Hydraulic high flow manifold

Abstract

A circuit includes a main control valve 321, a high flow manifold 340, a first pump supplies first pressurized hydraulic fluid to a control valve 321 and a second pump supplies second pressurized hydraulic fluid to a manifold 340. In a first flow state, the manifold 340 directs the second pressurized fluid to a tank 302 and the control valve 321 directs the first pressurized fluid to an implement actuator and return the first pressurized fluid through the control valve 321 to the tank 302. In a second flow state, the manifold 340 directs the second pressurized fluid to merge with the first pressurized hydraulic fluid and to split the merged fluid returning from the implement actuator so that a portion of the merged fluid is directed to the tank 302 through the control valve 321 and a remaining portion is directed to the tank 302 through the manifold 340.

Description

E2023-0008-W01HYDRAULIC HIGH FLOW MANIFOLDCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States provisional application no. 63 / 689,629, filed 30 August 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as though fully set forth herein.BACKGROUND

[0002] This disclosure is directed toward power machines. More particularly, this disclosure is directed to hydraulic systems of power machines such as loaders, which provide different levels of hydraulic flow to implements attached to the power machines.

[0003] Power machines, for the purposes of this disclosure, include any type of machine that generates power for the purpose of accomplishing a particular task or a variety of tasks. One type of power machine is a work vehicle. Work vehicles are generally self-propelled vehicles that have a work device, such as a lift arm (although some work vehicles can have other work devices) that can be manipulated to perform a work function. Work vehicles include loaders, excavators, utility vehicles, tractors, and trenchers, to name a few examples.

[0004] Hydraulic functions on a loader (lift, tilt, auxiliary) are provided hydraulic fluid flow from a hydraulic gear pump. Some implements require a higher flow of hydraulic oil or fluid than others.

[0005] The discussion above is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.SUMMARY

[0006] A hydraulic circuit of a power machine provides power to at least one implement actuator of an implement mounted on the power machine. The hydraulic circuit includes a main control valve, a high flow manifold having a first flow state and a second flow state, a first pump configured to receive hydraulic fluid from a tank and to supply first pressurized hydraulic fluid to a main control valve and a second pump configured to receive hydraulic fluid from the tank and to supply second pressurized hydraulic fluid to a high flow manifold. The high flow manifold has a first flow state and a second flow state. In the first flow state, the high flow manifold is configuredE2023-0008-W01 to direct the second pressurized hydraulic fluid to the tank and the main control valve is configured to direct the first pressurized hydraulic fluid to the at least one implement actuator and return the first pressurized hydraulic fluid through the main control valve to the tank. In the second flow, state the high flow manifold is configured to direct the second pressurized hydraulic fluid to merge with the first pressurized hydraulic fluid being directed to the at least one implement actuator at a merge point and to split the merged hydraulic fluid returning from the at least implement actuator at a split point so that a portion of the merged hydraulic fluid is directed to the tank through the main control valve and a remaining portion of the merged hydraulic fluid is directed to the tank through the high flow manifold.

[0007] A power machine includes a frame, an implement carrier pivotally coupled to a lift arm assembly and configured to have an implement coupled thereto. The implement has at least one implement actuator. The power machine includes a first pump configured to receive hydraulic fluid from a tank and to supply a first pressurized hydraulic fluid, a second pump configured to receive hydraulic fluid from the tank and to supply a second pressurized hydraulic fluid, a main control valve configured to receive and provide the first pressurized hydraulic fluid to the at least one implement actuator, a high flow manifold configured to receive and provide the second pressurized hydraulic fluid to the at least one implement actuator or a tank and a controller coupled to the high flow manifold to selectively control the high flow manifold based on user inputs to configure the high flow manifold into a first flow state or a second flow state. In the first flow state, the high flow manifold provides the second pressurized hydraulic fluid to the tank. In the second flow state, the high flow manifold provides the second pressurized hydraulic fluid to merge with the first pressurized hydraulic fluid being provided to the at least one implement actuator and splits the merged hydraulic fluid returning from the at least implement actuator so that a portion of the merged hydraulic fluid is directed to the tank through the main control valve and a remaining portion of the merged hydraulic fluid is received by the high flow manifold and provided to the tank.

[0008] A method of providing power to at least one implement actuator of an implement mounted on a power machine includes supplying a first pressurized hydraulic fluid to a main control valve by way of a first pump configured to receive hydraulic fluid from a tank and supplying a second pressurized hydraulic fluid to a high flow manifold by way of a second pump configured to receive hydraulic fluid from the tank. The high flow manifold includes a first flowE2023-0008-W01 state and a second flow state. During the first flow state, the second pressurized hydraulic fluid is directed to the tank and the first pressurized hydraulic fluid is directed to the at least one implement actuator. The first pressurized hydraulic fluid is returned through the main control valve to the tank. During the second flow state, the second pressurized hydraulic fluid is merged with the first pressurized hydraulic fluid that is being directed to the at least one implement actuator at a merge point and the merged hydraulic fluid returning from the at least implement actuator is split so that a portion of the merged hydraulic fluid is directed to the tank through the main control valve and a remaining portion of the merged hydraulic fluid is directed to the tank through the high flow manifold.

