Control valves and construction machinery

Abstract

To provide control valves and construction machinery that facilitate wiring work. [Solution] The control valve 1 has a solenoid proportional valve 11 that controls the supply and discharge of fluid supplied from a supply source, and comprises a plurality of stackable proportional valve blocks 10, a valve ECU 20 that receives a drive signal from the main body ECU 2 of the construction machine to drive the solenoid proportional valve 11 and outputs a drive current to drive the solenoid proportional valve 11, and a plurality of drive lines 25 through which the drive current flows and which are connected to the valve ECU 20 for each solenoid proportional valve 11.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control valve and a construction machine.

Background Art

[0002] In the construction machine described in Patent Document 1, a controller of the construction machine outputs a command signal to a proportional valve, and the control valve is driven by the proportional valve. The control valve adjusts the flow rate of the hydraulic oil supplied to the cylinder and the supply direction of the hydraulic oil.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the construction machine described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of control valves such as a boom, an arm, and a bucket are provided, and a plurality of proportional valves are provided for each control valve. Therefore, the controller of the construction machine and each proportional valve are connected by electrical wiring, and the wiring work is complicated.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The control valve for solving the above problems has an electromagnetic proportional valve for controlling the supply and discharge of the fluid supplied from the supply source, a plurality of proportional valve blocks that can be stacked, and a drive signal for driving the electromagnetic proportional valve from the main body control unit of the construction machine is input, and a valve control unit that outputs a drive current for driving the electromagnetic proportional valve, and a plurality of drive lines through which the drive current flows and are connected to the valve control unit for each electromagnetic proportional valve.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the main control unit receives a drive signal, and the valve control unit is connected to each electromagnetic proportional valve. Therefore, there is no need to arrange drive lines from the main control unit to each electromagnetic proportional valve, and wiring work is simplified by connecting the valve control unit provided in the control valve to each electromagnetic proportional valve with drive lines.

[0007] With respect to the control valve described above, it is preferable that the valve control unit is provided with a connector for connecting the plurality of drive lines. With respect to the control valve described above, the proportional valve block preferably comprises a spool and a pair of electromagnetic proportional valves on both sides of the spool, and the connector is preferably provided on both axial sides of the spool in the valve control unit.

[0008] Regarding the control valve described above, the proportional valve block comprises a spool and a pair of electromagnetic proportional valves on both sides of the spool, and the connector is preferably provided on the upper or lower surface of the valve control unit in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the spool.

[0009] With respect to the control valve described above, the proportional valve block comprises a spool and a pair of electromagnetic proportional valves on both sides of the spool, and the connector is preferably provided on the front of the proportional valve block in the stacking direction in the valve control unit.

[0010] Regarding the control valve described above, it is preferable that one end of the stacked proportional valve block is provided with a supply port for supplying the fluid and a discharge port for discharging the fluid, and that the valve control unit is provided at the other end of the stacked proportional valve block where the supply port and the discharge port are not provided.

[0011] A construction machine that solves the above problems has a solenoid proportional valve that controls the supply and discharge of fluid supplied from a supply source, and comprises a plurality of stackable proportional valve blocks, a valve control unit that receives a drive signal from the main unit control unit to drive the solenoid proportional valve and outputs a drive current to drive the solenoid proportional valve, a plurality of drive lines through which the drive current flows and which are connected to the valve control unit for each solenoid proportional valve, and the main unit control unit that outputs the drive signal.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the main control unit receives a drive signal, and the valve control unit is connected to each electromagnetic proportional valve. Therefore, there is no need to arrange drive lines from the main control unit to each electromagnetic proportional valve, and wiring work is simplified by connecting the valve control unit provided in the control valve to each electromagnetic proportional valve with drive lines.

