Traction diverter valve assembly with rotary swivel joint

Abstract

A traction diverter valve assembly for bidirectional hydraulic fluid control includes a valve body defining an L-shaped passage with first and second ports configured for threaded hydraulic connections A ball assembly within valve body has a through hole aligning selectively with passage. A stem engages ball via a projection-slot interface, and a manually rotatable lever is mounted to the stem to rotate the ball between an open position permitting flow and a closed position blocking flow. A stop plate and stop pin constrain lever movement to discrete locked positions. A banjo bolt extends through valve body to define a conduit communicating with second port, while bonded washers seal the bolt to prevent leakage. The assembly facilitates compact, leak-proof installation without additional brackets and redirects hydraulic flow approximately ninety degrees.

Description

[0001] “TRACTION DIVERTER VALVE ASSEMBLY WITH ROTARY SWIVEL JOINT”

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

[0003] The present invention relates to a diverter valve, and more particularly to a traction diverter valve assembly with a rotary swivel joint.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

[0005] A hydraulic system is a type of system wherein a controlled flow of fluid is carried out using controlled fluid pressure. The fluid can be water oil or both. The system can be a simple system or a complex system having a combination of elements including reservoirs for storage of fluid, pumps for pumping the fluid, tubes and pipes for the flow of the fluid through the hydraulic system and valves for controlling the flow of the fluid.

[0006] The valve mechanisms in the hydraulic systems are generally used for directing hydraulic fluid flow between two or more paths. These valves are typically manually, hydraulically or electrically actuated. It may be used to priorities, isolate, or combine hydraulic flow depending on the hydraulic system requirement. It is well known in the art that by shifting the valve spool or rotating the selector, the pressurized oil flow is rerouted. The hydraulic systems with hydraulic valves such as diverter valves are used in agricultural equipment such as tractors, harvesters, also in construction machinery such as excavators, industrial machinery such as injection molding machine, press machines, etc., in material handling equipment such as forklifts, mobile cranes, etc. The hydraulic valves play a crucial role in the hydraulic systems. The valves regulate the flow of the fluid though controlled pressure and acceleration, and by opening, closing and modulating the direction of the fluid through various passages. The precision and control function of the valves directly correlates with the efficiency of the hydraulic system. Most of the valves in the prior art have the triple lock function or are direct mounting valves base on ferrule fitting.

[0007] The Chinese utility model CN206130171U to Liu Rong and others describes a triple locking ball valve. The valve does not allow entry of any debris and has good sealing property due to the triple locking function. The European patent application EP2843285A1 to Mizuguchi Norio and others teaches a pipe joint and a closing valve having a ferrule for improving the reliability of the sealing performance.

[0008] The Chinese utility application CN216867858U to Zheng Rongtong describes a ferrule joint for the hydraulic element. The ferrule joint can be quickly connected and fixed with a connecting pipe and can be stably sealed.

[0009] Thus, the valves in the prior art require extra mounting arrangement like the triple lock function or the ferrule fitting to support the ball valve. Hence due to numerous joints, there is a possibility of more leakage points. Further, as the flow gets divided, the power is not enough to operate the traction function or trolley tipping function, at a time.

[0010] Furthermore, direct mounting of inline shut off valves may not always allow for easy maintenance at the required position. In order to maintain the position, extra adapters or threaded joints are required. This potentially increases the number of points where leakage could possibly occur. Further such complex valve assemblies not only increase the likelihood of leakages but also makes the overall installation more intricate. Moreover, specialized tools and skills are necessary to ensure proper installation and functionality.

[0011] Thus, there is a need of a traction diverter valve assembly. There is also need of a traction diverter valve assembly with rotary swivel joint that is mountable in a valve assembly in an appropriate position, without any extra mounting support. There is a need for a traction diverter valve assembly that is leakproof.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

[0013] The present invention relates to a traction diverter valve assembly for managing bidirectional hydraulic fluid flow in tractor, agricultural, and industrial applications. The valve assembly includes a metallic valve body defining an Ilshaped internal passage that connects a first port and a second port, both ports having internal threads to facilitate secure threaded engagement with hydraulic lines.