[0009] This Summary and the Abstract are provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary and the Abstract are not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor are they intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating functional systems of a representative power machine on which embodiments of the present disclosure can be advantageously practiced.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing generally a front perspective view of a power machine in the form of an articulated loader on which embodiments disclosed in this specification may be advantageously practiced.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing generally a back perspective view of the articulated loader shown in FIG. 2.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating components of a power system of a loader such as the loader illustrated in FIGS. 2-3.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of components of a power system including components of a hydraulic work actuator system or circuit configured for standard flow according to an embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the components of the power system of FIG. 5 including components of the hydraulic work actuator system or circuit configured for high flow according to an embodiment.E2023-0008-W01

[0016] FIG. 7 is a diagram of a hydraulic work actuator circuit illustrating details of the block diagram of FIG. 5 according to an embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a diagram of hydraulic work actuator circuit illustrating details of the block diagram of FIG. 6 according to an embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The concepts disclosed in this discussion are described and illustrated with reference to exemplary embodiments. These concepts, however, are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components in the illustrative embodiments and are capable of being practiced or being carried out in various other ways. The terminology in this document is used for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Words such as “including,” “comprising,” and “having” and variations thereof as used herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, as well as additional items.

[0019] Disclosed embodiments of hydraulic systems allow power machine functions, such as lift, tilt and auxiliary (e.g., implement) functions, to be provided with standard hydraulic flow rates, while also allow “high-flow” implements to be used. To provide a high flow option, adequate fluid flow may be achieved by mating first or standard fluid flow from a first or standard hydraulic pump with fluid flow from a second or high flow gear pump to provide additional fluid for high flow implements. While larger, more costly main control valves have the capability of handling larger fluid flows and may be included in larger power machines, smaller, more cost-effective main control valves generally located in smaller power machines have a maximum capability that is lower than the high flow capability that is needed. Disclosed embodiments incorporate a first or standard hydraulic pump that supplies pressurized fluid to a main control valve (e.g., for lift, tilt and auxiliary functions) and a second or high flow hydraulic pump that supplies pressurized fluid to a high flow manifold. The main control valve supplies fluid from the first hydraulic pump to control lift, tilt, and auxiliary flow for implements and returns flow to a tank. The high flow manifold provides additional flow from the second hydraulic pump to be combined with the output of an auxiliary section of the main control valve to optionally provide additional flow for selected high flow implements. The high flow manifold also provides a way to split the return flow from the high flow implements to return the additional flow to the tank.

[0020] These concepts can be practiced on various power machines, as will be described below. A representative power machine on which the embodiments can be practiced is illustrated inE2023-0008-W01 diagram form in FIG. 1 and one example of such a power machine is illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 and described below before any embodiments are disclosed. For the sake of brevity, only one power machine is illustrated and discussed as being a representative power machine. However, as mentioned above, the embodiments below can be practiced on any of a number of power machines, including power machines of different types from the representative power machine shown in FIGS. 2-3. Power machines, for the purposes of this discussion, include a frame, at least one work element, and a power source that is capable of providing power to the work element to accomplish a work task. One type of power machine is a self-propelled work vehicle. Self-propelled work vehicles are a class of power machines that include a frame, work element, and a power source that is capable of providing power to the work element. At least one of the work elements is a motive system for moving the power machine under power.

[0021] FIG. l is a block diagram that illustrates the basic systems of a power machine 100, which can be any of a number of different types of power machines, upon which the embodiments discussed below can be advantageously incorporated. The block diagram of FIG. 1 identifies various systems on power machine 100 and the relationship between various components and systems. As mentioned above, at the most basic level, power machines for the purposes of this discussion include a frame, a power source, and a work element. The power machine 100 has a frame 110, a power source 120, and a work element 130. Because power machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a self-propelled work vehicle, it also has tractive elements 140, which are themselves work elements provided to move the power machine over a support surface and an operator station 150 that provides an operating position for controlling the work elements of the power machine. A control system 160 is provided to interact with the other systems to perform various work tasks at least in part in response to control signals provided by an operator.

[0022] Certain work vehicles have work elements that are capable of performing a dedicated task. For example, some work vehicles have a lift arm to which an implement such as a bucket is attached such as by a pinning arrangement. The work element, i.e., the lift arm can be manipulated to position the implement for the purpose of performing the task. The implement, in some instances can be positioned relative to the work element, such as by rotating a bucket relative to a lift arm, to further position the implement. Under normal operation of such a work vehicle, the bucket is intended to be attached and under use. Such work vehicles may be able to accept other implements by disassembling the implement / work element combination and reassembling another implementE2023-0008-W01 in place of the original bucket. Other work vehicles, however, are intended to be used with a wide variety of implements and have an implement interface such as implement interface 170 shown in FIG. 1. At its most basic, implement interface 170 is a connection mechanism between the frame 110 or a work element 130 and an implement, which can be as simple as a connection point for attaching an implement directly to the frame 110 or a work element 130 or more complex, as discussed below.

