Split-Flow Pump Control via Communication Switching Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of a split-flow pump in working machines results in equal discharge flow rates for both circuit systems, leading to inefficient energy usage when one actuator is operated, as working oil is directly returned to the tank instead of being utilized effectively in the other circuit system.
Innovation Solution
A working machine control system that includes a split-flow fluid pressure pump, operation valves, neutral passages, a communication switching valve, and a discharge flow rate adjusting device to manage the fluid pressure pump's discharge flow rate based on switch signals from the operation valves, allowing communication between discharge ports and neutral passages to optimize fluid distribution and reduce waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a split-flow pump is used to supply working oil to two circuit systems, then the pump structure is simplified and discharge flow rates are equalized, but energy efficiency deteriorates when only one actuator is operated because working oil is directly returned to the tank
Solution Approach 1:
A communication switching valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the two circuit systems. When one operation valve is switched, the communication switching valve redirects the working oil that would otherwise be returned to the tank through the neutral passage to the other circuit system, enabling effective utilization of the hydraulic fluid and improving energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers working oil that would normally be discarded (returned to tank) through the neutral passage. By detecting when one operation valve is switched, the system redirects this otherwise wasted hydraulic fluid to the other circuit system through the communication switching valve, transforming a loss into a useful resource
2Loss of energy
If the discharge flow rate of the hydraulic pump is reduced to match actual actuator demand, then energy efficiency improves, but the flow rate may become insufficient for proper actuator operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the discharge flow rate of the hydraulic pump based on actual actuator demand. When one operation valve is switched, the communication switching valve activates to redirect working oil, and the discharge flow rate adjusting device reduces the pump's discharge flow rate accordingly, ensuring the flow rate matches actual needs while maintaining sufficient supply for reliable actuator operation
Data Source
AI summary
A working machine control system includes: a split-flow fluid pressure pump configured to discharge a working fluid from a first discharge port and a second discharge port; a communication switching valve configured to allow, when one of a first operation valve and a second operation valve is switched, the first discharge port or the second discharge port for one of the first operation valve and the second operation valve that is not switched to communicate with a first neutral passage or a second neutral passage for the other of the first operation valve and the second operation valve that is switched; and a discharge flow rate adjusting device configured to adjust the fluid pressure pump so as to reduce a discharge flow rate of the fluid pressure pump in a case where a switch signal is inputted from any one of the first operation valve and the second operation valve.