[0013] A construction machine that solves the above problems has a solenoid proportional valve that controls the supply and discharge of fluid supplied from a supply source, and comprises a plurality of stackable proportional valve blocks, a valve control unit that receives an operation signal from an operating unit and outputs a drive current to drive the solenoid proportional valve based on the operation signal, a plurality of drive lines through which the drive current flows and which are connected to the valve control unit for each solenoid proportional valve, and an operating unit that outputs the operation signal.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the control unit includes a valve control unit to which an operating signal is input from the operating unit, and to which a drive line is connected for each electromagnetic proportional valve. Therefore, an operating signal can be directly input from the operating unit to the control valve without going through the control unit of the main unit. In addition, wiring work is simplified because the drive line connects the valve control unit provided in the control valve to each electromagnetic proportional valve. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, wiring work is easy. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the wiring of a control valve provided in a construction machine of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a left upper perspective view showing the configuration of the control valve of the same embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a lower right perspective view showing the configuration of the control valve of the same embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a left side view showing the configuration of the control valve of the same embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a right side view showing the configuration of the control valve of the same embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a plan view showing the configuration of the control valve of the same embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a bottom view showing the configuration of the control valve of the same embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a front view showing the configuration of the control valve of the same embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a rear view showing the configuration of the control valve of the same embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a left upper perspective view showing the configuration of the control valve of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a plan view showing the configuration of the control valve of the same embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing the wiring of a control valve provided in a construction machine of a modified example.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a construction machine having a control valve will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9.

[0018] (Construction Machine) As shown in Figure 1, the construction machine comprises a control valve 1, a main unit ECU 2, and control lines 3. The control valve 1 is a valve that controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied from the pump, which is the supply source, to the hydraulic actuator and the flow of hydraulic fluid discharged from the hydraulic actuator to the tank. For example, the hydraulic actuator is a hydraulic cylinder for operating the arm or boom of the construction machine. Alternatively, the hydraulic actuator may be a hydraulic motor or the like. The control valve 1 receives a drive signal from the main unit ECU 2 via the control lines 3. The control lines 3 transmit signals using signal communication means such as CAN (Controller Area Network) communication (e.g., analog voltage signals, PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signals, PS232C, RS485, etc.). The main unit ECU 2 corresponds to the main unit control section. The hydraulic fluid corresponds to a fluid.

[0019] (Control valve 1) As shown in Figures 2 to 9, the control valve 1 comprises a plurality of proportional valve blocks 10, a valve ECU 20, a supply / discharge block 30, and a plurality of drive lines 25. The proportional valve blocks 10 are stackable, and the same number as the hydraulic actuators installed in the construction machine are stacked. In this embodiment, nine proportional valve blocks 10 are stacked. Supply / discharge blocks 30 are provided at both ends of the stacking direction of the plurality of proportional valve blocks 10. The supply / discharge block 30 on the side where the valve ECU 20 is installed does not have a supply port 31 for supplying hydraulic fluid and a discharge port 32 for discharging hydraulic fluid. The supply / discharge block 30 on the side where the valve ECU 20 is not installed has a supply port 31 and a discharge port 32. That is, the valve ECU 20 is installed at the end of the stacked proportional valve blocks 10 that does not have a supply port 31 and a discharge port 32. For this reason, the valve ECU 20 is fixed to the supply / discharge block 30 that does not have a supply port 31 and a discharge port 32 by bolts 24. The valve ECU20 corresponds to the valve control unit.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the proportional valve block 10 comprises a pair of solenoid proportional valves 11, a spool 12, and two connection ports 13. The pair of solenoid proportional valves 11 are located on both sides of the spool 12 of the proportional valve block 10. The solenoid proportional valves 11 control the supply and discharge of hydraulic fluid supplied from the pump by driving the spool 12. Multiple drive lines 25 are connected to the valve ECU 20 for each solenoid proportional valve 11. Drive current flows from the valve ECU 20 to the solenoid proportional valves 11 through the drive lines 25. The connection ports 13 are ports to which hydraulic fluid is supplied and discharged to the hydraulic actuator.

[0021] (Valve ECU20) The valve ECU 20 receives a drive signal from the main unit ECU 2 via control line 3 and outputs a drive current via multiple drive lines 25. The valve ECU 20 includes a top connector 21, a left side connector 22, and a right side connector 23. The top connector 21 is located on the top surface of the valve ECU 20 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the spool 12, and the control line 3 is connected to it. The left side connector 22 is located on the left side of the valve ECU 20, and multiple drive lines 25 are connected to it. The right side connector 23 is located on the right side of the valve ECU 20, and multiple drive lines 25 are connected to it. In other words, the valve ECU 20 is provided with a left side connector 22 and a right side connector 23 for connecting multiple drive lines 25. The left side connector 22 and the right side connector 23, which are connected to the electromagnetic proportional valve 11, are located on both sides of the valve ECU 20 in the axial direction of the spool 12.