[0023] On some power machines, implement interface 170 can include an implement carrier, which is a physical structure movably attached to a work element. The implement carrier has engagement features and locking features to accept and secure any of a number of implements to the work element. One characteristic of such an implement carrier is that once an implement is attached to it, it is fixed to the implement (i.e., not movable with respect to the implement) and when the implement carrier is moved with respect to the work element, the implement moves with the implement carrier. The term implement carrier as used herein is not merely a pivotal connection point, but rather a dedicated device specifically intended to accept and be secured to various implements. The implement carrier itself is mountable to a work element 130 such as a lift arm or the frame 110. Implement interface 170 can also include one or more power sources for providing power to one or more work elements on an implement. Some power machines can have a plurality of work elements with implement interfaces, each of which may, but need not, have an implement carrier for receiving implements. Other power machines can have a work element with a plurality of implement interfaces so that a single work element can accept a plurality of implements simultaneously. Each of these implement interfaces can, but need not, have an implement carrier.

[0024] Frame 110 includes a physical structure that can support various other components that are attached thereto or positioned thereon. Frame 110 can include any number of individual components. Some power machines have frames that are rigid. That is, no part of the frame is movable with respect to another part of the frame. Other power machines have at least one portion that is capable of moving with respect to another portion of the frame. For example, excavators can have an upper frame portion that rotates with respect to a lower frame portion. Other work vehicles have articulated frames such that one portion of the frame pivots with respect to another portion for accomplishing steering functions.

[0025] Frame 110 supports the power source 120, which is configured to provide power to one or more work elements 130 including the one or more tractive elements 140, as well as, in someE2023-0008-W01 instances, providing power for use by an attached implement via implement interface 170. Power from the power source 120 can be provided directly to any of the work elements 130, tractive elements 140, and implement interfaces 170. Alternatively, power from the power source 120 can be provided to a control system 160, which in turn selectively provides power to the elements that are capable of using it to perform a work function. Power sources for power machines typically include an engine such as an internal combustion engine and a power conversion system such as a mechanical transmission or a hydraulic system that is configured to convert the output from an engine into a form of power that is usable by a work element. Other types of power sources can be incorporated into power machines, including electrical sources or a combination of power sources, known generally as hybrid power sources.

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a single work element designated as work element 130, but various power machines can have any number of work elements. Work elements are typically attached to the frame of the power machine and movable with respect to the frame when performing a work task. In addition, tractive elements 140 are a special case of work element in that their work function is generally to move the power machine 100 over a support surface. Tractive elements 140 are shown separate from the work element 130 because many power machines have additional work elements besides tractive elements, although that is not always the case. Power machines can have any number of tractive elements, some or all of which can receive power from the power source 120 to propel the power machine 100. Tractive elements can be, for example, track assemblies, wheels attached to an axle, and the like. Tractive elements can be mounted to the frame such that movement of the tractive element is limited to rotation about an axle (so that steering is accomplished by a skidding action) or, alternatively, pivotally mounted to the frame to accomplish steering by pivoting the tractive element with respect to the frame.

[0027] Power machine 100 includes an operator station 150 that includes an operating position from which an operator can control operation of the power machine. In some power machines, the operator station 150 is defined by an enclosed or partially enclosed cab. Some power machines on which the disclosed embodiments may be practiced may not have a cab or an operator compartment of the type described above. For example, a walk behind loader may not have a cab or an operator compartment, but rather an operating position that serves as an operator station from which the power machine is properly operated. More broadly, power machines other than work vehicles may have operator stations that are not necessarily similar to the operating positions andE2023-0008-W01 operator compartments referenced above. Further, some power machines such as power machine 100 and others, whether they have operator compartments or operator positions, may be capable of being operated remotely (i.e. from a remotely located operator station) instead of or in addition to an operator station adjacent or on the power machine. This can include applications where at least some of the operator-controlled functions of the power machine can be operated from an operating position associated with an implement that is coupled to the power machine. Alternatively, with some power machines, a remote-control device can be provided (i.e. remote from both of the power machine and any implement to which is it coupled) that is capable of controlling at least some of the operator-controlled functions on the power machine.

[0028] FIGS. 2-3 illustrate a loader 200, which is one particular example of a power machine of the type illustrated in FIG. 1 where the embodiments discussed below can be advantageously employed. Loader 200 is a small articulated loader (SAL) with a front mounted lift arm assembly 230, which in this example is a telescopic lift arm, and a small main control valve that is cost effective, but is not equipped to handle high flow fluid that is needed for high flow implements. Loader 200 is one particular example of the power machine 100 illustrated broadly in FIG. 1 and discussed above. To that end, features of loader 200 described below include reference numbers that are generally similar to those used in FIG. 1. For example, loader 200 is described as having a frame 210, just as power machine 100 has a frame 110. The description herein of loader 200 with references to FIGS. 2-3 provides an illustration of the environment in which the embodiments discussed below can be employed, and this description should not be considered limiting especially as to the description of features of loader 200 that are not essential to the disclosed embodiments. Such features may or may not be included in power machines other than loader 200 upon which the embodiments disclosed below may be advantageously practiced. Unless specifically noted otherwise, embodiments disclosed below can be practiced on a variety of power machines, with the loader 200 being only one of those power machines. For example, some or all of the concepts discussed below can be practiced on many other types of work vehicles such as various other loaders, excavators, trenchers, and dozers, to name but a few examples.

