Hydraulic control apparatus for hydraulic construction machine

• US 5,307,631 A
• Filed: 10/29/1992
• Issued: 05/03/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 01/28/1991
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Company Limited (Hitachi, Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Company Limited (Hitachi, Ltd.)
• Inventors: Tamura, Seiji, Ichimura, Kazuhiro, Kihara, Mitsuo, Onoue, Hiroshi, Tatsumi, Akira, Nakamura, Shigetaka
• Primary Examiner(s): Look, Edward K.
• Assistant Examiner(s): NGUYEN, HOANG M
• Application Number:
  US07/927,408
• Time in Patent Office: 551 Days
• Field of Search: 60/420, 60/423, 60/426, 60/427, 60/431, 60/445, 60/449, 60/450, 60/452, 91/514, 91/517, 91/518, 91/459
• US Class Current: 60/452
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 9/2228 including an electronic controller
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 9/2235 including an electronic controller
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 9/2242 including an electronic controller
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 9/2246 Control of prime movers, e.g. depending on the hydraulic load of work tools
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 9/2285 Pilot-operated systems
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 9/2292 Systems with two or more pumps
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 9/2296 Systems with a variable displacement pump
• CPC Class Codes: F02B 3/06 with compression ignition compression ignition engines using air or gas for blowing fuel into compressed air in cylinder F02B13/02
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 61/472 for achieving a target output torque

Abstract

The displacement of a variable displacement hydraulic pump (1) which is driven by a diesel engine (27) is so controlled as to be set to a first target displacement to keep a pump pressure higher than a load pressure by a predetermined target value, or a second target displacement to limit an input torque on the basis of the pump pressure. Provided is a stand-by flow rate control portion (65) which outputs a third target displacement larger than the minimum value of said first target displacement. The displacement of the pump (1) is controlled so as to be set to the third target displacement when the third target displacement is output from the stand-by flow rate control portion (65).

Claims

1. A hydraulic control apparatus for a hydraulic construction machine including:

a variable displacement hydraulic pump which is driven by a prime mover;

a first hydraulic actuator which is driven by delivery oil from said hydraulic pump;

a first control valve which is provided between said hydraulic pump and said first hydraulic actuator and serves to control pressured oil to be supplied to said first hydraulic actuator;

first determination means for determining a first target displacement to keep a delivery pressure of said hydraulic pump to a value higher than a load pressure of the first hydraulic actuator by a predetermined target value;

second determination means for determining a second target displacement by which an input torque is limited on the basis of said delivery pressure of said hydraulic pump; and

displacement control means for controlling said displacement of said hydraulic pump such that said displacement is equal to at least one of said first and second target displacements,

said hydraulic control apparatus further including instructing means for issuing instructions that an oil flow rate of said variable displacement hydraulic pump becomes a predetermined minimum value, and limiting means for imposing limitation in response to said instructions on a signal indicating said first target displacement which is determined and output by said first determination means, so that the minimum oil flow rate becomes larger than that before limitation is imposed at least when said hydraulic pump is driven with a light load.

2. The hydraulic control apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said instructing means includes limit-signal output means for outputting a limit signal indicating a value larger than the minimum value of said first target displacement which is output from said first determination means and limiting-operation instructing signal output means including a manually operated member, for outputting a limiting-operation instructing signal causing said limit-signal output means to be activated through an operation of said manually operated member,

said limiting means includes maximum-value selecting means for comparing the value indicated by said limit signal and said first target displacement output from said first determination means to select and output a larger one of these values, and

said displacement being controlled so as to be equal to a smaller one of said target displacement selected by the maximum-value selecting means and said second displacement target.

3. The hydraulic control apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said manually operated member of said limiting-operation instructing signal output means comprises a manually operable switch.

4. The hydraulic control apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said limiting-operation instructing signal output means outputs at least two kinds of limiting-operation instructing signals, and said limit-signal output means outputs a target displacement whose value corresponds to an input limiting-operation instructing signal.