[0014] Accordingly, a ball assembly is positioned within the valve body and includes a through hole configured for selective alignment with the L-shaped passage. A stem engages the ball by a projection received into a slot formed on the ball’s upper surface, enabling rotation of the ball about its axis when actuated. The stem further includes flat and curved faces along its length, a flange supporting the stop plate, and grooves for receiving sealing elements. The valve assembly includes a lever that is rotatably engaged with the stem and includes an operator handle with a star- shaped through-hole connector that engages the stem’s top portion in a lockable manner. The lever is configured for manual rotation by the user between an open position, in which the through hole of the ball aligns with the fluid passage to permit flow, and a closed position, in which the ball rotates approximately ninety degrees to obstruct flow.

[0015] The valve assembly further includes a stop pin and a stop plate fixed relative to the valve body, the stop plate having angularly spaced keyways that define predetermined lever stop positions. This arrangement advantageously constrains the lever movement to a limited arcuate range, ensuring precise open and closed positions without over-rotation. A banjo bolt extends through a portion of the valve body, creating a conduit for hydraulic fluid communication with the second port. Bonded washers are positioned on opposing sides of the banjo bolt interface to create a robust, leakproof seal under high-pressure operation.

[0016] The ball seats are positioned on both sides of the ball to maintain sealing engagement during rotation. The valve assembly accommodates a thrust washer made of low-friction polymer material and an O-ring, each positioned to improve rotational smoothness and sealing integrity.

[0017] The integrated rotary swivel joint of the valve body and banjo bolt allows the assembly to be installed directly onto hydraulic lines oriented at non-inline angles without requiring additional adapters or elbows. The valve further allows hydraulic flow to be diverted by approximately ninety degrees in a compact form factor. This configuration enables bidirectional operation such that either port may serve as an inlet or outlet, eliminating directional installation constraints. The valve of present invention reduces the number of joints and connection points compared to conventional assemblies, thereby minimizing leak paths and improving overall reliability.

[0018] The traction diverter valve assembly of the present invention thus offers several advantages, including simplified installation, user-friendly manual actuation without specialized tools, robust sealing performance, and enhanced operational efficiency. The assembly has precise shutoff and directional control of hydraulic fluid flow for applications requiring reliable switching between traction, tipping, or auxiliary functions, and is validated to sustain hydraulic system forces during sudden closure events.

[0019] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:

[0020] The objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in accordance with the accompanying drawings wherein,

[0021] FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of a traction diverter valve assembly 100 in accordance with the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 2A shows a cross sectional front view of the valve body of the traction diverter valve assembly 100 of FIG.l;

[0023] FIG. 2B shows a top perspective view of the traction diverter valve assembly 100 of FIG.1 with the lever in a first position; FIG. 2C shows a top perspective view of the traction diverter valve assembly 100 of FIG.1 with the lever in a second position;

[0024] FIG. 3A shows a top perspective exploded view of the traction diverter valve assembly 100 of FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 3B shows an exploded view of the stem assembly of the traction diverter valve assembly 100 of FIG. 1;

[0026] FIG. 3C shows an exploded view of the lever assembly of the traction diverter valve assembly 100 of FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 3D shows an exploded view of the ball assembly of the traction diverter valve assembly 100 of FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 3E shows a cross sectional view of the banjo bolt of the traction diverter valve assembly 100 of FIG. 1;

[0029] FIG. 3F shows the perspective view of a lever of the traction diverter valve assembly 100 of FIG. 1;

[0030] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the stem of the ball assembly of the traction diverter valve assembly 100 of FIG. 1;

[0031] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the orientation of the ball with the stem of the traction diverter valve assembly 100 of FIG. 1;

[0032] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the traction diverter valve assembly of FIG.

