Hydraulic switch
OwnerVincent Edwardsinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a hydraulic switch arrangement and a fluid switch for incorporating into a hydraulic switch arrangement that may be included in a hydraulic circuit for inhibiting flow of hydraulic fluid through a hydraulic circuit in the event of movement of an apparatus or platform from a stable to an unstable condition. Such platforms or apparatus may include for example, cranes, excavators, teletrucks and forklift trucks and roll over incidents of such machinery is common leading to numerous fatalities. Aspects of the present invention ensure fast switching in the event of a transfer from a stable to an unstable condition.
Claims41
A hydraulic switch arrangement for incorporating into a hydraulic circuit comprising:
- a first fluid switch operational in an open and closed configuration for enabling and disabling flow of hydraulic fluid through a hydraulic circuit;
- a second fluid switch having at least one through-passage configured to receive hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic circuit, the second fluid switch operational in a first operational configuration arranged to inhibit passage of hydraulic fluid through the through-passage, and a second operational configuration configured to permit passage of hydraulic fluid through the through-passage;
- wherein the arrangement is configured such that change between the first and second operational configuration of the second fluid switch causes change in the operational state of the first fluid switch between the open and closed configuration.
A hydraulic switch arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the first fluid switch and second fluid switch are arranged to be positioned in parallel in the fluid flow path in a hydraulic circuit.
A hydraulic switch arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the second fluid switch is in fluid communication with a pilot hydraulic fluid line arranged to be in fluid communication with the hydraulic circuit.
A hydraulic switch arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein a bore defining the hydraulic fluid flow path through the first fluid switch is greater than the bore of the through-passage.
A hydraulic switch arrangement according to any preceding claim wherein the first fluid switch is in fluid communication with the through-passage, and the fluid switch is arranged to switch between the open and closed configuration by fluid flow from the through-passage.
A hydraulic switch arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the first fluid switch comprises an activating element for changing a fluid switching element between the open and closed configuration.
A hydraulic switch arrangement according to any preceding claim, the second fluid switch comprising a second through passage, where in the first operational configuration the second fluid switch is arranged to permit passage of hydraulic fluid through the second through-passage and in the second operational configuration the second fluid switch is configured to inhibit passage of hydraulic fluid through the second through-passage.
A hydraulic switch arrangement according to any preceding claim, comprising a housing for accommodating the first and second fluid switches, the housing comprising a first inlet for fluid communication with the first fluid switch, and a second inlet arranged to communicate with the second fluid switch.
A hydraulic switch arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the second fluid switch comprises a rotatable element rotatably mounted to a housing, at least one bearing arranged to enable relative rotation between the rotatable element and the housing, the rotatable element defining the through-passage arranged to align with a duct in the housing in the second operational configuration, wherein a hydraulic fluid flow path is defined between the duct and the at least one bearing in the first operational configuration.
A hydraulic switch arrangement according to any preceding claim, comprising a tilt switch and/or an inertia switch.
A fluid switch arrangement for incorporating into a hydraulic switch arrangement, the fluid switch arrangement comprising a rotatable element rotatably mounted relative to a housing, the rotatable element rotatable between a first operational and second operable configuration, the rotatable element having at least one through-passage arranged to align in at least one rotational position with a duct formed in the housing to provide the second operable configuration, the through-passage having a mouth and wherein the through-passage tapers inwardly from the mouth.
A fluid switch arrangement for incorporating into a hydraulic switch arrangement, the fluid switch comprising a rotatable element rotatably mounted relative to a housing, the rotatable element comprising a first through-passage arranged to misalign in a first operational configuration with a first duct formed in the housing to inhibit passage of hydraulic fluid and wherein the first through-passage becomes aligned with the first duct when the rotatable element is in the second operational configuration to enable passage of hydraulic fluid through the first through-passage, the fluid switch further comprising at least one bearing to enable relative rotation between the rotatable element and the housing, wherein a hydraulic fluid flow path is provided between the first duct and the at least one bearing in the first operational configuration.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.