Multi-control valve

Abstract

Provided is a multi-control valve that controls the flow of a hydraulic fluid flowing to an actuator, and that comprises: a valve block including a first spool hole and a second spool hole that extend in a first direction and are disposed in the first direction; a first spool that is slidably inserted into the first spool hole; a second spool that is slidably inserted into the second spool hole; and two solenoid valves that each output a pilot pressure. The valve block further includes a partition wall separating the first spool hole and the second spool hole. The partition wall forms: in the first spool hole and between the partition wall and the first spool, a first pilot chamber to which a pilot pressure is output from one of the solenoid valves; and in the second spool hole and between the partition wall and the second spool, a second pilot chamber to which a pilot pressure is output from the other of the solenoid valves.

Description

Multi-Control Valve

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a multi-control valve including a valve block through which multiple spools are slidably inserted.

[0002] Construction machinery such as excavators equipped with multiple actuators is equipped with a multi-control valve to control the flow of hydraulic fluid through the multiple actuators. One example of a multi-control valve is the flow control device disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the flow control device disclosed in Patent Document 1, two spools are arranged in a row in a predetermined direction. More specifically, the two spools are slidably inserted into a single spool hole. The two spools are connected to respective supply and discharge ports of the hydraulic actuators and control the flow of hydraulic fluid to the respective supply and discharge ports.

[0003] JP 2023-101191 A

[0004] In the flow control device of Patent Document 1, first, second, and third pilot chambers are formed on both axial sides of the spool bore and between the two spools. When pilot pressure is input to the first and second pilot chambers, the spools can independently stroke inward in the axial direction. That is, the spools independently control the flow of hydraulic fluid to the respective supply and discharge ports. On the other hand, when pilot pressure is input to the third pilot chamber, the two spools both receive the pilot pressure and therefore simultaneously stroke away from each other. Therefore, it is difficult for the two spools to independently control the flow of hydraulic fluid when pilot pressure is input to the third pilot chamber.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a multi-control valve that can independently move two spools arranged in a first direction in directions away from each other.

[0006] The multi-control valve disclosed herein is a multi-control valve that controls the flow of hydraulic fluid flowing to an actuator, and includes a valve block including a first spool hole and a second spool hole extending in a first direction, a first spool that is slidably inserted into the first spool hole, a second spool that is slidably inserted into the second spool hole, and two solenoid valves that output pilot pressures, respectively. The first spool hole and the second spool hole are arranged opposite each other with a partition wall between them, and the partition wall forms a first pilot chamber between the first spool hole and the first spool and through which pilot pressure is output from one of the solenoid valves, and a second pilot chamber between the second spool hole and the second spool and through which pilot pressure is output from the other solenoid valve.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the partition separates the first spool bore from the second spool bore. The partition forms a first pilot chamber between the first spool and the first spool at the first spool bore, and a second pilot chamber between the second spool and the second spool at the second spool bore. Pilot pressures are output to the first pilot chamber and the second pilot chamber from separate solenoid valves. Therefore, by outputting pilot pressure to the first pilot chamber, the first spool can be stroked in a direction away from the second spool independently of the movement of the second spool. The same applies to the second spool. Therefore, the first and second spools, which are arranged in a first direction, can be independently stroked in directions away from each other.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, two spools arranged in a first direction can be independently moved in directions away from each other.

[0009] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] 1. A perspective view showing a multi-control valve according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. 2. A circuit diagram showing a hydraulic circuit formed in the multi-control valve of FIG. 1. 3. A side view of the multi-control valve of FIG. 1, as viewed from one side in the width direction. 4. A side view of the multi-control valve of FIG. 1, as viewed from the other side in the width direction. 5. A perspective view of the multi-control valve of FIG. 1, as viewed from a different direction. 6. A cross-sectional view of the multi-control valve of FIG. 4, taken along section line A-A. 7. A cross-sectional view of the multi-control valve of FIG. 4, taken along section line B-B. 8. A cross-sectional view of the multi-control valve of FIG. 4, taken along section line C-C. 9. A cross-sectional view of the multi-control valve of FIG. 4, taken along section line D-D. 10. A side view showing a partition member of the multi-control valve of FIG. 1. 11. A perspective view of a multi-control valve according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. 12. A side view of the multi-control valve of FIG. 11, as viewed from one side in the width direction. 13. A cross-sectional view of the multi-control valve of FIG. 11, taken along section line C1-C1. 14. A perspective view of a multi-control valve according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. 15. A circuit diagram showing a hydraulic circuit formed in the multi-control valve of FIG. 14. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-control valve of Fig. 14 taken along the section line E-E. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-control valve of Fig. 14 taken along the section line F-F. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-control valve of another embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0011] Hereinafter, the multi-control valves 1, 1A, and 1B according to first to third embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the concepts of directions used in the following description are used for convenience of explanation and do not limit the orientation of the configuration of the present disclosure to those directions. Furthermore, the multi-control valves 1, 1A, and 1B described below are merely one embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments, and additions, deletions, and modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0012] [First Embodiment] A multi-control valve 1 according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, is provided in a construction machine or the like. The construction machine is, for example, a shovel, and is provided with a plurality of actuators 2 to 7 as shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the shovel is provided with a first travel motor 2, a second travel motor 3, a swing motor 4, a boom cylinder 5, an arm cylinder 6, and a bucket cylinder 7. However, the shovel may be provided with actuators other than the six described above, and the construction machine may be a wheel loader, a crane, or the like. The first travel motor 2 and the second travel motor 3 operate a pair of crawlers (not shown) provided on the travel device, respectively. The swing motor 4 rotates a rotating body (not shown) provided on the travel device. Furthermore, the boom cylinder 5, the arm cylinder 6, and the bucket cylinder 7 operate the boom, the arm, and the bucket (all not shown), respectively.

[0013] <Multi-Control Valve> As shown in FIG. 2 , the multi-control valve 1 is, for example, a multi-control valve for a two-pump system and is connected to two hydraulic pumps 8 and 9. Hydraulic fluid is supplied to the multi-control valve 1 from the two hydraulic pumps 8 and 9. The multi-control valve 1 is also connected to multiple actuators 2 to 7. The multi-control valve 1 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the multiple actuators 2 to 7. That is, the multi-control valve 1 controls the direction (i.e., flow direction) of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the multiple actuators 2 to 7 and the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid supplied and discharged. More specifically, the multi-control valve 1 can independently control the flow rate of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from each of the swing motor 4, boom cylinder 5, arm cylinder 6, and bucket cylinder 7. The multi-control valve 1 configured in this manner includes a valve block 11 and multiple spools 12 to 25, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 . In this embodiment, the multi-control valve 1 includes 14 spools 12 to 25. The number of spools 12 to 25 provided in the multi-control valve 1 is not limited to 14, and may be 13 or less or 15 or more. The multi-control valve 1 further includes a boom regeneration valve element 26, which will be described in detail later.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the valve block 11 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The valve block 11 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from one side in the height direction. The valve block 11 has various passages 31 to 50, which will be described in detail later. The valve block 11 also has pump ports 31a and 32a on each side surface at d, which is perpendicular to the height direction. Each of the pump ports 31a and 32a is connected to a corresponding one of the hydraulic pumps 8 and 9. The valve block 11 also has a tank port 33a on its top surface on one side in the height direction.

[0015] The tank 10 is connected to the tank port 33a. Furthermore, the valve block 11 has a plurality of actuator ports 37a, 37b, 39a, 41a, 41b, 43a, 45a, 46a, 48a, and 49a on each side surface in the depth direction. A plurality of actuators 4 to 7 are connected to the actuator ports 37a, 37b, 39a, 41a, 41b, 43a, 45a, 46a, 48a, and 49a, respectively.

[0016] 3 and 4 control the flow of hydraulic fluid to each of the actuators 2 to 7. Each of the spools 12 to 25, which will be described in more detail, is associated with each of the actuators 2 to 7 and controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the corresponding actuator 2 to 7. In this embodiment, the spools 12 to 25 include a first traveling spool 12, a second traveling spool 13, a first arm head side spool 14, a second arm head side spool 15, a first arm rod side spool 16, a second arm rod side spool 17, a first boom head side spool 18, a second boom head side spool 19, a boom rod side spool 20, a bucket head side spool 21, a bucket rod side spool 22, a first swing spool 23, a second swing spool 24, and a merging spool 25. As will be described in detail later, each of the spools 12 to 25 is slidably inserted into the valve block 11. In this embodiment, the spools 12 to 25 are slidably inserted into the valve block 11 in the width direction, which is an example of a first direction. The width direction is a direction perpendicular to the height direction and the depth direction. The spools 12 to 25 control the flow of hydraulic fluid by stroking.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the multi-control valve 1 also includes a plurality of solenoid valves 12a to 24a and 12b to 25b. Each of the solenoid valves 12a to 24a and 12b to 25b is provided in the valve block 11 in correspondence with a corresponding one of the spools 12 to 25 (see also Figures 3 and 4, for example). Each of the solenoid valves 12a to 24a and 12b to 25b outputs a pilot pressure to the corresponding spool 12 to 25 in response to an input signal. This causes each of the solenoid valves 12a to 24a and 12b to 25b to stroke the corresponding spool 12 to 25. In the multi-control valve 1 configured in this manner, the following hydraulic circuit 1a is formed.

[0018] <Hydraulic Circuit in Multi-Control Valve> The hydraulic circuit 1a in the multi-control valve 1 will be described below with reference to FIG. 2. The valve block 11 has two main passages 31, 32 and a tank passage 33. Each main passage 31, 32 has a pump port 31a, 32a (see also FIG. 6). The first main passage 31 is connected to a first hydraulic pump 8 via a first pump port 31a, and the second main passage 32 is connected to a second hydraulic pump 9 via a second pump port 32a. Spools 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, and 22 are connected in parallel to the first main passage 31. On the other hand, spools 13, 15, 17, 19, 23, and 24 are connected in parallel to the second main passage 32. The tank passage 33 is connected to the tank 10. Each of the spools 12 to 25 will be described in more detail below.

[0019] [Travel Spool] As described above, the first travel spool 12 is connected to the first main passage 31. More specifically, the first travel spool 12 is connected to the first main passage 31 via the first travel passage 34, which has a check valve 34a interposed therein. The first travel spool 12 is also connected to the tank passage 33. The first travel spool 12 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the first travel motor 2. More specifically, the first travel motor 2 has a first supply / discharge port 2a and a second supply / discharge port 2b. The first travel spool 12 is connected to the first supply / discharge port 2a and the second supply / discharge port 2b of the first travel motor 2. The first travel spool 12 receives pilot pressures output from the solenoid valves 12a, 12b in opposing directions, and strokes to a position corresponding to the pilot pressures of the solenoid valves 12a, 12b. The first traveling spool 12 switches the connection destinations of the supply / discharge ports 2a, 2b to the first main passage 31 and the tank passage 33, respectively, by stroking, and also adjusts the opening degree of the first traveling spool 12. In this way, the first traveling spool 12 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the first supply / discharge port 2a and the second supply / discharge port 2b of the first traveling motor 2.

[0020] As described above, the second traveling spool 13 is connected to the second main passage 32. More specifically, the second traveling spool 13 is connected to the second main passage 32 via the second traveling passage 35, which has a check valve 35a interposed therein. The second traveling spool 13 is also connected to the tank passage 33. The second traveling spool 13 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the second traveling motor 3. More specifically, the second traveling motor 3 has a first supply / discharge port 3a and a second supply / discharge port 3b. The second traveling spool 13 is connected to the first supply / discharge port 3a and the second supply / discharge port 3b of the second traveling motor 3. The second traveling spool 13 receives pilot pressures output from the solenoid valves 13a, 13b in opposing directions, and strokes to a position corresponding to the pilot pressures of the solenoid valves 13a, 13b. The second traveling spool 13 switches the connection destinations of the supply / discharge ports 3 a, 3 b to the second main passage 32 and the tank passage 33, respectively, by stroking, and also adjusts the opening degree of the second traveling spool 13. In this way, the second traveling spool 13 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the first supply / discharge port 3 a and the second supply / discharge port 3 b of the second traveling motor 3.

[0021] [Arm Spool] As described above, the first arm head-side spool 14 is connected to the first main passage 31. More specifically, the first arm head-side spool 14 is connected to the first main passage 31 via the first arm passage 36, in which the check valve 36a is disposed. The first arm head-side spool 14 is also connected to the tank passage 33. The first arm head-side spool 14 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the arm cylinder 6. More specifically, the arm cylinder 6 has a head-side port 6a and a rod-side port 6b. The first arm head-side spool 14 is connected to the head-side port 6a via a head-side passage 37. The first arm head-side spool 14 receives pilot pressures output from the solenoid valves 14a, 14b in opposing directions, and strokes to a position corresponding to the pilot pressures of the solenoid valves 14a, 14b. The first arm head side spool 14 switches the connection destination of the head side port 6a to either the first main passage 31 or the tank passage 33 by stroking, and also adjusts the opening degree of the first arm head side spool 14. In this way, the first arm head side spool 14 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the head side port 6a of the arm cylinder 6.

[0022] As described above, the second arm head-side spool 15 is connected to the second main passage 32. More specifically, the second arm head-side spool 15 is connected to the second main passage 32 via a second arm passage 38 in which a check valve 38a is disposed. The second arm head-side spool 15 is also connected to the tank passage 33. The second arm head-side spool 15 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the arm cylinder 6. More specifically, the second arm head-side spool 15 is connected to the head-side port 6a via a head-side passage 37 so as to be parallel to the first arm head-side spool 14. The second arm head-side spool 15 receives pilot pressures output from the solenoid valves 15a, 15b in opposing directions, and strokes to a position corresponding to the pilot pressures of the solenoid valves 15a, 15b. The second arm head side spool 15 switches the connection destination of the head side port 6a to either the second main passage 32 or the tank passage 33 by stroking, and also adjusts the opening degree of the second arm head side spool 15. In this way, the second arm head side spool 15 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the head side port 6a of the arm cylinder 6.