[0033] 1 in with lever in the first position;

[0034] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the traction diverter valve assembly of FIG.

[0035] 1 showing a first oil flow path; and FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the traction diverter valve assembly of FIG. 1 showing a second oil flow path.

[0036] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

[0037] References in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0038] References in the specification to “preferred embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in detail thereby omitting known constructions and functions for clear description of the present invention.

[0039] The foregoing description of specific embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.

[0040] The present invention relates to a ‘metallic diverter valve assembly’, also referred to as a “traction diverter valve assembly,” that incorporates an integrated rotary swivel joint. The traction diverter valve assembly facilitates shut-off function; and is particularly suitable for connection to a non-inline hydraulic line without the need for an additional adapter. The traction diverter valve assembly with integrated rotary swivel joint facilitates maintaining the orientation or alignment of the valve according to the required direction, thereby enhancing operational flexibility. The assembly is equipped with a lever or handle that allows an operator to shut off the fluid flow or to divert the flow in a desired direction, as required by the application. The traction diverter valve assembly can be directly mounted onto the hydraulic line without the need for additional mounting brackets or supports, simplifying the installation and reducing the component count.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, a traction diverter valve assembly 100 with an integrated rotary swivel joint is disclosed. The valve assembly 100 includes a first port 104, a second port 106, a lever 108, and a banjo bolt 110 that are positioned on a valve body 112. The valve body 112 also includes a stop pin 116, a stop plate 120, and a pair of bonded washers 124 (not seen). The valve body includes a passage that resembles approximately with the ‘L’ letter of English alphabets.

[0042] The lever 108 is movable in two positions for operating the valve 100. The stop pin 116 and stop plate 120 are fixed relative to the valve body 112 to constrain the rotation of the lever 108. The stop plate 120 includes two key ways that are 90 degrees apart and that provide two locking positions to the lever 108.

[0043] The first port 104 and the second port 106 are configured for functioning as either an inlet or an outlet and include internal threads (not shown) enabling threaded connection to an oil line carrying the hydraulic fluid. The valve body 112 forms the main housing of the valve assembly 100 and accommodates the internal fluid passages. The lever 108 is rotatably mounted on the valve body 112 and is configured for selectively actuating the internal valve mechanism.

[0044] The banjo bolt 110 is positioned on the valve body 112, passes through the valve body 112 and selectively defines a conduit for hydraulic fluid that passes through the valve 100. The banjo bolt 110 is sealed by a pair of the bonded washers 124 disposed on opposite sides of the interface between the bolt 110 and the valve body 112, thereby maintaining sealing integrity.

[0045] As shown in the FIG. 2A, the valve body 112 of the valve assembly 100 is described. The valve body 112 includes two rectangular passages such as a first passage 200 and a second passage 204 that are connected with each other by a connector 208 to form a L shaped passage. The first passage 200 houses a horizontally positioned ball assembly and a vertically positioned actuator assembly. The second passage 204 houses the banjo bolt 110.

[0046] Now referring to 2B and 2C, a first position and a second position of the lever 108 are shown. Accordingly, the stop pin 116 and stop plate 120 are fixed relative to the valve body 112 and define end limits for rotation of the lever 108. The lever 108 is movable between predetermined in the two positions in about 90° of arcuate freedom of movement as indicated by arrow ‘A’. In the first position of the lever 108, the fluid flow path of the valve is opened; and in the second position of the lever 108, the fluid flow path of the valve is closed. The lever 108 is manually movable by an operator between the first position and the second position, and vice versa. Now referring to FIG. 3A-3F, the valve assembly 100 includes an actuator assembly 304 and a ball assembly 308. The actuator assembly 304 further includes a stem assembly 312 (FIG. 3B), and a lever assembly 316 (FIG. 3C). In accordance with the present invention an integrated rotary swivel joint is defined by the banjo bolt 110. The valve body 112 is rotatable around the axis Z of the banjo bolt 110 until the banjo bolt 110 is fixed providing multiple fixable positions until the banjo bolt 110 is fixed.