[0029] Loader 200 includes frame 210 that supports a power system 220 that can generate or otherwise provide power for operating various functions on the power machine. For example, power system 220 may provide electrical power for operating various functions on the power machine. Frame 210 also supports a work element in the form of lift arm assembly 230 that isE2023-0008-W01 powered by the power system 220 and that can perform various work tasks. As loader 200 is a work vehicle, frame 210 also supports a traction system 240, which is also powered by power system 220 and can propel the power machine over a support surface. The lift arm assembly 230 in turn supports an implement interface 270 that includes an implement carrier 272 that can receive and secure various implements to the loader 200 for performing various work tasks and power couplers 274 (shown diagrammatically), to which an implement can be coupled for selectively providing power to an implement that might be connected to the loader. Power couplers 274 can provide sources of hydraulic or electric power or both. The loader 200 includes a cab 250 that defines an operator station 255 from which an operator can manipulate various control devices to cause the power machine to perform various work functions. Cab 250 includes a canopy 252 that provides a roof for the operator compartment and is configured to have an entry 254 (for example, the left side as illustrated in FIG. 3) on one side of the seat to allow for an operator to enter and exit the cab. Although cab 250 as shown does not include any windows or doors, a door or windows can be provided.

[0030] The operator station 255 includes an operator seat 258 and the various operation input devices 260, including control levers that an operator can manipulate to control various machine functions. Operator input devices can include a steering wheel, buttons, switches, levers, sliders, pedals and the like that can be stand-alone devices such as hand operated levers or foot pedals or incorporated into hand grips or display panels, including programmable input devices. Actuation of operator input devices can generate signals in the form of electrical signals, hydraulic signals, and / or mechanical signals. Signals generated in response to operator input devices are provided to various components on the power machine for controlling various functions on the power machine. Among the functions that are controlled via operator input devices on power machine 100 include control of the tractive system 240, the lift arm assembly 230, the implement carrier 272, and providing signals to any implement that may be operably coupled to the implement.

[0031] Loaders can include human-machine interfaces including display devices that are provided in the cab 250 to give indications of information relatable to the operation of the power machines in a form that can be sensed by an operator, such as, for example audible and / or visual indications. Audible indications can be made in the form of buzzers, bells, and the like or via verbal communication. Visual indications can be made in the form of graphs, lights, icons, gauges, alphanumeric characters, and the like. Displays can be dedicated to providing dedicatedE2023-0008-W01 indications, such as warning lights or gauges, or dynamic to provide programmable information, including programmable display devices such as monitors of various sizes and capabilities. Display devices can provide diagnostic information, troubleshooting information, instructional information, and various other types of information that assist an operator with operation of the power machine or an implement coupled to the power machine. Other information that may be useful for an operator can also be provided. Other power machines, such walk behind loaders may not have a cab nor an operator compartment, nor a seat. The operator position on such loaders is generally defined relative to a position where an operator is best suited to manipulate operator input devices.

[0032] Various power machines that can include and / or interact with the embodiments discussed below can have various frame components that support various work elements. The elements of frame 210 discussed herein are provided for illustrative purposes and should not be the only type of frame that a power machine on which the embodiments can be practiced can employ. As mentioned above, loader 200 is an articulated loader and as such has two frame members that are pivotally coupled together at an articulation joint. For the purposes of this document, frame 210 refers to the entire frame of the loader. Frame 210 of loader 200 includes a front frame member 212 and a rear frame member 214. The front and rear frame members 212, 214 are coupled together at an articulation joint 216 (FIG. 3). Actuators (not shown) are provided to rotate the front and rear frame members 212, 214 relative to each other about a vertical axis 217 (FIG. 3) to accomplish a turn.

[0033] The front frame member 212 supports and is operably coupled to the lift arm 230 at joint 216. A lift arm actuator (not shown, positioned beneath the lift arm 230) is coupled to the front frame member 212 and the lift arm 230 and is operable to raise and lower the lift arm under power. The front frame member 212 also supports at least two front tractive elements or wheels 242A and 242B. Front tractive elements or wheels 242A and 242B are mounted to rigid axles (the axles do not pivot with respect to the front frame member 212). The cab 250 is also supported by the front frame member 212 so that when the front frame member 212 articulates with respect to the rear frame member 214, the cab 250 moves with the front frame member 212 so that it will swing out to either side relative to the rear frame member 214, depending on which way the loader 200 is being steered.E2023-0008-W01

[0034] The rear frame member 214 supports and generally encloses the power system 220 so that the various components of the power system 220 are not visible in FIGS. 2-3. In some exemplary embodiments, the power system is an electric or hybrid electric power system. In other exemplary embodiments the power system 220 includes an engine, but not an electric power source. In addition, one or more hydraulic pumps may be coupled to an engine or an electric motor and supported by the rear frame member 214. In such embodiments, the hydraulic pumps are part of a power conversion system to convert power from the power system 220 into a form that can be used by actuators (such as cylinders) on the loader 200. Power system 220 is discussed in more detail below. In addition, at least two rear tractive elements or wheels 242C and 242D are mounted to rigid axles that are in turn mounted to the rear frame member 214. When the loader 200 is pointed in a straight direction (i.e., the front frame portion 212 is aligned with the rear frame portion 214) a portion of the cab is positioned over the rear frame portion 214.

