valve 18a~18j Pressure Sensors 23 Bucket spool 23a Head side passage (actuator passage) 23c, 23d Bucket ports (actuator ports) 24 Arm Spool 24a Head side passage (actuator passage) 24c, 24d Arm port (actuator port) 25 Boom spool 25b Rod side passage (actuator passage) 25c, 25d Boom port (actuator port) 25g Relief passage 27 Option spool 27a Head side passage (actuator passage) 27c, 27d Boom port (actuator port) 27g Relief passage

Claims

1. At least three or more spools for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to different actuators; a valve block in which the spools are inserted in parallel to each other so as to extend in a first direction and are arranged side by side in a second direction intersecting the first direction; at least three relief valves provided in the valve block corresponding to each of the actuators, each of the relief valves discharging hydraulic fluid supplied from each of the spools to the corresponding actuator; A multi-control valve in which at least two of the relief valves are arranged side by side in the second direction on one side of a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, and at least one is arranged on the other side of the third direction, on a first surface on one side of the first direction of the valve block.

2. The valve block further includes a plurality of solenoid valves each corresponding to one of the spools. the valve block includes a block body through which each of the spools is inserted, and a solenoid valve block in which the plurality of solenoid valves are provided, The solenoid valve block is disposed on a first surface of the block body, which is the first surface, 2. The multi-control valve according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of relief valves are arranged, on the first surface, such that the at least two relief valves are arranged on one side of the solenoid valve block in a third direction, and the at least one relief valve is arranged on the other side of the solenoid valve block in the third direction.

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

4. the valve block has an actuator passage extending from each of the spools toward a side surface on one side in a third direction, each of the actuator passages has an actuator port that opens at a side surface on one side in a third direction and is connected to a corresponding one of the actuators; The at least one relief valve is connected to a relief passage extending in a third direction other than the actuator passage to which the corresponding spool is connected, The multi-control valve according to claim 1 , wherein the remaining relief valves are connected to the actuator passages to which the corresponding spools are connected.

5. the valve block has actuator passages extending from each of the spools toward a side surface on one side in the third direction and connected to the actuators, the plurality of relief valves include a plurality of first relief valves that are the relief valves respectively disposed on the first surface, and a plurality of second relief valves that are disposed on a second surface on the other side of the valve block in the first direction, The multi-control valve according to claim 1 , wherein the second relief valves are arranged on the second surface so as to be aligned in the second direction on one side in a third direction.

6. the plurality of spools include a bucket spool that controls a flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to a bucket cylinder that is one of the actuators, an arm spool that controls a flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to an arm cylinder that is one of the actuators, and a boom spool that controls a flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to a boom cylinder that is one of the actuators, 2. The multi-control valve according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of relief valves include a bucket relief valve that discharges hydraulic fluid supplied from the bucket spool to the bucket cylinder, an arm relief valve that discharges hydraulic fluid supplied from the arm spool to the arm cylinder, and a boom relief valve that discharges hydraulic fluid supplied from the boom spool to the boom cylinder.

7. the plurality of spools further include an option spool that controls a flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to an option actuator that is one of the actuators, the plurality of relief valves further include an option relief valve that discharges hydraulic fluid supplied from the option spool to the option actuator, 7. The multi-control valve according to claim 6, wherein the boom relief valve and the option relief valve are disposed between the arm relief valve and the bucket relief valve when viewed in a third direction, and are disposed on the first surface away from the arm relief valve and the bucket relief valve in the third direction.

8. a plurality of pressure sensors are provided in the valve block corresponding to each of the actuators, the pressure sensors measuring a pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied from each of the spools to the corresponding actuator; The multi-control valve according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of pressure sensors are provided on the first surface such that at least one of the pressure sensors is spaced apart in a third direction.

9. The valve block further includes a plurality of solenoid valves each corresponding to one of the spools. the valve block includes a block body through which each of the spools is inserted, and a solenoid valve block in which the plurality of solenoid valves are provided, The solenoid valve block is disposed on a first surface of the block body, which is the first surface, 9. The multi-control valve according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of pressure sensors are arranged, on the first surface, such that the pressure sensors other than the at least one pressure sensor are arranged on one side in the third direction from the solenoid valve block, and the at least one pressure sensor is arranged on the other side in the third direction from the solenoid valve block.

10. At least three or more spools for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to different actuators; a valve block in which the spools are inserted in parallel to each other so as to extend in a first direction and are arranged side by side in a second direction intersecting the first direction; at least three pressure sensors provided in the valve block corresponding to each of the actuators, the pressure sensors measuring pressures of hydraulic fluid supplied from each of the spools to the corresponding actuators, A multi-control valve in which at least two of the pressure sensors are arranged in a row in the second direction on one side of a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, and at least one is arranged on the other side of the third direction, on a first surface on one side of the first direction of the valve block.

11. The valve block further includes a plurality of solenoid valves each corresponding to one of the spools. the valve block includes a block body through which each of the spools is inserted, and a solenoid valve block in which the plurality of solenoid valves are provided, The solenoid valve block is disposed on a first surface of the block body, which is the first surface, The multi-control valve according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of pressure sensors are arranged on the first surface of the block body, the pressure sensors other than the at least one pressure sensor being arranged on one side of the solenoid valve block in the third direction, and the at least one pressure sensor being arranged on the other side of the solenoid valve block in the third direction.

Images