[0047] In accordance with the present invention, the integrated rotary swivel joint is defined by the cooperation between the banjo bolt 110 and the valve body 112. The banjo bolt 110 passes through the second passage 204 of the ‘L’ shaped fluid passage of the valve body 112. The banjo bolt 110 serves as a central axis (Z axis) about which the valve body 112 is rotatable prior to final tightening. The valve body 112 is rotatable about the Z axis without disrupting the hydraulic sealing defined by the pair of washers 124. When the valve body 112 is oriented as required, the banjo bolt 110 is securely fastened thereby locking the valve body 110 is selected orientation.

[0048] The banjo bolt 110 (FIG. 3F) of the valve assembly 100 includes an opening 320. The banjo bolt 110 is securely positioned in a vertical portion of the ‘L’ shaped passage of the valve body 100 so as to establish a connection between the ball assembly 308 and the second port 106.

[0049] The valve body further includes three radial aperture 376, disposed circumferentially around the portion of the banjo bolt 110 that is receivable in the valve body 112. The radial apertures 376 communicate with the axial opening 320 of the banjo bolt 110 thereby advantageously defining multiple inlets to receive hydraulic fluid in the valve body passage. The configuration of said radial apertures 376 advantageously facilitate distributed flow into the passage thereby accommodating fluctuating, higher flow rates of the incoming fluid without generating any localized pressure spike.

[0050] The actuator assembly 304 includes a stem assembly 308 and a lever assembly 316. The stem assembly 308 includes a stem 324, a ring 328 and a washer 332. The ring 328 is of shape resembling to letter ‘O’ in English alphabets. The washer 332 defines a thrust washer 332 such that it facilitates smooth rotation of the lever 112. The washer 332 is preferably made of Polyslider material or the like. It is noted that Polyslider is a material used in the art for making flat washers, particularly for applications requiring low friction, high wear resistance, and good creep resistance. The Polyslider material is a polyamide-based material with uniformly distributed graphite particles that imparts a unique combination of properties to the washer 332.

[0051] The actuator assembly 304 includes the lever assembly 316 and the stem assembly 312. The lever assembly 316 includes the lever 108, a stop plate 120 that is positioned below the lever 108, and a bolt 340 and washer 344 that are positioned above the lever 108. The lever 108 includes a first ball 348, a link 352 and a second ball 356. The first ball 348 is positioned on one end of the link 352 and that defines a knob to operate the lever 108. The second ball 356 is positioned on the other end of the lever 108 that defines a circular connector for connecting the lever 108 with the stem assembly 312. The circular connector (second ball) 356 of the lever 108 includes a star shaped through hole 360 that receives a top end portion of the stem 324.

[0052] The ball assembly 308 includes a ball 364, that is positioned between a pair of circular seats 368. On one end the ball assembly 308 is connected with the first port 104 through the washer 372, and on the other end the ball assembly 308 is connected to a horizontal portion of the L-shaped passage of the valve body 112. The ball 364 is sealed by the pair of ball seats 368 that are positioned on both sides of the ball 364. The ball 364 and the ball assembly 308 is positioned in the L-shaped passage of the valve body 112 such that the ball 364 is rotatably locked with the stem 324 from the top. Accordingly, the ball 364 is connected to the stem 324 from the top side, with the first port 104 from the first side and with the opening 320 of the banjo bolt 110.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the body of the stem 324 is approximately square shaped structure that includes that has four flat faces 404 and four curved faces 408. The flat faces 404 and curved faces 408 are arranged such that any two flat faces 404 are separated by a curved face 408. A top end portion of the stem 324 includes a hole 400 and the bottom end portion of the stem 324 incudes a curved projection 424. The hole 400 is a dead hole with a predefined depth. The hole 400 threadably receives the bolt 340 to secure the lever 108 in a desired position.

