Auto-modulating hydraulic circuit and related method
US5743366A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 23, 1996 |
| Grant date | Apr 28, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 23, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D2048/0209
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed is a modulating hydraulic circuit for controlling a clutch such as the clutch on a power takeoff (PTO) shaft. The circuit includes a throttling valve having (a) an inlet port for receiving hydraulic fluid from a source, and (b) a discharge port connected to the clutch. The discharge port is also connected to an accumulator which is at an accumulator pressure. The discharge port and the clutch are at a pressure generally proportional to the accumulator pressure. As accumlator pressure rises at a controlled rate, the clutch is progressively engaged. Optionally, the circuit includes a brake control valve for "softly" disengaging a PTO shaft brake as the accumulator pressure rises. A method for controlling the clutch includes flowing hydraulic fluid through hydraulic lines to a throttling valve connected to an accumulator and to the clutch, increasing pressure in the lines and progressively engaging the clutch.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.