Method and apparatus for limiting the power output of a hydraulic system

Abstract

An apparatus for limiting the power output of a hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic system has a variable displacement pump. The variable displacement pump has a movable swashplate and is driven by a source of motive power. The apparatus includes a memory device for storing a set of power modes. Each power mode has a predetermined power level associated with the hydraulic system and is defined by a plurality of set points. Each set point corresponds to a predetermined flow rate and discharge pressure of the pump. A device senses the speed of the source of motive power and producing a signal representative of the actual speed in response to the sensed speed. A device senses the pressure of the variable displacement pump and produces a signal representative of the actual pressure in response to the sensed pressure. A device senses the swashplate angle of the variable displacement pump and delivers a signal representative of the actual swashplate angle in response to the sensed swashplate angle. A device receives a desired power mode signal having a desired power level. The desired power level is different from the predetermined power levels associated with the set of power modes. A control device receives the actual speed, pressure and swashplate angle signals, and responsively determines a desired flow limit of the pump. The desired flow limit corresponds to the desired power level.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.