[0054] The stem 324 includes a flange 412 that is approximately centrally positioned on the stem 324. The stem 324 also includes a first groove 416 and a second groove 420. The first groove 416 is smaller relative to the second groove 420. The stop plate 120 of the actuator assembly 304 rests on the flange 412. The ring 328 is positioned on the stem 324 in the first groove 416 defined on the lower side of the stem 324. The ring 328 prevents leakage of oil along the stem 324 specially along the axis of the valve body. The thrust washer 332 is positioned on the stem 324 in the second groove 420 defined on the lower side of the first groove 416. The thrust washer 332 facilitates smooth rotatory motion of the lever 112.

[0055] The stem 324 is rotatable as per the direction of rotation of the lever 108. The ball 364 includes a through hole 500 and a slot 504 defined on a top portion of the ball 364. The stem 324 is securely connected to the ball 364 by the projection 424 that is located insertably in the slot 504 defined on the top end of the ball 364. The projection 424 defined at the lower end of the stem 324 is lockably received in the slot 504 defined in the ball 364. This arrangement permanently locks the stem 324 with the ball 364.

[0056] The stem 324 is characterized by the projection 424 at the bottom end to facilitate engagement with the corresponding slot 504 of the ball 364. This engagement provides a locking mechanism and transfers movement from the lever 108, through the stem 324, to the ball 364. The ball 364 is characterized by the through hole 500 that allows fluid to pass through it. The two ends of the through hole 500 fit snugly against the curved surfaces of the two ball seats 368 positioned on either side of the ball 364.

[0057] The lever 108 is connected to the body 112 by stem 324 that engages the lever 108 to the body 112, and also allows the lever 108 to rotate in the first and second positions. The lever 108 activates the stem 324 that further activates the ball 364 positioned in the body 112 to open or close the oil path.

[0058] The valve assembly 100 in accordance with the present invention, is applicable for bidirectional flow applications. Therefore, the valve assembly 100 is configured to be assembled into a hydraulic circuit without the necessity of confirming a specific directional orientation during installation. The second port 106 connected to the banjo bolt 110 is directly connected to the direction control valve (DCV) or the hydraulic fluid supply source.

[0059] The port 104 connects the valve body 112 to an oil line. The lever 108, mounted on the valve body 112, controls the open and closed positions of the valve 100 through its rotary movement. The rotary movement is regulated by the stop pin 116 and the stop plate 120.

[0060] The banjo bolt 110, featuring a soft seal, is sealed effectively with two bonded washers 128 to prevent leaks. The bonded washer 128 of a respective thread size forms a reliable fluid-tight seal enabling a leakproof joint. The bolt 340 locks the lever 108 for its vertical movement and restricts the removal of lever 108 from its position. The bolt 340 locks the lever 108 in position. The traction diverter valve assembly 100 thus facilitates an easy to install system that has robust performance in bidirectional flow applications.

[0061] Now, referring to FIG. 6, the sectional view of the valve assembly 100 in an open flow configuration is described. The valve 100 has two configurations, such as a first open configuration and a second close configuration. In an open flow configuration, the lever 112 is aligned perpendicular to the axis of the valve assembly 100. In a closed flow configuration, the lever 112 is aligned parallel to the axis of the valve assembly 100.

[0062] The internal valve assembly includes a stem 324 connected to the lever 108. The joint between the valve body 112 and the lever 108 is sealed with an O-ring 328. The valve assembly 100 further includes a ball 364 that is sealed with a ball seat 368 on either side of the ball 364. A thrust washer 372 is placed between the valve body 108 and the stem 324 for the smooth rotation of the lever 112. The first port 104 and valve body 112 is fastened by applying thread locker and a torque to the first port 104. In the open flow configuration, the through hole 500 of the ball 364 aligns with the first passage 200 to facilitate flow of the fluid through the L shaped fluid path.

