Patent GB-1006755-A (GB)
Title: Hydraulic control unit for power-operated lift mechanisms of tractors
IPC: A01B63/111
Filed: 1963-08-02
Abstract: 1,006,755. Tractor power-lift mechanisms. KOPAT GESELLSCHAFT FUR KONSTRUKTION ENTWICKLUNG UND PATENTVERWERTUNG m.b.H. Aug. 2, 1963 [Aug. 11, 1962], No. 30738/63. Heading A1P. An implement 55 is kept at a constant depth t by means of a feeler 62 riding on the ground surface and operating through a bowden cable 61 a linkage 82 to 89 whereby a main control valve 57<1> is moved to operate the power lift machanism and control the depth of the implement. As the lift arms 51 are moved by the ram 50 a pin and slot connection between the arms and the link 86 operates the link to move the control valve back to its neutral position. The sensitivity of the linkage 82 to 89 is controlled by a hand lever 100 adapted to raise or lower the connection between the link 82 and a pivoted lever 81 whereby differing amounts of movement may be inmparted to the linkage for the same movement of the bowden cable. Different depths may be set by adjustment of the hand wheel 149 on the feeler 62. Position control may be effected by hand lever 57 to override the action of feeler 62 or may be operated separately by disconnecting the bowden cable 61 from the operating rod 92. Hydraulic circuit. In the neutral position shown in the figure pressure fluid is circulated by pump 63 through conduit 67, slide valve 123, conduits 127 and 132 and valve 74 to sump. Valve 74 operates to maintain a predetermined minimum pressure in the system. Band 125 of slide valve 123 cuts off conduit 129 to keep pressure fluid in the ram cylinder 151. Slide valve 123 is held to the right by piston 134 since the same pressure is applied through conduits 118 and 120 to the left hand side of this piston as is applied to the right hand side of the smaller pistons of the slide valve. If the feeler 62 is moved to operate the linkage to move the control valve 57<1> to the left ( the "raise" position) the land 117 of this valve cuts off conduit 118 whilst conduit 122 is connected to exhaust conduit 121 so that pressure on the slide valve 123 overcomes the pressure on the piston 134 and the slide valve is moved to the left to cut off the return conduit 127 and connect the supply conduit 126 with conduit 129 to the ram cylinder 151. As the lift arms 51 are raised the pin and slot connection 103, 104 returns link 86 and thereby the main control valve 57<1> to the neutral position so that pressure is again applied to piston 134 to move slide valve 123 back to the neutral position. In the "lower" position the control valve 57<1> is moved to the right thereby connecting the ram cylinder 151 with exhaust via conduits 129, 119 and 118. If the hand lever 57 is moved sufficiently far towards the left, projection 147 engages rod 148 to hold the lever 86 against returning the control valve 57<1> to neutral and in this position the cylinder 151 is permanently connected to exhaust. Since the crank side of piston 150 is connected to exhaust through conduit 71 the piston floats in the cylinder and the implement can therefore "float." If pressure tends to build up in the system (e.g. in the transport position) valve 139 operates to allow fluid to act on the left hand side of piston 135 which therefore moves to the right to move piston 134 against slide valve 123 to return it to the neutral position. At the same time piston 135 operates rod 144 to return the hand lever 57 and the control valve 57<1> to the neutral position. A change-over valve 145 can be operated to allow the hydraulic system to work auxiliary equipment. Specification 998,231 is referred to.