[0035] The lift arm assembly 230 shown in FIGS. 2-3 is one example of lift arm assemblies that can be attached to a power machine such as power machine 200 or other power machines on which embodiments of the present discussion can be practiced. The lift arm assembly 230 is a radial lift arm assembly, in that the lift arm is mounted to the frame 210 at one end of the lift arm assembly and pivots about the mounting joint 216 as it is raised and lowered. The lift arm assembly 230 may also be a telescoping lift arm. The lift arm assembly includes a boom 232 that is pivotally mounted to the front frame member 212 at joint 216. A telescoping member 234 may be slidably inserted into the boom 232 and telescoping cylinder (not shown) is coupled to the boom and the telescoping member and is operable to extend and retract the telescoping member under power. The telescoping member 234 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 in a fully retracted position. The implement interface 270, including implement carrier 272 and power couplers 274, is operably coupled to the telescoping member 234. An implement carrier mounting structure 276 is mounted to the telescoping member. The implement carrier 272 and the power couplers 274 are mounted to the mounting structure. A tilt actuator 278 is pivotally mounted to both the implement carrier mounting structure 276 and the implement carrier 272 and is operable to rotate the implement carrier with respect to the implement carrier mounting structure under power. Tilt actuator 278 and other actuators on loader 200 may be hydraulic cylinders configured to receive pressurized fluid from power system 220. Among the operator controls 260 in the operator compartment 255 are operatorE2023-0008-W01 controls to allow an operator to control the lift, telescoping, and tilt functions of the lift arm assembly 230.

[0036] Other lift arm assemblies can have different geometries and can be coupled to the frame of a loader in various ways to provide lift paths that differ from the radial path of lift arm assembly 230. For example, some lift paths on other loaders provide a vertical lift path. Others have multiple lift arms coupled together to operate as a lift arm assembly. Still other lift arm assemblies do not have a telescoping member. Others have multiple segments. Unless specifically stated otherwise, none of the inventive concepts set forth in this discussion are limited by the type or number of lift arm assemblies that are coupled to a particular power machine.

[0037] Implement power couplers 274, available for connection to a removable implement (not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3), are coupled to a power source of power system 220 including, for example, pressurized hydraulic fluid. Pressurized hydraulic fluid powers one or more functions or actuators on an implement. The implement power source can also include an electrical power source for powering electrical actuators and / or an electronic controller on an implement. The implement power source may also exemplarily include electrical conduits that are in communication with a data bus on the excavator 200 to allow communication between a controller on an implement and electronic devices on the loader 200.

[0038] FIG. 4 includes, among other things, a block diagram of various components of power system 220. Power system 220 includes one or more power sources 222 that can generate and / or store power for use on various machine functions. On power machine 200, the power system 220 includes an internal combustion engine. Other power machines can include electric generators, rechargeable batteries, various other power sources or any combination of power sources that can provide power for given power machine components. The power system 220 also includes a power conversion system 224, which is operably coupled to the power source 222. Power conversion system 224 is, in turn, coupled to various actuators, which perform functions on the power machine. Power conversion systems in various power machines can include various components, including mechanical transmissions, hydraulic systems, and the like. The power conversion system 224 of power machine 200 includes a plurality of hydraulic pumps 224A, 224B and etc., such as piston pumps and gear pumps, which are selectively controllable to provide power to, for example, drive actuators 226 and work actuator circuit 238. For example, select pumps 224A, 224B may provide power to drive actuators, such as drive motors, which in turn are operably coupled to axlesE2023-0008-W01 and tractive elements. Pumps 224A, 224B can be mechanically, hydraulic, and / or electrically coupled to operator input devices to receive actuation signals for controlling the drive motors.

[0039] Select hydraulic pumps 224A, 224B may also be coupled to work actuator circuit 238. Work actuator circuit 238 may include lift and tilt cylinders, such as tilt cylinder 278, as well as control logic (such as one or more valves) to control actuation thereof. The control logic selectively allows, in response to operator inputs, for actuation of the lift and tilt cylinders. In some machines, the work actuator circuit 238 also includes control logic to selectively provide a pressurized hydraulic fluid to an attached implement through valves designated for auxiliary use.

[0040] The description of power machine 100 and loader 200 above is provided for illustrative purposes, to provide illustrative environments on which the embodiments discussed below can be practiced. While the embodiments discussed can be practiced on a power machine such as is generally described by the power machine 100 shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1 and more particularly on a loader such as articulated loader 200, unless otherwise noted or recited, the concepts discussed below are not intended to be limited in their application to the environments specifically described above.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a block diagram that illustrates components of a power system 320 of a power machine 300, which can be a power machine such as power machines 100 and 200 discussed above, including components of a hydraulic work actuator system or circuit configured with high flow for an implement or attachment in accordance with disclosed embodiments. FIG. 5 specifically illustrates power system 320 configured for standard flow to an implement or attachment. As such, a high flow manifold 340, which controls high flow to the implement actuators, is not directing high flow to the implement actuators. Power system 320 includes a first or standard pump 324A configured to receive hydraulic fluid from a tank or reservoir 302 through an input conduit 304. First pump 324A may be a gear pump configured to supply a first pressurized hydraulic fluid to outlet conduit 312 and a main control valve 321.