[0063] Now referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the flow of fluid through the cross section of the valve assembly 100 is described. The lever 108 is positioned in the open state, aligning the through hole 500 of the ball 364 with the fluid path.

[0064] In accordance with a first flow path, the hydraulic fluid enters through the first port 104, flows through the through hole 500 of the ball 364, further passing through the first passage 200 in the valve body 112, and subsequently passes through the second passage 204 within the banjo bolt 110 to reach the second port 106.

[0065] Alternatively, in accordance with a second flow path, the hydraulic fluid enters through the second port 106, passes through the second passage 204 within the banjo bolt 110, further flowing through the first passage 200 formed in the valve body 112 passing through the through hole 500 of the ball 364, exiting via the first port 104.

[0066] Now, a preferred method of assembling the valve 100 is described. In a first step the valve body 112 secured in a fixture preferably positioned along a longitudinal axis-X. In a second step, the stop pin 116 is inserted in the stop pin hole preferably by a press fit.

[0067] In a next step, the stem assembly 312 including the O ring 328 and thrust washer 332 is positioned in the valve body 112 from a first port 104 of the valve body 112. In a next step, the curved region of the stop plate 120 faces the stop pin 116. In a next step, the stop plate 120 is positioned on the stem assembly 312 by inserting it through the hole of the stop plate 120. The stop plate 120 includes two key ways that are 90 degrees apart and that provide two locking positions to the lever 108. The stop plate 120 rests on the flange 412 of the stem 324.

[0068] Then the lever 108 is positioned above the stop plate 120. The stem 324 includes faces and lever 108 includes faces that lock with each other. The position of the lever 108 is changeable. The circular connector 356 of the lever 108 includes a star shaped through hole 360 with about 8 corners. The star shape of the through hole 360 advantageously allows the lever 108 to be positioned either in 45 degrees or 90 degrees along the length of the valve body 112. The stem 324 has 4 faces and the through hole 360 may provide at least two initial positions to the stem 324 due to the star shaped hole. In a next step, the washer 344 is positioned on the top of the lever 108. After that the bolt 340 with flange is tightened. Now the ball assembly 308 is positioned. In a first step the first ball seat 368 is inserted in the valve body 112 through the port 104. The ball seat 368 rests on a stopper in the housing. Then the ball 364 is inserted through the opening in the valve body 112 such that the slot 504 on the ball 364 is in the top position that allows the projection of the stem 324 to be received in the slot 504 of the ball 364. Then the lever 108 is moved from the current position to the initial position. The second ball seat 368 is inserted in the valve body 112. The seat 368 has flat face on one side and radial profile on the other side. The ball seat 368 is positioned such that the radial profile is rested on the body of the ball 364.

[0069] Then the o-ring is positioned on the adapter, and the adapter with the o-ring is threadably securely positioned in the opening of the housing thereby locking the entire valve assembly.

[0070] Now the operation of the valve assembly 100 in accordance with the present invention is described. The valve assembly 100 is directly installed into the hydraulic circuit. The valve assembly 100 operates and functions as per manual shut off valve.

[0071] In a first open flow configuration cycle, the lever 112 is aligned perpendicular to the axis of the valve assembly 100. Accordingly, the flow passes through the through hole 500 of the ball 142 as the lever 112 is positioned in an open flow direction. Therefore, the oil passing through the one end of the banjo bolt 110 and the holes located on the outer diameter of the banjo bolt 110 transfers the oil through it towards the ball through hole 500. The oil then passes through the second port 106 to the oil line. The flow gets diverted in the 90° direction. In accordance with the present invention, there is no requirement of an elbow or L type connector to achieve this 90° direction of the flow.

[0072] In a second closed flow configuration cycle, the lever 108 is aligned parallel to the axis of the valve assembly 100. The ball 364 operates for shutting off the flow by turning its direction by 90° using a lever 108. This movement, facilitated by an operator, is through the turning of the stem 324 that operates by turning the lever 108.