[0022] A main unit-side connector 3A is provided at one end of the control line 3. A valve-side connector 3B is provided at the other end of the control line 3. The main unit-side connector 3A is connected to the main unit ECU 2. The valve-side connector 3B is connected to the top connector 21 of the valve ECU 20.

[0023] One end of each of the multiple drive wires 25 connected to the left-side solenoid proportional valve 11 is connected to the left-side drive connector 25A. The left-side drive connector 25A is connected to the left-side connector 22 of the valve ECU 20. One end of each of the multiple drive wires 25 connected to the right-side solenoid proportional valve 11 is connected to the right-side drive connector 25A. The right-side drive connector 25A is connected to the right-side connector 23 of the valve ECU 20. The other end of each drive wire 25 is connected to each solenoid proportional valve 11, respectively.

[0024] (Operation of the first embodiment) Next, the operation of the control valve 1 configured as described above will be explained with reference to Figures 1 to 9.

[0025] The control valve 1 consists of a stack of proportional valve blocks 10 equal to the number of hydraulic actuators in the construction machine. Supply and discharge blocks 30 are connected to both ends of the stacked proportional valve blocks 10. The valve ECU 20 is then fixed to the supply and discharge blocks 30 that do not have a supply port 31 and a discharge port 32 by bolts 24. It is preferable that a gap be provided between the supply and discharge blocks 30 and the valve ECU 20.

[0026] Next, select the drive wires 25 connected to the drive connector 25A, the same number of drive wires 25 as the number of proportional valve blocks 10. Connect the drive connector 25A connected to the left electromagnetic proportional valve 11 to the left side connector 22 of the valve ECU 20. Connect the other end of the left drive wire 25 to each electromagnetic proportional valve 11. Similarly, connect the drive connector 25A connected to the right electromagnetic proportional valve 11 to the right side connector 23 of the valve ECU 20. Connect the other end of the right drive wire 25 to each electromagnetic proportional valve 11.

[0027] The valve ECU 20 and the main unit ECU 2 are connected by a control wire 3. The main unit side connector 3A of the control wire 3 is connected to the main unit ECU 2. The valve side connector 3B of the control wire 3 is connected to the top connector 21 of the valve ECU 20. Therefore, the connection between the valve ECU 20 and each electromagnetic proportional valve 11 can be pre-connected before installation on the construction machine. Furthermore, wiring between the valve ECU 20 and the main unit ECU 2 only requires connecting the control wire 3.

[0028] (Effects of the first embodiment) Next, the effects of the first embodiment will be described. (1-1) The control valve 1 is equipped with a valve ECU 20 to which a drive signal is input from the main unit ECU 2 and to which a drive line 25 is connected for each electromagnetic proportional valve 11. Therefore, there is no need to arrange a drive line 25 from the main unit ECU 2 to each electromagnetic proportional valve 11, and the wiring work is simplified by connecting the valve ECU 20 provided in the control valve 1 to each electromagnetic proportional valve 11 with the drive line 25.

[0029] (1-2) A left-side connector 22 and a right-side connector 23 for connecting multiple drive lines 25 are provided on the valve ECU 20. This makes it easier to connect to the valve ECU 20.

[0030] (1-3) Left side connector 22 and right side connector 23 are provided on both axial sides of the spool 12 in the valve ECU 20. Therefore, the electromagnetic proportional valve 11 of the control valve 1 and the left side connector 22 or the right side connector 23 can be connected by the drive wire 25 over the shortest distance.

[0031] (1-4) The valve ECU 20 is provided at the other end of the stacked proportional valve block 10 where the supply port 31 and discharge port 32 are not provided. This prevents the piping for the supply port 31 and discharge port 32 from being placed close to the drive line 25, making the wiring work for the drive line 25 easier.