[0042] Power system 320 also includes a second or high flow pump 324B configured to receive hydraulic fluid from tank 302 through an input conduit 305. Second pump 324B may be a gear pump configured to supply a second pressurized hydraulic fluid flow to outlet conduit 314 and a high flow manifold 340. Main control valve 321 supplies pressurized hydraulic fluid to control lift and / or tilt actuators, such as exemplary lift actuator 377 and tilt actuator 378 on a lift arm structure, and to control auxiliary functions, such as implement actuator(s) 330 on an attached implement.E2023-0008-W01Flow from main control valve 321 to implement actuator(s) 330, representing auxiliary functions on an implement attached to the lift arm structure using an implement carrier, is provided through main control valve output conduit 322 and is returned to the main control valve through conduit 328 and to tank 302 through conduit 326. As illustrated in FIG. 5, implement actuator(s) 330 do not need high flow to operate and therefore high flow is not directed to implement actuator(s). In a standard flow state or first flow state, high flow manifold 340 directs second pressurized hydraulic fluid back to tank 302 through conduit 316.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the components of power system 320 of FIG. 5 configured to supply high flow to an implement or attachment, and therefore with high flow manifold 340 turned on. As described in FIG. 5, first or standard pump 324A is configured to receive hydraulic fluid from tank or reservoir 302 and supply first pressurized hydraulic fluid to outlet conduit 312 and main control valve 321. Likewise, second or high flow pump 324B is configured to receive hydraulic fluid from tank or reservoir 302 and supply second pressurized hydraulic fluid flow to outlet conduit 314 and high flow manifold 340. With high flow manifold 340 being configured in a high flow state or second flow state, second pressurized hydraulic fluid provided from manifold 340 at outlet conduit 342 merges with first pressurized hydraulic fluid from main control valve output conduit 322 at flow merge point 344. This merged fluid flow is used to operate implement actuator(s) 330 to control auxiliary functions on an implement attached to a lift arm structure. The merged fluid flow returns through conduit 328, but is split at flow split point 346 where a portion of the merged fluid flow returns through main control valve 321 and conduit 326 to tank or reservoir 302. The remaining portion of the merged fluid flow returns through high flow manifold 340 and conduit 316 to tank or reservoir 302. The merging of fluid flow allows power system 320 to provide high flow fluid to implements that require high flow and the splitting of fluid flow allows power system 320 to include a cost-effective main control that does not need to accommodate high fluid flows.

[0044] Electronic controller 350 is in electrical communication with first or standard pump 324A and second or high flow pump 324B through signal line(s) 352, with main control valve 321 through signal line(s) 354, and with high flow manifold 340 through signal line(s) 356. In other embodiments, communication between the controller 350 and main control valve 321, high flow manifold 340, and the pumps 324A and 324B can be wireless. Regardless, each pump 324A and 324B, main control valve 321 and high flow manifold 340 is controllable by controller 350E2023-0008-W01 responsive to signals from user inputs 360. Thus, when user inputs 360 indicate an increased flow requirement to implement actuator(s) 330, high flow manifold 340 will be turned on or placed in a high flow state, which allows high flow fluid from high flow pump 324B to be directed by high flow manifold 340 to be combined with standard fluid flow from standard pump 324A and main control valve 321. The combined flow is then provided to implement actuator(s) 330. Thus, the high flow manifold fluid is combined with the output of an auxiliary section of the main control valve 321 to provide additional flow for selected high flow implements that require higher flow rates. The combined flow from main control valve 321 and high flow manifold 340 for high flow implements ensures that the additional flow provided by high flow pump 324B is provided for use with the auxiliary functions of the implement actuators. Return flow from the implement actuator(s) 330 is provided through conduit 328 and splits to a return through main control valve 321 and through high flow manifold 340.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 7, an example work actuator circuit is provided to illustrate a standard flow function or state of power system 305 shown in FIG. 5 for operating implement actuator(s) 330 under one embodiment. A standard flow function or state means only fluid from first or standard pump 324A is being used to operate implement actuator(s) 330 and therefore high flow capability is turned off. First or standard pump 324A provides first pressurized hydraulic fluid flow, under the control of signal 352 (FIG. 5) from controller 350 (FIG. 5), to conduit 312 and main control valve 321. Main control valve 321 includes a plurality of spool valves (not illustrated) for providing flow of hydraulic fluid to lift and tilt actuators 377 and 378 as well as to implement actuator(s) 330. Under a standard flow function or state, an auxiliary spool valve or solenoid valve (not illustrated) will be energized via control signal 354 (FIG. 5) to allow first pressurized hydraulic fluid from pump 324A to flow to auxiliary coupler 331 and therefore to implement actuator(s) 330. In addition to spool valves being omitted in FIG. 7, components and features for operation of lift and tilt actuators are also omitted in FIG. 7 for purposes of simplifying the disclosed embodiments. During the standard flow function or state, second or high flow pump 324B provides a second pressurized hydraulic fluid flow, under the control of signal 352 (FIG. 5) from controller 350 (FIG. 5), to conduit 314 and high flow manifold 340. As illustrated in FIG. 7, high flow manifold 340 includes a solenoid valve 362.