[0023] As described above, the first arm rod side spool 16 is connected to the first main passage 31. Explaining in more detail, the first arm rod side spool 16 is connected to the first main passage 31 via the first arm passage 36. Explaining in even more detail, the first arm rod side spool 16 is connected to the downstream side of the check valve 36a in the first arm passage 36 so as to be parallel to the first arm head side spool 14, and is connected to the first main passage 31 together with the first arm head side spool 14 via the check valve 36a. The first arm rod side spool 16 is also connected to the tank passage 33. The first arm rod side spool 16 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the arm cylinder 6. Explaining in more detail, the first arm rod side spool 16 is connected to the rod side port 6b via the rod side passage 39. The first arm rod-side spool 16 receives pilot pressures output from the solenoid valves 16 a, 16 b in opposing directions, and strokes to a position according to the pilot pressures of the solenoid valves 16 a, 16 b. By stroking, the first arm rod-side spool 16 switches the connection destination of the rod-side port 6 b to either the first main passage 31 or the tank passage 33, and adjusts the opening of the first arm rod-side spool 16. In this way, the first arm rod-side spool 16 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the rod-side port 6 b of the arm cylinder 6.

[0024] As described above, the second arm rod side spool 17 is connected to the second main passage 32. Explaining in more detail, the second arm rod side spool 17 is connected to the second main passage 32 via the second arm passage 38. Explaining in even more detail, the second arm rod side spool 17 is connected to the downstream side of the check valve 38a in the second arm passage 38 so as to be parallel to the second arm head side spool 15, and is connected to the second main passage 32 together with the second arm head side spool 15 via the check valve 38a. The second arm rod side spool 17 is also connected to the tank passage 33. The second arm rod side spool 17 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the arm cylinder 6. Explaining in more detail, the second arm rod side spool 17 is connected to the rod side port 6b via the rod side passage 39 so as to be parallel to the first arm rod side spool 16. The second arm rod-side spool 17 receives pilot pressures output from the solenoid valves 17 a, 17 b in opposing directions, and strokes to a position according to the pilot pressures of the solenoid valves 17 a, 17 b. By stroking, the second arm rod-side spool 17 switches the connection destination of the rod-side port 6 b to either the second main passage 32 or the tank passage 33, and adjusts the opening of the second arm rod-side spool 17. In this way, the second arm rod-side spool 17 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the rod-side port 6 b of the arm cylinder 6.

[0025] The spools 14 to 17 configured in this manner stroke independently of one another. Therefore, the spools 14 to 17 can independently control the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the head side port 6a and the rod side port 6b of the arm cylinder 6. That is, the spools 14 to 17 can independently control the meter-in flow rate and the meter-out flow rate for each of the head side port 6a and the rod side port 6b of the arm cylinder 6. Furthermore, by stroking both of the arm head side spools 14, 15, a larger flow rate can be supplied to the head side port 6a of the arm cylinder 6 than when only one spool 15 is stroking. The same is true for the arm rod side spools 16, 17.

[0026] [Boom Spool] As described above, the first boom head-side spool 18 is connected to the first main passage 31. More specifically, the first boom head-side spool 18 is connected to the first main passage 31 via the first boom passage 40, in which the check valve 40a is disposed. The first boom head-side spool 18 is also connected to the tank passage 33. The first boom head-side spool 18 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the boom cylinder 5. More specifically, the boom cylinder 5 has a head-side port 5a and a rod-side port 5b. The first boom head-side spool 18 is connected to the head-side port 5a via a head-side passage 41. The first boom head-side spool 18 receives pilot pressures output from the solenoid valves 18a, 18b in opposing directions, and strokes to a position corresponding to the pilot pressures of the solenoid valves 18a, 18b. The first boom head side spool 18 switches the connection destination of the head side port 5a between the first main passage 31 and the tank passage 33 by stroking, and also adjusts the opening of the first boom head side spool 18. In this way, the first boom head side spool 18 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the head side port 5a of the boom cylinder 5.

[0027] As described above, the second boom head side spool 19 is connected to the second main passage 32. More specifically, the second boom head side spool 19 is connected to the second main passage 32 via the second boom passage 42 in which the check valve 42a is disposed. The second boom head side spool 19 is also connected to the tank passage 33. The second boom head side spool 19 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the boom cylinder 5. More specifically, the second boom head side spool 19 is connected to the head side passage 41 so as to be parallel to the first boom head side spool 18. The second boom head side spool 19 is also connected to the head side port 5a via the head side passage 41. The second boom head side spool 19 receives pilot pressures output from the solenoid valves 19a, 19b in opposing directions, and strokes to a position corresponding to the pilot pressures of the solenoid valves 19a, 19b. The second boom head side spool 19 switches the connection destination of the head side port 5a between the second main passage 32 and the tank passage 33 by stroking, and also adjusts the opening of the second boom head side spool 19. In this way, the second boom head side spool 19 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the head side port 5a of the boom cylinder 5.

[0028] As described above, the boom rod side spool 20 is connected to the first main passage 31. Explaining in more detail, the boom rod side spool 20 is connected to the first main passage 31 via the first boom passage 40. Explaining in even more detail, the boom rod side spool 20 is connected to the downstream side of the check valve 40a so as to be in parallel with the first boom head side spool 18, and is connected to the first main passage 31 together with the first boom head side spool 18 via the check valve 40a. The boom rod side spool 20 is also connected to the tank passage 33. The boom rod side spool 20 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the boom cylinder 5. Explaining in more detail, the boom rod side spool 20 is connected to the rod side port 5b via the rod side passage 43. The boom rod side spool 20 receives pilot pressures output from the solenoid valves 20a, 20b in opposing directions, and strokes to a position corresponding to the pilot pressures of the solenoid valves 20a, 20b. The boom rod side spool 20 switches the connection destination of the rod side port 5b to either the first main passage 31 or the tank passage 33 by stroking, and also adjusts the opening degree of the boom rod side spool 20. In this way, the boom rod side spool 20 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the rod side port 5b of the boom cylinder 5.

[0029] The spools 18-20 configured in this manner stroke independently of one another. Therefore, the spools 18-20 can independently control the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the head-side port 5a and the rod-side port 5b of the boom cylinder 5. That is, the spools 18-20 can independently control the meter-in flow rate and the meter-out flow rate for each of the head-side port 5a and the rod-side port 5b of the boom cylinder 5. Furthermore, by stroking both boom head-side spools 18, 19, a greater flow rate can be supplied to the head-side port 5a of the boom cylinder 5 than when only one spool 18 is stroked.

[0030] [Bucket Spool] As described above, the bucket head-side spool 21 is connected to the first main passage 31. Explaining in more detail, the bucket head-side spool 21 is connected to the first main passage 31 via a bucket passage 44 in which a check valve 44a is disposed. The bucket head-side spool 21 is also connected to the tank passage 33. The bucket head-side spool 21 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the bucket cylinder 7. Explaining in more detail, the bucket cylinder 7 has a head-side port 7a and a rod-side port 7b. The bucket head-side spool 21 is connected to the head-side port 7a via a head-side passage 45. Furthermore, the bucket head-side spool 21 receives pilot pressures output from the solenoid valves 21a, 21b in opposing directions, and strokes to a position corresponding to the pilot pressures of the solenoid valves 21a, 21b. The bucket head-side spool 21 switches the connection destination of the head-side port 7a between the first main passage 31 and the tank passage 33 by stroking, and also adjusts the opening of the bucket head-side spool 21. In this way, the bucket head-side spool 21 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the head-side port 7a of the bucket cylinder 7.

[0031] As described above, the bucket rod side spool 22 is connected to the first main passage 31. Explaining in more detail, the bucket rod side spool 22 is connected in the bucket passage 44 downstream of the check valve 44a so as to be parallel to the bucket head side spool 21, and is connected to the first main passage 31 together with the bucket head side spool 21 via the check valve 44a. The bucket rod side spool 22 is also connected to the tank passage 33. The bucket rod side spool 22 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the bucket cylinder 7. Explaining in more detail, the bucket rod side spool 22 is connected to the rod side port 7b via a rod side passage 46. The bucket rod side spool 22 receives pilot pressures output from the solenoid valves 22a, 22b in opposing directions, and strokes to a position corresponding to the pilot pressures of the solenoid valves 22a, 22b. The bucket rod-side spool 22 switches the connection destination of the rod-side port 7b between the first main passage 31 and the tank passage 33 by stroking, and also adjusts the opening degree of the bucket rod-side spool 22. In this way, the bucket rod-side spool 22 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the rod-side port 7b of the bucket cylinder 7.

[0032] The spools 21, 22 also stroke independently of each other, so that the spools 21, 22 can control the meter-in flow rate and the meter-out flow rate for the head side port 7 a and the rod side port 7 b of the bucket cylinder 7, respectively, independently of each other.

[0033] [Swivel Spool] As described above, the first swing spool 23 is connected to the second main passage 32. More specifically, the first swing spool 23 is connected to the second main passage 32 via a swing passage 47 in which a check valve 47a is disposed. The first swing spool 23 is also connected to the tank passage 33. The first swing spool 23 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the swing motor 4. More specifically, the swing motor 4 has a first supply / discharge port 4a and a second supply / discharge port 4b. The first swing spool 23 is connected to the first supply / discharge port 4a via a first supply / discharge passage 48. The first swing spool 23 receives pilot pressures output from the solenoid valves 23a, 23b in opposing directions, and strokes to a position corresponding to the pilot pressures of the solenoid valves 23a, 23b. The first swing spool 23 switches the connection destination of the first supply / discharge port 4a between the second main passage 32 and the tank passage 33 by stroking, and also adjusts the opening degree of the first swing spool 23. In this way, the first swing spool 23 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the first supply / discharge port 4a of the swing motor 4.

[0034] As described above, the second swing spool 24 is connected to the second main passage 32. More specifically, the second swing spool 24 is connected in the swing passage 47 downstream of the check valve 47a in parallel with the first swing spool 23, and is connected to the second main passage 32 together with the second swing spool 24 via the check valve 47a. The second swing spool 24 is also connected to the tank passage 33. The second swing spool 24 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the swing motor 4. More specifically, the second swing spool 24 is connected to the second supply / discharge port 4b via the second supply / discharge passage 49. The second swing spool 24 receives pilot pressures output from the solenoid valves 24a, 24b in opposing directions, and strokes to a position corresponding to the pilot pressures of the solenoid valves 24a, 24b. The second swing spool 24 switches the connection destination of the second supply / discharge port 4b between the second main passage 32 and the tank passage 33 by stroking, and also adjusts the opening degree of the second swing spool 24. In this way, the second swing spool 24 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the second supply / discharge port 4b of the swing motor 4.

[0035] The spools 23, 24 also stroke independently of each other, so that the spools 23, 24 can control the meter-in flow rate and the meter-out flow rate for each of the supply and discharge ports 4a, 4b of the swing motor 4 independently of each other.

[0036] [Converging Spool] The converging spool 25 is disposed in the converging passage 50 connecting the two main passages 31, 32, and opens and closes the converging passage 50. The converging spool 25 receives the pilot pressure output from the solenoid valve 25b in a direction against the biasing force of a spring mechanism 25d (described in detail later), and strokes to a position corresponding to the pilot pressure of the solenoid valve 25b. The converging spool 25 opens and closes the converging passage 50 by stroking, and also adjusts the opening degree of the converging spool 25. In this way, the converging spool 25 merges the hydraulic fluid from the second main passage 32 to the first main passage 31 and in the opposite direction, and also controls the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid to be merged.

[0037] [Boom Regenerative Valve Disk] The boom regenerative valve disk 26 is connected to the head side passage 41 and the second arm passage 38. More specifically, the boom regenerative valve disk 26 is connected to the head side passage 41 so as to be parallel to the spools 18, 19. The boom regenerative valve disk 26 is also connected to the second arm passage 38 downstream of the check valve 38a so as to be parallel to the spools 15, 17. The boom regenerative valve disk 26 regenerates hydraulic fluid discharged from the head side port 5a of the boom cylinder 5 to the arm cylinder 6. More specifically, the boom regenerative valve disk 26 opens and closes in response to the pilot pressure output from the solenoid valve 26a, and adjusts the opening degree of the boom regenerative valve disk 26. In this way, the boom regenerative valve disk 26 regenerates hydraulic fluid from the head side port 5a of the boom cylinder 5 to the head side port 6a or the rod side port 6b of the arm cylinder 6, and controls the regenerated flow rate.

[0038] <Specific Configuration of Multi-Control Valve> The specific configuration of the multi-control valve 1 will be described below. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the multi-control valve 1 includes the valve block 11 and multiple spools 12-25, as described above. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the multi-control valve 1 includes multiple spool covers 12c-25c, multiple spring mechanisms 12d-25d, and multiple solenoid valves 12a-24a, 12b-25b. The valve block 11 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. The valve block 11 includes a block main body 11a, multiple first spool holes 11b, multiple second spool holes 11c, multiple bulkhead mounting holes 11d, a bulkhead member 11e, and a cover member 11f.