5. The hydraulic control apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said manually operated member outputs at least two kinds of limiting-operation instructing signals in accordance with the manipulation amount of said manually operated member.

6. The hydraulic control apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said displacement control means includes;

minimum-value selecting means for selecting a smaller one of said first target displacement output from said first determination means and said second target displacement output from said second determination means,

said limiting means includes selection means for selecting any one of said target displacement selected by said minimum-value selecting means and said second target displacement, and

said instructing means includes selection instructing signal output means for outputting a selection instructing signal for instructing the selection of the output of said minimum-value selecting means or said second target displacement as said target displacement to be selected in said selection means.

7. The hydraulic control apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said instructing means includes;

limiting signal output means for outputting a limiting signal having a value larger than the minimum value of said first target displacement output from said first determination means,

limiting-operation instructing means for operating said limiting signal output means in response to a manipulation of an operating member for said hydraulic actuator,

maximum-value selecting means for comparing the value of said limiting signal and said first target displacement output from said first determination means to select a larger one therefrom and outputting the selected one, and,

said displacement control means controls said displacement as to be equal to a smaller one of said target displacement selected by said maximum-value selecting means and said second target displacement.

8. The hydraulic control apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said hydraulic construction machine further includes;

first operating means which is manipulated to keep the rotational speed of said prime mover to an arbitrary rotational speed,

second operating means which is manipulated to control the rotational speed of said prime mover and returned to an initial position of low rotational speed when the manipulating force is released,

rotational speed control means for controlling the rotational speed of said prime mover in accordance with said first and second operating means,

a second hydraulic actuator which is driven by said delivery oil from said hydraulic pump, and,

a second control valve which is provided between said hydraulic pump and said second hydraulic actuator and serves to control the pressured oil which is supplied to said second hydraulic actuator, and wherein,

said limiting operation instructing signal output means is judging means for outputting a selection instructing signal indicating the selection of said second target displacement on the basis of the discrimination of a state where said first hydraulic actuator is operated while the rotational speed of said prime mover is controlled by said second operating means.

9. The hydraulic control apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first determination means detects a difference pressure between the pressure of a conduit for intercommunicating said first control valve with said hydraulic pump and the pressure of a conduit for intercommunicating said first control valve with said first hydraulic actuator to calculate a deviation between a predetermined target difference pressure and the detected difference pressure, and calculates said first target displacement on the basis of said deviation, and wherein,

said second determination means detects a deviation between an actual rotational speed of a diesel engine serving as said prime mover and a control rotational speed indicated by the position of a governor lever of said diesel engine, calculates on the basis of the detected deviation a target torque with which said diesel engine suffers from no engine stall, and detects said delivery pressure of said variable displacement hydraulic pump to calculate said second target displacement on the basis of the reciprocal of the detected delivery pressure and said target torque.

10. The hydraulic control apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein said second determination means includes means for judging the travelling operation, and wherein in the travelling operation said target torque is subjected to only a correction for increasing said target torque when the actual rotational speed is higher than said control rotational speed, and in a non-travelling operation said target torque is subjected to a correction for increasing said target torque when said actual rotational speed is higher than said control rotational speed and a correction for decreasing said target torque when said actual rotational speed is lower than said control rotational speed.

11. In a hydraulic control apparatus for a hydraulic construction machine including;

first operating means which is manipulated to keep the rotational speed of a prime mover to an arbitrary rotational speed,

second operating means which is manipulated to control the rotational speed of said prime mover and is returned to an initial position of low rotational speed when the manipulating force is released,

rotational speed control means for controlling the rotational speed of said prime mover in accordance with said first and second operating means,

a variable displacement hydraulic pump which is driven by said prime mover,

a first hydraulic actuator which is driven by a delivery oil from said hydraulic pump,

a second hydraulic actuator which is driven by said delivery oil of said hydraulic pump,

a first control valve which is provided between said hydraulic pump and said first hydraulic actuator and serves to control a pressured oil supplied to said first hydraulic actuator,

a second control valve which is provided between said hydraulic pump and said second hydraulic actuator and serves to control a pressured oil supplied to said second hydraulic actuator,