[0046] During the standard flow function or state, solenoid valve 362 is in a de-energized condition, which directs high flow fluid from high flow pump 324B to be dumped through solenoidE2023-0008-W01 valve 362 and conduit 316 to tank or reservoir 302, while standard flow fluid from standard pump 324A is allowed through the auxiliary spool valve (not illustrated) in main control valve 321 and auxiliary coupler 331 to operate implement actuator(s) 330. Check valve 361 prevents flow in conduit 322 from being directed to tank 302 and fluid is directed through female coupler 333 of auxiliary coupler 331, which has a manual pressure bleed-off valve 334, to operate implement actuator(s) 330. Return flow is directed through male coupler 335 of auxiliary coupler 331, which also has a manual pressure bleed-off valve 336, through conduit 324 and the auxiliary spool valve of main control valve 321 to tank 302.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 8, an example work actuator circuit is provided to illustrate a high flow function or state of power system 305 shown in FIG. 6 for operating implement actuator(s)330 under one embodiment. A high flow function or state means fluid from first or standard pump 324A and fluid from second or high flow pump 324B are both being used to operate implement actuator(s) 330 and therefore high flow capability is turned on. First or standard pump 324A provides first pressurized hydraulic fluid flow, under the control of signal 352 (FIG. 6) from controller 350 (FIG. 6), to conduit 312 and main control valve 321. Under a high flow function or state, an auxiliary spool valve or solenoid valve (not illustrated) will be energized via control signal 354 (FIG. 5) to allow first pressurized hydraulic fluid from pump 324A to flow to auxiliary coupler331 and therefore to implement actuator(s) 330. In addition to spool valves being omitted in FIG. 8, components and features for operation of lift and tilt actuators are also omitted in FIG. 8 for purposes of simplifying the disclosed embodiments. During the high flow function or state, second or high flow pump 324B provides second pressurized hydraulic fluid flow, under the control of signal 352 (FIG. 6) from controller 350 (FIG. 6), to conduit 314 and high flow manifold 340.

[0048] During high flow function, solenoid valve 362 is in an energized condition as controlled by control signal 356 (FIG. 6) from controller 350 (FIG. 6) responsive to user inputs 360, which blocks the path of oil to conduit 316 and tank or reservoir 302, and diverts the high flow of fluid towards female coupler 333. Meanwhile, standard flow fluid from standard pump 324A is allowed through the auxiliary spool valve (not illustrated) in main control valve 321 to merge with high flow fluid from solenoid valve 362 at flow merge point 344. Together, high flow fluid or second pressurized hydraulic fluid and standard flow fluid or first pressurized hydraulic fluid enter female coupler 333 and are used to operate implement actuator(s) 330, which are implement actuator(s) that require a higher flow to operate than what a standard flow may be capable of providing.E2023-0008-W01Together, return high flow fluid and standard flow fluid are directed through male coupler 335 and split at split point 346. At split point 346, fluid flow is partially bypassed through high flow manifold 340 and through conduit 316 to tank 302, while the remaining fluid flow continues through conduit 324 and the auxiliary spool valve of main control valve 321 to tank 302. Therefore, an energized solenoid valve 362 provides two simultaneous functions: to merge the high flow fluid or second pressurized hydraulic fluid being pumped by high flow pump 324B with the standard flow fluid or first pressurized hydraulic fluid being pumped by standard pump 324A, and to split the merged fluid upon return to tank 302 so that a portion of the merged fluid is directed through main control valve 321 to tank 302 and a remaining portion of the merged fluid is directed through solenoid valve 362 of high flow manifold 340 to tank 302.

[0049] Manifold 340 further includes a relief valve 363, which is configured to ensure that pressure does not exceed a threshold pressure level, such as 250 bar. For example, if an implement or attachment coupled to auxiliary coupler 331 cannot function due to being stuck or trapped, such as a rotary snowblower attachment being stuck in the snow during operation, relief valve 363 will relieve excess pressure that is over the threshold pressure or in the alternative, for example, relieve excess pressure if solenoid valve 362 should fail.

[0050] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the discussion.

Claims

E2023-0008-W01WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A hydraulic circuit of a power machine for providing power to at least one implement actuator of an implement mounted on the power machine, the hydraulic circuit comprising: a main control valve; a high flow manifold having a first flow state and a second flow state; a first pump configured to receive hydraulic fluid from a tank and to supply first pressurized hydraulic fluid to the main control valve; a second pump configured to receive hydraulic fluid from the tank and to supply second pressurized hydraulic fluid to the high flow manifold; and wherein in the first flow state the high flow manifold is configured to direct the second pressurized hydraulic fluid to the tank and the main control valve is configured to direct the first pressurized hydraulic fluid to the at least one implement actuator and return the first pressurized hydraulic fluid through the main control valve to the tank; and wherein in the second flow state the high flow manifold is configured to direct the second pressurized hydraulic fluid to merge with the first pressurized hydraulic fluid being directed to the at least one implement actuator at a merge point and to split the merged hydraulic fluid returning from the at least implement actuator at a split point so that a portion of the merged hydraulic fluid is directed to the tank through the main control valve and a remaining portion of the merged hydraulic fluid is directed to the tank through the high flow manifold.

2. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the first pump and the second pump comprise gear pumps responsive to control signals from a controller.

3. The circuit of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to control each of the first pump, the second pump and the main control valve, and to control the high flow manifold in response to a user input indicating a high flow state requirement to the at least one implement actuator.E2023-0008-W014. The circuit of claim 1 , wherein the high flow manifold comprises a solenoid valve, wherein the solenoid valve is configured to be in a first configuration in a standard flow state and configured to be in a second configuration in a high flow state in response to control signals from a controller.