[0039] The block body 11a is formed, for example, in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. The block body 11a is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view from one side in the height direction. In this embodiment, the block body 11a includes a first block member 11g and a second block member 11h. The block body 11a can be divided into the first block member 11g and the second block member 11h in the height direction. The block body 11a is formed with a plurality of first spool holes 11b and a plurality of second spool holes 11c as follows:

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3 , the plurality of first spool holes 11b are formed on one widthwise side surface of the block body 11a. More specifically, the plurality of first spool holes 11b are arranged in two rows on one widthwise side surface of the block body 11a. In this embodiment, for example, six first spool holes 11b are formed on one widthwise side surface of the block body 11a. The six first spool holes 11b are arranged in two rows in the depth direction, which is an example of a row direction. Each row has three first spool holes 11b arranged in the height direction. In each row, the spool holes 11b are aligned vertically. In this embodiment, two first spool holes 11b are formed in the first block member 11g and four in the second block member 11h. Furthermore, the six first spool holes 11b extend in the width direction from one widthwise side surface of the block body 11a.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4 , the plurality of second spool holes 11c are formed on the other widthwise side of the block body 11a. More specifically, the plurality of second spool holes 11c are arranged in two rows in the depth direction on the other widthwise side of the block body 11a. In this embodiment, eight second spool holes 11c are formed on the other widthwise side of the block body 11a. The eight second spool holes 11c are arranged in two rows in the depth direction, with four holes in each row in the height direction. In each row, the second spool holes 11c are aligned vertically. In this embodiment, four second spool holes 11c are formed in each of the block members 11g and 11h. The eight second spool holes 11c extend widthwise from the other widthwise side of the block body 11a. Of the eight second spool holes 11c, six second spool holes 11c are arranged to correspond to the first spool holes 11b, respectively, and extend toward the corresponding first spool holes 11b. Therefore, two corresponding spool holes 11b, 11c are arranged in the width direction. In this embodiment, each second spool hole 11c is arranged in the same row as the corresponding first spool hole 11b in the width direction. That is, two corresponding spool holes 11b, 11c are arranged in a row in the width direction.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the multiple partition wall mounting holes 11d are holes extending in the height direction, which is an example of the second direction. Each partition wall mounting hole 11d penetrates the block body 11a in the height direction, for example, from the top surface to the bottom surface. In this embodiment, two partition wall mounting holes 11d are formed in each of the block members 11g and 11h. The partition wall mounting holes 11d penetrate between the first spool holes 11b and the second spool holes 11c. More specifically, one partition wall mounting hole 11d is formed on each side of each row of spool holes 11b in the height direction, penetrating between the first spool holes 11b and the second spool holes 11c in each row. This allows the two spool holes 11b, 11c to communicate with each other via the partition wall mounting holes 11d.

[0043] The partition wall members 11e are inserted into the partition wall mounting holes 11d. As a result, each partition wall member 11e forms a partition wall 11j between the first spool hole 11b and the second spool hole 11c (see FIGS. 6 to 9, which will be described in detail later). The partition wall 11j is a wall for separating the corresponding first spool hole 11b and second spool hole 11c. The partition wall member 11e shown in FIG. 10 is a rod-shaped member, such as a round bar member with a circular cross-section. The outer dimensions of the partition wall member 11e are formed to be approximately the same as the shape of the partition wall mounting hole 11d. The partition wall member 11e may be a rod-shaped member with a rounded rectangular cross-section or a rod-shaped member with another cross-sectional shape. The partition wall member 11e is fitted into the partition wall mounting hole 11d to prevent hydraulic fluid from leaking from the partition wall mounting hole 11d. More specifically, the valve block 11 has four partition wall members 11e. Each partition member 11e is inserted into each partition mounting hole 11d from the opening on one side in the height direction and the other side. Each partition member 11e forms a partition 11j between the first spool hole 11b and the second spool hole 11c. Each partition member 11e also has a notch 27 and a positioning portion 28.

[0044] The notch portion 27 has a first surface 27a and a second surface 27b that are parallel to each other (see also FIGS. 6 to 9). In this embodiment, the notch portion 27 is formed by cutting out the outer peripheral surface of the partition member 11e. That is, the distance between the first surface 27a and the second surface 27b is shorter than the diameter of the partition member 11e. The notch portion 27 is located between the first spool hole 11b and the second spool hole 11c. More specifically, the notch portion 27 is located between the first spool hole 11b and the second spool hole 11c such that the first surface 27a faces the first spool hole 11b and the second surface 27b faces the second spool hole 11c. As a result, the notch portion 27 forms a partition wall 11j between the first spool hole 11b and the second spool hole 11c.

[0045] The positioning portion 28 determines the axial position of the partition wall member 11e in the partition wall mounting hole 11d. More specifically, the positioning portion 28 determines the axial position of the partition wall member 11e so that the first surface 27a faces the first spool hole 11b and the second surface 27b faces the second spool hole 11c. In this embodiment, the positioning portion 28 is located at one axial end of the partition wall member 11e and is formed in the same manner as the notch 27. That is, the positioning portion 28 has two surfaces formed parallel to each other.

[0046] The cover members 11f are provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the block body 11a, respectively, and close the openings of the partition wall mounting holes 11d formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the block body 11a. The cover members 11f also have fitting portions 11i formed at positions corresponding to the partition wall mounting holes 11d. The fitting portions 11i are formed to correspond to the positioning portions 28, and fit into the positioning portions 28. This prevents the cover members 11f from rotating in the partition wall mounting holes 11d.

[0047] The spools 12 to 25 are inserted into the valve block 11 as follows. That is, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 , each of the spools 12 to 25 is slidably inserted into a first spool bore 11b and a second spool bore 11c of the valve block 11. In this embodiment, each of the spools 16, 17, 20, 22, 24, and 25, which are examples of first spools, is slidably inserted into the first spool bore 11b. Each of the spools 16, 17, 20, 22, and 24 forms an inner pilot chamber 16e, 17e, 20e, 22e, or 24e, which is an example of a first pilot chamber, between itself and the partition wall member 11e (more specifically, the partition wall 11j) in the first spool bore 11b. The remaining spools 12 to 15, 18, 19, 21, and 23, which are examples of second spools, are slidably inserted into the second spool bore 11c. Furthermore, inner pilot chambers 12e to 15e, 18e, 19e, 21e, and 23e are formed between the spools 12 to 15, 18, 19, 21, and 23 and the partition wall member 11e at the second spool hole 11c. Note that inner pilot chambers 14e, 15e, 18e, 19e, 21e, and 23e, which are examples of second pilot chambers, are formed between the spools 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, and 23 and the partition wall 11j at the second spool hole 11c. Pilot pressure is introduced to each of the inner pilot chambers 12e to 24e, and each of the spools 12 to 24 receives the pilot pressure of the inner pilot chambers 12e to 24e in a direction away from the partition wall 11j (hereinafter referred to as the "axial outward direction").

[0048] More specifically, the boom rod spool 20, the first arm rod spool 16, and the bucket rod spool 22 are slidably inserted into the first spool holes 11b in the row on one side in the depth direction, in that order from one side in the height direction. The junction spool 25, the second arm rod spool 17, and the second swing spool 24 are slidably inserted into the first spool holes 11b in the row on the other side in the depth direction, in that order from one side in the height direction. On the other hand, the first traveling spool 12, the first boom head side spool 18, the first arm head side spool 14, and the bucket head side spool 21 are slidably inserted into the second spool holes 11c in the row on one side in the depth direction, in that order from one side in the height direction. In addition, the second traveling spool 13, the second boom head side spool 19, the second arm head side spool 15, and the first swivel spool 23 are slidably inserted into each of the second spool holes 11c in the row on the other side in the depth direction, in that order from one side in the height direction.

[0049] The spool covers 12c to 25c are provided on the block body 11a so as to cover the openings of the spool holes 11b and 11c. That is, the spool covers 12c to 25c are provided on the block body 11a so as to cover the corresponding spools 12 to 25. More specifically, spool covers 16c, 17c, 20c, 24c, and 25c are provided on one widthwise side of the block body 11a, and spool covers 12c to 15c, 18c, 19c, 21c, and 23c are provided on the other widthwise side of the block body 11a. In this embodiment, the spool covers 12c to 25c are integrally formed with two adjacent spool covers 12c to 25c to form cover bodies 61 to 68. In this embodiment, the spool covers 20c and 25c are integrally formed with the covers 61a and 62a to form cover bodies 61 and 62. Furthermore, the two adjacent spool covers 12c to 25c do not necessarily have to be formed integrally with the other cover.

[0050] More specifically, in this embodiment, the multi-control valve 1 includes four first cover bodies 61-64 and four second cover bodies 65-68. The four first cover bodies 61-64 are provided on one widthwise side of the block main body 11a (i.e., one widthwise side of the valve block 11). Two first cover bodies 61-64 are provided for each row of first spool holes 11b. Each first cover body 63, 64 covers two adjacent first spool holes 11b. The four second cover bodies 65-68 are provided on the other widthwise side of the block main body 11a (i.e., the other widthwise side of the valve block 11). Two second cover bodies 65-68 are provided for each row of second spool holes 11c, covering two adjacent second spool holes 11c.

[0051] Additionally, outer pilot chambers 12f to 25f are formed within the spool covers 12c to 25c. The outer pilot chambers 12f to 25f correspond to the spools 12 to 25, respectively. Pilot pressure is introduced into the outer pilot chambers 12f to 25f. The pilot pressure in each of the outer pilot chambers 12f to 24f acts on the corresponding spool 12 to 24 in a direction opposing the pilot pressure in the inner pilot chambers 12e to 24e (hereinafter referred to as "axially inward"). The pilot pressure in the outer pilot chamber 25f also acts on the corresponding merging spool 25.

[0052] The spring mechanisms 12d to 25d are housed in the spool covers 12c to 25c, respectively. In this embodiment, the spring mechanisms 12d to 25d are housed in the outer pilot chambers 12f to 25f, respectively. The spring mechanisms 12d to 25d correspond to the spools 12 to 25, and bias the corresponding spools 12 to 25. More specifically, the spring mechanisms 12d to 25d bias the spools 12 to 25 in the direction opposite to the stroke direction of the corresponding spools 12 to 25. This returns the spools 12 to 25 to their neutral positions.

[0053] The first solenoid valves 12a to 24a correspond to the spools 12 to 24, respectively. The first solenoid valves 12a to 24a output pilot pressures corresponding to signals input to the corresponding spools 12 to 24. In this embodiment, the first solenoid valves 12a to 24a are attached to the spool covers 12c to 24c of the corresponding spools 12 to 24, and are connected to the inner pilot chambers 12e to 24e, respectively. The first solenoid valves 12a to 24a output pilot pressures to the corresponding inner pilot chambers 12e to 24e.

[0054] More specifically, the first solenoid valves 12a and 13a output pilot pressure to the inner pilot chambers 12e and 13e. Further, the solenoid valves 16a, 17a, 20a, 22a, and 24a, which are examples of one type of solenoid valve, output pilot pressure to the inner pilot chambers 16e, 17e, 20e, 22e, and 24e, respectively. Further, the solenoid valves 14a, 15a, 18a, 19a, 21a, and 23a, which are examples of the other type of solenoid valve, output pilot pressure to the inner pilot chambers 14e, 15e, 18e, 19e, 21e, and 23e, respectively.

[0055] The second solenoid valves 12b to 24b and the solenoid valve 25b correspond to the spools 12 to 25, respectively. The second solenoid valves 12b to 24b and the solenoid valve 25b output pilot pressures according to signals input to the corresponding spools 12 to 25. In this embodiment, the second solenoid valves 12b to 24b and the solenoid valve 25b are attached to the spool covers 12c to 25c of the corresponding spools 12 to 25, and are connected to the outer pilot chambers 12f to 25f, respectively. The second solenoid valves 12b to 24b and the solenoid valve 25b output pilot pressures to the corresponding outer pilot chambers 12f to 25f, respectively.

[0056] More specifically, the pilot pressures output from the first solenoid valves 12a to 24a and the second solenoid valves 12b to 24b act in opposing directions on the corresponding spools 12 to 24. The biasing forces of the spring mechanisms 12d to 24d also act in opposing directions on the corresponding spools 12 to 24, respectively, of the first solenoid valves 12a to 24a and the second solenoid valves 12b to 24b. Therefore, each spool 12 to 24 strokes to a position where the pilot pressures of the solenoid valves 12a to 24a and 12b to 24b and the biasing forces of the spring mechanisms 12d to 24d are balanced. As a result, each spool 12 to 24 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid in accordance with the signals input to the solenoid valves 12a to 24a and 12b to 24b. The pilot pressure output from the solenoid valve 25b acts in a direction against the biasing force of the spring mechanism 25d, and the confluence spool 25 strokes to a position where the pilot pressure of the solenoid valve 25b and the biasing force of the spring mechanism 25d are balanced. As a result, the confluence spool 25 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid in accordance with the signals input to each solenoid valve 25b.

[0057] The first solenoid valves 12a to 24a, the second solenoid valves 12b to 24b, and the solenoid valve 25b are arranged in the spool covers 12c to 25c as follows: The second solenoid valves 12b to 24b and the solenoid valve 25b are arranged axially outward of the corresponding spools 12 to 25. More specifically, the second solenoid valves 12b to 24b and the solenoid valve 25b are arranged so that their axes coincide with the axes of the corresponding spools 12 to 25. The first solenoid valves 12a to 24a are arranged adjacent to the second solenoid valves 12b to 24b. In this embodiment, the first solenoid valves 12a to 19a, 21a to 24a are arranged between two adjacent solenoid valves 12b to 19b, 21b to 24b.

[0058] The various passages 31-50 and the pump ports 31a, 32a are formed in the block body 11a as follows. That is, the first main passage 31 and the second main passage 32 are arranged separately on one side and the other side in the depth direction, sandwiching the first spool hole 11b and the second spool hole 11c, as shown in FIG. 6. The first main passage 31 and the second main passage 32 extend in the height direction (see also FIGS. 7 to 9) and open to one side and the other side in the depth direction via the pump ports 31a, 32a, respectively. In addition, the various passages 33-50 are formed in the block body 11a to realize the hydraulic circuit 1a described above. An example of the arrangement of the various passages 33-50 will be described below.

[0059] 6 , the first traveling passage 34 and the second traveling passage 35 are adjacent to the first traveling spool 12 and the second traveling spool 13, respectively, and are spaced apart on one and the other sides in the depth direction. The first traveling passage 34 connects the first main passage 31 and the first traveling spool 12, and the second traveling passage 35 connects the second main passage 32 and the second traveling spool 13. In the first traveling spool 12, passages connected to the first supply / discharge port 2a and the second supply / discharge port 2b are connected to both axial sides of the first traveling passage 34, and the tank passage 33 is connected to the outer sides of these ports in the axial direction. Similarly, in the second traveling spool 13, passages connected to the first supply / discharge port 3a and the second supply / discharge port 3b are connected to both axial sides of the second traveling passage 35, and the tank passage 33 is connected to the outer sides of these ports in the axial direction.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7 , the first boom passage 40 and the second boom passage 42 are spaced apart on one and the other sides in the depth direction. The first boom passage 40 is arranged adjacent to the first boom head side spool 18 and the boom rod side spool 20. The first boom passage 40 is connected to the first main passage 31 and branches off midway from the first main passage 31 to connect to the first boom head side spool 18 and the boom rod side spool 20. A check valve 40a is disposed in the first boom passage 40 at its branching point. The first boom head side spool 18 is connected in this order axially outward from the first boom passage 40 to the head side passage 41 and the tank passage 33. The boom rod side spool 20 is connected in this order axially outward from the first boom passage 40 to the rod side passage 43 and the tank passage 33. The rod-side passage 43 is connected to the rod-side port 5b of the boom cylinder 5 via a rod-side connection port 43a that opens on one depth-direction side surface that is a side surface on one depth direction side. The head-side passage 41 extends to the other depth-direction side surface that is a side surface on the other depth direction, straddling the second boom head-side spool 19, and is connected to the head-side port 5a of the boom cylinder 5 via head-side connection ports 41a, 41b that open on both depth-direction side surfaces, respectively.