[0073] Thus, in order to shut off the flow, the lever 108 is turned through 90° or until it stops mechanically. The through hole 500 of the ball 364 accordingly changes its direction by 90° and thus the flow stops.

[0074] This closure of the valve is performed while the valve assembly 100 is in operation. Due to sudden closure, impact forces are exerted onto the inner surface of the body and its components. The valve assembly is thus validated and is made to sustain the forces exerted by the hydraulic system.

[0075] In accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the banjo bolt 110, the ball seat 368, the O-rings are changeable as per the requirement of the application. Accordingly, the functional or operational parameters of the system are capable of producing variations in pressure and temperature conditions, and further requiring the change in seal material.

[0076] In accordance with the present invention, the ball seat materials are selected from Polytetrafluorethylene, Polyvinyldiene fluoride, Polychlortrifluorethylene, Polyoxymethylene / Polyacetal, Polyether-ether-ketone, Polyamide and the like. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ball seats 368 is made of Derlin material as per the requirement of the application.

[0077] The valve assembly 100 in accordance with the present invention is configured in different dimensions as per the requirement of the application. For example, in one embodiment, the valve body has dimension of 35mm x 40mm length by breadth. The banjo bolt has a length of 80mm. The approximate length of the valve is 70mm in length.

[0078] Table 1 below provides the extreme temperature limit at which the various ball seat materials operate and the corresponding applications of the ball seat materials.

[0079] Table 1: Ball Seat Materials, Optimum temperature range and applications

[0080] Table 2 below provides the extreme temperature limit at which the various

[0081] O-ring materials operate and the corresponding applications of the O-ring materials.

[0082] Table 2: O ring materials, Optimum temperature range and applications

[0083] Table 3 below provides the maximum pressure limit at which the various construction materials of the valve assembly 100 operate and the corresponding applications of each material.

[0084] Table 3: Materials of construction, pressure range and Applications

[0085] The components of the valve assembly 100 are arranged to structurally cooperate such that the ports 104 and 106 include hydraulic connectivity, the valve body 112 houses and aligns the internal flow paths, the lever 108 actuates the valve mechanism, the stop pin 116 and stop plate 120 constrain the lever’s rotational range, and the banjo bolt 110 together with the bonded washers 128 forms a sealed connection.

[0086] The plurality of radial apertures 376 of the banjo bolt 110 that connects with the opening 320 advantageously contribute to smother fluid distribution and reduce the risk of turbulence as the fluid progresses in the valve.

[0087] The banjo bolt’s ability to rotate about Z axis without disrupting the sealings advantageously allows an operator to adjust and orient the valve body 112, the ports 104, 106 to a desired position with respect to the hydraulic system. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the rotary swivel joint defined by the banjo bolt 110 eliminates any need of separate adapters or additional fittings for alignments thereby simplifying the installation. It also reduces any possible leakage, enables ease of maintenance and allows repositioning of the valve as and when required.

[0088] The valve assembly 100 in accordance with the present invention connects an oil line with Directional Control Valve (DCV). Further, the valve assembly 100 is also applicable for connection of hydraulic line to the power pack, when the system arrangement is cross (not in a line). Furthermore, the valve assembly 100 connects the hydraulic line to the power pack using adjustable rotary joint. The valve assembly is applicable for optimizing the full power for tractor applications.

[0089] In accordance with the present invention, the traction function or trolley tipping function can be advantageously switched and operated, one at a time, through the use of the Traction Diverter Valve Assembly 100. The provision of shut off valve assembly enables exclusive allocation of hydraulic power to one function at a time, thereby maximizing operational efficiency.

[0090] The valve assembly 100 has a reduced number of joints and fittings, thereby minimizing potential leakage points and enhancing overall sealing integrity. The design is user-friendly, allowing farmers or operators to operate the assembly without requiring specialized tools or technical expertise. Furthermore, the valve assembly simplifies hydraulic operation and addresses various functional challenges without adversely affecting the performance of existing tractor functions.

