Automatic ride control
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A ride control for a vehicle having an implement and a hydraulic lift cylinder for moving the implement to and between a plurality of positions, comprising:
- means for sensing a velocity of the vehicle and responsively producing a velocity signal;
a hydraulic accumulator;
a control valve connected to and between said hydraulic accumulator and the lift cylinder, said control valve having an open state in which hydraulic fluid passes between the lift cylinder and said hydraulic accumulator and a closed state in which hydraulic fluid is prevented from passing between the lift cylinder and said hydraulic accumulator; and
means for opening said control valve in response to said velocity signal being greater than a first predetermined magnitude and closing said control valve in response to said velocity signal being less than a second predetermined magnitude.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Work vehicles are used to perform a variety of functions. Advantageously, such work vehicles include systems for cushioning the ride while the vehicle is travelling. The subject automatic ride control senses the speed of the vehicle and responsively activates and deactivates the ride control by respectively connecting and disconnecting an accumulator to the lift cylinder hydraulic circuit.
42 Citations
8 Claims
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1. A ride control for a vehicle having an implement and a hydraulic lift cylinder for moving the implement to and between a plurality of positions, comprising:
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means for sensing a velocity of the vehicle and responsively producing a velocity signal; a hydraulic accumulator; a control valve connected to and between said hydraulic accumulator and the lift cylinder, said control valve having an open state in which hydraulic fluid passes between the lift cylinder and said hydraulic accumulator and a closed state in which hydraulic fluid is prevented from passing between the lift cylinder and said hydraulic accumulator; and means for opening said control valve in response to said velocity signal being greater than a first predetermined magnitude and closing said control valve in response to said velocity signal being less than a second predetermined magnitude. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A ride control for a vehicle having an implement and a hydraulic lift cylinder for moving the implement to and between a plurality of positions, comprising:
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means for sensing a velocity of the vehicle and responsively producing a velocity signal; a hydraulic accumulator; a control valve connected to and between said hydraulic accumulator and the lift cylinder, said control valve having an open state in which hydraulic fluid passes between the lift cylinder and said hydraulic accumulator and a closed state in which hydraulic fluid is prevented from passing between the lift cylinder and said hydraulic accumulator; a pilot valve in hydraulic communication with said control valve; and a controller for receiving said velocity signal and delivering a first electrical signal to said pilot valve in response to said velocity signal being greater than a first predetermined magnitude and a second electrical signal to said pilot valve in response to said velocity signal being less than a second predetermined magnitude.
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6. A method for controllably engaging and disengaging a ride control in a vehicle having an implement and a hydraulic lift cylinder for moving the implement to and between a plurality of positions, comprising the steps of:
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sensing a velocity of the vehicle and responsively producing a velocity signal; producing a first electrical signal in response to the velocity signal being greater than a first predetermined magnitude; producing a second electrical signal in response to the velocity signal being less than a second predetermined magnitude; allowing fluid to flow between a hydraulic accumulator and the lift cylinder in response to said first electrical signal; and preventing fluid from flowing between the hydraulic accumulator and the lift cylinder in response to the second electrical signal. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8)
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Specification