[0061] The second boom passage 42 is arranged adjacent to the second boom head side spool 19. The second boom passage 42 is connected to the second main passage 32 and the second boom head side spool 19 with a check valve 35a interposed therebetween. The second boom head side spool 19 is also connected to the rod side passage 43 and the tank passage 33 axially outward from the second boom passage 42. Furthermore, the merging passage 50 is arranged adjacent to the other side of the merging spool 25 in the depth direction. The merging passage 50 connects the first main passage 31 and the second main passage 32 with the merging spool 25 interposed therebetween.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 8 , the first arm passage 36 and the second arm passage 38 are disposed at a distance from each other on one side and the other side in the depth direction. The first arm passage 36 is disposed adjacent to the first arm head side spool 14 and the first arm rod side spool 16. The first arm passage 36 is connected to the first main passage 31 and branches off midway from the first main passage 31 to connect to the first arm head side spool 14 and the first arm rod side spool 16. A check valve 36a is disposed in the first arm passage 36 at its branching point. A head side passage 37 and a tank passage 33 are connected to the first arm head side spool 14, in that order, axially outward from the first arm passage 36. A rod side passage 39 and a tank passage 33 are connected to the first arm rod side spool 16, axially outward from the first arm passage 36. The head-side passage 37 extends in the depth direction so as to straddle the two arm head-side spools 14, 15. The head-side passage 37 is connected to the head-side port 5a of the arm cylinder 6 via head-side connection ports 37a, 37b that open on both side surfaces in the depth direction. The rod-side passage 43 extends in the other depth direction so as to straddle the second arm rod-side spool 17. The rod-side passage 39 is connected to the rod-side port 5b of the arm cylinder 6 via a rod-side connection port 39a that opens on the other side surface in the depth direction.

[0063] The second arm passage 38 is disposed adjacent to the second arm head-side spool 15 and the second arm rod-side spool 17. The second arm passage 38 is connected to the second main passage 32, branches off midway from the second main passage 32, and is connected to the second arm head-side spool 15 and the second arm rod-side spool 17. A check valve 38a is disposed in the second arm passage 38 at its branching point. A head-side passage 37 and a tank passage 33 are connected in this order to the second arm head-side spool 15 axially outward from the second arm passage 38. A rod-side passage 39 and a tank passage 33 are connected in this order to the second arm rod-side spool 17 axially outward from the second arm passage 38.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 9 , the bucket passage 44 and the swing passage 47 are disposed separately on one and the other sides in the depth direction. The bucket passage 44 is disposed adjacent to the bucket head-side spool 21 and the bucket rod-side spool 22. The bucket passage 44 is connected to the first main passage 31 and branches off midway from the first main passage 31 to connect to the bucket head-side spool 21 and the bucket rod-side spool 22. A check valve 44a is disposed in the bucket passage 44 at its branching point. A head-side passage 45 and a tank passage 33 are connected in this order to the bucket head-side spool 21 axially outward from the bucket passage 44. A rod-side passage 46 and a tank passage 33 are connected in this order to the bucket rod-side spool 22 axially outward from the bucket passage 44. The head-side passage 45 is connected to the head-side port 7a of the bucket cylinder 7 via a head-side connection port 45a that opens on one side surface in the depth direction. The rod-side passage 46 is connected to the rod-side port 7b of the bucket cylinder 7 via a rod-side connection port 46a that opens on one side surface in the depth direction.

[0065] The orbit passage 47 is disposed adjacent to the first orbit spool 23 and the second orbit spool 24. The orbit passage 47 is connected to the second main passage 32 and branches off from the second main passage 32 to connect to the first orbit spool 23 and the second orbit spool 24. A check valve 47a is disposed in the orbit passage 47 at the branching point. A first supply / discharge passage 48 and a tank passage 33 are connected to the first orbit spool 23 axially outward from the orbit passage 47. A second supply / discharge passage 49 and a tank passage 33 are connected to the second orbit spool 24 axially outward from the orbit passage 47. The first supply / discharge passage 48 is connected to the first supply / discharge port 4a of the orbit motor 4 via an supply / discharge connection port 48a that opens on the other side surface in the depth direction. The second supply / discharge passage 49 is connected to the second supply / discharge port 4b of the swing motor 4 via a supply / discharge connection port 49a that opens on the other side surface in the depth direction.

[0066] <Flow of Hydraulic Fluid in the Multi-Control Valve> When driving the traveling device, the multi-control valve 1 operates as follows. That is, the multi-control valve 1 outputs pilot pressure from at least one of the solenoid valves 12a, 12b, 13a, and 13b. For example, when pilot pressure is output from the first solenoid valves 12a and 13a, the pilot pressure is directed to the inner pilot chambers 12e and 13e, respectively, and the traveling spools 12 and 13 are actuated. As a result, hydraulic fluid is supplied from the hydraulic pump 8 to the first traveling motor 2 via the first traveling spool 12, and from the hydraulic pump 9 to the second traveling motor 3 via the second traveling spool 13. This drives the traveling device.

[0067] Furthermore, when rotating the swing body, the multi-control valve 1 operates as follows. That is, the multi-control valve 1 outputs pilot pressure from one of the solenoid valves 23a, 23b, 24a, and 24b. For example, when pilot pressure is output from the solenoid valves 23b and 24a, the pilot pressure is introduced into the pilot chambers 23f and 24e, operating the swing motor 4. At this time, hydraulic fluid is supplied from the hydraulic pump 8 to the first supply / discharge port 4a via the first swing spool 23, and is then discharged from the second supply / discharge port 4b to the second swing spool 24 and into the tank 10. The first swing spool 23 and the second swing spool 24 can independently stroke, and their respective openings can be adjusted independently. Therefore, the multi-control valve 1 can independently control the flow rates of the fluid flowing through the first supply / discharge port 4a and the second supply / discharge port 4b, enabling more precise control of the swing motor 4.

[0068] Furthermore, the multi-control valve 1 operates as follows when operating the arm. That is, for example, when the multi-control valve 1 extends the arm cylinder 6, pilot pressure is output from the solenoid valves 15b and 17a. This leads to pilot chambers 15f and 17e. As a result, hydraulic fluid from the second hydraulic pump 9 is led to the head side port 6a, and the arm cylinder 6 extends. Furthermore, when a large flow rate is required through the head side port 6a of the arm cylinder 6, pilot pressure is also output from the solenoid valves 14b and 16a. This leads to pilot chambers 14f and 16e, and hydraulic fluid from the first hydraulic pump 8 can also be led to the head side port 6a of the arm cylinder 6 via the first arm head side spool 14. This allows a large flow rate of hydraulic fluid to flow through the head side port 6a of the arm cylinder 6. On the other hand, when the multi-control valve 1 retracts the arm cylinder 6, pilot pressure is output from the solenoid valves 15a and 17b. This causes pilot pressure to be introduced into pilot chambers 15e and 17f, contracting the arm cylinder 6. Furthermore, by outputting pilot pressure from solenoid valves 14a and 16b, a larger flow rate of hydraulic fluid can be made to flow into the rod-side port 6b of the arm cylinder 6.

[0069] In the arm cylinder 6 that extends and retracts in this manner, hydraulic fluid is supplied to and discharged from the head side port 6a via the arm head side spools 14, 15, and hydraulic fluid is supplied to and discharged from the rod side port 6b via the arm rod side spools 16, 17. Each of the spools 14 to 17 can stroke independently of one another, and their respective openings can be adjusted independently of one another. Therefore, with the multi-control valve 1, the flow rates supplied to and discharged from the head side port 6a and the rod side port 6b can also be controlled independently, allowing for more precise control of the arm cylinder 6.

[0070] Furthermore, the multi-control valve 1 operates as follows when operating the boom. That is, when the multi-control valve 1 extends the boom cylinder 5, for example, pilot pressure is output from the solenoid valves 18b and 20a. This leads to pilot chambers 18f and 20e. As a result, hydraulic fluid from the first hydraulic pump 8 is directed to the head-side port 5a, extending the boom cylinder 5. Furthermore, when a larger flow rate is required through the head-side port 5a of the boom cylinder 5, pilot pressure is also output from the solenoid valve 19b. This leads to pilot chamber 19f, and hydraulic fluid from the second hydraulic pump 9 is also directed to the head-side port 5a of the boom cylinder 5 via the second boom head-side spool 19. This allows a larger flow rate through the head-side port 5a of the boom cylinder 5. On the other hand, when the multi-control valve 1 retracts the boom cylinder 5, pilot pressure is output from the solenoid valves 18a and 20b. As a result, pilot pressure is introduced into the pilot chambers 18e and 20f, causing the boom cylinder 5 to contract.

[0071] In the boom cylinder 5 that extends and retracts in this manner, hydraulic fluid is supplied to and discharged from the head side port 5a via the boom head side spools 18, 19, and hydraulic fluid is supplied to and discharged from the rod side port 5b via the rod side spool 20. The spools 18-20 can stroke independently of one another, and their respective openings can be adjusted independently of one another. Therefore, with the multi-control valve 1, the flow rates supplied to and discharged from the head side port 5a and the rod side port 5b can also be controlled independently, allowing for more precise control of the boom cylinder 5.

[0072] Furthermore, in the multi-control valve 1, when the arm and boom are moved simultaneously and the boom is retracted, pilot pressure is output from the solenoid valve 26a, which allows the hydraulic fluid discharged from the head side port 5a of the boom cylinder 5 to be regenerated in the arm cylinder 6.

[0073] Furthermore, when operating the bucket, the multi-control valve 1 operates as follows. That is, when the multi-control valve 1 extends the bucket cylinder 7, for example, pilot pressure is output from the solenoid valves 21b and 22a. This leads to pilot pressure being introduced into pilot chambers 21f and 22e, causing the bucket cylinder 7 to extend. On the other hand, when the multi-control valve 1 retracts the bucket cylinder 7, pilot pressure is output from the solenoid valves 21a and 22b. This leads to pilot pressure being introduced into pilot chambers 21e and 22f, causing the bucket cylinder 7 to retract.

[0074] In the multi-control valve 1 of this embodiment, the partition wall 11j separates the first spool hole 11b from the second spool hole 11c. The partition wall 11j forms inner pilot chambers 16e, 17e, 20e, 22e, and 24e between the first spool hole 11b and the spools 16, 17, 20, 22, and 24, and forms inner pilot chambers 14e, 15e, 18e, 19e, 21e, and 23e between the second spool hole 11c and the spools 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, and 23. Pilot pressures are output to the inner pilot chambers 16e, 17e, 20e, 22e, and 24e and the inner pilot chambers 14e, 15e, 18e, 19e, 21e, and 23e from separate solenoid valves 14a to 24a. Therefore, by outputting pilot pressure to the inner pilot chambers 16e, 17e, 20e, 22e, and 24e, the spools 16, 17, 20, 22, 24, and 25 can be stroked outward in the axial direction independently of the movements of the spools 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, and 23. The same applies to the second spools 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, and 23. Therefore, the spools 14 to 24 arranged in the width direction can be stroked outward in the axial direction independently.

[0075] In the multi-control valve 1 of this embodiment, the partition member 11e is inserted into the partition mounting hole 11d to form a partition between the first spool hole 11b and the second spool hole 11c, making it easy to form the partition 11j.

[0076] Furthermore, in the multi-control valve 1 of this embodiment, the first spool holes 11b are arranged in two rows, each row aligned vertically, and the second spool holes 11c are aligned widthwise to correspond to the first spool holes 11b. The partition wall mounting holes 11d extend between the corresponding first spool holes 11b and second spool holes 11c, respectively, so that the corresponding first spool holes 11b and second spool holes 11c are in communication with each other. The partition wall members 11e are inserted through the partition wall mounting holes 11d and positioned between the corresponding first spool holes 11b and second spool holes 11c, forming partition walls 11j between the corresponding first spool holes 11b and second spool holes 11c. Therefore, a single partition wall member 11e can form partition walls 11j at multiple locations, thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0077] Furthermore, in the multi-control valve 1 of this embodiment, the notch 27 of the partition member 11e is formed by cutting out the outer circumferential surface and is positioned between the first spool bore 11b and the second spool bore 11c, with the first surface 27a facing the first spool bore 11b and the second surface 27b facing the second spool bore 11c, forming the partition 11j. This allows the lengths of the spool bores 11b and 11c to be shortened by the amount of the cutout, thereby shortening the width of the valve block 11.

[0078] Furthermore, in the multi-control valve 1 of this embodiment, the cover member 11f prevents the partition member 11e from rotating in the partition mounting hole 11d, thereby maintaining the first surface 27a facing the first spool hole 11b and the second surface 27b facing the second spool hole 11c.

[0079] Furthermore, in the multi-control valve 1 of this embodiment, the spools 12 to 25 arranged in the width direction can independently stroke in directions away from each other. Therefore, the multi-control valve 1 is particularly useful as a multi-control valve that independently controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to each of the ports 5a to 7a and ports 5b to 7b of the actuators 4 to 7.

[0080] Furthermore, in the multi-control valve 1 of this embodiment, the second spool holes 11c are arranged in two rows of four each, aligned in the first direction to correspond to each of the first spool holes 11b, and each row is aligned in the second direction. Furthermore, two second cover bodies 65-68 are arranged for each row of second spool holes 11c, and are positioned in the valve block 11 so as to cover two adjacent second spool holes 11c. This allows the multi-control valve 1 to be made compact.