[0032] (Second Embodiment) A second embodiment of the control valve implemented in construction machinery will be described below with reference to Figures 10 and 11. The control valve in this embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in the connection position of the drive wire. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0033] (Control valve 101) As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the control valve 101 comprises a plurality of proportional valve blocks 110, a valve ECU 120, a supply / discharge block 130, and a plurality of drive lines 125. The control valve 101 consists of four proportional valve blocks 110 stacked on top of each other. Supply / discharge blocks 130 are provided at both ends of the stacking direction of the plurality of proportional valve blocks 110. The valve ECU 120 is fixed by bolts 124 to the supply / discharge block 130, which does not have supply and discharge ports. The valve ECU 120 corresponds to the valve control unit. The plurality of drive lines 125 are connected to the valve ECU 120 for each electromagnetic proportional valve 111. Drive current flows from the valve ECU 120 to the electromagnetic proportional valve 111 through the drive lines 125.

[0034] (Valve ECU120) The valve ECU 120 receives a drive signal from the main ECU via the control line 103 and outputs a drive current via multiple drive lines 125. The valve ECU 120 is equipped with a top connector 121. The top connector 121 is located on the top surface of the valve ECU 120 and is connected to the control line 103 and the multiple drive lines 125.

[0035] A main unit connector (not shown) is provided at one end of the control line 103. A drive connector 125A is provided at the other end of the control line 103. The drive connector 125A is connected to the top connector 121 of the valve ECU 120.

[0036] One end of each of the multiple drive lines 125 connected to the left electromagnetic proportional valve 111 and the other end of each of the multiple drive lines 125 connected to the right electromagnetic proportional valve 111 are all connected to the drive connector 125A. The drive connector 125A is connected to the top connector 121 of the valve ECU 120. Therefore, the control line 103 and the multiple drive lines 125 can be connected to the valve ECU 120 simply by connecting the drive connector 125A to the valve ECU 120.

[0037] (Operation of the second embodiment) Next, the operation of the control valve 101 configured as described above will be explained with reference to Figures 10 and 11.

[0038] The control valve 101 consists of a stack of proportional valve blocks 110 equal to the number of hydraulic actuators in the construction machine. Supply and discharge blocks 130 are connected to both ends of the stacked proportional valve blocks 110. The valve ECU 120 is then fixed to the supply and discharge blocks 130, which do not have supply and discharge ports, by bolts 124. It is preferable that a gap be provided between the supply and discharge blocks 130 and the valve ECU 120.

[0039] Next, select the drive wires 125, which are connected to the drive connector 125A, with twice the number of drive wires 125 as the proportional valve block 110. Connect the drive connector 125A to the top connector 121 of the valve ECU 120.

[0040] The valve ECU 120 and the main unit ECU are connected by a control wire 103. The main unit side connector of the control wire 103 is connected to the main unit ECU. The drive connector 125A of the control wire 103 is connected to the top connector 121 of the valve ECU 120. Therefore, the connection between the valve ECU 120 and each electromagnetic proportional valve 111 can be pre-connected before installation on the construction machine. Furthermore, the wiring between the valve ECU 120 and the main unit ECU can be completed simply by connecting the control wire 103 to the main unit ECU.

[0041] (Effects of the second embodiment) Next, the effects of the second embodiment will be described. In addition to the effects of (1-1) and (1-2) of the first embodiment, the following effects are also achieved.

[0042] (2-1) An upper connector 121 is provided on the upper surface of the valve ECU 120. This makes it possible to suppress the length of the control valve 101 in the stacking direction of the proportional valve block 110.

[0043] (Other embodiments) Each of the above embodiments can be implemented with the following modifications. Each of the above embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0044] As shown in Figure 12, the construction machine may include a control valve 1, a left joystick 4A, a right joystick 4B, and a control line 5. The control valve 1 receives operation signals directly from the left joystick 4A and the right joystick 4B via the control line 5. The left joystick 4A and the right joystick 4B correspond to the operating parts. The control line 5 transmits signals using signal communication means such as CAN (Controller Area Network) communication (e.g., analog voltage signals, PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signals, PS232C, RS485, etc.). When operation is performed on the left joystick 4A and the right joystick 4B, operation signals are directly input to the control valve 1 from the left joystick 4A and the right joystick 4B. The valve ECU 20 outputs a drive current to the electromagnetic proportional valve 11 based on the operation signal. With this configuration, when operation is performed on the left joystick 4A and the right joystick 4B, the control valve 1 can be controlled by the valve ECU 20 without the need for a main unit ECU.

