Richard J. Lech - Burlington IA Patrick J. Pieper - Carol Stream IL
Assignee:
Case Corporation - Racine WI
International Classification:
E02F 300
US Classification:
4146955
Abstract:
A hydraulic system suited for use with a backhoe apparatus and which is configured to automatically direct a priority flow of actuating fluid from an actuating fluid source to hydraulic motors used to swing the backhoe apparatus into a desired swing position independently of other backhoe operations and the corresponding loads thereof. The hydraulic system of the present invention includes a priority valve which is connected to the fluid source and has priority and secondary hydraulic circuitry extending therefrom. The priority valve is positioned under the influence of fluid pressure differentials applied against it. In response to operator desires to swing the backhoe apparatus from one position to another, the priority valve automatically directs a dedicated flow of actuating fluid through the priority circuit to the swing motors used to swing the backhoe apparatus into the desired swing position. The flow to the swing motors is independent of other backhoe functions concurrently operated therewith thereby allowing a substantially constant swing speed for the backhoe apparatus. When the backhoe apparatus is held in a static position, the priority valve automatically directs actuating fluid from the fluid source through the secondary circuit to other hydraulic motors in the hydraulic system.
Locking Apparatus And Method For Hydraulic Valve Assembly
A hydraulic valve assembly for use with a fluid motor has a control device, e. g. , a valve spool, mounted for movement between a neutral position for motor disabling and an output position for motor operation. The improvement comprises a locking surface on the device and a lock member engaging the surface when the device is in the neutral position. Such lock member prevents movement of the device to the output position. The valve assembly may have two control devices, each having a locking surface. The lock member engages (or disengages from) such surfaces simultaneously. Means for manual and remote shifting of the locking member are also disclosed. The new assembly is particularly useful in mobile machines having hydraulically-operated equipment, e. g. , a loader bucket, which is raised above ground.