first determination means for determining a first target displacement to keep said delivery pressure of said hydraulic pump to a value higher than load pressure of said first and second hydraulic actuators by a predetermined target value,

second determination means for determining a second target displacement by which an input torque is limited on the basis of said delivery pressure of said hydraulic pump, and,

displacement control means for controlling said displacement of said hydraulic pump so that said displacement is equal to at least one of said first and second target displacements,

said control apparatus further including;

judging means for outputting a discrimination signal on the basis of a discrimination of a state where said first hydraulic actuator is operated while the rotational speed of said prime mover is controlled by said second operating means, wherein,

when said discrimination signal is output, said displacement of said variable displacement hydraulic pump is so controlled that it is equal to said second target displacement irrespective of the value of said first target displacement.

12. The hydraulic control apparatus as claimed in claim 11, further including minimum-value selecting means for selecting smaller one of said first and second target displacements, and switching means for outputting said target displacement selected by said minimum-value selecting means when said discrimination signal is not output, and outputting said second target displacement when said discrimination signal is output.

13. The hydraulic control apparatus as claimed in claim 11, further including;

limit signal output means for outputting a limit signal indicating a value lager than the minimum value of said first target displacement,

maximum-value selecting means for comparing the value of said limit signal and said first target displacement to select a larger one therefrom and outputting the selected value,

minimum-value selecting means for selecting a smaller one of said target displacement output from the maximum value selecting means and said second target displacement, and,

limiting operation instructing signal output means including a manually operated member for outputting a limiting-operation instructing signal for actuating said limit-signal output means through manipulation of said manually operated member.

14. The hydraulic control apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said hydraulic construction machine is equipped with a front attachment and capable of travelling, and,

said hydraulic actuator comprises a hydraulic cylinder for said front attachment, said second hydraulic actuator comprises a hydraulic motor for machine travelling, said first operating means comprises a manual manipulation member, and said second operating means comprises a pedal-type manipulation member.

15. The hydraulic control apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein said manual manipulation member comprises a fuel lever for setting the rotational speed of said prime mover in accordance with the manipulation position of said fuel lever, and said pedal-type manipulation member comprises a travelling pedal with which the opening area of said second control valve can be adjusted in accordance with the operation amount thereof.

16. The hydraulic control apparatus as claimed in claim 15, further including inhibition means for inhibiting the driving of said second hydraulic actuator when said discrimination signal is output.

17. The hydraulic control apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said rotational speed control means includes;

first target rotational speed setting means for setting a first target rotational speed of said prime mover in accordance with the operation amount of said first operating means,

second target rotational speed setting means for setting a second target rotational speed of said prime mover in accordance with the operation amount of said second operating means,

selection means for selecting a larger one of said first and second target rotational speeds of said prime mover, and,

rotational speed increasing/decreasing means for increasing or decreasing the rotational speed of said prime mover so that it is equal to the selected target rotational speed.

18. The hydraulic control apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein said hydraulic construction machine is equipped with a front attachment and capable of travelling, said first hydraulic actuator comprises a hydraulic cylinder for said front attachment, said second hydraulic actuator comprises a hydraulic motor for machine travelling, said first operating means comprises a manual manipulation member, and said second operating means comprises a pedal-type manipulation member.

19. The hydraulic control apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein said manual manipulation member comprises a fuel lever for setting the rotational speed of said prime mover in accordance with the manipulation position of said fuel lever, and said pedal-type manipulation member comprises a travelling pedal with which the opening area of said second control valve can be adjusted in accordance with the operation amount thereof.

20. The hydraulic control apparatus as claimed in claim 19, further including inhibition means for inhibiting the driving of said second hydraulic actuator when said discrimination signal is output.