[0045] In each of the above embodiments, the number of proportional valve blocks 10,110 may be arbitrarily changed to match the number of hydraulic actuators in the construction machine. In this case, the number of drive lines is changed to match the number of proportional valve blocks.

[0046] In each of the above embodiments, a supply port 31 and a discharge port 32 may be provided in the supply / discharge block 30 on the side where the valve ECU 20 is installed. In each of the above embodiments, a bottom connector may be provided on the lower surface of the valve ECU 120. With this configuration, the length of the control valve 101 in the stacking direction of the proportional valve block 110 can be suppressed.

[0047] In each of the above embodiments, a front connector may be provided on the front of the proportional valve block 10, 110 in the direction of stacking of the proportional valve block 10, 110 for the valve ECU 20, 120. With such a configuration, the height of the control valve 101 in the vertical direction can be suppressed.

[0048] In each of the above embodiments, if the structure is composed of multiple objects, those multiple objects may be integrated, and conversely, if the structure is composed of a single object, it may be divided into multiple objects. Whether or not the objects are integrated, the structure should be configured in a way that achieves the objective of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1,101…Control valve 2…Main ECU (Main Control Unit) 3,103…Control line 3A…Main unit connector 3B...Valve-side connector 4A…Left joystick 4B...Right joystick 5…Control lines 10,110…Proportional valve block 11,111… Solenoid proportional valve 12... Spool 13…Connection Port 20,120… Valve ECU (Valve Control Unit) 21,121…Top connector 22…Left side connector 23…Right side connector 24,124... volts 25,125… Drive line 25A, 125A… Drive connector 30,130… Supply and discharge block 31…Supply port 32… Discharge port

Claims

1. It has solenoid proportional valves that control the supply and discharge of fluid supplied from a supply source, and a plurality of stackable proportional valve blocks, A valve control unit receives a drive signal from the main control unit of the construction machine to drive the electromagnetic proportional valve and outputs a drive current to drive the electromagnetic proportional valve, The system comprises a plurality of drive lines through which the drive current flows, and which are connected to the valve control unit for each of the electromagnetic proportional valves. Control valve.

2. The valve control unit is provided with a connector for connecting the multiple drive lines. The control valve according to claim 1.

3. The proportional valve block comprises a spool and a pair of electromagnetic proportional valves on both sides of the spool, The connector is provided on both axial sides of the spool in the valve control unit. The control valve according to claim 2.

4. The proportional valve block comprises a spool and a pair of electromagnetic proportional valves on both sides of the spool, The connector is provided on the upper or lower surface of the valve control unit in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the spool. The control valve according to claim 2.

5. The proportional valve block comprises a spool and a pair of electromagnetic proportional valves on both sides of the spool, The connector is provided on the front of the proportional valve block in the stacking direction in the valve control unit. The control valve according to claim 2.

6. One end of the stacked proportional valve block is provided with a supply port for supplying the fluid and a discharge port for discharging the fluid, The valve control unit is provided at the other end of the stacked proportional valve block where the supply port and the discharge port are not provided. A control valve according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. It has solenoid proportional valves that control the supply and discharge of fluid supplied from a supply source, and a plurality of stackable proportional valve blocks, A valve control unit receives a drive signal from the main control unit to drive the electromagnetic proportional valve and outputs a drive current to drive the electromagnetic proportional valve, A control valve comprising: a plurality of drive lines through which the drive current flows, each of which is connected to the valve control unit; The main unit control unit outputs the drive signal. Construction machinery.

8. It has solenoid proportional valves that control the supply and discharge of fluid supplied from a supply source, and a plurality of stackable proportional valve blocks, A valve control unit receives an operation signal from the operating unit and outputs a drive current to drive the electromagnetic proportional valve based on the operation signal, A control valve comprising: a plurality of drive lines through which the drive current flows, each of which is connected to the valve control unit; The system includes an operation unit that outputs the operation signal. Construction machinery.

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