[0081] [Second Embodiment] A multi-control valve 1A of the second embodiment is similar in configuration to the multi-control valve 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the configuration of the multi-control valve 1A of the second embodiment will be mainly described in terms of differences from the multi-control valve 1 of the first embodiment, and the same components will be assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted. The same applies to a multi-control valve 1B of the third embodiment.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 11 , the multi-control valve 1A of the second embodiment includes a valve block 11A, multiple spools 12-25, and a boom regeneration valve element 26. More specifically, the multi-control valve 1A includes multiple spool covers 12c-25c, multiple spring mechanisms 12d-25d, and multiple solenoid valves 12a-24a and 12b-25b. The multi-control valve 1A also includes a hydraulic circuit 1a similar to the multi-control valve 1 of the first embodiment. The valve block 11A includes a block main body 11Aa, multiple first spool holes 11Ab, multiple second spool holes 11Ac, and a partition member 11Ae (see FIGS. 12 and 13 ). The valve block 11A is formed, for example, in a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0083] The block body 11Aa includes a first block member 11Ag and a second block member 11Ah. The first block member 11Ag and the second block member 11Ah are formed, for example, in a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first block member 11Ag and the second block member 11Ah are formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from one side in the width direction and the other side in the width direction, respectively. However, the first block member 11Ag and the second block member 11Ah are not limited to the shapes described above. The first block member 11Ag and the second block member 11Ah are arranged in the width direction with a partition member 11Ae (described in detail later) interposed between them. The block body 11Aa is formed with a plurality of first spool holes 11Ab and a plurality of second spool holes 11Ac as follows.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 12 , the plurality of first spool holes 11Ab are formed on one widthwise side surface of the block body 11Aa. More specifically, the plurality of first spool holes 11Ab are arranged in two rows on one widthwise side surface of the first block member 11Ag. In this embodiment, for example, seven first spool holes 11Ab are formed on one widthwise side surface of the first block member 11Ag. The seven first spool holes 11Ab are arranged in two rows in the depth direction, with four first spool holes 11Ab arranged in the height direction in one row on the depth direction and three first spool holes 11Ab arranged in the other row on the depth direction. Furthermore, the seven first spool holes 11Ab penetrate the first block member 11Ag in the width direction and extend to the partition member 11Ae, which will be described in detail later.

[0085] Although not shown, the multiple second spool holes 11Ac are formed on the other widthwise side surface of the block body 11Aa. More specifically, the multiple second spool holes 11Ac are arranged in two rows on the other widthwise side surface of the second block member 11Ah. In this embodiment, seven second spool holes 11Ac are formed on the other widthwise side surface of the second block member 11Ah, similar to the first spool holes 11b. The seven first spool holes 11Ab are arranged in two rows in the depth direction, with four first spool holes 11Ab arranged in a row in the height direction on one side of the depth direction, and three first spool holes 11Ab arranged in a row on the other side of the depth direction. The seven second spool holes 11Ac are arranged in two rows in the depth direction, corresponding to each of the first spool holes 11Ab. The seven second spool holes 11Ac also extend in one widthwise direction from the other widthwise side surface of the block body 11a. The seven second spool holes 11Ac extend toward the corresponding first spool holes 11Ab and are aligned with the corresponding first spool holes 11Ab in the width direction. In this embodiment, two corresponding spool holes 11Ab, 11Ac are aligned in the width direction. More specifically, the second spool holes 11Ac are aligned with the corresponding first spool holes 11Ab so that their axes are aligned. The seven second spool holes 11Ac also penetrate the second block member 11Ah in the width direction and extend to the partition member 11Ae, which will be described in detail later.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 11 , the partition member 11Ae is interposed between the first block member 11Ag and the second block member 11Ah, blocking the first spool hole 11Ab and the second spool hole 11Ac. As a result, the partition member 11Ae forms a partition 11Aj between the corresponding first spool hole 11Ab and second spool hole 11Ac, as shown in FIG. 13 . More specifically, the partition member 11Ae is, for example, a rectangular block when viewed widthwise, and is formed with the same shape as each of the block members 11Ag and 11Ah when viewed widthwise. As described above, each of the spool holes 11b and 11c extends to the partition member 11Ae, forming a recess 11k in the partition member 11Ae. In each of the spool holes 11b and 11c, the recess 11k forms a pilot chamber 12e to 24e. That is, the pilot chambers 12e to 24e are formed in the partition member 11Ae.

[0087] The spools 12 to 25 are inserted into the valve block 11 as follows. That is, each of the spools 12 to 25 is slidably inserted into the first spool bore 11Ab and the second spool bore 11Ac of the valve block 11. In this embodiment, each of the spools 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 to 22, which are an example of a first spool, is slidably inserted into the first spool bore 11Ab. Each of the spools 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 to 22 forms an inner pilot chamber 12e, 14e, 16e, 18e, and 20e to 22e, which are an example of a first pilot chamber, between itself and the partition wall 11Aj in the first spool bore 11Ab. In this embodiment, the spools 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 to 22 form an inner pilot chamber 12e, 14e, 16e, 18e, and 20e to 22e in the recess 11k. The remaining spools 13, 15, 17, 19, 23 to 25, which are examples of second spools, are slidably inserted into the second spool bore 11Ac. The spools 13, 15, 17, 19, 23, and 24 form inner pilot chambers 13e, 15e, 17e, 19e, 23e, and 24e, which are examples of second pilot chambers, between the spools 13, 15, 17, 19, 23, and 24 and the partition wall 11Aj in the second spool bore 11Ac. In this embodiment, the spools 13, 15, 17, 19, 23, and 24 form the inner pilot chambers 13e, 15e, 17e, 19e, 23e, and 24e in the recess 11k.

[0088] Pilot pressure from the first solenoid valves 12a to 24a is introduced to each of the inner pilot chambers 12e to 24e. More specifically, each of the solenoid valves 12a, 14a, 16a, 18a, and 20a to 22a, which are an example of one solenoid valve, outputs pilot pressure to each of the inner pilot chambers 12e, 14e, 16e, 18e, and 20e to 22e. Furthermore, each of the solenoid valves 13a, 15a, 17a, 19a, 23a, and 24a, which are an example of the other solenoid valve, outputs pilot pressure to each of the inner pilot chambers 13e, 15e, 17e, 19e, 23e, and 24e. Each of the spools 12 to 24 receives pilot pressure from the inner pilot chambers 12e to 24e axially outward.

[0089] More specifically, the first traveling spool 12, the bucket rod side spool 22, the first arm head side spool 14, and the boom rod side spool 20 are slidably inserted into the first spool holes 11Ab in the row on one side in the depth direction, in that order from one side in the height direction. The bucket head side spool 21, the first arm rod side spool 16, and the first boom head side spool 18 are slidably inserted into the first spool holes 11Ab in the row on the other side in the depth direction, in that order from one side in the height direction. On the other hand, the second traveling spool 13, the first swing spool 23, the second arm head side spool 15, and the junction spool 25 are slidably inserted into the second spool holes 11Ac in the row on one side in the width direction, in that order from one side in the height direction. In addition, the second spool holes 11Ac in the row on the other side in the depth direction are slidably inserted, in order from one side in the height direction, into the second spool holes 11Ac.

[0090] The first solenoid valves 12a to 24a correspond to the spools 12 to 24, respectively. The first solenoid valves 12a to 24a output pilot pressures corresponding to signals input to the corresponding spools 12 to 24. In this embodiment, the first solenoid valves 12a to 24a are attached to the partition member 11Ae. The first solenoid valves 12a to 24a are connected to the inner pilot chambers 12e to 24e of the corresponding spools 12 to 24, respectively. Each of the first solenoid valves 12a to 24a outputs pilot pressure to the inner pilot chambers 12e to 24e connected thereto.

[0091] The second solenoid valves 12b to 24b and the solenoid valve 25b also correspond to the spools 12 to 25, respectively. The second solenoid valves 12b to 24b and the solenoid valve 25b output pilot pressures according to signals input to the corresponding spools 12 to 25. In this embodiment, the second solenoid valves 12b to 24b and the solenoid valve 25b are attached to the partition member 11Ae. The second solenoid valves 12b to 24b and the solenoid valve 25b are connected to the outer pilot chambers 12f to 25f, respectively. The second solenoid valves 12b to 24b and the solenoid valve 25b output pilot pressures to the corresponding outer pilot chambers 12f to 25f.

[0092] The pilot pressures output from the solenoid valves 12a to 24a and 12b to 24b configured in this manner act in opposing directions on the corresponding spools 12 to 24, similar to the case of the multi-control valve 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the spools 12 to 24 also stroke to positions where the biasing forces of the solenoid valves 12a to 24a and 12b to 24b and the spring mechanisms 12d to 25d are balanced.

[0093] The solenoid valves 12a to 24a and 12b to 25b are attached to the partition member 11Ae in the following manner. Specifically, the first solenoid valves 12a to 24a are arranged, for example, on the same plane as the corresponding spools 12 to 24, perpendicular to the height direction (see, for example, the cross-sectional view in FIG. 13). The second solenoid valves 12b to 24b are arranged adjacent to the first solenoid valves 12a to 24a of the corresponding spools 12 to 24. In this embodiment, the second solenoid valves 12b to 24b are arranged between adjacent first solenoid valves 12a to 24a. As a result, the first solenoid valves 12a to 24a and the second solenoid valves 12b to 24b are attached to the partition member 11Ae and aligned in two rows in the width direction. The solenoid valve 25b is arranged, for example, on the same plane as the spool 25, perpendicular to the height direction.

[0094] The various passages 31-50 and the pump ports 31a, 32a are formed in the block body 11Aa as follows. That is, the first main passage 31 and the second main passage 32 are spaced apart on one and the other widthwise sides of the partition wall member 11Ae, as shown in FIG. 13 . More specifically, the first main passage 31 is disposed in the first block member 11Ag, and the second main passage 32 is disposed in the second block member 11Ah. The first main passage 31 and the second main passage 32 extend in the height direction and open to the top surface via the pump ports 31a, 32a, as shown in FIG. 11 . More specifically, the first main passage 31 extends in the height direction between two rows of first spool holes 11Ab aligned in the width direction in a plan view in the height direction. Similarly, the second main passage 32 extends in the height direction between two rows of second spool holes 11Ac aligned in the width direction. The tank passage 33 runs throughout the valve block 11A and opens at the top surface via a tank port 33a. An example of the arrangement of the various passages 34-50 is formed in the block body 11Aa to realize the hydraulic circuit 1a described above, similar to the case of the multi-control valve 1 of the first embodiment. Below, as an example of the arrangement of the various passages 33-50, the passages 36-39 formed in the cross section of the multi-control valve 1 taken along the section line C1-C1 shown in FIG. 12 will be described. The configurations of the other various passages 33-35 and 40-50 are similar to the configuration of the passages 36-39. Therefore, the description of the various passages 33-35 and 40-50 will be omitted and reference will be made to the description of the passages 36-39.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 13 , the first arm passage 36 and the second arm passage 38 are spaced apart on one and the other widthwise sides. More specifically, the first arm passage 36 is disposed in the first block member 11Ag, and the second arm passage 38 is disposed in the second block member 11Ah. The first arm passage 36 is disposed between the first arm head-side spool 14 and the first arm rod-side spool 16. The first arm passage 36 is connected to the first main passage 31 and branches off midway from the first main passage 31 to connect to the first arm head-side spool 14 and the first arm rod-side spool 16. A check valve 36a is interposed in the first arm passage 36 at its branching point. The first arm head-side spool 14 is connected, in this order, to a head-side passage 37 and a tank passage 33 axially inward of the first arm passage 36. A rod-side passage 39 and a tank passage 33 are connected to the first arm rod-side spool 16 axially inward of the first arm passage 36. In this embodiment, the head-side passage 37 is U-shaped so as to straddle the two arm head-side spools 14, 15 and penetrate the partition member 11Ae. The head-side passage 37 is connected to the head-side port 5a of the arm cylinder 6 via head-side connection ports 37a, 37b opening on one side surface of each block member 11Ag, 11Ah in the depth direction. The rod-side passage 39 is U-shaped so as to penetrate the partition member 11Ae and straddle the second arm rod-side spool 17. The rod-side passage 39 is connected to the rod-side port 5b of the arm cylinder 6 via a rod-side connection port 39a opening on the other side surface in the depth direction.

[0096] The second arm passage 38 is disposed between the second arm head-side spool 15 and the second arm rod-side spool 17. The second arm passage 38 is connected to the second main passage 32, branches off midway from the second main passage 32, and is connected to the second arm head-side spool 15 and the second arm rod-side spool 17. A check valve 38a is disposed in the second arm passage 38 at its branching point. A head-side passage 37 and a tank passage 33 are connected in this order to the second arm head-side spool 15 axially inward of the second arm passage 38. A rod-side passage 39 and a tank passage 33 are connected in this order to the second arm rod-side spool 17 axially inward of the second arm passage 38.

[0097] <Flow of hydraulic fluid in the multi-control valve> In the multi-control valve 1A, the flow of hydraulic fluid when operating each of the actuators 2 to 7 is the same as the flow of hydraulic fluid in the multi-control valve 1A of the first embodiment. Therefore, for the flow of hydraulic fluid in the multi-control valve 1A, refer to the description of the flow of hydraulic fluid in the multi-control valve 1 of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted in this embodiment.

[0098] In the multi-control valve 1A of this embodiment, the partition member 11Ae is interposed between the first block member 11Ag and the second block member 11Ah, which are arranged in the width direction, so as to block the first spool hole 11Ab and the second spool hole 11Ac, thereby forming a partition 11j between the first spool hole 11Ab and the second spool hole 11Ac. Since the partition member 11Ae is interposed between the first block member 11Ag and the second block member 11Ah, the partition 11j can be formed, making it easy to form the partition 11j.

[0099] In the multi-control valve 1A of this embodiment, the first solenoid valves 12a to 24a and the second solenoid valves 12b to 24b are provided in the partition member 11Ae, respectively, so that the solenoid valve block can be omitted to accommodate the first solenoid valves 12a to 24a and the second solenoid valves 12b to 24b, thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0100] Furthermore, in the multi-control valve 1A of this embodiment, the inner pilot chambers 12e to 24e are formed in the partition member 11Ae. Therefore, the length of each spool hole 11b, 11c can be shortened by the length of each inner pilot chamber 12e to 24e formed in the partition member 11Ae. This allows the width of the valve block 11A to be shortened.