[0091] The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others, skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0092] It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A traction diverter valve assembly 100 for controlling bidirectional hydraulic fluid flow, the assembly 100 comprising: a valve body 112 defining an L-shaped fluid passage including a first passage 200 and a second passage 204 intersecting at an angle; a first port 104 and a second port 106 disposed on the valve body 112, each port configured for selective fluid communication with the L-shaped fluid passage and further including internal threads adapted for connection to an oil line; a ball assembly 308 disposed within the valve body 112, the ball assembly 308 including a ball 364 having a through hole 360 configured to selectively align with the L-shaped fluid passage; a pair of ball seats 368 arranged on opposing sides of the ball 364 to sealingly engage the ball 364 within the valve body 112; a stem 324 coupled to the ball 364, the stem 324 including a projection 424 engaged in a slot 504 defined in the ball 364 to lock the ball 364 rotationally relative to the stem 324; a stop plate 120 positioned relative to the valve body 112 and engaged with the stem 324, the stop plate 120 defining multiple keyways for constraining rotation of the lever 108 between discrete locked positions; a stop pin 116 disposed on the valve body 112 and configured to engage the stop plate 120 to limit rotation of the lever 108;a banjo bolt 110 extending through a portion of the valve body 112 and defining a conduit configured for hydraulic fluid communication between the ball assembly 308 and the second port 106; a pair of bonded washers sealing the interface between the banjo bolt 110 and the valve body 112 to maintain a leak-proof hydraulic connection; and a lever 108 rotatable in two positions, the lever 108 coupled with to the stem 324 configured for manual rotation between a first position and a second position to rotate the ball 364 within the valve body 112, wherein the first position aligns the through hole 360 of the ball 364 with the L-shaped passage to permit hydraulic fluid flow and the second position rotates the through hole 360 out of alignment to interrupt the fluid flow.

2. The traction diverter valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the lever 108 including a first ball defining a manually operable knob and a second ball defining a circular connector including a star- shaped through hole adapted to engage a correspondingly shaped end of the stem.

3. The traction diverter valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the stem 324 including a flange positioned approximately centrally, the flange retaining the stop plate axially on the stem.

4. The traction diverter valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the stem 324 including a first groove below the flange configured to receive a sealing ring, and a second groove being positioned below the first groove configured to receive a thrust washer.

5. The traction diverter valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the thrust washer including a polyamide -based material containing uniformly distributed graphite particles to facilitate low-friction rotation.

6. The traction diverter valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the stop plate 120 including two keyways spaced approximately 90 degrees apart, defining two discrete locked positions for the lever.

7. The traction diverter valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the ball 364 including a through hole 360 extending between opposed spherical surfaces and a slot being formed on a top surface for engagement with the projection of the stem.

8. The traction diverter valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the banjo bolt 110 including an axial bore and a plurality of radial holes directing hydraulic fluid flow between the second passage 204 and the ball through hole 360.

9. The traction diverter valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the lever being configured to rotate through an arcuate range of approximately 90 degrees between the first position and the second position.

10. The traction diverter valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the stem having a plurality of flat faces and curved faces arranged to facilitate engagement with the star- shaped through hole of the lever and to provide multiple indexing positions.

11. The traction diverter valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the lever 108, stem 324, and ball 364 are configured so that the lever 108 movement is transmitted directly through the stem projection to rotate the ball and to control hydraulic fluid flow.

12. The traction diverter valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the ball assembly 308, stem assembly 312, and lever assembly 316 are adapted to be assembled and retained in the valve body 112 without requiring additional mounting brackets or adapters.

13. The traction diverter valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve assembly is configured to be installed in a hydraulic system to selectively divert hydraulic fluid flow at an approximately 90-degree angle without requiring an external elbow connector.

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