21. The hydraulic control apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein,

said first determination means detects a difference pressure between the pressure of a conduit for intercommunicating said first and second control valves with said hydraulic pump and the pressure of a conduit at a higher pressure side of respective conduits for intercommunicating each of said first and second control valves with said first hydraulic actuator to calculate a deviation between a predetermined target difference pressure and the detected difference pressure, and calculates said first target displacement on the basis of said deviation, and wherein.

said second determination means detects a deviation between an actual rotational speed of a diesel engine serving as said prime mover and a control rotational speed indicated by the position of a governor lever of said diesel engine, calculates on the basis of the detected deviation a target torque with which said diesel engine suffers from no engine stall, and detects said delivery pressure of said variable displacement hydraulic pump to calculate said second target displacement on the basis of the reciprocal of the detected delivery pressure and said target torque.

22. The hydraulic control apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein said second determination means includes means for judging a travelling operation, and wherein in the travelling operation said target torque is subjected to only a correction for increasing said target torque when said actual rotational speed is higher than said control rotational speed, and in a non-travelling operation said target torque is subjected to a correction for increasing said target torque when said actual rotational speed is higher than said control rotational speed and a correction for decreasing said target torque when said actual rotational speed is lower than said control rotational speed.

23. In a hydraulic control apparatus for a hydraulic construction machine including;

a first manual operation member which is manipulated to adjust a diesel engine so as to have an arbitrary rotational speed,

a travelling pedal which is manipulated to control the travelling speed of a vehicle and is returned to its initial position when the manipulating force is released,

rotational speed control means for controlling the rotational speed of said diesel engine in accordance with the operation amount of said manual operation member and said travelling pedal,

a variable displacement hydraulic pump which is driven by said diesel engine, a hydraulic actuator for a front attachment which is driven by a delivery oil from said hydraulic pump,

a hydraulic motor for a vehicle travelling which is driven by said delivery oil of said hydraulic pump,

a control valve for said front attachment which is provided between said hydraulic pump and said hydraulic actuator for said front attachment and serves to control a pressured oil supplied to said hydraulic actuator,

a control valve for a vehicle travelling which is provided between said hydraulic pump and said hydraulic motor for the vehicle travelling and serves to control a pressured oil supplied to said hydraulic motor for the vehicle travelling in accordance with the step-on amount of said travelling pedal,

first determination means for determining a first target displacement to keep said delivery pressure of said hydraulic pump to a value higher than load pressure of said hydraulic actuators for said front attachment and the travelling by a predetermined target value,

second determination means for determining a second target displacement to limit an input torque on the basis of said delivery pressure of said hydraulic pump, and,

displacement control means for controlling said displacement of said hydraulic pump so that said displacement is equal to one of said first and second target displacements,

said control apparatus further including;

judging means for outputting a discrimination signal on the basis of a discrimination of a state where said hydraulic actuator for said front attachment is operated while the rotational speed of said diesel engine is controlled by said travelling pedal, and,

selecting means for selecting said second target displacement irrespective of said first target displacement when said discrimination signal is output.

24. The hydraulic control apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein said first determination means detects a difference pressure between the pressure of a conduit for intercommunicating said first and second control valves with said hydraulic pump and a pressure of a conduit at a higher pressure side of respective conduits for intercommunicating each of said first and second control valves with said first hydraulic actuator to calculate a deviation between a predetermined target difference pressure and the detected difference pressure, and calculates said first target displacement on the basis of said deviation, and wherein,

said second determination means detects a deviation between an actual rotational speed of a diesel engine serving as said prime mover and a control rotational speed indicated by the position of a governor lever of said diesel engine, calculates on the basis of the detected deviation a target torque with which said diesel engine suffers from no engine stall, and detects said delivery pressure of said variable displacement hydraulic pump to calculate said second target displacement on the basis of the reciprocal of the detected delivery pressure and said target torque.

25. The hydraulic control apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein said second determination means includes means for judging the travelling operation, and wherein in the travelling operation said target torque is subjected to only a correction for increasing said target torque when said actual rotational speed is higher than said control rotational speed, and in a non-travelling operation said target torque is subjected to a correction for increasing said target torque when said actual rotational speed is higher than said control rotational speed and a correction for decreasing said target torque when said actual rotational speed is lower than said control rotational speed.