[0101] Furthermore, in the multi-control valve 1A of this embodiment, a partition separates the corresponding first spool bore 11Ab and second spool bore 11Ac. Therefore, the spools 14, 16, 18, 21, and 22 inserted into the first spool bore 11Ab and the spools 15, 17, 19, 23, and 24 inserted into the second spool bore 11Ac can be stroked independently. Therefore, unlike the prior art, it is not necessary to insert spools associated with the same actuator between the corresponding first spool bore 11Ab and second spool bore 11Ac. This allows the spools 21 and 22 associated with the same actuator 4-7, such as the bucket cylinder 7, to be inserted into each of two adjacent first spool bores 11Ab in the column direction. This improves the flexibility of the arrangement of the spools 14-24 in the multi-control valve 1.

[0102] The first main passage 31 is disposed between two first spool holes 11Ab adjacent to each other in the depth direction. This allows the length of the first main passage 31 to be shortened, thereby enabling the multi-control valve 1 to be made compact. The same applies to the second main passage 32.

[0103] In addition, the multi-control valve 1A of the second embodiment has the same functions and effects as the multi-control valve 1 of the first embodiment.

[0104] [Third Embodiment] As shown in FIG. 14, a multi-control valve 1B according to a third embodiment includes a valve block 11B. As shown in FIG. 15, the multi-control valve 1B also includes multiple spools 12-25, a boom regeneration valve element 26, and two unloading spools 29, 30. The two unloading spools 29, 30 are connected to main passages 31, 32, respectively, and also to a tank passage 33. Pilot pressures output from solenoid valves 29a, 30b and spring mechanisms 29d, 30d act in opposing directions on the two unloading spools 29, 30. Each of the unloading spools 29, 30 unloads hydraulic fluid from the main passages 31, 32 to the tank 10. The unloading spools 29, 30 adjust their openings in response to the pilot pressures output from the solenoid valves 29a, 30a, thereby adjusting the flow rate of the unloaded hydraulic fluid.

[0105] The valve block 11B is configured as follows. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 , the valve block 11B includes a block main body 11Ba, a plurality of first spool holes 11b, 11Bb, a plurality of second spool holes 11c, 11Bc, a plurality of partition wall mounting holes 11d, 11Bd, partition wall members 11m, 11n, and a cover member 11f. As shown in FIG. 14 , the block main body 11Ba is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The block main body 11Ba also includes a first block member 11Bg and a second block member 11h that can be separated in the height direction. The first spool holes 11b, 11Bb and the second spool holes 11c, 11Bc are formed in the block main body 11Ba as follows:

[0106] That is, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, one widthwise side surface of the block body 11Ba is formed with four first spool holes 11b, 11Bb, which are arranged in two rows, each containing two first spool holes 11b, 11Bb. The other widthwise side surface is formed with four second spool holes 11c, 11Bc, which are arranged in two rows, each containing two second spool holes 11c, 11Bc. More specifically, one widthwise side surface of the first block member 11Bg is formed with four first spool holes 11Bb arranged in two rows, and the other widthwise side surface is formed with four second spool holes 11Bc arranged in two rows. Four first spool holes 11Bb are formed in two rows on one widthwise side surface of the second block member 11h, and four second spool holes 11Bc are formed in two rows on the other widthwise side surface of the second block member 11h. The first and second spool holes 11Bb, 11Bc are arranged corresponding to each other, similar to the first and second spool holes 11b, 11c, and corresponding holes are arranged in a row in the widthwise direction.

[0107] The first spool holes 11b and the second spool holes 11c have the same length in the axial direction, i.e., the width direction. Similarly to the first embodiment, the partition wall mounting holes 11d, which are an example of second partition wall mounting holes, are formed in the second block member 11h corresponding to each row of the first spool holes 11b and the second spool holes 11c, and extend in the height direction so as to penetrate between the first spool holes 11b and the second spool holes 11c in the corresponding rows. Therefore, the partition wall mounting holes 11d are formed in the widthwise center of the second block member 11h, spaced apart from each other in the depth direction (the third direction), and so as to penetrate the second block member 11h in the up-down direction.

[0108] Bulkhead mounting holes 11Bd, an example of a first bulkhead mounting hole, are also formed in the first block member 11Bg corresponding to each row of first spool holes 11Bb and second spool holes 11Bc, and extend in the height direction so as to penetrate between corresponding first spool holes 11Bb and second spool holes 11Bc. Meanwhile, the bulkhead mounting holes 11Bd are positioned closer to the first spool holes 11Bb, i.e., one side of the first block member 11Bg, than the widthwise center. Therefore, the first spool holes 11Bb are shorter in the axial direction (i.e., widthwise) than the first spool holes 11b and second spool holes 11Bc, and the second spool holes 11Bc are longer in the axial direction (i.e., widthwise) than the second spool holes 11c and first spool holes 11Bb. In addition, like the partition wall mounting holes 11d, the partition wall mounting holes 11Bd are arranged at intervals from each other in the depth direction, which is the third direction, and penetrate the first block member 11Bg in the vertical direction so as to connect the two spool holes 11b, 11c to each other.

[0109] The partition wall mounting holes 11d and 11Bd thus formed are offset from each other and partially overlap when viewed from one or the other side in the height direction, and the partition wall mounting holes 11Bd and 11d communicate with each other. The partition wall mounting holes 11d and 11Bd are each formed on the top and bottom surfaces of the block body 11Ba and are covered by respective cover members 11f. A partition wall member 11m is inserted into each of the partition wall mounting holes 11d, and a partition wall member 11n is inserted into each of the partition wall mounting holes 11Bd.

[0110] The multiple partition wall members 11m, 11n are configured similarly to the partition wall member 11e of the first embodiment, but differ in the following respects. Specifically, the multiple partition wall members 11m, 11n have internal passages 11p, 11q. The internal passages 11p, 11q are formed along the axis of the partition wall member 11m, penetrating the partition wall members 11m, 11n. The internal passage 11p is connected to the gap between the partition wall member 11m and the partition wall mounting hole 11d, and hydraulic fluid flowing into this gap is guided to the internal passage 11p. On the other hand, the internal passage 11q is connected to the gap between the partition wall member 11n and the partition wall mounting hole 11Bd, and hydraulic fluid flowing into this gap is guided to the internal passage 11q.

[0111] The partition wall member 11n further includes a connecting passage 11r. The connecting passage 11r is formed to correspond to the drain chamber 11s, which will be described in detail later, and connects the internal passage 11q to the drain chamber 11s. More specifically, one of the two partition wall members 11n is formed to correspond to the first drain space 29e, which will be described in detail later, and connects the internal passage 11q to the first drain space 29e. The other of the two partition wall members 11n is formed to correspond to the second drain space 30e, which will be described in detail later, and connects the internal passage 11q to the second drain space 30e.

[0112] The spools 12 to 25, 29, and 30 are inserted into the valve block 11B as follows: spools 16, 17, 22, and 24 are slidably inserted into the first spool bore 11b, and spools 20, 25, 29, and 30 are slidably inserted into the first spool bore 11Bb. Spools 14, 15, 21, and 23 are slidably inserted into the second spool bore 11c, and spools 12, 13, 18, and 19 are slidably inserted into the second spool bore 11Bc. The spools 12 to 25 are arranged in the same manner as in the multi-control valve 1 of the first embodiment, and the unload spools 29 and 30 are arranged as follows: That is, the unload spools 29, 30 are slidably inserted into the first spool holes 11Bb on one heightwise side of the boom rod-side spool 20 and the merging spool 25. As a result, the first unload spool 29 is disposed on the widthwise opposite side of the first traveling spool 12 via the partition wall 11j, and the second unload spool 30 is disposed on the widthwise opposite side of the second traveling spool 13 via the partition wall 11j.

[0113] The two unloading spools 29, 30 are spools that constitute a spool valve with three or fewer ports. The boom rod-side spool 20 and the merging spool 25 are also spools that constitute a spool valve with three or fewer ports. On the other hand, each of the traveling spools 12, 13 controls the flow of hydraulic oil supplied to and discharged from two ports 2a, 2b, 3a, and 3b of the traveling motors 2, 3 with a single spool, and constitutes a spool valve with at least four ports. Therefore, the traveling spools 12, 13 are configured to be axially longer than the spools 20, 25, 29, and 30. In the valve block 11B, as described above, the partition member 11n is shifted toward one side in the width direction from the widthwise middle portion, thereby making the second spool hole 11Bc longer than the first spool hole 11Bb. The traveling spools 12, 13 are inserted into the second spool hole 11Bc, and the spools 20, 25, 29, 30 are inserted into the first spool hole 11Bb. In this way, the relatively long traveling spools 12, 13 and the relatively short unloading spools 29, 30 are arranged side by side on either side of the bulkhead mounting hole 11Bd in the width direction, thereby preventing the width of the valve block 11B from becoming too large.

[0114] Similarly to the block body 11a of the first embodiment, the block body 11Ba is provided with spool covers 12c to 25c that cover the openings of the spool holes 11b, 11Bb, 11c, and 11Bc. The block body 11Ba is also provided with spool covers 29c and 30c. The spool covers 29c and 30c are provided on one widthwise side of the block body 11Ba so as to cover the first spool hole 11Bb through which the corresponding unload spool 29 or 30 is inserted. In this embodiment, the spool covers 29c and 30c are integrally formed with the two adjacent spool covers 20c and 25c, respectively, to form first cover bodies 61B and 62B. The spool covers 29c and 30c do not necessarily have to be integrally formed with the spool covers 20c and 25c.

[0115] More specifically, the multi-control valve 1B also has four first cover bodies 61B, 62B, 63, 64 and four second cover bodies 65 to 68. The four first cover bodies 61B, 62B, 63, 64 are provided on one widthwise side surface of the valve block 11, and the two second cover bodies 65 to 68 are provided on the other widthwise side surface of the valve block 11. Two first cover bodies 61B, 62B, 63, 64 are arranged for each row of first spool holes 11b, and each first cover body 61B, 62B also covers two adjacent first spool holes 11b.

[0116] The spool covers 29c, 30c are provided with solenoid valves 29a, 30b, and outer pilot chambers 29f, 30f are formed within the spool covers 29c, 30c. Pilot pressure is introduced into the outer pilot chambers 29f, 30f from the solenoid valves 29a, 30b, and the unloading spools 29, 30 receive the pilot pressure at one end. The outer pilot chambers 29f, 30f also house spring mechanisms 29d, 30d, respectively. The biasing force of the spring mechanisms 29d, 30d and the pilot pressure from the solenoid valves 29a, 30b act in opposing directions. The unloading spools 29, 30 close their openings when the pilot pressure increases. The spring mechanisms 29d, 30d are used for returning to neutral, and the unloading spools 29, 30 open their openings when the pilot pressure decreases. Similarly, the confluence spool 25 also receives pilot pressure from the solenoid valve 25b at one end, and the biasing forces of the spring mechanisms 29d and 30d act in a direction against the pilot pressure.

[0117] Similarly to the multi-control valve 1 of the first embodiment, each of the spools 12 to 24 defines an inner pilot chamber 12e to 24e between itself and the partition wall 11j. Pilot pressure is introduced into each of the inner pilot chambers 12e to 24e, and each of the spools 12 to 24 receives the pilot pressure of the inner pilot chamber 12e to 24e axially outward. Meanwhile, the unloading spools 29 and 30 define first and second drain spaces 29e and 30e between the other end of the first spool bore 11Bb and the partition wall member 11n (more specifically, the partition wall 11j). The confluence spool 25 also defines a third drain space 25e between the other end of the first spool bore 11Bb and the partition wall member 11n (more specifically, the partition wall 11j). The first and second drain spaces 29e, 30e are adjacent to each other in the depth direction, and the second drain space 30e and the third drain space 25e are adjacent to each other in the height direction. The three drain spaces 29e, 30e, 25e are connected to each other to form an L-shaped drain chamber 11s.

[0118] The drain chamber 11s is connected to a drain port (not shown) and guides hydraulic fluid guided to the drain chamber 11s (more specifically, each of the drain spaces 29e, 30e, and 25e) to the drain port. As described above, the drain chamber 11s is also connected to the connecting passages 11r of each partition member 11n. More specifically, each partition member 11n connects the connecting passage 11r to the first and second drain spaces 29e it defines, and the internal passage 11q is connected to the first and second drain spaces 29e via the connecting passage 11r. As described above, the partition mounting holes 11d and 11Bd are connected to each other, and the internal passages 11p and 11q of the partition members 11n and 11m inserted therein are also connected to each other. Therefore, the hydraulic fluid that flows from each pilot chamber internal passage 11p, 11q into the gap between the bulkhead mounting holes 11d, 11Bd and the bulkhead members 11m, 11n can be guided to the internal passages 11p, 11q and further to the drain port via the connecting passage 11r and the drain chamber 11s. This makes it possible to prevent high-pressure hydraulic fluid from remaining in the gap between the bulkhead mounting holes 11d, 11Bd and the bulkhead members 11m, 11n.

[0119] <Flow of Hydraulic Fluid in the Multi-Control Valve> In the multi-control valve 1B, the flow of hydraulic fluid when operating each of the actuators 2 to 7 is the same as the flow of hydraulic fluid in the multi-control valve 1B of the first embodiment. Therefore, for the flow of hydraulic fluid in the multi-control valve 1B, refer to the description of the flow of hydraulic fluid in the multi-control valve 1 of the first embodiment, and the description of the flow of hydraulic fluid in the multi-control valve 1B will only focus on the unloading spool. That is, in the multi-control valve 1B, the unloading spools 29 and 30 are open, and hydraulic fluid from each of the hydraulic pumps 9 and 8 is unloaded into the tank 10. On the other hand, when operating at least one of the actuators 2 to 7, the opening of at least one of the unloading spools 29 and 30 is narrowed or closed. This allows hydraulic fluid to be supplied to the actuators 2 to 7 to be operated.