5. The circuit of claim 4, wherein when the solenoid valve is in the first configuration the solenoid valve allows the second pressurized hydraulic fluid to flow therethrough and be directed to the tank.

6. The circuit of claim 4, wherein when the solenoid valve is in the second configuration the solenoid valve blocks the second pressurized hydraulic fluid from flowing to the tank and is configured to direct the second pressurized hydraulic fluid to merge with the first pressurized hydraulic fluid and configured to direct the merged hydraulic fluid to split so that the remaining portion of the merged hydraulic fluid flows through the solenoid valve to the tank.

7. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the high flow manifold comprises a check valve, wherein the check valve is configured to prevent the first pressurized hydraulic fluid in the standard flow state from flowing to the tank before being used by the at least one implement actuator.

8. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the high flow manifold comprises a relief valve that is configured to ensure that pressure in the high flow manifold does not exceed a threshold pressure.

9. The circuit of claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary coupler having a female coupler and a male coupler, wherein the female coupler is configured to receive the first pressurized hydraulic fluid in the standard flow state and provide the first pressurized hydraulic fluid to the at least one implement actuator or the female coupler is configured to receive the merged hydraulic fluid in the high flow state and provide the merged hydraulic fluid to the at least one implement actuator.

10. A power machine comprising: a frame; an implement carrier pivotally coupled to a lift arm assembly and configured to have an implement coupled thereto, the implement having at least one implement actuator;E2023-0008-W01 a first pump configured to receive hydraulic fluid from a tank and to supply a first pressurized hydraulic fluid; a second pump configured to receive hydraulic fluid from the tank and to supply a second pressurized hydraulic fluid; a main control valve configured to receive and provide the first pressurized hydraulic fluid to the at least one implement actuator; a high flow manifold configured to receive and provide the second pressurized hydraulic fluid to the at least one implement actuator or a tank; and a controller coupled to the high flow manifold to selectively control the high flow manifold based on user inputs to configure the high flow manifold into a first flow state or a second flow state; wherein in the first flow state the high flow manifold provides the second pressurized hydraulic fluid to the tank; and wherein in the second flow state the high flow manifold provides the second pressurized hydraulic fluid to merge with the first pressurized hydraulic fluid being provided to the at least one implement actuator and splits the merged hydraulic fluid returning from the at least implement actuator so that a portion of the merged hydraulic fluid is directed to the tank through the main control valve and a remaining portion of the merged hydraulic fluid is received by the high flow manifold and provided to the tank.

11. The power machine of claim 10, wherein the controller is further configured to control each of the first pump, the second pump and the main control valve in response to user inputs.

12. The power machine of claim 10, wherein the high flow manifold comprises a solenoid valve, wherein the solenoid valve is configured to be in a first configuration in the first flow state and configured to be in a second configuration in the second flow state.

13. The power machine of claim 12, wherein when the solenoid valve is in the first configuration the solenoid valve allows the second pressurized hydraulic fluid to flow therethrough and be directed to the tank.E2023-0008-W0114. The power machine of claim 12, wherein when the solenoid valve is in the second configuration the solenoid valve blocks the second pressurized hydraulic fluid from flowing to the tank and is configured to direct the second pressurized hydraulic fluid to merge with the first pressurized hydraulic fluid and configured to direct the merged hydraulic fluid to split so that the remaining portion of the merged hydraulic fluid flows through the solenoid valve to the tank.

15. The power machine of claim 10, wherein the high flow manifold comprises a check valve, wherein the check valve is configured to prevent the first pressurized hydraulic fluid in the first flow state from flowing to the tank before being used by the at least one implement actuator.

16. The power machine of claim 10, wherein the high flow manifold comprises a relief valve that is configured to ensure that pressure in the high flow manifold does not exceed a threshold pressure.

17. The power machine of claim 10, further comprising an auxiliary coupler having a female coupler and a male coupler, wherein the female coupler is configured to receive the first pressurized hydraulic fluid in the first flow state and provide the first pressurized hydraulic fluid to the at least one implement actuator or the female coupler is configured to receive the merged hydraulic fluid in the second flow state and provide the merged hydraulic fluid to the at least one implement actuator.

18. A method of providing power to at least one implement actuator of an implement mounted on a power machine, the method comprising: supplying a first pressurized hydraulic fluid to a main control valve by way of a first pump configured to receive hydraulic fluid from a tank; supplying a second pressurized hydraulic fluid to a high flow manifold by way of a second pump configured to receive hydraulic fluid from the tank, wherein the high flow manifold includes a first flow state and a second flow state; during the first flow state, directing the second pressurized hydraulic fluid to the tank and directing the first pressurized hydraulic fluid to the at least one implement actuatorE2023-0008-W01 and returning the first pressurized hydraulic fluid through the main control valve to the tank; and during the second flow state, merging the second pressurized hydraulic fluid with the first pressurized hydraulic fluid being directed to the at least one implement actuator at a merge point and splitting the merged hydraulic fluid returning from the at least implement actuator so that a portion of the merged hydraulic fluid is directed to the tank through the main control valve and a remaining portion of the merged hydraulic fluid is directed to the tank through the high flow manifold.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising preventing the first pressurized hydraulic fluid in the first flow state from flowing to the tank before being used by the at least one implement actuator.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising ensuring that pressure in the high flow manifold does not exceed a threshold pressure.

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