Power plants – Pressure fluid source and motor – Externally operated multiway valve or interconnected control...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-12
2001-07-17
Look, Edward K. (Department: 3745)
Power plants
Pressure fluid source and motor
Externally operated multiway valve or interconnected control...
C091S447000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06260357
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a system for controlling a fluid or other actuator, and more particularly, an actuator for a quick coupler adapted to couple an implement to a work machine.
BACKGROUND ART
Mechanisms for readily and releasably coupling implements to work machines are well known in the art and are commonly referred to as quick couplers. Quick couplers are used with construction equipment, such telescopic handlers for example, to secure various implements such as forks, buckets, work platforms, and other tools, to the boom of the machine. Known quick couplers typically utilize a retractable or otherwise movable member on the machine, such as a pin, that interlocks with a portion of the implement. The pin or other member can be retracted or otherwise moved to release the implement from the machine.
It is also known to provide power operated quick couplers, which use hydraulic or other power from the machine to affect the retraction and extension of the coupler pin and thus the release and coupling of the implement to the machine. For example, it is known to provide one or more control switches on a hand-operated joystick of the work machine, such as a telescopic handler or the like, to activate certain hydraulic functions, including the activation of a fluid actuator that retracts and extends the quick coupler pin or pins. Because it may be desirable to use the joystick switches to control other auxiliary hydraulic functions of the implement, a diverter valve has been provided to selectively divert the fluid supplied by the machine in response to the joystick switches to either the quick coupler or the auxiliary circuit of the implement. A concern that arises with such power operated quick couplers is the risk of the inadvertent, unintended release of the implement from the machine.
This invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems or concerns set forth above.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of this invention, a control system for supplying power to an actuator comprises a power source and an actuator power circuit connected between the source and the actuator. A first switch is operable, when actuated, produce a first control signal, and a second switch is operable, when actuated, to produce a second control signal distinguishable from the first control signal if the first switch is concurrently actuated. A sensor receives the control signals produced by actuation of the switches, and the sensor permits the flow of power to the actuator from the source only if the second control signal is sensed by the sensor. Thus, power is supplied to the actuator only by concurrent actuation of said first and second switches.
In another aspect of this invention, the power source supplies power at a first level and, on demand, at a second level higher than the first level. The first control signal corresponds to the first power level, and the second signal corresponds to the second power level. Actuation of the first switch causes power to be selectively supplied from the source to the actuator, and actuation of the second switch causes the power level supplied by the source to be raised from the first level to the second level.
In another aspect of this invention, the actuator comprises a fluid-powered actuator, and the power source comprises a pressurized fluid source. The first and second power levels comprise first and second fluid pressures, and the sensor comprises a relief valve that permits fluid flow only if the fluid pressure is at least the second, higher pressure. Thus, pressurized fluid is supplied to the actuator only by concurrent actuation of the first and second switches.
In still another aspect of this invention, the control system is used to control the supply of pressurized fluid to an actuator of a fluid powered quick coupler used to couple an implement to a work machine.
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Goodfellow Stephen J.
Moore Steve A.
Caterpillar Inc.
Charlton Diana L.
Cheek John J.
Lazo Thomas E.
Look Edward K.
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