[0120] In the multi-control valve 1B of this embodiment, the internal passage 11q is connected to the gap between the partition wall member 11n and the partition wall mounting hole 11Bd and also to the drain port. Therefore, hydraulic fluid that has flowed into the gap can be discharged to the drain port via the internal passage 11q. This prevents pressure from building up in the gap between the partition wall member 11n and the partition wall mounting hole 11Bd.

[0121] In the multi-control valve 1B of this embodiment, the internal passage 11q is connected to the drain port via the connecting passage 11r and the drain chamber 11s. This allows the internal passage 11q and the drain chamber 11s to share the same passage that connects to the drain port, thereby reducing the number of passages. This allows the valve block 11B to be formed compactly.

[0122] Furthermore, in the multi-control valve 1B of this embodiment, the unloading spools 29, 30 receive pilot pressure at one end and form a drain chamber 11s between the unloading spools 29, 30 and the partition wall 11j at the other end. Therefore, the drain spaces 29e, 30e on the other end side of the unloading spools 29, 30 can be used as the drain chamber 11s, allowing the valve block 11B to be formed compactly.

[0123] Furthermore, in the multi-control valve 1B of this embodiment, the drain chamber 11s is formed by connecting the first to third drain spaces 29e, 30e, and 25e. Therefore, the drain passages connecting the drain spaces 29e, 30e, and 25e to the drain ports can be shared, which reduces the number of passages required in the valve block 11B. This allows the valve block 11B to be formed compactly.

[0124] Furthermore, in the multi-control valve 1B of this embodiment, the partition wall mounting holes 11d, 11Bd are offset from each other in the width direction, so that the first spool hole 11Bb and the second spool hole 11Bc, which are separated by the partition wall mounting hole 11Bd, and the first spool hole 11b and the second spool hole 11c, which are separated by the partition wall mounting hole 11d, can have different lengths, and spools 12 to 25, 29, and 30 of different lengths can be inserted therein.

[0125] Furthermore, in the multi-control valve 1B of this embodiment, the partition wall mounting hole 11d is formed in the first direction central portion of the valve block 11B so as to extend in the height direction. Therefore, the first spool hole 11b and the second spool hole 11c, which are sandwiched between the partition wall mounting hole 11d, are formed to be the same length, allowing spools 14-17, 21-24 of equal lengths to be inserted. Furthermore, the partition wall mounting hole 11Bd is formed in the valve block 11B closer to the first spool hole 11Bb than the first direction central portion. Therefore, the first spool hole 11Bb and the second spool hole 11Bc can be formed to be different lengths, allowing spools 12, 13, 18-20, 25, 29, and 30 of different lengths to be inserted therein.

[0126] Furthermore, in the multi-control valve 1B of this embodiment, the unloading spools 29, 30 and the traveling spools 12, 13 are inserted into the first spool bore 11Bb and the second spool bore 11Bc. The unloading spools 29, 30 can be formed shorter than the traveling spools 12, 13, so the length of the first spool bore 11Bb can be shortened while ensuring the length of the second spool bore 11Bc. This allows the valve block 11B to be formed compactly even when the unloading spools 29, 30 and the traveling spools 12, 13 are arranged in a line.

[0127] Furthermore, in the multi-control valve 1B of this embodiment, the eight second spool holes 11c, 11Bc are arranged in two rows, and each row is aligned in the second direction. Furthermore, multiple second cover bodies 65-68 are arranged in the valve block so as to cover two adjacent second spool holes 11c, 11Bc. This allows the multi-control valve 1B to be made compact.

[0128] Furthermore, in the multi-control valve 1B of this embodiment, the eight first spool holes 11b, 11Bb are arranged in two rows, and each row is aligned in the second direction. Furthermore, multiple first cover bodies 61B, 62B are arranged in the valve block 11B so as to cover two adjacent first spool holes 11b, 11Bb. This allows the multi-control valve 1B to be made compact.

[0129] In addition, the multi-control valve 1B of the third embodiment has the same functions and effects as the multi-control valve 1 of the first embodiment.

[0130] [Other Embodiments] In the multi-control valves 1, 1A, and 1B of the first to third embodiments, the partition wall 11j is formed by the partition wall members 11e, 11Ae, 11n, and 11m. However, this configuration is not necessarily required. For example, as in the valve block 11C of the multi-control valve 1C shown in FIG. 18, two corresponding spool holes 11Cb and 11Cc may be formed as blind holes, with the portion between them forming the partition wall 11Cj. This reduces the number of parts required to form the partition wall 11Cj. Note that, when the spool holes 11Cb and 11Cc are formed as blind holes as in the multi-control valve 1C, the yield decreases when attempting to precisely shape the spool holes. Therefore, it is preferable to form the partition walls 11j and 11Aj using the partition wall members 11e, 11Ae, 11n, and 11m, as in the multi-control valves 1, 1A, and 1B. Furthermore, the number of spool holes 11b, 11c in the multi-control valves 1, 1A, 1B is not limited to the above-described number, and each may be five or less, or eight or more. For example, the multi-control valves 1, 1A of the first and second embodiments may be provided with two unloading spools 29, 30 as in the third embodiment.

[0131] Furthermore, in the multi-control valves 1, 1B of the first and third embodiments, the valve block 11, 11B is configured to be separable into two parts, but it may be a single block or may be configured to be separable into three or more parts. In the multi-control valve 1 of the first embodiment, two partition wall members 11e are inserted into each partition wall mounting hole 11d, but the number may be one or three or more. Furthermore, the partition wall members 11e, 11n, and 11m do not necessarily have to have the notch 27 and the positioning portion 28. Furthermore, the shapes of the partition wall mounting holes 11d, 11Bd and the partition wall members 11e, 11n, and 11m are not necessarily limited to the shapes described above and may be rectangular in cross section or, for example, may be plate-shaped rod members.

[0132] Furthermore, in the multi-control valve 1A of the second embodiment, the partition member 11Ae does not necessarily need to have the recess 11k (more specifically, the inner pilot chambers 12e to 24e). Also, the solenoid valves 12a to 24a and 12b to 25b do not necessarily need to be provided in the valve blocks 11 and 11A, and may be provided in solenoid valve blocks different from the valve blocks 11 and 11A.

[0133] Furthermore, the multi-control valves 1, 1A, 1B of the first to third embodiments are not necessarily limited to those that independently control the supply and discharge amounts of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the actuators 2 to 7, but may be those that control the supply and discharge amounts of hydraulic fluid in a manner that is interrelated with each other. Furthermore, the hydraulic circuit 1a of the multi-control valves 1, 1A, 1B is not limited to the configuration described above, and the passages 31 to 50 are similarly not limited to the shapes and arrangements described above.

[0134] In the multi-control valves 1, 1A, and 1B of the first to third embodiments, spool holes 11b and 11Bb are given as an example of the first spool hole, and spool holes 11c and 11Bc are given as an example of the second spool hole. However, spool holes 11c and 11Bc may be the first spool holes, and spool holes 11c and 11Bc may be the second spool holes. Furthermore, the number of first cover bodies 61-64 and second cover bodies 65-68 provided on the block main body 11a is not limited to the aforementioned numbers. Furthermore, the number of spool holes 11b, 11Bb, 11c, and 11Bc covered by each cover body 61-68 is not limited to two, and may be one, three, or more.

[0135] In the multi-control valve 1B of the third embodiment, the internal passage 11q does not necessarily have to be connected to the drain chamber 11s, but may be connected to the drain port via another chamber or passage. Furthermore, one of the internal passages 11q is connected to the first drain space 29e, but it may also be connected to the third drain space 25e, or may be connected to both. Furthermore, the three drain spaces 29e, 30e, and 25e do not necessarily have to form the drain chamber 11s, but may be formed separately and connected to the drain port.

[0136] In the multi-control valve 1B of the third embodiment, the partition wall mounting hole 11d is formed in the widthwise center portion of the valve block, but it may be positioned closer to the first spool hole 11b or the second spool hole 11c in the widthwise direction, as long as it is positioned offset in the widthwise direction from the partition wall mounting hole 11Bd. Also, in this embodiment, the partition wall mounting hole 11Bd is positioned closer to the first spool hole 11Bb than the widthwise center portion, but it may be positioned closer to the second spool hole 11Bc.

[0137] <Illustrative Embodiment> A multi-control valve in a first aspect is a multi-control valve that controls a flow of hydraulic fluid flowing in an actuator, and includes: a valve block including a first spool hole and a second spool hole that extend in a first direction and are arranged relative to each other in the first direction; a first spool that is slidably inserted into the first spool hole; a second spool that is slidably inserted into the second spool hole; and two solenoid valves that output pilot pressures, respectively. The first spool hole and the second spool hole are arranged opposite each other with a partition wall between them, and the partition wall forms a first pilot chamber between the first spool hole and the first spool and through which the pilot pressure is output from one of the solenoid valves, and a second pilot chamber between the second spool hole and the second spool and through which the pilot pressure is output from the other solenoid valve.

[0138] According to the above aspect, the partition separates the first spool bore from the second spool bore. The partition forms a first pilot chamber between the first spool and the first spool at the first spool bore, and a second pilot chamber between the second spool and the second spool at the second spool bore. Pilot pressures are output to the first pilot chamber and the second pilot chamber from separate solenoid valves. Therefore, by outputting pilot pressure to the first pilot chamber, the first spool can be stroked in a direction away from the second spool independently of the movement of the second spool. The same applies to the second spool. Therefore, the first and second spools, which are arranged in the first direction, can be stroked independently in directions away from each other.

[0139] In a second aspect of the multi-control valve, in the multi-control valve of the first aspect, the valve block further includes a partition wall mounting hole extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a partition wall member inserted into the partition wall mounting hole, the partition wall mounting hole penetrating between the first spool hole and the second spool hole, the first spool hole and the second spool hole communicating via the partition wall mounting hole, and the partition wall member, by being inserted into the partition wall mounting hole, forming the partition between the first spool hole and the second spool hole.

[0140] According to the above aspect, the partition member is inserted into the partition mounting hole to form the partition between the first spool hole and the second spool hole, which makes it easy to form the partition.

[0141] In a third aspect, in the multi-control valve of the second aspect, the valve block includes a plurality of the first spool holes and a plurality of the second spool holes, the plurality of first spool holes are arranged in two rows and are arranged side by side in the second direction in each row, the plurality of second spool holes are arranged in the first direction corresponding to each of the first spool holes, the partition wall mounting holes pass through between the corresponding first spool holes and the second spool holes, respectively, to connect the corresponding first spool holes and the second spool holes, and the partition members are arranged between the corresponding first spool holes and the second spool holes, respectively, to form the partitions with the corresponding first spool holes and the second spool holes.

[0142] According to the above aspect, the first spool holes are arranged in two rows and aligned in the second direction in each row, and the second spool holes are aligned in the first direction corresponding to the first spool holes. The partition wall mounting holes extend between the corresponding first spool holes and the corresponding second spool holes so that the corresponding first spool holes and the corresponding second spool holes are in communication with each other. The partition wall members are inserted into the partition wall mounting holes and are positioned between the corresponding first spool holes and the corresponding second spool holes, forming partition walls between the corresponding first spool holes and the corresponding second spool holes. Therefore, a single partition wall member can form partition walls at multiple locations, thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0143] In a multi-control valve of a fourth aspect, in the multi-control valve of the second or third aspect, the partition member has a cutout portion having a first surface and a second surface formed parallel to each other by cutting out an outer peripheral surface, and the cutout portion forms the partition by being interposed between the first spool hole and the second spool hole so that the first surface faces the first spool hole and the second surface faces the second spool hole.

[0144] According to the above aspect, the notch portion of the partition member is formed by cutting out the outer peripheral surface and is interposed between the first spool hole and the second spool hole so that the first surface faces the first spool hole and the second surface faces the second spool hole, forming a partition. This allows the length of each spool hole to be shortened by the amount of the cutout, thereby shortening the length of the valve block in the first direction.

[0145] In a fifth aspect, in the multi-control valve of the fourth aspect, the valve block further includes a cover member that covers the opening of the partition wall mounting hole, the partition wall member being a rod that is fitted into the partition wall mounting hole, and the cover member prevents the partition wall member from rotating in the partition wall mounting hole.

[0146] According to the above aspect, the cover member prevents the partition member from rotating in the partition mounting hole, thereby maintaining the first surface facing the first spool hole and the second surface facing the second spool hole.

[0147] A multi-control valve in a sixth aspect is the multi-control valve of any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the valve block further includes a first block member, a second block member, and a partition member, the first spool hole penetrates the first block member, the second spool hole penetrates the second block member, and the partition member is interposed between the first block member and the second block member arranged side by side in the first direction so as to block the first spool hole and the second spool hole, thereby forming the partition between the first spool hole and the second spool hole.

[0148] According to the above aspect, the partition member is interposed between the first block member and the second block member arranged side by side in the first direction so as to block the first spool hole and the second spool hole, thereby forming a partition between the first spool hole and the second spool hole. Since the partition member can be formed by interposing it between the first block member and the second block member, it is easy to form the partition.

[0149] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the multi-control valve of the sixth aspect, the solenoid valves are provided in the partition members, respectively.

[0150] According to the above aspect, the electromagnetic valves are provided in the partition members, respectively, and therefore, the electromagnetic valve block for providing the electromagnetic valves can be omitted, thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0151] In an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the multi-control valve of the seventh aspect, the first pilot chamber and the second pilot chamber are formed in the partition member.

[0152] According to the above aspect, the first pilot chamber and the second pilot chamber are formed in the partition member. Therefore, the length of each spool hole can be shortened by the length of each pilot chamber formed in the partition member. This allows the length of the valve block in the first direction to be shortened.

[0153] In a multi-control valve of a ninth aspect, in the multi-control valve of any one of the first to eighth aspects, the first spool hole and the second spool hole are blind holes extending in the first direction, and the partition wall is formed between the first spool hole and the second spool hole.

[0154] According to the above aspect, the first spool hole and the second spool hole are blind holes extending in the first direction, and a partition wall is formed between the first spool hole and the second spool hole, thereby reducing the number of parts required to form the partition wall.

