Patent ID: 6267041
Filing Date: 2001-07-31
Classification: F15B

Abstract:
A fluid regeneration circuit for a hydraulic system having at least one hydraulic actuating cylinder associated therewith, said actuating cylinder having a head end portion, a rod end portion, and a piston movable therewithin, the regeneration circuit comprising:a regeneration valve connected in fluid communication with the head and rod end portions of the actuating cylinder, said regeneration valve having an inlet port connected in fluid communication with the rod end portion of the actuating cylinder via a first fluid path, said regeneration valve having a first outlet port connected in fluid communication with the hydraulic system via a second fluid path, said regeneration valve having a second outlet port connected in fluid communication with the head end portion of the actuating cylinder via a third fluid path;a position sensor coupled to the actuating cylinder for determining the position of the piston within the actuating cylinder; anda controller coupled to said position sensor for receiving signals therefrom, said controller being operable to receive signals from said position sensor indicative of the position of the piston within the actuating cylinder during movement thereof, said controller being further operable to determine the velocity of said piston based upon the signal outputted by said position sensor;said controller being coupled to said regeneration valve and being operable to output signals thereto in response to the signals received from said position sensor, said controller outputting a signal to said regeneration valve to allow fluid flow from said regeneration valve through said third fluid path to the head end portion of the actuating cylinder when the velocity of the piston is determined to be above a first predetermined threshold velocity, said controller outputting a signal to the regeneration valve to allow fluid flow from said regeneration valve through said second fluid path when said controller determines that the velocity of the piston is below a second predetermined threshold velocity.