[0155] A multi-control valve in a tenth aspect is the multi-control valve of any one of the first to ninth aspects, which is a multi-control valve that independently controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to each of two ports of an actuator, wherein the first spool controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to one of the two ports, and the second spool controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the other of the two ports.

[0156] According to the above aspect, the first and second spools arranged in the first direction can independently stroke in directions away from each other, and therefore the multi-control valve is particularly useful as a multi-control valve that independently controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to each of two ports of the actuator.

[0157] A multi-control valve in an eleventh aspect is the multi-control valve of any one of the first to tenth aspects, which supplies and discharges hydraulic fluid to and from each of two ports of an actuator and independently controls the flow rates of the hydraulic fluid supplied and discharged to the two ports, wherein the valve block includes a plurality of the first spool holes and a plurality of the second spool holes, the plurality of first spool holes are arranged in two rows in a column direction, the plurality of second spool holes are arranged in two rows corresponding to each of the first spool holes and are arranged in the same row as the corresponding first spool holes, and a first spool is inserted into each of two first spool holes adjacent in the column direction, respectively, to control the flow of hydraulic fluid to each of the two ports.

[0158] According to the above aspect, the corresponding first spool bores and second spool bores are separated by a partition wall. Therefore, the first spool and second spool can be stroked independently of each other. Therefore, unlike the prior art, it is not necessary to insert spools associated with the same actuator between the corresponding first spool bores and second spool bores. This allows first spools associated with the same actuator to be inserted into two first spool bores adjacent in the column direction. This improves the flexibility of spool arrangement in the multi-control valve.

[0159] In a multi-control valve of a twelfth aspect, in the multi-control valve of the eleventh aspect, the valve block further includes a main passage, the main passage being connected to each of the first spools inserted into two adjacent first spool holes in the row direction, and being disposed between the two adjacent first spool holes.

[0160] According to the above aspect, the main passage is disposed between two first spool holes adjacent to each other in the row direction. This allows the length of the main passage to be shortened, thereby enabling the multi-control valve to be made compact.

[0161] In a thirteenth aspect, in the multi-control valve of the third aspect, the valve block includes a drain port connected to a drain, and the partition member has an internal passage that connects to a gap between the partition member and the partition wall mounting hole, and the internal passage connects to the drain port.

[0162] According to the above aspect, the internal passage is connected to the gap between the partition wall member and the partition wall mounting hole and also to the drain port. Therefore, hydraulic fluid that has flowed into the gap between the partition wall member and the partition wall mounting hole can be discharged to the drain port via the internal passage. This makes it possible to prevent pressure from building up in the gap between the partition wall member and the partition wall mounting hole.

[0163] In a fourteenth aspect, in the multi-control valve of the thirteenth aspect, at least one of the plurality of first spools forms a drain chamber connected to a drain port between itself and the partition wall, the partition wall member has a connecting passage connecting the internal passage and the drain chamber, and the internal passage is connected to the drain port via the connecting passage and the drain chamber.

[0164] According to the above aspect, the internal passage is connected to the drain port via the connecting passage and the drain chamber. Therefore, the internal passage and the drain chamber can share the same passage that connects to the drain port, which reduces the number of passages. This allows the valve block to be formed compactly.

[0165] In a fifteenth aspect, in the multi-control valve of the fourteenth aspect, the first spool includes an unloading spool that unloads hydraulic fluid, and the unloading spool receives pilot pressure at one end and forms the drain chamber between itself and the partition wall at the other end.

[0166] According to the above aspect, the unloading spool receives the pilot pressure at one end and defines a drain chamber between the unloading spool and the partition wall at the other end. This allows the space on the other end side of the unloading spool to be used as the drain chamber, making it possible to form a compact valve block.

[0167] A multi-control valve in a sixteenth aspect is the multi-control valve of the fifteenth aspect, wherein the valve block includes two main passages each having a pump port, the first spool includes the two unloading spools and a confluence spool that confluences the working fluid flowing through the two main passages, the two unloading spools receive pilot pressure at one end and form first and second drain spaces between themselves and the partition wall at the other end, the confluence spool receives pilot pressure at one end and forms a third drain space between itself and the partition wall at the other end, and the drain chamber is formed by connecting the first to third drain spaces.

[0168] According to the above aspect, the drain chamber is formed by connecting the first to third drain spaces. Therefore, the drain passages connecting the drain spaces to the drain port can be shared, which reduces the number of passages required in the valve block. This allows the valve block to be made compact.

[0169] In a seventeenth aspect, in the multi-control valve of any one of the second to fifth and thirteenth to sixteenth aspects, the partition wall mounting holes include first and second partition wall mounting holes, and the first and second partition wall mounting holes are arranged offset from each other in the first direction.

[0170] According to the above aspect, the first and second partition wall mounting holes are arranged offset from each other in the first direction, so that the first and second spool holes with the first partition wall mounting hole therebetween and the first and second spool holes with the second partition wall mounting hole therebetween can have different lengths, allowing spools of different lengths to be inserted therein.

[0171] In an eighteenth aspect of the multi-control valve, in the seventeenth aspect, the second partition wall mounting hole is formed in the first direction central portion of the valve block so as to extend in the second direction, and the first partition wall mounting hole is formed in the valve block on the first spool hole side or the second spool hole side of the first direction central portion.

[0172] According to the above aspect, the second partition wall mounting hole is formed in the first direction central portion of the valve block so as to extend in the second direction. Therefore, the first spool hole and the second spool hole, which are sandwiched between the second partition wall mounting hole, are formed to have the same length, allowing multiple spools of the same length to be inserted. Furthermore, the first partition wall mounting hole is formed on the first spool hole side or the second spool hole side of the first direction central portion in the valve block. Therefore, the first spool hole and the second spool hole can be formed to have different lengths, allowing spools of different lengths to be inserted therein.

[0173] In a 19th aspect of the multi-control valve, in the multi-control valve of the 18th aspect, the first spool includes an unloading spool that unloads hydraulic fluid, and the second spool includes a traveling spool that controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from two ports of a traveling device of a construction machine, and the unloading spool and the traveling spool are inserted into the first spool hole and the second spool hole that are arranged side by side on one side and the other side of the first direction, sandwiching the first bulkhead mounting hole.

[0174] According to the above aspect, the unloading spool and the traveling spool are inserted into the first spool hole and the second spool hole, which are disposed on either side of the second bulkhead mounting hole. The unloading spool can be formed shorter than the traveling spool, so the length of the first spool hole can be shortened while ensuring the length of the second spool hole. This allows the valve block to be formed compactly even when the unloading spool and the traveling spool are disposed in a line.

[0175] In a twentieth aspect of the multi-control valve, in the multi-control valve of any one of the first to nineteenth aspects, the valve block includes eight of the second spool holes, the second spool holes are arranged in two rows and are arranged in the second direction in each row, and a plurality of the cover bodies are arranged in the valve block so as to cover two or more of the second spool holes.

[0176] According to the above aspect, the eight second spool holes are arranged in two rows, and each row is aligned in the second direction. Furthermore, a plurality of cover bodies are arranged in the valve block so as to cover two or more second spool holes. Therefore, the multi-control valve can be made compact.

[0177] In a twenty-first aspect, the multi-control valve is the multi-control valve of the twentieth aspect, further including four cover bodies, wherein the valve block includes eight of the first spool holes, the first spool holes are arranged in two rows of four each and are aligned in the second direction in each row, and two cover bodies are arranged for each row of the first spool holes and are arranged in the valve block so as to cover two adjacent first spool holes.

[0178] According to the above aspect, the eight first spool holes are arranged in two rows, and each row is aligned in the second direction. Furthermore, a plurality of cover bodies are arranged in the valve block so as to cover two or more first spool holes. Therefore, the multi-control valve can be made compact.

[0179] From the above description, many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description should be construed as illustrative only and is provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode for carrying out the present disclosure. Details of the structure and / or function thereof can be substantially changed without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A multi-control valve for controlling the flow of the working fluid flowing through an actuator, comprising: a valve block including a first spool hole and a second spool hole extending in a first direction; a first spool slidably inserted into the first spool hole; a second spool slidably inserted into the second spool hole; and two solenoid valves respectively outputting pilot pressures. The first spool hole and the second spool hole are arranged to face each other with a partition wall therebetween. The partition wall forms a first pilot chamber in the first spool hole between the first spool and the first solenoid valve outputs a pilot pressure, and forms a second pilot chamber in the second spool hole between the second spool and the second solenoid valve outputs a pilot pressure. A multi-control valve.

2. The valve block further includes a partition wall mounting hole extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a partition wall member inserted into the partition wall mounting hole. The partition wall mounting hole penetrates between the first spool hole and the second spool hole. The first spool hole and the second spool hole communicate with each other through the partition wall mounting hole. The partition wall member forms the partition wall between the first spool hole and the second spool hole by being inserted into the partition wall mounting hole. The multi-control valve according to claim 1.

3. The valve block includes a plurality of the first spool holes and a plurality of the second spool holes. The plurality of first spool holes are arranged in two rows and arranged side by side in the second direction in each row. The plurality of second spool holes are arranged in the first direction corresponding to each of the first spool holes. The partition wall mounting holes penetrate between the corresponding first spool hole and the second spool hole respectively to communicate the corresponding first spool hole and the second spool hole with each other. The partition wall member is respectively arranged between the corresponding first spool hole and the second spool hole, and forms the corresponding first spool hole, the second spool hole and the partition wall with each other. The multi-control valve according to claim 2.

4. The partition member has a notch portion having a first surface and a second surface formed parallel to each other by notching an outer peripheral surface, and the notch portion is interposed between the first spool hole and the second spool hole so that the first surface faces the first spool hole and the second surface faces the second spool hole, forming the partition wall. The multi-control valve according to claim 2.

5. The valve block further includes a lid member that closes the opening of the partition wall mounting hole. The partition member is a rod fitted into the partition wall mounting hole, and the lid member prevents the partition member from rotating in the partition wall mounting hole. The multi-control valve according to claim 4.

6. The valve block further includes a first block member, a second block member, and a partition member. The first spool hole penetrates the first block member, the second spool hole penetrates the second block member, and the partition member is interposed between the first block member and the second block member arranged side by side in the first direction so as to block the first spool hole and the second spool hole, forming the partition wall between the first spool hole and the second spool hole. The multi-control valve according to claim 1.

7. The solenoid valve is provided on the partition member respectively. The multi-control valve according to claim 6.

8. The first pilot chamber and the second pilot chamber are formed in the partition member. The multi-control valve according to claim 7.

9. The first spool hole and the second spool hole are blind holes extending in the first direction, and the partition wall is formed between the first spool hole and the second spool hole. The multi-control valve according to claim 1.

10. A multi-control valve that independently controls the flow of the working fluid to each of the two ports of the actuator, wherein the first spool controls the flow of the working fluid to one of the two ports, and the second spool controls the flow of the working fluid to the other of the two ports. The multi-control valve according to claim 1.

11. A multi-control valve that supplies and discharges hydraulic fluid to each of two ports of an actuator and independently controls the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the two ports, wherein the valve block includes a plurality of the first spool holes and a plurality of the second spool holes, the plurality of the first spool holes are arranged in two rows in the column direction, the plurality of the second spool holes are arranged in two rows corresponding to each of the first spool holes and are arranged in the same row as the corresponding first spool hole, and the first spool that controls the flow of the hydraulic fluid to each of the two ports is inserted into each of two adjacent first spool holes in the column direction. The multi-control valve according to claim 1.

12. The valve block further includes a main passage, and the main passage is connected to the first spools inserted through two adjacent first spool holes in the column direction and is arranged between the two adjacent first spool holes. The multi-control valve according to claim 11.

13. The valve block includes a drain port connected to a drain, the partition member has an internal passage connected to a gap between the partition member and the partition mounting hole, and the internal passage is connected to the drain port. The multi-control valve according to claim 3.

14. The multi-control valve includes a plurality of first spools slidably inserted into the plurality of first spool holes, at least one of the plurality of first spools forms a drain chamber connected to the drain port between the partition and the partition, the partition member has a connection passage connecting the internal passage and the drain chamber, and the internal passage is connected to the drain port through the connection passage and the drain chamber. The multi-control valve according to claim 13.

15. The first spool includes an unloading spool that unloads the hydraulic fluid, and the unloading spool receives a pilot pressure at one end and forms the drain chamber between the partition and the partition at the other end. The multi-control valve according to claim 14.

16. The valve block includes two main passages each having a pump port. The first spool includes two unloading spools and a confluence spool for confluencing the hydraulic fluid flowing through the two main passages. The two unloading spools receive a pilot pressure at one end and form first and second drain spaces between the other end and the partition wall. The confluence spool receives a pilot pressure at one end and forms a third drain space between the other end and the partition wall. The drain chamber is formed by connecting the first to third drain spaces. The multi-control valve according to claim 15.

17. The partition wall mounting hole has first and second partition wall mounting holes. The first and second partition wall mounting holes are arranged offset from each other in the first direction. The multi-control valve according to claim 2.

18. The second partition wall mounting hole is formed to extend in the second direction at the central portion of the valve block in the first direction. The first partition wall mounting hole is formed in the valve block on the side of the first spool hole or the second spool hole from the central portion in the first direction. The multi-control valve according to claim 17.

19. The first spool includes an unloading spool for unloading the hydraulic fluid. The second spool includes a traveling spool for controlling the flow of the hydraulic fluid supplied and discharged to two ports of a traveling device of a construction machine. The unloading spool and the traveling spool are inserted into the first spool hole and the second spool hole which are arranged side by side in one and the other of the first direction with the first partition wall mounting hole therebetween. The multi-control valve according to claim 18.

20. Further comprising a cover body. The valve block includes eight of the second spool holes. The second spool holes are arranged in two rows and arranged side by side in the second direction in each row. A plurality of the cover bodies are arranged on the valve block so as to cover two or more of the second spool holes. The multi-control valve according to claim 1.

21. The valve block includes eight of the first spool holes, the first spool holes are arranged in two rows of four each and are arranged side by side in the second direction in each row, the cover body is arranged on the valve block in two for each row of the first spool holes and so as to cover two adjacent ones of the first spool holes, the multi-control valve according to claim 20.

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